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Darlington Co-Founders, Chloe Sappern & Lydia Berry, Get Hot Smart Rich
How celebrities like Kate Hudson & Miranda Kerr go viral on TikTok (their social secrets revealed)
Maggie Sellers
07 May
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♡ Darlington Co-Founders, Chloe & Lydia, ♡
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Have you ever wondered how your favorite celebrities create content like this?
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This week on Hot Smart Rich, I sat down with Chloe Sappern and Lydia Berry—the powerhouse duo behind Darlington, the social-first agency trusted by Sofia Richie Grainge, Miranda Kerr, Megan Roup, Serena Kerrigan, Kate Love, Emily DiDonato, Cameron Rogers, Liv Perez, and more.
Darlington isn’t just another digital agency—it’s one of the industry’s best-kept secrets. Chloe and Lydia have built the social presence of some of the most recognizable names in fashion, beauty, and pop culture. And the wildest part? They launched less than a year ago and have grown entirely through inbound demand and referrals. Their results speak for themselves: over 1,000% increases in views, 2,000% growth in likes and shares, and double-digit follower growth for A-list clients—all in just a few months.
You can connect with Chloe & Lydia on Instagram: @chloesappern, @lydberry & @atdarlington.
Key Takeaways
Social is a non-negotiable. If you’re not on Instagram or TikTok, you’re missing the moment. Whether you’re building a personal brand or a business, consistent content — not perfection — is what drives growth and visibility.
White space is an invitation. Chloe and Lydia saw a gap in how celebrities and creators were being supported online and built a talent business that met the moment. The biggest brands often start where no one else is looking.
Start scrappy, not silent. Your first TikTok might flop. Your second might go viral. But you won’t know unless you post. Trial reels, cross-platform testing, and messy momentum are how personal brands gain traction.
Your strategy should reflect your life — not just the algorithm. Instagram Stories, TikTok trends, and behind-the-scenes content can all work if they align with your energy and goals. There’s more than one way to win online.
“Date” your co-founder before you commit. Starting a business together is a bigger deal than signing a lease. Chloe and Lydia tested their dynamic first — and found out their complementary strengths made them stronger.
Complementary skill sets matter more than matching aesthetics. The best co-founder relationships (especially in fast-moving industries like social and creator marketing) are built on different perspectives, not just shared vibes.
The future of talent is hybrid: part agency, part social strategist. Chloe and Lydia aren’t just managing creators — they’re helping talent show up strategically on TikTok, Instagram, and beyond.
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♡ Data-Driven Wellness ♡
Our rings keep us accountable with sleep, recovery, and stress scores—health, but optimized.
♡ Focus Fuel ♡
We’re obsessed with this brain-boosting powder before meetings or deep work sessions. Game changer.
♡ Bag That Does It All ♡
One bag, endless possibilities. Carries our whole life (and still looks cute).
♡ Feel-Good Movement ♡
Low-impact, high-vibe workouts we actually look forward to—done solo or together.
♡ Daily Glow-Up ♡
Clean, glowy SPF that we both swear by. Protects, perfects, and never clogs.
♡ Post-Shower Ritual ♡
We each have one in the bathroom—hydrating, soothing, and it smells so good.
♡ Tripod Energy ♡
Always ready to shoot content or hop on a Zoom—tripods are essential gear.
♡ One-and-Done Outfits ♡
Our favorite dresses that feel like pajamas but read like power moves.
♡ Best Icebreaker Ever ♡
Our go-to card game for breaking the ice, sparking laughs, and raising the vibe.
♡ Fragrance on the Fly ♡
We both keep a rollerball perfume in our bag—fresh, luxe, and easy.
♡ Hot, Smart, Rich Tips ♡
♡ Hot Hack ♡
Lip liner and an earring can fix almost anything.
Even if you're in sweats or running out the door, throwing on a lip liner (yes, even without lipstick) and a bold earring gives an instant “I tried” energy. It’s the fastest way to look polished without really doing anything. Bonus points for a slicked-back bun.
♡ Smart Hack ♡
Keep company that keeps you sharp.
Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and make you want to level up. The smartest thing you can do—personally and professionally—is build a life filled with people whose energy, ambition, and perspective pull you forward.
♡ Rich Tip ♡
Move with an abundance mindset and let your money work for you.
If you're self-employed, open a SEP IRA—you can contribute a serious chunk and lower your tax liability. Pair that with a smart airline credit card that racks up miles on everyday expenses so you're always a flight upgrade away from feeling first-class. Wealth is a mindset and a system.
♡ Favorite Part of The Conversation ♡
We loved being able to share some social media growth hacks, such as the trial reels feature on Instagram, that we think would help the HSR audience who are looking to build awareness on their personal or brand accounts!
Also, during the rapid-fire portion of the podcast, Lydia had a momentary blank—but she followed up with a few micro creators on her radar that are definitely worth watching:
@loganleemock is an incredible photographer who’s shot all of our favs. I think he’s about to blow up.
@caitlinburnhamm has the most effortless style and vibe. I’ve seen her page grow so much even just over the past few months so I can’t wait to continue following”
I might be biased here because she’s a client, but I get all my style hacks from @livvperez. Her wedding last year had everyone obsessed and now she’s becoming the go-to for being in the know on the chicest fashion trends, brands, and moments.
♡ Something People Don’t Know About You ♡
Chloe and Lydia decided to start their agency after their first IRL coffee date (they were still basically strangers).
Lydia made her first Instagram profile in 7th grade.
Chloe is allergic to alcohol.
When she’s not chronically online, Lydia is a puzzle fanatic.
Chloe and Lydia spent more on uber eats in 2025 than they did on business expenses .
Besides @darlington, Chloe’s dream job is luxury travel expert and Lydia’s dream job is to be a mood board curator.
♡ About The Guests ♡
Chloe Sappern — Co-Founder, Darlington
Chloe Sappern is the co-founder of Darlington, where she leads strategy and digital brand architecture for some of today’s most visible celebrities, influencers, and tastemakers. A graduate of Cornell University, Chloe’s early career spanned major media organizations like NBCUniversal and ViacomCBS before she launched her own agency, Chloe Sappern Creative. Her expertise lies in shaping digital presence through storytelling, talent alignment, and growth strategy. At Darlington, Chloe combines industry insight with a deeply personal approach, ensuring every client’s online presence is as elevated as their offline influence.
Lydia Berry — Co-Founder, Darlington
Lydia Berry is the co-founder of Darlington and a creative powerhouse with more than seven years of experience across social strategy, visual content, and brand identity. She began her career at Dear Media, where she led content development and social growth for high-profile launches, including shows hosted by Kristin Cavallari and Tracee Ellis Ross. After establishing herself as a freelance brand builder for celebrity clients, Lydia co-founded Darlington to offer a more holistic, performance-driven approach to digital storytelling. Today, she’s behind the curated aesthetics and social success of talent like Kate Hudson, Liv Perez, and Megan Roup.
About Darlington
Darlington is an unparalleled social-first agency offering a highly individualized and strategic approach to creative storytelling. Operating on a referral-only basis, Darlington has quickly become the industry’s best-kept secret—elevating the digital presence of some of the most influential names in fashion, beauty, wellness, and pop culture. With a bicoastal footprint and a client list that includes Sofia Richie Grainge, Miranda Kerr, Emily DiDonato, Serena Kerrigan, and Kate Hudson, Darlington delivers end-to-end social media support—content creation, visual curation, and brand storytelling—tailored to each client’s distinct voice and goals.
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