ABOUT US

February 5, 2024

Toddy Smith is a performer, writer and a leading digital content creator who has amassed a following of over 7 million adoring fans across his social media platforms. Toddy uses his eccentric storytelling to share a glimpse into his and his friends' lives through vlogs and other comedic content across his social channels.

February 8, 2024

“I felt bad in the moment because I didn’t know either,” he says. “I just took a leap of faith, and if anything I would just find another job.” But Adam’s lovable nature was enough to catapult him into the upper echelon of comfort creators.

April 29, 2024

Matter Media Group for launching a merchandise division and continuing to deliver different channels through which clients can carve out their niche.

June 21, 2024

In celebration of Pride Month, we are featuring LGBTQIA+ and its community. With the theme of “Chosen Family,” we will reexamine various relationships, connections, and the current state of society through conversations between eight people from four groups.

July 31, 2024

College students can now explore and shop five brand-new virtual, immersive dorm rooms inspired by social trends and curated by popular digital college creators including Jellybean Celine

November 8, 2023

Remi Cruz, a YouTuber and podcaster, is engaged to her boyfriend of four years, Cal Parsons. Parsons popped the question on Sept. 2 while the two were on a surprise weekend getaway to Santa Barbara, California. The location is special to the pair, as it was where they celebrated their six-month anniversary years prior.

November 10, 2023

Toddy makes music in a way that everyone can respect: only releasing songs that feel right, staying true to lyrics and melody without overdoing it, and never pushing something that isn't serving him. He's the type of person who is always writing- whether it be music or a short story, which he admits he prefers a little more because he can just write anything that comes to mind with no thoughts of melody or diction or style.

November 21, 2023

Dear Media is adding lifestyle podcast Pretty Basic, hosted by Alisha Marie and Remi Cruz, to its roster of shows. The podcast, which won the 2021 Webby Award for Best Lifestyle Podcast, releases weekly episodes which alternate between one-on-one conversations with Marie and Cruz and interviews with celebrity guests, including Meghan Trainor, Dixie D’Amelio, Chris Olsen, Madison Beer and Ashley Tisdale.

December 26, 2023

Prior to starting Matter Media Group, Andal worked for five years in PR, entertainment, and social-media marketing supporting well-known beauty and lifestyle brands, and then as a talent manager at several firms.

January 19, 2024

Toddy Smith, the creative force behind Gothicmochas and Happyface, is a force to be reckoned with. We sat down to talk to the jack of all trades – and master of all of them – as he opens up about the inspiration behind his latest collection on Revolve, and his foray into the worlds of fashion and wellness.

May 25, 2023

Aetos, a men’s essentials brand, has brought Marcel Floruss of One Dapper Street on board as creative director. Since moving from Germany to the United States, Floruss, a men’s style influencer, has been named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree in the Media & Marketing category, amassed more than 90 million views on his One Dapper Street YouTube.

June 2, 2023

WHEN SAMMY Palazzolo goes out, people constantly ask to see her phone. The 18-year-old often obliges, flipping it open and handing it over. In late 2022, Ms. Palazzolo and some of her dorm-mates at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign were bemoaning their smartphone addictions. “We were talking about how we [felt] like slaves to our phones, like robots who keep scrolling and scrolling, even when we’re out at parties.” The group hatched a plan to do something about it. The next day, they went flip-phone shopping at Walmart.

July 7, 2023

“I’ve now realized that being a person of influence just means being a good, kind human being. I try my best in my content to be inspiring to my viewers to just treat people nicely, give people grace, and to understand what we all make mistakes. I’ve been so lucky to cultivate an incredible audience built up of kind, respectful people, and I’m so proud of what I’ve learned along the way.”

August 15, 2023

Kiana’s Shorts videos encompass a wide array of captivating content, ranging from speedy sewing tutorials that showcase her designs and styling tips, to engaging makeup tutorials and even DIY house renovations. However, what truly sets Kiana apart as a standout Shorts creator, creating waves in the community, is her keen understanding of her audience. She skillfully offers a peek behind the curtain, sharing delightful glimpses of her life beyond content creation.

October 5, 2023

With over 15.3 million total followers, Alisha Marie McDonal, known as Alisha Marie online, has proven the longevity of a social media career. The lifestyle influencer first began posting vlogs and shopping hauls on YouTube in 2008, but now runs her clothing company, Parallel Apparel, hosts the podcast “Pretty Basic” with fellow longtime YouTuber Remi Ashten, and has collaborated with Macy’s, Living Proof, and BetterHelp.

April 27, 2023

Kiana Bonollo is a full-time fashion and sewing content creator. Although she didn’t start creating content until 2020, she quickly gained a following because of her love for sharing her sewing knowledge and experience. Since then, she has expanded her content to fashion styling, DIY nails and beauty. One of her favorite types of videos to create are “get ready with me” styling videos.

April 28, 2023

Madison Watkins has always been drawn to music. Inspired by the voices of legendary pop artists with soul influences, like Whitney Houston, Tori Kelly, and Bruno Mars, Madison has captivated audiences and is cementing her legacy in the pop music space. A multifaceted, prolific artist and singer-songwriter, she naturally stands out through her bold personality, resolution, and grit — her music has the intimacy of a conversation between girlfriends, never compromising the innate popstar glam that has accompanied her journey to date.

May 10, 2023

Check out our interview with talented singer-songwriter Madison Watkins who recently released her new single “Find You,” and a new Mother’s Day song called “Mom.” “Find You” is a delicate and heartfelt ballad about looking ahead and trusting that you will eventually meet ‘the one.’”

May 19, 2023

Aja Dang, Mstrpln: "My experience might be unique because, as a fourth-generation Asian American, no one in my family ever taught me about money. No one talked to me about savings or even how difficult it was for my parents to support me when I was younger.

May 25, 2023

Kiana Bonollo, a 24-year-old content creator and pattern maker from North Carolina, told Insider that she – like many others – habitually tunes in to see arrivals at the annual star-studded Met Gala in New York City. But unlike most people, Bonollo checks out the event to see if there's a dress on the red carpet she can challenge herself to recreate.

March 3, 2023

From learning how to replace your tail lights, to personalizing your gear shift stick, our host Anatalia Villaranda is showing us the best ways to customize your ride and pull off impressive automotive DIYs.

March 7, 2023

Interestingly, many fans of The Originals still don't know that Riley Voelkel originally auditioned to play the youngest Mikaelson sister, Rebekah. Although she lost the role to Claire Holt, the show's producers were so impressed with Voelkel's audition that they created the character of Freya specifically for her — and boy, did she deliver!

March 10, 2023

The cafe will be decked out in all things Pretty Basic, with tons of amazing photo-op moments and La La Land signature coffees with names inspired by Remi, Alisha, and Pretty Basic.

March 21, 2023

Marie started posting videos in 2011, with content ranging from makeup tutorials and morning routines to fashion hacks and back-to-school tips. She partnered with top brands—Marc Jacobs, Tarte Cosmetics, BMW, Amazon, Hollister—and designed her own Casetify X Alisha Marie phone case collection. Marie’s social media empire further extends to her own size-inclusive clothing brand, Parallel Apparel, which she founded alongside her sister, Ashley Nicole.

March 29, 2023

Influencer and allergy sufferer Remi Cruz partners with ZYRTEC® to say goodbye to allergy symptoms and that dreaded Monday feeling with their limited-edition Beat the Mondays collection.

December 26, 2022

Kiana Bonollo is a full-time fashion and sewing content creator. Although she didn’t start creating content until 2020, she quickly gained a following because of her love for sharing her sewing knowledge and experience. Since then, she has expanded her content to fashion styling, diy nails, and beauty.

January 30, 2023

Recipe developer and YouTube sensation Remi Cruz joins Drew in her kitchen to teach her how to make fried mac n cheese.

February 9, 2023

YouTuber Alisha Marie stops by Trending to discuss her social media success, podcast, and clothing brand.

March 2, 2023

Celine Tran of jellybeanceline is a full-time sociology Ph. D student and content creator who shares content to romanticize the little things in life — from everyday things to art and travel. She's managed to garner 84,000 subscribers on YouTube in less than a year!

March 3, 2023

Pretty Basic podcast hosts Remi Cruz and Alisha Marie will host their first-ever fan meet and greet at La La Land Kind Cafe at The Grove on March 10 to 12 from 7 a.m. to close. Celebrating the recent launch of the new podcast season and their upcoming merch drop, the event allows fans the opportunity to meet Cruz and Marie, try on-theme coffees and partake in a number of photo opps.

July 18, 2022

Williams Sonoma, a brand portfolio member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, announced today the launch of the brand’s eighth annual Tools For Change fundraising program benefitting No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America.

October 3, 2022

nutpods, the popular plant-based coffee creamer brand, has partnered with Remi Cruz, the leading cooking and lifestyle YouTube creator and award-winning podcast host with over 5 million followers, to launch a co-branded variety pack of Cruz’s favorite nutpods flavors.

November 2, 2022

The singer-songwriter made it to the Top 12 of last year’s American Idol season. She released a new single last week.

November 22, 2022

When digital creator Aja Dang and her husband Brian Puspos, who happens to be a choreographer, posted a video of them doing the insanely popular dance moves to “Cuff It” – a trend that has gone viral – they had no idea that it would be seen, nevermind reposted, by the Queen B herself.

December 22, 2022

Prior to starting Matter Media Group, Andal worked in PR and social-media marketing on the brand side for five years, and then as a talent manager at several firms. Matter Media Group represents entrepreneurs and storytellers across all platforms. The firm currently has a roster of 39 clients across the US, Canada, and Japan.

February 25, 2022

Relaunch week is ending with a party! Join Amanda and Madison Watkins as they talk about how your life has a purpose, being strong in your faith, and life in the public eye. Catch up with Madison @madison_watkins Pre-save her new single Lose to Love coming out on March 9th.

May 12, 2022

“We’re starting to see a lot of these ‘mid-level’ — I say that in air quotes — creators really pop into having a heavier hand in their own brands or even just more so of a collaboration aspect with their favorite brands,” said Evegail Andal, founder and CEO of talent management firm Matter Media Group.

May 27, 2022

That’s why creators like Kiana Bonollo, who has over 270,000 followers on the app, are helping followers figure out how to start learning sewing and upcycling with little to no skills. “It’s great to see more and more people upcycling,” says Bonollo, who is a fashion designer and patternmaker. “I don’t think it’s a trend; I think it’s going to continue to grow and stay with us in the future.”

June 15, 2022

“The Japan Times” reported Stan Fukase　as “the influencer whose number of TikTok followers has increased the most in Japan . ” He is also attracting attention in the fashion industry, such as being appointed for the social media campaign of " MARC JACOBS ". . Although Fukase is based in Japan, it mainly distributes in English, so it is more famous overseas, especially in the United States. Especially popular with Generation Z, she launched her own fashion brand last year. We asked the next-generation influencer, who is active in a wide range of fields, about his commitment to fashion, his career, and the current state of LGBTQ+ in Japan.

July 15, 2022

Aja Dang is no stranger to creating a budget to reach life’s milestones. In 2020, she documented on her YouTube channel her journey towards paying off $200,000 in credit card, car and student loan debt in just two years. This year, she’s given herself a new challenge: planning her destination wedding on a $45,000 budget.

February 14, 2020

As YouTube figures out its awkward teen years, some creators have been left behind, others are skeptical, and some hopeful for where the platform is headed.

January 6, 2021

Taylor King never thought she would be working full time for a social-media influencer after graduating from college. It simply didn't occur to her that it was a career opportunity. King originally dreamed of working at a Hollywood production studio when she began to study video production at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. But during college, King met YouTubers around Los Angeles and offered to help them film and edit videos to boost her skills.

April 18, 2021

It takes an especially talented person to cover a Whitney Houston song, which is why Madison Watkins is the perfect one to do it! Singing Whitney’s “Run To You” from “The Bodyguard,” Madison belts all the right notes, giving us ALL the feels with this one!

June 5, 2021

It was never Stan Fukase’s intention to go viral on TikTok. “When the pandemic started, I started making TikTok videos like everyone else,” he says over a video call. “I was never expecting to be famous or anything.” Yet after a brief dabble with the dance videos that TikTok is famed for, it was a video making fun of how drag queens greet each other that went viral, gaining hundreds of thousands of views. As Fukase began to post on TikTok more, however, those numbers started to pale in comparison to the thousands of followers he was gaining daily.

July 28, 2021

LA-based YouTubers Alisha Marie and Ashley Nichole, with over 9 million subscribers combined, are social media creators, podcast co-hosts of their own shows and, most recently, the two faces behind the new clothing label, Parallel Apparel.

October 9, 2019

Business Insider is recognizing the power players who are helping shape the careers of these stars in 2019. In this inaugural list, we are highlighting the top 14 YouTube talent managers who are assisting creators with their digital brands and businesses.

October 11, 2019

Woo runs a self-titled style channel where he posts fashion tips, personal style, hair tutorials, DIY’s, and more. He has accumulated over 425,000 subscribers.

October 29, 2019

YouTube vloggers Ashley Nichole and Taryne Renee are a comedic duo who'll leave you laughing through the chaos of your life. They're no experts, but they are full of advice! Dating advice, work advice, and even advice on what to do when you've fallen in love with your best friend's brother. Yikes!

October 29, 2019

YouTube vloggers Ashley Nichole and Taryne Renee are a comedic duo who'll have you laughing through the chaos of your life. They're no experts, but they are full of advice! Dating advice, work advice, and even advice on what to do when you've fallen in love with your best friend's brother. Yikes!

December 1, 2019

It’s just past 8 a.m. in a slightly muggy studio space in Downtown LA, but Toddy Smith is ready to roll. Both literally, insofar as his seemingly boundless supply of energy, and figuratively, since he’s strolled in holding a Canon XF100 Camcorder. Then again, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, given that the 28-year-old Smith has made a name for himself as a prolific content creator, boasting over one million subscribers on YouTube and 2.4 million followers on Instagram.

July 15, 2019

You Know Me…Now Meet My Pet is a six-part series, with six young influencers introducing the world to their beloved pets. Featured influencers include Mia Sayoko and her corgi Ken.

July 19, 2019

In this episode of Naked Truths, YouTube creator Alisha Marie takes off her makeup on camera.

August 14, 2019

Alisha Marie and Remi Cruz record their Ramble Network podcast show “Pretty Basic” at Cadence13 in Los Angeles. Podcast app use is up, particularly among millennials, a new report shows.

August 27, 2019

Watch Youtubers Mia Sayoko, Joey Graceffa, Jessie Paege react to the top #1 things this week

September 14, 2019

Watch Youtubers Mia Sayoko, Timothy DeLaGhetto, Motoki Maxted try not to look back challenge.

July 1, 2019

When Katy Bellotte finds something she loves, then she will likely buy it multiple times, and her metallic gold Lulus sandals are no exception. The YouTuber, blogger, podcaster, and social media coordinator at L'Oréal Paris owns six pairs of the affordable find ($30).

July 8, 2019

Watch Lauren Riihimaki and Mia Sayoko play Truth or Drink, choose between the cold hard truth or a nice stiff drink.

July 12, 2019

"I definitely have noticed it hasn't taken off too much," said Alisha McDonal, known as Alisha Marie on her social media channels. "It's one more thing to add to everything [creators do]."

July 12, 2019

"Alisha McDonal, known as Alisha Marie on her social media channels, has been on YouTube for over 10 years, but has branched out to other mediums. She posts sponsored content on her Instagram account, in addition to her apparel line and podcast. ""It's crazy knowing that if [YouTube] was gone tomorrow, at least I have a few different things I'm doing,"" McDonal said."

July 13, 2019

The six-episode series will launch on July 17 and features six popular Instagram influencers who will introduce their beloved pets. Joining Loren, who has 16 million-plus follwers on Instagram, and Riihimaki (5 million followers) are Mia Sayoko (1.8 million followers), Mahogany Lox (1.4 million), Kristen McAtee (1.2 million) and Drew Lynch (506,000 followers).

November 3, 2018

When it came to reconciling a sibling design feud, YouTube influencer Alisha Marie called upon her friend and interior designer Sharrah Stevens to find a compromise.

November 8, 2018

Evegail Andal is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Matter Media Group.

January 11, 2019

Living our lives for likes is both addictive, toxic and undoubtedly leads to increased anxiety and low self-esteem

January 29, 2019

Calling all pretty basic girls! Alisha Marie and Remi Cruz are taking their podcast on the road! In case you missed it, late last year these to YouTube stars launched their lifestyle podcast “Pretty Basic.”

February 22, 2019

Part of the growth has been fueled by celebrities such as Remi Cruz and Alisha Marie, who last year launched an L.A.-based podcast about their lives called “Pretty Basic,” in which they discuss such topics as dating and fitness.

September 26, 2018

Aja Dang discusses how college is a big business and are profiting over student loans debt.

October 5, 2018

FaceTory collaborated with skincare queen and multi-talented Youtuber Aja Dang for our October Seven Lux and Four-ever Fresh Kit.

October 5, 2018

"After nabbing the experiment-happy Try Guys to host this year’s flagship presentation, the Streamy Awards has tapped close friends and leading lifestyle influencers Alisha Marie and Remi Cruz to host a breakout event honoring notable achievements in digital marketing. "

October 26, 2018

Alisha Marie McDonal and Remi Cruz’s gossipy Pretty Basic podcast, launched last Wednesday, as well as Grace Helbig and Mamrie Hart’s This Might Get Weird — an audio-only resurrection of their cancelled YouTube talk show — peaked at the No. 1 spot overall and No. 2 spot in the ‘Comedy’ category on the U.S. iTunes charts this week, respectively.

October 31, 2018

Aja Dang shares latest and greatest trend in the world of crystal beauty is gua sha.

July 17, 2018

The 25-year-old digital influencer opened up about she’s been handling her break and what’s ahead for her on the platform. Alisha also got real about doing more back-to-school videos and if she’s grown out of them.

July 25, 2018

The 25-year-old digital influencer took to her main YouTube Channel on Wednesday (July 25) to reveal that she is back while also giving fans an update as to what she’s been up to during her hiatus.

August 28, 2018

Alisha Marie hit the breaking point once she realized she was lying to herself.

September 5, 2018

Alisha Maire shares some handy hacks for school and college dorms.

September 25, 2018

Ken makes his home with a famous YouTuber: lifehack expert Mia Stammer. But the photo-loving Corgi doesn't need any hacks to enhance his natural cuteness.

April 2, 2018

Former talent at Maxim and Fox, now venturing off to put forth her voice on her own terms and finding purpose. Read about Aja in today's Spotlight.

May 1, 2018

Vlogging star Alisha Marie just announced her new collaboration with FUNBOY: A retro white convertible pool float complete with a cooler and metallic gold accents that are 100 percent Instagram worthy.

May 24, 2018

Aja Dang opens up about financial health and student loan debt on her popular YouTube channel.

May 30, 2018

Alisha Marie started on the platform at age 15, but recently has been feeling creatively squeezed.

June 30, 2018

Alisha Marie is one of those YouTubers who have been around forever. In the YouTube world, forever is 10 years. Think back to the big YouTubers from a decade ago. Chances are that they’re working a normal job, not making videos watched by millions of people.

September 22, 2017

Beauty and wellness blogger Aja Dang's video tutorial for a homemade all-natural lip balm takes 20 minutes, max.

December 5, 2017

"Confidence is not, They will like me," says 22-year-old blogger Katy Bellotte. "Confidence is, I don't care if they like me, because I like me."

December 8, 2017

Refinery29 and European Wax Center ask Katy Bellotte along with three inspiring influencers from Strut Society — a group of women from different backgrounds who want to help other women feel empowered — to get the scoop on what their morning habits entail.

January 14, 2018

Kayley Melissa brings together a hair tutorial from TV’s Victoria!

March 20, 2018

Alisha Marie sat down with Eyewitness News on a recent trip to New York to gush about how she started creating content on YouTube.

January 10, 2017

YouTube sensation Alisha Marie shares with Access Hollywood the do's and don'ts to becoming a social media maven. Plus, how did Alisha get her web start?

July 11, 2017

Read all about Kayley Melissa's Khaleesi-inspired elegant braid.

July 24, 2017

YouTubers LaurDIY, Alisha Marie and Mia Stammer all teamed up once again for an amazing collab jam packed with fun back to school DIY projects.

August 4, 2017

There’s nothing better than freaking your friends out at school. Mia Stammer shows you how to pull off some fun pranks during class!

August 8, 2017

Alisha Marie, internet content creator, has racked up 2.99 million followers on Twitter, 3.2 million followers on Instagram and 5.7 million subscribers on YouTube — and counting.