To mark International Women’s Day, we’re introducing you to some inspiring YouTube creators who are shaping our shared future for the better. Although they come from different communities and industries, these women are working to spark significant change through their channels. From sustainable shopping to changing the game for renters to sharing the experience of Muslim women through music, each uses their voice and talents to advance social causes. Meet Alyssa Beltempo. —Noa Nichol
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to start.
I am a Canadian slow fashion content creator and sustainable stylist. I started sharing slow fashion content when I was working as a freelance wardrobe stylist and realized that bigger closets don’t always equal confident personal style. I wanted to change the narrative of sustainable fashion from consumers feeling shame and guilt for where they shop, to one of finding joy and creativity in using what they already have in their closets. This way, slow fashion is more accessible and a fun experience. (hopefully!)
How did you achieve (and continue to maintain) your amazing YouTube following/fame?
That’s very kind. 🙂 Consistency was the biggest factor … I post (almost) every Sunday, unless it’s a planned weekend off. I also think my content came in at a time when the conversation around sustainable and slow fashion was becoming popular, and I offered a fashion-first way to look at reducing fashion consumption.
What do you like about YouTube as a platform (as opposed to other forms of social media) and how do you use that platform to influence and inspire those that follow you, and to create social change?
I like YouTube for slow fashion content because we can dig into topics with a lot of nuance, so the long form allows this. I also spend time on styling concepts beyond showing outfits or what i’m wearing, so the channel is perfect for educational content like that. Also, I’m a talker – brevity is not my strong suit! The channel has become a jumping off point for community growth and discussion around slow fashion, and I’m so grateful for the people who decide to spend time in my corner of the internet. They’re amazing.
What topics do you cover/share most? Where do your passions lie?
The topics I cover the most are shopping your closet, getting creative with wardrobe basics, identifying elements of style so that people can see beyond the garment and develop their own sense of creativity and style without shopping. I also share brands that I love. My passion is choosing creativity over consumption and making it fun.
Have you ever had to deal with haters/naysayers on social media? If so, what’s your approach?
I am incredibly lucky that my community is full of compassionate, patient, strong, and creative people. It is very rare that I get truly hateful comments, but when I do, I typically don’t engage. With slow fashion there are a lot of nuanced topics, so if a comment comes in where there is an opportunity to bring up a larger discussion, I’ll take it.
What have some of the highlights of being so prominent on YouTube been for you?
The biggest highlight for me is that the channel has opened a large space for discussion around reducing consumption. I never thought that would be possible in today’s world, but my community shows up every week to learn more. The community and their passion and enthusiasm are my greatest highlights. Others include being featured in publications like Harper’s Bazaar and Coveteur – the fact that slow fashion and choosing creativity over consumption is getting a piece of the larger conversation is mind-blowing to me.
March 8 is International Women’s Day; what is the significance to you, and how are you using your voice to create change, establish community and help women and girls feel seen and understood?
Honestly, I wish every day was International Women’s Day. I look around at my friends who are moms, business owners, successful in their work while giving back to their community, and they’re reflected in my online community too. Women do amazing things every day. As for me, I try to make my online community a safe and judgment-free space where everyone can learn about choosing creativity instead of consumption and how it can have positive impacts on other areas of our lives.
With so many people following you on YouTube, who are some of your favourite female accounts to follow?
Love this question! Some of my favourites are Christina Mychas, Signe from Use Less, Audrey Coyne, Justine Leconte, The Imperfect Idealist and Nathalie Martin.
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