With a passion for telling engaging stories, variety content creator Amanda Golka of Swell Entertainment inspires people to explore the world around them and to always stay curious. Now having nearly a decade of experience on YouTube, Amanda’s content offers reviews for a plethora of topics, and encourages her viewers to think critically about the subjects she presents to them. Whether it’s the latest social media trend or the next big convention, Amanda is here to shed light on it.
We sat down with Amanda to chat about her favorite fall fashion finds, her go-to skincare products for the chilly months, and her upcoming chapters as a creator, actress and writer.
1. Thank you so much for chatting with us! As the creator behind Swell Entertainment, what can you tell us about the mission of Swell and the type of content you are producing?
I’m definitely what’s called a variety creator. The only niche I have on my channel is I am the one telling a story, whether it’s in the form of an event, product, media, trend review or rundown. The mission has definitely changed over the years, especially since I’m about to celebrate 10 years of posting videos on YouTube. At the start, I wanted to get discovered and be a movie star. After a break, I wanted to make in depth reviews with my “I Tried it So You Don’t Have To” series because I was bothered by influencers doing brand deals for products I knew they weren’t using that were geared towards their young teen audiences. Now there is still a good deal of that, but mainly I like to encourage my audience to look deeper and ask their own questions on topics, even to get out there and experience new environments even if they are doing it alone.
2.Can you share your favorite fashion finds for the fall season?
–Zadig and Voltaire Sweaters. The best knitwear in my collection currently.
-Sweater dresses from Meshki
-Bright colored scarves. I have a vibrant orange scarf from & Other Stories that I adore
-Knee high boots. I have multiple pairs but I love pairing them with a mini skirt for the fall season
-Faux leather jackets. I have a few from Topshop I wear on a rotation
-Loose denim. My new favorite denim spot is & Other Stories. They always have a wide array of different fits and styles
-So excited to break out this wool bomber jacket I got from Banana Republic last year that I wore religiously
3.What is the one clothing item or accessory you’re always ready to break out when the weather starts to cool off?
I have the sickest Harley Davidson leather jacket I got from a flea market two years ago. It’s huge on me, an extra large, but I love it. It’s like wearing a weighted blanket. I love pairing it with skirts and girly dresses, and my friends like to joke that it looks like I stole it off a biker.
4.What new fashion trend(s) do you anticipate we will see this year?
I really hope I’m right about fun sweaters making a comeback. So many fashion brands went back to the “elevated basics” model and so we now have an overabundance of one color or even just neutral sweaters. I miss color! Patterns! I want bright orange plaids and designs that mimic Picasso paintings.
5.What skin care products do you rely on to help you combat dry cold weather?
Hyaluronic acid serum is my holy grail. I’ve used one from Evolve Organic Beauty for years now. I also switched to a thicker moisturizer from Peter Thomas Roth. I am borderline religious about SPF regardless of the season, but I like more hydrating ones during the colder months. I’m currently using one from House of Joseon that I love.
6.How does your makeup routine differ from when you’re filming to your days off?
I never do anything without mascara at least. I also like a light blush to at least highlight my cheeks since I wear my glasses most of the time. Since I have fairly dry skin I usually only do some spot correcting with Kosas concealer even on filming days. I like sparkly eyeshadow, and I have an alarming supply of the Urban Decay Moondust in the shade Space Cowboy. And winged up liquid liner. I usually focus more on my eyes for filming days since that’s what the viewer will naturally be drawn to. Then some light contouring and blush with either powder or Westman Atelier cream sticks. All around a fairly light makeup look though I would say.
7.What is an upcoming destination you’re traveling to or an event you are attending that you are looking forward to the most?
I love Formula One and am going to my first Austin Grand Prix in Texas in October. I’ve done the other two US Grand Prixs, Las Vegas and Miami, and I went all the way to Japan this year for the Suzuka Grand Prix. The Austin Grand Prix is the longest running US grand prix so I’m super excited to see how it differs from the newer ones that I’ve been to. I love motorsports and have become a bit addicted to finding ways to work races into my channel schedule.
8.What is on the horizon for Amanda Golka?
I am working on multiple projects outside of Swell Entertainment that I’m excited about. A horror novel, a nonfiction book about attending so many events as an outsider, screenplays, the works. I’m also excited to throw myself more fully into pursuing acting again. I put all that on the back burner because I was traveling so much but I’m finally getting back on track again. I’m working on getting better at setting time for myself to work on my creative endeavors outside of YouTube even if they arent “productive” in the immediate moment.
Photo Credits:
Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Anna Schilling
Hair/Makeup: Blondie
