Move over Jake Paul, here comes Jessii Vee! A Youtube sensation and TikTok influencer who has garnered over a whopping 2.5 million subscribers and 3.5 million followers respectively by bringing awareness to social issues. The content creator’s mission is to create safe spaces for youth online through her social platforms and most recently, YANA (You Are Not Alone) to encourage isolated and struggling individuals to connect with others. Her impressive experience doesn’t end there as she is also an actress and an advocate for Lyme Disease. Check our exclusive interview with Jessii Vee on her path to break the cycle of toxicity.

Where are you based?
I am based in Toronto, Canada!

What inspired you to become a digital creator?
Ever since I was very young I’ve always been creative —drawing, painting, photography, and writing were my favorite hobbies. I think of video making as another form of art and I felt really inspired to try it out once I saw that Youtube was becoming a large platform.

You started a blog during your time in high school, which laid the foundation for the career you have now. How did your blog springboard your career and what content did you write about?
I used my blog like an online diary. I would mostly write about my day and general thoughts and opinions that I had. I also used my blog to post my photography and art. I was so surprised that in just a year I gained almost 30,000 followers!

It was your followers who encouraged you to start a YouTube channel. What emotions did you feel after uploading your first video?
I was so nervous to post my first video because I had no idea what type of response it would get. I remember uploading the video and leaving the room for a couple hours because I was too afraid to read the comments. But when I mustered up the courage to take a look I was so relieved because everyone was so sweet and supportive. I knew right away this was something I wanted to do.

How did your education and obtaining a degree in Advanced Graphic Design, influence or impact how you manage your social media accounts and the content you create?
I love that I’m still able to use my graphic design skills every single day! I design all of my own merch, my thumbnails, the graphics on my channel and social media plages, and many other important things! It’s so cool that I can combine my love for design with my video-creating skills.

What advice do you have for individuals aspiring to become successful content creators? How important is it to “study” the algorithms for these popular social media sites?
My biggest advice is to always be yourself! It’s also so important to make videos about subjects that you are passionate about like art, music, makeup, etc. Don’t just try to follow the trends –be unique! People will gravitate towards your channel if they are watching something they’ve never seen before. The algorithm will also push your videos to more people when they see someone making new, refreshing content. But don’t focus too hard on the algorithm, focus more on your happiness!

In 2016, you had the opportunity to embark on your first tour in Canada. How was that experience like and being able to meet and engage with your fans in real life?
My first tour was such a memorable and amazing experience! It was the first time I was able to put faces to the thousands of people that were subscribed to my channel. I just remember being in disbelief as I walked onto the stage of a packed theatre. Being able to meet my subscribers in person is my favorite thing about being a Youtuber.

Besides being a content creator, you’ve added acting to your resume. What sparked your interest to get into acting?
I’m always open to trying new things and acting was something I had never tried before. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to broaden my skills, especially while working on Canadian productions. While it was very different than what I was used to (sitting alone in my studio with my camera), I still had so much fun!

You’ve starred in the Canadian web series Running With Violet and 90 Year-Old Roommate. What was the most gratifying part of both experiences and what do you hope to accomplish as an actress?
I think the most gratifying part about being involved with these amazing series, was finally seeing them on the big screen after months of hard work. It’s so cool to see everything come together! How that I have some experience with acting, I would love to continue working on new film projects in the near future.

You are a huge advocate for creating safe spaces for young adults and have partnered with Story Booth to provide resources to help address important issues. Could you tell me more about it?
StoryBooth is an online network that invites teens to record and submit their stories with a chance to have them animated. They started their Youtube channel back in 2015 and this was when I was posting 'storytime' videos on the daily!

I loved how they were spreading awareness about important subjects that many young people struggle with. So I collaborated with them on two videos; one was about my anxiety disorder and the other was my bullying story. I was so happy to get tons of feedback letting me know that the videos were positively affecting people's lives.

Why do you think it is important for young adults to have a safe space? What do you hope to accomplish by providing these resources?
The world isn’t always a kind place and it makes social media and social situations difficult to navigate - there’s so much hate and online bullying. This is why I use my platform to spread awareness about these situations whenever I can. I really want my channel and social media to be a safe space for young adults where they don’t feel judged or attacked in any way.

In an age where many young adults are experiencing depression and anxiety, how do you feel social media influences the mental health of young adults and children?
Social media can be exhausting sometimes; it can make us feel insecure and wish our lives were different. But I promise you, most of what you see on social media isn't a real representation of what life really is… people only show the best parts of their day.

Just remember that the most important thing to focus on is your happiness. There's only one of YOU and that's what matters. Don't worry about what other people are doing, enjoy your life. Don't take social media too seriously, you can't trust it.

You’ve also founded YANA ( You Are Not Alone) in the Fall of 2019. Could you tell me about the platform? What is the mission of YANA and what does this platform offer young adults?
ANA stands for 'You Are Not Alone’ and it's a group that I created to hopefully help kids that are struggling with the anxiety of school. It's a group created in school where people come together and reach out to others that are feeling isolated, alone, or bullied.

Since I created this movement, there have been over 50 schools around the world that have started this group and it's growing every day. I've gotten so many positive messages from people telling me that they've found lifelong friends from these groups and they feel incredibly supported.

Since the pandemic hit in 2020, we’ve had to move YANA to an online platform on Instagram called @yana_group.

In 2017, you were diagnosed with Lyme Disease. How has this condition affected your daily life and influenced your outlook on life?
Lyme disease is an infectious disease that's transmitted to humans through tick bites. I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2017 and my life has never been the same. I was in bed for four months straight and even now I have days where my body doesn't function normally and I have to take it easy. This is something that I'll be dealing with for the rest of my life. I try to spread awareness for Lyme whenever I can because it's not talked about enough.

What are some misconceptions you’d like to debunk that most people have about Lyme Disease?
Many people believe that they aren’t at risk because they don’t go hiking in the middle of the woods. But the sad truth is, ticks are everywhere: in your backyard, at the park, falling from birds, etc. You always need to be careful!

You’ve partnered up with Magnotta’s Foundation Research Lab for Lyme Disease. Could you tell me about the foundation and what you hope to accomplish?
I'm currently partnered with the G. Magnotta Foundation which is a research lab at the University of Guelph that will change how Lyme Disease is tested and treated in Canada. I’m working with them to help them raise money and spread the word about this life-changing disease.

How has the pandemic affected your ability to create content? Do you find yourself being more or less inspired to create content?
I’ve actually been more inspired to create more than I’ve ever been because I’ve had so much time at home –it just meant that I had more time to create and come up with new ideas! I also noticed that more people were online watching Youtube videos because it was one of their only forms of entertainment during the pandemic, and that motivated me to keep creating.

How has Covid-19 influenced your mental health? How do you stay positive during these hard times?
This past year has been so difficult for everyone. I’ve really missed seeing my family. Before the pandemic I had a family gathering almost every weekend, that’s how insanely close we are! But how cool is it that we have amazing technology like Zoom that allows us to still virtually see our loved ones! I think that’s what has kept me going.

How have you been staying positive during shelter in place?
I keep myself occupied with my favorite hobbies, like drawing, painting, reading, writing, and making jewelry!

What is your motto in life?
Embrace your weird side because normal is boring!

Keep up with Jessii Vee by following her via the below platforms:
http://www.jessiivee.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/jessiivee
Instagram - @jessiivee
Twitter - @JessiiVee
TikTok - @officialjessiivee

Jessii Vee on Breaking The Cycle of Toxicity