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

Jerilyn , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I didn’t take a traditional path to learning the craft of writing. I technically started in high school during English class, but my real interest in journalism sparked when I started collecting magazines like J-14 and Seventeen. Seeing how stories were told, how trends were broken down and how interviews were woven into articles made me want to do the same.

I didn’t major in English in college, but Spelman’s liberal arts focus allowed me to take writing courses that helped me find my voice. Beyond that, I sought out my own education, taking private lessons through Gotham Writers Workshop where I learned different grammatical styles and voice techniques. I also studied the work of writers and editors I admired, like Kenyatta Victoria and Allure Editor-in-Chief Jessica Cruel, breaking down their storytelling approaches to understand what made their writing stand out.

Mentorship played a big role too. Writers like Britt Franklin helped me refine my skills, and I learned new storytelling techniques from mentors I never met, beauty editors and journalists whose work inspired me to experiment with my own style. More than anything, I learned by doing. Writing, making mistakes and figuring out how to improve along the way was the biggest teacher.

Jerilyn , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Jerilyn (Jerri) Harper, a freelance writer specializing in fashion and beauty. My work explores global style, cultural influence, and historical context, making fashion and beauty more accessible to audiences who may not be deeply familiar with these industries. I’ve written for publications like Essence GU, GrownMag, and Frankly Be, covering everything from emerging trends to deeper narratives on identity and expression through style.

My journey into this space wasn’t traditional. I didn’t go to journalism school, but my love for storytelling and fashion led me to carve out a space where both could exist. I focus on thoughtful, research-driven pieces highlighting the significance of fashion and beauty beyond aesthetics, often incorporating expert voices to add depth and credibility.
My ability to blend cultural history with trend analysis sets me apart, making complex ideas digestible without losing their depth. I believe in uncovering untold stories, whether through exploring global beauty traditions or analyzing how past decades influence today’s fashion.

I’m most proud of my work bridging the gaps between fashion, history, and everyday people. I want my audience to walk away from my work feeling informed, inspired, and more connected to the world of style. Whether through writing or video content, my goal is always to tell meaningful stories that resonate.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, I wish I had known about certain writing resources earlier in my creative journey. One of the best is Gotham Writers Workshop, which offers classes across various genres, from feature writing to nonfiction and essential writing techniques. Another invaluable resource is The Poynter Institute for Media Studies. This nonprofit journalism school provides training on crafting compelling stories, inclusive writing, and editing fundamentals. I also highly recommend AP Style workshops — they’re incredibly useful for learning to communicate ideas clearly while maintaining creativity. Their style guides have been a lifesaver in my writing process!

Beyond writing-focused resources, YouTube has been incredibly valuable. As a creative writer, visuals often play a key role in storytelling. I’ve learned a lot about different types of shot lists and how to capture photography moments that enhance narratives, making stories more immersive and engaging. I also love Pexels for free stock photos and videos—it’s an excellent resource for finding high-quality visuals that complement storytelling.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a mission to highlight the shared connections across cultures, identities and experiences, primarily through fashion and beauty. I always want to tell the facts with flair, ensuring that every story I craft is insightful and engaging. Every project I take on begins with a universal message, something we can all relate to, before exploring the deeper layers of style, beauty and storytelling. Through my editorial work, I aim to bridge history, culture and modern trends, showing that while our expressions may differ, the underlying themes of identity and self-expression remain interconnected.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jerilynharper.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerritheeditor/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerilyn-harper-b36882104/

Image Credits

Photo 1 : Taty Fennoy
Photo 2 : Angel Nelson Photography