Name: Amy Wicks
Job Title and Description: Senior Fashion Editor, Polyvore
College Name/Major: University of Washington, Journalism
Twitter Handle:@amywicks01
Instagram Handle:@arwicks7
What does your current job entail? Is there such thing as a typical day?
Amy Wicks: I do so many different things! On site, I create and curate fashion, beauty and celebrity content. I also write fresh content for our emails and push notifications. I work with our community team to help delight our members and with our PR team to tell the Polyvore story. Recently, I've been hosting more events for Polyvore (we've had some fun ones with Versace, Rebecca Minkoff and Matt Bernson) and also acting as Polyvore's spokesperson on TV, including Good Morning America. I also work on partnering with brands we love, like Allure and Cosmopolitan, to help introduce Polyvore to new people.
What is the best part of your job?
AW: The freedom to try new things! During my time at Polyvore, I don't think anyone has ever said that I couldn't at least try something new. If it didn't work, I would learn from it and move on. The ability to try new things keeps this job fresh for me.
What was your first entry level job in your field and how did you get it?
AW: My first job was as an editorial assistant at Washington CEO magazine, in Seattle. It was the best job! Since it was a small staff, I got to write so many stories each month, ranging from interviews to spa reviews. It was such a blast! My first editor at Washington CEO and I have stayed in touch and he officiated my wedding last year in Tulum.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
AW: How important it is to know the major (and minor) players in media and fashion. It's not enough to read WWD, Vogue, the Fashion & Style section of The New York Times, read the occasional fashion book, etc. I would have had more confidence going into my first interview in NYC if I had done all my homework and showed up totally prepared.
Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
AW: Jim Fallon, my editor at WWD. I learned so much about fashion, media and how to craft a good story under Jim. I grew up so much during my time at WWD, as a writer and reporter. While there, I wrote a daily media column that would often lead to angry calls from the people I wrote about and he always had my back. That meant a lot to me.
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
AW: I wrote an earnings story once and got a figure wrong. It was really embarrassing and we had to run a correction. I learned that you need to double and triple check your work.
What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?
AW: I have had so many "pinch me" moments throughout my career. One that comes to mind is the first time I attended the White House Correspondents Dinner. There were so many people in that room I admired and I remember walking up to the area where President Obama was sitting and taking a selfie with him in the background. I still look at that photo and smile.
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
AW: I'm all about passion. I think it's so important to work with people who love what they do.
What advice would you give a 20-something with similar aspirations?
AW: It's all about hustle. I have a little bit of a chip on my shoulder, for a few reasons, and I think that's a good thing. Keep your head down, do your best work, and good things will come. There is no such thing as a small task. Be willing to do anything. And, be nice to everyone. Relationships are everything in this business and it's a small world. You never know who you'll work with again down the line.
