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Born in Guyana and raised in Jamaica and Belize by Haitian parents, Margarette Leandre who now resides in Canada, is a talented food and culture content creator, award-winning producer and digital marketer. Through her platform, CharisMaggie TV, Margarette explores the richness of her diverse cultural upbringing by delving into the intersections of food, language, and lived experiences. While her Caribbean upbringing initially steered her towards a career in medicine, Margarette realized that her true passion lay in content creation.
Transitioning from medicine to content creation and digital marketing wasn’t easy. Without formal media training, Margarette taught herself the necessary skills, earning certifications like the Meta Social Media and Google Digital Marketing Certificates. Supported by her parents, who encouraged her to complete her degree and pursue her dreams, Margarette’s journey from aspiring doctor to a thriving content creator is a testament to the power of following your passion.
Can you share more about your background? Who are you? Where are you from?
My name is Margarette Leandre. I am a food and culture content creator, award-winning producer and digital marketer. I use my platform CharisMaggieTV to explore the complexities of culture through food, language, and lived experiences. I was originally born in Guyana but I was raised in Jamaica and Belize by Haitian parents. I currently live in Canada.
How did your diverse upbringing influence your initial decision to pursue medicine?
I would say it had more to do with the societal perception and expectations in the Caribbean that only certain jobs are “real” jobs and come with a degree of respect. Growing up, the only options that were afforded to me were teacher, lawyer, nurse or doctor. Anything outside of that, you’re a failure.
What was the exact moment or experience that made you realize medicine was not the right path for you? How did you first discover content creation, and what drew you to it?
By my second year of university, I started feeling that medicine wasn’t the right fit. There wasn’t a single moment but rather a growing realization that my passion lay elsewhere. Looking back, I remember how much I enjoyed playing around with Windows Movie Maker as a kid, creating my own little movies. When my dad gave me my first camera as a birthday gift during a trip to Haiti, I started making video diaries before I even knew what vlogging was. When I started my YouTube channel, I found it exciting to share stories and create visually engaging content. I was drawn to the creative freedom and the ability to connect with people in a more dynamic way than what I had initially envisioned for myself in medicine. And if I’m being honest, chemistry and math were never my strong suits, which are kind of essential for a career in medicine!
How did you navigate the challenges of switching from a traditional career path in medicine to the world of content creation and digital marketing? Were there any obstacles you had to overcome?
Switching from a traditional career path in medicine to content creation and digital marketing came with its own set of challenges, the biggest being the lack of access to formal education and traditional experiences like internships that many others had. Without these credentials, it was tough to compete for job roles in the industry. However, thanks to online certification programs like the Meta Social Media and Google Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Certificates, I was able to gain the necessary skills and credentials to compete in the job market. I relied heavily on self-learning and building a portfolio that showcased my abilities. It was an unconventional route that required a lot of resilience and creativity, but it taught me the value of carving out my own path and trusting in my journey.
Coming from a background with Caribbean parents, was there any pressure or expectation to follow a more traditional career path? How did your family react to your decision to pivot?
Coming from a Caribbean background, there was definitely an expectation to follow a more traditional career path like medicine. When I had the conversation with my parents about not going to medical school, they were incredibly supportive and agreed that I should complete my bachelor’s program and figure things out from there. Growing up, my parents never pressured me to always get A’s, and if I didn’t, it was never a problem. In fact, they’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders, consistently encouraging me and expressing how proud they are of me, no matter what. I was often the one who put pressure on myself and felt the weight of failure, but their unwavering support has always been a constant source of reassurance and motivation.
How did you grow your audience to over 40,000 people? Were there any key strategies or moments that significantly boosted your following?
Growing my audience has been an 8-year journey of consistency, authenticity, and perseverance. It didn’t happen overnight; instead, it was a gradual process of sharing my unique story and experiences, which helped me stand out in a saturated market. Engaging with my audience, experimenting with different types of content, and staying adaptable to social media changes were key strategies. By staying true to my voice and consistently showing up, I’ve been able to build a loyal and engaged following over the years.
How do you balance your full-time job at a digital marketing agency with your freelance work and content creation? What does a typical day or week look like for you?
Balancing a full-time job with freelance work and content creation is a constant give and take. There are seasons when I can fully focus on my freelance business and content creation, and other times when I need to adjust my schedule to fit my bandwidth. Last year, when I was unemployed, I had the time and freedom to dive deep into my content creation, which allowed me to work on a food series project called Kitchens of Toronto and even secure government funding to produce it. Now that I’m working full-time again, I’ve had to slow down on how often I can post, and that’s completely okay. A typical week might look like working my 9-5, attending events after work or working on content after work or during the weekends. I always remind people that consistency doesn’t have to mean posting every day—it’s about defining what consistency means for you and working within your capacity.
How has your multicultural background influenced the content you create and the way you approach digital marketing? Do you find that your diverse experiences resonate with your audience?
My multicultural background has significantly influenced the content I create. My content focuses on ethnic cuisine, creole languages and lived experiences as an immigrant. It has also shaped my perspective on digital marketing, as I approach campaigns with an understanding of diverse audiences. My experiences resonate with many in my audience who see themselves reflected in my stories, especially those from immigrant or multicultural backgrounds.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your career pivot? How have these lessons shaped your approach to both your personal and professional life?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of authenticity—being true to my story and not being afraid to share it, even if it’s unconventional. I’ve also learned the importance of adaptability, especially in a rapidly changing industry like digital marketing. These lessons have taught me to embrace my journey, trust the process, and remain open to new opportunities. They’ve shaped my approach to life by reinforcing the importance of resilience and staying true to my passions.
What are your future goals in content creation and digital marketing? Do you see yourself continuing down this path, or are there other areas you want to explore?
I see my future in content creation and digital marketing as a dynamic journey where I can continue to evolve, inspire, and make a positive impact through the stories I tell. Looking ahead, I’m excited to use my platform to gain more speaking engagement opportunities and to step into the film industry. I’m interested in exploring ventures that combine storytelling, community impact, and cultural celebration. Whether it’s through digital content, strategic partnerships, or new creative projects, I’m committed to pushing boundaries and connecting with audiences in meaningful ways.
