There’s something about Zoe Sugg that just feels like home. For an entire generation, she’s become the virtual big sister we never knew we needed. From filming videos in her bedroom, posting makeup tutorials and chatty “favorites” videos, to the festive joy of Vlogmas and the fun moments of Vlogust, Zoe’s content became a constant companion, shaping not just trends, but a community. Seeing her live the beautiful life she has built and watching her not only become successful in what she does, but be an amazing mum to her two precious daughters makes me believe that there is good in the world.
No matter if it’s Vlogmas or Vlogust or the occasional vlogs throughout each month, watching Zoe’s daily life edited into 30-50 minute videos has become a tradition to look forward to every year. It becomes a part of our daily routines, a time to sit down and forget reality for just a bit.
There is something so calming about watching Zoe browsing through the Garden Center, organizing her wardrobe or making pizza with the family. But let’s be honest, nothing will ever beat the happiness we all felt when her daughter Ottie got to go back to the Isle Of Wight on her third birthday.
Back when YouTube was just finding its rhythm, Zoe’s channel Zoella bloomed into a safe space. Her videos offered more than beauty tips – they became a comforting ritual. We’d curl up with a cup of tea or hot chocolate, tuning in to her day and for a few moments, the world felt softer. Whether it was the excitement of opening a PR package or the calm of a quiet evening in Brighton, Zoe had a way of making the ordinary feel special. She was always there when no one else was.
While her content has evolved and her presence online has quieted, the community she created remains. Zoe gave us more than videos; she gave us a place to feel understood, to grow, and to connect with others who shared that same sense of comfort. Just imagine watching someone online for a decade and not just watching her grow up, but growing up with her.
It’s hard to quantify how a simple vlog can become a form of self-care, but for millions, that’s exactly what Zoe’s videos became. There’s a special kind of nostalgia in watching her Christmas tree go up or hearing her chat about her favorite candles. It wasn’t the glamor or perfection that drew people in—it was the realness, the feeling that you were sharing a moment of calm with a friend.
Even now, years later, her videos still hold that familiar magic. Whether we’ve grown up or drifted into new phases of life, tuning into Zoe’s world feels like stepping back into a cozy space that’s always been there. It’s that sense of comfort that Zoe Sugg has gifted to an entire generation.
But it wasn’t just the videos. It was the way she opened up about anxiety, creating conversations that hadn’t been so freely shared online before. In her gentle, demure way, Zoe made it okay to talk about mental health, normalizing what so many had quietly struggled with. The impact of her openness rippled across her audience, letting young people know they weren’t alone.
And then there is Brighton, drawing countless fans to its seafront and quirky streets, all inspired by Zoe’s lovely portrayals. For many, Brighton became more than just a destination; it became Zoella Town – a place where we could all experience a piece of the warmth she shared.
Zoe’s legacy isn’t just in her views or products but in the way she made us all feel seen and a little less alone. She’s created not just a channel, but a lasting community – one that still comes back, year after year, for that familiar, comforting feeling. And isn’t that the greatest impact of all? It’s sometimes hard to explain how she has made me feel over the years, but if you’ve been a part of it, you get it.
ROARA Magazine 