Instagram-famous 67-year-old from Albion invited to White House
ALBION, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A retired teacher in Albion was recently invited to The White House.
"When I got the invitation, I was utterly shocked. I thought it was a scam," said Diane Shiffer. "I'm just this chubby, little old lady, living in my little old house, in a little town."
Shiffer is 67 years old and a mom of five. The reason why she was invited to The White House might surprise you.
Shiffer's approaching one million followers on Instagram and TikTok.
"I'm on the verge of tears when I talk about this, but they are so kind. The followers are so kind and so supportive," she said.
Her content often consists of her day, her life and vintage fashion. She said she doesn't know why she's so popular on social media.
"I truly don't know," Shiffer said. "I had someone years ago say everyone really likes you. I was like, I know, and I don't know why. I'm humbled and grateful for that."
Shiffer said each video, or Reel as they're called on Instagram, takes anywhere from 20 to 30 hours to write, shoot and edit. She does it all without anyone's help.
Shiffer has been approached by agents and offered book deals. She said she has declined those offers. In fact, many assume she's cashing in on her content -- but she's not. Last month she says she made about 28 dollars from her account.
She says she's not here to make money.
"It's my art," Shiffer said.
She's using her art to spread what she said is the most important message of all.
"I can be kind. So, I leaned into that. That's what people responded to," she said.
You can follow Shiffer's Instagram @shifferdiane or her TikTok @YourChubbyVintageNana.
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Ali Touhey is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2023. View more of her work here.