Conversations with the Inspiring Jordan Shiley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Shiley.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I first started my blog, I was attending James Madison University in the state of Virginia, where I was born and raised. I came from a small town of people who didn’t understand my style, goals or aspirations. College Fashionista was where it all began. I worked with them in my junior year and quickly gained the attention of the company. At the end of my junior year, they sent me on my first sponsored trip to Palm Springs with a group of 13 girls that I’m still friends with today. They encouraged me to start my blog and go after my dreams.

After starting my blog, I began garnering the attention of brands I would’ve never imagined being able to work with. I started getting more sponsored trips, sponsored posts, etc. and realized there was a whole world to explore in this field. I wanted to pursue fashion, I wanted to pursue social media, and I wanted to pursue content creation. This summer, the opportunity of a lifetime came through my e-mail with the subject line “hello from the target– wanna collab?” I had no idea what was in store when they flew me to their headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota with a group of the most creative people I’d ever met. During that weekend, they told me I would be one of the first contract content creators for the launch of their digital magazine, @TargetTag. Here I am today, a part of the most inspiring community I could’ve imagined, so many steps closer to my dream.

After saving up all summer, my long-term boyfriend and I decided to get out of our small town and move to California together. My brother had lived out here for years and offered us a room in his house. We road tripped for a week to get there and shortly after, I got a job as a social media coordinator/marketing assistant in the interior design industry. Since then, I’ve gotten so many opportunities that I’ve dreamed about for years. I’ve gotten to work with my favorite brand, NastyGal, I’ve continued creating with Target, and I spark a relationship with a new brand almost every day. It took a lot of time, the help of my friends and photographers, and a lot of hard work, but I’m so thankful to be where I’m at. I’m hoping to be able to go full-time eventually, but I’m currently just thrilled to have a voice and a platform at the young age of 22.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As I mentioned, it’s hard becoming an influencer in a small town. On top of the majority of people not understanding what I was doing, I wasn’t close to any events, brands, etc. and my locations were a lot harder to find. I built up my Instagram with the help of creative photographers at my university and worked as hard as I could to create relationships with brands. My advice to anyone embarking on the same journey with the same struggles is: never give up. You have control over your future and now is only temporary. Once I had the power, I moved to the land of opportunity. Push through your obstacles now so that you have the power to eliminate them later.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a fashion and lifestyle blogger, content creator, and microinfluencer. On top of that, I have a full-time job as a social media coordinator and marketing assistant in the interior design and home furnishings industry. I’m known for my unique style, which is truly just a wonderful mess. I love to mix patterns, wear a lot of colors, and put things together in a way that you wouldn’t typically see in a store, ad, etc. Fashion is about limitless expression, and I do my best to break out of the box.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I keep the book written by my idol, Tessa Barton (@tezzamb), in my car at all times. When I’m on a photo shoot and need a quick burst of inspiration, I flip through the pages and get ready to create. With that, I always make a mood board for every shoot, trip, and season. It helps me visually plan out everything I want to do and everything that inspires me. As for apps, I can’t live without UNUM, retouch, and 8mm.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jordanshiley.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanshiley
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/jordanshiley

Image Credit:
If you would like to credit my photographers (which I would appreciate), they are @hannahdeklephoto (blue gingham dress), @thomas__nguyen (corn field, red polka dot top with map), and @danicalifrnia (disco ball, red knee high boots, and against the fence)

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.