Your 20's #LikeaGirl: Interview with Nicole Booz

“Our lives are saturated with the superficial, but sometimes what we really need is just to know that someone else out there is going through the same thing you are right now. Sharing our vulnerability is an incredibly powerful way to connect that is both comforting and empowering.”

Nicole Booz is as likeable as they get. A believer of the millennial mindset, Nicole's eloquent speech intrigued me while conducting this interview. It was a pleasure to have her here at Miss Millennia's #LikeaGirl interview series.

Miss Millennia Magazine: Tell me a little about yourself?

Nicole Booz: Thank you so much for having me! I’m the Editor-in-Chief of GenTwenty, an online lifestyle magazine for twenty-somethings. I have a B.S. in Psychology hiding somewhere in my closet. If I’m not working on GenTwenty, you can probably find me drinking iced coffee and planning my next great adventure.

M3: Why did you start GenTwenty?

Nicole: I started GenTwenty because the twenty-something decade is pivotal and I believe building an empowered generation of twenty-somethings is crucial. But GenTwenty is more than that. Our lives are saturated with the superficial, but sometimes what we really need is just to know that someone else out there is going through the same thing you are right now. Sharing our vulnerability is an incredibly powerful way to connect that is both comforting and empowering.

I wanted to create content that I wanted to read and relate to but wasn’t finding anywhere else. We’re all going through these deep issues that no one wants to talk about, but secretly Google late at night when they can’t sleep. The feeling is universal.

To sum GenTwenty up in a sentence, it is where twenty-somethings get answers, advice, and a little encouragement about growing up and navigating the real world.

M3: What do you feel is the most important issue for millennials?

Nicole: It’s hard to pick just one. If I had to focus on a sole issue, it would probably be the importance of financial literacy. I believe many millennials are failing at taking control of their financial education and future. Many of us

see our parents struggling to make ends meet, pay college tuition for their children, carry a mortgage, and scrape for retirement. I believe it’s of the utmost importance that we stand up for ourselves financially, rely solely on ourselves, and plan for our needs of the future.

M3: What has been your inspiration?

Nicole: On a personal level, I always find inspiration in people who follow their passions despite the sacrifices they must make and the hard work it takes. In terms of GenTwenty, my biggest inspiration comes from our fantastically talented contributors. I’m fueled by sharing twenty-something stories with the world and am constantly blown away by the intensity, vulnerability, and knowledge they share.

M3: What has been your biggest struggle?

Nicole: My biggest struggle has been building a cohesive multi-contributor platform that connects with our readers on a personal level. GenTwenty is made up of a multitude of voices that speak as a whole. It’s a precarious balance, but I think we are succeeding.

M3: Any tips for millennials who want to go into blogging?

Nicole: My biggest tip is to just get started. What that means is defining your values and what you want your blog or platform to stand for. Create an editorial calendar and plan out 10-20 posts and just keep going, consistency is key. You will attract the right readers and audience by sharing your authenticity and sticking to a few main topics.

M3: Top advice for a millennial woman?

Nicole: Don’t settle for anything less than what you want and deserve. Go after your dreams and chase what calls to you. We get so caught up in a world that tells us things have to be one way or another when the truth is we are capable of so much more than that.

Educate yourself to be able to make the best decisions for yourself that you can. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something or have no other option. In the words of Olivia Pope, “Whatever happens, there's always another move.”

Keep up with Nicole and follow her on Twitter @gen_twenty, Facebook @gentwenty, Instagram @GenTwenty, Pinterest @GenTwenty, and Tumblr @gentwenty