Derek Nguyen is a Calgary-based content creator who blends lifestyle, fashion, and the city’s vibrant coffee scene into one stylish feed. He creates content that celebrates confident self-expression while spotlighting unique experiences around Calgary. Nguyen’s journey started early. He began making YouTube videos at just 11 years old, inspired by creators like Zoe Sugg and Gigi Gorgeous. Since then, he’s grown his presence across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, building an audience he describes as “for the gays and the girlies.” We spoke with Nguyen about his creative process, favourite collaborations, and his goal to keep pushing boundaries in fashion while expanding his content across Canada.
What is your channel called and what is it about?
My channel, @derek__nguyen, focuses on lifestyle, fashion, and showcasing Calgary’s local coffee scene. As a passionate coffee and style enthusiast, I create content that highlights unique city experiences while pushing boundaries in men’s fashion. Through curated, trend-forward looks and local discoveries, I aim to inspire confident self-expression and creativity.
When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?
I actually began my content creation journey when I was 11 years old. I started on YouTube at the time, and then transitioned to Instagram when it launched back in 2012. What motivated me throughout the years was truly the international content creators on YouTube, who inspired me to make videos online.
Who were you inspired by? Any influences?
Most of my influencers were big YouTubers at the time, such as Zoe Sugg, Joey Graceffa, Michelle Phan and Gigi Gorgeous. (if you know, you know!). They influenced me to showcase lifestyle and fashion content.
How would you describe your audience?
Oh, that’s easy! It’s simply for the gays and the girlies!
What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?
My creative process is truly dome-scrolling on TikTok and Instagram, and I just get inspired by content I see on my FYP page and discovering other creators across the world. I don’t have a team, it’s just me 🙂
How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?
I monetize my content with brand collaborations and lifestyle/fashion values to my audience. I also have a normal job outside of being a full-time content creator. I specialize in Marketing!
What is your favourite piece of content you have created?
One of my fav videos I have created was when I did a collaboration with Banff, AB!
Another one is my fashion lookbooks, too.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The most rewarding part of what I do is seeing people across Calgary and even Alberta smile because of the content I create. I especially enjoy highlighting local cafés, as I’m passionate about supporting local businesses. I also love connecting with people online and turning those interactions into genuine friendships; it’s something I truly value!
The most challenging part? I’m incredibly grateful for my work, so it’s hard to pinpoint. If I had to choose, it would be dealing with occasional hateful comments. That said, I’ve found that even negative feedback often sparks engagement, so it still contributes positively in the end!
What are your future plans for your channel?
My next plan for my channel is to grow across Canada and push more boundaries with fashion, and incorporate travelling content as well.
Where can we follow you?
You can find me on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube!
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?
OMG I LOVE THIS QUESTION, I absolutely love the following creators because I am so happy to call them my besties:
Mary Beatrice | Zyra Cabrera | Steph Huynh | Adwoa Asante
