7 minute read
Meredith Foster
Meet Meredith Foster, a Los Angeles based lifestyle YouTuber who is teaching her 4.8 million following about health, style, and inner beauty. She’s our cover star for our 27th issue of Mad Sounds, “Dreamers,” and we had the opportunity to chat with Meredith about her growth as an online content creator, how to discover your passions, and where she finds inspiration. Meredith rose to fame when she was a teenager for her beauty and fashion videos, and she has been paving the way for female YouTubers on this everchanging platform since. Read on to learn about Meredith’s health and mindfulness journey and how she chooses compassion in the face of negativity.
photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring MEREDITH FOSTER @meredithfoster
Hi Meredith, thank you so much for chatting with us at Mad Sounds today! To start off, can you tell us about a typical day in the life of Meredith Foster?
As much as I love being in a routine, I have been trying to live more spontaneously, so my days are looking more different each day. Things that remain constant would be finding time to meditate and journal, getting my body moving through yoga or walks in my neighborhood, and cooking delicious meals!
You started making videos when you were just a teenager. As a now 22 year old, how do you feel about the evolution of your channel? How do you see your content changing in the future?
It’s crazy because I have gone through so many phases and stages of my life over these past 8 years! My whole teenage years were spent on YouTube, which wasn’t always easy at times but such a blessing and cool thing! I was able to find my voice and share it with others. I see my content changing right now as my passions have evolved and I have transformed. I want to share what I have learned on my journey and the different experiences I have gone through to inspire others on their journey.
Recently, you have been opening up about body-image and health. How has your lifestyle and mindset changed from the past?
I made some major lifestyle changes over a year ago that have drastically changed my life and view of myself. I was not taking care of my mind, body, and soul. I used to stay out past 2 am and consume things that were not good for my overall well-being. I started reflecting, going inward, and looking at what changes I wanted to make. I made the decision to let go of things and people that no longer served my highest good. I started taking care of my body by eating nourishing foods, getting daily exercise, and getting more sleep.
photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring MEREDITH FOSTER @meredithfoster
photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring MEREDITH FOSTER @meredithfoster
What does self-love mean to you? What is your biggest advice for learning to love yourself?
Self love to me is accepting and embracing all versions of yourself. As we transform and change from our past selves it is important to remember the person you were that made you the person you are now. My biggest advice for learning to love yourself is that it’s a constant journey. It’s not something you can just learn overnight — it’s something you work on your whole life.
On the “About” section of your channel, you emphasize that “beauty comes from within.” How have you learned to appreciate your inner-beauty?
People tend to focus on outer appearance when they hear the word beauty. We are our own harshest critics and will want to pick out every flaw we see, but beauty comes from within. Beauty is not in our face or body but a light in our heart. Beauty is kindness, giving, and selflessness. I appreciate my inner beauty everyday by focusing on how I treat others and myself.
It can be hard to find the motivation to pursue wellness and healthy living, what are your biggest tips for pursuing a healthy lifestyle and staying motivated?
Wanting to live a healthy life has to start with your own motivation to do it, not from someone else telling you to. Once you set your mind to it, it can be so rewarding! Our bodies are temples and when you remember how it feels to treat it well, you will never want to stop.
Being a YouTuber comes with many expectations and critiques from audiences around the internet. How do you deal with these expectations? How do you deal with hate or negativity?
I try to not take anything personally. If I see a negative comment I remember that the person might be struggling with themselves and it really has nothing to do with me at all. Send them a comment of positivity back! When you focus on the love and compassion in others, negativity and hate will fall away. We attract what we think about so choose your thoughts wisely!
Working as an internet creator means that you are your own boss. How do you balance your work life and personal life?
Finding a balance isn’t always easy. It takes dedication, time management, and organization. I block off the weekend for hanging out with friends and family and then spend most of the week being creative and doing work!
Where do you find inspiration for your YouTube videos? What video are you most proud of?
I find inspiration from everywhere but mostly when I am meditating or going within. This is how I get in alignment with what is true for me. I am most proud of the videos that show my authentic self and vulnerability. When you live authentically, it inspires others to do the same and I love seeing others find their true voice.
photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring MEREDITH FOSTER @meredithfoster
photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring MEREDITH FOSTER @meredithfoster
photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring MEREDITH FOSTER @meredithfoster
What would you like your audience to take away from your videos?
I want to help my audience on their own individual journey. When you learn something new or discover something amazing, you want to share it with your friends and that’s exactly what I’m doing with my viewers! We all have a light within us whether we know it or not and I want to help others ignite theirs!
You are only 22 years old and have already found a career doing what you love. What advice would you give to others for discovering and pursuing their passions?
Don’t let anyone’s opinion or actions stop you from going after what you want and becoming the best version of you! When you create things that reflect who you are and what you love, people are inspired to do the same. It’s like a ripple or domino effect! Our passions fuel us, give us hope, and ignite a light that cannot be snuffed out so go after what it is you desire most and share it with the world.
How has your style changed throughout the years?
My style has been all over the place but I really found my style in the last year when I started buying retro and vintage clothes from antique malls. I love the 70’s and feel like I would have thrived in all aspects during that decade so I like to channel Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac.
Issue 27 is called “The Dreamer’s Issues” dedicated to dreamers around the globe. What does being a dreamer mean to you? What do you dream about?
To me, being a dreamer is about realising that you are in control of your destiny. You can design your life the way you dream it. If you put in the work, you will see the magic. Paint your world with the colors, words, and visions you see it in. I dream of a blissful state of mind, body, and soul where the world exists as one and we love each other fully and unconditionally.
What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned in your time on YouTube?
The biggest life lesson I learned is actually finding my own personal strength. My inner strength has been tested throughout my time on YouTube by people and situations. I really came to understand and find myself by being brought down which then led me to build myself back up. I am grateful for these experiences because at the end of the day, they made me who I am today.
What is an item on your bucket list that you have not completed yet? Is there a reason you have not done it yet?
I want to go camping in the woods! I haven’t done it because I need to get my camping gear and find someone to come with me!
If you could define yourself in three words, what would they be?
Empathetic, thoughtful, and supportive.
What is one quote you live by?
“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” -Rumi
KEEP UP WITH MEREDITH: Instagram/Twitter: @meredithfoster YouTube: Meredith Foster & VlogsbyMeredith
photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandrefeaturing MEREDITH FOSTER @meredithfoster
photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandrefeaturing MEREDITH FOSTER @meredithfoster
photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandrefeaturing MEREDITH FOSTER @meredithfoster interview by EMILY PITCHER @xmilyp
