What is your channel called and what is it about?

My channel is called urfavgirlyintoronto, which stands for “your favourite girl in Toronto.” I wanted a name that felt catchy, personal, and connected to the city I love. My channel is about exploring Toronto through food, culture, and adventure, while showing people how much diversity, history, and unique experiences the city really has.

When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?

I started my channel on January 30, 2025, and what motivated me in the beginning was my genuine love for Toronto. I’ve always believed the city has so much culture, food, and diversity to offer. Starting this page never felt like I was pretending to be someone I wasn’t, because the things I share are things I was already doing in my everyday life. Exploring, trying new foods, and going on adventures has always been a part of who I am. My family and friends had encouraged me for a long time to start creating content, but I never really knew what I wanted to focus on. In many ways, 2025 became a year of self-discovery for me, where I began to find my niche and better understand the kind of content I wanted to create.

Who were you inspired by? Any influences?

I’ve always been inspired by my dad. He was the real foodie in my life, from owning a restaurant in the Beaches to constantly introducing me to new cuisines and experiences growing up. The curiosity and love for food that he passed on to me stayed with me over the years and naturally became a big part of who I am. As I got older, I continued to immerse myself in different cultures, flavours, and experiences, and what started as a hobby eventually grew into a genuine passion.

How would you describe your audience?

I’d say my audience really appreciates honesty. They want the real truth from me, whether a place is actually good or not, and I never want to lie about a spot just because it’s a collab. I know better than that, and I value the trust I’ve built with them. I can also tell they’re real foodies because they’re always sending me recommendations for places I need to try, and I love that because it makes my content feel like a real connection.

What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?

My creative process usually starts with what genuinely interests me. A lot of the time, I’m already out exploring, trying new places, or hearing about spots through friends, family, or my audience, so the ideas come pretty naturally. When I find somewhere that looks interesting, I like to experience it for myself first and then think about how I want to capture it in a way that feels real and engaging. I always want my content to reflect my honest experience, so I focus on making it feel authentic rather than overly planned or forced. The people who work with me are my sisters, Ashiga and Amsari, and my best friend, T. They play a big part in my creative process because they’re always on the lookout for cool things happening around the city. A lot of the time, they’ll point out places they’re genuinely interested in trying, food cravings they have, or just fun ideas for what we should do that day. Because of that, the content feels very natural and collaborative, and it usually starts from real interests and real experiences.

How do you monetise your content? Do you also have another job?

Right now, content creation is more of a side passion for me than my full-time job. I’m still a student, and I also work at TPL, so I’m balancing all of that while building myself as a part-time content creator. In terms of monetizing my content, it mainly comes through opportunities that grow from my platform, but at this stage, I’m still focused on growing my page, staying consistent, and creating content that feels authentic to me. Since I’m juggling school, work, and content creation, it definitely takes balance, but it’s something I genuinely enjoy.

What is your favourite piece of content you have created?

I really loved creating this content because it was a raw, authentic moment. Rather than picture-perfect content!

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSuTryPEM/

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part of what I do is getting to film and fully engage in the experience at the same time. I love being out, trying new things, and creating content around moments that I’m genuinely enjoying. It makes the process exciting because I’m sharing real experiences that I already love being a part of.

The worst part is that sometimes it can take away from being fully in the moment. Unfortunately, the camera eats first, and that’s just part of content creation. There are times when I get frustrated trying to get the right angles or making sure everything looks good, and in those moments, it can feel like I’m focusing more on capturing the experience than just living it.

What are your future plans for your channel?

My future plans for my channel are to keep growing it in a way that feels authentic to me. I want to continue showcasing Toronto through food, culture, and unique experiences, but on a bigger scale. I also hope to work with more brands, build more opportunities through my content, and keep expanding my audience while staying true to the honesty and personality that made people connect with me in the first place. Overall, I want my channel to become a bigger platform that not only highlights the city but also reflects my growth as a creator.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | TikTok

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?

Another Canadian content creator that I love watching is @eatwithana.to on TikTok!

The post My Digital Life: Content Creator Maliga appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Keeta is a thinker. While the hustle of shelter’s hallways can make her a bit impatient to get to the “good stuff,” once she hits the grass, her true colours shine. She is a world-class sniffer, a ball enthusiast, and a champion at checking in with her handler.

Why Keeta is the Best Partner: She is eager to please: A clicker-training superstar! She’s so focused that she’ll often offer a “sit” before you even ask. Once she’s in her element, like a quiet park or the Bayview fields, she settles into a lovely loose-leash walk. And she’s very toy motivated: Got a ball? You’ve got a friend for life. Carrying a toy even helps her stay grounded when she’s feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Keeta’s Ideal Match: Keeta is looking for an adopter who appreciates her intelligence. Her perfect match includes someone able to help her if she gets excited about things like leaving the house. She would really benefit from a partner to help her practice calm exits with high-value treats. She also seems to thrive when she knows what’s expected. Continuing some focus games like “1-2-3” will help her navigate Toronto streets with confidence.

Keeta is a resilient, smiling girl who just wants to be your star pupil. If you’re ready for a devoted trail companion, Keeta is waiting for you!

Keeta

Breed: Mixed Breed, Large (over 44 lbs fully grown), Mix

Age: 2 years

Sex: Female

Size: L

Colour: Black / White

Spayed/Neutered: Yes

For Toronto Humane Society’s complete adoption process, please click here to learn more about how you can make this companion, a forever friend!

About this column:

Each week we feature animals available for adoption from local shelters in the Toronto area with the hopes that our readers will assist in finding good homes for them. If you, or someone you know, has the resources to take care of one of these animals, please do get in touch with the appropriate shelter via the links provided.

The post Keeta the dog is looking for a new home in the Toronto area appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Once Dottie feels comfortable, she reveals herself to be a world-class snuggler with a penchant for affection. She has a wonderful way of leaning into head rubs and will often roll onto her side or even upside down to ensure every spot is perfectly petted. Her purr is a constant, rhythmic thank you that fills the room with a sense of peace. She is a master of the slow stretch, often lounging right next to her favourite people to enjoy a long brushing session or a quiet moment of companionship.

Playtime with Dottie is a charming and low-key affair. While she might not be the type to leap after every wand toy, she finds great joy in the simple things, like batting around a small red ball or engaging in a spirited session with some fresh catnip. Seeing her roll around happily in a pile of catnip is a sure sign that she has found her groove. She is an expert at the art of relaxation and would thrive in a home that celebrates her mellow energy and gentle spirit.

Dottie is looking for a patient and loving environment where she can continue to show off her sweet personality. She is a refined lady who prefers soft speeches and gentle touches over a fast-paced lifestyle. In exchange for a little time and a lot of love, Dottie promises to be a loyal, purring presence who will fill your days with quiet joy and plenty of shelf-side cuddles. She is a truly special companion waiting for the right person to share her gentle world with.

Dottie

Breed: Domestic Shorthair, Mix

Age: 3 years

Sex: Female

Size: M

Colour: Black

Spayed/Neutered: Yes

For Toronto Humane Society’s complete adoption process, please click here to learn more about how you can make this companion, a forever friend!

About this column:

Each week we feature animals available for adoption from local shelters in the Toronto area with the hopes that our readers will assist in finding good homes for them. If you, or someone you know, has the resources to take care of one of these animals, please do get in touch with the appropriate shelter via the links provided.

The post Dottie the cat is looking for a new home in the Toronto area appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

How would you describe your comedy style?

Old School Authentic, Unfiltered and Honest

Who are some of your influences?

Redd Fox, Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle

Who was your favourite comedian growing up?

Eddie Murphy

Who is your favourite comedian now?

Dave Chappelle

What is your pre-show ritual?

I show up early, smoke some weed, and just hang out and catch the Vibe of the Room.

What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?

Outside of The Corner Comedy Club in Toronto, thats My Home Base.

The Porcupine Dante Club in Timmins has been one of my favourite places to have performed.

I performed my first 25 min set for a Crowd of 400 people and had the whole room laughing from beginning to end.

What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?

I’m Really Proud of my joke about being a Proud Father Of A Gay Kid.

As well as being able to be Open, Honest and Authentic, it’s a joke that seems to hit without harm.

What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?

Going to Clubs and Open Mics is always a great way to catch new Comics.

Tell us a joke about your city.

Toronto has it all, from Legal Weed on every corner, at least 5 different kinds of pink eye and a Hockey Team that’s been practicing social distancing with the Stanley Cup

Where can we follow you? 

Instagram | Facebook

PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?

Ben Albert, Gee Gateegah, Harvasp Katow, Alex DeWitt, Hannah Veldhoen

The post Tragedy Plus Time: Comedian David Sealy appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Beyond just sharing aesthetic content, Albane envisions her platform as a space where people can come to feel inspired, connected and included. She is passionate about bringing people together through shared experiences, whether it be discovering a new spot to take pictures, stumbling upon a cute new coffee shop, exploring a city, or simply finding the beauty of everyday life. Albane strives to create a community that can feel like a close knit group of friends, sharing each other’s favourite things, as opposed to just a “following”. As if you were to be living the experiences in real time.

This all began with a simple post about places in Toronto she kept going back to. Having grown up in Toronto almost all her life, after moving when she was only 5 years old, Albane has always loved going to explore places in Toronto. She would share those discoveries in the form of story posts on her Instagram. What started as a personal collection of her favourite spots quickly resonated with others, evolving into a series that encouraged conversation, recommendations and shared experiences.

What is your channel called and what is it about?

My channel is called itsalbane. I like to think of my content as reading through my personal diary. It is a glimpse into all my favourite places, the outfits that make me feel my best self, and small moments from my everyday life. I document everything, whether it be sharing places I have been, an event I attended, what I might think of a new food spot, and much more. My focus is to capture experiences in a way that feels genuine and true to me. I want people to feel as though they’re right by me, discovering these moments, rather than me simply sharing them. Being in my mid 20s, this is THE time where I can fully embrace spontaneity and do things “for the plot”, saying yes to new experiences, all while documenting everything along the way.

When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?

I started sharing pictures on Instagram casually, during high school and university, posting here and there without thinking much about it. It wasn’t until 2021, when I moved into my own apartment, that I started taking content creation more seriously. At the time, I was balancing work while creating content on the side, focusing mainly on fashion, especially curated outfit pictures taken in different locations. Putting together cute outfits for people to see and being able to work with different brands became a strong source of motivation for me. It wasn’t until recently, in January 2026, that I really thought about what I wanted my content to represent. A month later, I took a leap of faith and created my post “places in Toronto I keep going back to”, which marked a turning point in my content. That moment helped shape the direction of my platform, shifting it toward a more lifestyle-driven, experience-based content, all while keeping my fashion content. What motivates me now is being able to see people respond to my content. When I read people’s comments saying that something I shared helped them discover a new place, or that they found a spot they really enjoy due to my recommendation, it makes everything feel very meaningful. Knowing my content can have that kind of impact is surreal.

Who were you inspired by? Any influences?

I have always been drawn to the idea of creating content that people would genuinely enjoy, all while building something for myself for the long run. Rather than being inspired by one specific person, I found inspiration from various fashion and lifestyle creators whose platforms made me realize what was possible! I draw a lot of my fashion inspiration from films, such as The Devil Wears Prada and Confessions of a Shopaholic. I have watched both countless times, and they have definitely shaped my love for styling, storytelling and the way I can express myself. My dream has always been to work at a fashion magazine or a marketing firm, which naturally led me to start creating content that feels editorial and curated, almost like building my own digital magazine.

How would you describe your audience?

My audience is primarily women in their 20s and 30s, who love fashion, lifestyle and travel content. A large portion of my audience is based in Toronto, which makes sharing local spots and recommendations quite meaningful, as they can experience it firsthand.

What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?

My creative process starts out with a single idea, something I feel is missing or would personally look for on social media. For example, in the post “5 iconic doors in Toronto for your next photoshoot”, I focused on something simple but specific, which was to find and share some cute, photograph-worthy doors around the city. I hadn’t really seen anything of that sort, but knew that it would have been something I would have found useful myself. From there, I do research, using tools such as Google Maps to plan locations and scope out areas. Once I have taken my pictures, I edit everything together in a cohesive way in order to tell a story. At this moment, I manage every part of the process myself, from the photography and editing aspect to brand outreach.

How do you monetise your content? Do you also have another job?

I monetise my content through brand partnerships, sponsored posts and UGC. At this time, I am balancing working a full-time job and doing content. Some days may be tough, but thinking of what I can build for myself helps me stay focused and motivated.

What is your favourite piece of content you have created?

I have created several pieces of content I adore, but these have to be my favourites:

5 iconic doors in Toronto | Places in Toronto I keep going back to | Come with me to a Samsung event

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is being able to be fully myself creatively while building a community of people who connect genuinely with the things I adore. Being able to work with various different brands, especially those that I have admired since I was younger, is a dream come true. The most challenging part is maintaining consistency and staying on top of things while balancing a full-time job alongside content creation. It may get hard, but I always remember why I started. I am doing this for my younger self, the version of me who would have been so excited to see where I am today. This is the perspective that keeps me motivated to continue.

What are your future plans for your channel?

A: I plan to continue posting Toronto guides, while starting to introduce guides for cities nearby, such as Burlington, Hamilton, Guelph, etc… As my social media grows, I’d love the opportunity to work with more fashion brands and further explore travel content opportunities. Ultimately, I want to keep creating curated lifestyle content that people can turn to for inspiration, wherever in the world I may be. Rather than looking for new places to explore or outfit ideas, I want to be there for my new internet friends.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | TikTok

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?

Jassy

The post My Digital Life: Content Creator Albane Vermande appeared first on Toronto Guardian.