Tell us about your journey since graduating from LSE.

Since graduating from LSE with a Sociology degree, my journey has been dynamic and rewarding. While still a student, I launched my YouTube channel, Lizzie Loves, in my second year (2015). It really took off, growing to 100,000 subscribers in just 18 months! Sharing my university experience and creating beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content led to amazing brand collaborations with Ernst & Young, Amazon Prime Video UK, L’Oréal, Barry M, and NARS. In 2018, I co-founded Kionii, an accessories brand inspired by art, music, and culture, where I’m now Chief Marketing Officer. I’ve loved channelling my entrepreneurial energy and strategic thinking into e-commerce. Thanks to the network I built at LSE, I’ve also ventured into angel investing, backing projects like Edmunds Cocktails and HMO properties with Marden Property Group. Moving forward, I’m excited to keep investing in entrepreneurs passionate about creating media, products, and businesses with a social impact edge. I’m also committed to mentoring young women in business and taking on more public speaking to share my story.

What motivated you to start your own business?

While studying Sociology at LSE, I learned about the concept of the triple shift that minority ethnic groups, particularly women, often experience. This refers to the combined burden of paid work, domestic responsibilities, and the emotional labour that comes with navigating societal biases. As a young carer for my late mum, I personally felt the weight of these intersecting responsibilities. Sociology provided me with a bird’s-eye view of the challenges faced by Black women in the UK, and this understanding fuelled my motivation to create a life that prioritised my well-being.

Launching my YouTube channel, Lizzie Loves, became a way to explore my interests in beauty and lifestyle while also learning about entrepreneurship. It offered me a pathway to gain independence, build financial stability, and shape my own career. Through social media, I accessed talent, networks, and brands that propelled me into digital brand building, giving me the chance to put my Sociology insights into action by advocating for social-economic change through media and products—a core belief of mine.

Do you have any advice do you have for current students?

I would tell current students, or those thinking of applying to LSE, to truly celebrate and take advantage of the incredible international network available to you. LSE is one of the best places to develop a deep awareness of what the world looks like, which will give you a cutting edge after graduation. Stay authentic to who you are. With so many different types of people you’ll meet, it’s crucial to learn and adapt to new cultures, traditions, and ways of being, but always remain rooted in your own personal identity. This balance will serve you well as you navigate your future.

How did studying in the Department of Sociology prepare you for your future?

Studying in the Department of Sociology has equipped me with critical skills to understand the complex relationship between individuals and society, fostering a strong link between sociology and self-reflection. My education has shown me how societal norms and values shape behaviour, deepening my awareness of how external forces like cultural expectations influence my beliefs and decisions. This understanding allows me to approach challenges with a well-rounded perspective, considering the broader social context that affects people’s choices and actions.

Engaging in self-reflection has helped me critically evaluate whether my beliefs align with my values or are simply products of social conditioning. This ability to analyse my own thought processes ensures I make intentional and authentic decisions as I move forward, while also inspiring me to question assumptions about society and advocate for change where needed. These skills are invaluable for leadership and innovation, as they foster thoughtful and adaptive thinking.

Additionally, studying identity theories has provided me with a deeper understanding of how factors like gender, race, and class shape experiences and opportunities. Reflecting on my own identity has made me more empathetic and culturally aware, essential qualities in our interconnected world. Overall, my sociology education has prepared me to thoughtfully navigate complex social environments, equipped with critical thinking, cultural competence, and a commitment to fostering equity and inclusion.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement has been documenting my journey into adulthood on YouTube while studying at LSE. It was a big risk at the time, and many people thought I was crazy! However, it opened up so many doors for both professional and personal growth - opportunities that continue to serve me to this day.

Where was your favourite place on campus?

A lot of memories were made in the 4th floor library with all my mates!