For her followers (and there are over 1.7 million of them on social media), she is an actress, an influencer, a taste maker and a model. That last bit is something Miriam feels very strongly about and thinks about every time she makes a video.

“I feel like the last two months have been particularly difficult for the teenagers and children because there is a lot of uncertainty for them. I know it’s like that for everyone, but I think it’s been particularly hard for them. When I was young I was very stressed about the future and all that putting a lot of pressure on myself to get high marks in school. I always wanted to be a vet and needed really good marks to get this course. When I look back now I can see that I used to put so much pressure on myself at such a young age and I don’t think it’s worth it. At the end of the day, you can only do your best at what you do. I lecture in schools and talk about it and talk a little bit about bullying and things like that.

“I really like it because I feel like they listen to me more than their teachers and it’s nice to be able to answer their questions.

“I always have young fans in my head and I try not to curse when I create my content. I mean people swear in their content but personally I just think it’s best not to. because I love being PG. Actually I’m a little pissed off about it, to be honest. People say, oh you act like a kid, but I dunno, everyone swears here and there but constantly be vulgar online is just a no to me. Brands won’t want to work with you, opportunities won’t present themselves. I sincerely think that’s why I got the opportunities that I have because I don’t like not swear and I do not like to talk about controversial topics.

“I give my opinion on things and stuff like that, but I think it’s really important to show kids and people that you don’t have to be vulgar to be successful. I just think it’s important, you know.

It is this attitude that has attracted so many Miriam fans, young and old; they have now reached a number that might seem daunting if you think about it.

“To be honest, I don’t really think much about it. When I see the number on the screen and it’s 1.7m, I’m like, oh my God, it’s been so crowded.

“I was at a TikTok event in UK about two months ago and it was actually very impressive to see how many people there knew who I was. Especially in UK it was crazy , but then you meet people and put it into perspective and actually, it’s awesome. It’s very rewarding, and it’s so nice that I can, I guess, make people smile.

With so many fans, it’s amazing how grounded Miriam is, but she has a tight circle of family and friends who are really important to her, especially when people are trying to film her or play soccer with her. local club, St Coleman’s in Shanagarry.

“I have a great group of friends. I am very normal. I play soccer and there have been times when I play a game where people have come to watch just because they know I’m there, and they recorded me playing, and made me TikToks when i play soccer and stuff.

“It touches me a bit. It really affected me last year. I would be very anxious while playing because I knew people were watching, but this year now I was like no. In fact, I just need to stop worrying and focus. You know what I mean, because at the end of the day it’s a team affair. It’s not about me at all, it’s about my team and the other team.

Another big fan of Miriam is Ryan Tubridy, and she made her first TV appearance in September on The Late Late Show, something that introduced her to a whole new audience.

“I basically got an email from the producer, just saying that they wanted to chat with me about how I grew up on TikTok. When I saw that the email was from The Late Late Show , I thought, oh my god this is crazy how can they even know who I am Myself and my manager Siobhan had a Zoom call with the producer and she just asked me a few questions. I didn’t hear anything from them for a week then got another call where she asked me more questions. At the end she said they might be interested in having me, but they weren’t sure when. They might have a niche coming up, but so as not to give me too much hope. So I thought that was it, that it wouldn’t happen.

“Then a week later I got an email saying they wanted to have me, but I was in the UK so I didn’t really see it. But I started getting all of these messages on Friday to congratulate myself and be excited to be on next week’s show! Ryan Tubridy had announced it at the end of the show. This week was crazy. It was all just the highlight of my year. It was such a great experience.

Without a doubt, a big part of Miriam’s charm is her content. She is always accessible and creates her videos from the real things that happen to her. She recently smashed the screen of her phone and had to have it fixed in Pair Mobile in Cork and she recreated it all in a video that was viewed over 147,000 and led to a partnership with the brand.

This video, like many of them, featured her Irish mum character and I was wondering what her own mum was doing with it.

“Honestly, I was a little worried when I first started doing this. Not that she cares what people think, but she’s your typical Irish mom. I was very worried when I started but she really loves them, she finds them very funny. I always tell her, mom, you are my inspiration. I use you as inspiration. She loves it then. Her head explodes, she is delighted!

Things have come a long way for the TikTok star since she moved. Tiaan, her South African boyfriend whom she met in Florida, has now moved to Ireland and the couple are living with their puppy Lucy. She has no plans to relocate again, although a visit to see friends in Boca Raton could be considered next summer.

For now, she’s looking forward to a family Christmas, something Tiaan, who’s in the car with Miriam, tells me he loves.

“This time of year in South Africa is summer, so where the Irish would sit around the table and be comfortable we would be outside in shorts and flip flops and having a barbecue or a braai. .

“I love it here, to be fair, because if you think of Christmas, you think of home, comfort and family. This is the part that I like; where we are here is very small compared to what I’m used to so I feel like everyone is so close and coming for Christmas and it’s absolutely brilliant.

Another thing Miriam is hoping for is some snow. Tiaan saw his first one earlier this year and “was like a kid, he was so excited.”

When I say goodbye, the couple go out for some groceries before heading home with their puppy and making dinner.

Miriam is Ireland’s most low-key social media superstar, which I guess is the secret to her success.