02 April 2006
Laura Downey
Apr/05/06 02:29 |
Journalists
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Meet Laura J- The People’s Champ
written by Miss Teja
This week, STRIVE had the pleasure of interviewing
the fabulous Ms. Laura J. of PEOPLE magazine.
In our eyes, Laura is the embodiment of the kind of
person we view as a TRUE STRIVER. Laura does the
interviews and writes some of the articles that we all
look forward to every year from PEOPLE, like the 50
Most Beautiful People of the Year edition. Laura is
always on the move breaking down walls and getting
the info. that we all want to know, whether it’s by
hanging out, playing video games, or going shopping
with entertainers like Nelly and Usher, to arranging to
meet up with actor Terrence Howard the next time he’s
in town so he can tell her the real deal on what happened
with his relationship, or mingling with celebs like Damon
Dash, Jay Z, Denzel and Pharell in the VIP section of the
latest hot spot.
And yet, although she is always in the midst of the hottest
people, places and events, what makes her unique is that
she is not what you’d typically expect of a reporter of one
of the most popular Entertainment and Celebrity Gossip
magazines. She is down-to-earth, modest, attentive, kind
and gentle. But don’t mistake any of that for weakness.
Upon first glance, you will notice Laura’s strong presence
and the fierce persistence, determination and fearlessness
in her eyes that has gotten her to where she is today. After
reading her interview, you too will see why we are honored to
call Ms. Laura J. our friend and a true STRIVER.
STRIVE: What are your 3 lessons for success?
Laura: "Putting God first in all that you do, working hard
to accomplish a goal and developing a tough layer of skin
because people will try and stop you from being successful."
STRIVE:How do you enjoy your days off when your
not "striving"?
Laura: "I enjoy playing basketball at the gym, chatting with my friends on the phone, going shopping at my favorite store
Bloomingdale's, watching funny movies and sleeping."
STRIVE: What signifies a Striver to you?
Laura: "Any person who is making positive strides toward what they want to do and where they want to be in life."
STRIVE:Who influenced you the most in your career/life when you were starting out?
Laura:"My mom.She was always working hard to provide for our family. She never went to college or anything but when
we moved to FL, she worked at a convenience store to be able to provide for my sister and I and then she ended up
becoming a leasing agent at an apartment complex in theneighborhood.My mom was always striving for bigger and better
things.She taught me to do the same for myself."
STRIVE:What jobs did you hold before you became successful?
Laura:"I worked at ROSS Dress for Less and Blockbuster Video in high school. When I got to college-Florida State
University I was an academic advisor and I also worked for one of my professors helping to organize her office on the
weekends.In grad school at Florida A&M University I was the editor of our campus magazine-Journey."
STRIVE:What is success to you?
Laura: "Success is hard to define. You could be completely happy with your personal life but your professional
life might not be where you want it to be or vice versa.So...just working toward a goal and achieving it is success to me.
Enjoying your life, helping others and sharing the word of God is success to me."
STRIVE:What advice would you give others attempting to make their dreams come true?
Laura:"Don't let ANYONE tell you that you can't reach your goal.Continue to work hard and fight for what you believe
in.Sometimes taking a risk and stepping outside of your comfort zone is better than sitting in your cushy box."
STRIVE:"Making IT" is not definitive, yet when will you consider yourself as having made it?
Laura: "When I feel 100% satisfied with my career.I am not there yet. I've got to get out there and explore all options
whether that be broadcast television or working at a newspaper or being a field reporter.When I've made it, I will know.
I have a long way to go.Right now I only feel 25%satisfied. I've got 75% more to go."
STRIVE:When you are hiring new talent, what do you look for?
Laura:"I don't do the hiring here but if I had to hire some folks to work for me I'd definitely look for someone who has
a passion for the industry. A person who truly enjoys coming in to work on time and having a proactive role at the job.
A person who isn't afraid of accepting a challenge and can rise to the occasion when need be."
STRIVE:What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning and what is the last thing
you think of at night?
Laura: "My family and I pray every morning together via telephone.So the first thing I think of in the morning is: thank
God for keeping my family safe.The last thing I think about at night is never set in stone. Sometimes I can think about
how tired I am from the day, or my last phone conversation or a great TV show I just watched. "
STRIVE:What do you know for sure?
Laura: "That I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. A scripture from the book of Philippians in the Bible."
STRIVE:Any last overall advice?
Laura: "Don't quit."
STRIVE:How did you get started? Is this something that you always wanted to do?
Laura: "I went to a job fair and met with the Executive Editor (at the time) of People Magazine.We discussed the magazine
and my resume.He said there were no available positions so that was that.A week later he called me and offered me a 9-week internship.
I accepted and moved to New York.Once my internship was completed they offered me a job.I've been at People ever since.
I didn't know I was going to end up at People but once I got to college and figured out that I wanted to stay in Journalism, I realized
this was definitely something that I wanted to do. An internship I had at Southern Accents magazine in Birmingham, AL propelled
me to really want to do magazine journalism."
STRIVE:Where are you from? Tell me a little about yourself? Brothers/Sisters? Small or large family?
Laura: "I was born in the Bronx and moved to West Palm Beach, FL when I was eight years old.I have one older sister and my
parents have been together for 30 years.We have three dogs (one boxer and two chow-chows).I have always been an introvert
and only come out of my shell when I am really comfortable with people.I enjoy helping others and pride myself on being organized."
STRIVE:How important is work ethic to you in being a Striver?
Laura: "Very important.You must learn to build relationships with people and use your networking skills.Work ethic is important
here because no one wants to do business with a back stabber.Do your job to scratch a few backs.In return, your back will be
scratched as well andeveryone ends up happy."
STRIVE:Is there anyone's path that you particulary admire and would like to emulate?
Laura: "I don't have one particular person who I admire-just anyone who is
on top like Oprah.People making a difference not only in his or her world but in the community as well."
STRIVE:What makes you original? Sets you apart? Why are you on top of your game?
Laura: "As a reporter I pride myself on being able to connect with anyone I interview.I know how to break the ice and
get people to open up.You've got to love what you do.Others in turn will recognize that love and will respect it."
STRIVE:Do you see any changes or patterns in the industry and what is your opinion of that?
Laura: "There are a lot of layoffs going on at my company right now.If you have a job, do your best to hold on to it
tight.Make sure your day is meaningful and give your best every day.But at the end of the day a job is just a job. Be sure
to build your life around more substantial things."
To contact Laura J.: lettersforlaura@strivemagazine.com
Article written by: teja@strivemagazine.com
written by Miss Teja
This week, STRIVE had the pleasure of interviewing
the fabulous Ms. Laura J. of PEOPLE magazine.
In our eyes, Laura is the embodiment of the kind of
person we view as a TRUE STRIVER. Laura does the
interviews and writes some of the articles that we all
look forward to every year from PEOPLE, like the 50
Most Beautiful People of the Year edition. Laura is
always on the move breaking down walls and getting
the info. that we all want to know, whether it’s by
hanging out, playing video games, or going shopping
with entertainers like Nelly and Usher, to arranging to
meet up with actor Terrence Howard the next time he’s
in town so he can tell her the real deal on what happened
with his relationship, or mingling with celebs like Damon
Dash, Jay Z, Denzel and Pharell in the VIP section of the
latest hot spot.
And yet, although she is always in the midst of the hottest
people, places and events, what makes her unique is that
she is not what you’d typically expect of a reporter of one
of the most popular Entertainment and Celebrity Gossip
magazines. She is down-to-earth, modest, attentive, kind
and gentle. But don’t mistake any of that for weakness.
Upon first glance, you will notice Laura’s strong presence
and the fierce persistence, determination and fearlessness
in her eyes that has gotten her to where she is today. After
reading her interview, you too will see why we are honored to
call Ms. Laura J. our friend and a true STRIVER.
STRIVE: What are your 3 lessons for success?
Laura: "Putting God first in all that you do, working hard
to accomplish a goal and developing a tough layer of skin
because people will try and stop you from being successful."
STRIVE:How do you enjoy your days off when your
not "striving"?
Laura: "I enjoy playing basketball at the gym, chatting with my friends on the phone, going shopping at my favorite store
Bloomingdale's, watching funny movies and sleeping."
STRIVE: What signifies a Striver to you?
Laura: "Any person who is making positive strides toward what they want to do and where they want to be in life."
STRIVE:Who influenced you the most in your career/life when you were starting out?
Laura:"My mom.She was always working hard to provide for our family. She never went to college or anything but when
we moved to FL, she worked at a convenience store to be able to provide for my sister and I and then she ended up
becoming a leasing agent at an apartment complex in theneighborhood.My mom was always striving for bigger and better
things.She taught me to do the same for myself."
STRIVE:What jobs did you hold before you became successful?
Laura:"I worked at ROSS Dress for Less and Blockbuster Video in high school. When I got to college-Florida State
University I was an academic advisor and I also worked for one of my professors helping to organize her office on the
weekends.In grad school at Florida A&M University I was the editor of our campus magazine-Journey."
STRIVE:What is success to you?
Laura: "Success is hard to define. You could be completely happy with your personal life but your professional
life might not be where you want it to be or vice versa.So...just working toward a goal and achieving it is success to me.
Enjoying your life, helping others and sharing the word of God is success to me."
STRIVE:What advice would you give others attempting to make their dreams come true?
Laura:"Don't let ANYONE tell you that you can't reach your goal.Continue to work hard and fight for what you believe
in.Sometimes taking a risk and stepping outside of your comfort zone is better than sitting in your cushy box."
STRIVE:"Making IT" is not definitive, yet when will you consider yourself as having made it?
Laura: "When I feel 100% satisfied with my career.I am not there yet. I've got to get out there and explore all options
whether that be broadcast television or working at a newspaper or being a field reporter.When I've made it, I will know.
I have a long way to go.Right now I only feel 25%satisfied. I've got 75% more to go."
STRIVE:When you are hiring new talent, what do you look for?
Laura:"I don't do the hiring here but if I had to hire some folks to work for me I'd definitely look for someone who has
a passion for the industry. A person who truly enjoys coming in to work on time and having a proactive role at the job.
A person who isn't afraid of accepting a challenge and can rise to the occasion when need be."
STRIVE:What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning and what is the last thing
you think of at night?
Laura: "My family and I pray every morning together via telephone.So the first thing I think of in the morning is: thank
God for keeping my family safe.The last thing I think about at night is never set in stone. Sometimes I can think about
how tired I am from the day, or my last phone conversation or a great TV show I just watched. "
STRIVE:What do you know for sure?
Laura: "That I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. A scripture from the book of Philippians in the Bible."
STRIVE:Any last overall advice?
Laura: "Don't quit."
STRIVE:How did you get started? Is this something that you always wanted to do?
Laura: "I went to a job fair and met with the Executive Editor (at the time) of People Magazine.We discussed the magazine
and my resume.He said there were no available positions so that was that.A week later he called me and offered me a 9-week internship.
I accepted and moved to New York.Once my internship was completed they offered me a job.I've been at People ever since.
I didn't know I was going to end up at People but once I got to college and figured out that I wanted to stay in Journalism, I realized
this was definitely something that I wanted to do. An internship I had at Southern Accents magazine in Birmingham, AL propelled
me to really want to do magazine journalism."
STRIVE:Where are you from? Tell me a little about yourself? Brothers/Sisters? Small or large family?
Laura: "I was born in the Bronx and moved to West Palm Beach, FL when I was eight years old.I have one older sister and my
parents have been together for 30 years.We have three dogs (one boxer and two chow-chows).I have always been an introvert
and only come out of my shell when I am really comfortable with people.I enjoy helping others and pride myself on being organized."
STRIVE:How important is work ethic to you in being a Striver?
Laura: "Very important.You must learn to build relationships with people and use your networking skills.Work ethic is important
here because no one wants to do business with a back stabber.Do your job to scratch a few backs.In return, your back will be
scratched as well andeveryone ends up happy."
STRIVE:Is there anyone's path that you particulary admire and would like to emulate?
Laura: "I don't have one particular person who I admire-just anyone who is
on top like Oprah.People making a difference not only in his or her world but in the community as well."
STRIVE:What makes you original? Sets you apart? Why are you on top of your game?
Laura: "As a reporter I pride myself on being able to connect with anyone I interview.I know how to break the ice and
get people to open up.You've got to love what you do.Others in turn will recognize that love and will respect it."
STRIVE:Do you see any changes or patterns in the industry and what is your opinion of that?
Laura: "There are a lot of layoffs going on at my company right now.If you have a job, do your best to hold on to it
tight.Make sure your day is meaningful and give your best every day.But at the end of the day a job is just a job. Be sure
to build your life around more substantial things."
To contact Laura J.: lettersforlaura@strivemagazine.com
Article written by: teja@strivemagazine.com
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