Finalist for Rising Star in Social Media Marketing (Under 30) of the Year: Chloe Davey
Chloe Davey, Social Media and Marketing Lead for Severn & Wye, was one of the finalists in the Rising Star in Social Media Marketing (Under 30) of the Year category at the Social Media Marketing Awards 2025.
SocialDay spoke with Chloe about her path into social media marketing, her favourite tools and platforms, and what’s been her proudest moment of her career so far:
I’m Chloe Davey, the Social Media and Marketing Lead for Severn & Wye, a destination that celebrates all things fish and foodie. My work is all about storytelling, connection, and creating experiences that resonate with people – whether that’s through a beautifully crafted post or a campaign that makes someone feel seen.
I’ve always been fascinated by people. Growing up, I was a keen people-watcher, curious about what made others tick. That curiosity shaped me and led me into people-focused work.
What drives me most is emotion – I love the challenge of pulling at someone’s heartstrings or sparking a feeling that makes them truly connect with a brand. If I can make someone pause, smile, or feel something real, then I know I’ve done my job.
My Path Into Marketing
My background is in packaging, events, and product design, and over time I realised that the parts I loved most all pointed naturally toward social media and marketing. I started out self-taught, diving in with curiosity and drive, before deciding to formalise my skills by going back to school.
Now, I’m some-what qualified in both marketing and social media, and I couldn’t be happier with where it’s led me. I’m very much a “live to work” kind of person, my job energises me and I look forward to each day. No two days are ever the same, and that variety keeps things exciting.
I couldn’t do something I wasn’t 110% invested in; I’m an all-in or all-out type. For me, marketing is the perfect blend of creativity, strategy, and emotional connection. I love bringing those elements together. That said, I’m also aware that social media can carry a lot of negative connotations.
The art of handwritten communication, pen to paper, is something I think we’ve lost touch with, and I find real joy in trying to bring back that sense of physical connection. I love the challenge of making a brand feel so alive online that people are inspired to come and experience it in person. There’s something powerful about reviving traditional forms of communication and making sure we are not excluding generations who might not feel at home in the digital space.
Proud Moment
Honestly, this award nomination feels like a huge moment for me. I’ve often felt a bit unseen in my work, especially because the brand I work for was fairly new to the digital world when I joined.
Social media and marketing weren’t part of the day-to-day before I came on board, so while I’ve had plenty of internal recognition, this feels different. It’s validation from people who really understand the industry. It’s like being seen in a whole new light, and that’s both surreal and rewarding.
I’m also proud of the imagery I’ve created. Photography isn’t my strongest skill, so to look at something I’ve shot and genuinely feel proud of it, that’s a big deal for me. It’s proof that growth happens when you lean into the challenge, and that creativity can surprise you when you least expect it.
How I Work and Create
For me, everything starts with understanding people. Whether I’m crafting a post, designing a campaign, or replying to a review, I always ask: what’s the goal here, and how does the person on the other end feel about it?
I believe creativity isn’t just about making something beautiful, it’s about making something meaningful. That means tuning into emotions, motivations, and the little details that shape someone’s experience. I approach my work with empathy, curiosity, and a bit of instinct. I love digging into what makes people tick and using that insight to create something that feels personal and intentional.
Whether it’s sparking joy, nostalgia, or a sense of belonging, I want every piece of communication to feel like it was made with care. That’s the heartbeat of my creativity.
Tools I Use
I lean on a mix of tools that help me balance creativity with efficiency.
Adobe for detailed, design-heavy work.
Canva for when I need to move quickly but still want things to look sharp and on-brand.
CapCut for a lot of my video editing; it’s intuitive and lets me bring a bit of storytelling flair to reels and short-form content.
I love finding ways to make each platform work together to create something that feels cohesive, engaging, and emotionally resonant.
The Impact So Far
At Severn & Wye, we’ve seen a real uplift in our online presence – more followers, more reviews, and (fingers crossed) that momentum will translate into more bookings and customer visits.
What’s been especially rewarding is noticing how our customer base has responded to our increased digital activity. I think they’ve noticed we’re more present, more engaged, and that helps them feel heard and valued. For me, it’s not just about numbers – it’s about connection. Creating that sense of dialogue and visibility has been a big part of the impact, and it’s exciting to see it grow.
Something Different
One thing people are often surprised by is my career history – it’s incredibly varied and a bit unconventional, which I think is part of what makes me a unique employee. I’ve worked across packaging, events, product design, and now social media and marketing, so I’ve been exposed to a wide range of industries, styles, and ways of thinking.
That diversity has shaped how I approach challenges and creativity, it’s given me a really broad toolkit and a flexible mindset. I love that my journey hasn’t been linear; it’s been full of unexpected turns, and each one has added something valuable to how I work today.
The Future
What excites me most is the unknown – I genuinely don’t know where this journey will take me, and that’s part of the thrill.
I’m working toward that “I’ve made it” moment: when something I’ve created trends, or when the follower count tips into the hundreds of thousands. That kind of impact would be incredible. But beyond numbers, I’m excited by the idea that something I craft could ripple out and really resonate with people.
Social media is constantly evolving, and I love the challenge of keeping up while staying true to the emotional core of what I do.
