The launch of the new Alberta edition of VITA magazine, in print, last week, gave us reason to search for the province’s top content creators. Here are three to follow, now. —Vita Daily
Karly Polkosnik, @yourgirlkarly
Hi Karly! Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a 26-year-old influencer and content creator from Edmonton. In my li’l corner of the Internet you can find self-love tips, body positivity, a peek behind the influencer-biz curtain, financial transparency, sexual health and wellness, LGBTQ content and so much more.
How do you use your platform to impact?
By simply showing up. For a lot of us growing up, we did not have people in the public eye who looked like us (larger bodies, women of colour, gay women, etc.). I’m really grateful that just by making sure to show up I’m staking a claim in the traditional beauty standards sandbox to give visibility to other people who look like me.
Your personal style/beauty mantra?
Beauty-wise, it’s for sure “wear sunscreen.” Personal style-wise, it’s “if it’s a suit, it’s probably cute”. I am always drawn to jumpsuits, rompers and traditional suit sets!
Fave aspect of Alberta living?
The nature! The city I live in has the largest inner-city river valley in North America and I always miss it when I’m out of town. We’re so lucky to be surrounded by so much incredible natural beauty in Alberta, and I love it.
Top “insider” tip about Alberta?
If you’re ever in Edmonton, stop into Central Social Hall and try the Karly’s Choice: a tequila, white chocolate, grapefruit, rose and lime cocktail that was formerly taken off the menu. I loved it so much [that the owners] brought it back last year and named it after me!
Whitney Dikoume, @whits
Hi Whitney! Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a part-time content creator and a full-time athletic therapist. I was born in Cameroon, grew up in Greece and have had the pleasure of calling Calgary home for the last 15 years. When I’m not working, I spend time with my husband and puppy exploring the city.
How do you use your platform to impact?
Being as authentic as I can be and letting those that interact with my page know that it is more than OK to love themselves the way they are. That is their superpower.
Your personal style/beauty mantra?
Natural and comfy always wins. However, I’ll dress up whenever I get the chance to!
Fave aspect of Alberta living?
How close we are to everything! I can hop in the car and the mountains are less than 45 minutes away. I also love Chinooks in the winter.
Top “insider” tip about Alberta?
Alberta has a budding culinary scene and getting to explore all the different cuisines is amazing! Try the chef menus at Rouge Restaurant, the cocktails and mocktails Major Tom and the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had at Purple Perk.
Marika Sila, @marikasila
Hi Marika! Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am Inuvialuk from Tuktoyaktuk, NWT. I was born in Yellowknife and raised in Canmore. I am an actress, activist and content creator. I specialize in stunts and special skills for film and TV, and I started my special skills journey as a hoop dancer.
How do you use your platform to impact?
I follow my intuition and always try to lead with my best foot forward. I believe that where there is understanding there is compassion and racism dies in the face of compassion. I do my best to educate through all my platforms so I can make a positive impact on the people who see my content.
What’s your personal style/beauty mantra?
I wear what makes me happy and what makes me feel like the proud Indigenous woman I am.
Fave aspect of Alberta living?
The joy I get from being in the mountains and how they keep me living in the moment. I try and see something different about the landscape—even if it is a slight difference in how the light hits the mountains—every day I am here.
Top “insider” tip about Alberta?
A nice walk around the Bow River, snowboarding at Sunshine, snowshoeing in general, dogsledding in winter and the Tavern has great burgers! Also, the Iron Goat has the best patio in the summer.
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