Fashion, Home, Lifestyle

October 11, 2024

From Doubts to Dreams: My Exciting First Magazine Spread

The City’s Newest Lifestyle Influencer

Ever since I began this influencing journey, I’ve often wondered if this is the right path for me. Doubts are completely normal when starting a new career or hobby that takes up so much time from the life you knew before. But I also believe that God has a plan through it all, providing confirmation for the choices we make. I’ve been told many times that my page brings joy to others, and knowing I can bring a smile to just one face a day is all I need to keep going!

Quick shout out to @iwantapony for the amazing pictures!

Amy celebrating with a glass of champagne

Picture by: @iwantapony

As I was praying through my next steps, I received a call from Jenny Davis, and it felt like confirmation that I was on the right track. She introduced herself as a fashion professor from SMU who writes two articles a year for 360 West, a well-known magazine in the Fort Worth, TX and surrounding cities. Jenny mentioned that she had been following me on Instagram for over a year and really enjoyed my content. With the upcoming October edition focused on fall fashion, featuring me would be a great fit. Naturally, I said, “HECK YES!” I was honored to be part of the edition. Fun fact: After I hung up the phone, I asked Joe, “Have you heard of 360 West?” He replied, “Yes, of course! The local magazine!” That made me even more excited knowing a man even knew of it!

Check out my magazine feature HERE

Pictures by: @iwantapony

So, what did I do after hanging up with Jenny? I googled her, of course! Jenny B. Davis is an award-winning magazine writer and editor, a licensed attorney, and a fashion photoshoot stylist. She is the author of Stylewise: A Practical Guide to Fashion Styling and has been quoted about fashion, celebrity styling, and culture in media outlets like Forbes. With over 25 years of experience writing for magazines and newspapers, including the luxury lifestyle section of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, she has attended New York Fashion Week every year since 2007. Jenny has even launched two niche fashion lines and earned a write-up in the New York Times! After reading her bio, I thought, “OMG, this lady is the real deal, and I can’t believe she wants to do an article on me!”

Photos by: @iwantapony

Jenny set up a phone interview for the following week, which felt less like an interview and more like a conversation between two old friends. (Her Instagram is @jennybdavis, and a special thanks to Bonnie Smith for the initial introduction!)

Photos by: @iwantapony

THE CRAZY MONTH AHEAD

During our interview, I was living at our Laguna Beach home, and she needed a photoshoot done within four weeks to meet her September deadline. I explained that I would be in California for the rest of the month and wouldn’t return to Texas until right before New York Fashion Week. In fact, I knew it would include me unpacking three months’ worth of clothes and packing for a week in New York (including two outfit options per day), then flying out to NYC the following morning – I knew I had a chaotic schedule ahead. Jenny recognized this and suggested we push the article to February, which would be the next fashion edition.

But I took a deep breath and said, “NOPE, JENNY… I’M IN! LET’S DO THIS!” I landed in Texas, unpacked, did a four-hour photoshoot, packed three suitcases, and headed off to New York. Was it hectic? Heck yes! Did I lose sleep over it? Absolutely! But in the long run, it was 1000% worth it. Jenny wanted to use her talented photographer, Jill Johnson, known for her fashion shoots. Guess what? Not only was she available, but we also had an AMAZING TIME! Those four hours were the best I’ve ever spent, changing outfits, posing, and capturing shots in various rooms throughout the house! Watch the video below to see just how much fun we had! (Jill’s Instagram is @iwantapony)

Pictures by: @iwantapony

A month and a half later, I had almost forgotten about the magazine coming out as I moved on to my next busy task. I had subscribed to their newsletter and casually opened an email from them, and I thought, “OMG, THAT’S ME!” I read the front of the magazine that called me “the city’s newest lifestyle influencer.” For some reason, I felt embarrassed, slammed my computer shut, and took several deep breaths while pacing around the kitchen island before opening the article. I read the spread and immediately called Joe! I was blown away by how Jenny captured our conversation perfectly.

READ THE ARTICLE HERE

To be honest, I sometimes struggle to share what I do on social media without coming across the wrong way. I simply want to express my love for Joe, my family, friends, and my passion for fashion, home, and faith. When Jenny wrote “what sets her apart from other affluent influencers might come down to the authenticity and gratitude that infuses her online identity,” I was moved to tears. I want to tell her and Jill how much I enjoyed this experience and what an honor it was to be included. You both touched my soul with your kindness, laughter, and genuine spirit!

Photos by: @iwantapony

The October edition focuses on all things fall fashion, featuring incredible stories of a Fort Worth jewelry artist, a stylish photoshoot, and a local custom jean designer (whom I’ve already reached out to for some jeans!). It’s such a fun read, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into the experts’ favorite fall looks this season!