We caught up with Dev at a workshop she led for Google at the launch of their Pixel 9a phone, which boasts impressive AI features
Hi Dev! We’re hearing a lot about AI these days. Some are in awe, some are slightly hesitant about it. What’s your take on it, as someone creating content and working in a creative field?
I totally get why people have mixed feelings about AI! It’s new, and a big change always stirs things up. But from my perspective in the creative world, I see it as an incredible tool. It’s not here to replace creativity, but to support it. For me, AI is like having an extra set of hands when I’m brainstorming ideas, (I can get very overwhelmed and fall into a freeze sometimes) also planning content, or even analysing my progress to see what is working. It helps speed things up and sometimes gives me angles I wouldn’t have considered on my own. Creativity still comes from real life, I feel most creative in nature, on the treadmill or a sea swim. it still stems from my emotion, human connection and spontaneity. AI just helps bring those ideas to life more efficiently.
At a recent Google Pixel 9a workshop, you spoke about it as a tool that can enhance what people can do. How do you use it as a tool, and what are simple ways people can start to experiment with AI?
Exactly! It’s about enhancement, not replacement. I often use AI tools to organise my ideas, write captions and decide what captions to use on a post. If you’re just starting out, a simple way I like to explore AI is by using tools already in your phone, like Magic Eraser for photos or Gemini, Google’s AI assistant to talk out my voiceover ideas! You don’t need to be tech-y to use AI. Asking AI to help you plan a weekend trip, brainstorm a gift idea, or write a fun bio can be a fun way to start. It’s less about being perfect and more about seeing how it can make your life a bit easier or more creative.
With the advances in AI and it becoming more integrated in our devices, how do you find the balance between using it as an aid for lightbulb moments, and not as a crutch?
It’s definitely about balance. For me, I always come back to intention. If I use AI to refine something I already felt inspired by, it’s a win (or rewriting captions to meet briefs as I usually have a lot of grammar and spelling mistakes). But if I catch myself reaching for it before I’ve even thought about what I want to say or create, I pause. I remind myself that the original spark, my voice, my style, my why: should lead. If I become dependent on it, it’s not fun, I’m not being creative and that is where I feel most me, I get excited and happily lost in the making of content. AI is amazing for polishing and pushing ideas forward, but the soul of the content still has to come from me.
Over 100,000 people follow your adventures on Instagram and TikTok, which often showcase the best travel spots and activities across Ireland. You capture beautiful content on your phone. What is your advice for people who want to improve how they capture these kinds of memories? Are there any hacks or apps you can share that offer a helping hand?
Don’t overthink it! Beautiful moments are happening around you all the time. It’s more about how you see them than what gear you have. I shoot all of my content on my phone, and one of my biggest tips is to shoot intentionally; believe me you’ll get overwhelmed by too much footage to edit and then never edit the video at all. I love using Google Photos for quick edits, and apps like CapCut or InShot for easy video trimming. Also, don’t underestimate the power of natural light and good audio! Also, grab the mini mics, have fun, don’t be shy to be yourself; think of the content you consume/enjoy. What’s it like, who are they, how much of themselves do they share? Why do you watch them? Knowing what makes you happy to consume is a good starting point. And if you’re shy on camera, remember, you don’t need to speak to the lens to tell a story. Let the visuals and music do the talking and you could even do a voiceover.
What does a day in the life look like for you, or is every day different?
Haha I wish I had a normal answer! No two days are the same, and I love that. Some days I’m up at 5am for a sunrise swim before I go to work at the gym, then an event, or meeting, or fun new activity! Others I’m glued to my laptop planning content, editing, replying to emails or prepping for a group trip. Or, it could be a day of never leaving my bed (I have chronic fatigue syndrome so I have to be mindful of that). I try to keep some structure: coffee, sea swims, yoga and to-do lists, but honestly, I thrive in the mix of chaos and creativity. It keeps things exciting, and it reminds me that even the admin bits are part of building a life I love. (Plus I’m a huge nerd so spreadsheets and numbers do make me happy!)
You also organise group trips and getaways for women who meet as strangers and leave as friends. What is the impact of bringing online followers into real life, and encouraging ourselves and others to have hobbies and try new things?
Aw, I feel like this is the whole point; this is my favourite part of my job! There’s something really special about turning digital connections into real ones. I started by hosting sea swims meetups with a friend Tony at Seapoint in Dublin, then it grew legs and I started hosting these trips to create safe, uplifting spaces for women to explore, unplug, and just be. And what I’ve seen is beautiful! Women who were nervous to come alone end up bonding over shared stories, fears, dreams, breakdowns, breakups (there’s a lot to get through) and leave with genuine friendships. In a world that we can feel disconnected from, these trips are a reminder that adventure, community, and growth are still possible. It’s never too late to try something new or say yes to an experience that might change you.
You might feel alone but maybe you just haven’t found the right people yet. Ireland was voted one of the loneliest places to live in Europe. That statistic broke my heart but also made me feel seen after I’d moved to Dublin. I’ve never felt so alone than at that point in my 20s. Post college, new city, new job, no close friends. I really felt isolated, like no one really understood me! Seeing this statistic made me realise, I wasn’t alone in feeling lonely! So, I made it my mission to do something about it. Now, I have brought groups of women skiing in Bulgaria, canyoneering in the Philippines, swimming with Mantas in the Maldives, and walking hundreds of kilometres along the Camino in Spain. I never want to stop! I never want to do anything else. I want to be a voice for someone who sits alone in the corner, feeling like they will never fit in. I want to be a space where they can always feel welcome, because we’ve all felt that and as a human all we really want is a connection.
If you are intrigued by AI tools on your phone, Nano Banana on Gemini, can help with your costume planning process, allowing you to virtually try on costumes or spookify images with a few tap – ideal for those looking for last-minute inspiration. As for Google Search Trends, it seems some things never change. ‘How to make ghost costume for kids’ is the most searched ‘How to Make’ costume question; when in doubt, get the bed sheets out.
For more thoughts on AI, plus interviews with girls and women making strides in STEM, pick up the November issue of Irish Country Magazine.
