Meet Jillian Deluise from Long Island! She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York as an assistant brand manager and inside sales representative for Maxima Apparel. When she’s not styling clients, she loves to be surrounded by her family and enjoys going for a run over the Manhattan Bridge – It helps her disconnect from the craziness of working in NYC! For Jillian, power means self respect, being optimistic and standing up for what you believe in. “Being powerful, is being yourself and not caring what others think. At the end of the day, all you got is yourself and that screams power.” This story was submitted in collaboration with ENVSN.
Jillian, what did you study in school and why?
I studied business management and communications in college. I chose to study both because at a young age I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur; I always had my own little businesses, made business cards, had my own cash register, I thought I was the ish. I also believe having communication skills is key to a successful career, and I am grateful that I learned all the dynamics of communicating in college.
What is your job/career today?
I have been in the fashion industry for the past 5+ years. I have maintained my clientele book over the years and personal style for my clients on the side. What I love most about having a book of clients is the relationship that I formed with these great individuals. Relationship is KEY. I love styling my clients and making sure their outfits are up to date with the latest trends.
I am currently working at a company as an assistant brand manager and inside sales representative based out of New York City, called Maxima Apparel. Maxima is a mens/ladies/kids fashion wholesale house. The best part about my job is attending monthly trade shows and meeting new people. I also love that i’m able to act as a liaison to the design team and upper management to aid in the design approval process.
What is a challenge you have faced or currently face and how are you overcoming it?
I think my biggest challenge I’m facing right now, is letting go of who I was until now to give room to be who I want to become. In other words, I’m sick and tired of living a life less than what I’m capable of. Never settle for anything less than you deserve. Each day, I put all my energy into bettering myself, to become an effective leader.
What does it mean for me to be powerful?
Well, being powerful is a strong word. Self respect is key. If you don’t respect yourself no one will, and that goes a long way. Being powerful, is being optimistic, and standing up for what you believe in. Being powerful, is being yourself and not caring what others think. At the end of the day, all you got is yourself and that screams power.
Do you have a favorite product or item you love that makes you feel great?
My favorite item is my dads’ chain that I wear around my neck everyday. This chain has multiple charms on it. My favorite charm is the Italian horn, which wards off the malocchio (mal=bad occhio=eye) It’s the look that one person gives to another if they are jealous or envious. Gotta keep the haters away!
What are your passions, hobbies, interests?
When i’m not styling my clients or at work, I like to go for a run over the Manhattan bridge, that really helps me clear my head and disconnect myself from the craziness of working in NYC. I also really enjoy spending time with my family, since I don’t live at home anymore, I miss them like crazy. I go out to long island every weekend to bother my parents and harass my dog. Coming from an Italian household, means Sunday sauce, and if I miss Sunday sauce ill have It out for me (lol). Another passion of mine is collecting vintage Playboy magazines. I love cutting them up and making collages, framing them and placing them around my apartment.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I think it’s important to remain true to yourself. Heal all that is holding you back and address the fears that sit within you. Take a different approach on how you perceive certain situations. Address them from a higher perspective without judgement. Where do they come from? Where have they manifested in your current reality? You hold all those answers, find your peace and remain true. Make it count!
