We recently connected with Jewel Elizabeth and have shared our conversation below.
Jewel, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
My generosity stems from reflecting on the things I lacked while building my career. I didn’t have a mentor, and I had to rely on creating my own connections, paving the way for myself. As I’ve grown in the industry, I’ve wanted to give back to younger versions of myself. I’ve also come to understand that generosity is multi-channel; it’s also about being there for others, offering support, connecting them with changemakers or just providing a listening ear. I’ve been fortunate to have friends and mentors who supported me during tough times, and that inspired me to do the same for others.
I believe that being generous helps create a stronger community, and lets people feel safe sharing with others. It’s my way of giving back and ensuring that we all look out for one another. Plus, it feels good to help others dreams come true!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I think three key things have really made a difference: being adaptable, staying determined, and having a genuine love for history and culture.
1. Adaptability: The fashion and beauty scene is super exciting, but it changes all the time. Being ready to shift gears when trends pop up or new challenges come along is crucial. The rollercoaster also keeps it interesting and can be a lot of fun. Newcomers should keep an open mind and embrace changes as chances to learn and grow. Staying updated on what’s happening in the industry is important, whether it’s about different platforms or new ways to communicate, and be eager to quickly adapt when need be.
2. Determination: Determination is what keeps you going through the tough times, helps you bounce back from setbacks, and pushes you to keep trying even when the going gets tough. It’s also the only way an editor is going to read your email. You have to repeatedly pitch the same idea several times until you finally get an answer, and every fun project I’ve ever had pretty much required two or three pitches. With some grit, you can reach beyond your limits and turn your dreams into reality, which is huge for personal growth and achievement.
3. Expertise: I suggest every up-and-comer becomes a Subject Matter When in their field. When it comes to fashion and beauty, knowing the background and cultural importance is a must, so you can enhance the stories you can share and give you great insights. I encourage aspiring writers of fashion to do their research on fashion history and dive into the very specific niche that is important to you. While there are different cultures and social movements in fashion, your unique POV is what’s going to get you the gig. Picking up some books, watching documentaries, and attending lectures can really give you the knowledge you need to elevate your work.
Stay open to change, keep pushing yourself, and dig into your subject matter — these traits will not only improve your writing but also help you connect with people as you start off in the industry.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
My biggest goal this year is doing a TED Talk to share insights on adaptability, determination, and expertise in whatever work goal you have for yourself. I’m looking to collaborate with passionate storytellers, industry professionals, and individuals who embrace change and challenge norms so we can create something impactful together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rentedthriftedreal.com/book
- Instagram: instagram.com/rentedthriftedreal
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/jelizabeth-writer
- Other: Tiktok.com/@rentedthriftedreal
Image Credits
pics of me: Diana Davis
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
