The journalist/interviewer/community organizer talks storytelling, through words as well as outfitting...

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How has your idea of "home" changed? How has it remained the same?

Being home has allowed me to find more joy in the small moments. Before COVID I loved being on-the-go and really understood home as just a place to recharge. To be honest, I barely put much effort into how it made me feel or how I can get to know myself better within my personal space. But the past few months have forced me to create more -- to build a place of solace and comfort, inspiration, and a place where I can thrive no matter what’s going on outside of it. I really dedicated time and effort into making home feel more me and created new routines that make me happy -- whether that’s cutting fresh flowers on Sundays, meditating in the morning, or cooking after a long day of work (yes, I can cook now!).

3 things that you love most about your home:

My wall of books, my plants, and my boyfriend. :)

Do you have a go-to outfit when you're at home? If so, what? And why do you love it?

I love a matching set. They’re so easy and really let you feel put together seamlessly. I rotate from anything like a matching sweatsuit, to even something more put together like the Elissa Set -- with a statement neckline if I’m feeling extra brave that day.

Are there any tips you learned as a journalist that can be applied to “storytelling with clothes?”

To me, being a storyteller is all about helping people find the power to tell their own story. I like to take that mentality into the way I dress. I want my clothes to always be a representation of me and my uniqueness in a way that inspires others to dress and feel empowered as well!

What inspired you to start “Friend Of A Friend?”

Curiosity has always been the biggest motivator behind everything I do. I studied journalism in college and have always been passionate about storytelling, asking questions, and helping share knowledge with people around the world. I started “Friend of a Friend” as a resource to do just that, and build a community of people who I knew was curious about the same things I was -- whether that was entrepreneurship, friendship, mental health, business, and just life in general. My favorite moments on the show are when I see my guests have these “aha” moments where they’re discovering something about themselves or making connections about things within their own lives. And it’s those moments where our listeners, and myself included, can do the same and feel seen or validated about what they’re experiencing in their lives as well. It’s a community where everyone is welcome to just be a fly on the wall for some pretty inspiring conversations and always walk away having learned something new.

What’s your go-to outfit when recording a podcast?

These days, it’s a statement shirt or jacket on the top, and sweatpants on the bottom. But I’m also someone who gets a lot of confidence from a good outfit, so I really try to dress in whatever way makes me feel best that day.

Five attributes you look for in a true friend:

Empathetic, loyal, curious, creative, and fun!

What trends are you excited about in 2021?

Clothing, as well as in life…! Kindness. :)

Three tips on how we can service our local communities:

1. Connect with your neighbors! You have a lot more in common than just the occasional cup of sugar, and it’s those conversations that will allow you to see the real landscape of your neighborhood and where you can come together to make a difference. Sometimes giving back to your local communities can take form just by playing an active role in it.
2. Know your local officials! The real power and change comes from the ground up. Being involved in local elections and using your voice for your own community is the greatest power you have.
3. Identify what change you can contribute within your own orbit. Do you like gardening? Reach out to your local officials and see how you could help make more green spaces in your community. Are you good at cooking? Find a local food bank and see how you can help feed your neighbors in need. Giving back can often be daunting, but by bringing in your unique skill set and passion, you’re making a difference with expertise that someone else might not have, while also just doing what you love.