While TikTok certainly existed before the pandemic, the popular (and might we add addictive) video app became a beloved past time for creators, viewers, and consumers during shelter-in-place. For 16-year-old Emma Norton, TikTok is a place where she can exhibit her mad make-up skills and penchant for entertainment. Her personality is as charismatic as it is authentic, — making Emma a magnet for admiration and attracting over 5.9 million followers on TikTok (and counting!) and over 300 thousand on Instagram. Emma gives us insight on TikToker’s place in speaking out on social issues —a hot and growing topic in 2020— and the positive potential of social media to spread awareness as we move forward into another year with bigger goals for our society and the world at large. We are so excited to share our interview with Emma and we are sure that this TikTok star, actress, and influencer will dance her way into your heart. Please read our exclusive interview with Emma below.

Where are you based?
I’m based in Denver, with a great view of the Rocky Mountains! I regularly spend time in Los Angeles as well.

As a TikTok star and actress, what is your typical day like? Do you have a regular routine for creating your videos or taking pictures for Instagram?
Most days I get an early morning start. For straightforward looks, I’ll sit down and start filming. For complex looks, I’ll sketch out my plan (makeup, wardrobe, sound, lighting, etc.). Then I film enough for multiple videos…I’ll post on that day and save film for posting later. Instagram photos are taken mostly when the Colorado sun is best, which is often!

Do you have a time of day when you feel most inspired or creative?
Early morning is my most productive and creative time of day - unless I get on a roll and stay up really late being productive and creative!

Looking on your social media, it looks like you can do it all -- dancing, lip-synching, acting, and even some pretty wicked makeup! How did you develop all these talents? Where did you start?
My foundation comes from years of training in the performing and visual arts. I have performed in a lot of musical theatre productions, and I used to do everyone’s makeup. I started creating scary makeup looks at age 11 to break the mold of store-bought Halloween costumes. I used babysitting money to buy special effects makeup from my favorite Denver store called The Wizard’s Chest. Little did I know, years later I’d apply those skills to create videos on TikTok!

Between dance, acting, and makeup… do you have a first love?
Acting is my first love, and the #1 goal for my career.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? Do you have any role models?
I get inspiration from so many talented TikTok’ers, including xobrooklynne! I love Lady Gaga and Rihanna, not only for their amazing talent and versatility but also for their activism and making the world a better, more caring place.

We think your content and energy are both addictive. With over 600 TikToks posted, we can’t help but ask: How long does it normally take you to put together a TikTok video?
Once I land on an idea, I can turn on the sound and camera and start filming right away. I do all the production myself in my makeshift home studio. For my complex characters, more planning and sometimes sketching is required.

In a similar vein, how long does it take you to normally do your more complicated stage makeup for TikTok videos? Does it take a long time to take off?
My more complicated makeup looks can take as much as 6-7 hours to complete. I shoot enough film so that I can create several TikTok videos featuring that character, including both the putting-on and taking-off processes. Cleaning up doesn’t take as long, but sometimes is more painful, especially when I’m using prosthetic skin!

Speaking of your makeup, how did you get interested in doing such complex make-up?
Like I mentioned earlier, I eventually outgrew wearing Halloween costumes my grandmother made or we bought from a store. I was interested in creating my own characters that were unique. My first attempt was a skull look, and it turned out great. People couldn’t believe I created the look myself. So that was all the encouragement I needed to be creative for future Halloweens (my favorite holiday) - and eventually on TikTok.

Where do you get your inspiration for your different makeup looks?
To be honest, I get the most ideas and inspiration from my own imagination. In general, I get inspiration from stories, books, movies, and life experiences.

Do you have a favorite look you have done?
That’s actually a tough question because I’ve had a lot of favorite looks. Harley Quinn is my most popular character, but my personal favorite complex character is my pop art zombie look, which also took me the longest to create.

You recently starred in Cattle Call, a short film by Rondell Sheridan. What was that experience like? Can you tell us about your character? Did you connect with your character on a personal level?
The most valuable aspect of working with Rondell was the whole experience of being on a film set, and receiving and reacting to the direction. It was a great learning experience for me to develop an even deeper love for the craft that I want to pursue.

Do you plan to continue acting in the future?
Yes! I look forward to dialing up my acting significantly in 2021 (COVID-willing).

We are seriously impressed by the level of engagement and charisma you bring to your social media. How have you been able to remain true and authentic while still bringing high levels of performance and fun to your videos?
I really appreciate your kind words! It means a lot to me. I’ve always been creative, had a strong work ethic, and am a little bit competitive. Call it “fire in my belly.”

I also have genuine empathy for people facing challenges, especially in 2020. When an opportunity arises to draw attention to an important cause, my energy level rises another notch.

Do you ever feel pressure to post or make a video when you’re not feeling it?
I’m glad there are no controls over my content or creative process. At times, I do feel pressure to do things to maximize views and likes. But I have a strong commitment to being a “creative”, and as long as I feel positive about my content and my effort, I can handle that pressure.

What are you normally doing when you are “offline”?
I love music and do a lot of dancing off-camera. To relax, I spend time meditating, hiking the trails in Colorado, or hanging out with my Golden Retriever, Ruby! Of course, I love watching films and binging Netflix shows.

Have there been any changes in your life with your growth in popularity online? Have there been unexpected rewards or challenges?
The whole experience when people started recognizing me as a social media personality at age 16 is beyond anything I even considered possible. In general, if I’m recognized at my favorite cookie store or coffee shop, people are friendly and respectful. There have been a few uncomfortable situations, so I tend to avoid larger gatherings (which COVID helps with), and stay close to friends or family. The bottom line is my family and good friends give me endless support and keep me grounded!

What advice would you have for anyone wanting to be the next TikTok star?
A good foundation in performing arts is definitely helpful and builds confidence. Looking for trends is a great way to start on TikTok. But it’s important to be as creative as possible, and give it your own spin. Also strong (and poor) preparation really shows up.

Jejune loves that you are using your platforms to support organizations and causes that you care about, such as charity:water. Can you tell us more about this organization and why it is important to you?
I was recently introduced to charity:water. I hope to be able to use my platform to educate people on their mission of providing clean water around the world to communities that don’t have access to this basic human necessity. 1 in 10 people around the world don’t have access to clean and safe drinking water. Diseases from dirty water kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Clean water changes everything - improving health, boosting local economies, empowering women, enabling girls to get an education - to name a few benefits. I admire this organization’s work so much.

Charity:water is known for being more than a passive charity donation — they keep in touch with their donors to help stay more connected to the impact charity:water is able to have around the world. Can you tell us how long you have been involved with charity:water and what sort of impact have you been able to see during that time?
They are such an impressive organization! This is a newly established relationship, and I am hoping to support them in any way that I can. I am planning on creating some upcoming videos that convey their important message. I also plan on adding a donation link to my profile, and hope my followers will respond positively.

On Instagram, you include a link to issuesintheworld.carrd.co in your bio. There’s a long list of organizations and issues that are addressed here -- is there a reason you chose to include this list on your page?
Yes, on the surface, it may seem like I post creative, sometimes silly videos. But at the end of the day, it’s really important for my generation (as well as others) to understand more about larger issues around the world. The more educated we are, the more we can help.

In the past few years, we have seen a rise in opinions on the way that influencers use social media, especially when it comes to sharing (or not sharing) their beliefs or opinions about current causes like BLM or #Metoo, or even expressing who they were supporting about the 2020 election. What are your thoughts about the role of influencers? Do you have any thoughts about the debate of “to share or not to share”?
The 2020 presidential election campaign is a good example of when TikTok’ers stepped up to promote important policy issues and getting out the vote. I wasn’t old enough to vote, but I was excited to promote voting and the Biden/Harris ticket to young people. Xobrooklynne is a good friend and one of my favorite influencers who speaks out about body image, politics, and other social issues. So there are examples of influencers speaking out and making a difference.

Speaking out about social or political causes on a platform like TikTok can be tricky, opening up creators to criticism, which can be nasty. The dilemma is TikTokers can reach a broad audience. Perhaps linking to other platforms and news sites is a better fit for exchanging comments about hard-hitting topics? But I believe TikTokers have a positive role to play.

How do you see social media having a positive impact going forward into 2021?
Social media has become an even bigger factor in our lives during COVID. And it’s unlikely that trend will reverse itself. So it’s a matter of focusing on how we can support positive messages and help people in need via TikTok, Instagram, etc...while still providing entertainment.

How have you been staying positive during shelter-in-place?
I am an extrovert, so being sheltered from friends is very difficult. But I stay in daily contact with friends, including fellow creators within the TikTok community.

Also, nothing brings a smile to my face more than seeing my dog, Ruby. She’s a very sweet and a little bit rascally…we have “rascally” in common!

What is your motto in life?
If I work hard, and I am guided by creativity and “doing the right thing” (especially being kind to others), then I will feel great about my work - no matter what response it receives.

To learn more about Emma Norton and the charities she is active with, please follow the below links” TikTok: @emmanortss
Instagram: @emmanorts
Twitter: @emmanorts

Also, please take a moment to check out these websites:
Charity Water: https://www.charitywater.org/
Brought to Reality: https://broughttoreality.com/
Animal Welfare Institute: https://awionline.org/

Team Credits:
Photographer: Vince Trupsin
Wardrobe Stylist: Quentin Fears
Make-up and Hair: Phoebe Dawson

COVER - Emma Norton Will Dance Her Way Into Your Heart