"Fake it 'till ya make it," is one of their sayings, but Lindsey and Lilly, the fabulous best friends, influencers, and business partners behind @LLScene are no longer having to fake it. Their refreshingly real and authentic approach to everything that they do, from blogging to managing their clients' marketing/PR to just simply hanging out, will make you want to grab a cocktail with these ladies to get to know them better. Each time I get the opportunity to chat with Lindsey and Lilly, I end up learning something new and wonderfully surprising about these boss babes. They are making things happen and we can't wait to see what's in store for them next.
What is your favorite quote or life motto?
Lindsey: I recently had to answer this question in another interview and Lilly might say the same thing but..."Fake it 'till ya make it." When we started our business you would think that we were living our best lives traveling and being invited to fancy luncheons but the truth is we were really struggling up until 3 years ago. As an outsider looking in, you would have never known, but it's taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get where we are now and now we don't have to FAKE IT!
Lilly: "Better to ask for forgiveness than permission." I have found that this statement has never not worked in my professional life. I trust my instincts and over time our clients and collaborators always do too. We bring a trusting shock value that always ends up working out.
You are best friends and business partners. How did LLScene come to fruition and tell us more about your company?
Lilly: We both worked together in an office setting with 9am-5pm jobs and always knew we had the potential for something so much more and wanted to make our own schedules. Being best friends, we already knew what our strengths and weaknesses were so we used all of that to create a business. LLScene started off as a blog because we always had friends asking us for fashion and beauty advice and then it turned into a Full-Service PR and Social Media Management company. Lindsey's background is in Public Relations and mine is in Event Production so we merged those two strengths and created a company that specializes in it all, something that no one else is doing out there.
You offer your digital marketing expertise to other brands. What is the one key tip you can divulge for those who wish to increase their social media presence?
Lindsey: Don't always believe what you see on Instagram. I can't stress this enough. People, brands, influencers, companies, businesses, etc buy followers and it's SO easy to figure out who does this. Here's the easiest way to figure out who is doing this, if you follow an account with 25k followers, but they average under 100 likes per post, they bought their followers. No matter what line of business you're in, don't do this. It might seem appealing at the time for obvious reasons, but Instagram will figure you out eventually. It's happened before and they have stripped people of followers they have purchased and it's extremely embarrassing. We have always been huge believers in growing your social media pages organically, so this is something we feel very passionate about. What's the point? If you're trying to generate revenue or have REAL people follow and engage with you, why buy fake accounts to follow you? Eventually, people will catch on, but a lot of people still don't know this or understand it yet.
What is one fun fact that most people wouldn't know about you?
Lindsey: I'm the proud Commissioner of an all-girl Fantasy Football team, The Cleat Chasers! Lilly is a member as well.
Lilly: I had the honor of going to Afghanistan and Iraq for the USO Tour when I cheered for the Miami Dolphins. I had the opportunity to meet and entertain our troops overseas. It was the most humbling experience of my life and wouldn't change it for the world.
Your Instagram feed is lively, colorful, and full of style... what inspires you?
Lindsey: I'm a little quirky so I get a lot of inspiration from my surroundings. Sometimes I see things or appreciate things that others might overlook. I'm constantly taking photos and writing things in the "notes section" of my phone that draws inspiration for our Instagram but also for our clients as well.
Lilly: Branding is huge for us. We would rather remain consistent in our branding and not post daily like other companies then do something that compromises that. We strive to be different, authentic, and ourselves.
Now let’s talk fashion... How would you describe your personal style?
Lindsey: Wow, that's such a hard question to answer right now. I'm a Florida girl through and through so I gravitate toward bright colors, florals, rompers, skirts, and minimalistic jewelry. Now, I'm totally embracing the athleisure-wear but putting a fashionable twist on things and embracing that FL girl in me with a nice pop of color. I've been getting really into sneakers lately too!
Lilly: Again, my personal style has changed and evolved so much over the last year. Like Lindsey, I'm attracted to this spike in athleisure. There's nothing like wearing a casual/athletic look but dressing it up with a pop of color or a piece of statement jewelry.
Who’s your celebrity style crush?
Who’s your celebrity style crush?
Lindsey: I love any celebrity that isn't afraid to take a risk, but it might shock people initially. I gravitate toward celebrities that have a similar body-type like mine because I have a better chance of pulling off what they're wearing. I love Gigi Hadid because she can go from casual to glam in a matter of seconds. I also LOVE anything low-cut with a plunging neckline and she always has great looks like that.
(Pictured: Lilly @LLScene)
Lilly: Say what you will about Kim Kardashian, but I have always admired and respected her for bringing "curves" back into style. For the longest time, there were only stick-thin models out there and trends that only complimented that body type. I love my curves and have had an easier time shopping since they came into the picture. They always take risks, which is fun and a perfect example of evolving style icons. I mean, who would have thought bike shorts would make a comeback?
What’s your go-to outfit when you’re pressed for time?
(Pictured: Lindsey @LLScene)
Lindsey: I guess it would depend on where I'm going when I'm pressed for time. If it's a meeting, I tend to gravitate toward a maxi or midi dress and dress it up with a pop of color in my accessories, but lately, it's always athleisure/activewear. I love high-waisted leggings paired with a crop top and throwing a long sleeve shirt around my waist if I get cold. I'm also really into sneakers lately, so I'm usually slipping on my Adidas Ultra Boosts and I'm out the door.
Lilly: I love keeping it casual and throwing on a statement accessory or piece of jewelry to spice up an outfit. When you're pressed for time, there's no saying what you can find around your house/closet, so a go-to accessory or purse really helps me pull an outfit together.
What’s your fashion or beauty indulgence?
Lindsey: I always say that 90% of my money goes to my face, so it's definitely going to be something in the beauty category. Fashion trends come and go but when you find a good beauty product, never let it go. In addition to Botox, I'm obsessed with XO8 Skin's Placenta Stem Cell Serum. I have "problematic skin" and tend to get breakouts randomly and hyperpigmentation, so I will spend the money on anything XO8 Skin has.
Lilly: I will definitely treat myself to a nice purse. Whether it's a Tote Bag I can use for work and bring to client meetings that fits my laptop or a clutch for date night, I'm all about an expensive, yet practical purse.
Which shoe brand do you love most?
Lindsey: Currently Adidas because I've been living in them and ordering from them nonstop during the quarantine. But, if I'm going for a more fancy approach I would have to say YSL. I have been through my fair share of uncomfortable designer shoes, and YSL never disappoints. They don't feel like knives going into my feet and they're timeless and can go with anything.
Lilly: Despite the fact that Lindsey isn't a fan of this brand/look I would have to say, Loeffler Randall. I love this brand/look because it's easy to slip on, they are comfortable and stylish at the same time which is so hard to find these days. They also have color schemes that can go with everything.
What’s your favorite shoe style?
Lindsey: I love a good wedge. I'm a little on the taller side so I don't have to rely on heels for height a lot of the times, so if I need to dress up a look, I always throw a pair of wedges on. Again, as a Florida girl, I tend to dress it down a lot so wedges are perfect for me.
Lilly: I love a good espadrille. Especially being that I'm a Florida girl through and through. I find myself wearing flat espadrilles and espadrilles that have a little heel to it. This style goes with everything which is always so helpful as well.
What is it that you like about the line of products by Protect My Shoes?Innocent plug ;)
Lindsey: Aww I love this question because I love everything about Protect My Shoes. Because I've been traveling so much lately, I'm loving the Signature Shoe Bags. I bought a pair of shoes when I was recently in Austin and they went right inside my shoe bag the second I got home. I didn't even wear them out because I was so paranoid about them getting ruined and they were safe and sound once I got home. THANK YOU!
Lilly: I LOVE PROTECT MY SHOES! I recently redesigned and cleaned out my closet, and I can't tell you how much I have used your Signature Shoe Inserts for all of the shoes I keep and cherish the most. They keep my shoes at the front and center of my closet and are so easy to travel with.
What is your dream travel destination?
Lindsey: It's really hard for me to pick just ONE place for this. It used to be Nantucket because some of my favorite novels have taken place there, which led me to visit there back in 2013, so I can't say that anymore. Hawaii might be next on my list. Any person that I have talked to that has been there can't get enough. It's like the entire expression in their face changes as they describe the beauty of Hawaii, and I want to experience that myself.
Lilly: I would have to say the South of France. I have had a lot of opportunities to travel throughout my career and have never made it there. The photos and ambiance alone make this destination at the top of my bucket list. I want to experience everything it has to offer - from the historical sites, beautiful sailing, and wine tasting of course!
If you could have dinner with three special guests, who would they be?
If you could have dinner with three special guests, who would they be?
Lindsey:
1. Long story short, but I've had a lot of weird past-life occurrences, and things happen to me that are surrounded around Anne Boleyn, so she would definitely be first on my list.
2. Princess Diana is definitely someone I would love to sit down and have dinner with. I've always had a connection and infatuation with the royal family (see answer above) and have so many unfiltered questions for her, and want to know what REALLY happened when she was a part of the royal family.
3. I would love to have dinner with my Memom (my grandmother on my dad's side). There are so many things about me: quirks, and mannerisms that I believe come from her. I was only 8 when she passed away so I never really got to know her the way I wish I would have.
Lilly:
1. My Great Grandma Harriet because I feel there is a huge part of me that stems from her based on the stories I have heard from other family members who had the honor of knowing her.
2. Jackie Onassis Kennedy is definitely on my list. Not only was she such a timeless style icon of her time, but I also feel like she has so much more of a story to tell and side to her that a lot of people weren't able to experience.
3. Marie Antoinette because I love and appreciate a controversial queen and believe women like her paved the way for the rest of us in women empowerment without even knowing it.
For more on Linsey and Lilly, follow these amazing ladies on social media!