Some of the most common questions I receive revolve around career path…

How did you figure out what you wanted to do after school?

How did you get to where you are today?

What are your best tips for growing and developing a brand?

I’ve found that most of the time these questions aren’t coming from people who went to school to be a doctor, lawyer, or accountant. They’re from people who don’t have such a direct path that leads them to their career. A lot of these emails tell a similar story: interested in fashion, enjoys writing, passionate about design, loves keeping up with trends, has a knack for styling, enjoys creating things, passionate about storytelling, interested in marketing, etc.

Does this sound like you?

Maybe you’re about to graduate, or you’ve been at your job for a few years now and you’re looking for something more creatively stimulating. The cool thing about the creative industry is that there are SO MANY avenues to explore and even more you can create yourself. There’s an endless list of ways you can use the left side of your brain to make an income.

I wrote this similar post a few years ago with some of the cool creative jobs my friends were doing, and you guys responded so well I decided to do an updated version! Hoping this helps plant the seed and give you career ideas to start thinking about for your future. Let me know on Instagram tonight if you read this & if it helped!

(these are my favorite platform heels – almost sold out in red but I just ordered them in tan suede too)

Interior Designer

What I want to do when I grow up 😉Interior designers plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. I loved working for Alice Lane Home as an interior stylist and learning from some of the best interior designers in the country!

Creative Director

A creative director formulates design concepts and presentations for print, broadcasting, and advertising media. Creative directors ensure the quality of all creative department projects, managing the creative process from beginning to end. These creative pros need a lot of experience and the ability to create clear creative objectives from marketing goals.

Copywriter

My little sister is very witty and so good with words (caption queen of IG) and I always tell her she needs to go into copywriting. Copywriters write copy for the promotion of products in publications and broadcast media. Can you write captivating content that inspires people into action? You have to be clever and constantly able to generate new ideas and engage people through words. Copywriters create slogans, write radio jingles, craft social media ads, etc.

Makeup artist / Hairstylist

There are so many successful hair and makeup artists I’ve worked with in NYC who have an amazing client list and are working on really cool projects. @JustineMarjan who’s known for doing the Kardashian’s hair did most of my hairstyling while I worked with Tresemme last year. She’s done such an incredible job of using her hair skills to create a very successful business and name for herself in the industry.

Graphic designer

A graphic designer designs and creates materials for a company’s brands. This could be anything from websites to posters or t-shirts. They’re experts at using visual media to communicate a specific idea or message. Many graphic designers work for advertising agencies, PR firms, or as freelancers.

Set Designer

A set designer is in charge of designing and creating the sets that appear in movies, theaters, television shows,  and special exhibits. Lately, I’ve been noticing brands doing more interactive set experiences more than ever. As a set designer, your job is to devise the backdrop, furniture, and props that are involved in the production. The role involves working and communicating with directors, producers, costume designers and other members of staff.

Fashion Editor

When I go on brand trips, a lot of the time the brand will host bloggers as well as fashion editors for the trip. We are both responsible for sharing and promoting the company through different media outlets, so this is a great way for us to experience the brand first hand. One of the primary tasks of an editor is to shape and polish a piece of written content for fashion-specific magazines, photo shoots, websites, newspaper sections, or television shows. Creativity and an eye for detail are essential in this job. You could work for publishing houses or news organizations, or on your own as a freelancer.

Advertising

Professionals in advertising positions often work in agencies to organize campaigns for clients. They may also be responsible for selling advertising space or time for media firms. They work with sales staff to develop concepts for campaigns, partner with creative teams to produce layouts, negotiate contracts and prepare overall campaign budgets.

Director of PR

One of my best friends, Dru, is the director of PR for West Elm, which I think is one of the coolest jobs. Public relations directors develop and execute strategies that are intended to create and uphold a positive public image for clients. They do this by working and forming relationships with various members of the media, government, and public.

Choreographer

After being in gymnastics and cheerleading for most of my life, I’ve been lucky enough to cross paths with some of the most talented choreographers in the world who are using their passion to make a living. Travis Wall is a new friend of mine I’ve made since moving to NYC who’s doing amazing things in the dance world, and Blake Johnson is still killing it in the cheer industry.

Videographer

My brother Austin is working in house at Grainger as their head videographer and is doing such a great job of using his artistic eye and video knowledge to create compelling content for his company. On the side, he also films and edits several projects (including my videos and some of my friends’!) working as a freelancer. Most of the time, videographers handle everything from interviewing to editing film.

Photographer

Photographers are visual storytellers who use images to record events, convey ideas, and capture emotions. Some produce original artistic creations that are sold in galleries and studios; others specialize in portraits, weddings, commercial photography, photojournalism, etc. Alicia is killing this game, obviously.

Writer/Author

Two different friends in my industry recently published books about their passions that are so well written: Own Your Everyday by Jordan Lee Dooley and Instastyle by Tezza. Writers and authors develop written content for advertisements, books, magazines, movie and television scripts, songs, and online publications. An increasing number of writers are freelance writers—meaning they’re self-employed and earn their living by selling their written content to book and magazine publishers; news organizations; advertising agencies; and movie, theater, and television producers.

Fashion Designer

A good friend of mine from my hometown, Missy, is the owner and designer of Otherwise Topless – a collection of basics and bodysuits designed with a modern take on timeless silhouettes. The job description of fashion designers varies significantly depending on the designer, but typically they create designs for everything from clothing and costumes to accessories and footwear. You need an eye for color and a good understanding of the functions and uses of different fabrics.

Visual Merchandiser

I always thought it would be such an awesome job to do the visual merchandising for a company like Anthropologie. Visual merchandisers are in charge of creating attractive visual displays in retail outlets. They use their creativity to enhance the aesthetic appeal of window displays, walkways, counters and in-store displays.

Public Relations Associate

Public relations specialists act as liaisons between their clients and the public. People who work in PR are responsible for controlling the public image of a brand or company. In an age of social media and 24-hour news, public relations specialists who can think creatively are in high demand. PR specialists maintain cooperative relationships with the news media, influencers, local communities and other public-interest groups.

Boutique Owner

I loved working for a bridal boutique as my first job out of college. My boss, Ty, is the owner of Twirl Boutique in Lexington. As a boutique owner, you are an entrepreneur owning and running a retail store. Job functions include managing daily operations, recruiting and training staff, supervising managers, ensuring customer service, trend forecasting, buying, taking measures to ensure the financial success of the store, etc.

Personal Stylist

This is a job that can be done on or offline. Trunk Club and Stitch Fix changed the game by creating an industry of online styling. A fashion stylist can work for individual clients, fashion houses or clothing brands. Their main responsibilities include providing fashion advice; choosing and co-ordinating outfits for models in photo shoots or actors in television and film or their individual clients.

Retail Buyer

A retail buyer is responsible for planning, selecting and purchasing quantities of goods and merchandise that are sold in retail stores. They source new and review existing goods to ensure their products remain competitive.

Blogger

Bloggers write, edit, create, post, and promote the content on their web pages or websites. They generate and pitch ideas, compose and edit posts, market posts to readers, and conduct research.

I’ve been in a little bit of a funk lately. I spent the last 6 months of my life committed to living a more balanced life after functioning for years as a workaholic, and although it’s done wonders for my mental, physical and spiritual health…I’ll admit I’ve had a hard time switching gears.

I used to stay up late and work into the morning, then wake up at the crack of dawn to do it all over again. I wasn’t eating healthy or finding time to work out because I was so focused on finishing my never-ending to-do list. My friends are angels so they stuck around even in times when I chose work over them, but it was obvious my personal life was out of whack. I eventually reached a breaking point in January this year when I knew things needed to change.

I started to focus on:

• Living a life where work was important, but not the most important thing.
• Cutting down my daily to-do list from 25 bullet points to no more than 10
• Making time for books and hobbies I loved
• Prioritizing my relationship with God and my deeper purpose.
• Putting my relationships first, while still discerning when to say ‘no’.
• Putting the phone down and learning to enjoy the moment.

I’ve grown so much in the last 6 months, but realized finding the right balance is a lot harder than I thought. And you know what I found to be the hardest? Fighting the constant urge to re-enter the rat race and fall back into my over-achieving ways. Busy-ness is a socially acceptable addiction that our society loves to idolize, so pulling away from it can feel like you’re doing the wrong thing. The adjustment to a slower pace occasionally causes me to feel a lot of guilt and laziness, but ultimately I know it’s the most fulfilling way to live life.

Change is never easy, especially when it’s significant… so I’m learning to accept the ‘bad days’ and funks, but also enjoy the freedom of a life with space. Im not sure what season of life you’re in, but if something’s causing you to feel less like yourself today, I wrote a list of things that always help me refocus that I think will help you too..

1. Call your grandma or grandpa

This will never fail to put you in a better mood. I called Nani this morning and from the second I heard her sweet voice on the other line, I was instantly in a better mood. Here I was thinking I was calling to make her day better, when she’s really the one who flipped mine around. Grandparents have a different perspective on life and so much wisdom you can learn from. If you’re having a bad day, make time to catch up with one of your grandparents today. I’m sure it will make their day and in turn, make yours.

2. Go for a long walk outside

There’s not a lot of nature or open air here in New York, but yesterday I put on workout clothes and got some fresh air while walking along the bike path on the West Side Highway. Just being outside and seeing a little bit of nature always makes me happier. Most of us are confined to an office or small apartment for work most of the week, so it’s nice to get out and see new things and explore a little bit. Even if it’s just in your own neighborhood.

3. Catch up on recent articles on a blog you like reading

Some of my favorites for mindless reading: The Everygirl, Thought Catalog, This is Glamorous, Wit & Delight, Generation Meh.

4. Journal

I do this every day, whether it’s a blog post that I actually end up publishing or just thoughts I want to write down. Getting your feelings out of your head and onto paper is a great way to clear your head and put your feelings into words. The notes app on my phone is my most used app. It’s my journal, to-do list, thought list, blog planner, grocery list… Idk what I’d do without it. Write down what you’re thinking, how you’re feeling, a lesson you learned the hard way, an apology you never gave/received, a letter to your younger self. Anything! Just write and see how it makes you feel. I’ve solved a lot of my own problems by writing them out.

5. Plan a trip or schedule a date

This will give you something to look forward to that you can get excited about. On a Monday, the work week can seem daunting, but having a girls mid-week lunch or weekend road trip on your calendar can make a big difference.

6. Learn something new

A new song on the piano, bake a new recipe on Pinterest, find a new artist you like on Spotify, do yoga/stretch, sketch or paint something.

7. Go to the grocery store and prep all your meals for the week

Humans love routine. This routine not only makes me feel more organized, but also prevents hangry moments during the week. Make a grocery list plan and then attack. Bring it all home and prep lunches and dinners for the week. I also find my mornings are always better when they start with a healthy breakfast.

8. Organize a closet or drawer

My entryway closet is an explosion of random things I have no idea what to do with. I’ve been wanting to clear it out for such a long time so I can have more closet space (and just so I can open the door without things falling on me). There’s something very therapeutic about decluttering.

Life is pretty wonderful when you have the right perspective on things. It’s ok to have bad days and even bad weeks, we all experience it. Sometimes you need to go through these times to refocus and fall back in love with the little things that make life beautiful.

Jumpsuit I’m wearing (only avail in XL, I’m wearing an XXS) – very similar option I love right here

Outfit Details: Striped Pants | Snakeskin Bodysuit/Swim | Wicker Bag | Sunglasses | Hoops | Clip

HAPPY FRIDAY! I did a little early access online shopping for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that starts today and wanted to share the things I have my eye on with you guys.

If you’re a cardholder, Nordstrom released this season’s styles at a big discount for a limited time today (it really is the best time to stock up for fall outfits), but if you’re not a cardholder the sale opens up to the public on July 19th. The last day of the sale is August 5th when the prices will go back up. Items sell out very fast so hurry to purchase whatever you love before it’s gone!

Here’s what I loved from the #NSALE: