Spreading the word
Popular social media influencer Larissa Carlson has been sharing what inspires her most online since her teenage years – and right now, it’s the Wairarapa
By Sara Boult. Photos by Jenny Pochtarenko
Initially, Larissa’s work on social media stemmed from her life as a professional stylist and makeup artist working in the glamorous world of music videos and celebrities. “My work in fashion styling and makeup artistry prompted The Leo Style… it was born of the pursuit of artistic inspiration and connecting with others who shared similar interests.” Larissa then “fell in love and had children” and her blogs evolved into “documenting our love story”.
The combination of beautiful imagery and storytelling caught the eye online. Through all her social media channels Larissa has a combined audience of over 40,000 with her posts attracting over a million views.
The Carlsons recently relocated from the capital to Carterton when Isaac, who grew up in the region, had Larissa ‘head-over-heels’ for the Wairarapa after he took her to The White Swan in Greytown for one of their first dates. “We always knew Wairarapa would be our forever home, it made the relocation an easy choice.” Larissa reflects that, “It’s taught us to slow down and we’re able to benefit from all the Wairarapa has to offer. I have more mental space to connect with the community, giving me the freedom to create and take my social media and blogs towards a more natural, artistic direction.”
With Larissa’s photographic and writing talent, the Carlson whanau – husband Isaac and their two boys – capture and share the Wairarapa lifestyle online, using @theleostyle to showcase the region in The Wairarapa Diaries.
Weekdays are for work and school, but weekends are filled with Wairarapa-based passion projects including family stay-cations, wining and dining at their favourite wineries and eateries, or packing up their Jeep to venture off to a remote campsite. “We are often asked how we find these Wairarapa destinations. It helps Isaac is a local, a lot comes down to tracing his roots. I’m lucky enough to be ‘in the know’ myself, working in the region as a digital communications specialist.”
Larissa and Isaac capture and share their family’s explorations by presenting it in videography, imagery and thoughtful write-ups. “I use a ‘pure not posed’ style of photography. I just hang back and let the kids be kids, allowing them to just be in the moment. We will sometimes collaborate with others if we need family portraits, which helps to support and build each other's platforms.”
The newly-relocated residents believe that “the Wairarapa captures the essence of New Zealand”. Now settled themselves, the Carlsons want to help boost the local tourism industry with their work towards the #supportlocal movement. “All we want is to inspire families to explore their own backyard.” Catch up with Larissa on www.theleostyle.com
