Today we’d like to introduce you to Quincy Bulin.
Hi Quincy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in fashion. What Not to Wear was my television program of choice as a third-grader, and for a sixth-grade project about what I wanted to be when I grew up, I cited Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Influence as a source. (For reasons that are now obvious, I received a C-.) The interest in lifestyle came from reading magazines like Real Simple and Good Housekeeping. I always wanted to be older and flipping through my mom’s issues as “research” made me feel more prepared for adulthood. Both my mom and grandpa are strong writers, and having their natural talent passed down to be combined with being a voracious reader made me one too.
The summer after sophomore year of high school, I attended the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio, arguably the most prestigious program of its kind in the country. Right after, I moved to Austin. Being in a new place without any immediate opportunities to make friends was ultimately a blessing because I ended up getting involved with a media startup for girls and young women. I quickly rose through the ranks to Editor-in-Chief and moved to New York my freshman year of college, where I was able to be on the ground and dedicate more time to the role. After homesickness led me back to Austin the next fall, I worked in marketing for a couple of small fashion brands before landing at billion-dollar jewelry company Kendra Scott for 4.5 years. It was the best education I could have received before transitioning into freelancing full-time at the end of 2021.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While no one’s road is entirely smooth, it’s important to start off by recognizing my immense privilege. First of all, I’m thin, white, able-bodied, and cisgender. I’m also very, very lucky to have parents who were entirely invested in my education, living in the best school districts they could afford and ensuring I was able to take advantage of every opportunity. And of course, them just having the *choice* to be so invested is a luxury few are provided. Though I wouldn’t be where I am if I hadn’t taken the initiative to work strategically and consistently toward a clear goal, I’ll never pretend mountains haven’t been moved on my behalf. That said, there are two bumps I’ve only recently gotten over:
1. Finances
I got married a year after graduating college and became pregnant six months after that, which was not kind to my bank account. We were trying to pay for daycare, my husband’s student loans, and all of life’s other necessities on entry-level salaries. This made freelancing on the side a necessity. It was great because it provided me with more experience and a larger network, but it also compromised my mental health and left me with little time for family, friends, and even myself. I obviously wasn’t performing to the best of my abilities either.
2. Anxiety
Upon starting college, I began experiencing anxiety in a big way. However, it wasn’t until after I graduated that it became really unmanageable. Looking back, I truly have no idea how I functioned at such a high level for so long. I always felt like I was one unexpected situation or poorly received joke away from coming entirely undone, which impacted my productivity and self-esteem. After trying everything from CBD to meditation, only last year did I make the decision to pursue medication. It truly changed everything and allowed me the clarity to move forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a freelance writer focused primarily on fashion and lifestyle for brands, influencers, and media. What we invest our time and money in can be a beautiful means of connection, and I love bringing my experience with this to clients.
What I’m most proud of is how much I care. I’ve always said business is personal, and that’s obviously even more true when you’re the owner. Between everyone I work with, my writing is read by hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Especially in a time of massive overconsumption, that’s not a responsibility I take lightly. I’m lucky to somehow have built a list of clients I believe in, so being a cheerleader for them is easy.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
My hope is we continue to invest more in storytelling. In 5-10 years, I can only imagine how much harder brands will have to work to capture consumers’ attention. Everyone likes to focus on graphic design, videography, and photography (because “people don’t read”)—copy is equally important. From a brand’s tagline to their product descriptions, it all works together with the visuals to create a cohesive experience. And when consumers are fully immersed in that experience, they’re more likely to become invested in you and what you have to offer them. Also, passing an English class does not a writer make.
What I’m most curious about is the future of content creators. The democratization of content creation is wonderful because everyone has a more level playing field in which to share and grow. It presents opportunities that may not exist for some otherwise and exposes us all to new communities and cultures. However, it’s also responsible for an overstimulating amount of content everyone’s become addicted to consuming. Selfishly, I’d love to see the revival of print magazines—tightly curated, well-produced, and no screens (my favorite part).
Contact Info:
- Email: quincybulin@gmail.com
- Website: quincybulin.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/quincy.bulin
Image Credits
First, Second, and Fifth Photo – Yvan Nguyen; Third Photo – Quincy Bulin; Fourth Photo – Danielle Russell
