The Sorry Girls

Background and Origins

Becky Wright and Kelsey MacDermaid, the Canadian duo behind The Sorry Girls YouTube channel, first crossed paths in 2010 while studying film production at Humber College. Their creative partnership began organically when they decided to address a gap they noticed in online content - the absence of useful do-it-yourself Halloween costume tutorials.^[1] The name "The Sorry Girls" was chosen as a playful nod to the common stereotype that Canadians are overly apologetic, reflecting their Canadian roots and personalities.^[2]

What started as a simple dorm room project quickly evolved into something much larger. Their first major breakthrough came in 2011 with a Black Swan costume tutorial, which garnered 80,000 views within just a couple of days - a significant jump from their initial videos that received only a few hundred views.^[3] This early success demonstrated their ability to create content that resonated with viewers seeking accessible DIY solutions.

Channel Growth and Milestones

The Sorry Girls experienced steady growth throughout their early years on YouTube. By August 2013, they had reached 100,000 subscribers, building their audience through apartment DIY videos and trending projects like mason jar upcycling tutorials.^[3] Their subscriber count continued climbing, reaching 300,000 by the summer of 2015, which proved to be a pivotal moment in their careers.

The turning point came when Scott McGillivray from HGTV reached out to them for lunch, recognizing their potential in the DIY space. This validation from an established television personality convinced Wright and MacDermaid that they should pursue their YouTube channel full-time.^[3] In August 2015, they made the significant decision to leave their jobs in the film industry and incorporate The Sorry Girls as a business.

Today, The Sorry Girls boasts over 2.2 million subscribers on YouTube with more than 430 million total video views across 1,292 uploaded videos.^[4] The channel generates over 10 million monthly views across multiple platforms, establishing them as significant players in the DIY and lifestyle content space.^[2]

Content Focus and Creative Approach

The Sorry Girls has evolved from simple craft tutorials into a comprehensive digital media brand focusing on DIY projects, interior design, sustainability, empowerment, and education. Their content philosophy centers around making home improvement and creative projects accessible to everyone, particularly women who might feel intimidated by traditionally male-dominated trades.^[1] Wright emphasizes their commitment to demystifying home projects, stating their goal is to show people "it's not so scary, and you can do it yourself."^[1]

The duo has become known for breaking gender stereotypes in the DIY space, encouraging viewers of all ages and backgrounds to embrace hands-on projects. Their approach combines practical instruction with an emphasis on sustainability, often incorporating thrifting, upcycling, and environmentally conscious materials into their projects.^[2] This focus has proven particularly relevant during challenging economic times, as their content provides creative solutions for budget-conscious viewers.

High-Profile Collaborations

One of The Sorry Girls' most notable achievements came in March 2023 when they received an invitation to Ottawa to collaborate with two of North America's most prominent figures. The creators had the opportunity to interview and create content with U.S. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Mme. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.^[5] This collaboration took place during the Bidens' official visit to the Canadian capital and marked the first joint-creator collaboration for both first ladies.

The resulting video focused on interior design as a means of improving mental health, with both first ladies sharing insights about creating welcoming spaces in their respective official residences. Dr. Biden discussed using scents to engage guests' senses, while Mme. Grégoire Trudeau talked about incorporating family heirlooms into her designs.^[5] This collaboration elevated The Sorry Girls' profile significantly and demonstrated the mainstream appeal of their content approach.

Business Evolution and Team Development

As The Sorry Girls expanded from a two-person operation into a full-scale media company, they built a substantial team to support their growing content demands. Their current team includes producer Nina Pikula, video editors Nick Liske and Justin Abalos, social content manager Mel Parkinson, creative director Emma Keat, and host Rochelle Gracey, who leads their "How To Go Do" tutorial series.^[2] The team operates from a dedicated workspace that serves as both their filming location and business headquarters.

Recent years have brought some organizational changes to The Sorry Girls. According to community discussions, the company has experienced staff transitions, with some team members working part-time or departing entirely.^[6] These changes have coincided with a shift in content strategy, moving toward more sit-down discussion videos while maintaining their core DIY and makeover content that originally built their audience.

The business has also attracted external investment, with reports indicating that Mythical Entertainment, the company behind popular creators Rhett and Link, has invested in The Sorry Girls' operations.^[6] This partnership was expected to boost production quality and expand their reach, though the content creators have maintained their distinctive style and Canadian base of operations.

Financial Success and Industry Recognition

The Sorry Girls' success has translated into significant financial achievements, with estimates placing their net worth at approximately $1 million, primarily derived from YouTube advertising revenue and sponsored content.^[4] Their monthly estimated earnings from YouTube alone range from $1,200 to $7,940, depending on video performance and seasonal factors.^[4] Beyond YouTube revenue, they have diversified their income streams through their own DIY product line, available on their website and in select retail stores.

The channel's most successful video, "KITTEN MEETS HEDGEHOG," has accumulated over 25.6 million views, demonstrating their ability to create content that appeals beyond their core DIY audience.^[3] This viral success, combined with their consistent output of practical content, has established them as influential voices in the lifestyle and home improvement space, inspiring countless viewers to tackle their own creative projects.