Oh' Jess
January 31 2019
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January 31 2019
·
On our recent trip to San Francisco, we had the privilege of catching up with some inspiring, creative and certainly style enviable ladies for the Oh'Woman series. One of which was the super engaging and vibrant globe trotter, Jessica Egbu. Jess works for a maternity fashion brand based in San Francisco as well as runs her own blog, The Oxfordist. We sat down with Jess over coffee in artisanal toast haven, The Mill to discuss everything from life, career and her favourite binge worthy reality TV shows.
Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like?
I grew up in a lot of places. I was born and raised in the UK, and I moved to Southern California at a young age. Having a Nigerian family and growing up in the UK, then moving to the US required a lot of acclamation, but was very exciting to say the least.
What are your hopes and dreams for your career?
Simply to find something that makes me happy! I know that sounds like a pretty cliche achievement to have, but having peace of mind and finding my true calling within the fashion industry whether that's a sole venture or with a company that I love.
What do you consider your biggest achievement thus far, personal or career wise?
This year I was featured in Marie Claire twice, which is something I'd always wanted to achieve. I've been featured for my writing before, but this was the first time I'd be sought out for a feature.
Have you ever failed at anything, and what did it teach you?
I think it would have to be my first New York Fashion Week. I guess I didn't really understand how hard it was to put yourself out there. Just figuring out the cadence of it all as far as getting invited to shows, being a blogger within that atmosphere and marketing yourself. It was rough for a little bit, but It taught me a lot and now I go every year and I love it so much.
Is there any social issue you wish was more talked about and could change?
Black Lives Matter! That, obviously 100% is a social issue that I support. Also the issue of gender equality and ensuring women are paid what the deserve.
What is your day-to-day routine and do you want it to change in any way?
Pressing snooze on my alarm at least 4 times before I get out of bed. I then drink lots of water and take my supplements (I'm a huge vitamins person - my mom thinks I'm crazy for it!). Typically Monday through Friday I'm at work, either content creating or editing a video, or in tonnes of planning meetings. On weekends I spend most my time with my friends or boyfriend!
How do you treat yourself after a rough day?
I dive into a pint of Ben & Jerry's Ice-cream and watch a very cued and curated assortment of reality tv. I'm a huge 90-Day-Fiance, Love & Hip-Hop, Married to Medicine, & Real-Housewives of Atlanta fan! I'm usually just melting my brain watching reality tv to chill out.
What do you wish to see happen in the next 5 years? (in your life, in the country, or the world).
I hope we don't have the current president that we have now (preferably in the next 5 days). I also want to be able to pat myself on the back and acknowledge that what I've been working towards with my career has paid off. Just to be able to say to myself "you're doing great, keep going, work hard" would be great. I'd also like to be a vegetarian again, that'd be so tight (but I can't I like steak too much! :)).
Who has been the biggest influence on you in your life so far - positive or negative?
Always and forever my parents are my biggest influence. I don't think I tell them enough. They are really self established and they live their life according to what they know, which is loving god, loving your family, doing what you love, and doing what you think is importance for those around you. I've always put that in my back pocket as a guidance for how I walk the path that is this life. I also try to surround myself with people who inspire me, so my friends are also huge influences on me. And myself! I hope to be a great influence on myself too!
Where is home, and what makes it feel like home for you?
Home is my bed! Home is wherever I don't have to do my brows in the morning. Generally, where I don't feel I need to be done up, which can be at my place, my parents, my friends places. Just wherever I feel comfortable enough to be myself and take 'The Oxfordist' hat off!
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