From 17 Seconds to 800 People: How a Viral TikTok Launched This London Entrepreneur’s Career

From saving an iconic music venue from demolition to accidentally becoming an influencer, Leicester-born and London-based entrepreneur Elisabeth Carley-Leonard has never done things the conventional way.

Now, the founder of Vibes & Visibility is taking to the stage at The Big Festoon, joining a powerhouse lineup that includes Gok Wan, US media producers, publicists, and award-winning business leaders, for one of the UK’s fastest-growing business and empowerment events.

Her talk, titled:
“Your Soulless Content Is Killing Your Social Media: How Copycatting, Chat GPT & Canva Are Keeping You Invisible”, will challenge entrepreneurs to ditch bland, cookie-cutter marketing and embrace authentic, personality-driven content that actually converts.

From Music Mogul to Accidental Influencer:

Elisabeth’s journey is anything but ordinary. At just 22, she launched Dreaming in Colour Productions, managing bands and national tours. By 25, she saved The Shed, an iconic Leicester music venue, from being turned into a block of flats – renovating and relaunching it in just six weeks.

In 2023, a single 17-second viral TikTok skyrocketed her into the world of content creation, earning her £3,000 in income and kickstarting a career working with global brands like ASOS, Boux Avenue, Pretty Little Thing, and Simply Be.

That moment led her to launch Vibes & Visibility in 2024, an agency dedicated to helping female founders grow their businesses by showing up consistently and confidently on social media.

Why This Talk Matters:

“People don’t trust brands. They trust people,” says Elisabeth. “Yet so many business owners are stuck hiding behind templates, overpolished content, and ChatGPT-generated captions – wondering why no one is engaging. The truth? Soulless content doesn’t connect.”

Her talk at The Big Festoon will help entrepreneurs:

Create content that builds trust – without relying on trends or templates.
Stop overthinking social media and start posting with confidence.
Use tools like ChatGPT & Canva strategically- without losing their personality.

For Elisabeth, this moment is personal. Diagnosed with ADHD at 31, she’s spent the last few years unlearning everything she was told about how to run a business. “I was always told I talked too much as a kid. Now, it’s my job to stand on stage and do exactly that. It turns out, being yourself is the best strategy you’ll ever have.”

An Unmissable Lineup:

The Big Festoon has attracted some of the most exciting names in business and entertainment, with Elisabeth speaking alongside:

Jaxon Feely, reality star and LGBTQ+ advocate, nominated in the LGBTQ Awards for his win on Celebrity Hunted 2024, where he increased LGBTQ+ visibility on mainstream TV.

Bianca Miller, star of The Apprentice, Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, and personal branding expert.

Gok Wan, fashion icon and TV personality, who will be DJing the after-party in true Festoon style.

Elisabeth added:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be in the same room as such inspiring individuals. I’m looking forward to hearing from Jaxon Feely and learning from Bianca Miller – and let’s be real, getting to meet Gok Wan and dance the night away at the after-party is the ultimate bonus!”