Meet Erica Jones | Fashion Blogger and Style Inspo
We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Erica, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It was my time! It was my time to share my story and my creativity with the world. For years, I was sitting on so many great ideas and influential experiences that could help other women. I had a very unique upbringing with being bullied due to the complexion of my skin. I suffered from self doubt, insecurities and the lack of self worth because I internalized the nasty comments people would make about me. However, once I graduated college I changed that narrative and took control over my life by doing things that made me feel worthy. I made a decision to do things for me, which was practicing self love routines, journaling and thrifting!
Thrifting changed my life! It helped me tap into my artistic era. It helped me create my own personal style that supported my overall acceptance and love for myself! I never really cared about my style but once I started thrifting that’s when I found my creativity. I started wearing bold bright colors and prints. There’s so many possibilities in the thrift store to elevate your personal style and I did just that!
Years later I started, Story Behind the Look, LLC. It was simply based off of my life story and experience’s. I wanted to create a platform that showcased personal style, sustainability, self love and self worth! We all have a story behind our look that’s uniquely tied to who we are and I want people to embrace their uniqueness no matter what others may say about them!
You are beautiful, You are loved, You are worth it! I love the Story Behind YOUR Look! ✨
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My professional career started when I moved to Miami back in 2013. I moved here to be an AmeriCorps member with City Year Miami. Which is an education based non-profit organization. I worked as an interventionist inside a classroom, partnered with another teacher at Miami Northwestern Senior High School. This was such an amazing experience for my overall personal and professional growth. So much so, I continued serving after my one year commitment and now I’m the Senior Director of the organization.
I moved to Miami from North Carolina by myself with no family, so I had to navigate a lot of obstacles on my own. I am grateful for my overall growth, however it was not easy. It took a lot of sacrifice, self-reflection and prayer to get to where I am today!
I’ve learned so much over the course of my ten years with City Year such as relationship development, strategic thinking, team building, leadership, communication, executes to results, problem-solving and more! This is selfless work and I enjoy it. It wasn’t easy but the work we do in Miami-Dade County Public Schools is truly amazing.
Once I got settled within my career, I knew it was time to start my business. I was bored with going to work, coming home, going to bed. It was the same routine every day and I knew had to find something else to do with my team! During the pandemic, I started and launched Story Behind the Look and it was the best decision, I’ve ever made. I have been able to help so many women but most importantly I’ve been able to help myself. SBL allowed me to witness my strength, confidence, self-worth and so much more!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite spots to visit in Miami for food are Red Rooster, Little Green House Grill, Dukunoo, Komodo Miami, Sexy Fish, Berney’s Kitchen, Shooters just to name a few.
I also enjoy going to South Beach because that’s where most of my guest want to go when they visit, as well as Wynwood for fun/hang-out spaces. Brickhouse on Saturday’s…so much fun!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would definitely like to shoutout my brother, Rob LaRay! Whew! Where do I even begin. He is by far one of my number one supporters! We grew up so closely together and still have the relationship we created at age 5. He has been there with me every step of the way with my career change, starting my business and more! He helps me with content ideas, proofreads my blogs, helps me choose the best pictures out of many LOL and more! He is a very selfless, creative, intelligent, wise young man that I truly value. I am blessed to have him as a brother and the value he has added to my story! Thank you, Saint!
Website: https://www.storybehindthelook.com
Instagram: @storybehindthelook
Linkedin: Erica Jones, EMPA
Facebook: Story Behind the Look
Youtube: @storybehindthelook
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