Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Woman” was about social media content creator Mai Pham. Okay, not really. But at just 13-years-old, Pham started her journey of becoming a Youtube star and two years later left her parent’s home in Alberta to follow her love for travelling around the world. Now, at 18, she has gained a massive following of over 2.2 Million followers across her social media platforms. She creates a wide range of content for Youtube, TikTok, and Instagram — everything from travel vlogs, organizational videos, and clothing hauls.
What sets Pham apart from other social media creators is her continuous effort to remain honest and personal with her audience. She has opened up about her mental health struggles, breakups she has experienced, and the hardships she has endured after leaving home at such a young age. We spoke to Pham about how she continues to be a strong role model for her audience and her self-designed clothing line that is dropping later this month.
What prompted you to begin Youtube at 13?
Growing up, I didn’t like to leave my house, so I started watching YouTube at a young age. I just knew I wanted to be a YouTuber, so I got a cam recorder at age 7! I started doing singing covers, gaming videos, and lifestyle/vlog videos which I still do now!
How has your Youtube channel changed since then?
I have tried so many different things on my channel from singing, to gaming, to unboxing videos. My channel has evolved as I’ve grown up and my viewers have grown up with me. When I got to high school, I started making videos and vlogs about my daily life, and people seemed really interested in those videos, so that’s what I still do now!
What’s your favourite video to film?
My favourite videos to film are my glow-up videos because I get to do all the fun things like new hair and makeup, while taking my viewers along with me. I also enjoy doing moving vlogs, which I’ve done almost every year.
You are a super busy person, how have you been coping during COVID?
I used to do a lot of travel vlogs but with COVID I haven’t been able to do them. It made me become more creative with the content I make from the comfort of my own home. It has also made me realize that my viewers are watching my channel for me and not just because I was traveling so often. I feel like moving to LA has inspired me to be more creative. Being here feels like there’s never enough time in the day, because I stay so busy. The sunny LA weather helps me get up and be productive every day!
Since you love travelling, once it is safe to do so, where do you plan to go?
I have not been to Bali in over a year and my viewers know that is my iconic spot that I visit often! I definitely want to go back as soon as it is safe to do so! I would also love to plan another trip to go backpacking through Europe again, because it’s one of my favorite places and I haven’t been since I was 16. Someday I also want to travel to South Africa and Antarctica.
What is your favourite beauty product and/or beauty tip?
My favourite beauty products are the Dior Backstage foundation, Maybelline Fit Me concealer, and for mascara it’s the Maybelline falsies lash lift. My favourite beauty tip is – if you want your eyes to appear more lifted, only use half of a false lash strip.
What does your self-care routine look like?
I try to encourage self-care into my everyday routine by making myself breakfast, going to the gym every single day, and trying new skincare routines!
What can we expect from your self-designed clothing line?
Graphic designs that I’ve created on sweatshirts and hats. I was inspired by things that I tend to grab to wear for everyday life. You can expect streetwear and unisex clothing, that everyone can wear while feeling comfortable and stylish.
What inspired you to start a clothing line?
I’ve always been into streetwear and sneakers and I wanted to create something of my own. I love that I can share these clothes with my followers who have been on this journey with me for years now. During COVID, I feel like sweat suits became very popular, so I thought it’d be cool to create something stylish but also comfortable.
What’s next for you?
I’d love to branch out and start creating different types of content. I’ve recently started streaming on twitch and am working on making music.
You can follow Mai Pham’s daily life on her Instagram or check-out her longer videos on her Youtube Channel.