Life and Work with Elizabeth Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Thompson.

Elizabeth, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story began a very long time ago… It is basically how I started with an innate love of fashion and then went down a more traditional path (business school) and then found my way back (to fashion) via social media influencing… and beyond. I have always been very strong-willed and in-tune to my passions. When I was in elementary school, I would plan my outfits (including accessories!) and set them out for the next day.  Essentially I was creating OOTD’s way before it was even a thing!

In all seriousness, my love for fashion and specifically styling outfits goes back as long as I can remember. Another foundational trait I have is pragmatism. Why I bring this up is because I have always had a mind for business. Correspondingly, I clung to the idea that (business) would be my path to money and thus self-sufficiency. So whilst fashion was (is) a passion; business (I thought) was my path to an independent future.

Fast forward, today I hold an undergraduate degree in Marketing, a Master of Business Administration and several key business certifications. My career in business has (yes) monetarily sustained me and allowed me to thrive as an independent woman. I have worked for “Big-Four” consulting and have also created my own business (Thompson Consulting). However, I have only just begun to forge a path that unites my passion for fashion with business acumen. About a year and a half ago, I began creating “elovesluxury” (I am Elizabeth, the “e” of e loves luxury!) I have since developed a relatively large Instagram following while building many amazing friendships with genuinely amazing Boss Babes and cultivating alliances with brands. I have taught myself (and have learned a GREAT DEAL from others) what it means to be a social media influencer. At this point, it feels like I have only just scratched the surface; yet I am determined and ascribe to the philosophy to “do what you love, and the money will follow…”

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Has anyone’s road been without trials? What comes to my mind is “if it doesn’t kill ya it makes you stronger.” I am certainly no exception… I have experienced everything from losing my job to having no money and literally facing the risk of eviction. More recently, (within the past year) I have encountered the frustration that accompanies the ambiguity of not knowing exactly where my life was headed. NOTE: it is typically easy for me to know and to build a path to get through hardships and move to the next place in my life; however this test (not knowing) has proven to be the hardest of all. Instead of knowing and building a plan… I (had to learn to) just put one foot in front of the other… and have faith that the decisions I would make would allow me to come out the other side.

I have so much advice that I have given and will continue to give. Here is just a beginning to a long list!
– KNOW that you are worth it. Tell others how you must be treated (i.e., honestly, fairly, respectfully) and neither waiver nor accept anything less.
– Do not apologize for your strength. Recognize that power is/can be beautiful.
– It’s OK to say “I don’t know” or” I need help” – in fact, this is a strength, not a weakness.
– Get yourself a mentor and/or confidant so you can share and learn in a safe space.
– Do not let anyone tell you that you CAN’T do/be something. Prove them all wrong.
– Surround yourself with only those who are honest, kind and worthy of your company. Remove the negative obstacles from your path – and don’t look back.
– Continue to learn and keep your skills sharp and relevant. This is not a place to rest on laurels!
– Know the value of your skills/offerings in the marketplace. DO THIS RESEARCH and negotiate for the pay the marketplace indicates you genuinely deserve.

Please tell us about your business.
At this point, I will describe my work as twofold. Let me explain…I am morphing from executive consultant (Thompson Consulting) to social media brand (elovesluxury). As a business consultant, I assess an organization’s people, processes, technology, and strategies and advise clients how to operate more efficiently. As a budding social media presence, I tap into my love of fashion and styling to create many looks, which I share as inspiration for others. Both represent me and correspondingly have qualities that reflect my unique brand. In both cases, honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, a pursuit of excellence, sincere and open communication and a drive for success prevail. In the former, my commitment to client satisfaction, ability to anticipate client needs and deliver top-quality, sustainable, and quantifiable results define success. In the latter, follower engagement, creativity, interactions with fellow social media influencers and brands define success.

I have learned so much in this past year about social media marketing (the Instagram space specifically). I must admit I have made mistakes; however, I learned from them and kept moving forward. I anticipate there will be even more lessons to come. I must say I have a lovely following and have made many amazing connections with fellow #bossbabes! This is a success so far…Ultimately my goal is to weave the two worlds together and take elovesluxy to its next phase… This is in the works right now. You’ll have to stick around to find out!

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
There is a positive trend with women in leadership positions on the rise. We not only have a voice but also possess a position to do well because of a willingness to listen, an openness to teamwork and the flexibility to adapt across many diverse situations. It is incumbent upon us to open up the dialogue further for future generations. Turn this opportunity into action!

Women are also a major force in consumer buying power. That said, we are in a unique position to tap into these valuable consumer insights and bring them to the forefront. Again, we have an opportunity and responsibility to let our voices be heard on a grand scale.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e_loves_luxury/

Image Credit:
Thelet Bunder & Oryah Bunder
Wendy Darling

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.