Sasha Mei, Content Creator + Writer
Name: Sasha Mei (@Sasha.Mei)
City: Montreal + Toronto
Zodiac Sign: Leo
How did you begin your career as a Content Creator? Is this something you’ve always wanted to do?
I kind of just stumbled into it when I was 17. I’ve always loved clothes and fashion. My mom was an avid subscriber to In Style, so I’d collect all of her covers and had like 10 years worth of magazines. I would cut up things I liked and create these mood boards. Eventually, I started getting into Tumblr and Instagram and people started taking notice in the content I was creating. It started to pick up more in 2019, that’s when I started really getting into things because people started to take notice in what I was doing and the looks I was putting together. I think that’s when I was more confident in my style and in my aesthetic and had more confidence in what I would create.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Bottega Veneta invited me to host an event. I literally started crying because I was so excited. Haha. That was definitely a pinch me moment.
What is the best part about your job?
Being my own boss. Being in control entirely of my schedule and of what I create. I am my own everything and I don’t think there’s a better learning experience than doing it on your own.
What are some things you look for when working with a new brand?
It stands out when a brand wants to build an organic partnership. That’s something that really drives me to work with them. Quality is definitely a big thing. I’m not going to work with a brand that doesn’t have a standard for quality. The brand has to also align with my personal aesthetic. Also, I have to ask myself: would I go out and buy this myself? Would my audience actually buy the product?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is don’t take free things just for the sake of getting free things.
"The biggest lesson I’ve learned is don’t take free things just for the sake of getting free things."
What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
Mental health has been really big for me. Last October, I hit a slump and it was just after my first big PR project. I didn’t realize how much energy I had put into it and the amount of stress I was under and I couldn’t get myself out of bed. That, along with constantly putting myself on camera, I’m always so critical of myself. It was the first time I’ve ever had any experience with feeling depressed. I saw the quality of my work go down and didn’t feel as confident with anything that I was producing. For me, my therapy has always been movement. But I couldn’t figure out how to keep moving and exercise when I was having this unhealthy relationship with myself.
I’m learning to get over that and it’s been a long process. It’s something that I still struggle with especially with isolation happening. But I think that’s just a big long-term challenge I’m dealing with.
Is there a bigger purpose behind everything that you are doing?
For me, it’s being the face I never saw in beauty and fashion when I was growing up. Representation is still a big thing for me. I think there’s always going to be a responsibility create a sense of normalcy around that.
Who are you most inspired by?
My Parents. They taught me what it means to work really hard.
Eva Chen. She was the beauty editor-in-chief for Teen Vogue and now the fashion partnerships at Instagram. She was someone who validated by choice for majoring in English literature. I admire her work ethic and everything she’s accomplished.
Christie Tyler (@nycbambi) for content. Love her work.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Overcommunicate and be up front about everything. Just be humble. I don’t need to know everything. Don’t let my ego get in the way of learning new things. It’s okay if I don’t know everything.
Any WFH tips?
Take breaks every 20 mins and get moving in your place. Get lots of sleep and drink lots of water. Stretch!
What are your favorite at home things to do right now?
Cooking. It’s something that I’ve always enjoyed.
What does your quarantine play list sound like?
Classic rock has a special place in my heart. I also love listening to oldies like Aretha Franklin. Just anything that is easy listening.
Are you currently reading anything?
100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez