Dressing for Success #LikeaGirl: Interview with Jackie of The Cubicle Collections

“Someone once told me, “Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.” I would agree but adjust that advice a bit to, “Dress for Yourself.” I still believe in looking great in the office because you never know where the day will take you, but don’t lose yourself in the process.” – Jackie of The Cubicle Collections

The Cubicle Collections is a blog with details of style and fashion, but also with sprinkles of travel, beauty inspirations, and work tips for ladies who are moving up the corporate ladder.

I was able to get a word with Jackie so she can share with us the story behind her blog, as well as to provide advice to many professional young women out there.

Miss Millennia Magazine: Tell us about yourself.

Jackie: I am a full-time manager at a consumer appliance company that strives to exceed expectations daily. I am always trying to find new ways to help people find the value in themselves and use that to drive their future. I started my blog, The Cubicle Collections, as a way to help other women like me find inspiration for style and self-confidence in a work setting. In my spare time, I love to travel, try new restaurants and walk my dog, Kima.

M3: Where are you located?

J: I am a Boston, Massachusetts transplant by way of college. However, I was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

M3: What is your job title?

J: I am currently the Manager of Retail Marketing and Experience for a small consumer appliance company.

M3: How has the transition been from college to adulthood?

J: I wish that I could say that everything after college was especially smooth. When I graduated from Emerson College, I had a difficult time finding my big girl job. I was working at The Capital Grille and thankfully was able to maintain this post-graduation. I felt as if I had done something wrong, that no one wanted to hire me. It was a rough time staying up late nights applying for open postings in the hopes that I would land an interview. I didn’t land my first job until a year and a half later. Since then, I start out every new day as a day to prove that I am still deserving of my career. It keeps me humble and appreciative when I reflect back on what I went through to be where I am today.

M3: When you were in school, did you imagine your life the way that it is now?

J: No. When I graduated, I felt as if everyone knew exactly what they wanted to be when they “grew up” except for me. I thought that I would be in media planning when I was in school, but now I am in sales and have launched my own blog. I get to work in an office with amazing and passionate people and be part of something bigger than myself. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to hold on a little longer and to trust the process because life has a funny way of working itself out.

M3: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced during these transitional years?

J: The biggest challenge that I have been faced with is determining what I want to do next. I have been asked that many times and I still have no words. How do you tell someone that you are willing and capable of taking on any opportunity that helps you grow as a person and as a professional even if you don’t have the right experience? I used to beat myself up about wanting more because my desires could be out of my area of expertise but someone recently told me – “Don’t apologize for your ambitions. It is what makes you, YOU.” Even though I don’t know what I want to do next, I know the direction that I want to head, and that is up.

M3: What is the best advice you have received from a mentor about adulthood and/or careers?

J: I have been extremely fortunate to have had access to some amazingly insightful and supportive people in my life, but the one piece of advice I have hanging in my cubicle is actually from a movie. “It’s supposed to be hard. If it weren’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.” – Tom Hanks, A League of Their Own. It kept me motivated and empowered to continue forging ahead when the days are a bit longer than usual knowing that something great will come of it in the end.

M3: What advice would you give a young professional?

J: Get yourself a mentor. Find yourself someone inspiring that you respect. This person should reflect the values, character, and career that you aspire to have in the industry. Your mentor can answer career-related questions, give you an objective point of view or share wisdom and advice from their own achievements and experience. I can’t express how many times one of my mentors have changed my perspective and path. If it wasn’t for them sharing their wisdom, I might not be where I am today.

M3: What is next for you and the next 12 months? Do you have any goals you would like to accomplish? How are you going to accomplish them?

J: In the next 12 months, I would like to revive my blog as a place where women can find style, confidence, and inspiration for their lives. I am planning and approaching it differently and am excited to see where this passion project takes me.

Learn more about Jackie by checking out The Cubicle Collections