Meet: Bella Gerard — Fashion & Lifestyle Editor at StyleCaster
Welcome to the Meet: series. These are interviews with women in media and content who inspire me — whether they're launching their own companies, juggling multiple full-time freelance jobs with their families and social lives, creating beautiful campaign imagery for brands, or anything else — and I'm honored to get to share their stories.
Bella Gerard
Fashion & Lifestyle Editor, StyleCaster
How would you categorize the scope of your work, and what does your work entail?
One primary job and one side hustle. For a long time, I juggled one permalance beauty writing job (AKA, I was a freelance writer with set shifts I could rely on) while writing for a few other outlets as a freelancer. During this time, I also did a few sponsored posts on Instagram for brands I enjoyed working with but couldn't cover editorially. Now, I'm the full-time Fashion & Lifestyle editor at StyleCaster, managing two of the site's top verticals.
How did you get into doing what you do now?
I interned with both top magazines and beauty brands, always making sure to create connections that stood the test of time. After that, there was a lot of networking and promoting myself to get to where I wanted to be. A lot of waiting my turn, too. I firmly believe creating a strong online presence with a good online portfolio and personal blog helped me show my abilities to potential employers even before I had writing clips and bylines. I was my own hype woman, but I didn't just talk about it — I had visible examples available a click away.
Did you go to college to study the field you currently work in?
I was an English major with a poetry focus, so I definitely honed my writing skills, though I didn't study media or journalism specifically. I was also a Photography minor, and because of this, I had a basic understanding of Photoshop and graphic design. During college, I was also paid by my university to vlog my daily life to showcase what campus life at Georgetown looked like to prospective students. All of this experience helped me when applying to internships and jobs because I had multiple useful skillsets: I was a good writer, I could create my own imagery, and I had on-camera social media presence.
Did you work full-time in another field before landing in your current role?
After interning at a magazine's photo department, I applied post-grad and the only position they had available was a social media assistant. I took the job, but slowly began offering to write for the magazine's website as well. Once my articles started performing, I knew it was time to change my focus from social media to digital editorial work. I stayed for a year before taking the plunge and finding something new to ensure I had a good amount of experience on my resume. When applying elsewhere, I also made sure to show how my social media job had still provided me with a skillset that was helpful for the new roles I was pursuing.
What is your favorite part about working in different fields?
As someone who gets to juggle fashion, lifestyle and a little beauty, too, I love that my job never gets boring. I can play with a new product, write about a big trend, or brainstorm home decor ideas, and it's all considered work. I also like that I have multiple different ways to cover those topics, whether it’s with actual on-site articles or social media posts.
What's something you wish you knew before taking on multiple roles?
You are the only person who determines how much you can handle, and how productive you can be. Time management and drive are just as important as concrete skills. Better to do a few things perfectly than twenty half-assed products you aren't proud of! Know your limits, but push yourself to take on more without sacrificing your high standards.
What advice can you offer someone who wants to be an entrepreneur, work for themselves, or just to have a side hustle in addition to their current job?
Please please please, hone your writing skills. It is the basic requirement for every single job, and being a good writer will help you succeed in ways you might not expect. No shade, but a lot of people who write professionally aren't actually strong writers. Also, have concrete examples of your work. If you want to write and don't have bylines, start a blog. It's okay if no one reads it; think of it as a living resume, a writing clip that's constantly updated. I was never a "blogger," but my blog has gotten me plenty of jobs. Be on the pulse of the industry you want to work in, and make yourself a spot.
Who are some women you look up to who embody the phrase #ShesAllThat — on Instagram, IRL, or otherwise?
My former editor at Elite Daily, Theresa Massony, is both kind and a take-no-BS bitch, which is a game-changing combo. She taught me everything I know about how to be a good editor. My friend Belle Bakst is one of those people who somehow manages to do it all — in vintage heels, no less! She's a reliable source when I need a little industry tough love, and is on the pulse of all things fashion 24/7.
I can't talk about Gisele Smith without raving, because she's a serious go-getter. PR gal by day, podcaster by night, influencer and educator all the damn time. I feel lucky to call her a friend. I could go on and on, but I'll name one more standout: Sarah Chiwaya, who is as authentic an influencer as it gets. Her try-on hauls are both real and informative — so many people love to feign perfection and only show a highlight reel. Sarah keeps it real, and her style and sunny disposition make her a great follow in my book.
What was a recent #ShesAllThat moment for you?
Getting my job at StyleCaster, for one thing! I worked long and hard to get an editor role I was excited about, and for once, I felt no imposter syndrome about admitting how deserved my success was. I earned it. Since starting, I've also been able to give so many amazing writers a platform to share their incredible talents, and highlighting their unique voices has definitely been the joy of my career so far.
Where can people find you?
