Fierce Female Influencer

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, and we’re celebrating by bringing you the story of our latest influencer: Kristina Matisic. Find out more about this fierce and fabulous lady below! —Vita Daily

Hi Kristina! Tell us a little bit about you and what you do!?

I’m a public relations consultant and most of my clients are in food, retail, hospitality, and design industries. I have a background in news and TV production—I used to co-host and co-produce W Network’s The Shopping Bags and Anna and Kristina’s Grocery Bag. Because of that, I also do a lot of video production and content creation for clients. In terms of my side hustle, my Instagram is focused on style and travel. And after a few years’ hiatus, I’m blogging again. I’m also a spokesperson for the BC SPCA, a commercial actor and an aspiring improviser.

What’s a typical day in your life like?

Most days I like to get up pretty early to get some work done. A lot of my time is spent at the computer, writing, creating pitches and developing PR ideas. I like to work out late morning when possible. Then it’s usually back to work or lunch with a client or member of the media. I also leave a bit of time in the day for my own projects, which is usually a combination of going to auditions, blog writing, organizing and doing shoots and connecting with stores and brands.

How do you use your platform to impact those who follow you?

My Instagram and much of my blog is fashion-focused, so I try to provide some inspiration to women, young and old, showcasing a variety of wearable options at every price point. I also try to keep things light. It’s just fashion, and it’s just social media, so I like to keep that in perspective. If my followers can have a chuckle after seeing a post and reading a comment, if it puts a smile on their face, then I’m happy.

With International Women’s Day on our minds, how do you use your platform specifically to empower women?

The 40-something crowd likes to dress well and many of them have the means to do it. But fashion advertisers and marketers continue to disregard us. Even on social media, relatively few brands are speaking to those of us over 40. And there aren’t many influencers of that age either. I saw a vacuum and I’m working on filling it. I hope to provide shopping and style tips to all women, regardless of age, and to show the world that yes, you can be over 40 and still be youthful, stylish and vital. I want to see more women my age in this space; I want to follow them!

What’s your personal-style/beauty mantra?

I believe in a Marie Kondo-style of dressing and shopping: does it spark joy? Even if it’s just a T-shirt, if I don’t love it, if it doesn’t spark joy, don’t buy it. And if you have already own it and you don’t feel great when you put it on, get rid of it. I also love a mix of high-low, and believe in investing in quality pieces like the perfect pair of jeans or a beautiful handbag, and then mixing it with less-expensive items. In terms of beauty I keep it simple: sleep as much as you can and wear sunscreen 24-7, 365 days a year.

Who has been your greatest influence/mentor in your life?

My mom. She’s a real powerhouse: accomplished, intelligent and kind. She always told me that I can be anything I want to be, I just had to work hard. I definitely got my work ethic from her. She also taught me that I can’t rely on others to take care of me, that I must learn to take care of myself. And that has been the greatest gift of all.

That said, what are you most proud of doing/accomplishing?

I’m pretty proud of our show, Anna and Kristina’s Grocery Bag, which sold in over 65 countries and was among the first shows picked by Oprah to launch her OWN Network. But I’m also really proud of my ability to reinvent myself and to put myself out there. I’ve started a new career a few times in my life, and I’ve learned it’s never too late to start something new. Yes it’s hard and yes it’s scary, but that’s what makes it exciting and ultimately, fulfilling and immensely satisfying.

Follow Kristina on her blog, Instagram and Facebook. Want to be featured? Send us an email!