I’ve always loved online magazine A Fashion Friend and I was recently afforded the opportunity to share some of what I do here on my blog, on that platform; which was really exciting. I asked the Fashion & Content Editor, Raya Rossi to answer a few questions that I hope will help those of you looking to get into the fashion media field.
Q: Was this what you always imagined or wanted to do? If not, what did you think you would be doing?
I thought I would be a Fashion Designer, but am rather happy to have landed in media.
Q: What did you study?
I studied a BA Fashion Designer at FEDISA in Cape Town.
Q: How did you get into this line of work?
I started a blog while studying and was found online by afashionfriend.co.za’s founder – this lead to an internship and fast forward 3 years to now.
Q: What does your job entail? And what does your typical day entail?
As Fashion & Content Editor of A Fashion Friend my job is to run the online platform, create content and concepts. I manage the editorials each month, organise the creatives and work as a stylist. Each day starts with a a flat white take-away and a ton of emails, everyday is different to the next. Sometimes I am out sourcing for a shoot, sometimes I am on set. I spend a lot of time in front of a laptop designing and writing too.
Q: Your favourite thing about your job and what you hate most about it?
It’s amazing to wake up to a unique day each morning. I love the freedom of online and that we have such an organic way of working. With that being said, online never sleeps and sometimes its tough to switch off from all the emails & social media.
Q: Any wise words for anyone looking to get into what you’re doing?
Interning it is the best work experience, to help harness your design and creative skills. There is no road map to online, make your own course and remember to keep an authentic voice.
Raya also has a blog called The Visual Journal where she shares how she wears the latest looks, which mixes some of the latest trends with some quirky classics, all topped with the most amazing pairs of sunglasses! Here’s where you can keep up with her:
blog – www.thevisualjournal.co.za | twitter – @rayarossi | insta – @thevisualjournal
