I Can’t Afford A Life Coach So I Watch These 5 TikTokers
This app is full of silliness, chaos, and a lot of wisdom

I told myself I wasn’t going to download TikTok. For a while, I stayed true to that intention. I saw TikTok videos being shared on Instagram and YouTube, enjoyed them, but because I didn’t want another time-waster, I never downloaded the app.
I think I always knew that I would cave one day. Everyone on the app seemed to love TikTok and honestly what’s not to love? It’s an endless vault of connection with content that suits any set of interests. The short-form setup caters to the modern attention span. It’s a genius platform that sets creativity on fire and about two months ago, I decided I needed to sample it.
Of course, I got sucked into the cat side of TikTok, falling in love with many adorable fur babies like Alf, Mackenzie, Deksy, and Cooter. I love to laugh and TikTok has no shortage of hilarious personalities. Some of my favorite comedy accounts are Elsa Majimbo, Lili Hayes, and J-Dog.
While I use TikTok for entertainment, I’ve come across several accounts that educate, inspire, and relax me. I’ve compiled a short list of creators who have captivated my attention and offered me substantial value.
1. im.big.so.what (Tin)
Did you know there’s a difference between systemic and systematic racism? What about the difference between a preference and a bias? I surely wasn’t aware of the answer to either question before I came across Tin’s account. A fellow West Indian beauty, Tin seeks to illuminate forgotten pieces of black history, advocate for the LGBTQ community, support our mental health, be a spiritual leader, and pay homage to her Haitian heritage.
Her intersectional activism, bolstered by her vast knowledge of political science and philosophy (she has a degree in both disciplines) has opened my eyes to the many societal forces that contribute to the hardships of oppressed groups. Her delivery is always humourous and full of personality. All of her videos have subtitles to ensure that everyone can absorb the important information she shares.
2. Carrie.1956
Thankfully, trauma is more openly discussed than it ever has been but what if you come from a time when it was not mandatory to report child abuse? Carrie lived in that time and now shares her harrowing stories of survival.
She was raised by an abusive mother and step-father who terrorized her physically and emotionally throughout her childhood. Now a nana, she still feels the pain of her past but she is in touch with the warrior within who was able to survive and thrive. She shares kind messages of self-love with her viewers and raises awareness about the damage done by child abuse. I’m grateful for her work and happy she is healing.
3. Linda Dong
I’m a sucker for motivational content but sometimes, the brain is tired and needs some good old-fashioned laughs. Linda Dong combines wholesome positivity with relatable humor. From growing up with a sibling to the plight of the lost millennial or zoomer, her comedic work perfectly captures life’s awkward moments. She also adds a word of encouragement when she knows her viewers need it most.
4. Tabitha Brown
I eat a mostly plant-based diet but sometimes I crave comfort food that satisfies my desire for greasiness and meaty textures. Tabitha’s delicious vegan recipes have shown me the many possibilities of cooking with mushrooms. Even if you love meat, the odd plant-based meal is a nice way to add variety to your diet. Tabitha’s delivery is lively and fun just like her friendly personality. She’s a joy to watch and a talented cook.
5. Nabela
For an instant dose of calm, you must check out Nabela. This account features daily ‘pockets of peace’ — aesthetically pleasing scenes from everyday life designed to help us slow down and find our center. The themes of Nabela’s videos are self-care and self-love, two matters most of us abandon. I watch Nabela’s TikToks to remind me of what feels good and they transport me to that space. She’s helped me realize that just thirty seconds of escape can be the reset I need to push myself in the right direction for a good day.
