It’s unlikely that a girl born in Chennai, India, would become one of the most influential social-media creators in the U.S. But that’s exactly what Vidya Gopalan, known on social media as @queencitytrends, has done. With more than 4 million TikTok followers and half a million more on Instagram, she’s turned her passion for fashion and storytelling into a thriving business, partnering with global brands like Dove, L’Oreal, Rare Beauty, L’Occitane, Walmart and Amazon.
“I started my social-media accounts with no expectations — I just thought sharing my clothes and makeup would be fun,” says Vidya (pronounced VITH-yah), who recently celebrated her 40th birthday. “It’s only been about three years since my content really took off.”
Krisha Chachra served eight years on the Blacksburg Town Council and has written for NRV Magazine for a decade. She is a member of The Mama Movement and a proud mom to a curious toddler. Krisha is a community advocate and connector and runs an event production organization that hosts Up on the Roof. Krisha has reported and hosted shows for public radio and television and has freelanced for USA Weekend Magazine, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Alexandria Gazette among others. Her book about returning to Blacksburg, Homecoming Journals, may be found online or in local bookstores.