Meet Audrey Stanton: Freelance Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Audrey Stanton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Audrey, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
You are already enough. This is something my mom and therapist have each said to me and it’s the most powerful affirmation I’ve ever encountered. The world we live in constantly tells us we need to buy, sell, change, or alter in order to be “enough.” That scarcity mindset isn’t just detrimental to our own mental health, but it perpetuates oppressive systems and structures. We’re constantly told that there isn’t enough to go around, we aren’t enough and we have to fight tooth and nail in order to hold on to the little in life which will help us to be “enough.” This simply isn’t true. There is enough to go around, we just have done an awful job of equitably distributing resources. Competition is the enemy of creativity and the enemy of a just world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I originally wanted to be a fashion stylist but after experiencing fashion school I quickly transferred, ending up with a degree is in costume design. Stepping into writing about sustainable fashion was completely different from what I set out to do, yet here I am. It’s important to me to include a disclaimer that I’m lucky enough to be in a financial position to freely pursue a writing career because, in all honesty, writing—especially freelance writing—is not an immediately lucrative or stable career. Sustainable fashion is an exciting emerging part of the industry which means that there are new opportunities popping up daily, however, a lot of them are smaller businesses or endeavors which don’t have large budgets. I found my way into writing after trying a few different internships and falling in love with a publication which made me want to write somewhere other than my own blog. My first writing gig came after admittedly flagging down the managing editor of The Good Trade at an event. She graciously met with me and agreed to let me write a piece for free for the online publication. My piece luckily went over well and the rest is history! My journey to writing was not linear and I continue to feel imposter syndrome around my lack of formal training, however, the more writers I hear from, the less alone I feel. Very few people’s careers have been linear– we’re all figuring it out together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I live in Silverlake, I’m partial to the East side of Los Angeles. I love walking my neighborhood, especially up in the hills around sunset. Strolling around the Silverlake Reservoir or sitting around Echo Park Lake is always nice as well. To eat I’d stop by Jewel LA for brunch, El Condor for tacos and margaritas, Pine & Crane for mapo tofu, and Cena Vegan for the best vegan mexican food around. To drink I’d grab a cocktail at The Black Cat, Jay’s Bar, or Block Party Highland Park (if it’s still open!) and coffee at Cafecito Organico or Silverback Coffee of Rwanda. For shopping I’d stop by Sunset Triangle Farmers & Flea Market, Vinovore for some natural wine, Recollection for some vintage wares, and Rick’s Produce Market for locally sourced goods! Looking to experience some art? The Broad is always a wonderful spot but smaller spaces like Underground Museum and Junior High LA are showcasing amazing talent and fostering even better communities. Lastly, for some dancing and good music The Virgil, The Echo/Echoplex, and The Hi Hat (also if it’s still open!) are always a fun time. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents are my biggest support system and I could not do what I do without their practical, financial, and moral support. I’ve had to immense privilege of choice in my life which has led me to be able to do what I love. My parents supported and encouraged me as I transferred schools in college, experienced different internships, and discovered my love of writing. My journey has been all over the place but each step was worth it as I figured out who I am and what I want to do. I am forever grateful for them.

Website: audstant.com

Instagram: instagram.com/audstant

Linkedin: linkedin.com/audreystanton