Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Wengie
Once an accountant, Wengie is better known these days for her music, Whimsical By Wengie toy line for Target and her popular YouTube channel. Splitting her time between Los Angeles and Sydney, Australia, the beauty influencer recently was nominated for the 12th Annual Shorty Awards' YouTuber of the Year. Fans may stay in touch with Wengie on Twitter (https://twitter.com/wengie), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wengie/) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/WWWengie).
Q. You've filmed music videos around the world. Can you tell me about some of the places you chose?
A. My whole mission in music is to spread love of different cultures. I grew up in Australia, so I had to shoot a music video there. We shot "Ugly Christmas Sweater" in Australia. It was such a special project because we did everything ourselves, which made it even more exciting when I saw it trend No. 1 on YouTube! We shot "Mr. Nice Guy" in the Philippines. My best friend growing up was Filipino, so I really wanted to do something there. We cut three versions -- English, Tagalog and one a mix of the two languages. We shot "Empire" (with) Minnie of (G)I-DLE in South Korea. This was one of my most special collaborations, because I've loved K-Pop since a young age. I got to work with one of my favorite girl group members. It was a dream come true.
Q. Female empowerment has always been important to you. In your travels, have you been surprised at how girls and women are represented in their respective countries?
A. I can't really comment from just visiting a country. I don't want to misjudge the situation. I will say we obviously have a lot of room for improvement on a global scale. I hope through my music I can inspire and empower girls and women internationally.
Q. How have your travels inspired your work as an artist and as a businesswoman?
A. I love learning about other cultures and what makes them do what they do. And the beautiful thing is that you realize no matter where you live, we essentially are all the same. We love and fight and believe and get motivated by music and people. This inspires me so much to keep doing what I do.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. China to visit my extended family. I loved it. It was so good seeing everyone in my family again.
Q. What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?
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