Jasmine Brett Stringer just might have the secret to becoming friends with Oprah.
Well, maybe not. But the Minneapolis-based author and founder of lifestyle brand Carpe Diem With Jasmine is featured in the March edition of O, the Oprah Magazine.
Stringer was born and raised in Atlanta. She moved to the Twin Cities area to work for General Mills over a decade ago and called being laid off from the company a "blessing in disguise." She chose not to find a new job right away and took the opportunity to reinvent herself and explore what she wanted to do, which led to the brand Carpe Diem With Jasmine.
She blogs and leads public speaking events across the United States. Her book about her journey, "Seize Your Life," came out in January. She sat down with the Star Tribune to discuss her love of color, Winfrey and the Carpe Diem philosophy.
Q: Tell me about Carpe Diem With Jasmine. What is its main focus?
A: It's a lifestyle brand focused on seizing the day. I get about 25,000 unique blog viewers each month and have over 10,000 followers on Twitter. I share thoughts on how people can seize each day in their everyday lives, but I also talk about pop culture, fashion, travel and my experiences. It's just all centered on seizing the day and what that means to you.
Q: You discuss fashion a lot in your blog. What's your approach to personal style?
A: I love, love, love color! I love dresses and wear them about 90 percent of the time. I think they are extremely comfortable and easy to wear. They transition well; you can make them casual or dressy. They're also very feminine. I think in this world we're led to believe that we should let more of our masculine side out to be taken seriously, especially in business, but I'll stick to the dresses.
Q: What are your favorite spring trends this year?
A: I'm so excited color, flowers and patterns are in. I always have fresh flowers in my apartment because I think they're a sign of life. Floral print is feminine and refreshing. Patterns can be serious or whimsical, so they can add a nice touch to outfits.
Q: What advice would you give other women trying to find their own style?
A: I think it's important for women to find a few go-to clothing pieces that make them feel confident. They should find something dressy, professional and casual. I have a little black dress with cap sleeves that transitions well. I can wear it for anything. I also always say that women should wear what is comfortable for them. Why wear it? Everyone knows it's uncomfortable and isn't for them, so it looks forced. It's just a waste. Style is a personal choice.
Q: You speak and write about confidence a lot. What was your journey to self-confidence like?
A: I have an amazing mom. My mom poured a lot into me, but I also say it takes a village to raise a child, and I was lucky to have a strong community in Atlanta. My mom's friend would always call me "beauty queen," even though I was an awkward and skinny child. My mom, though, told me I could do anything. If someone told me I had big feet, she would say, "You're tall, you need big feet!" She told me my big nose was better for breathing and big lips were better for kissing. I try to pass that mentality on to younger girls now.
Q: What advice would you give to people who haven't yet figured out how to believe in themselves?
A: It's a matter of going inward and shutting external chatter off. Sometimes you have to fake it until you make it. Get up in the morning and tell yourself, "I am bold, I am confident, and I am strong." That little self-confidence pep talk pumps me up if I'm feeling bad.
Q: Tell us about being in the March issue of O.
A: I heard about it right before Thanksgiving. I have a client in New York, and I was there when they called and asked if I could come in on Monday. I had no idea what it was about. I soon found out I was going to be featured in a collaboration they have with Talbots. The proceeds are going to Dress for Success, a group that collects donations of professional clothes for women and teaches business etiquette. Some may think it's just about giving people clothes, but it's so much more. It's about changing someone's life.
I've met Oprah a few times, too. I told the story about meeting Oprah for the first time in my book. She's a very regular person, which surprised me when I met her. I've seen her at a few events since then and we chat on Twitter sometime.
Q: What does carpe diem mean to you?
A: We live in a society in which we believe we need to do grand things, but really seizing the day could be having dinner at the table with your family or going for a walk with a friend to catch up. Sometimes we overcomplicate life, and we don't have to do that.
Madison Bloomquist is a University of Minnesota student on assignment for the Star Tribune.
