We live where there is always quick scrolls and fleeting clicks but Kelsey Russell, fondly known as the “Print Princess,” is carving a unique path to inspire young adults and the broader Gen Z demographic to rekindle their interest in print media. With a BA and MA in Sociology and Education and over three years of experience building a vibrant TikTok audience of over 100,000, Kelsey is reshaping the way media literacy is perceived and consumed. Her journey, sparked by a personal quest for knowledge and a love of tradition, is a masterclass in merging nostalgia with digital savviness to make media literacy accessible and engaging for a generation raised in the digital age.
Finding Inspiration in Print
The spark behind Kelsey’s journey began with an ordinary yet powerful realization. During graduate school, she noticed how conversations on current events felt intimidating and far removed from the content typically found on her social media feeds. “I’d find myself at dinner tables and happy hours unsure about the news and hesitant to speak up,” Kelsey recalls. She took a step back and examined her own media consumption patterns, only to realize that her primary news source was her phone—a social media feed filled with fleeting headlines and hot takes.
Determined to deepen her understanding of current events, Kelsey turned to a traditional source she’d grown up with: the newspaper. With this pivot, she found herself not only more informed but also enjoying the ritual of reading, something that felt grounding and real. What began as a personal choice soon became a journey she decided to share with her followers. Leveraging her existing TikTok platform of about 40,000 followers, she started to document her learnings and thoughts on print media. “The response was incredible—people were intrigued by this ‘old-school’ way of keeping up with the news,” she says.
Turning Curiosity into a Calling
Kelsey’s knack for making print media appealing has made her a valuable asset for brands looking to connect with Gen Z audiences in unconventional ways. Brands looking to bridge the gap between nostalgia and novelty have found in Kelsey a powerful partner to translate their messages in ways that resonate. “What I bring to the table is a perspective rooted in curiosity, nostalgia, and education. I aim to make news something that young people feel empowered by, not overwhelmed by,” Kelsey shares. Her work exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to media literacy, drawing on her academic background in sociology and education and her entrepreneurial family roots.
Challenges and Triumphs on the Road to Influence
While Kelsey’s journey sounds seamless, it has been filled with its own set of challenges, the biggest being engagement. “Social media engagement can be fickle. It’s one thing to get someone to click on a funny video; it’s another to make them stay and care about news,” Kelsey explains. Additionally, as a young influencer advocating for media literacy, she often finds herself navigating a landscape that can sometimes feel dismissive of her age and her content. However, Kelsey has never shied away from asking for guidance. “My network has been my lifeline. I’m fortunate to have mentors who remind me of the value I bring and offer advice on navigating this space.”
Moreover, her ability to grow from these obstacles has only solidified her voice in the industry. Kelsey’s career highlights are a testament to her impact; from earning the prestigious Posse Foundation Scholarship to being featured on platforms like the Drew Barrymore Show and Slate, her reach and reputation as the “Print Princess” continue to grow.
The Print Princess’s Vision for Media Literacy
Kelsey’s unique perspective sets her apart from other influencers in the media space. Hailing from a family of educators and entrepreneurs, she combines the analytical rigor of academia with the practical know-how of business. Her approach is not just about bringing news to a screen—it’s about bringing value to her audience by challenging them to think critically, ask questions, and engage with the world around them.
“I want to show that media literacy is essential, and it can be fun,” Kelsey explains. Her vision extends beyond just influencing. She aspires to eventually work on the “brand side” of the industry, helping organizations build meaningful relationships with influencers. With a long-term goal of pursuing a PhD, Kelsey envisions a future where she can serve as a bridge between academic understanding and real-world application of media literacy.
Why Small Businesses Should Tune into the Print Princess
For small businesses aiming to engage with Gen Z, Kelsey Russell offers a unique opportunity. Her commitment to print media isn’t just nostalgic; it’s an effective strategy that has proven to engage younger audiences in ways that are both meaningful and memorable. She brings her followers back to a tangible experience that’s increasingly rare today, which is why businesses see value in her approach.
With past brand collaborations and partnerships, Kelsey has proven her capacity to drive engagement that feels authentic and lasting. She understands what it takes to capture attention in a crowded space and make it stick. By working with Kelsey, brands aren’t just tapping into her audience—they’re gaining access to an influencer who can make their message resonate in a way that feels both novel and trusted.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Looking ahead, the Print Princess has ambitious plans for the next chapter of her career. Her vision is clear: a future that blends her influencer expertise with a deep commitment to advancing media literacy. In a digital landscape that’s constantly shifting, Kelsey Russell is a breath of fresh air, advocating for a slower, more intentional way of consuming news.
For brands seeking to bridge the gap with a younger demographic through a timeless medium, Kelsey Russell is a beacon of opportunity. As she continues to grow her influence, she reminds us all of the enduring power of print—and the possibility that the future of news may well rest in the hands of the Print Princess herself.
Connect with Kelsey Russell:
Where the speed of information can feel overwhelming, Kelsey Russell offers a pause—a chance to reconnect with the news in a way that feels meaningful, approachable, and refreshingly analog. Her work as the “Print Princess” is an invitation to rediscover the joy of staying informed.
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