Meet Jingjing Jia

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

Hi Jingjing, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
The book that has had the most profound impact on me is The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Although it’s often seen as an entry-level spiritual guide, for me, it’s much more than that—it’s a lifeline. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by emotions, it becomes my go-to, like my personal reset button. It’s a reminder that, no matter what chaos surrounds me, I have the power to return to the present moment and choose peace. One of my favorite passages from the book reads: ‘Having gone beyond the mind-made opposites, you become like a deep lake. The outer situation of your life and whatever happens there is the surface of the lake. Sometimes calm, sometimes windy and rough, according to the cycles and seasons. Deep down, however, the lake is always undisturbed. You are the whole lake, not just the surface, and you are in touch with your own depth, which remains absolutely still.’ This imagery of a deep, undisturbed lake has stuck with me. It’s a powerful metaphor that reminds me that while the surface of my life may be chaotic or turbulent, there is a place within me that is always still and unchanging.
For me, the book serves as an emotional first-aid kit, a practical guide I can turn to whenever life feels too overwhelming. It has taught me that peace and clarity are always accessible in the present moment, and this insight has transformed how I approach everything— from my work in fashion and creative direction to my personal life. It’s a reminder that the present is all we really have, and finding calm within it is a choice I can make.

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.
My career in fashion began at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I immersed myself in the world of styling and creative direction. I was eager to gain hands-on experience, so I started volunteering at New York Fashion Week right from my first semester. Although my role was primarily as a dresser, it was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to observe the intricate dynamics of the fashion world. From there, I interned with the brand Rui, where I gained invaluable insight into brand operations, fashion show preparations, and the meticulous work that goes into creating a successful collection. It was a transformative experience that emphasized the importance of excellence and collaboration. A significant turning point in my career was working as a fashion editor assistant at ELLE China under the Hearst Group. Landing the position was challenging, as I had to stand out in a panel interview with editors. The job itself was demanding and fast-paced—it was like living in The Devil Wears Prada. My responsibilities ranged from planning and executing photoshoots to managing budgets, sourcing samples, and handling the logistical challenges of coordinating large-scale productions. It was an intense but invaluable experience that pushed my skills and creativity, shaping my passion for fashion and styling.
As for my inspirations, they extend beyond Lady Gaga; Björk’s avant garde and experimental aesthetics also deeply influence my work. Their bold approaches to blending music, fashion, and performance art resonate with me. Similarly, while David Lynch’s surreal, psychological storytelling has shaped my vision, the work of Stanley Kubrick also plays a huge role in my creative process. Both directors’ cinematic styles push boundaries and challenge perspectives, and I aim to infuse that sense of storytelling into my styling. My goal is to create visual narratives that evoke emotions, making each piece a fusion of art, fashion, and personal expression.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting New York, I’d plan a mix of my favorite local spots, combining food, culture, and nature. We’d kick off with a meal at Nai, a cozy Spanish spot where the tapas are unforgettable. For comfort food, nothing beats Bar Moga’s omurice— it’s my go-to. I have a passion for vintage and archive fashion, so we’d spend an afternoon in the mall at 75 East Broadway in Chinatown, exploring hidden gems like James Veloria and Bloda’s Choice. It’s a treasure trove for designer brand vintage pieces. I’m also a big film lover, so we’d visit my favorite theaters: Metrograph, which screens classic and indie films, and Roxy Cinema, with its nostalgic, vintage atmosphere that feels like a step back in time. As someone who loves collecting vinyl, we’d check out Rough Trade and Rock and Soul—they have some of the best selections in the city.
For live music, we’d spend evenings at jazz bars like Tomi Jazz and The Django. Both have an intimate vibe, where you can enjoy a drink while listening to incredible performances. But when I need a break
from the city’s hustle, I love escaping to nature. We’d take the LIRR train for a hike or explore a charming town like Beacon. It’s my way of finding balance—soaking in the city’s vibrant energy while still getting moments of quiet and reflection.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Me, Myself, and I. People often forget to appreciate themselves, and I think that loving and supporting yourself is the foundation of everything. Without learning to value and care for myself, I wouldn’t be able to offer love and support to others in a meaningful way. It’s a journey of growth—understanding my own strengths, acknowledging my efforts, and finding joy in my accomplishments. By giving myself the same care and encouragement I offer others, I’ve been able to create a balanced and fulfilling life.

Website: https://www.jingjing-jia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/8bit.gurl/

Other: Portfolio: https://www.instagram.com/j.i.a_project/ RedBook/小红书: @8BitGurl