Ever wondered what it’s like to be a YouTuber ? One of those Internet sweethearts, followed by thousands of keen viewers, ready to pounce on the next thing rolling off the tip of your tongue ? Well, today, Jessica L’Espérance is among us to tell the tale. And, contrary to most worldwide wannabes, she’s surprisingly fresh, real & down to earth.

Wide-eyed Jess steps into our office with a light bounce, a bright smile and spring-like scents trailing behind her. So, what do I find out within minutes ? She’s not just the blog & vlogger some of us have come to know, but also a relatable sweetheart with an unapologetic point of view.

“In my videos, I talk about the things that interest me. And, because I work in a pharmacy, I also know my beauty products. But what I love most is skincare. So far, my favorite brands are Clarins and Biotherm.”

OK, so the girl has me re-thinking anyone I’ve ever asked for advice in Isle 1, now wishing she’d been around to lend a helping hand.

“And I would never endorse a product I don’t like or that doesn’t work.”

And her fans would expect no less. Not a bullshitter, nor a princess, she offers to help me move a few tables out of the way to take pictures. She casually tells me that she would love to turn YouTubbing (if that’s even a verb) into a full-time job. Far from being a 9-5 girl, Jess tells me that she’d prefer to jump on contracts here and there. And all the better, since she’s in the right niche to do so, having recently busted into fashion blogging, as well. There’s no doubt like-minded brands will be eager to pair up with her accessible flare. A big fan of neutral tones, Jess loves all that is comfortable & slouchy – with a grungy edge.

What you might not know though, is that her videos are just a hobby : something she does on the side. She might be three years in, with 13,800 YouTube followers, but don’t be fooled, she’s just your average lady on the work grind, going to uni and just trying to make it happen, one step at a time.

What’s something people might not know about you and what you do ? I ask.

“There’s definitely pressure to follow through, because most people think I do this full-time… and I don’t want to disappoint anyone. But it’s important that I keep being myself and doing things the way I see fit. And school is definitely my priority.”

Her favorite video so far ? She can’t seem to pinpoint just one, but Jess lights up mentioning her “boîte à souvenir” formula – where she discusses childhood memories on cam to share with viewers :

So, when she’s not engaging an audience, or attending class, Jess cuddles up with her two cats and keeps close to the fam, with whom she is closely knit. But she admits that there’s a thrill to skipping into the city, a place that truly inspires her, because of its diversity. And downtown Montreal is definitely a big contrast to her life in the suburbs. But as she also knows far too well, contrast can also come with complications, especially when you’re known for standing out.

“I’ve received anonymous notes from people telling me that they’ve seen me in a hallway but that they haven’t come to talk to me because they think I’m like this scary celeb or something. But I’m not !” She laughs.

“I’m just a normal person ! It’s still weird to me that people want to take pictures together or that they’re avoiding me. I want people to come up and talk to me ! I study communications, after all, so the link between all of us is what keeps a smile on my face. Whether it be a virtual connection or chatting one-on-one, I love people. And we all need to be there and support each other.”

She might be young, but she’s not short of beauty, heart, talent or marketing savvyness. Fresh rose and primrose pink, Jess is definitely a maverick doing it her way, and one to let yourself be inspired by. So take a look at her Youtube and Vlog channels, follow her on Twitter or find her on Facebook if her shtick is yours too.

As Jess would remind us all, no matter what path you’re on or what you’re up to, integrity is key.

Photographs by Lara Binamé.