Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Turner.
Hi Paige, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my career like many other writers: with an internship opportunity and a lot of ambition. Although I was born and raised in Austin, I went to college at the University of Central Arkansas and was living out of state for four years while getting my BA in Mass Communication. After graduating in 2013, I moved back to Austin to start grad school for journalism at the University of Texas at Austin and began my search for internship opportunities with a local publication.
My first real Austin writing gig was as an editorial intern for TRIBEZA, a popular local print magazine and website known for covering some of the city’s rising artists, luxury news, and cultural happenings. I had a few articles published in the summer issues of 2013 and got some great experience while I was there. After that internship finished, I applied to tons of well-known Austin media organizations, magazines and publications to continue polishing my writing chops and to hopefully make a career out of my passion.
In 2014, while still in grad school, I got the chance to interview for CultureMap Austin, a website devoted to all things Austin and city life-related. I accepted an editorial contributor internship and the rest is history. I quickly became a staff member and the person behind the Top 5 Things To Do in Austin This Weekend column and wrote about everything from fashion to store openings to real estate and society events. Throughout my career, I’ve been published by The Austin Socialite, Camille Styles, Rank & Style, CultureMap San Antonio, and more.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m not sure any writer has a smooth road to their dream gig or even to a paid one, but I can say the road has taught me a lot about perseverance, networking and trusting in my talents enough to let my work speak for itself. As a young person and a Black woman, breaking into the very middle-aged White world of Austin media often left me feeling overlooked and underestimated. There were so many times when I wouldn’t get a reply back to pitch emails or times when I’d make it to the final round of an interview process only to be told someone else with more experience was given the position.
Even though access to those opportunities was a bit more restricted or out of reach at the time, the city has become much more welcoming to young professionals and creatives during the past decade of my career. As a lifelong local, it definitely seems easier than ever to showcase your talents with the Austin community, regardless of discipline.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a full-time writer and content creator who’s always looking for the opportunity to tell the stories of people, places and events that make Austin the city I love and proudly call home. By day, I’m a Communications Specialist for a popular headphone brand that’s based right here in Austin. By night and also by weekend, I’m a regular contributor and freelancer for digital and Austin-based and/or Texas-based publications like CultureMap Austin, CultureMap San Antonio, and Rank & Style. I also create content for my personal brand and am one of the few Black influencers in Austin.
I would say the two things that most set me apart from others is that I’m literally from here and I can literally do it all. Whether creating content for brands I love or my own, my voice is unique and I’ve been able to showcase who I am while also representing the city of Austin from a distinct and authentic perspective.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I love connecting with fellow creatives in the Austin area and Texas in general. I’m also always accepting freelance writing and content collaboration opportunities and serious inquiries can be made via my website or on LinkedIn. Feel free to follow me while I live my best local life on Instagram so we can be friends!
Contact Info:
- Email: lillianorpaige@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.lillianorpaige.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lillianorpaige/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LillianorPaige
Image Credits
Lorenzo Marez, Katie Mansfield, Chloe Armstrong
Norma Rivera
May 4, 2021 at 3:50 pm
Love the article.