We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Margarette Leandre a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Margarette, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my docu-food series, Kitchens of Toronto. The series is a deep dive into the diverse and vibrant food scene in Toronto, with a special focus on ethnic neighborhoods that have been significantly impacted by gentrification, construction, and the pandemic.

This project is particularly close to my heart because I’ve always had a deep love for food, especially ethnic cuisine. Having lived in four different countries, I’ve experienced firsthand how food serves as a cultural bridge, bringing people together and preserving traditions. Growing up, I watched my mother learn to make different cultural dishes from locals, which instilled in me an appreciation for the rich diversity that food represents.

I was motivated to create Kitchens of Toronto because I realized that the communities contributing to this rich diversity are often the most vulnerable to external changes. These neighbourhoods not only offer unique culinary experiences but also embody the cultural heritage of the city. Highlighting their stories and struggles felt essential, especially in a city like Toronto, where the food scene is a tapestry woven from so many different cultural threads.

Through this series, I hope to bring awareness to the challenges these communities face, while also celebrating the resilience and creativity that keeps their culinary traditions alive. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to see how the series resonates with people, sparking conversations about the importance of preserving the cultural integrity of these neighbourhoods.

Margarette, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Margarette Leandre, a content creator, social media marketer, and podcaster based in Canada. My journey into this industry began during my time at university, where I started creating content on YouTube. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into a passion for video storytelling, which continued to evolve over the years.

After graduating, I began working at a nonprofit organization as a community program coordinator. In this role, I wore many hats, including digital marketing, which allowed me to further hone my skills in content creation and building a community.
It was during this time that I realized the power of storytelling in connecting communities and driving social change. In 2020, as the world grappled with the pandemic, I noticed how many small businesses and non-profit organizations were struggling to navigate the complexities of social media. With my background in video storytelling and digital marketing, I saw an opportunity to help. I started offering freelance social media marketing services, focusing on empowering small businesses to effectively tell their stories and reach their audiences online. This was a natural progression of my love for video storytelling, allowing me to combine creativity with strategic marketing.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my life occurred during my time as an undergraduate student. I was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in science with the goal of going to medical school, but by my second year, I realized that path wasn’t for me. During this period of uncertainty, I discovered a love for content creation. While I initially didn’t see it as a career option, I completed my degree and, after graduation, moved to Toronto from Newfoundland to work at a nonprofit organization.

After four years at the nonprofit, I transitioned to a digital marketing agency, where I hoped to merge my interest in content creation with a structured career. Unfortunately, I was laid off due to budget cuts. During the year and a half I was unemployed, I fully immersed myself in content creation, realizing it was more than just a hobby—it was my true passion.

During this time, I secured funding from Ontario Creates and the Canada Media Fund to produce the trailer and pilot episode for my docu-food series, *Kitchens of Toronto*. This project, which explores Toronto’s diverse food culture, marked a turning point for me, blending my love for storytelling with my passion for food and community.

This experience taught me the importance of being open to change and trusting the journey. Pivoting from my initial goal of becoming a doctor to embracing content creation has been challenging yet rewarding, allowing me to build a career that truly aligns with my passions.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been deeply rooted in knowing my story and being authentic in how I share it. While the market is undoubtedly saturated, I’ve always believed that my story, and the unique way I tell it, is what sets me apart. Authenticity has been key to connecting with my audience, and it’s been essential in building a community of over 40,000 people across social media.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest piece of advice is to embrace your story. Understand that no one else has lived your experiences or can tell your story the way you can. Authenticity resonates with people, and it’s what will help you stand out in a crowded space.

Additionally, being aware of the changes happening on social media and being willing to adapt to them is crucial. The platforms are always evolving, and being flexible and open to trying new things can make a significant difference in your growth and engagement. Remember, consistency and authenticity are your best allies on this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.charismaggietv.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charismaggietv
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margarette-leandre/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CharisMaggieTV

Image Credits

1. Margot Photography- Margot Daley
2. VisualEulogy- Ryad Razaki
3. Omono Udo