Chloe MooreOlivia Spuds is an innovative artist carving her niche in the digital landscape. Known for her distinctive tiny mic videos set against the vibrant backdrop of Dublin, Olivia transforms everyday moments into captivating stories, blending sharp wit with an unmistakable charm.
Her work is rooted in a passion for human connection and a vision for authentic storytelling. With a unique approach to community and escapism, Olivia Spuds has cultivated a loyal audience who resonate with her fresh perspective and creative flair.
Driven by the ethos of “getting paid to be herself,” Olivia’s artistry thrives on her ability to foster genuine connections. Her ultimate goal is to break into television while maintaining her independence and defying the conventions of a predictable digital world.
What inspired you to start doing vox pops and creating content about Dublin’s culture?
I have an interest in presenting work, so I was thinking of ways that I could dip my toe in. I wanted to create light-hearted content that people could relate to – if they saw their local chipper or DART station. I also enjoy creating videos that are fun and light-hearted.
Can you tell us about the first time you picked up your mini mic and hit the streets?
I went to a shop called the Corner Shop in Dun Laoghaire, it’s been running for nearly 40 years. It was kind of nerve-wracking because I didn’t know how the idea was going to pan out. I had a direct vision of these videos, and I knew it would make sense in the end, but getting people to trust the vision at the beginning of any endeavour can be hard. However, the video turned out great and straight away started gaining traction. I think people were curious about what it was and where this girl came from, in the middle of a corner shop with a microphone.
What’s been the most surprising or hilarious interaction you’ve had while doing a vox pop?
Definitely the Ritz chipper in Dun Laoghaire. I love the aesthetic of Chippers- the lighting, the old tiles, the menu printed on the wall.
So, I rocked up and asked if I could make a video and if they wanted to be in it. He showed me how to make a battered sausage. The video is pretty basic but I think the contrast of me standing next to this man in an apron, in a chipper is what makes it comedic. It’s so un-serious.
What’s your creative process for coming up with questions and themes for your vox pops?
When I have an idea, I don’t discuss it until it’s been executed, just so I can trust my own vision. You might get excited and want to share it, but if a friend says “Hmm I’m not sure if that will work” it might put you off doing it. Also, I just let ideas naturally come to me and I have to write them down as soon as they do. My best ideas always happen at night time when I’m listening to music. I love films and documentaries for inspiration as well, especially when they have shots of takeaway shops or how Ireland used to look (the Dun Laoghaire shopping centre in The Snapper).
Do you ever get nervous approaching people on the street, and how do you break the ice?
I always ask people off camera if it’s something they’d be interested in, as I think consent is important with filming. Sometimes at the beginning, they can be naturally apprehensive, but as the filming rolls on you can see them enjoying it and laughing. Sometimes if they’re puzzled, I’ll show them my previous videos as examples.
What’s been your most memorable review, and what made it stand out?
My series in Bray seemed to really resonate with people. Bray has a huge sense of community, bursting at the seams with different shops and businesses
I filmed numerous vox pops there during the summer, with a worker at the Dart station, Mizzoni’s pizza shop and the civilians of Bray. People love to see their community being shared online, and it’s refreshing to speak with people about everyday things that we can all connect with.
How has your content helped you connect with the Irish community?
I had a good feeling about the mini mic series, but I had no idea how quickly people would jump on board with it. I receive countless messages from strangers telling me that my videos bring them joy, and make them laugh, which was one of the reasons I started. My videos have also allowed me to connect with other online content creators, comedians, videographers or anyone in the creative industry. It’s opened up doors for me in such a short amount of time, with opportunities I never knew were possible.
How do you balance being a fun, relatable personality while also giving thoughtful reviews?
I don’t really try to balance anything, I’m just myself in the videos and go from there.
What’s next for you? Do you have any plans to expand beyond Dublin or try new types of content?
The end goal for me has always been TV. I would love the concept of my videos to be used for a show, like a modern-day Nationwide. I would also definitely love to expand beyond Dublin down the line.
If you could collaborate with any other Irish creator, who would it be and why?
I always loved filming with Jack Swift. He’s kind of my muse because he’s always up for anything. I dressed him up in my Pamela Anderson, 2000’s MTV VMAs look and we went to Seapoint Dart station, to Lady Gaga’s ‘Alejandro’. I love Jack because he’s so authentically himself, and his content brings people joy.
