Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Jones.
Erica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
January 2013 was my senior year at Winton Salem State University. I had been thrifting for maybe two years at that point and I always said I would start a blog to share my story. However, I did not start it right away. It literally took me seven years, LOL! but that’s okay. I started working on my blog during the quarantine. I had nothing but time, plus It as a time that I do something more productive with myself. I needed to pick up a hobby, something to keep me sane. I launched “Story Behind the Look” on July 20, 2020, and it was the best thing I’ve ever done. Ever since the first post, I have been posting and writing nonstop. SBL is my second job and I pride myself daily to do the work for myself and others.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Considering, SBL is only two months old. I don’t think I’ve had many challenges. Everything that I’ve experienced so far is what I expected. Personally, I had a little anxiety about putting myself out there and being vulnerable; however, it was necessary and needed. Starting a blog takes a lot of time management skills, especially when you work a full-time job. Once I get off from my 9-5, I prioritize Story Behind the Look. It is important to me to provide content for my audience every week and I make it my business to do so no matter how much sleep I get at night.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Story Behind the Look story. Tell us more about your work.
The purpose of Story Behind the Look is to encourage, motivate and inspire people to find self-love, true identity and creativity through the lens of fashion, specifically thrifting. I created this platform because thrifting is something that I enjoy for several reasons. I started thrifting my sophomore year in college because I wanted to create my own identity and stop believing the negative, hurtful comments people would say about me. As a dark-skinned woman, it has never been easy. I’ve been bullied and name called my entire life. I always knew I was different and stood out from others because of my complexion, so I decided to give the world something else to look at besides my skin… my attire! I figured I would give folks the opportunity to understand me and my personality through how I dress, through fun fashion. I had to make a difference for myself. I had to change my mindset about who I was. I had to change MY narrative because I’m more than a black face. We all have a story, which is why I started Story Behind the Look!
Story Behind the Look is a space for storytelling, teach inspiration, motivation, self-care, identity, confidence, self-love and creativity. Recently, SBL started resale of thrifted items for those who do not have the patience to shop/thrift.
I’m most proud of my tenacious spirit to keep going. I spend the majority of my time creating content, taking pictures, videos etc. for my business and often time I’m tired but I have to keep going for myself and my followers.
I think my business is unique. Its a unique way to connect with others to share my story through fashion. I’m giving others the opportunity to share their story too through whatever it is that they love. Whether its through cooking, photography, dancing etc. Again, this platform started off about me, an outlet for me to share my journey of being a black woman but now this platform is for all people but especially black people who oftentimes aren’t afforded to be vulnerable and to be their true authentic selves.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
There has only been good luck with my business. Everything has been going great! I’m thankful for my friends and family who support me. I’m also grateful for the different networking opportunities I have been afforded thus far as well. There has been no bad luck and it shall remain that way for as long as I am capable of preparing content to encourage and inspire my audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.storybehindthelook.com
- Email: storybehindlook@gmail.com
- Instagram: @storybehindthelook
- Facebook: Story Behind the Look
Image Credit:
Leslie Ayafor-photographer
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