Way of life journalism gives writers with a singular alternative to attach deeply with readers. Via empathy and human connection, life-style journalists typically grow to be trendsetting associates to their audiences, making a constructive influence. I had the pleasure of interviewing Aida M. Toro, knowledgeable journalist and New Jersey native, who’s an alumnus of New Jersey Metropolis College and is at present based mostly in New York Metropolis. We mentioned what makes her function as a contract life-style journalist stand out.”There’s magnificence throughout us,” Aida notes, “and we have to see it. Each article of clothes, pair of footwear, piece of knickknack, and sweetness product that enhances our model tells a narrative.”
“As readers, we acknowledge that in right this moment’s ever-evolving world and cultural local weather, journalism is a necessary occupation. So, what drew Aida Toro to the sphere? Aida shared, “I used to be impressed to be a journalist as a result of I began writing tales in marble notebooks at a really younger age—5 years outdated, to be precise. I cherished flipping by way of my mother’s magazines, which have been crammed with gorgeous vogue editorials. My dad taught me to learn and write on the age of 4.5 once I resisted attending preschool, and he grew to become my first and greatest trainer.” She continued, “After that, I grew to become hooked. My mother and father would exchange my marble notebooks twice a month as a result of I used to be all the time creating tales. Within the ’90s, ready for magazines to reach within the mail was the norm. My dad even went into the town to purchase magazines so I may reduce out photographs for my tales. Quick ahead to 2024, and the remaining is historical past.”
I requested Aida concerning the necessary parts of storytelling in journalism. She defined, “In my journalistic expertise, the important thing parts of telling a narrative are to all the time current the details, affirm all the pieces along with your supply, and make your headlines stand out. By confirming particulars along with your supply, you make sure the story is genuine and trustworthy. Moreover, discovering a singular angle is crucial. It ensures your story isn’t the identical as others, particularly when protecting an individual or model that has already been featured. You actually need to discover an angle that hasn’t been lined earlier than to make your work stand out.”
Readers could also be interested by completely different paths in journalism. Along with life-style journalism, Aida has expanded her profession into copywriting, utilizing her distinctive talent set to department out into this occupation. She shared,“What drew me to copywriting was working retail at City Outfitters—my very first job at age 20—whereas I used to be a junior in faculty pursuing my Bachelor’s diploma in Journalism.” She continued, “ I used to be all the time excited about vogue, so combining my love for copywriting, vogue, and retail enterprise felt excellent. In 2022, I began doing model copywriting for one of many high shoe manufacturers —Schutz. Taking an opportunity, I reached out to their HR associate and staff, who appreciated my journalistic work. Schutz has remained my high copywriting consumer, and I couldn’t be extra grateful for a way a lot we’ve grown collectively.”
Curious, I requested Aida what makes life-style journalism particular. She replied, “What I really like about being a way of life journalist is that I get to inform tales about all the pieces I take pleasure in—from individuals to vogue, health, wellness, eating, and extra. I’ve all the time been a individuals individual and consider everybody has an fascinating story to inform.”
She added, “There are such a lot of inspiring figures, like artists, athletes, fashions, and rising skills, whose tales should be heard. Well being and wellness have all the time been priorities for me, as I grew up enjoying sports activities. Eating out can also be a ardour—I’ve explored all the pieces from upscale venues to hidden gems in NYC, NJ, and past. Way of life journalism is the right area of interest as a result of it lets me share these experiences with readers.”
She additionally emphasizes the connection journalists have with one another, highlighting probably the greatest components of being a journalist in one of many biggest cities—New York. She mentioned, “The most effective half is connecting with fellow journalists and creatives at press occasions you’re invited to. You by no means know who you’re going to satisfy, as all of us assist each other by way of alternatives. To not point out, all of my favourite magazines, from Interview to Vogue, Cosmo, Elle, and others, have all the time been revealed in NYC. That’s one more reason why I really feel being a journalist within the metropolis is such a bonus.”
All of us have a task in society, and we will contribute to our communities by sharing our tales. Aida M. Toro says, “Telling a narrative is significant as a result of it may reveal a lot about something or anybody. I consider all the pieces in life has a narrative, and that’s what makes life stunning. What higher solution to contribute to creating the world much more stunning than by telling a narrative?”
Human curiosity tales foster human connection. Toro explains, “’The most effective human curiosity tales come from a person’s journey, exploring who they’re, why they do what they do, the obstacles they’ve confronted, and a lot extra.”
Once I requested Aida what makes a narrative join with readers, she concluded, “I consider readers are drawn to a superb, catchy headline that’s related to their lives — whether or not it’s a information to sustainable weight reduction, recommendations on dealing with a breakup, suggestions for the most effective eating places for a women’ evening out in NYC, recommendation on dressing in your physique form, or different relatable subjects.”
Throughout the writing trade, it’s also necessary to keep in mind that everybody has a narrative. Aida M. Toro says, “ Telling everybody’s story is necessary as a result of everybody deserves to be heard and for his or her aspect of the story to be advised in a real and genuine method.”
She additionally hopes the youthful generations proceed to be impressed by the essential significance of journalism. Aida replied, “I actually hope extra faculty college students pursue journalism as a level, for print magazines to make a significant comeback, and for individuals to make the most of all types of media that contribute to journalism in an genuine approach that gained’t damage anybody’s repute.”
Thanks, Aida M. Toro, in your unique insights to Social The Way of life Journal.
Freelance Companies that Aida Toro gives consists of: editorial work and brandcopy-writing freelance providers.
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Electronic mail: aida@aidamtoro.com
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Further Credit
Images: Jana Schuessler
Hair & Make-up: Tania Bogun