Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Ramirez.
Jessica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My Instagram is a passion project that allows me to not only share my fashion and inspirations but also allows me to be creative and connect with like-minded people. It started a few years actually when my twin sister and I decided to create an Instagram account. We have similar tastes in fashion, music, food, art, etc. and we’re always with each so it made sense to just start one account. In the beginning, we shared mostly lifestyle things, such as things to do in LA/Pasadena, places to shop, a nice hiking place or cool dinner spot for date night or girl’s night. But we saw that as soon as we posted an OOTD (outfit of the day) our engagement doubled. So, we started to post more fashion related things. Like, OOTD, forecasted fashion trends, shared our favorite shopping places, etc. Jenn got a new job and was working 50 plus hours a week, so she didn’t have time to post. I, on the other hand, used Instagram to de-stress from all the school work I had. I was going to school full time (Mount Saint Mary’s University) and I also had a part-time job.
Eventually, it became something more to me. I wanted to take our Instagram account to another level but I didn’t really know how. Then, I, one day, after a 90 min Bikram yoga class, I thought about creating my own account. Of course, I talked it over with Jenn, and she was really cool about it and supported me. So, I came up with some names and Too Tan to Give a Damn stuck with me! It was funny, cheeky, and I really like the way it sounded (it rhymed!). I created my account with a vision and a purpose. That I would share my fashion, inspirations, and hopefully inspire others to follow their dreams. I have always loved fashion, some of my favorite memories are when my mom would dress my twin sister and me up in matching lavish outfits and then takes pictures of us, like a mini photo shoot. I knew I wanted to work in fashion but I didn’t know in what capacity. I think it was in junior high when I knew I wanted to be in public relations or work for a magazine.
By the time I was applying for college, social media had taken off (hello Myspace!) and that’s when I said I want to work in social media. I loved the idea of connecting with other people who had similar interests and being able to create a mini blog but with only pictures. I even got hired in my previous job through social media! I worked full-time as a personal assistant for Aimee Song, social media influencer/blogger of “Song of Style”, New York Times best author of “World of Style”, Forbes 30 under 30. Yup, social media gave me that opportunity! I’d been following Aimee’s blog and Instagram for almost 10 years and I loved her style and how compassionate and funny she is.
One day, she posted that she was hiring and I applied! I got an email from her then-assistant/photographer Nicholas. He told me to come in for an interview. And I met him, he asked me a few questions and then told me he would get back to me. Later on that day, he emailed me and asked if I could come into the office to meet Aimee. Within that week, I met Aimee and she hired me! I felt like I had just landed my dream job! Everyone told me I was crazy for wanting a job within the influencer industry. But I thought it was the coolest job! The influencer industry is this was a bridge between fashion and social media/technology. I loved working with her and the team! We worked hard but we also had a lot of fun. My favorite moments where during fashion weeks (NY and Paris). It’s hectic and a lot of work, but it’s also fun and it’s amazing to see all the new collections and new designers, and to of course see all the celebrities and big names in fashion wearing the latest fashion trends.
I’m so thankful for the experience I had with Aimee. I’ve learned so much about fashion, social media and philanthropy while working with her. It’s great to see that influencers like her share a much bigger message through their blogger/influencer business. She’s always been big on giving back to the community and bring awareness to lots of causes, like the LGBTQ+ community and feminism. She’s still one of my mentors.
My Instagram has always been a way for me to show my creativity, of course, share my fashion, and also to inspire others to follow their dream. Just like I did. The key to Instagram is to be authentic and consistent! For me, my degree in business marketing and my work experience helps too!
Since starting my Instagram, I’ve put more thought into aesthetics, engagement, and being more creative! I try to diversify my shots and engage more with my followers, like doing q& a’s and being more active on my Insta-stories. Believe it or not, it’s not actually my job! I’m in a master’s program right now, I work full-time and I’m also working on some other projects. If Instagram one day turns into a business that would be amazing! For now, I’m focusing on getting my master’s (which I’m currently doing), traveling and collaborating with brands and people!
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worth having comes easy! I remember when I was in college, I was taking 17 units a semester, I lived at home and campus was in Brentwood and that’s an easy two-hour drive (LA traffic is the worst), I had a full-time job and an internship! Now that I think about it, I don’t even remember sleeping! Haha! It was a struggle. Getting up every morning with the same energy. But what motivated me were my dreams and goals! I wanted to graduate and I wanted to land my dream job. So, I worked hard, day and night. My advice is to never give up, work hard and have a good support system (family and friends), because you’ll need them when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed (you’re human, it happens to all of us!).
We’d love to hear more about Too Tan To Give A Damn.
I’m most proud of my journey! I’m a first generation American, both of my parents were born in Guadalajara, Mexico. They moved to California for a better life and opportunity. I wanted to thank them for everything they’ve done for my family, and so I made it a goal of mine to graduate from college. And I did! I’ll never forget that day when my name was called and I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. My whole family was there and I can hear them screaming for me. And I looked out into the crowd and immediately made contact with my mom. I cried as soon as I saw her. And said, “mom we did it!” Because honestly, with my parents I wouldn’t be here. So, that was for them!
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Love what you’re doing. We have one life and we spend 70-80% of it working, so pick something you love!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tootantogiveadamn/
Image Credit:
Isabella Michelle Davila, Jessica Ramirez
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.
