Stamford’s “social” scene has never been so vibrant. Here are four local content creators racking up the likes and worth the follows.
Sam Ramsdell
Who: Singer, actor, comedian, host of the Weird and Proud podcast
Where: @samramsdell5, @weirdandproudpod
What: “No it’ s not a filter, it’ s just my face. Just giggling, being weird
& eating.”
Watching: 3.8 million TikTok followers, 399K IG followers
Dive into the weird, wonderful universe of Guinness World Record holder for the “world’ s largest mouth” (female) Sam Ramsdell. Beyond her jaw-dropping smile, she reigns as a multi-talented force—blending roles as food influencer, comedian, singer/songwriter and the charismatic host of the Weird and Proud Podcast. Sam is the undisputed queen of quirk.
How has Stamford influenced you?
Living in Stamford has been a game-changer for my journey as a content creator. Its proximity to NYC provided me with countless opportunities, attending UCB Improv classes to hitting up “open comedy mics and auditions. Plus, [the city’s] vibrant food scene never fails to impress. I’ve had some of my most memorable meals right here. While some partnerships have changed over time, I’m still all about supporting local businesses, whether online or indulging in their delicious offerings with my boyfriend, who’s just as passionate about food as I am. And, yes, I love WWE.
Do you have advice for aspiring content creators?
Be yourself! People crave authenticity more than anything right now. Create the content you love, and love to watch.
Paula Hellens
Who: Founder of Bombshell Studios CT
Where: @thepaulahellens, @bombshellstudiosct
What: “I help beauty pros earn more money BEYOND the chair!”
Watching: 367K IG followers
The powerhouse entrepreneur behind Bombshell Studios CT and the Bombshell Digital Academy Influencer, Paula Hellens is living proof that beauty and brains go hand in hand. Beyond helping women look their best in the studio, she’s igniting a movement to empower beauty pros to thrive in the digital age and build blueprints for wealth. Paula’ s transformation, from her “Bad Girls Club” days to the Bombshell she is today, is a story that’ s truly dynamite.
What initially inspired you to start creating content?
Before the term “influencer” existed, I dove into content creation after my stint on “Bad Girls Club” season 10 exploded my social media following. Now as the owner of Bombshell Studios Luxury Hair Salon, my approach has evolved beyond marketing—it’s about building genuine connections. From collaborations to building a real community, it’s not just about sharing goodies anymore,it’s about connecting on a deeper level.
How has Stamford influenced you?
Let me tell you about my love affair with Stamford! It’s like a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. Picture-perfect scenery? Check. Countless new developments and restaurants popping up? Double check! Stamford has this magical way of inspiring my content creation process. Everywhere you turn, there’s a new spot to be explored and captured through my lens. Whether it’s the serene parks, cozy cafes, or trendy restaurants there’s no shortage of photo-worthy locations.
PJ Kennedy
Who: Founder of Hey Stamford!
Where: @heystamford
What: “The premier lifestyle guide for the urban explorers, fun seekers and trend spotters”
Watching: 50K IG followers
It’s hard not to imagine Stamford’ s cultural core without PJ Kennedy, honorary Mayor, at the center of it all—sleuthing out unforgettable experiences on his social media platform, Hey Stamford! PJ’ s local-local family legacy fuels his passion for his hometown.
How do your readers shape your content?
For me, having a positive impact in Stamford is crucial—it’s where my family has deep roots, dating back to the 1870s. I prioritize listening to my audience for feedback and ideas to craft engaging content. I meticulously engage with every comment, read all tagged content and analyze social media insights to understand what resonates. I also love conversing with locals, learning about their favorite spots and backgrounds. Understanding
my audience enables me to create content that fosters connection and highlights local businesses and leaders—a win-win for our vibrant community.
How do you collaborate with local organizations?
I decided early on with Hey Stamford! I wanted to help amplify the messaging of local nonprofit organizations and charities that help support the community, whether it’ s through local events (like a gala or food event), workshops or meetings—I wanted to find a way to support as many as possible through my channels. By collaborating with these local organizations and actively participating, I’ m able to create content that reflects the diversity, culture and interests of Stamford’s residents.
Ross Bertrand, Desmond K. Hinds, Alex Joseph
Who: Founders of XenHouse, hosts of XenHouse Podcast
Where: @xenhouse_ @xenhousepodcast
What: “Merging fitness, community and culture with mind, body and soul”
Watching: 5K IG followers
How do you showcase local talent within the Stamford community?
We discover individuals from our community such as lawyers, entrepreneurs, athletes, doctors, public figures and we pick their brain through interviewing them about the process of what they do, how they did it and their ‘why.’ We believe that the youth will see these interviews, relate and get inspired by someone in their community making a difference. We promote across social media and make [the guests] accessible to anyone who’ d like to reach out if they have questions.
Who is your dream guest?
Some of our dream guests are Michael Vick, Deion Sanders, Robert F. Smith, Bill Belichick and Geno Auriemma.