Allow me to introduce myself

What you missed: and that's my bad.

It came to my attention this afternoon that I’ve never actually introduced myself here. Every week you read my fashion, beauty and lifestyle tips but I failed to formally elaborate upon who I am, what I do and why I do it. Consider this a belated introduction to me and what I’m about.

My name is Jacqueline Prager Devine and I “go” by the entire name. And, by the way, it’s Jacqueline or Jacq, not Jackie. I majored in political science and journalism but also have minors in entrepreneurship and public policy. Next year I start a Master’s program in Digital Media and Design.

From a photoshoot with CTC&G -- satirical name plates at Dovecote in downtown Westport, CT. (Caroline O'Kane)

A pre-graduation selfie and Insta post to get excited about the big day (Jacqueline Devine).

I have been working since I was 17; actually, my first day of work was on my 17th birthday (which is October 10th, by the way). The first three paid jobs I had were in retail. My first major internship was in market research and consulting during my sophomore year of college where I worked on the qualitative analysis team. Some of my friends nicknamed me “polisci” because I was always dressed in “work clothes” and, well, I had a political theory books lying all over my dorm.

When I took on my second major in journalism during my junior year, everything changed. I became less interested in reading hundreds of pages a week of scholarly text that analyzed democratization and more interested in how to develop the best SEO practices and write compelling story ledes.

Last summer I worked three jobs: a marketing & advertising internship at Coveteur, an editorial & digital internship at C&G Media Group and as Social Media Director for Loopey Laces. I became very accustomed to working around the clock and when I returned to school in the fall I felt I needed a new way to occupy my free time.

I launched Just Being Devine that semester in the hopes to build my personal brand, work on my editorial writing, develop a working knowledge of the digital world and, quite honestly, achieve influencer status. After working at Cov, I realized that the role of the digital influencer was powerful and that, like every millennial woman, I had a voice worthy of being heard.

Everyday I wake up flooded with changes I want to make to the site, articles I want to write and media techniques I want to try. It can become overwhelming, especially due to the fact that this brand has needed to take a backseat to my education and work obligations. But like all the other driven, powerful women who have achieved their dreams, it has not been without strenuous times and sleepless nights.

(Jacqueline Devine)

I am proud of my brand. The most exciting comment I get from someone is simply, “I read that article you posted.” Because, really, truly, just someone reading what I’ve written is confirmation that my voice carries.

Thank you for reading (seriously, thanks for reading this entire post). I read each comment, appreciate every single “like” and hope that you find levity in engaging in the light-hearted commentary on the glamorous parts of life.

All my love,
Jacqueline

Header image can be found on Just Being Devine's Instagram page