Sometimes social media can be a pretty difficult place to be on, but when I interviewed a social media psychologist earlier this year, one of the top tips they gave me was to curate your feed so that you’re following accounts that make you happy. While the advice was simple (and honestly something I already knew), when this psychologist mentioned it on the phone, it really resonated with me. These influencer accounts to follow spark joy and happiness in us, and according to Entrepreneur, people tend to enjoy a sincere connection with others online who are happier.
So rather than trying to search out a bunch of people online, I’ve decided to put together a list of people who I think you need to hit ‘follow’ on Instagram right now. The reason being? You’ll love their positivity, you’ll love their creativity and beauty, but more importantly, they will add a little sparkle to your Instagram feed might be missing.
Here are our top 10 to follow if your day could use a little brightening up!
Donté Colley
If you aren’t following Donté Colley yet, my question is: why not? His viral videos of him dancing in his bedroom with affirming messages became a hit. Now, Donté has his very own Instagram filter and was most recently on a Social Media Week panel talking about spreading positivity through the Internet. I know each time I see one of Colley’s updates online I am immediately happy, and you will be too.
Roxy Earle
Many people may remember Roxy Earle as one of the original housewives from The Real Housewives of Toronto. But since the show stopped airing in 2017, Earle has gone on to lead a worldwide body positive movement with #MySizeRox. Each day, she’s inspiring women across the globe to love the skin their in, while showcasing the true meaning of boss babe. For example, she just launched her own pantyhose collection with Sheertex.
Mina Gerges
Back in 2016, Mina Gerges went viral for the first time. They took to Instagram dressed as Beyoncé in her 2016 CMAs red carpet dress, using only marshmallows and Froot Loops. Gerges began to cosplay others celebs from then on. But nearly three years later, Gerges has gained a different type of popularity. This time, their outspoken nature on body image advocacy and LGBTQ+ matters has earned them the spotlight across North America and a coveted spot in Sephora Canada’s most recent, “We Belong to Something Beautiful” campaign.
Meghan Yuri Young
Online you’ll always find people who are pretending to be another version of themselves, but not Meghan Yuri Young. She’s the real deal, and always encouraging her fans and followers to pursue happier, healthier lives in a variety of different ways. One of the things that I love following Meghan’s account for are the micro-fictions or daily affirmations that she posts. Many of them are super relatable, and remind me that I am not in this alone.
Stephanie Chin
Earlier this year, I was introduced to Stephanie Chin when she illustrated a story of mine. I was unfamiliar with her work, but as soon as I discovered her Instagram account, I became obsessed. Full of original artworks that have aspirational quotes and daily affirmations, Stephanie’s account is great to follow and share with friends.
Phil Villeneuve aka Dancing Phil
Phil Villeneuve is a DJ and one of the co-founders of the site, YoHomo in Toronto. But what you may also recognize him from are his dancing videos found across the Internet. Known as ‘Dancing Phil’, his video series on YouTube and Instagram started in 2009 and became a viral sensation when musician Robyn took notice. Since then, Phil has danced with furries, with zombies and has even danced inside the TIFF office.
Kenzie Brenna
Kenzie Brenna is an actress, writer, YouTuber, and body activist. She often posts photos of her body on her channel to help others embrace what they might see as “flaws” in themselves. As someone who used to struggle with an eating disorder, Brenna uses her platform as a place of knowledge, education, and kindness. It’s truly inspiring!
Stef Sanjati
Known to her fans and followers as the #BreadMom, Stef Sanjati shares some candid honesty and radical vulnerability across her channels. From trans issues to eating disorders, Sanjati always makes it a point to be unfiltered, yet provide the loving and caring example she needed when she was growing up.
Stephanie Valentine aka Glamzilla
I first discovered Stephanie aka Glamzilla when she appeared on Kim Kardashian’s Glam Masters series. Ever since then, I’ve been following her for her delightful makeup tips and incredible style.
Jagmeet Singh
Even before the current election took place, Jagmeet Singh’s online presence was on point. While he might not be an “influencer” per se, Jagmeet has always had a keen sense for who he was talking to online, and not making things too political. I have to admit though, when he made those TikToks during the election, I was immediately sold and still keep following him. I mean, what’s good for Rhianna is good for me.
Articles You May Be Interested In:
10 Plus Size Canadian Influencers To Follow On Instagram
The 6 Most Instagrammable Christmas Trees In Toronto
10 Canadian Brands Killing It On Instagram Right Now
How I Got My Job As Co-Founder Of A Toronto Influencer Marketing Agency
The Rise In Popularity Of Influencer Fashion And Beauty Lines
We had the chance to interview our favourite real housewife of Toronto, Roxy Earle. Today, June 6th 2018 Roxy’s collection at LE CHÂTEAU will launch and we are super pumped! The reality TV star and body positivity activist targets this collection at women ranging from size 0-22 and offers more than 40 clothing designs and 18 different styles of accessories.
Roxy is known for her #MySizeRox movement aimed to inspire change, empower women and make sure that shopping is a positive experience for women of all shapes and sizes!
Check out Lechateau.com and stores across Canada today to shop Roxy’s latest collection. But, before you do that, get to know Roxy with our exclusive interview below.
Q: In three words how would you describe the latest collection with LE CHÂTEAU?
A: My dream has always been that two friends can walk into a store and shop the same collection regardless of size – with the Roxy Earle x LE CHÂTEAU Collection, which includes sizing from 0 -22W, that dream is now a reality. If I were to describe the Collection in just three words, I’d say it’s revolutionary, fabulous and inclusive. The clothes have been thoughtfully designed to celebrate a woman’s body and are obviously very heavily inspired by my personal style.
Q: How does it make you feel when you see people using the hashtag #MySizeRox?
A: I created the #MySizeRox movement with the intention of empowering women through body confidence and the ability to find stylish clothes in all sizes, without labeling anyone. It is my message to the world and my call to action for women everywhere to gather their tribe, band together and demand more from the fashion industry. When I see people using the hashtag and read their powerful and moving messages, it makes me incredibly happy to know that my movement is resonating with all kinds of women. The response has been overwhelming! I think it points to the fact that now is the time for a change.
Q: Do you see men using this hashtag as well?
A: Although the #MySizeRox hashtag is more heavily used by women, my hope is it inspires everyone to join the conversation and embrace who they are with confidence – whether through fashion or in other ways.
Q: When did you start embracing #MySizeRox? Were you always so confident?
A: I’ve learned to embrace who I am over the years and I’ve found being confident has been my greatest asset in life – it’s opened up doors for me in so many ways. The most beautiful thing a woman can wear is her confidence. When you do that, other people believe in you, too.
Q: Your size definitely Rox, no doubt about that, but do you find it important as well to maintain a healthy lifestyle? What does a typical day of eating and activity look like for you?
A: To truly love yourself, you need love yourself enough to take care of yourself. A healthy diet and exercise routine is extremely important to me in order to help me feel my best and take care of my health. A typical day of eating for me begins with a tea and green smoothie. I love to cook and experiment with new healthy recipes – I’ve actually started sharing more of these on my Instagram account. Lately, I’ve been really focused on eating whole foods that are nutritious and give me energy without sacrificing taste. I’m lucky enough to split my time between LA and Toronto and my favourite way to start the day is with some exercise – whether a dip in the ocean or a walk in the forest. Spending time in nature has a very positive impact on me.
Q: Which item from the new collection with Le Chateau is your favourite and why?
A: I love them all so much, but my wedding gown “The Meghan” (named after Meghan Markle) is my favourite. I named it after her because she is a huge inspiration to me and represents power, diversity, and change. This gown was my response to a very negative moment I had when shopping for wedding gowns before my special day. Instead of that experience being a time to celebrate, it became a negative experience because of my size. It was important for me to include bridal as part of our line and “The Meghan” is one of our star pieces. I also love the snakeskin pleated gown.
Q: For someone who does not necessarily believe that their size “Rox”, what are some tips for those people to learn to embrace their bodies?
A: My advice is to focus on feeling good from the inside first and to find those things, and those people, in your life that make you feel strong and happy. It’s not always easy and it’s taken me a long time – and the support of many amazing women – to realize that #MySizeRox. My hope is that Roxy Earle x LE CHÂTEAU Collection will help women realize theirs does too. I also try to make my Instagram feed a place where I can help women feel good about themselves every day and share positive messages.
