When Building a Community, Sometimes the Best Teachers are Fellow Travelers

I'll never forget sending countless pitches to Cori Murray during her tenure at ESSENCE. As a freelance writer, her name was practically etched into my email signature. So when I launched Stylists Suite Live, I knew exactly who I wanted as one of my first guests – the woman who had been on the receiving end of probably hundreds of my story ideas over the years.

Cori had just made a bold move that resonated deeply with our community: after more than 20 years at ESSENCE, where she served as Deputy Editor and helped guide the magazine to its first National Magazine Award for Photography, she stepped into the freelance world. Talk about a full-circle moment – here was someone who had been at the top of the masthead, now navigating the same waters as many of us in the Stylists Suite community.

During our conversation, Cori opened up about her remarkable journey, from leading ESSENCE's digital and print platforms (reaching an incredible 31 million Black women) to producing the prestigious Black Women in Hollywood awards for a decade. But what struck me most was her vulnerability in discussing her transition to freelance life. Here was someone who had featured same-sex couples on ESSENCE's cover (a first in its 52-year history!) and earned the ElevatHER award from the Black Women Film Network, now sharing the raw truth about starting fresh.

This is exactly why I created Stylists Suite – to build a space where writers at every stage of their journey can learn from each other. Whether you're just starting out or, like Cori, reimagining your career after decades in the industry, there's wisdom to be gained from our shared experiences.

Want to hear Cori's full story, including her insights on writing for publications like InStyle, Women's Health, EBONY, and The Hollywood Reporter? Watch our in-depth interview, and don't miss out on more conversations like this – subscribe to our newsletter to get notifications about upcoming Stylists Suite Live sessions with industry veterans who are blazing new trails.

Together, we're building more than just a platform; we're creating a community where every story matters, and every transition is an opportunity to learn and grow.

[Subscribe Now]

Join our community of storytellers and get exclusive access to interviews with industry leaders like Cori Murray.