I met Taryn at the Mend pop up a few months ago. We instantly hit it off and got to talking about all things life, love, loss and dating. It’s hard to put Taryn into a box, but it’s easy to say she’s brilliant at what she does. She’s a content creator who’s whipper-snapper smart, funny and really, really honest. Her videos not only make you smile, but make a big mark. Taryn’s an expert on all things dating and is now expanding her expertise into a host of other areas in need of an authentic voice, strong narrative and big shakeup. Whatever she chooses to tackle next, you know it’s worth watching.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I always have a hard time explaining to people what I do, but it’s best summed up by a term John Green coined – I’m an “internetainerpreneur.”
I produce serialized content for my YouTube channel (TarynSouthern) and brands/media (i.e. Today Show, Glamour Magazine, Marriott.) I also advise companies on digital strategy and how to effectively work with online influencers.
What’s the best gift you ever got?
A pair of sweatpants. Not even kidding.
What’s the worst gift you ever got?
A weight scale, from my grandmother. I don’t think it ever even made it into my suitcase to take back home.
What’s your advice for all things love, sex and dating?
Oof. I make a lot of comedic videos about this stuff on my YouTube channel, but the truth is, I don’t know better than anyone else. I think the most important thing is being honest with yourself and with the other person. Don’t waste time chasing someone who doesn’t want to be with you – and all that woo-woo self love stuff? It’s actually really important.
What’s your go to pick me up?
When I’m depressed, dry shampoo quickly becomes my best friend. So I’ll say a fresh blow dry. It legitimately changes the way I feel. HA!
Tell us about your first heartbreak
It’s almost hard to recognize my first heartbreak, which happened in college, because I wasn’t totally ready for something “forever” back then.
My last heartbreak, which happened as my “adult self” was probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever been through. I had been positive that he was “the one,” that we would get married and have kids within the next five years. It’s a hard thing, to lose someone, but to also lose the happy future you imagined together. Coming out of that relationship made me question everything in my life.
Tell us about a time you bounced back better than ever…
Despite the tremendous pain I felt after my last breakup, it’s inspired shifts in my life that previous breakups didn’t. I really re-assessed a lot of my choices and what makes me happy, and I think those changes will produce everlasting results. So yeah – hard to believe I’m even saying this, but I think some of the most painful stuff can also produce the most good.
