Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Ross.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jessica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hi, I’m a 33-year-old mom of two who’s married to the greatest husband of all time. We live in the burbs, north of Atlanta, Georgia and love it here. Our kids are Mackenzie (2 1/2) and Colton (5), which is where my blog title comes from Kenzie + Colton’s nickname, Coco.
I’ve loved fashion since I was little. I was so obsessed that, when I was a kid, my parents could only leave out one outfit per day because I was so opinionated and choosy (sorry Mom!). This love of clothes took me all the way to Los Angeles for fashion school, where I graduated with a degree in Product Development from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM).
While I lived in LA, I met a really great guy who loved Chick-fil-A and college football as much as I do! That guy became my husband, and he’s supported me all the way from graduation to managing a retail store in Beverly Hills, to my dream job at Monique Lhuillier’s production facility, and then my crazy idea to move back to the South.
I started my blog to share my total love (obsession maybe?) of fashion, family, fitness and food!
Great, 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 moved to Los Angeles, California, not knowing anybody or even anything about Los Angeles. I started working part-time as a retail associate while in fashion school, living in incredibly expensive LA, so that was a struggle in itself. I worked my way up through the retail ranks while attending school. Eventually, after graduating, I landed my dream job, working in production for Monique Lhuillier, a high-end couture wedding gown and ready-to-wear designer. Having to be patient while trying to navigate my way through the corporate ladder was tough, but it prepared me for that step into blogging and realizing that success wouldn’t come overnight.
My advice is so cliche, but it’s so true: don’t ever give up. I wanted to quit my job and throw in the towel so many times, but I stuck with it and I’m so thankful I did. I knew what I wanted and had to keep that in my mind because, if I wanted to achieve it, I couldn’t give up.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kenzie & Coco – what should we know?
I try to be as relatable as I can with my readers. I want them to know that fashion doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be incredible. I grew up lower middle class and I know that designer things are just not in everyone’s budget, and I appreciate that. I think my readers would agree that I’m a very budget savvy shopper, and I think that sets me apart from so the higher end bloggers.
I’ve also gotten super into my fitness life. I try to encourage others to take that leap as well. In my blog, I focus on explaining how easy, fun, and achievable being an active person can be.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
In today’s world, where women are not necessarily afforded the same opportunities as men, I feel privileged being able to do something that may inspire women to push towards their own goals, especially new and aspiring bloggers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kenzieandcoco.com
- Email: jessica@kenzieandcoco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicasross/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenzieandCoco/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KenzieAndCoco
Image Credit:
Christy Parry Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
