Meet SJ Deptula | Lifestyle Blogger & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with SJ Deptula and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SJ, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I originally started my blog I used it as an outlet to connect to my passion. I graduated with a degree in fashion, started in the fashion world and had a career change. I went into teaching but still wanted to keep up with the fashion world. At the time I was single and living in the city with all the time in the world to keep up with trends and write about them. Over time that had changed and I have incorporated more of my life into my work. My blog has seen me through my engagement, marriage, pregnancy and my first child and I love being able to incorporate all of the things that make me me. With social media it’s hard to have a work life balance because there is always an email you can answer, a post you can work on and the list goes on and on. For me it’s important to shut down and spend real time with my family without constantly documenting every detail of my life. Finding that balance can definitely be challenging but for me it’s important to enjoy moments and not always be behind the camera.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my blog as an outlet for me to keep up with trends and everything in the fashion world. When I first started I would email showrooms in NYC and ask if I would be able to come in and see the latest collection and take photographs. This was even before Instagram started so this was all so new. Over time the industry began to change and I started taking outfit pictures, attending events, and NYFW and I couldn’t believe how much I had achieved. Out of a hobby came something that I was able to be proud of, something that I put so much hard work into and had so many opportunities because of it. I have worked with some amazing brands and have had so many amazing experiences throughout my journey. I’ve learned that nothing comes easy, that the work you put into any job is what you get out of it as well. Through this journey I learned to never take anything for granted as this field is ever changing and I am constantly having to adapt my skills and approach to being a content creator. I think the one thing I am the most proud of is how true I have stayed to myself, I am not pretending to be anything I am not, I show items I actually wear and love and try to be as real and relatable as possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Recently I moved out of the city to Westchester and while there are great restaurants and things to do out here my itinerary would be based in NYC.

Experience;

1. Empire State Building
I lived in the city for so long and it took me forever to actually do this but it is magical. I went up to the top at night and the views are just breathtaking!

2. Central Park
Take a bike ride or have a picnic on the Great Lawn!

3. Museums
There are so many great ones from the Guggenheim to the Met, I also love when they have special exhibits especially the fashion ones.

4. Walk down 5th Avenue
I am a huge “window shopper”and love seeing all of the displays, this is especially magical during the Holiday Season.

5. Chelsea Market
This is a good and retail hot spot!

6. The Highline
An elevated rail train that has since been turned into a walkway with views of the city, and the Hudson River.

Drink:

1. Please Don’t Tell
This is a speakeasy, you enter through a phone booth.

2. Ophelia Lounge
On the 26th floor with great city views

Eat:

1. Pizza, anywhere!
2. H&H bagels
3. Toloache – Great Mexican Food
4. Sant Ambroeus- Italian- West Village
5. Barbuto- Italian- Meatpacking District

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To be honest this is a collaboration of people I have met along the way that have inspired me and helped me get to where I am. When I started this I did it alone but it forced me to get out there and meet people. The blogging community in NYC is incredible and there are so many creative people that are so inspiring.

Website: www.fashinny.nyc

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Twitter: www.Twitter.com/Fashinny

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/fashinny