Calgary’s own Michelle Keitges is a content creator who brings fashion and events to life in the city. Through her posts, Michelle shares the latest styles and highlights from local happenings, giving followers a front-row seat to Calgary’s dynamic scene. We sat down with Michelle to further discuss her platform for a snapshot of the city’s vibrant fashion and cultural moments, and of course, a peek into her personal life.
What is your channel called and what is it about?
My Channel is called _mich.mas_ and I use my channel to share events and fashion here in Calgary.
When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?
I started my channel during the COVID-19 pandemic as I was looking for something that I could do by myself to keep myself entertained while also connecting with others online.
Who were you inspired by? Any influences?
What motivated and influenced me in the beginning was watching other content creators and close friends of mine post content and figured I should give it a try as well. Another motivator for me was my first brand deal with a company called Luxe Du Jour here in Calgary. They reached out to me and asked if I would take photos with their products which was the first time I had ever been approached by a brand to create content. I am always so grateful for that opportunity and Luxe Du Jour for giving me a chance and kicking off my content creation journey.
How would you describe your audience?
My audience is a mixture of my friends, family and other Calgarians. I know I have followers from across Canada who love seeing the different fashion or beauty brands I share and wear, or different restaurants, businesses, or events here in Calgary.
What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?
Creative process whatever feels good and brings me joy at that moment. I love finding fun places around Calgary to take pictures and especially love taking pictures with anything pink, you will also see a variety of different hair colours in my photos on my page. I also must give a huge shout out to my husband for not only being the best husband IRL but also being my Instagram husband who takes many of my photos. I have also had the opportunity to work with a few photographers along the way which is amazing as well.
How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?
I monetize my content through brand deals and affiliate links. I also work full-time as a social worker for affordable housing.
What is your favourite piece of content you have created?
I have two favourite pieces of content I have created so far. The first being my content for Warm Coats Social. Warm Coats Social provides winter outwear to Canadians in need. All purchases made through their website are matched in donations and they provide winter jackets to those most vulnerable in our community. I am grateful to have the opportunity to partner with such an amazing brand to create awareness and give back to the community. My second favourite piece was for the Mercedes Benz Charity Fashion Show in Support of the NICU here in Calgary. In honour to raise awareness and support for newborns in need, their families, and health care workers. It was amazing to create content for an event filled with fashion, friends, and funds to give back to those in need.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part about what I do is that it gives me an avenue to share my life through photos and incorporate my love of social media in a fun and creative way. Creating content is very different from my job in affordable housing and it is nice to have an outlet and spend my time doing something completely different. It can be difficult to navigate and balance working full-time and creating content. As much as I love capturing my life and posting on social media sometimes it can take away from an outing always being on your phone.
What are your future plans for your channel?
My future plans for my channel are to continue to work with brands I love and share my experiences with them. I am hoping to move more into lifestyle and home as we recently purchased our first home in July.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?
Another content creator I love is @livinggoodinyyc! So supportive and such amazing content!
