LAURDIY

 Lauren Kobayashi Riihimaki, widely recognized by her online alias LaurDIY, is a Canadian YouTuber, entrepreneur, and media personality renowned for her engaging DIY tutorials and lifestyle content. Born on August 11, 1993, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, Lauren has transformed her passion for crafting into a multifaceted career that spans digital media, television, and product development.

🎓 Early Life and Education

Raised in Ontario, Lauren is of Japanese, Finnish, and Ukrainian descent. She pursued higher education at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), earning a Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Communications Management in 2015. During her university years, Lauren sought a creative outlet beyond her academic curriculum, leading her to start a blog and subsequently a YouTube channel where she shared her DIY projects. 

📺 YouTube Career and Digital Presence

Lauren launched her LaurDIY YouTube channel on December 1, 2011, initially focusing on sewing and crafting tutorials. Her relatable content and creative ideas quickly garnered a substantial following. As of May 2025, the channel boasts over 8.19 million subscribers and more than 456 million views. 

Beyond her main channel, Lauren expanded her digital footprint with LaurDIY Vlogs, offering fans a glimpse into her personal life, and co-hosts the podcast Wild 'Til 9 with her husband, Jeremy Lewis, discussing relationships and lifestyle topics. 

🎬 Television and Media Ventures

Lauren's on-screen charisma led her to host and executive produce Craftopia, a crafting competition series on HBO Max, which premiered in 2020.  She has also appeared in various digital series, including Escape the Night and Served By LaurDIY. 

🛍️ Entrepreneurship and Brand Collaborations

Capitalizing on her DIY expertise, Lauren has launched her own line of craft supplies and collaborated with major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Her brand emphasizes creativity, accessibility, and empowering individuals to personalize their spaces and belongings. 

💖 Personal Life

Lauren's personal life has been closely followed by her fans. She was previously in a relationship with fellow YouTuber Alex Wassabi from 2015 to 2018.  In 2019, she began dating Jeremy Michael Lewis, and the couple got engaged in December 2022. They tied the knot on April 7, 2024, sharing their journey with fans through social media and their podcast.

🌟 Awards and Recognition

Lauren's contributions to digital media have been acknowledged with several accolades. She won a Shorty Award in the "House & Home" category and a Streamy Award in the "Lifestyle" category, reflecting her influence and innovation in the online DIY community. 

Lauren Riihimaki's journey from a university student sharing DIY projects online to a prominent digital creator and entrepreneur exemplifies the power of creativity and authenticity in building a successful personal brand.