We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victoria Watkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents always let me know anything was possible, and I could give anything a try. They never made me think there was something I couldn’t do. From various lessons and sports, to being active at school, I was always able to take on new challenges and endeavors, which was major in helping me open my mind, meet new people, and learn the importance of time management.

I remember once watching an episode of Fresh Prince when Ashley showed Will her activity calendar. I instantly felt seen because in addition to school, I always had other things to do and learn. It was helpful for me in building friendships and also testing myself to see where my talents were. I learned a lot about hard work and team work through a plethora of activities I was allowed and encouraged to participate in. Being so active has stayed with me into my career–as I am now a lawyer, but also have my own loose leaf tea company, have written a children’s book, and am active in community and professional organizations. I enjoy having many avenues to channel various interests, and I know this is because my parents always encouraged me to learn and do new things. I am forever thankful to them for this.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Victoria, and I am an attorney in Chicago, specializing in business, legislative, and creative industry law. I am currently Chief of Staff to the Founder, Co-CEO & Chief Investment Officer at Ariel Investments, the oldest minority-owned asset management firm in the country. In this role, I oversee the Office of the Co-CEO’s operations, civic engagement, and social justice priorities. Prior to joining Ariel, I worked for the City of Chicago in the Office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, serving as Senior Advisor, and Deputy Director of Legislative Counsel & Government Affairs.

Working in government was “the dream job I never dreamt”, as I found myself on this path after taking suggestions from a mentor shortly after passing the Bar exam. I reached out to my local State Representative, Karen Yarbrough about volunteering in her office and next thing I knew, I was an intern. She took me to Springfield with her to watch the legislative session and I was blown away. After applying to work on the House Democrats’ legal team, I spent 2 sessions in Springfield learning the process and taking my career in a direction I had not planned, but loved. I had planned to be a fashion lawyer. While interning with the State Representative, I started a blog (B.A.F.F.L.E.D. – thebaffledblog.com) to keep my fashion and creative law skills sharp. I also advise and counsel small businesses on trademark and copyright strategy, business structuring, and organizational operation.

In addition to my professional work, I am a Co-Founder and President of Project Style, a non-profit which provides workshops to young women on confidence and self worth. I am the author of a children’s book, “Little Valarie and Her Big World of Options” (littlevalariebigworld.com), and owner of a curated tea line, Joy & Magic (joyandmagictea.com).

I am a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and earned my Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law, and am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

If this is any indication, my childhood of many activities has remained a constant into adulthood.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think my hardworking nature and attention to detail helped build my reputation in the market. I believe being available and dedicated have been essential. Being well-studied is also something helpful in building my reputation. I know the importance of being fully informed and substantively aware in an industry where advising is the foundation.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As I was finishing law school, I just knew I wanted to become a fashion lawyer, advising brands in the apparel and beauty industry. I wrote cover letter after cover letter–about 100, at least, filled out endless applications, and despite sometimes feeling discouraged, I pressed on. I took every suggestion I could from mentors, and considered other ways I could make an imprint in the emerging niche. Once I started interning in a State Representative’s office, I realized research, writing–and later, speaking engagements–could get me where I wanted to be. Being open to a new path in my career allowed me to do something I would have never dreamed, while also still getting to participate in an industry I am passionate about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://joyandmagictea.com, https://littlevalariebigworld.com, https://thebaffledblog.com
• Instagram: @joyandmagic_tea, @littlevalariebigworld, @baffledblog
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-watkins-esq
• Twitter: @vdub_esq, @joyandmagic_tea
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdNdcBmu1mNae6quJqgb2QQ/featured

Image Credits
Tea photo credit, Rachael Turner, Rosemint Media