Leigh-Ann Kamifuji

LEIGH-ANN KAMIFUJI, a travel and lifestyle influencer from Orange County aims to exhibit realness and positivity across her social media platform. Kamifuji’s demeanor on-camera is both fun and laid back, inviting the viewer into her life and making them feel like family. A native of California, Kamifuji has enjoyed living in ‘The Golden State.’ “I originally grew up in Orange County and college brought me out to LA,” she says. “I just love how one moment you can be catching some waves, and the next you can be snowboarding down mountains. Everyday feels like I’m ‘California dreamin’ for sure!” Kamifuji’s Instagram feed includes numerous pictures of herself snowboarding across snowy slopes or lounging at the beach— she’s living the California dream and inviting us along for the adventure.

Like many other successful content creators, Kamifuji has expanded her social media presence to YouTube. She began her YouTube channel with the purpose of self-improvement and getting herself out of her comfort zone. “I started my YouTube channel as a ‘video diary’ to look back at memories and reflect on them for self-improvement purposes. I used to be such an introvert so when I first started I was so far out of my comfort zone. No joke, I would have to re-record things several times because I would get so nervous and tongue-twisted!” Having started less than a year ago, Kamifuji’s personal channel has already gained over 11K subscribers and is growing steadily everyday.

Living so publicly comes with it’s ups and downs. Kamifuji says the most difficult aspect of her career is the tendency to compare. “The most difficult thing is trying not to validate myself based on how my social posts are doing,” she says. “I was never one who would necessarily care how many ‘likes’ I was getting, until it became my full-time job. It’s hard not to get caught up in it all.” An advocate for healthy and authentic living, Kamifuji describes meditation and yoga as the most impactful practices in her life. “I started doing yoga and meditating a couple months ago. It has taught me how to slow things down and enjoy life for what it really is. I think it started spilling into all aspects of my life and has changed everything for the better.”

When asked her best advice for developing a healthy lifestyle, Kamifuji says it’s all about balance and mindset. “We all have to start somewhere. We’re all human, and it’s natural to progress, plateau, regress, etc. You want that piece of pizza staring at you? GIRL, eat it! No lie, I still make 2am trips to Mickey D’s for their french fries every once in awhile. If you’re thinking of it as a ‘diet’ rather than a lifestyle change, it won’t work. At the end of the day, as long as you’re trying to be the best version of yourself for the present and the future, then that’s all that matters.”

The greatest advice someone has given her, she replied: “In a world where you can be anybody, just be yourself. I think it is totally prevalent with the way social media is now because everyone is so caught up in fitting this ‘image’ when we can all just unapologetically be ourselves.” As Kamifuji continues to pursue her dreams, we can rest assured that her authentic self will shine through and radiate a positive influence on everyone around her.

STORY BY KENDALL BOLAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIA LIU