Throughout Black History Month 2023, the TikTok community has had the opportunity to reflect on the inspiration and impact Black culture serves in our daily lives.

Our trailblazer spotlight series has been dedicated to showcasing some of the leading Black creators on TikTok using their platform to inspire, educate, and share their perspectives and creativity, enriching everyone's experiences of TikTok. From music to fashion, food to wellness, and so much more, these are the creators at the forefront of celebrating Black culture on TikTok.

This week, we're shining the spotlight on @chloecarterrwith2rs, aka Chloe.

@chloecarterrwith2rs

Chloe is an inspiring talented spoken word poet who shares an insight into her life through her art. Whether its her experience witnessing dementia, her view on love, or sharing what Black pride means to her, her poetry is always poignant and incredibly beautiful.

Alongside sharing her work, Chloe takes the community behind the scenes of her poetry shows, showing what it takes to warm an audience up.

Beyond her poetry, Chloe loves to share her afro haircare routine and tips with her followers. From protecting her hair to styling it, there is something to help everyone on their own personal hair journey.

Earlier this week, we caught up with Chloe to discuss all things Black History Month, including being a TikTok trailblazer and the #BlackTikTok content that she can't get enough of.

Congratulations on being named as a TikTok trailblazer! What does Black History month mean to you?

Black History month means acknowledging the past, celebrating the present and moving forwards with a better future. My understanding and meaning of Black History has evolved over the years.

What other Black creators and Black-owned businesses do you follow on TikTok?

Some of my favourite TikTok creators are @King.Asalu for his cinematography, @Abs.tract & @Randi.noble for unapologetic energy & style and lastly @BrandonNembhard for his creative ways of showcasing his music.

Why did you decide to start creating content on TikTok?

The reason why I started TikTok was for fun! I wanted to post cool videos and show different sides of my self. I really like the platform because of its spontaneity. At the time TikTok was the new thing and I wanted to be a part of it’s emergence. It came at a great time where I was re inventing myself and being more intentional about what I post & the effects I want it to have. Initially my content began based on hair. However my poetry was the gift that really resonated with my followers. I realised I can do both. Why not create a poem… about hair? My love letter to hair & my hair poem for TikTok has connected me to people from all over the world. Language can sometimes be a barrier but feelings are universal. Spoken word poetry united my community of followers. Posting poems are not limited in any way either. I can write poems about anything and still know that it’s consistent with my brand. Spoken word poetry has been the connection to other people, the connection to the brands I get to work and also the connection to myself.

What is your goal on TikTok?

My goal on TikTok is to continue to connect by having a fun experience offline and have that translate to the content I post online. I’m constantly putting my gifts out there! I know that my gift is not only for me. I want to be able to be vulnerable by sharing & inspiring people through poetry. I want to be open and share sentimental moments like my proposal video. I fundamentally just want to be able to show up as my whole self and not worry about how I’m received. As long as I’m making a positive difference here & being myself, I want to inspire others who see me to give themselves the permission to do the same.

What is your favourite TikTok video you have made to date and why?

My favourite video that I have made on TikTok has been my viral video titled “this little girl called me pretty.” I was live streaming when a little girl (probably 3years old) walked past me with her mum. The three year old said “Your so pretty “ we complimented each other and had a sweet conversation. It was so wholesome. I posted it and didn’t think that , that would be the video that would get me from 1000 followers to 20 thousand followers in 1 night. Here is where I learned the power of voice, connection & conversation with the community. It was a clue that my next steps had to somehow show my poetic side. The comments were positive/ it made a lot of people’s days. I always pour into good energy on TikTok. That night, I replied to EVERYONE that commented. I still look back at that video and it makes me smile every time.

@chloecarterrwith2rs Answer @im_siowei if you see this again, you were supposed to! there’s so much positive energy in this #fy #fyp ♬ Water Under the Bridge - Adele

Finally, what else is on your For You feed?!

My for you page is one of the most funniest places on the internet. With the things I see on TikTok I will genuinely laugh out loud and silence is not hidden behind an LOL. My for you page is tailored to my personal healing. It’s a place for new ideas. It’s even an educational place too! I have a for you category in my saved TikTok videos section where I save all the videos that I personally think are for me. TikTok always gives me signs and the videos seem to come right on time. I guess that’s why it’s called TikTok right? The videos arrive at a time where I actually really need it.

New to TikTok and want to explore more #BlackTikTok content? Getting involved couldn’t be easier, simply download the app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon.