Living Locust is an online community dedicated to the residents of Locust, North Carolina. We spotlight local businesses, shops, restaurants, and events to showcase the vibrant spirit of our town. In just a few years, our community has flourished, amassing over 4,000 followers on Instagram and more than 8,000 on Facebook—surpassing the town's population. Both locals and visitors rely on our Instagram for the latest updates and happenings in Locust. We invite you to feature your business, event, or services with us. Pricing and membership information can be found below.

Who we are

Hello, I'm Liz, the person behind Living Locust.

Growing up in eastern North Carolina, particularly around Wilmington and Topsail Island, I moved frequently and never had the stability of a true hometown. By the time I graduated high school in 2009, I had moved 25 times. This experience made me determined to provide my children with the stability and security of a rooted community.

In May 2013, I moved to Locust and have been here ever since. I've met many wonderful people, formed amazing friendships, and truly feel at home in Locust.

As Locust rapidly grew, I noticed an increasing number of new businesses and family-friendly events hosted by the city. I often found myself searching online for upcoming events and new local businesses. Recognizing the need for a centralized source of information, I launched "What’s up, Locust" on Instagram in 2019.

The Instagram account quickly gained popularity, providing residents with valuable information about our small town. I expanded to Facebook and rebranded as "Living Locust" to distinguish the account from similar groups. Today, Living Locust boasts over 4,000 Instagram followers and 8,000 Facebook followers in a town of fewer than 5,000 people. These numbers are a testament to the community’s engagement and the value of the information shared.

Over the past five years, I've had the privilege of getting to know numerous small business owners, witnessing the dedication and effort involved in starting and growing a business. I’ve spent countless hours posting, sharing, promoting, and praying for the success of these businesses.

As I transition into a new phase of Living Locust, I want to share more about myself. I'm 33 years old, married to my best friend, and we have three beautiful daughters, aged 14, 2, and 1. I am a registered nurse and have spent the past six years working in critical care at Matthews Medical Center. In April, I left my job to prioritize my young children and explore the next steps for Living Locust.

I feel a strong calling to take a leap of faith and believe in the skills and talents I’ve developed in social media marketing. Living Locust has always been a passion project, but it demands significant time and effort. To continue providing consistent advertising and support, I am transitioning Living Locust into a membership-based program.

I hope to continue working with each of you to help your business grow and thrive while keeping our community informed. If this new direction doesn't align with your current needs, there are no hard feelings, and you are always welcome to join when the time feels right for you.

Thank you for your support and the opportunity to serve our community.

Our Services

  • STANDARD MEMBERSHIP

    Our standard membership includes sharing the content your business is already posting on Living Locust’s Instagram and Facebook stories 3-4 times a week, depending on your account's activity. This ensures a consistent and reliable approach to maintain your business presence with the community. We will add graphics, music & links to our stories for increased engagement.

    $20 monthly or $220 annually

  • PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP

    The premium membership includes everything in the standard membership, plus 1-2 posts per month directly on the Living Locust Instagram and Facebook pages. We will use content from your accounts to create personalized posts for the Living Locust social media platforms, allowing your business to be highlighted directly on our page as well as our stories.

    $40 monthly or $450 annually

  • SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

    Customized packages are available for complete management of your social media accounts. Our services include content creation, graphic design, reel production, direct posting, responding to inquiries, and more. Pricing is based on your business needs and advertising goals.

    Custom Pricing

  • CUSTOM POST

    This option is for businesses not yet ready to commit to a membership but have a specific advertising need. It includes a one-time post directly on the Living Locust Facebook and Instagram pages. We'll create a custom graphic and caption tailored to your advertising goals.

    $25 per post

Ready to get started?

Ready to get started and join the Living Locust community? Sign up for one of our membership plans today and let us help your business shine! Whether you choose our Standard or Premium Membership, you’ll benefit from increased visibility and engagement on our popular social media platforms. Not ready for a full commitment? Our Custom Post option offers a one-time advertising boost tailored to your needs. Join us in supporting and growing our vibrant local community! Contact us now to begin your journey with Living Locust.