Thriving Around Thirty: A Day in the Life of An Editor

An inspiration for young writers and aspiring magazine editors, today's Thriving Around Thirty feature is Virginia Chamlee, Managing Editor of Jacksonville Magazine and all of its sister publications (904, Home, Bride, Taste, YourHealth and two annual sports publications). I had been following Virginia's blog and seen her name around ever since I started Just Me aghan a few years back. We finally met at a blogger event at Fab'rik and recently coordinated our busy schedules for coffee. Jumping right into it here's our interview. I hope it allows you to gain some useful information on life as an editor.

Tell us about your journey to becoming an editor.
I have always loved to read and write so, when it came time to declaring my major (English), it was an easy decision. I interned at Jacksonville Magazine in college and began freelancing shortly after.

My first job out of college was as a staff reporter for a legal publication. I worked there for almost two years and, since the job was remote, it afforded me a lot of free time. So I decided to apply for a journalism fellowship. I was selected, along with three others in Florida, as a political journalism fellow through the American Independent News Network. Eventually, that turned into a full-time position, so I left the legal reporting to write about politics and the environment.

Eventually, the company I worked for was bought out by a large media company in DC, and the Florida site was shut down, so I did a bit of PR work while I looked for something else in journalism. The job at Jax Mag opened up and I’ve been there ever since.

What does an average day look like for an editor like you? 

An average day for me looks pretty much like anyone else’s—lots of sitting in front of a computer and typing. Of course, there are some days that are more exciting than others. Starting the day with exercise (I am really into Orange Theory at the moment) is imperative for me, as I tend to have a lot running through my head. 

On any given day, I might be working on four different magazines (other than Jacksonville Magazine, we also publish 904, YourHealth, Bride, Home and Taste) and twenty different stories, so it’s important for me to have an extracurricular activity that takes my mind off work for at least an hour a day.

What is the biggest perk of being an editor?

The fun events I get to attend—restaurant openings, parties, that sort of thing. Also, press trips (which I don’t go on that often) are amazing and usually packed with delicious dinners and really fun activities.

Many of my readers are other bloggers/writers, what is your biggest pet peeve when dealing with writers?

My biggest pet peeve when dealing with other writers is the assumption that the reader wants to hear what you (the writer) have to say. As a writer, particularly for a lifestyle publication, your job is to tell a story—someone else’s story. When writers submit pieces that are essentially opinion pieces, with no quotes or outside sources, I can tell they don’t fully understand that.

Do you have any advice for aspiring editors?

My advice for aspiring editors is to read. A lot. I am a voracious reader—of books, of blogs, of magazines, of newspapers. You can’t grow as a writer or an editor if you think you are the best writer in the room. There’s always room to grow and reading the work of others is a great way to do that. 

How can someone dress like an editor? Are you into statement pieces, do you go by the rule of three, what is your secret?

“Dress like an editor” is a funny concept to me, because most local editors aren’t necessarily into fashion. My daily uniform depends on what I’m doing that day, but I always have a jacket and a pair of heels in the car. That way, you’re always ready if an important interview or lunch meeting comes up.

Personally, I am very much intro statement pieces. I love jewelry, especially vintage pieces, but shoes are my weakness. Right now, I’m really into a pair of Elyse Walker python espadrille flats. They meld beach with professional and they look great with a skirt or a pair of slacks.

Virginia Chamlee

Magazine Editor of: Jacksonville Magazine, and all of its sister publications (904, Home, Bride, Taste, YourHealth  and two annual sports publications).

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Virginia's do it all attitude is energizing, I hope you can see that from this interview. Her intelligence and keen sense of style (her shoes are always on point!) are admirable and make her a definite role model for anyone looking to follow a similar career path. 

I will continue to bring you interviews with successful individuals 

under (I'm getting old) around the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might 

be interested in being featured in a Thriving under Thirty piece, please email meaghan@meaghanalvarado.com.

Northeast Florida Creatives I'm talking to you!!

Thriving Under Thirty: Jessica Sutton, Self-Employed Personal Trainer

Jessica Sutton, a local personal trainer in St. Augustine is the feature for today's Thriving Under Thirty post.  A fellow Flagler College alumna, Jessica is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and currently self-employed. She spends between 8 and 10 hours a day training clients one-on-one, two-on-one, and in small groups. Jessica took some time to provide tips on working out and to explain what it's like to be a trainer.

“It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.”

What attracted you to personal training? 

I was graduating from Flagler College with a Business and Finance Degree when Brandon Rahe owner of GO HQ, gave me an opportunity. Brandon became my mentor and largely contributed to my success as a trainer. I was able to gain the knowledge needed and also find personal growth/strength to adequately train a variety of clients through being a part of GO for my first three years as a trainer.


What is an average day like for you?

I work a split shift, meaning I have clients 6-noon and then have a break and return in the afternoon for clients from 4-7pm (estimates).

Training myself is sporadic at best. I tend to take the occasional opportunity to train if a client cancels last minute in the middle of my shift but I have more time in the middle of the day before I go back for my second shift. In an ideal world, I would train early in the morning -it's the best way to start your day in my opinion!

People in the gym are always surprised to see me working out and like to comment: "Oh, the trainer is training herself!" I like to show people that I am human too...just because I am trainer doesn't mean anything is 'easy' for me!

I think an important part of training and even life in general is figuring out what you are bad at. I have found out (the hard way -through trial and error) that I am not great at the nutrition portion of my own training and since it's such an important part, I have found a solution to my problem: I order pre-packaged/pre portioned meals to help keep me on track. Nutrition is extremely specific to each individual person therefore I would recommend hiring a certified Nutritionist/Dietician for specific meal planning.

What do you like most about personal training?

The 'personal' part of personal training is definitely my favorite. I have developed so many long lasting relationships with my clients who I always refer to as my friends if not even as my extended family!

Each client is so individually different and that makes the challenge even more rewarding to help each client accomplish the specific goals they are looking for. One of my biggest career successes thus far is helping a business owner/wife/mother of five! lose 130 pounds to gain back her quality of life.

ALL of the other significant achievements each of my clients accomplishes add up to make every day rewarding for us. Crossing the finish line at their first running race, the look of awe when they do a set of push ups from their toes or even just showing up to their appointments ready and willing to be trained.

What is your favorite motivational quote?

“Do the best you can until you know better. And then when you know better do better.” –Maya Angelou


If a reader is trying to establish a new habit of training, what is the best piece of advice you could give them?

You cannot drive a car without an engine. Before you start stressing over supplements, if you have the newest glitter speckled Lululemon leggings... have you even sweated yet today? Start (overly) basic. Get moving!

And as with anything in life, be willing to ask for help! Remember: fitness is ever evolving!

You don’t have to figure it out all once but you must be willing to continue to keep putting forth constant, intentional effort to reach your goals. And if you ever deviate –jump right back in and try again.


How do you promote your services?

The best advertisement in a small town is word of mouth. I am thankful to have my 'regulars' (I still train my first ever one-on-one client) and am constantly being referred clients or recommended to new clients. Also spending 40(+) hours in a gym a week, I get random run-ins at local places: 'Hey, aren't you the trainer at the gym?'


Is there a certain type of workout you focus on with your clients?

Each workout is so individual to the specific client but the concepts all stay the same. I tend to focus on functional movements for most clients.

I whole-heartedly believe that you should never miss out on an experience just because you feel like you weren't ready in relation to your fitness level. You should strive for a life of balance and level of fitness that always makes it possible to go do the things you love or things you have always wanted to do.

What is the hardest part of running your own business?

I always say I wish I could clone myself. I am sure my clients would beg to differ, but there just aren't enough hours in the day!

When you do what you love, the stresses and obstacles seem smaller and more manageable to accomplish the tasks associated. Things always seem to have a way of working themselves out when you are positive and secure in knowing you are doing things the best way (for you) possible.


Other than working out, what do you like to do in your free time?

Yoga definitely counts as working out but I have been spending a lot of my free time practicing Bikram Yoga at BYSA. I think it's a very humbling experience to be quiet and focus on only your self in a mirror for 90 minutes. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of taking the time to focus on inner peace and flexibility.

Jessica Sutton

Personal Trainer

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If you are located in St. Augustine and looking for a trainer to help motivate you for bikini season (which is pretty much starting this month!) contact Jessica. Her positive attitude, lenient scheduling options, and drive to help others achieve their goals will surely be a major help in realizing your own.

I will continue to bring you interviews with successful individuals 

under  (I'm getting old) around the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might 

be interested in being featured in a Thriving under Thirty piece please email meaghanmae@gmail.com. 

St. Augustine Creatives I'm talking to you!!

Thriving Under Thirty: Yield Design

Established in 2012 by Rachel Gant and Andrew Deming, Yield Design Co. is the feature of today's Thriving Under Thirty. This "independent design house" is new to St. Augustine, but not new to the business world. After graduating from Flagler College Andrew attended the California College of the Arts to get his MBA in Design Strategy, where he met Rachel who earned her Bachelors there in Industrial Design. Both Southern natives, Andrew and Rachel visited St. Augustine often over the last several years and were "lured by the idea of quieter living, warm beaches and room to grow." Yield designs and manufactures modern jewelry, bags, and home goods. Without further ado, here is our recent Q&A session.

Image via Yield Design

Where do you source your ideas for new pieces from?
Many of our products have resulted from the experience of imagining a product but not being able to find it (or at least not at the quality we expect). I really like the James Murphy quote “The best way to complain is to make things” and we really take that to heart. We’re also very inspired by our travels and our products are very directly influenced by it.

What is your favorite aspect of running your own creative business?
I value the ability to be able to own the entire process: from concept to delivery of a new product. It’s rewarding to create things that you want to see in the world and be able to get them into people’s hands.

Rachel working on their new Canvas Apron.

What is the hardest part about running your own business? 
Owning the entire process :) Andrew and I each hold many roles including design, sales, marketing, quality control, to name a few. It’s an incredible learning experience, but a never ending workload.


What has been your best selling item? 
Our Geo Stand photo and card holders. We released these last year and they’ve quickly become a favorite item and are versatile; used for photo display at home, recipe cards, or wedding place cards.

In St. Augustine what is your favorite:

Restaurant?
The Ice Plant


Shop?
It’s hard to name a favorite, but we really enjoy the selection of thrift and antique stores in the city. We've found some wonderful mid-century furniture for our new house and studio.

Spot to go and relax? 
Our quick escape is ideally an afternoon at the beach with our puppy, Clover or walking and perusing the assortment of architecture in the residential parts of downtown and Lincolnville.

Yield's sweet shop dog Clover looking down on us from the upstairs loft.

Yield Design

201 West King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

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I had a great time visiting the new location for Yield Design and meeting their young pup, Clover. Rachel and Andrew are talented and motivated taboot - a great addition to St. Augustine. Stop by at their location on West King Street or view their online shop. I highly recommend following them on Instagram too, their eye for design shines through with their images. 

I will continue to bring you interviews with successful individuals 
under  (I'm getting old) around the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might 

be interested in being featured in a Thriving under Thirty piece please email meaghanmae@gmail.com. 
St. Augustine Creatives I'm talking to you!!

Thriving Under Thirty: Desert Honey

If you are a regular reader of Just Me aghan you already know how I feel about crystals. When I discovered Honey Jorgensen on Instagram a few months ago I instantly fell in love with her art. She combines crystals and animals to make inspiring images that will get your imagination fired up.

After spending 6 years as the Art Director of a large international game company Honey decided it was time to try "something more personal and less corporate." In October she left her job and turned full time freelance illustrator and artist. To learn more about Honey and her life as an illustrator in Denmark, keep reading!

What is your favorite crystal? Is there a certain one you find you are drawn to the most and own multiples of?

Picking a favorite crystal is like asking me to pick a favorite season or a favorite flavor of ice cream. I am however especially drawn to spirit quartz. There's just something so magical about it and I admit to having several scattered around. I actually first started collecting crystals when I was a kid. My mom introduced me and we used to go crystal shopping together. The first one she ever gave me was a Tiger's Eye and I always took it with me everywhere.

What is your biggest source of inspiration?

I'm very inspired by nature and try to surround myself with as many natural elements as possible. I always bring home found treasure when I visit forests, beaches, deserts and I love wooden furniture and natural textures. I have crystals, branches, rocks, plants, and other natural things all over my apartment and since I live in the center of Copenhagen I find it necessary to get out of the city as often as I can to get a bit of fresh air and really connect with nature. I also love animals and they're a big theme in my art. I always put on old records when I draw as I find that music is vital for me to get inspired and feed my creativity.

I love your pieces with crystals, especially the lizard. What was the inspiration there?

The lizard was actually inspired by rainbow fluorite. I tried to incorporate the colors of the crystal in the lizard's body and scales. I love animals and I want to create a whole collection of spirit animal prints in the new year. I already have most of the animals planned. My personal spirit animal however must be a bear even though the lizard is high on my list.

A photo posted by My name is Honey Aimee (@desert__honey)

When did you start drawing? How did you learn (art classes, books, self taught)?

I've pretty much been drawing since I could hold a pencil, but I've never had any formal training so I consider myself self taught. I've been sketching a lot in my job as an art director, but I've never had time to do whole pieces before like I do now.

How often do you draw?

Currently I try to draw every day. Some days though I venture outside instead to soak up inspiration, visit friends or family, and generally just clear my head a bit. When I draw I am so focused I sometimes forget to eat, and I always keep going until I run out of daylight. The winter months here in Denmark are very dark and we don't get a lot of light during the day.

What is your favorite thing to illustrate?

I love to draw animals, faces, elements of nature such as branches, flowers and crystals. Sometimes I like to switch it up a bit though a draw something completely different. The beauty of being an illustrator is that I can pretty much make whatever I feel inspired to do. I love to play around with colors and different mediums to achieve new and interesting results.

Image via Instagram

Do you have any tips for other illustrators who would like to make their main source of income from their art?

Since I just started out as a freelancer myself I'm continuously learning, but the advice I'm currently giving myself is to just do it, draw draw draw, soak those paint brushes in pretty colors and just get it all out on paper. And don't be afraid to share your work with others.

What is your best selling print? Or is most of your work on request, and if so is there anything people request most often?

My Crystal Moon print is currently the most popular, but in general people seem to really like my crystal artwork. I take on as many commissions as I can which is mostly logos or originals where people describe the sort of thing they want. I love collaborating and working with different clients based all around the world as I get to meet so many lovely new people.

A photo posted by My name is Honey Aimee (@desert__honey)

To keep up to date with Honey and her art follow her on Instagram @desert__honey. She has a new website coming soon with a full shop, but until then you can shop her designs on Instagram.

I will continue to bring you interviews with successful women 
under  (I'm getting old) around the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might 

be interested in being featured in a Thriving under Thirty piece please email meaghanmae@gmail.com. 

Linking up with: Life of Meg

Thriving Under Thirty: Ana Mari Ortega

Oh I just love handmade don't you? Knowing that someone meticulously made something by hand adds more value and in my opinion, is often a higher quality. When I heard about Ana Mari Ortega and her hand crafted pieces I was in awe over her dedication and success. Her Paoloa Clutch in Royal Blue is just gorgeous! Read on to hear about Ana, the newest Thriving Under Thirty respondent.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Miami to Cuban parents (the norm around here). I am a current affairs junkie, which led me to study international relations at George Washington University. I began creating jewelry in my spare time in D.C., and after a very successful trunk show over spring break my senior year I decided to move back home and pursue it full time!

What is the most difficult part of your job?
Sometimes I get the designer’s version of “writer’s block” - there are days that the creative juices are not flowing and it can be very frustrating. Luckily, those are few and far between. The most difficult part of my job is day to day sales. I am an incredibly outgoing and talkative person, but I become very shy when it comes to selling and promoting myself and my brand! I have been making an effort to be a better ambassador for my own brand.

What part of your job do you have the most fun with: designing, the process of putting the items together, or sales?
Designing and creating the items are definitely the most fun. Making jewelry is like therapy! Unfortunately it is a double edged sword because the more my business grows, the more I give up creating the items myself. However, I try to carve out time to make things at least once a week. Working with numbers and sales are not my strong suit, but are just as important at the fun stuff!

Where do you get inspiration for new designs from?
A lot of the pieces in my collection, in both jewelry and handbags, are simple and timeless items that I think would be staples in any woman’s closet. I try to always create things that a woman could wear 5 years from now.  Much of my inspiration also comes from my clients themselves. I have gotten to know many of them throughout the last 6 years of doing this, so I think of them often when I am designing. Certain details, like the length of necklaces, the weight of earrings, the placement of clasps, etc, are determined by feedback that I have received from the women I have worked with.

What advice do you have for individuals looking to break into fashion design?
1) Learn every aspect of the business: When I told my parents I wanted to pursue this full time, they encouraged me to learn the very basics of jewelry fabrication and work my way up from there. In any business, you need to know the ins and outs so that when you grow no one can give you the runaround as you begin to outsource production. I spent a year studying under a German master jewelry who has a school here in Miami, and then I obtained a degree in accessory design from the art school in Miami.
2) Become organized before you sell: Research the proper licenses and permits you need to operate and register to collect sales tax in your state. Meet with an accountant to learn how to maintain your books. It is a lot easier to start off on the right foot than having to learn everything retroactively.
3) Don’t be easily disappointed: This is a very difficult and competitive business. No matter how hard you work, sometimes things won’t go your way, so don’t get discouraged. Someone shared this little graph on Facebook (see attached) that sums up how many small business owners feel. I was happy to see that I wasn’t the only one that felt that way.

Do you have any events in North Florida you will be selling at in the near future? Do you have any other events coming up you would like me to mention?
I have a client in Jacksonville that will order items that she sees and likes on Instagram, but I have never been up there for a trunk show. Maybe its time! I partner with many charitable organizations and do trunk shows throughout the year. In the new year, I will be a featured vendor at a wonderful event called “Wine, Women & Shoes” (doesn’t it sounds amazing?) which benefits Miami Children’s Hospital.

What has your bestselling item been?
My bestselling jewelry item is a single baroque pearl necklace on a delicate gold chain. I have been making it for years and it is beautiful, easy to wear and very affordable!

My best selling handbag is the “Karina” clutch. It is a slim, envelope clutch that holds the basics for a night out. I have one in black and I wear it every weekend.

In addition to Free shipping Ana is offering 15% off your entire order with the coupon code "thriving15." Get some Christmas shopping done for your sister, your mom, or drop a hint to your significant other and use her coupon. ;)

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anamariortega.com

I will continue to bring you interviews with successful women under  

(I'm getting old) around the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might 

be interested in being featured please email meaghanmae@gmail.com. 

Thriving Under Thirty: Lauren Christy Jewelry

Living in a coastal Florida area and spending every summer at the beach growing up, I am very drawn to Lauren Christy Jewelry. Many of the rings remind me of driftwood and the shells scattered along the shore I used to search for with my grandmother. It is my pleasure to include Lauren Christy in my Thriving Under Thirty series this month. A fellow Flagler College alumna this Floridian is now living in Italy chasing her dreams. Read on to see what it's like to be an expat running a business in a new country.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have a degree in Business Administration from Flagler College and a certification as a Bench Jeweler from Studio Jeweler’s in New York City. While in NYC, I began my jewelry career working for Giles & Brother and I opened my own Etsy shop called Brass & Lyre that functioned as a part time creative outlet. It was always my dream to have my own collection and work completely for myself. When I got the chance to move to Milan, Italy, I finally took the plunge and started a fine jewelry line.

What is your biggest source of inspiration?

I know it’s cliché but I really do find inspiration everywhere. I even have a necklace called The Aurora that was inspired by the sidewalks of Milan. Living in Europe can feel like museum overload sometimes but ancient relics inspire me constantly. I especially love seeing old Roman and Egyptian jewelry. Everything was so much more raw and unrefined back then and I tend to gravitate more towards that look. If you look at my current collection, you can easily see that the ocean and nature are my biggest inspirations. Being from Florida, I think I have some seawater in my blood and I can never go too long without seeing the ocean.

What were the biggest obstacles you faced to getting where you are now with your shop?

Well let’s just say, I don’t recommend a foreign country as the first place to launch your business. Learning Italian, figuring out the business laws and trying to get the permits to stay and open this business have all been struggles. But all that work has really allowed me to see how much I really want to have my own business and for it to be successful.

What has been your most popular/best selling item?

The Capiz has been my most sold piece. It is a necklace made from a cast pendant that resembles a flat, wide shell and it comes in sterling silver or bronze.

Do you have any words of advice for other creatives looking to succeed with their artistic talents?

I always advise people to just go for it! There’s really nothing to lose. For me, I had people asking for years to buy stuff and I never really had confidence in my creations. So, one day, I decided to just open up an Etsy shop and see what would happen. And I remember I sold my first piece that same day to a total stranger and that just blew my mind that there were people out there that actually wanted to buy my pieces. Also, don’t underprice your items! Pricing can be really difficult and it’s taken me a long time to figure out that I had been underselling my pieces for years.


What is the most difficult part of your job?

Managing everything on my own is extremely difficult. Right now, it’s just me, so I design, create and produce every piece. I also have to manage the website, the marketing and all the accounting aspects. That’s when I’m grateful for my business degree! It can be so hard to be motivated every day when you’re on your own but I have begun to realize that I’m really at my most happiest self when I’m working for myself and selling my own pieces.

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laurenchristyjewelry.com

Lauren very kindly has provided all of you with a discount for reading. Use code JUSTMEAGHAN to get 15% off until October 31st. Tweet me with whatever you order- I want to see what you decide on. :) I'm either ordering her silver Anthoza Ring or Capnella Ring, I will never be without the oceanic vibes with these pieces!

I will continue to bring you interviews with successful women under  (I'm getting old) around the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might be interested in being featured please email meaghanmae@gmail.com. 

Linked up today with Because Shanna Said So and Mid Week Muse.

Thriving Under Thirty: Lara of Declaration Boutique & Hello B

As part of the ongoing series, Thriving Under Thirty, I have a motivating interview with Lara Kocerka for you today. Lara and her husband Steve own two adorable boutiques in St. Augustine, Florida: Hello B. and Declaration Boutique. I met Lara back in my intern days for a wedding planner. She had designed and constructed some of the sweetest place cards for a wedding I was helping with at The White Room. Shortly thereafter I discovered her first sweet little shop in downtown St. Augustine, Declaration Boutique. The store is full of items for the perfect gift and useful souvenirs you will be actually proud to give or happy to keep for yourself. :)

Lara and her husband Steve at work. This entrepreneurial couple definitely "passes the cute test!"

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Fine Art from Kent State University. It was always a dream to open a shop, and one day, I just went for it. I have always loved fashion, art, gifts and design and hoped to bring my love of those into one. Over the four years of owning Declaration, the business model has changed. I have adapted to the area and grown to find a little niche. Same goes for Hello B., because we couldn't fit both store concepts into a small space, we expanded into two!

How do you keep organized and multitask for 2 shops?
Planners, morning coffee meetings and lots of to-do lists!!!

Greeting card and buttons from Declaration Boutique.

Any advice on working with your spouse?
Communication is key!!  You must be on the same team and always work toward the same goal.  We both have different roles in the shops and try to keep with a routine in order for everything to run smoothly.  Steve and I are best friends and truly love what we do!

What are your 3 most favorite things in your stores right now?
We have been working on a collection of our own​​ products in Declaration.  After four years of ideas, we have turned our designs into a line of sweetly curated gifts.  Our greeting cards, buttons and quote necklaces are my favorite!  Each design is fun and unique and inspired by the things we love and live by.

Cute Necklaces available at Declaration Boutique.

How do you pick your new inventory, what are the major influences? I'm sure there's some science to it other than just ordering what you like.
I always trust my gut.  I truly stand behind everything I order for both shops and always search to find fresh new pieces as often as possible.  I am influenced by our "beachy" town, plus the wants and needs of our customers.

What is your current favorite fashion trend?
I like to keep the shops full of classic pieces, but right now I can't seem to stay away from stripes and neon!

Follow Lara on Twitter and Facebook to stay current with her shops' new products and promotions! 

A few of the designs available at Declaration Boutique.

I plan to continue to bring you interviews with successful women under the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might be interested in being featured please email meaghanmae@gmail.com.
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