Vapouround magazine ISSUE 11 | Page 72

F E AT U R E BECOMING THE BEST: LADY VAPER Meet Claire, Vapouround’s 2017 Vaper of the Year There are few awards in this game as big as Vapouround’s Vaper of the Year, a unique accolade that highlights the work of exceptional individuals in a playing field made mostly of brands. The winner for 2017 is Claire Stephanie Ellis, founder of Lady Vaper, a thriving online community of devoted vapers sharing 24/7 to help each other find the perfect vape. But that’s not all. She’s an ordinary woman who does extraordinary things. For millions of people, vaping has proved the only way out of smoking and the havoc it wreaks on the body. Claire suffers from fibromyalgia, a condition which causes long-term chronic pain and fatigue. Getting off cigarettes was more than just preference, it was vital for her health. “I started vaping partially because I was a smoker, but also because of my condition. Doctors usually offer things like morphine. I’m a mother and an activist, I do campaigning for prison reform. I also do work for the Children’s Burns Trust. I need to be mobile, comfortable and active. Not sedated.” Claire soon found a better alternative. “Things changed when one doctor suggested CBD. The first I tried was from a company called Harmony. The effects were immediate and positive.” Claire soon took her newfound enthusiasm for vaping online, partaking in numerous groups. There she did her utmost to contribute, standing out among members and being made an admin. Inevitably, she ended up leading her own group, and her moniker – Lady 72 ISSUE 11 VAPOUROUND MAGAZINE Vaper, stuck. There are countless stories of vaping saving smokers from potential disaster. Lady Vaper’s members keep this in mind; they are a vibrant and passionate group, devoted to helping others. “We work hard to welcome people into the group and help them get a better vape. There are 80-150 active posts per day.” Lady Vaper also has an Instagram page with over 1,400 followers. Claire’s become a respected authority on online group management and growth, commended for being easy to work with. People seek out her help to increase followers. Claire doesn’t just know how to manage the group, but how to grow it. A generous spirit with a well-practiced philanthropic edge, Claire does this for good causes, such as the aforementioned Children’s Burns Trust. Lady Vaper hosts numerous events, such as raffles, open competitions, and even charity vape nights – in which members come together for cloud competitions and buy merchandise with the funds going to people in need. Claire was honoured to be recognised for her work at the Vapouround Awards – the shock still hasn’t quite set in. “I’m still in awe at how big it’s become, and so quickly! I’m just an ordinary vaper, I’m no businesswoman.” Claire proved it isn’t always about being a bigshot. She used the growing popularity and visibility of vaping to save not only her own health, but that of others. She truly deserves her place as Vaper of the Year.