60 Seconds with Claire Ford

Monday 18 May 2026

Tell us about your role and your organisation

I’m the founder of Viral Muse, a multi-award-winning social media business ecosystem consisting of a marketing agency, a business promotional platform and a UGC creator network.

Through our brands, we help businesses grow through powerful organic social media, content creation, strategy and training. Over the past few years, we’ve worked with global brands including Adobe and Maybelline, generated over 250 million organic views online, and directly generated millions in revenue for businesses through social media marketing.

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far

I’ve always been entrepreneurial and have had different side hustles since I was around 16. While studying Business Management with Placement at Queen's University Belfast, I used social media to generate an income and support myself throughout university.

After graduating, I moved to England and secured one of the UK’s leading graduate roles following a year-long recruitment process. On paper, it looked like I’d made it — a fantastic role within one of the UK’s biggest brands, a great salary and a company car — but I quickly realised the corporate path wasn’t for me.

I left the role and started my own agency. Within just a few weeks of quitting my job, I had landed clients including Coca-Cola and Birds Eye. I spent a year building the business in England before moving back home to Northern Ireland.

Over the past two years, I’ve continued growing the business into a multi-award-winning social media ecosystem with headquarters in Holywood, working with major brands, generating millions in revenue for businesses through social media, and building platforms that have now generated over 250 million organic views online.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role and why?

Data analytics has been one of the most valuable skills in my role. Social media gives you access to huge amounts of real-time data around audience behaviour, attention and engagement, and I’ve learned how to use that insight strategically to understand what people connect with and what drives results.

What advice do you have for women in your sector/industry/type of role?

Don’t underestimate the power of putting yourself out there. So many women hold themselves back, waiting until they feel ready, experienced or confident enough — when in reality, a lot of success comes from simply starting, learning as you go, and being willing to take opportunities before you feel fully prepared.

I’d also say not to be afraid of building visibly online. Social media has completely changed the business world and created opportunities that simply didn’t exist before. Some of the biggest opportunities in my career have come from sharing my work, telling my story, and consistently showing up online.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead?

I’m really excited to have recently been accepted onto the WeGrow programme with InterTradeIreland, delivered in partnership with Women in Business and Network Ireland. I’m looking forward to learning from the programme and continuing to scale the business across the UK and Ireland.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?

Controversially, I don’t actually have one specific career inspiration. I believe everyone has completely different circumstances, strengths and journeys, so I’ve never really liked comparing myself too closely to others.

Your soundtrack song for the working day

About Damn Time — a great upbeat song to get you through the day.

How can members connect with you?

LinkedIn or Instagram: @missceaford | @viralmusegroup

Monday 18 May 2026