What is your channel called and what is it about?

My channel is my name Jaimie.Weisberg, a lifestyle creator, storyteller, and community builder with a network of over 1.7 million followers. I’m passionate about authenticity, self-expression, accessibility, and meaningful representation. My goal is to make my audience feel like they’re hanging out with their best friend through content that’s relatable, inclusive, and unapologetically real in a world that often tells us we don’t belong if we don’t meet this unrealistic standard that was never supposed to be attainable in the first place.

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

I started making content about six years ago, at the beginning of the pandemic, motivated by the hope that there was something more out there for me, the delusional idea that I could change the world. I had no idea what I was doing, no degree, no formal training, but I also had a dream: to share my story and help people feel less alone than I did growing up. Representation mattered to me, making people feel seen, no matter where they came from or what they looked like, and I often felt like an outsider.

I decided to take a big leap and dive in headfirst. I started by making videos in my driveway, sharing my mental health stories. Now, even though I might not be able to change the world, thanks to my incredible community believing in me when I couldn’t believe in myself, I’ve found the courage to chase big dreams and to show others that they can too.

Who were you inspired by? Any influences?

To be honest, I wasn’t really inspired by anyone; that’s actually what made me want to start this platform. I never felt represented and wanted to change the game when it comes to positive representation. Bigger bodies are often shown as the joke, the sidekick, or told they have to shrink in order to be seen or belong, and I got tired of it. Thinking about others who must have felt misunderstood or alone became a huge motivator for me to create something different and inclusive, a space where everyone could feel seen.

How would you describe your audience?

I have 1.7 million Besties who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. They are my biggest supporters and cheerleaders, and they’re the reason I haven’t given up. I can’t give up on the community that has given me so much; they’ve literally saved my life, and as cheesy as it sounds, I will be forever grateful. I also have some pretty dedicated “haters,” which, let’s be real, are just fans trying to hide it, but who are they really fooling? My audience, my corner of the internet, is special, and I’m so thankful they’re on this journey with me.

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

My creative process is anything less than chaotic. I try to speak from the heart, sharing my own lived experiences and channel my inner child of what would they need to see in order to feel like they are enough or to feel seen? It comes with no filter, and brutal honesty, it’s given me a great learning experience in captivating storytelling. I now focus on quality, knowing my community will always be there through every season I show up. I run, edit, create, market, and handle outreach myself, and I’ve become very selective about who I partner or align with. I can’t just settle for anyone. I’ve been burned in the past, so if I’m going to take on help or partnerships, we both have to align on the same goals and values.

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

This is my full-time job. I monetize my content through brand deals and app monetization programs like YouTube, Snapchat, and Facebook. I don’t have another job, but I know how important it is to diversify income and not put all your eggs in one basket. The creator economy is always changing, and making sure you have a stable income is necessary to keep up. Not everyone is in the one percent who can rely solely on content, and this is something I’m actively working on.

What is your favourite piece of content you have created?

My favourite piece of content I’ve created is my Doing It Scared series because I’m not joking when I say I’ve literally been scared of everything my entire life. I thought I couldn’t be alone in this, and even if I was, my Besties, my community, would have my back to face my fears with me. Little did I know, so many other people were feeling the same way: scared because of the shame others made them feel. If I could make even one person feel less alone, even if it was just me, my job was done. But so many people reached out to say they resonated with the series, and it gave me a huge amount of courage and motivation to keep going.

@jaimie.weisberg

Besties we’re doing it scared and going on vacation ☀️✈️ @Porter Airlines

♬ I Just Might – Bruno Mars

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

The best part of what I do is my community. I’m a very creative person, and getting to make and share videos sharing my life, my humour, and my experiences is my passion. Being able to inspire people, help them feel less alone, more confident, and empowered to tackle this sometimes very scary world is incredibly rewarding. It can be even more frightening when you feel like you have nobody there for you, and knowing my community is there makes everything worthwhile. I also get to attend amazing events, like movie premieres and beauty launches, which is incredible, but even without all that, this community is the best part of my job.

Of course, there are parts I don’t love. I’ve dealt with the entitlement of people who think they have a say in what I should be doing with my life, harassment, bullying, and the constant picking apart of everything I do while hiding behind a screen. The fact that people are now profiting off hating on others is something that is really screwed up and needs to be held accountable. This industry is unstable, with lots of ups and downs, and for someone who thrives on structure, I definitely picked the most unstructured career, but it’s worth it because of the people I get to connect with every day.

What are your future plans for your channel?

My future plans for this channel? World domination, just kidding, that sounds like way too much responsibility. I do have some things happening behind the scenes that I can’t talk about (because I’m the worst secret keeper ever), but there are dreams I’d like to execute when the time is right. I’d love to get more into the film and television space, maybe do some guest appearances, host more community-based events, and create even more positive representation than ever before. I would totally slay having my own TV show. Any producers reading this, my lines are open. You never know what’s going to happen, but I’m sure going to try.

Where can we follow you?

Follow me everywhere but home. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | Snapchat

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

I’m biased because I also call her a friend, but her name is That Girl Hannah, and she is truly an inspiration. She’s been sharing her journey with grief after losing her husband right before they were about to be married, and she’s a force to be reckoned with. Through it all, she continues to create community and show how to live life while grieving, sharing the most vulnerable parts of her experience. Watching her overcome one of the hardest times in her life and still find ways to keep moving forward is truly inspirational, and I’m so proud of how far she has come!

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

What is your channel called and what is it about?

My name is Eli (eli.alii on all platforms), and my content is all about exploring Toronto through my lens. From food spots and thrift finds to hidden gems and everyday experiences. I like showing both the fun and chaotic sides of city life in a way that people can actually connect with. Everything I share is rooted in my personality, so it feels real, relatable, and a little unfiltered.

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

Honestly, it goes back to around 2010, when I was watching creators like Superwoman and seeing how they could turn everyday moments into something entertaining and relatable. That really stuck with me.

I’ve always been posting on my Instagram stories – sharing little moments of my life in the city without even realizing it was the beginning of something bigger. I’ve always been a bubbly extrovert who loves making people laugh and putting my put my friends on hidden gems, for as long as I can remember.

At the start of 2025, I created my first vision board and put “content creator” on it — and that’s when things really shifted for me. I’ve always believed in manifesting whatever I wanted, whether it’s a new job or a travel opportunity; content creation was no different. I decided to take it seriously, and from there, it naturally started to grow into what it is today.

Who were you inspired by? Any influences?

This might sound corny, but I’m doing this for my future self. I owe it to myself to see this through and show up every day. There have been so many times in my life where I started something, gave up, and regretted it — and this chapter isn’t going to be one of them.
I’ve learned to tune out the noise and not let negativity get to me. If anything, it fuels me. It pushes me to be better and inspires me to prove to myself that I can actually make it. Even though I’m still a micro-influencer, the people around me and my community have been my biggest motivators and cheerleaders. Their constant support and encouragement are what keep me going — and honestly, without them, I might have given up.

How would you describe your audience?

My audience is primarily young adults who are navigating life in a big city [like Toronto]. They’re curious, social, and always looking for new experiences. whether that’s trying new restaurants, discovering hidden gems, or relating to everyday moments.

They gravitate toward content that feels real, unpolished, and authentic — like advice or recommendations coming from your home girl or your best friend. It’s personality-driven, honest, entertaining, and easy to connect with.

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

I’m a solo content creator at the moment, and my process is very instinctive. Most of my ideas come from real thoughts or moments — either something I want to vent about, a struggle I’m going through, or something I’ve discovered and feel like I need to put people on because they would genuinely love it.

From there, I focus on building a strong hook and turning that idea into content that feels natural, unpolished, and authentic. I don’t like overproducing — I want it to feel like you’re hearing something from your best friend, not watching something staged.

I handle everything myself, from ideation to filming and editing, which allows me to stay true to my voice. I also sometimes create content with my mom, which adds another layer of fun and personal element to what I do.

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

I’m currently in the early stages of monetizing my content, with a focus on building a strong and engaged community first. I’m intentional about growing my platform in a way that aligns with my style and audience, and I’m open to brand collaborations that feel authentic to my content.

Alongside content creation, I work full-time as a Project Coordinator, and balancing both has helped me stay consistent, disciplined, and strategic as I continue to grow my platform.

What is your favourite piece of content you have created?

Check it here!

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

The best part about what I do is being able to express myself freely and unapologetically, while also connecting with people who genuinely relate to my content. I’ve also built an amazing network and friendships with other content creators in Toronto, which has been such a rewarding part of the journey.

I love when people come up to me and tell me that my content resonated with them or which restaurants have become their go-to because of my recommendations. It makes everything feel meaningful.

The most challenging part is the unpredictability of social media. You can put a lot of effort into something and not always see immediate results – which can be discouraging. Even though I genuinely love creating content, things like finding motivation to edit or even dealing with limited storage can be frustrating at times.

But those small challenges have pushed me to build resilience, stay motivated, and keep showing up consistently regardless of the outcome.

What are your future plans for your channel?

My goal is to continue growing my platform into a strong, engaged community where people feel like they can relate, connect, and be part of something real. I want it to feel like a space where you can come for recommendations, honest opinions, and everyday moments — like you’re hearing it from a friend.

Long-term, I want to turn this into something I can do full-time and build a career out of it. A big part of my motivation is being able to support my family and eventually retire my parents — that’s something that really drives me to keep going and take this seriously.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | TikTok

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

@Getrealwithreish – I love her content, talking about women’s health and wellness

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

What is your channel called and what is it about?

It’s called MissFoodieTo, and it’s about covering fun vegetarian and vegan finds in the city and during travel. In addition to that, I love to share my life as a social worker, a 28-year-old in Toronto and things to do in the city!

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

I started around the end of 2019. I was sharing stories on my personal Instagram page of my food finds and restaurants I would visit. I genuinely just enjoyed seeking out new spots in Toronto; it was fun to see what vegetarian options there were. I was raised vegetarian in an Indian Hindu household, so I have never had meat in my life, so I truly wanted to find the best options out there. Eventually, sharing it on my personal page so often, my coworkers at my job at the time told me I should start a separate page to document it. I really didn’t think much of it. I thought I’d document for myself and my friends to find places to go eat. I had no idea Toronto had such great opportunities through social media and food. It kind of just went up from there.

Who were you inspired by? Any influences?

Definitely inspired by my Father. He’s a trained chef, has worked in different countries and of course in Toronto; he also has his own restaurant now. He has such a unique outlook on food and cooking; as such, growing up, I was taught so much about food in general that it made me curious to explore different cuisines and dishes myself.

How would you describe your audience?

My audience is extremely supportive, and I think they really do resonate with my content. I’ve had many people tell me they have struggled to travel to different countries, trying to navigate with their diet restrictions and found it super helpful hearing about my tips and recommendations. I share a lot about myself, being a vegetarian, and my boyfriend eats meat, so I try to find restaurants that have food options for both of us, and I get many couples messaging me saying, “Hey, my gf is vegetarian, and I want to find a good spot for both of us. What do you recommend?” I recently had someone tell me they proposed to their girlfriend in Busan, South Korea, and were using my restaurant recommendations for this trip. I really do love showing, as a South Asian female, where we are typically expected to work a traditional job and get married by our mid 20s, it’s totally possible to have the best of both worlds, having a professional career but also pursuing your passions, starting your own business and breaking barriers!

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

My boyfriend, Nithusan, really supported me throughout this journey. It really is difficult to do all of this on your own. I usually bounce ideas off of him; he helps me plan my content, build my calendar, discuss social media trends, and support with filming. I’ve also signed with a talent agency, Shine Talent, where I work with my talent manager, Max, and we discuss strategy, and I receive feedback on my content.

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

I monetize through brand deals. Typically, a brand will reach out and share a product they want me to promote, create a receipt for, or integrate into my usual content. Last year, I worked with McDonald’s twice, to launch their first-ever McVeggie in Canada. I supported them through their testing phase, then the actual permanent launch, where I got to shoot the ad at their headquarters, which was a surreal moment.

I do have another job as a Social Worker. I completed my Master’s of Social Work at the University of Toronto in 2022, and I currently still work in the field. I primarily work with children and families.

What is your favourite piece of content you have created?

My favourite piece of content recently was from my visit to South Korea, highlighting the vegetarian food in Seoul.

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

The best part is that I love that I can meet so many talented people in the creator space and learn from others. It’s really fun being able to dive into a whole different world outside of Social Work into Social Media, learn about brands, attend fun events, and see how product launches come into fruition. The worst part is probably the editing process — it can take quite a bit of time, especially coming back from a massive trip, you want to relax and get back into routine, but you also need to update your audience and keep up with the content, which can be stressful as someone who also works a 9-5. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything else because it’s really such a blessing to be in this creator world.

What are your future plans for your channel?

I’d love to integrate more of the wellness side of myself into my content. As someone who works in the mental health field, I am very passionate about health and wellness and how food plays a role as well. I think it would be great to share more with my audience, that side of me too. I also have plans to continue the travel content and highlight more spots in Asia, which has some of the best traditional vegetarian and vegan dishes that have been around for hundreds of years culturally, and people have no idea about. I’d love to share that with my audience, too.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

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

Big Belly Mel highlights black-owned restaurants in Toronto and educates her audience about the history of the dishes and racialized communities in Canada, which is extremely important to share.

The post My Digital Life: Content Creator Shriya Agnihotri of MissFoodieTO appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What started as student life videos at York University quickly grew into a full-circle journey—now collaborating with the same space that helped launch her. Inspired by early YouTube creators and iconic TV characters, Icess blends creativity, culture, and personality into content that feels both fun and real. Whether she’s sharing Filipino traditions, spotlighting local gems, or just living life with her closest people, her goal is simple: create a positive space where people can feel good, inspired, and seen. Ready to follow along?

What is your channel called and what is it about?

TikTok: @icessr and Instagram: @iamicess

My social media is honestly a mix of everything. I have many passions and hobbies, and I love to share every bit of it online. From “beauty and fashion” to “food and travel”, as well as sharing real moments from my relationships with family and friends. I sort of treat my social media like a digital diary, sharing every moment online, small and large.

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

I started using social media seriously while I was in University around 2023. I was able to grow my channel by sharing day-in-the-life content as a York University student. I also posted beauty, food, and other content, but my “student life” videos really took off. I’ve always enjoyed using social media, and I’ve loved entertaining since I was a little girl (i.e. singing, dancing, acting, arts, etc.), so I thought I’d give content creating a shot! It’s crazy to think that I started my channel while being a York student, and fast forward to 2026, I was able to partner with them on my social media! It was definitely a full-circle moment for me.

Who were you inspired by? Any influences?

I used to watch A LOT of YouTube back in elementary school. I actually had my own YouTube channel back then, where I’d post Q&As, trending challenges, and tons of my own music. It’s safe to say, I’ve always wanted to entertain, content creating just felt right. As a little girl, I was definitely inspired by the OG YouTubers of the 2010-2015 era. Think Bethany Mota and RCLBeauty. I came home from school every day and would just watch YouTube videos on my computer.

I’m also a huge TV & Film lover, so I get inspired by a lot of my favourite shows and movies. Characters like Charlotte York and Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, Marissa and Summer from The OC, Hannah Montana, and even the gals from Desperate Housewives. I love using fictional characters as inspiration for content. Whether it’s trying a recipe from my fav show or creating an outfit based on my fav character. I think TV & Film has a lot of inspiration to absorb when it comes to content, beauty, fashion, food, and just life

How would you describe your audience?

My audience is mostly Canadian as a lot of my content is surrounds “Canadian girl Life.” I love sharing videos about my fav spots in Toronto, or where to shop as a Canadian. That being said, a huge portion of my audience is Canadian.

I also happen to be Filipino-Canadian and love sharing videos about my culture, such as Filipino recipes, things I grew up on as a Filipina, etc. I was also Miss Manila in my early teen days, so I’ve been able to gain a Filipino audience (whom I love) from a very young age.

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

I’m signed with a content-creating agency, Shine Talent Agency, so yes, I do have a wonderful team of people who work with me! I’ve been signed with them since 2024, and they help with reviewing contracts, going back and forth with brands on my behalf, negotiating, and lots more. I also have to give credit to my family and wonderful fiancé. They put up with my shenanigans and always help me film content when I need the extra hands. My partner actually taught me how to edit my videos when I first started, and he’s been helping me film since day one.

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

The way I make money from content creating is through brand deals. I’ve worked with popular household name brands such as McDonald’s, Dove, L’Oreal, Xbox, Squishmallows, and many more. It’s a great experience being able to work with companies that I grew up loving.

As for other jobs, I am also an actor and model. My most recent credit was my spot in Netflix’s TV show Wayward in Season 1, episode 6. I’ve modelled for brands like Eucerin, Shoppers DrugMart, and SoftMoc.

What is your favourite piece of content you have created?

I seriously do not have a favourite piece of content, I mean, I have over a thousand videos on my page, so it’s hard to choose just one! But I could definitely tell you that my top three favourite TYPES of videos to make are food videos, vlogs, and travel content.

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

My favourite part about my job is being able to connect with so many great people online. I try to treat my page as a safe space, keeping it PG and spreading as much positivity as I can. In a world filled with so much hate and negativity, I hope my social media can be a place for people to relax, enjoy my videos, and feel refreshed afterwards. I also have a real love for showcasing my favourite spots around Canada. I’ve been able to spotlight so many small businesses and give them the spotlight they deserve! Whether it’s my favourite bakery to pick up pastries or my go-to burger spot, I love supporting small businesses and spreading the love. As for the worst part, I think any content creator would say that the hate comments can sometimes get to your head. But I’ve learned to read my comment section as minimally as possible.

What are your future plans for your channel?

Right now, I have my own food brand in the works, which I cannot wait to share with the world. It’s something I’ve been working on for quite some time. As for my socials, I hope more wonderful people find my videos and enjoy them! You can expect to see more travel adventures, wedding planning, food taste testing, and every real and raw part of my real life!

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | TikTok

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

Fernanda Ramirez is one of my fav Canadian creators! She’s from Vancouver and posts the most aesthetic lifestyle content

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

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.