Instagram is notorious for its downsides, from incessant scrolling to the natural comparison that comes along with seeing the best curated part of other people’s lives, yet the app undoubtedly has more pros than cons. One major benefit of the platform is that it allows people to get to know more about those they admire, whether it be a celebrity, model, or influencer, while simultaneously allowing for connection and the proliferation of ideas. Canadian model Ashley Smouter takes full advantage of these aspects of Instagram, where she shares not only her beautiful content but her passions and interests with a nearly 600K following.
While her modeling success began early on, which she attests to her being a chameleon, Ashley initially found creating her own content daunting. However, eventually she found her rhythm and now loves that she is able to share her love for animals on her account. ?Social media has given me a platform to speak to animal welfare, and help with different animal and environmental charities. I am also vegan. I spent time (especially during quarantine) posting different vegan recipes. I?ve received a lot of positive feedback from my followers who may have otherwise not even considered a vegan meal,? she explains. As a vegan for over four years she is independent of animal products, even in her apparel, which means she has plenty of tips and information to share on the subject with her followers. ?I think a big part of what I do on social media is encourage people to look at animals differently?they are intelligent, and have the same right to occupy the planet as we do,? says Ashley. Given her passion for animals, she hopes to one day create a line of faux fur coats with a designer, and also ?buy a big property and rescue more animals?dogs, cats, pigs, cows?I feel that?s what I?m meant to do, what would give my life the most meaning,? she adds.
To learn more about Ashley, animal welfare, and maybe learn a vegan recipe or two, follow her Instagram account @ashleysmouter.