Do you enjoy meeting new people? Hearing the stories of someone who is inspiring? If you answered yes to either of those, or find yourself enjoying having a simple conversation with someone else, we’re with you. And we want to offer this to you through THEM, a section of our blog that introduces the inspiring people we have had the fortunate experience of meeting.
Enjoy meeting Jenna.
Jenna Igneri is the Fashion and Beauty editor at Nylon Magazine. She has been writing there since January of 2016, filling multiple positions after starting her time as a Digital Market Assistant. All of this comes after years of being dedicated to fashion media, holding roles at Conde Nast, Bullett Magazine and a handful of internships (including Nylon more than five years prior). Her articles now cover topics such as independent brands, skincare, accessories, hair, and others within the fashion and beauty world. Keep up with her work as she continues to write for Nylon Magazine, as well as on Instagram where her personal style will definitely improve your feed.
Why do you write?
I write because I’m passionate about sharing new things with the world. The best part of my job is being able to give a small, emerging designer or new brand a platform to tell their story.
Other than writing, what else do you enjoy doing?
I love writing and working, but logging off and disconnecting from technology is super important to me, too! If I’m not running around Brooklyn with my favorite people, I spend a lot of time on the beach (I love the Rockaways!) or escaping up the Hudson Valley to hike and wander around. Hunting for vintage clothes has always been my favorite pastime, but now that I’m old and boring (lol), I also like hunting for weird antiques and old tacky furniture. I’m also becoming a bit of a (mostly plant-based) foodie, too, so you can find me stuffing myself with fried cauliflower or nut cheese any given night of the week.
What has shaped your career the most?
This might sound cliché, but my career has been shaped the most by all of the inspiring people I’ve met along the way, from the editors that have come before me that I’ve looked up to since I was a baby intern, or the new wave of young editors that are responsible for this beautifully inclusive, diverse, and unapologetic shift in media (such as our awesome EIC, Gabrielle Korn!).
What wakes you up in the morning? What gives you motivation?
Knowing that I live in the greatest city in the world and that it gives me the ability to get up and do pretty much anything I want is what gets me out of bed, and knowing that there’s always something (or someone!) new to discover and learn about and then share with the world keeps me motivated to continue on my career path.
What are the best and worst parts about a career in media and writing?
It’s one of the most exciting industries to be in! Especially when you’re covering things like fashion, beauty, and wellness, there’s always something new to explore and dive into. The travel perks are also definitely a plus. I wouldn’t say there are many negatives to it, but the fact that it’s constantly evolving and changing can be a lot to keep up with–you have to really love it to stay afloat. Also, deadlines can be stressful, so time management and organization is key.
Nylon is a magazine that is now completely digital. Do you think that sometime in the future print publications will exist like they once did?
I don’t think things will ever go back to the way they were, but I think physical magazines will always have a place in the world. I’m someone that can spend hours in a fancy magazine shop and will easily drop $40 on a beautiful, international art or fashion magazine. I have a pretty decent collection of (now, mostly defunct) international titles. However, while the majority of younger generations prefer to consume their content digitally nowadays, I do think (hope?) that print will one day have a big resurgence the same way vinyl and cassette tapes have.
If you could live somewhere other than NYC, where would it be?
A l
ot of New Yorkers hate on LA, but I love it and think it’s probably the only other US city I can see myself living and working in. Globally, I’d be super happy in Montréal, Stockholm, or Sydney. But, honestly, my dream is to one day “retire” (lol) and open up a boutique in a cute beach town somewhere.
What are some pieces of advice you would give to someone who is looking to get where you are in your career as an editor?
Never stop writing!
Pitch as much as you can, and dream big! Start your own blog if you have the time. If you’re still in school or have just graduated, intern as much as you can. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the connections I made at the publications I interned at while I was in college. Working for free isn’t glamorous, but paying your dues really does pay off.
What are your favorite brands these days?
I’m currently obsessed with Kimhekim, LOÉIL, and Ssheena. I’ve also focused a lot of my writing on sustainability these days, so I’m constantly discovering new sustainable and conscious brands to work with. Some of my favorites right now are (of course!) AndAgain, Maggie Marilyn, and Ajaie Alaie.
Hopefully, you have enjoyed meeting Jenna and hearing a little more about her. Subscribe to our email newsletter for other stories from THEM,
the inspiring people we have had the fortunate experience of meeting.
