Getting to know Jenna Mandel--A Fashionista & Intern for Go French Yourself
So thrilled to be sharing my first 2018 Q & A with you and am so honored to introduce you all to the fabulous Jenna Mandel, my intern and friend. I first met Jenna at Hodges Bend for a casual interview a few months ago. Although we had only just met, her contagious good vibes, openness, and ability to connect with everyone around her were all qualities that I admired immensely. She also has such fabulous style and I am so in awe of everything she puts together. All the while, she’s remained her truest, incredibly down-to-earth, kind, and generous self and I really love working with her. She inspires me to rock some seriously rad gutsy footwear . And she is a boss behind the camera. We typically spend Mondays together and they are some of the funnest days of my whole month. I usually have these crazy out of the box ideas and Jenna is not afraid to try them with me. She doesn't even second guess them--she just jumps right in!
All photography is by Lucky Coffey.
INTERVIEW WITH JENNA..
-When are you happiest?
I am happiest when I’m working on something I’m passionate about like music or design. I also love spending time with my close friends and family.
-What is your greatest fear?
Needles. You do not want to be with me when I’m having blood drawn.
-What is your earliest memory?
At the age of three, I remember sitting on my Grandma Esther’s lap. She was praying for me with her soft-spoken voice. That has always been a comforting memory for me.
-What is your most treasured possession?
Before my Grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he bought me a small golden locket. Other than loose memories, that locket is the only thing I have from him.
-Where would you like to live?
The city! Preferably in a small, sort-of secluded house so I have a sliver of peace away from everything.
-What has been your biggest disappointment?
The amount of time I’ve wasted being concerned about what other people think. I want to spend less time trying to please others and more time bettering my own mentality.
-What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
The ability to parallel park.
-What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Overcoming a bone transplant surgery.
-What keeps you awake at night?
Okay if we’re being literal, the ice machine in my kitchen makes terrifying noises. Also, this is kind of lame, but I will usually mentally go through my closet and make an outfit in my head for the next day. That can get stressful.
-How would you like to be remembered?
I would want to be remembered as someone who aids others in becoming their best selves, whether it be through my artistic endeavors or personal relationships with them.
-What’s your fave fashion piece at the moment?
Anything fur. Heart eyes.
-Who is your fave fashion designer and why?
Gemma Shiel (Lazy Oaf) creates some of the coolest clothes out there. I love the prints she uses; they’re always unique and kind of “out-there.”
-Last thing you bought?
Snakeskin platform Chelsea boots. And I’ve worn them almost every day since.
-How do you put outfits together? You always look great!
In my head before bed. Ha. Or after browsing Pinterest! I always feel inspired to piece things together that I wouldn’t have before.
-Fave thing you are learning so far interning for Go French Yourself?
The marketing and business side of Go French Yourself has been really beneficial for me to learn. But just grabbing coffee with you and talking fashion has been by favorite part by far.
-What’s next for Jenna?
I’m still trying to figure that out. Any ideas? I’m thinking fashion marketing, home stager, or boutique owner. Narrowing it down has proven impossible this year.
Channel your inner Jenna below....
What other questions do you have for Jenna?
And for more inspiring Q and A's...click here.
