CharisMaggieTV, an informative youtube channel with a kick of culture

BY SELINA McCALLUM

This Youtuber started her Youtube channel three years ago while she was in university in Newfoundland. On her channel, CharisMaggie TV, she covers topics from culture, university life, and basic tips for young adults like managing finances and job hunting.

Margarette Leandre’s first ever video project was given to her by her dad, when he asked her to help him with a presentation for the donors who generously give to the Salvation Army.

“I always liked the concept of storytelling. Instead of doing a powerpoint, I thought it was better to convey how their money was being spent in a video with words, pictures and background music. I thought it would have more of an effect,” said Leandre.

When she started her channel, which currently has over one thousand subscribers, Leandre was posting videos just for herself and her friends to remember the fun times they’ve had. Then, she realized that she could help international students such as herself.

“They didn’t really have a lot of guidance especially when they’re moving from their country to another one for school. I’ve moved to three different countries and have had to adapt to the new culture. A lot of students would come up to me and ask me for advice,” said Leandre.

Going to school in Newfoundland, where there isn’t much diversity, Leandre saw this as an opportunity to also make videos on culture. Most of the international students bonded because there were in common situations and could understand each other’s struggles.

“I interviewed people from different parts of the world so that people could get to know a little bit more about their country,” said the Youtuber. “It was a chance to inform people that there were more countries within the continent of Africa and that not all black people are from Jamaica.”

Leandre has covered topics such as Ethiopian foods, Trinidad and Tobago sayings, and fun facts about Zambia.

“Social media is a very powerful platform and a lot of people do use it for negativity. I see a lot of people say ignorant things. I always try to check myself before I post something, I make sure that I think about the people that it could affect,” says Leandre.

The digital creator has seen many racial slurs online about the Chinese community since the spread of the coronavirus and feels that this is an opportunity to educate and sympathize than spread hate.

She has a video on her Youtube channel titled Lessons from COVID-19 and a video showcasing the routine of an essential worker.

“I just want to bring light and show that there is a better way to go about things,” says the Youtuber.

Another way she has been bringing light to her followers on her social media platforms is hosting a monthly trivia game called “Under Quarantine Trivia Night” on Sunday on Instagram Live. Four winners can each get a $25 e-gift card to either Bath and Body Works, Tim Hortons or Digicel, which she has funded herself.

Although Leandre works in the digital media world, she graduated in 2018 with a triple degree in Bio-Chemistry, Math and a minor in French. She says she found it easy to transfer her skills over. The digital creator has this advice for others who may be interested in starting a Youtube channel.

“Make sure you think carefully about what it is you want your channel to be about because there will come a time where your consistency will be tested. It’s really a lot of work in the background, in terms of getting your video out there after you post it,” said Leandre.

The slogan for her channel is “Do Road and Do Tings”. She says it’s the perfect slogan to describe what her channel is all about.

“It’s a Jamaican saying that is basically the equivalent to Nike’s Just Do It. I was talking to my friend Damian one day, and I said, “I’m gonna go do road” and he replied with “and do tings”. That’s how I came up with it. To me it means whatever it is your enthusiastic about, go ahead and do it and don’t care about what others have to say,” said Leandre.

For more information and to watch Leandre’s videos, visit https://www.charismaggietv.com/ and CharisMaggieTV on Instagram.