Howdy friends! My name is Jessica and I am a #paid Editorial Team Member and the blogger behind Diary of a Toronto Girl, a Toronto-based lifestyle blog. I’ve been blogging for three years.

I’ve always been fascinated with social media but I never thought it would become my workplace. Growing up, I wanted to be an author or a film editor-you know, the more “traditional” creative jobs. However, while in university, I had several social media internships and after university, I worked at a social media agency as a content creator. Now? I blog and create my own content full-time.

Below is one of my proudest pieces of content to date. I originally wanted to get this shot on Sugar Beach or by the “Toronto” sign installation near HTO Park, but we ended up shooting inside HTO Park and it turned out exactly how I envisioned.

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Who is your favorite creator?

My favorite creator of all time is Claire Marshall. I’ve watched her videos religiously for years and have seen each of her NYFW 2014 vlogs at least a dozen times. She’s the big sister I’ve always wanted and I still admire her today.

Did your upbringing shape who you are today?

I am very fortunate to have parents who encouraged me to chase my dreams and do what I love-not all Asian parents are so open. They both worked extremely hard to be where they are today which has shown me that the harder you work, the bigger and better the outcomes.

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It’s hard to make it in this industry, what drives you to continue doing it?

As oversaturated as the creator industry may seem, I believe there is space for everyone. Everyone has their own audience and their own unique vision, and there are plenty of brands out there to work with. At times it may feel like you’ll never get to the point where you feel like you’ve “made it”, but as long as you work hard and persevere, you can do anything you set your mind to.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give new creators?

Whatever you’re afraid to do, just go for it. Without taking risks, you’ll stay stagnant forever. Dreaming of starting your own fashion blog? Create one. Want to try your hand at nature photography? Pick up your camera. Dying to share your amazing recipes with the world? Start a YouTube channel. Things won’t just happen unless you do something!