Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jackie Bertolette. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jackie, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

When I was in college, I was planning on going into psychology but quickly realized that it was not for me. I dropped out and took a step back to reevaluate what I wanted. Quite by happenstance I was at a party talking with a young lady that I hadn’t met before. She told me she was in Photography school and it peaked my interest. I had never heard of a creative vocation. . Thus Literally overnight I switched from pursuing a doctorate in psychology to enrolling in art school. Much to the chagrin of my parents!

Jackie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

After receiving my degree in commercial photography I began to pursue a career in music promotions photographing live events shooting album covers, etc. This is where I met husband. Soon my interest turned towards fashion photography and away from music.

Flash forward many years and I was employed as a Graphic Designer/Photographer when I had our 3rd child. Shortly after his birth, he became very sick and we ended up in PICU for 5 weeks. I had to resign my post at the company that I worked for to be there for him.

By grace, After a few years he was finally on the path to recovery but it was clear that he wasn’t going to be able pursue a “traditional “ education. I began to home school him.

It didn’t take long for me to need to be creative (once a creative always a creative). My husband suggested that I start the magazine that I had always dreamed of working for. I could work when it fit our schedule and still be creative. The best of both worlds. So, while staying focused on homeschooling our son, I did!

In addition to my extensive career as an Editorial Fashion Photographer, in last decade, I have launched Haute Ohio Magazine, OHFW (Ohio Fashion Week), DMSM ( Discovered! Model Scouting and Management Group), RJ Luna Haute Clothier, and a Fashion Empire Podcast. I also released my book, The Mission-Heartening Your Inner Beauty-, a compilation of stories that uplift models who were able to find their own inner beauty through modeling.

I believe that my gift is a grace from God and it is my mission to use it to uplift, empower & inspire others. This is the foundation of my fashion ministry, as I refer to it. I help folks realize their dreams. I provide opportunities for people who might not otherwise be able to participate in this industry. My opportunities are focused on inner beauty and as such, all are welcome. I provide 100% inclusive opportunities.

As insiders, we have networks and opportunities all over the world. We offer a positive entry point into this challenging industry and not only do we provide development and industry training for 100% of those involved but also opportunities for publication, billboards, runways and more!

Today, we are producing our 10th Anniversary issue and celebrating 10 years of providing opportunities for aspiring, student, emerging and established fashion professionals from the Midwest and beyond! The issue releases in September and will feature models, designers, stylists, etc who have been showcased throughout our tenure. We are proud to celebrate these and all talented professionals by bringing the Midwest to the world and the world to the Midwest!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I am driven by grace and to provide a ministry for the beauty in all! Every opportunity that I create is founded in uplifting and inspiring others. I believe that every single human is made in Gods image and every individual has a positive light to share. I am grateful to be given the gifts that can make this mission possible.

Have you ever had to pivot?

If you had told me that I would be the Owner, Founder, Editor-in-Chief and Lead Fashion Photographer of a magazine, I would have said that you were delusional. It was a dream when I was young but life and grown up responsibilities quickly have a way of changing your trajectory.

That being said, the fact that our son faced life threatening challenges at only 10 weeks old puts a new perspective on what is really important in this life. Suddenly a big house wasn’t as important. Luxuries weren’t as important. Family vacations weren’t as important. What was a wake up call was that LIFE is important and living every minute with joy & gratitude is the real measure of success.

Facing the near loss of a child humbles you. What became the priority was him, our other two children and God. It was when I realized that I needed to follow what God had planned and not what I had planned that all the blessings began to flow.

I think a lot about the words, “out of ashes comes diamonds.” This is the pivot point for my life, my career and my ability to give back in gratitude, in humility and in obedience. This is when God put the entire plan into action. What started out as an obstacle that we could not understand or comprehend became the catalyst for the entire Fashion Empire which now uplifts thousands around the globe!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hauteohio.org
• Instagram: OHFW_Official
• Facebook: Haute Ohio Magazine
• Linkedin: Jackie Bertolette
• Youtube: OHFW_Official

Image Credits

Photos: jacquelinejphotographicarts