Way of life journalism offers writers with a novel alternative to attach deeply with readers. By way of empathy and human connection, way of life journalists typically turn into trendsetting mates to their audiences, making a optimistic 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 presently primarily based in New York Metropolis. We mentioned what makes her function as a contract way of life 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 fashion tells a narrative.”
“As readers, we acknowledge that in right now’s ever-evolving world and cultural local weather, journalism is a necessary occupation. 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 actual. I beloved flipping by way of my mother’s magazines, which have been crammed with gorgeous trend editorials. My dad taught me to learn and write on the age of 4.5 after I resisted attending preschool, and he turned my first and greatest instructor.” She continued, “After that, I turned hooked. My mother and father would substitute 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 town to purchase magazines so I might minimize out pictures for my tales. Quick ahead to 2024, and the remainder is historical past.”
I requested Aida in regards to the vital components of storytelling in journalism. She defined, “In my journalistic expertise, the important thing components of telling a narrative are to all the time current the info, affirm every little thing together with your supply, and make your headlines stand out. By confirming particulars together with your supply, you make sure the story is genuine and sincere. Moreover, discovering a novel angle is crucial. It ensures your story isn’t the identical as others, particularly when masking an individual or model that has already been featured. You actually wish to discover an angle that hasn’t been coated earlier than to make your work stand out.”
Readers could also be interested in completely different paths in journalism. Along with way of life 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 school pursuing my Bachelor’s diploma in Journalism.” She continued, “ I used to be all the time fascinated by trend, so combining my love for copywriting, trend, and retail enterprise felt very 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 associate and crew, 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 way of life journalism particular. She replied, “What I really 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 all the time been a folks individual and consider 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 all the time been priorities for me, as I grew up taking part in 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 proper 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 elements of being a journalist in one of many biggest 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 satisfy, as all of us assist each other when it comes to alternatives. To not point out, all of my favourite magazines, from Interview to Vogue, Cosmo, Elle, and others, have all the time been printed 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 could possibly reveal a lot about something or anybody. I consider 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 consider readers are drawn to a great, 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 ladies’ evening out in NYC, recommendation on dressing on your physique form, or different relatable subjects.”
Throughout the writing trade, it’s also vital to keep in mind that everybody has a narrative. Aida M. Toro says, “ Telling everybody’s story is vital 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 school college students pursue journalism as a level, for print magazines to make a significant comeback, and for folks to make the most of all types of media that contribute to journalism in an genuine manner that gained’t destroy anybody’s repute.”
Thanks, Aida M. Toro, on your unique insights to Social The Way of life Journal.
Freelance Companies that Aida Toro offers contains: editorial work and brandcopy-writing freelance providers.
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E mail: aida@aidamtoro.com
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Pictures: Jana Schuessler
Hair & Make-up: Tania Bogun
