Want to be an influencer? Let these Canadian hustlers show you how it's done with style
Whether you’re working a full-time job or stringing together a series of side hustles in order to survive, life can get hectic and exhausting. So it’s completely understandable to swipe through Instagram, see a handful of influencers living their best lives, and wondering how they find the time and energy to make it all happen.
So Daily Hive teamed up with UNIQLO to ask them.
We’ve asked two Canadian influencers – Toronto-based journalist Eman Idil Bare and musician Del Hartley – to sit down and explain to us how they manage to balance work, life, and everything in between.
So who are these aspirational figures of productivity? Well, Eman is a journalist for CBC, a reporter and producer, a fashion writer at Teen Vogue, a yoga teacher, a clothing designer for her own ethical clothing line, all while being a law school student. And Del spends his time writing music, jamming with his band, editing, recording, or performing a gig.
They recently took part in a vote-o-shoot where they each took over UNIQLO’s Instagram story. They asked their followers to vote for the outfit that they should wear for a fashion shoot. The clothing they were shooting? UNIQLO’s men’s relaxed ankle pants, and women’s smart style ankle pants – the ultimate work-life pants that combine style with easy comfort.
As you can gather, switching up the gears from work, to different events, and their own personal lives, means these influencers do not have time for uncomfortable clothing.
@emanidil/Instagram
Eman and Del are both passionate about smart, casual style, and they both agreed that the pants felt comfortable and versatile, that you can move easily in them, and they’ll take you from day to night – exactly what you need when you’re always on the go.
“My life is too hectic for uncomfortable clothing. I’m the person that leaves the house in the morning with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The pants were perfect because I could move in them,” says Eman. “That’s the one thing I’ve always disliked about women’s business clothing… it’s not made to move in. As a fashion designer, fit is extremely important to me and what I loved about those pants is that they move with you. I’m obsessed.”
“I really enjoy that the fabric, it makes them super comfortable to wear. The fact that they’re very versatile makes it easy to go from meetings to rehearsals to even hitting the stage if need be,” says Del.
@delhartleyofficial/Instagram
A typical workday
Okay, so we know both influencers are working hard in pursuit of their dreams, but what does a typical workday look like for them? Well, for Eman, it looks like this: “I usually wake up around 6 am. I always start my day by brewing a cup of coffee and making a list. Journalism comes first.
“I’m either at CBC or writing at a cafe. I usually switch gears every three hours or so, so that I constantly feel like what I’m working on is new. I’ll work on a story for three hours, and then call manufacturers or work on designs. I don’t really ever stop working, but I do take a lot of breaks. I really love all the little hats that I wear, so work never feels like work. Which can be a problem,” says Eman.
For Del, a typical workday always begins with him singing warm-ups in the shower before it continues to the studio and ends later that night at a venue. “As an independent artist, it’s important to be mobile so there aren’t many restrictions on when/where you can work. I’m always on the go.”
Work-life balance
“The importance of work-life balance is huge for me. Too much of one thing is never good in any scenario, especially when you’re striving to be consistent in your art. For me, inspiration doesn’t start in the studio, it comes from living every day and really experiencing the moments that happen in real time,” says Del. He likes to unwind by socializing with friends at a restaurant, or supporting other local talent at venues around the city.
Eman notes how she likes to be her best self at all times, and that means being rested. “I was the kid that juggled three sports, two clubs and a dozen other responsibilities in high school, and in university. I’ve learned that my craft suffers when I’m not taking care of myself. And that’s why I prioritize self-care.”
To relax, Eman does yoga: “It’s where I ground myself each and every day. I also live with my best friend, so Netflix with her is becoming a dangerous habit.”
If you’ve got career envy right now and would love to pursue a similar path to Eman, she says it all starts with your network. “I’ve been fortunate where I’ve been offered most of my jobs based on a reputation I’ve built. I think people need to realize that opportunities are all around them, all the time, and being aware of that is how I got here. Everyone is valuable, everyone has life lessons to teach you and opportunities to share with you – you just need to listen.”
Now, how do you get there? Eman recommends prioritizing, setting goals, deciding what you want to work on, and how you want to work on each task. “And then book self-care hours in your day, as if they are an actual meeting,” she added.
You can keep up with the influencers and be inspired by their work-life balance by following Del Hartley @delhartleyofficial and Eman Idil Bare @emanidil on Instagram. Check out UNIQLO Canada to shop for clothing that works for your lifestyle.
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