Laois TikTok star opens up about bullying

A Laois TikTok star has opened up about how bullying in her teenage years has impacted her confidence later in life. 

Portarlington's Andrea Woods shared an  emotional and deeply personal talk at the Midlands’ first-ever TEDx event last Thursday, sharing her journey from a bullied teenager to one of Ireland’s most recognisable digital creators.

Speaking at TEDxAthlone in the Dean Crowe Theatre, Andrea spoke about that difficult years in school  — including a traumatic sleepover incident that left a lasting impact on her confidence.

“I wasn’t academic, and I didn’t fit in,” she told the audience. “I was told I wasn’t good enough — and I believed that.”
Her talk, titled Rising to Success, explored the long-term effects of self-doubt and the moment she decided to reclaim her own narrative.

“I am not a character in someone else’s story. I want to live my own story,” she said. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Speakers at TEDxAthlone pictured on stage at the Dean Crowe Theatre - Dr Aoife Lane, Ciaran Mullooly, Dr Niamh Hynes, Andrea Woods, Ashley McDonnell, Gareth Sheridan, Barbara Quinn, Ray Bell and Dave Duke. Photo: Paulina Kusa

Andrea  encouraged the audience to challenge negative self-perceptions and redefine success on their own terms, reminding them that “you are worthy, you are loved and you have the ability to succeed as much as anyone else.”

Today, the Laois online sensation has built a platform of more than 400,000 followers across social media, earning national recognition for her comedic and authentic storytelling. In 2025, she was named Comedy InstaStar of the Year at the STELLAR InstaStar Awards.

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Reflecting on the transformation in her life, Andrea credited self-belief and authenticity as the foundations of her success.

“I truly believe I’m standing here because I remained true to who I am,” she said.

TEDxAthlone marked the first time a TEDx platform has been hosted in the Midlands, bringing together speakers from across politics, media, medicine, technology and the creative industries under the theme The Ripple Effect.

Lead organiser Orla Thornton, who is also Director of Marketing & Communications at TUS Athlone, said the inclusion of voices like Woods’ reflected the event’s aim to create space for meaningful conversations rooted in lived experience.

“TEDxAthlone was about building confidence in what this region can achieve and creating a platform for stories that resonate beyond the stage,” she said.

Organisers have confirmed that discussions are already underway to build on the success of the inaugural event in the years ahead.

For further information, visit @TEDxAthlone on Instagram.