Influencer Jennifer Lake (left) and British makeup artist and entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury (right), pictured at a Nordstrom Michigan Avenue event
Whether you’re aiming to step up your style game, expand your roster of local hot spots or elevate your beauty routine, these Chicago-based influencers are ones to follow.
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Digital creator Helen Berkun has worked as an editorial fashion photographer, a celebrity stylist and a creative director. Drawing from her more than 20-year-long career in the fashion industry, Berkun has garnered a loyal following for her style expertise, travel content, beauty tips and local recommendations.
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Whether she’s traipsing across the globe or sharing her favorite Chi-Town destinations, content creator and visual storyteller Rachel Chen is one to follow. While her refreshing and aesthetically pleasing posts evoke serious wanderlust, her features of local spots like Brass Tack and the Waldorf Astoria Chicago remind us how great it is to be a local.
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Glen Ellyn native Anthony Corrado (aka ToeKnee Corrado) had set his sights on becoming a sketch comedian long before he amassed millions of viewers on global platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Followers can expect the same comedy gold that has garnered him Second City gigs for nearly a decade, whether he’s sharing dance skits or performing as notable characters like “Maddie” and “Awkward First Date Guy.”
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Pianist, composer and fitness enthusiast Sam Cushing has amassed a dedicated following for his refreshingly sincere content and infectiously uplifting aura. The Chicago local shares everything from his picks for the best LGBTQ+-friendly spots to his motivational wellness and fitness tips.
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Viral sensation Ida Giancola has charmed the internet with her bubbly personality, iconic fashion tips and overseas shopping hauls, amassing a cult-like following. Visit Giancola’s TikTok for dreamy wedding guest style inspiration, beauty tips, curated vintage finds, honest Windy City restaurant reviews and packing tricks for your next European summer getaway.
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Recipe developer Ruda Khan dedicates her page to sharing her latest culinary creations and provides locals with insightful restaurant reviews on the city’s top dining spots. Get major inspo for your next dinner party with Khan’s expertly crafted, highly tempting recipes for dishes like savory fish curry, one-pot chicken bhuna masala and four-ingredient mango ice cream.
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Check out Chicago-based OBGYN Dr. Kiarra King’s page for her thoughtful remarks on women’s health, well-being, self-care, lifestyle, fashion and family content. Whether she is sharing resources for finding Black physicians, raising awareness for breast cancer or speaking on healthcare panels, Dr. King’s down-to-earth personality and informative posts have amassed a loyal fan base.
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Fashion, interiors and luxury style maestro Jenn Lake uses her wide reach on social media to spread the word about her favorite closet staples, organization essentials and jewelry must-haves. When she’s not jetting off to Paris, Nantucket or Bermuda, Lake works as CSO for Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami-based integrated communications agency Zapwater Communications.
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Compass real estate agent Natalie Renna shares the lowdown on on-the-market local listings and tips for female buyers, all while gracing social media with her on-trend style and uber-relatable professional insights. If you are looking for your dream home or want to step up your Zillow game with exclusive listing details, Renna’s page has got you covered.
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Whether she is visiting favorites like Smoke Daddy and Indienne or gearing up for beloved annual fêtes like Windy City Smokeout and Taste of Chicago, Sam Roby (aka @chicagofoodauthority) is your go-to source for serious foodie insight. Keep an eye on her page to be the first to know about local restaurant openings and to impress your inner circle with a spot for your next night out.
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Kiss your style rut goodbye with Wale Sanni’s fashion cheat codes, closet staple highlights and must-have picks for fashion aficionados. As a Saks Fifth Avenue Chicago personal stylist, Sanni offers expert tips to elevate your style game while sharing insider knowledge on current sales and deals.
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Musician Rob Scallon has been on the scene since 2007, covering metal songs with folk and country instruments, releasing solo albums Anchor and The Scene is Dead and developing pixel-art adventure video Fretless: The Wrath of Riffson in collaboration with Ritual Studios. Pore over the Arlington Heights native’s social pages for intel on his latest music projects, upcoming content for his podcast Sonic Boom with creator Andrew Huang or his latest (seriously impressive) rollerblading maneuvers.
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Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber Cande Smith strives to use her broad reach on social media to usher in a new era of body positivity and plus-sized style with timeless, budget-friendly outfit inspiration and uplifting affirmations. Additionally, Smith posts recipes, beauty tips, home updates and details about her favorite dining spots around the city.
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From Market Days guides to “Gaycation” tips and tricks, content creator Courtney Vondran has dedicated their page to providing locals and visitors with insider intel on the best LGBTQ+ spots around (and beyond) the city. With over a decade of travel vlogging under their belt, Coutney’s page is one to visit for local recs, day trip ideas and travel tips and tricks.
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Whether she’s divulging her beauty and fashion tips, sharing recipes or giving her followers a sneak peek into her daily routine, content creator Anna Jane Wisniewski aims to make elevating your style approachable with helpful weekly Q&As and tutorials on how to level up your wardrobe.
See also: The 16 Best Chefs In Chicago
Photography by: Robin Marchant / Stringer / Getty Images
