We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gina Doost. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gina below.
Hi Gina, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
As a creative, the quest to find one’s place in the world can be daunting. We are often shadowed by the specters of what might have been or what we believe should be. From my youth, I’ve embraced a vision that my path, my career, and my contributions to society must converge in a harmonious dance that infuses joy into my existence. This vision, I’ve come to realize, is the essence of living with intention and purpose.
A few years ago, I encountered an ancient Japanese concept that resonated deeply with my own beliefs—Ikigai. This philosophy, which translates to ‘a reason for being,’ has been the invisible guidepost on the path I tread. It’s a concept that intertwines four fundamental elements:
1. What you love—discovering your passion in life.
2. What you are good at—leveraging your innate talents.
3. What the world needs—fulfilling a societal need.
4. What you can be paid for—finding economic value in your skills.
Ikigai lies at the intersection of these elements, offering a blueprint for a life filled with enthusiasm, satisfaction, and meaning. It’s not merely about professional success; it encompasses all facets of life, including leisure, community, and personal evolution.
Indeed, the journey to uncover one’s Ikigai can be solitary, but solitude often signifies that we are pioneers on the frontier of innovation. Those who carve new trails and construct bridges for others to follow may walk alone, but in their solitude, they affirm that they are trailblazers.
So, I urge you, as I remind myself, to forge your own purpose. Let the principles of Ikigai guide you. Blend your path with this profound wisdom, and you may find that what you contribute to the world—and what brings you joy—becomes one and the same.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Journalism has been the cornerstone of my career, with enriching years spent at CBS and Penguin Random House. Alongside, I nurtured a blog that became a canvas for my joys—be it through uplifting quotes, unforgettable journeys, gourmet escapades, or the electric buzz of the backstage scene during NYFW. As social media burgeoned, so did my blog, and with it, my voice.
What I bring to the table today is a mosaic of my past experiences. I helm a boutique social media agency, where we curate narratives for brands and foster symbiotic influencer partnerships. My dual lens as a content creator and brand strategist allows me to craft stories that resonate on both ends of the spectrum.
The narrative of my journey unfolds a new chapter with the expansion of a few carefully curated collections. My Amazon Storefront is where I showcase products that have become staples in my everyday life.
In a distinct yet harmonious venture, Rent The Doost offers an exclusive opportunity to experience my personal style through a unique rental service. It’s a concept born from the desire to share the joy of fashion in a more accessible way.
Complementing these, my Printify shop breathes life into everyday essentials, turning candles, journals, and apparel into canvases that narrate stories through imagery. This is a testament to my artistic vision, each piece infused with the essence of my photography and philosophy. For those who treasure handmade and unique finds, my creations are also available on Etsy.
But the tapestry of my endeavors doesn’t end here—my foray into TikTok introduces a dynamic new dimension to my storytelling. This platform is where I turn the volume up on my life’s melody, inviting you to be a part of this exuberant journey.
Embark on this adventure with me at @WhatTheDoost, and let’s amplify our narratives together.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Education lays the foundation, experience builds upon it, and love propels us forward. As artists and creatives, we often celebrate the masterpieces without acknowledging the turmoil that often gives birth to them. Iconic artists, revered for their legacies, frequently crafted their most profound work while navigating personal storms.
My counsel to fellow creators is to honor your valleys as much as your peaks. It’s in the depths of heartbreak that we often find the seeds of our most beautiful and resonant creations. Taking the leap into the unknown requires bravery, but trust that the person you are evolving into will be there to catch you.
And a gentle reminder: your journey of healing isn’t about becoming adept at managing trauma—you’ve mastered that already. It’s about preparing yourself to embrace the joy that awaits.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m eager to expand my creative horizons through distinctive collaborations. Having recently returned to Los Angeles after a twelve-year sojourn in NYC, my goal is to cultivate a clientele as diverse and dynamic as the one I cherished there. My social media agency, What the Doost, serves a global roster of hotels and their restaurants, where my team and I infuse their social feeds with content that transcends the ordinary—content that not only inspires but informs.
We understand that travelers yearn to project themselves into the experiences we showcase; they crave a taste of the luxury and adventure awaiting them. It’s our specialty to illuminate every facet of the hotel and neighborhood experience, crafting a visual narrative that beckons them to step into the frame.
In my role as a content creator, I’m on the lookout for brands that value enduring partnerships—partnerships where mutual growth is the cornerstone. With a foundation in beauty, technology, and lifestyle, I’m poised to align with brands that echo these core values and are ready to embark on a journey of collaborative evolution. If you’re interested in discussing potential collaborations or want to learn more about my approach, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.whatthedoost.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthedoost/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDoost/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginadoost/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@doost8empire
- Other: https://bio.site/WhatThedoost
