Minden entrepreneur and community advocate Sara McDaniel recently traveled to Washington, D.C., after receiving an invitation from TikTok to join a select group of content creators meeting with congressional leaders to discuss the impact of social media on small businesses and local economies.
McDaniel, owner of Simple Southern Cottage and a prominent supporter of tourism and downtown revitalization efforts in Minden, said the opportunity allowed her to share how social media has transformed both her business and the visibility of northwest Louisiana.
“A few weeks back TikTok reached out and asked me if I would like to be a part of a group of creators headed to DC to meet with congressional leaders about how social media has impacted our small businesses,” McDaniel wrote in a Facebook post following the trip. “I had to clear one thing on my calendar to make that happen so it was an easy, yes!”
Although it was her first visit to the nation’s capital, McDaniel admitted she initially felt apprehensive.
“I am the least political person you will ever meet so I was super nervous all around about going,” she wrote. “I knew this would stretch me far out of my comfort zone. But as a wise man once said, you don’t grow inside your own bubble.”
The trip began with a dinner hosted by TikTok executives, including CEO Adam Presser and Head of Security Will Ferrell. McDaniel said one of the biggest takeaways was learning more about the platform’s U.S.-based operations following its sale earlier this year.
“TikTok is now US owned. I met the CEO and head of security, and I feel our data is completely safe,” she said after returning home.
McDaniel and other creators then spent a day on Capitol Hill meeting with lawmakers from both political parties to discuss legislation aimed at protecting content creators and preserving opportunities for small businesses to use social media as a marketing tool.
“We met with congressional members on both sides of the aisle,” McDaniel wrote. “I was able to share how I use social media to bring tourism to our little corner of Northwest Louisiana. I also shared how social media has absolutely changed my life in ways I never could’ve orchestrated.”
She said the goal of the meetings was to encourage lawmakers to support policies that protect creators while allowing businesses to continue reaching customers through online platforms.
“TikTok is committed to hearing from creators and working with us to create a platform that is safe and conducive to help our small businesses thrive,” McDaniel said. “We met with lawmakers across both aisles to advocate for social media for our small businesses. They are receptive and ready to help.”
McDaniel said she made a point of promoting Minden throughout the visit.
“I told everyone I could about Minden and about how we are getting tourists from all over the world because of social media,” she said.
In recent years, McDaniel has become one of Minden’s most recognizable online ambassadors. Through her Simply Southern Cottage social media channels, she has showcased local shops, restaurants, festivals, and historic attractions to hundreds of thousands of followers. Her efforts have helped draw visitors from across the country and internationally to Minden, contributing to increased interest in the city’s downtown businesses and tourism initiatives.
Beyond her online presence, McDaniel has played an active role in community events, supported local entrepreneurs, and recently expanded her business with the opening of Purvéy Minden, a downtown retail store featuring home décor, gifts, and products from regional makers.
While no additional meetings have been scheduled, McDaniel said TikTok indicated she may be invited to participate in future discussions.
“It was a very productive trip,” she said. “No immediate plans, but I think they will invite me back down the road to help drive policy.”
Reflecting on the experience, McDaniel said the opportunity was one she never imagined.
“It is such an incredible honor to be here and it’s another one of those moments where I have to pinch myself and say … what is this life and this do-over that I have been given?” she wrote. “The history was so overwhelming in the best way … and it makes me so proud to be an American.”