An events worker who was out of a job due to the coronavirus pandemic amassed more than 130,000 followers on TikTok after she reluctantly downloaded the app – and became a representative for Sydney’s western suburbs in the process.
Veronica B shot to stardom on the video sharing app last year when she began making short clips about Sydneysiders – ranging from satirical pieces about retail workers to the types of Louis Vuitton owners.
But the 24-year-old said she was initially ‘so against TikTok’ and dismissed it as an app just for young children.
‘Exactly one year ago, my job was put on hold due to Covid. I was bored and lonely at home, just like everyone else,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.
‘I was one of those who kept saying ”I’ll never get that app”, ”I’m not being a sheep in this trend”, then I got it, just like everyone else.’
Veronica B (pictured at a TikTok event) started using the app after her job was put on hold during the coronavirus pandemic
The 24-year-old became an online sensation by commentating on Sydney’s western suburbs
Veronica’s first video followed a TikTok ‘trend’ and failed miserably.
‘It got no views, I was like what a waste of time,’ she said.
‘Then I made a comedy skit, the types of guys at Sydney nightclubs.
‘This video went viral. My account blew up. The followers wanted more, so I created more comedy skits based on stereotypes.’
Some of her most popular TikTok videos include tongue-in-cheek analysis about the degrees studied by both sexes, the types of women to dress in Louis Vuitton and the sort of female workers in suit stores.
She also commonly speaks about ‘The Area’, which typically refers to suburbs in Western Sydney that are made up of diverse cultural groups.
‘All the meme pages in ‘The Area’ would share me, I was viral within 2 weeks of posting,’ she said.
‘I’m known as ‘Veronica B The Area girl’.’
Veronica started collaborating with other creators and her followers quickly rose to 10,000 and then on to 30,000.
When she reached 50,000 TikTok followers, Veronica dropped merch with the slogan #CloutChaser (pictured), which sold out
Veronica said TikTok has become her full-time job and she is quickly approaching 150,000 followers
When she reached 50,000, Veronica dropped merch with the slogan #CloutChaser, which sold out.
‘I noticed a strong niche was formed and it was all Sydney and Melbourne people,’ she said.
‘The hype was real.’
Veronica said TikTok has become her full-time job and she is quickly approaching 150,000 followers.
‘Known businesses are reaching out wanting me to create comedy videos for their company. Even SBS news reached out to shoot a tv segment with me,’ she said.
Veronica said she works with businesses to give them exposure on her TikTok.
‘The way that I’m making a living is working with other businesses to show off their stuff,’ she explained.
Veronica commonly speaks about ‘The Area’, which typically refers to suburbs in Western Sydney that are made up of diverse cultural groups. ”I’m known as ‘Veronica B The Area girl’,’ she said
She can make between $400 and $2,000 per video.
It has also opened the doors for other opportunities, as she looks to pursue stand-up comedy and hosting events – rather than just organising them.
‘I still don’t realise how known and inspirational I’ve become. People stop me all the time wanting photos, thanking me for making them laugh,’ she said.
But the TikTok success is not without some criticism.
Veronica said she often receives threatening and bullying direct messages.
While it was hard at first, Veronica has learnt to use the hate mail to her advantage.
‘But hate is the new KPI right? If you’re getting hate, you’re obviously doing something right,’ she said.
Veronica said she often receives threatening and bullying direct messages. While it was hard at first, she has learnt to use the hate mail to her advantage
Veronica recently attended an intimate event hosted by Jessica Power from Married At First Sight and she even planned a TikTok creators event in Sydney.
The event included content creators from all over Australia, with three people flying in from Melbourne and two from Perth.
‘I wanted to do it because I wanted to be the one to bring together your for you page,’ she said.
Veronica hopes to plan bigger events in the future and her next step is to involve the community that watch her on TikTok.
‘I’ve been striving for this social media breakthrough for so many years and to know it finally happened because of TikTok is insane,’ she said.
‘It’s crazy to think I’ve built this platform and lifestyle for myself.
‘I have big things planned for the future, things that I’ve only ever dreamed about, but now I can make it happen.’
Veronica recently attended an intimate event hosted by Jessica Power from Married At First Sight and she even planned a TikTok creators event in Sydney