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Way of life journalism supplies writers with a novel alternative to attach deeply with readers. Via empathy and human connection, life-style journalists usually develop into trendsetting buddies to their audiences, making a constructive affect. 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 the moment 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 sneakers, piece of bijou, and sweetness product that enhances our fashion tells a narrative.”
“As readers, we acknowledge that in right this moment’s ever-evolving world and cultural local weather, journalism is a necessary career. So, what drew Aida Toro to the sector? 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 previous, to be precise. I liked flipping by my mother’s magazines, which had been full of gorgeous trend editorials. My dad taught me to learn and write on the age of 4.5 after 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 substitute my marble notebooks twice a month as a result of I used to be at all times 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 might reduce out photos for my tales. Quick ahead to 2024, and the remaining is historical past.”
I requested Aida concerning the essential components of storytelling in journalism. She defined, “In my journalistic expertise, the important thing components of telling a narrative are to at all times current the details, verify every little thing 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 sincere. Moreover, discovering a novel angle is important. 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 in 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 career. 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 at all times excited by trend, so combining my love for copywriting, trend, and retail enterprise felt best. In 2022, I began doing model copywriting for one of many high shoe manufacturers —Schutz. Taking an opportunity, I reached out to their HR companion and group, who appreciated my journalistic work. Schutz has remained my high copywriting consumer, and I couldn’t be extra grateful for the way a lot we’ve grown collectively.”
Curious, I requested Aida what makes life-style journalism particular. She replied, “What I like about being a way of life journalist is that I get to inform tales about every little thing I take pleasure in—from folks to trend, health, wellness, eating, and extra. I’ve at all times been a folks particular person and imagine everybody has an attention-grabbing 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 at all times been priorities for me, as I grew up enjoying sports activities. Eating out can also be a ardour—I’ve explored every little thing 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 top-of-the-line elements of being a journalist in one of many best cities—New York. She mentioned, “One of the best 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 fulfill, 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 at all times been printed in NYC. That’s another excuse why I really feel being a journalist within the metropolis is such a bonus.”
All of us have a job 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 could possibly reveal a lot about something or anybody. I imagine every little thing 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, “’One of the best 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 imagine 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, tips about dealing with a breakup, suggestions for the perfect eating places for a women’ night time out in NYC, recommendation on dressing on your physique form, or different relatable matters.”
Inside the writing trade, it’s also essential to do not forget that everybody has a narrative. Aida M. Toro says, “ Telling everybody’s story is essential as a result of everybody deserves to be heard and for his or her aspect of the story to be instructed 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 serious comeback, and for folks to make the most of all types of media that contribute to journalism in an genuine means that gained’t spoil anybody’s repute.”
Thanks, Aida M. Toro, on your unique insights to Social The Way of life Journal.
Freelance Companies that Aida Toro supplies consists of: editorial work and brandcopy-writing freelance companies.
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E-mail: aida@aidamtoro.com
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Extra Credit
Images: Jana Schuessler
Hair & Make-up: Tania Bogun