Time Waits for No One
A few days ago I had the pleasure of interviewing the talented and always lovely Jenay Ross. You may not know her now but wait until you read this interview. I don't know if it'll be through her clothing company, or just by being herself, but this girl is going to change people's lives. While she is a part of the do you family, and I may be a little biased, I think she is going to inspire you. And I don't mean just for a minute, or a day, I think she'll open up your eyes to something new and beautiful. I'll let you read the interview though and see how she's making the world a better place one "tick-tock" at a time.
Cydney Irby: So I know you own the awesomeness that is Hours Lost but I also know you have a lot of other things going on. Why don't you tell us a little about that? What other companies and organizations do you work for?
Jenay Ross: In my social circle, I'm known for being a little all over the place in terms of projects and jobs. haha. I just finished my junior year at the University of Southern California, so I'm getting used to the fact that I'm officially a senior!
This summer, I'll be continuing an internship at the Keep A Breast Foundation, a youth-focused, global, nonprofit breast cancer organization. They're the folks with the "I love boobies" bracelets and apparel. I absolutely love working there and being a part of the team. I might be working at a couple Warped Tour dates with KAB, so I'm stoked for that! I also have a front desk job on campus, which helps put food on the table.
I interned for Buzznet's music editor and continue to contribute to the website when I have the time. Lastly, I do some promotional work here and there for the Fueled By Ramen Street Team. The last thing I did with them was some promo work for Paramore's new album and latest tour.
Q: You do have a lot going on! You sound like me! Everything you do sounds like so much fun too. What is your major at USC and what are you planning on doing with it?
A: My major is Print and Digital Journalism and my minor is Music Industry. I've been told a million times that there is no money in journalism, but I shake my head and say "So what?" There are a lot of different opportunities to craft my own career and I believe any company needs at least one skilled writer. At the moment, I plan on either working for an online publication as writer for its music/lifestyle section or for a nonprofit in its PR department.
Q: You know I'm a firm believer in chasing your dreams so I absolutely love your attitude towards it. What made you decide on that major and minor? Did anyone inspire you or was it just a love of writing and music?
A: For three summers in high school, I went to Grammy Camp (through the Grammy Foundation) which was hosted at USC. It's a music industry camp for students interested in careers in music production, music promotion, music journalism, live show production and of course careers as performers.
Before that camp, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. At one point I thought about fashion styling, but I fell in love with music journalism. I've interviewed more famous musicians than I can even remember and I knew I wanted to be a part of that world. I've always been on the shy side, so working in a world based on communication has helped me break out of that. Basically, by attending that camp, I became a part of a network of extremely talented kids my age, decided on a career path and became determined to attend USC. It seems to be working out so far!
Q: Don't count yourself out! You're extremely talented as well! Speaking of your talents, I have to say how much I love Hours Lost and the message behind it. How did it get started? Or better yet, maybe I should asked what started the clock for Hours Lost and what it has become?
A: Honestly, Hours Lost started so randomly. I literally was sitting in a philosophy class I took my sophomore year when I was like "hmm, maybe I'll start a clothing brand." I became obsessed with the idea, but wasn't quite sure if I was actually serious about it. I also had no background in business or graphic design. Back then, I looked up to brands like Johnny Cupcakes and Glamour Kills, which each have incredible branding strategies, but I wanted to create a brand with a universal and inspirational message.
As a busy college student, the concept of time and getting fed up with wasting it made the biggest impression on me That's how Hours Lost was born. I've made it my own personal mission to inspire not only myself but also my supporters. I'm tired of hearing people say they don't have enough time during the day or about how they are compromising their dreams because they're scared.
I'm here to tell them that's bull- and if they truly are passionate about something, they'll find a way to make it happen.
Q: I love hearing about how companies first started. Every story is different and amazing in its own right. That's incredible that it started as something so random and now is a part of your everyday life though! I'm sure between Hours Lost and everything else you stay busy. I mean you are the perfect example of how to use your time wisely and efficiently. You had this dream and you chased it. You had no background in it but you made it happen.
I think everyone who has gone to college knows how that feeling of time being wasted. I'm sure some of our high school supporters feel like that too. They should take that tip from you and just find a way to make it happen. You never know what the outcome will be and who you will meet along the way.
I'm curious to know some of your every day inspirations since you seem to have this beautiful outlook on life. Is there any one person or thing in particular that inspires you?
A: Every day I'm inspired by the fact that everything could suddenly be taken away from me. So many people out there have lost everything, whether it was from a natural disaster or some other circumstance. That little bit of fear inside of me inspires me to constantly work hard. At the end of the day, I want to be able to say I tried my best and that I earned whatever I achieved. Inspire yourself.
Some of my other every day inspirations are creative individuals I come across through social media, visiting new places, quirky vintage shops, music and my past and current bosses who have given me the chance to learn and grow.
Q: Time is terrifying at times and yet it is something precious that can drive us closer to our wildest dreams. If there was anything you could tell the dreamers out there, advice possibly, what would it be?
A: It's okay to be afraid, but don't let that fear get in the way of an opportunity. If you're having a hard time finding opportunities, make your own. Start a blog, make diy things at home, start a band, apply for internships and jobs, reach out to people you admire and get creative. The first step is figuring out what's important to you. Once you establish that, start creating your own path for your passions. There's no one specific road to success and happiness.
Q: This interview has truly been so reassuring and inspiring! You truly are unique. So last round of questions, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? What are your goals in the next year alone? Business oriented and personal!
A: In 5 years, I hope to have a well-decorated and quirky apartment or house, a job I enjoy going to every day, a dog or rabbit, the same boyfriend and a trustworthy and adventurous group of friends. I plan on staying in the Los Angeles area, maybe not right in the heart of the city, but a nice neighborhood near it. Maybe by then you'll start seeing Hours Lost in brick & mortar stores! Who knows what could happen? :)
My goals for this next year are to go on new adventures, launch an Hours Lost fall line, find more blogs and websites interested in creating buzz for Hours Lost, continue working at the Keep A Breast Foundation, work at a couple Warped Tour dates, meet new people, save more money, maintain my long distance relationship, graduate from USC and finally establish myself as a "real" adult after graduating.
Cydney: Every single one of this goals sounds incredible and I know you can make them all happen! Well thank you for letting me get to know you better Jenay! I'm sure you just inspired more people than you'll ever realize!