Whether through personal style, thrifting, beauty or inspiration, Whitney Nic James, creator of the blog by the same name, just wants to help women to live uplifted, purpose driven lives. In this COCOBlogger of the Month interview, Whitney shares with us a little about her busy schedule, her thoughts about balancing and her secrets for thrifting. Keep reading for more.
Whitney, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
I’m a purpose driven Baltimore native with a passion for showing women how to live a stylish, affordable and uplifting lifestyle! I’m also the content creator behind the blog, Whitney Nic James and #FearlessWomanIAM, as well as a freelance Social Media Management and Personal Style Consultant.
What inspired you to begin blogging at Whitney Nic James?
I’m a writer at heart and I’ve been an avid thrift shopper for years. It was a no brainer to combine the two and create a platform where I could share my love for both.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of blogging? What keeps you inspired to keep creating content and posting?
The most rewarding aspect is reading the comments and emails from my readers. I honestly create content for my audience - it’s not about me. Be it a style, inspirational, beauty or a lifestyle post, my purpose is to uplift. Blogging (and social media) are the tools I use to carry out that purpose. My commitment to my readers and the commitment I made to myself, to live a purpose driven life, is what inspires me to keep creating.
Is blogging your full time occupation? How do you balance it with your other roles and responsibilities?
My 9-5 consists of working as a Communications Coordinator. I also help manage my little sister’s community service, pageant, modeling and acting career. All that, plus being a newlywed, keeps me quite busy!
I don’t think “balancing it all” is realistic. Maintaining and doing the best I can to accomplish things, one step at a time, is what it really boils down to. What helps me maintain is my faith, my supportive husband and family, an agenda/calendar, the Learn More to Earn More journal and Evernote. Those people and those items help keep me on track.
How did you first get into thrifting?
My grandfather took me to the Goodwill and Salvation Army all the time. He always found the most well made and tailored items. Eventually, I began enjoying the art of thrifting and started thrifting for myself as a teenager.
Can you give us some tips for finding great personal style through thrifting?
Have a list, be realistic and try everything on. A shopping list is a must, regardless of if you’re thrifting or department store shopping. Lists help keep you on task. Being realistic about what you will (or won’t) find is also important. Thrifting is like a scavenger hunt; it’s fun, but you may not always find exactly what you’re looking for. Lastly, try everything on. The sizing is sometimes off. Plus, most thrift stores don’t allow returns/exchanges.
If you had just two hours to pick out an outfit from head to toe, where would you shop and why?
I’d probably say Nordstrom Rack. I can always find clothing there that fits my body type and matches my style aesthetic. The prices are great, the quality is on point, and they have an endless shoe selection. Their jewelry and handbags have become my favorite as well!
What's on your holiday style and beauty wish list?
Style wise, I’d love a pair of classic red pumps and a few more stylish backpacks. Beauty wise, I’d say a Clarisonic and the Oatfix Oatmeal face mask. I’ve really gotten more serious about my skincare this year, so anything to help keep my skin smooth, healthy and clear is a must!
What three items are in your Ultimate Beauty Arsenal--those Holy Grail items you can't live without?
Organic Surge Facewash, Thayers Lavender Witch Hazel, and Biossance Revitalizer Moisturizing Serum. I use these items everyday and they’ve done wonders for my skin!
Is there anything else you would like to share with us? What's next for Whitney Nic James?
Revealing my logo and website for #FearlessWomanIAM, publishing more useful
and exciting content on WNJ, and in 2016 I’m very excited about the in-person
events I’ll be hosting for both brands! Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and even YouTube and sign up for my newsletter so you won’t miss a thing!
Keep up with Whitney at www.whitneynicjames.com and follow her on all social media outlets (including Periscope) @whitneynicjames. You can also find #FearlessWomanIAM on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Whitney, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
I’m a purpose driven Baltimore native with a passion for showing women how to live a stylish, affordable and uplifting lifestyle! I’m also the content creator behind the blog, Whitney Nic James and #FearlessWomanIAM, as well as a freelance Social Media Management and Personal Style Consultant.
What inspired you to begin blogging at Whitney Nic James?
I’m a writer at heart and I’ve been an avid thrift shopper for years. It was a no brainer to combine the two and create a platform where I could share my love for both.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of blogging? What keeps you inspired to keep creating content and posting?
The most rewarding aspect is reading the comments and emails from my readers. I honestly create content for my audience - it’s not about me. Be it a style, inspirational, beauty or a lifestyle post, my purpose is to uplift. Blogging (and social media) are the tools I use to carry out that purpose. My commitment to my readers and the commitment I made to myself, to live a purpose driven life, is what inspires me to keep creating.
Is blogging your full time occupation? How do you balance it with your other roles and responsibilities?
My 9-5 consists of working as a Communications Coordinator. I also help manage my little sister’s community service, pageant, modeling and acting career. All that, plus being a newlywed, keeps me quite busy!
I don’t think “balancing it all” is realistic. Maintaining and doing the best I can to accomplish things, one step at a time, is what it really boils down to. What helps me maintain is my faith, my supportive husband and family, an agenda/calendar, the Learn More to Earn More journal and Evernote. Those people and those items help keep me on track.
How did you first get into thrifting?
My grandfather took me to the Goodwill and Salvation Army all the time. He always found the most well made and tailored items. Eventually, I began enjoying the art of thrifting and started thrifting for myself as a teenager.
Can you give us some tips for finding great personal style through thrifting?
Have a list, be realistic and try everything on. A shopping list is a must, regardless of if you’re thrifting or department store shopping. Lists help keep you on task. Being realistic about what you will (or won’t) find is also important. Thrifting is like a scavenger hunt; it’s fun, but you may not always find exactly what you’re looking for. Lastly, try everything on. The sizing is sometimes off. Plus, most thrift stores don’t allow returns/exchanges.
If you had just two hours to pick out an outfit from head to toe, where would you shop and why?
I’d probably say Nordstrom Rack. I can always find clothing there that fits my body type and matches my style aesthetic. The prices are great, the quality is on point, and they have an endless shoe selection. Their jewelry and handbags have become my favorite as well!
What's on your holiday style and beauty wish list?
Style wise, I’d love a pair of classic red pumps and a few more stylish backpacks. Beauty wise, I’d say a Clarisonic and the Oatfix Oatmeal face mask. I’ve really gotten more serious about my skincare this year, so anything to help keep my skin smooth, healthy and clear is a must!
What three items are in your Ultimate Beauty Arsenal--those Holy Grail items you can't live without?
Organic Surge Facewash, Thayers Lavender Witch Hazel, and Biossance Revitalizer Moisturizing Serum. I use these items everyday and they’ve done wonders for my skin!
Is there anything else you would like to share with us? What's next for Whitney Nic James?
Revealing my logo and website for #FearlessWomanIAM, publishing more useful
and exciting content on WNJ, and in 2016 I’m very excited about the in-person
events I’ll be hosting for both brands! Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and even YouTube and sign up for my newsletter so you won’t miss a thing!
Keep up with Whitney at www.whitneynicjames.com and follow her on all social media outlets (including Periscope) @whitneynicjames. You can also find #FearlessWomanIAM on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.