Elaine Welteroth is a gem to the culture--for reasons that surpass what we can physically imagine.
Elaine is best known for her work at Teen Vogue from 2012 to 2018, where, at age 29, she held the title of Editor, then Editor-in-Chief–the youngest person ever appointed the title, and second black person in its history. Her extremely relatable, outspoken, and unapologetic intuition and judgement calls of inclusivity and diversity, made her a global phenom that she has evolved into.
But what's most impressive about Welteroth, is her ability to scale in the art of leveling up.
Notorious for her ever-evolving career, and a constant aim for upstaging whatever's next, she has managed to not only progress in her happiness, but to seek out moves that places her within a vibration that was higher than the one before. And the past two years, since her exit from Teen Vogue, have been no different, as her pivot game has proven insurmountable, time and time again.
Another interesting page from Elaine's story, is each of her power moves weren't only manifested, they were challenged, thanks to a push from Ava Duvernay. In an excerpt from her book, More Than Enough, she revealed that when Teen Vogue decided to dissolve their print issues, she discussed what was next with the iconic director who seemed unimpressed with Elaine's decision to stick it out with Conde Naste.
"You know what I think the better ending is... Elaine Wetheroth leaves Conde Naste. That's the story I want to read. That's powerful and decisive. You should be a little fearful. That's good. It's a motivator. We all feel fear when we're about to do something great. I think the universe is calling you to be a little bit braver right now."
If we had all day, we would list all the ways she's changed the landscape as a fierce trailblazer since she's left the popular publication. But in the meantime, here's just a few:
Elaine released a New York Time's Best Seller 'More Than Enough'.
Welteroth's career has been one move after another climbing the ranks of the beauty and fashion world. In 2019, she decided to release a memoir, full of direct advice for how her journey has unfolded.
Her story of following her passions--and the struggles that come with it--especially as a woman of color, was honest, inspiring, and entertaining. Her narration was perfect, and I loved that her parents' narrated things they said. Definitely pick this one up if you love a good memoir.
She said:
"For generations women have been made to feel like we're not good enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough, too old, too young, too loud, too quiet. I mean, there are so many messages that are threatening to keep us small. If I am going to be held up as a trailblazer in my career for the things that I've been able to do and the opportunities I've had, well I better be doing everything in my power to make sure that I am leaving that trail with some signposts along the way that make it easier and less daunting and less confusing for the next generation of young leaders and female leaders of color who are coming up behind me."
Queen.
Elaine had a beautifully viral wedding with her tribe...and then threw a virtual block party!
At the head of the height of the pandemic, Welteroth and her husband, Johnathan, set Al Gore's internet ablaze as they got married on the stoop of their Brooklyn home. And set to the tone of Snoh Aalegra's "Find Someone Like You", she released a video on her Instagram, to commemorate the news, for those of us who weren't in attendance.
She toldVogue:
"Whether it was jumping in to DJ or donating a piece from their own closet to help us pull our wedding looks together, everyone in our tribe contributed something special to the celebration. It was humbling to see how our community showed up for us in big and small ways at every step in this process."
She moved cross country to Los Angeles and purchased a bomb home during the pandemic.
She tells Elle:
"I couldn't have asked for a better backdrop than Brooklyn."
And sis is a new host on 'The Talk'.
It's officially been announced that, beginning in January, Welteroth will be replacing Eve, and joining current hosts Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood and Carrie Ann Inaba, on The Talk.
She told People:
"I am thrilled and honored to join this incredible cast and crew. From the very first time I guest co-hosted on The Talk, I knew I was among a very special group of people. I look forward to starting off the new year with honest and thought-provoking discussions, mixed with plenty of fun and laughter too."
We cannot wait for to see the conversations she brings to the table!
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Featured image via Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com
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