Hawaii and New York based Janice Tran is the ultimate inspiration, going from working in corporate roles to taking the plunge into working for herself to follow her creative dreams!
Janice isn't one to shy away from taking on new and exciting opportunities; leaving the hustle and bustle of corporate life in New York City to move across the country to Hawaii to focusing on content creation and going with the fluidity and flow of this new lifestyle and location.We sat down in conversation with Janice, and spoke about her advice for content creation and putting yourself out there on social media, to her style icons and passion for surfing.
What has your career journey looked like so far?
My career journey has been an adventure. I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, where I majored in Cosmetic and Fragrance Marketing. This laid a strong foundation for my career in the beauty industry. I've always had a passion for beauty, which led me to work in corporate beauty roles across brand partnerships, PR, social media, retail relations and product development in the industry.
Even through my corporate years, I have always engaged in content creation and modeled for various brands. Recently, I decided to take the plunge and focus on content creation full-time while I figure out what’s next. Where I once sought the comfort of structure, I now embrace the fluidity of going with the flow. This shift in perspective has opened up new avenues for growth, which has been really exciting and rewarding!
What does a typical working day look like for you?
This lifestyle is relatively new to me, as I've been living in Hawaii part-time over the past year to learn how to surf and embrace the relaxed pace of island life, a stark contrast to the hustle of New York. My mornings usually start with catching up on emails and communicating with brands to ensure all collaborations and projects are running smoothly. I spend around an hour on social media engaging with my audience, and I also dedicate time to brainstorming and developing new content ideas to pitch. Whether I'm on a photoshoot, editing videos, or planning future projects, there's always something new and exciting to focus on. I’m still getting the hang of it, but I love having the flexibility to create my own schedule every day.
Favourite project you have collaborated on or brand you have shot for so far in your career?
Besides The Wolf Gang (obviously), one of my favorite projects so far has been collaborating with Free People. It has been a dream of mine to work with such an iconic brand. I also feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to partner with Anthropologie, ILIA Beauty, Victoria Secret and American Eagle. Being part of their projects has been a truly rewarding experience.
Any advice for girls wanting to put themselves out there on social media? How do you decide what to share?
My advice for girls wanting to put themselves out there on social media is to just go for it. It’s natural to feel hesitant about what to share, but the key is to start and learn as you go. I know it can be paralyzing to overthink every post – I struggle with that too. However, I’ve found that the more I focus on just doing it and sharing what feels authentic to me, the easier it becomes.
Who is your style icon?
One of my style icons is Olivia Lopez. I followed her since the lookbook days! Olivia has an impeccable sense of fashion and an aesthetic that effortlessly blends elegance with a touch of edge.
Where is your favourite travel destination?
Hawaii has been my favorite travel destination for the past year! The serene beauty of the islands, the warm hospitality of the locals, and the opportunity to immerse myself in the laid-back island lifestyle have made it an unforgettable experience.
When and how did you fall in love with Hawaii?
I found my love for Hawaii during a period of profound personal transition. Last year, during shifting circumstances and feelings of confusion and loss, I realized I needed a change. Struggling with depression and a sense of identity crisis, I decided to embark on a journey solely for myself – a trip to learn how to surf, it’s always been a dream. Despite my fear of water and lack of swimming skills, I took the leap. I fell in love with surfing and the ocean’s embrace. Hawaii became more than just a destination; it became a sanctuary where I discovered not only a newfound passion but also a sense of belonging. What keeps me returning isn't just the waves, but the incredible people and the profound sense of community I see all around me. Hawaii has given me more than I ever imagined, and I'm endlessly grateful for the journey it has set me on.
P.S. If you do come visit, please respect the locals, the people of Hawaii and keep it aloha.
Best tips for first time surfers?
If it's within your means, I highly recommend taking lessons. Not only is it the safest approach, but it also guarantees your chances of successfully catching waves. Personally, I've been taking lessons with Isaiah Moniz. Hailing from a legendary family of native Hawaiian surfers, Isaiah brings an unparalleled passion for Hawaii and the ocean to his teaching. If you're looking for someone deeply connected to the culture and eager to share their knowledge, Isaiah is undoubtedly one of the best people to learn from.
What are your handbag essentials?
Touchland Hand SanitizerILIA Beauty Blue Light Mist
Rhode Beauty Peptide Lip Treatment
YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Anker Portable Phone Charger
Crown Affair Hair Comb
Wallet & Keys
Swarovski Ballpoint Pen
What is your favourite piece from our latest collection?
The Alyss Maxi Dress! The fitted bodice and the printed skirt makes me feel so pretty whenever I wear it!
Make sure to follow Janice on Instagram @janicethitran for more!
