Founder and CEO of Youzus (a Toronto-based digital marketing and PR firm), Sonya Gill is also the brains behind The Youzus Report, Canada’s first ever social media magazine. We caught up with the digital pioneer to find out more…
What do we need to know about you?
I’m a Vancouver native with a background in television and a passion for challenges. In 2012, after starting a successful blog called Youzus, and noticing a greater need for social media and content development services in Canada, I launched my first digital marketing company, also named Youzus. I became so passionate about the industry that I went on to write a book on branding and how that plays into a company’s social platform success.
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We hear you launched Canada’s first ever social media mag – tell us about it!
It’s called The Youzus Report and we launched it last year in June. The idea behind it, originally, was to lend more credibility to social media happenings and build awareness around Youzus. Instead of creating a typical newsletter (think MailChimp) for our industry folks, friends and clients, we thought about creating a social media e-mag. Our first issue was such a hit that we thought we’d build the second magazine to be bigger and better and the rest is history. To date, we’ve featured some of the most influential bloggers, brands and stories that occur around the web, in Canada and beyond.
What are three things you can’t live without?
You mean actually live without? Let’s see… family, friends and heat, lots of heat. If you ever wanted to torture me, just stick me in the cold.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…of its versatility. It is the most vibrant and metaphorically ‘alive’ city. Culturally diverse and ever-changing.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Easy, La Carnita. The ambiance and food are delightful. But anywhere, with my favourite people, is where I want to be.
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What style trends are you obsessed with right now?
I’m obsessed with new architecture and design. Today, there seems to be more risk-taking, and an understanding is growing that conventions and structure no longer need to be the rule. When it comes to design, it excites me when I see someone taking a chance.
What’s your favourite spa or service?
The Scandinave Spa – hands down.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
Twitter and Facebook are the best ways for people to connect with me! For me, it’s facebook.com/SonyaGillHost and @SonyaGillHost, but hit us up on our social channels: @Youzus_Inc and facebook.com/youzus.inc.
