Cartia Mallan on Mental Health, Travelling,The Recipe For The Perfect Matcha and More

Since venturing into the world of online content creation in 2011, Australian influencer, model and actress Cartia Mallan has been everywhere. Be it co-hosting the Common Chaos podcast, posting lifestyle and travel vlogs on her YouTube, or sharing snippets of her day-to-day life on her TikTok @cartia.mallan, Mallan has got it covered. 

Now she is a recognized face in the content creation world and a lifestyle guru for some of the most precious things in life: wellbeing and travel. Below, Fizzy talks to the Australian content creator about all her passions, including Bali, her proudest collaborations and the recipe for the perfect matcha latte. 

Can you share a little about your life before entering content creation?  

I was honestly a very normal and outgoing teenager. I was in acting school studying theatre when it all kind of took off! During lunch breaks, I’d be busy editing my Youtube videos which was honestly just a hobby for me at the time. I truly didn’t expect it to go where it has today. 

When did you create your channels? 

I started my journey in 2011 by posting a makeup tutorial on YouTube that was supposed to be in private for close friends. It was in fact not and for some weird reason I just kept posting. My third or fourth video ended up going viral and the rest is history! 

You've built a strong presence across multiple platforms. What inspired you to first start creating content, and how did you decide to focus on the areas you're known for? They were merely based on what you were interested in or on things that you felt were relevant to discuss in the current social media sphere?

When I was in acting school, I decided to learn stage and screen makeup as a way to get my foot in the door in the industry. It was a huge passion of mine at the time and really sparked my love for creativity. This love for stage and screen makeup fostered my passion for lifestyle content, which meant filming everything from music festivals to beach weekends with friends.

Over time, I realized there was such a gap in content around mental health, positivity, and spirituality—things I was deeply passionate about and that became the driving force behind my videos. My biggest goal was, and still is, to help people feel happier, more fulfilled, and connected in their own lives.

What interests you the most on social media these days? 

Honestly, I’ve been using it to learn all the ‘adult things’ that you need to know in life. Lately, I’ve been super into business and financial literacy because I really want to take control of my own financial awareness. Diving into those topics has been so insightful and empowering. Oh and I can't forget anything matcha related! It’s my go to for discovering the best new spots. 

How do you manage your time with all the different projects you’re juggling—content creation and life outside of work?

For me, I try to break up my day so that I spend equal time on my business endeavors, content creation, myself, and of course spending time with my family and friends. A strict morning/night routine is also really helpful to managing my time. I cannot stress this enough, but it’s so important to disconnect from your phone so I read before bed and place my phone on the opposite side of the room — helps me get a great night’s sleep and feel refreshed for the next day’s journey. 

If you had to define yourself in only three words, what would they be?

It’s really hard to describe myself in just three words but I’d have to say: ambitious, loyal, and goofy.

I heard that you love matcha lattes. What’s your recipe for a great matcha?

It all comes down to having the best & highest quality matcha powder! I am so passionate about matcha & the incredible health benefits, not to mention how great it tastes! I love to make mine quite strong with soy or coconut milk and I make sure to take my time in the process of making it — it’s a great time to take a moment for yourself to slow down. 

How do you feel doing collaborations with giant beauty brands such Nars, YSL Beauty, and Rimmel?

These opportunities never cease to amaze me. I swear I always pinch myself because I grew up adoring skincare and makeup so getting to collaborate with global brands makes me feel so proud of myself. I will never forget the day I became a Rimmel Ambassador here in the UK as they were the first ever beauty brand I did a collaboration with over 10 years ago now so that one is really close to my heart. 

Do you have a dream collaboration — fashion, beauty, health-wise? 

This question is such a tricky one. I think the fashion dream brand would be Miu Miu, beauty would be Dior Beauty or Rhode & health wise Erewhon or Soho House for a matcha smoothie collaboration. 

You're also a keen traveller, I see. What places are in your visit list?

Right now, the two non-negotiables are Japan and Mexico. For years I have been fascinated with Japanese culture & of course the origins/ceremonies behind matcha so I’d love to do a trip to really delve into the history (while also indulging in the delicious food and matcha) & Mexico just seems like such a fun place to let your hair down and explore…not to mention tacos & tequila! 

Looking back, which place has been the best so far?

I’m such a tropical girl so I’d say Bali, for sure! My family has deep ties to the community there thanks to my mom’s philanthropic efforts with an orphanage so I adore any chance to go back and visit. I’m actually headed back there in the spring as I’m working on a really exciting project. You’ll have to stay tuned to find out more! 

If there was one thing your audience might be surprised to learn about you, what would it be?

I was a massive theatre kid – I know, cue the surprise! Growing up, I envisioned acting in movies and TV so I participated in as many productions back in Australia as I could. 

How do you find ways to take care of your mental health while maintaining your online presence?

My daily non-negotiables are exercise, meditation & journaling. Lately, I’ve also been ensuring I have a daily time limit where I  let myself consume content. I cut myself off at a certain time each day to avoid scrolling for hours into the night. I also remind myself to watch a movie once a week from start to finish without picking up my phone — definitely helps with my attention span & finding inspiration. I also think it’s best to mute or unfollow creators that no longer serve you or your life’s purpose.I follow inspirational pages filled with can-do quotes and positivity. 

Do you have any meditation tips for beginners?

My main tip is just to start & commit daily. It can feel uncomfortable at the beginning but I promise you doing this daily is life-changing and so beneficial. 

Who has been your biggest inspiration in your content creation journey?

This is such a random one, but it’s actually a director called Gregg Araki. He makes these raw, rebellious, and dreamlike films that have such a unique aesthetic that are colorful, chaotic, and unapologetic. His storytelling feels so free, and that’s something I’ve always wanted to bring into my content just creating without overthinking, embracing individuality, and making things that feel rather than just look good. His work has definitely influenced the way I approach creativity and self-expression.

Looking ahead, what are your goals to achieve with your platform?

My biggest goal is to make anyone who watches my content feel empowered, loved, and safe. The internet can be such a chaotic and overwhelming place, and if my page can be a little escape somewhere that makes people feel lighter, inspired, or just seen then I’ve done what I set out to do. I want to keep creating content that sparks joy, encourages self-growth, and reminds people that they’re never alone on their journey.