An advocate for simple yet elevated and sophisticated fashion, Paula Lakay is known for creating some of the most aspirational local content. We interviewed her to learn more…  

She’s been around for almost 10 years, creating stunningly relatable content, and using her platform and passion for helping others to the fullest. A Psychology Honours graduate, YouTuber, brand influencer and wife to hubby Lorenzo Lakay for five years, the curly-haired fashionista has mastered the demanding and ‘unconventional’ journey behind content creation, keeping things honest and raw along the way, while holding on to her faith and values.  

HOW HAS THE DIGITAL CONTENT CREATION SPACE CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED, AND HOW ARE YOU NAVIGATING NEW CHANGES AND TRENDS? 
When I started, the term ‘influencer’ did not exist yet. I was a YouTuber and blogger, sharing my thoughts on all things beauty and fashion while studying. There weren’t that many of us back then either, so it was not as big as it is today with fancy events and keeping up with the new platforms. I loved it back then and I love it today.   

I think the quality of digital content has changed in a huge way, and I can proudly say that I have always tried to keep up a high standard of quality content for my views and followers. It can be quite overwhelming with all the new social media platforms, like TikTok, however, I am slowly finding my niche on that app, too, and slowly building my own community.  

YOUR CONTENT IS SIMPLE YET ELEVATED AND ENDURING – MUCH LIKE YOUR SENSE OF STYLE. TELL US ABOUT THIS 
Thank you so much! I struggled to find my style in my earlier days on social media (if you go back down my feed, you’ll see for yourself) ranging from styles to colour. As I’ve gotten older, I have become more self-aware and confident in finding my very own style – simple yet elevated.  

I like to keep things fairly simple, but I’ll add a twist to it to elevate the look, like a bold blazer or a striking pair of heels. I have also been enjoying pops of colour now and then, which I think seems to keep things interesting. A lot of my wonderful community online have been saying that they’re enjoying this “new Paula”.  

HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR CAREER, MARRIAGE, FAMILY LIFE, BEING A PET OWNER, AND FITTING IN SOME DOWNTIME? 
It can be tricky when you are your own boss, and the ‘not-so-fun-stuff’ needs to be done, but you also need to create content for five or more brands at a time, and editing needs to take place.  

However, I have some sort of balance in my life with work and family life and somehow it all works seamlessly. My husband is very understanding, and he knows the industry quite well, so this is a bonus for me when I need to work late.  

HAVE YOU LISTENED TO ANY INSPIRING PODCASTS LATELY? IF SO, WHICH ONES? 
I really enjoy listening to The Good Life with Stevie and Sazan. They’re a beautiful Christian couple who [husband] Lorenzo and I discovered on YouTube a few years back, and I’ve been hooked ever since.  

I really enjoy listening to their podcasts (usually when I’m getting my lashes done) because they are so relatable and dive into the realistic issues that most of us tackle in life, like checking in with your mental health, how to make more money, dealing with fears, and so on. I also enjoy their on-screen chemistry. So, they have always been a fave of mine.   

WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO BE IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME? 
I’d like to be back in the field of Psychology, and hopefully have completed my Masters by then, too. I also hope to have purchased my very own home and welcomed another pet to our family (don’t tell my husband Lorenzo about the pet part – I’m still working on that!).  

It is such an honour to know that I have an audience who trusts my thoughts and opinions, and has supported my journey throughout the last couple of years. I feel like we’re a group of friends who share fashion and beauty tips, thoughts, and have the occasional laugh with one another on my Instagram Lives…  

Paula’s Style Tips  

On transitional fashion: 
Don’t be afraid of wearing your items in an unconventional way. For example: wearing a dress as a skirt with a warmer top over it for colder days. I would also say layering is your best friend! Wearing a dress with a turtleneck underneath and a pair of boots is a game-changer.   

Advice on fast fashion versus slow fashion: 
I am someone who leans right in the middle. I purchase fast fashion items, but I also do a lot of thrifting and sell a lot of those items to people who can get good use out of them.   

Tips for those who love minimalist fashion: 
She is me, I am she! I love minimalist fashion because you can wear just about every item in your wardrobe with each other. It is a great way to become creative in your outfits, too, because you’ll think of new ways to wear the pieces and how to style them. If you are wanting to go into a minimalist wardrobe, I would recommend a neutral toned one because it’s versatile.  

Personal style must-haves: 
I absolutely must have a neutral structured blazer that is either cropped or longer in length (I am short, so the average length blazer looks a tad awkward on me). Secondly, I need a great pair of mom jeans that is high-waisted. Lastly, a great pair of sneakers. If you didn’t know this about me, I am actually a sneaker girl. My pair of New Balance 327s is basically glued to my feet! 

Words by Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Courtesy Images