LSA Debutante: Tarn Limviphuwat on creating content while prioritising her digital detox

Welcome back to Lifestyle Asia Thailand’s LSA Debutante, where we meet Thailand’s younger generation and talk about their thoughts and opinions on current topics. As February is the month of love, we’ decided to sit down with Phraewa-Tarn Limviphuwat, whom some of you know as @obnoxiouspudding on TikTok. Here, Tarn is ready to give us some insights on how she balances her content creator career with her personal life, because when it’s all about her mental health, this girl is all here for it. 

As an influencer, it can be quite challenging to balance creating content while maintaining a personal and social life — not to mention taking care of your own mental and physical well-being. However, for Tarn Limviphuwat, this is all about finding the right balance, especially as she is someone who prioritises self-care. The 25-year-old TikToker started making content to hold herself accountable for her 2023 goals. Her first video was a workout, but as she continued showcasing her productivity, her social media career took off. So, without further ado, let’s get to know this creator as she shares her insights on being an influencer while maintaining a balanced life. 

[All images courtesy of Instagram @tarnlim_]

LSA Debutante: Tarn Limviphuwat on being a content creator while prioritising her digital detox

Tell us how you got started on TikTok. 

I was using social media to hold myself accountable for my 2023 goals. My first ever video was of me working out, and that was it [haha]. Then, I got into the groove of showcasing my productivity and really embraced the grind of bringing all my viewers (my online besties) along with me every day. However, I want them to know that while being productive is amazing, prioritising our downtime and taking days off is equally important. You can see that in some of my vlogs, where I do nothing besides chilling at home reading, and that’s also okay.

You blew up quite quickly on TikTok. Did you ever think that was going to happen?

Not at all! I didn’t think people would resonate with me on the level that they are at today. I’m so thankful and glad I can form these connections with my viewers because, at the end of the day, they’re my online friends tuning into my life. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@obnoxiouspudding/video/7324312539687390470

What’s the one video that changed everything?

I started making my first video in Thai, and that was when it started blowing up. With more viewers understanding me, it made such a significant difference. After that, I switched to Thai completely on TikTok and English on Instagram. However, I’m glad that people also enjoy my English content since it’s the language I’m more comfortable with. 

When it comes to being a content creator, what are some of your biggest challenges, and how do you overcome them?

One of the significant challenges has to be occasionally getting so immersed in work that it hinders me from fully embracing the present. I’m actively working on not letting social media absorb too much of my attention. During my non-working moments, I try to avoid excessive scrolling. I’m constantly on a digital detox (even my bio says that). This ensures that I’m not missing out on what’s happening right in front of me. I want to respect the people I spend time with and give them my full attention. Balancing my online and offline experiences is crucial to prevent feeling consumed by the digital world. 

How do you create content to cater to your audience?

My audience and I are very similar people. I see myself getting along with them based on the messages I’ve been getting daily and the comments left on my videos. Creating content that resonates with them feels natural since we’re a bunch of similar individuals. It’s like we’re on the same wavelength.

What do you think makes you stand out from other creators on TikTok?

I believe my unfiltered approach sets me apart from other creators—I speak as I am. My content is a window into my everyday life, making me an open book for my viewers. The transparency, I think, is what my viewers appreciate. We can’t stand anything fake. It’s all about saying and showing it like it is. Embracing realness is something we truly appreciate. I wouldn’t be able to take myself seriously if everything I film is being staged and planned out for the sake of content. 

How do you maintain authenticity and stay genuine in your content?

Maintaining a digital detox most of the time is my secret weapon. It keeps me unaware of what other creators are up to, preventing any comparison traps. This approach allows me to stay true to myself and my content. I film what I want and speak my mind without being influenced by external trends or styles. 

What’s the biggest perk of being an influencer?

The people along the way make this journey truly special. Growing up, I wouldn’t say I easily connected with people or had many friends. Therefore, connecting with such inspiring creators who later become genuine friends adds an invaluable and heartwarming dimension to the influencer experience. And, of course, let’s not forget about the PR gifts – my boyfriend has never had so much skincare in his life!

What does your day-to-day life look like?

I typically begin by scanning the journal that my boyfriend got me to see what I have planned for the day, any content to film, tasks to accomplish, and errands to run. I make it a rule to never work after hours. By 6pm, I will clock out and dive into my downtime. Whether going for a walk, spending time with my cats, or heading to my boyfriend’s house, I’m all about embracing that soft life. Recently, I’ve found joy in the slowness of time, appreciating every passing second. I’ve learned never to take time for granted, so everything I do, no matter how small the task may seem, I give it my whole heart. 

Lastly, what are your tips and tricks for individuals interested in creating content? 

Don’t overthink what others might think. Just be yourself in your videos, express yourself authentically, and confidently put yourself out there because if you’re genuinely happy with what you create, that’s all that matters. Take inspiration from others, but never compare yourself. Speaking to the camera as if you’re talking to a friend makes the whole process feel natural.