Women’s Appreciation Series Presents Sonum Singh
Meet Sonum Singh, University of Southern California sophomore and a fashion blogger. She created and founded her fashion blog, The Urban Fashion Gal, that launched in 2009, that ranges between glamour and grunge.
Miss Millennia Magazine (MMM): Tell me a little about yourself.
Sonum Singh (SS): I am currently a sophomore at the University of Southern California where I’m double majoring in Economics and Creative Writing. I have had my own fashion blog since 2009 which has given me numerous opportunities such as writing for Teen Vogue Fashion Click and being Claire’s first official style blogger. I have a modeling contract and I just finished up an internship at Lauren Stillman PR. My next internship starts in January at Whitney Eve (Whitney Port’s fashion line). I am also trilingual and I have a diverse look.
MMM: What prompted your career goals/passions?
SS: I got inspired to express myself through clothing once I started attending high school. I had worn [a] uniform until this point; I hadn’t even been allowed to wear nail polish at the school I attended. Once I entered high school, I found my niche.
MMM: How hard was it to start your own business (blog) with your career as a model?
SS: At the time I didn’t really know what I was doing; I was only 14. I think gaining parental support was hard because my parents didn’t really “get it”. It’s a vulnerable industry with a lot of scrutiny. I’ve gotten my fair share of hate mail but nothing fazes me. I have a thick skin. And my parents fully support my endeavors now. They want me to be happy. They say that whatever you do, do it extremely well.
MMM: How was your personal journey in starting your own business/career?
SS: My blog really propelled my career as soon as I started college. It was a unique touch on my resume that not many people have. Blogging is extremely popular now but I started when not many people knew about it. Because of blogging, I have maintained a sort of “log” of my passion and persistence that many employers like.
MMM: Did you ever have any doubts about what you were doing?
SS: Definitely. I thought it was a waste of time and I thought about deleting the blog a few times. Sometimes I thought it wasn’t going to work out, but right when I’d be close to deleting the blog, a great opportunity would come along that restored my faith in what I was going.
MMM: What do you think the key to success is?
SS: Being relentless and working really hard. I had to Swiffer floors and grab coffee for my bosses at the internships I’ve had, but I never complained once. Everyone has to start somewhere.
MMM: How do you overcome obstacles you encounter in life?
SS: I pray and I always think positively in terms of my goals. I’m constantly reminding myself that everything happens for a reason and that if I don’t land one opportunity, it’s because a better one is on the way.
MMM: How do you manage your time? How do you deal with stress?
SS: I limit myself to two “social activities” a week: a party, movie night, etc. This guideline has been helpful so far. I just found out that I made the dean’s list this past semester at USC. For stress, I add some new music to my phone and head to the gym.
MMM: How do you want your blog to affect others?
SS: I want people to be inspired by my unique style to dress differently, to be creative through the medium of their choice and to embrace their culture, heritage and nationality. I want young girls to know that you don’t have to dress a certain way or be a size 00.
MMM: How do you hope to inspire others?
SS: I want more awareness of East Indian culture in the United States. Many people don’t know about my religion or heritage. Through fashion, I hope to represent people of my background in a positive light.
MMM: Who is someone that has been the most influential to you?
SS: My older sister, Jasmine. She’s in medical school and I see how patient and hardworking she is. I strive to be like her.
MMM: What scares you?
SS: Failure. I’m in an industry with no job security. But I love it so much; there’s no other place for me.
MMM: What would you tell women in college now?
SS: As a college student, I have to make certain decisions and not give into peer pressure. I know what’s good for me and I cannot socialize every day and night. I need some alone time in general and some time to work on my blog. I would tell college women to be cognizant of their limits. I’m still working my way up and what I find most important is believing in yourself. Because if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?
Very good interview Veronika with Sonun Singh like her answers.very positive attitude and outlook.She has good head on her shoulder.She don’t want follow a crowd uses her own ideas, for her blog, pretty smart,has good common sense as well as beautiful young lady. .She looks highly of her her sister Jasmine who is a doctor and her rmentor.
Sonum goal to finish college and get good job. in modeling and be editor good magazine like Ms Millennia.
Paula,
That is true! I was very privileged to talk to Sonum who gave me motivation as well!