Maria-Teresa Andreacchi is a financial services community manager by day and the Founder and Editor of Fashion. Food. Flair. by night. Inspired by her time living in England, Maria-Teresa started her fashion and lifestyle blog as a pet project. Fashion. Food. Flair. was originally conceived as a way for Maria-Teresa to share outfits, recipes and travels with her family, but soon, enough the blog exploded at the same time as her career.

As Maria-Teresa was being offered promotions at her day job, she was also getting non-stop pitches to work as a social influencer in the evening. Not wanting to give up either avenue in her life, she decided to work both jobs at once. (Now we know where the nickname “The Clark Kent of Blogging” comes from!) Maria-Teresa took some time out of her busy schedule to chat with us.

What are your favourite places in Toronto?

My number one favourite place in Toronto is the Lakefront. It’s a beautiful escape from the busy city and so calming after a long day at work! When it comes to food, I’ve been obsessing over Michael’s on Simcoe. The atmosphere and steaks are top notch, making a great place to dine with my man. And then, of course, there’s Cabana – who doesn’t like a rooftop pool?

What meal brings you immense pleasure?

Steak and lobster. I could survive off of steak and lobster for the rest of my life!

The receipts in your wallet would indicate what?

I like cappuccino’s far too much! My time living in England and traveling around Europe made me borderline obsessed with them. But every time I drink one, it reminds me of why I started my blog, and I wouldn’t change that for anything!

What did you think you were going to be when you were 8 years old?

I always wanted to be a singer… until I realized I couldn’t sing.

What makes you happy?

Traveling. I love seeing new sights, meeting new people and being immersed in different cultures. There’s something about seeing different parts of the world that makes you appreciate everything you have so much more. Every time I go somewhere, I come back a different person – a stronger, wiser, more educated woman. If I don’t travel somewhere new at least every three months I go crazy! It’s my absolute favourite thing to do (besides eating and shopping).

What makes you cringe?

Spiders. No explanation required.

What quality do you loathe most in others?

I hate when girls don’t see what they’re worth. Girls are always so hard on themselves because they try to keep up with the unrealistic standards they see on social media. I think that true beauty is about loving yourself first. When you love yourself, you’re happy. And that should be all that matters.

What, in your opinion, is overrated?

Shopping in stores. There’s nothing more annoying than waiting in line and realizing they don’t have your size. Online shopping is so much easier – and when you’re living a hustle bustle lifestyle, it saves you so much time!

What is the one thing you wish you could change about yourself? Why?

I wish that I made more time with my friends and family. Sometimes I get too consumed in my work and I often de-prioritize those around me. My family and friends are everything to me, but I’m still learning how to make that healthy work-life balance.

As a child or teen, what first got you really interested in music?

My father used to play the acoustic guitar for my brother and me, and there was something about the sound of the strings that evoked so much emotion. I can rarely listen to music now without being put in a trance!

What word or phrase should we use more often?

You might regret the things you’ve done, but you’ll always regret the things you don’t do more.

When do you feel most creative?

I feel the most creative when I’m relaxed.

Art is _______ ?

The expression of the soul.