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A series in which we talk to only the most official bitches who are on their grind and bout their shit.

Step Your Game Up: Emily Oberg, Complex News Anchor & Editorial Producer 

We’re back! Now that everyone has gotten all of the Halloween drinking and partying out of their system, it’s back to the daily grind and hustle that New York ever so makes us love and hate. Though that New York grit and moxie is no stranger to our next top notch chic, Emily Oberg. Hypebeasts, streetwear chieftains, and brand resellers will dip and dodge every obstacle when it comes to getting in line for a new Supreme drop, and granted Emily will be there with her Complex posse to broadcast all the hype. Giving one title to the multi-threat simply isn’t enough to justly convey her craft to the public, for her artistry is an endless list of checkpoints on every creative’s scroll of aspirations and know-how goals. Complex news anchor, editorial producer, stylist, and brand designer are just a few titles on Emily’s belt. Drafted into the streetwear world at a young age, Emily is one of the few females out here making a supremacy of her work in a male dominated field. While in the midst of managing her own line that embodies Vogue poise and tomboy aesthetics called Sporty & Rich, Emily is adding endless amounts of savor and gusto to the brand’s magazine and defying the notions that print is no longer of popularity.  When she’s not putting fans up on game of what’s thriving in the fashion scene and DJ’ing the occasional nightclub set, Emily has her own series of workout videos which I’m sure we could all use in today’s fast food catered society. Even with a full agenda, Emily had some time to spare to let us know what it takes to be a woman of tact and paramount in the fashion world, and how she hoists the sporty and rich lifestyle.

Smart Talk

1.Did you have doubts when it came to starting such a creative career? Such as influence from parents, friends, etc.

I definitely did. I had no prior experience in what I am doing, asides from my interest in things like streetwear, fashion, sneakers and music. I was always such an avid fan of the areas I work in now, looking back, I really have my 14-year-old self’s dream job. But, with no experience and not much schooling, I was reluctant. I remember getting the email from Complex, then a call, then another call a week later, offering me the job and asking me to move out here. When I first told my parents, they were like “That sounds crazy I don’t think you should do that right now.” But how could I not? It was my dream to work in this field and to move to New York, I’m so lucky for the ways things happened. I was also living with my then-boyfriend at the time, so that was something that was holding me back too. We were together for a minute, so it was hard to just get up and go. But at the end of the day, you have to do what’s best for you and sometimes that requires being cut throat. I wasn’t malicious about it in any way, but I was just kind of like, I have to do this for me, because if I don’t, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. He was very supportive of the whole thing, I’m thankful for that.

2. Would you rather have a life with or without social networks? Why?

Obviously social media is now one of my jobs and it’s how I make a good portion of my income, so I need it. But, there are plenty of times when I wish I could cut myself off from Instagram, Twitter etc. They are such toxic tools in this day and age, they prohibit us from engaging with people, they weaken relationships because everything you do is out there for the world to see, and they’re just negative feeds of things that make us feel bad about ourselves. At the same time, I use them all for research for different projects, and I have been able to connect with some very talented, inspiring people through the means of social media. It’s really a double-edged sword situation. 

3. Ever had an instance of another person blatantly copying your craft? Do you believe in confrontation when it happens?

I did have Forever 21 rip of my sweatshirts. I called them out on social media, and my followers shit on them, still to this day. It’s wack, they know they’re wack. But what can you do? At the end of the day, they are a monstrous brand with a team of lawyers and big money, and my brand is just me. It’s fine though, it doesn’t hurt my business. But I did speak out, because I felt I had to protect my brand and my ideas, they are sacred.

4. Did you have a mentor or certain someone you looked up to when starting your career?

People are gonna think I’m saying this because this is an interview for MTTM, but I really looked up to Leah. She was one of, if not the first woman in streetwear. Her story, how she got here, what she went through, what she’s created for herself and for other women in this business, it’s really something special. And her attitude, there’s just no one else like her. I checked the original MTTM blog DAILY, I was probably 14 when they were updating regularly. I was OBSESSED. Everyday after I would get home from school I’d check it, so I was also obsessed with Tabatha and her writing and posts. I’ve probably read every single article she ever wrote for MTTM, her style of writing is my absolute favorite. And she always wrote about topics that I could relate to and that were just so real and honest. I definitely got a lot of my advice from her posts, and she always made me feel better about myself, as a young teenage girl, you really need that.

It’s funny, when I moved to NYC Frank 151 had asked me to do a photo shoot with her and DKNY, and I was like “is this real?” I followed her since I was 14 and now I’m working with her? It was surreal. Her and Leah are real legends.

“I try to have a rule, and it’s to only ever compete with yourself.”

5. Do you ever let competition get to you mentally? Is being competitive a good trait to have when making a career out of your talent?

I try to have a rule, and it’s to only ever compete with yourself. If you try to compete with anyone who isn’t you, you’ll NEVER be satisfied, because you will never be them. Everyone does what they do differently; everyone has their own timeline. Things will happen in your life when they are supposed to, and you have to trust that. I think it’s important to continually outdo yourself and step your game up with each new venture and project. If what you do tomorrow isn’t better than what you did today, then you aren’t progressing.

6. Are there any other side hustles you’d like to pursue in the future?

My dream job is to curate soundtracks for films and TV. It’s such a niche world to get into though, so I’d be surprised if I ever get the chance. I’d also like to get more involved in charity and volunteering. I’m passionate about animals and their well being so I definitely want to help where I can. 

7. What’s the number one trait you should embody when starting your own business as a women in the creative industry?

I would say be nice. There are so many people in this field that are cutthroat and shady, or just plain rude. You will never get anywhere if you’re a mean person, especially when it’s toward people you don’t even know. I truly believe that people will always remember how you make them feel, so why not be nice? Obviously, don’t let people walk all over you, but be a kind person, and the rest will follow. Besides, you never go who you’re going to meet and how you might need them to help you someday.

8. Do you censor yourself when it comes to what you decide put on social media? (Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram)  

Definitely. I take a lot less “risky” pictures than I used to. It’s just not necessary and people are creeps, especially my followers. Not that there’s anything wrong with showing some skin, but personally I believe that your body is private and special, and it doesn’t need to be shared with the world. I don’t need the validation of being half naked on Instagram and getting a ton of likes, but I also respect girls like Em Rata who post half naked selfies, it’s just whatever you feel comfortable with!

9. Do you ever let backlash or negative feedback from fans get to you? How do you handle it?

I think we all get backlash (me and the other Complex Faces), because we’re so out there and we’re on camera at least 3 times a day. So people know who we are, and they’re gonna wanna shit on us. Most of the time, you know they’re just some Internet trolls and have no lives, but some days when you see negative things about you constantly, it gets to you and you’ll get down on yourself. You just have to be strong enough to let it go and shake it off, at the end of the day, it’s not gonna kill you.

Street Talk

1. Has anyone ever succeeded when they “slid” in the DM’s? Funniest thing you’ve ever read in your DM’s?

I’ve had some people slide through who I’ve either dated or became great friends with. I’ve had some funny stuff pop up in my DMs, mostly just on Instagram. I’m kind of immature so to me, everything is funny. It’s always the best when dudes send multiple messages begging for you to follow them or respond, and then get butt hurt and turn on you. It’ll be like 5 messages saying “I love you Emily pls marry me” and then after no response, “Fuck you you fucking bitch.” I get a kick out of those, and then I block them. 

2. How early in the relationship do you start sending a guy nudes?

Honestly I’m not really a nudes kind of girl, I’m so paranoid with pictures leaking through iCloud or whatever, so I am super careful of what I put on my phone. 

3. First thought that comes to mind when you see a guy you’re attracted to?

“What shoes is he wearing?”

4. Do you believe in posting whom you’re dating on social media?

This one is tricky. In the past, I’ve never once posted a photo with a boyfriend; I just didn’t feel the need to. And it’s hard when you’re semi-public or whatever and there’s a few people out there who know who you are, you don’t want them in your business and I feel like when you are public with your relationship, it opens the door for drama and for rumors. But of course there are times when you wanna show your partner off to the world because you’re proud of them. Maybe one day I will but for now, I’ll lay low.

By Brittany McGregor

Check out the Married To The Mob series “Out Here”. Interviewing Complex news anchor and editorial producer, Emily Oberg. Written by Me 💕

marriedtothemobnyc:

SUP BITCHES!

Here at MOB we are constantly gaining inspiration from only the most official women who are driven stay focused on their grind, whatever that may be; women who put themselves first and plant their careers on the highest pedestal. With numerous bitches climbing their way up the ladder and dominating the scene, daily, the team is celebrating them for what they’re worth and recognizing their endeavors. Our newest venture, Out Here, will be an introductory series into the lives and minds of the new school of upcoming artists, DJ’s, brand owners, and other feminine creative who are really out here monopolizing and laying down the law.

Stay In Your Lane: Brianni Taylor, Event Producer

Dominating the art scene with her innovative and coveted exhibits, event producer Brianni Taylor is curating your favorite albums into an abundance of carefully crafted artistic pieces. With today’s constantly evolving music scene, you’ll find many things that are emulating and embodying your favorite artist. Whether it be concert tour merch, new clothing lines, or a new shoe drop, die hard fans are willing to get their hands on anything that reminds them of their favorite. Leave it to Brianni to select the most talented of artists who make your favorite album come to life through a plethora of inspired oil paintings, decadent food options, and interactive merriment. Taylor previously held a Kanye West inspired Life of Pablo art exhibit back in May, which conceived undeniable praise and recognition from her fans and generated onlookers to want more from the visionary.  Last week, she held a Drake inspired Views art exhibit and luckily I was there to witness the ingenuity myself.  We were given the chance to interview Taylor through a series of questions and get to know her views on how she prevails as a curating sovereign.

Smart Talk

1.Did you have doubts when it came to starting such a creative career? Such as influence from parents, friends, etc. 

A: Yes, I had huge doubts, but surprisingly they came from myself. My family and friends support me so much… it’s kind of too good to be true. They actually believe in me, which in turn makes me believe in myself.

2. Would you rather have a life with or without social networks? Why?

A: Social media REALLY changed me into somewhat of an extrovert. I’m now learning how to fake being an extrovert at least. I’ve met so many people from social media who have helped me, guided me, taught me… I would not be where I am today without it. I even met some of my closest friends through social media. We had mutual friends but we spoke so much via social media & became close.

3. Ever had an instance of another person blatantly copying your craft? Do you believe in confrontation when it happens?

A: I’ve had SEVERAL instances where I put an event together and I see people try to emulate the theme or event title. In one case, I said something to the coordinator because EVERYONE who knew me, thought that was my event. I wasn’t so nice about it although I should’ve been nicer. The more recent cases I just laugh at and move forward. If I had confrontation with everyone who copied me, I’d just have too many issues.

4. Did you have a mentor or certain someone you looked up to when starting your career?

A: Honestly, no. There are a lot of people I look to for inspiration or motivation or guidance but there is no one person who inspired me to curate events. I just wanted to provide quality events, events that I myself would want to go to.

5. Do you ever let competition get to you mentally? Is being competitive a good trait to have when making a career out of your talent?

A: I truly don’t see my peers or other event coordinators as competition. Everyone who I know that coordinates events doesn’t do what I do. I think everyone has their own lane, and I don’t think we’ve ever crossed paths. I do think I set a certain bar and I would want anyone who is in competition with me to reach their highest potential. I admire anyone who curates events because it’s not easy… but I’m also not going to give kudos to people who have ‘themed’ events when said event is nothing of the sort. I just think people need to do better if they want to compete with others (not just myself).

Being competitive is 10% of what matters when it comes to this field. The primary things that matter are hard work, creativity, originality, strong work ethic and great connections with people.

6. Are there any other side hustles you’d like to pursue in the future?

A: I really want to master event production, there’s so much I don’t know! In the future I want to really delve into marketing and branding. I’m also into fashion so I’m working on some things with a friend so that we can have several businesses open for ourselves.

7. What’s the number one trait you should embody when starting your own business as a women in the creative industry?

A: Being coachable. Some people think that it’s their way or no way, and do not know how to be receptive to feedback. I thrive off of feedback negative or positive. I think I’m good at receiving people’s criticism and fueling that to make myself and my events better. I also know when to toss people’s opinions and critiques to the side. All commentary isn’t good commentary and people should learn to filter out what doesn’t need to be heard and pay attention to what does.

8. Do you censor yourself when it comes to what you decide put on social media? (snapchat, twitter, instagram)

A: Absolutely not, especially not on Twitter. I have somewhat made a name for myself by being a shit talker. I say whatever is on my mind at the moment and it can be a gift or a curse, but I don’t want to change that at all.

9. Do you ever let backlash or negative feedback from fans get to you? How do you handle it?

A: I haven’t had any backlash yet, thank god. I do however take any negative comments and try to expound on that. If I ever saw someone making a negative response towards anything creative I’ve done, I’ve spoken to them personally and asked what could I have done better. I want to always grow and learn by not making the same mistakes twice. I also have to realize I can’t please everyone and that is my biggest flaw, trying to accommodate everyone.

Street Talk

1. Has anyone ever succeeded when they “slid” in the DM’s? Funniest thing you’ve ever read in your DM’s?

A: I mean, most guys DM me trying to act like they’re trying to conduct business, but once I realize they’re not I just block them lmaoo. I had 1 guy send me a photo of myself & said I looked as hot as 718,555,5555 degrees but it was literally his phone # lmao. I hated it

2. How early in the relationship do you start sending a guy nudes?

A: there’s no time frame for sending nudes. If I’m comfortable with you then I’ll send them the next day! If I don’t like you enough I’ll never send it.

3. First thought that comes to mind when you see a guy you’re attracted to?

A: Truly, honestly… I think about his smile first… does he have good teeth or not, and then I think about if he’s a fuckboy or not. If 1 of the answers are not good answers, then I just lose interest in that moment.

4. Do you believe in posting whom you’re dating on social media?

A: I think posting who you’re dating leaves so much room for people to be in your business. As soon as you do not post them, people being to speculate and really get a little too nosy, asking unwanted questions and so forth. I don’t judge people who do it, I’ve just never been the type. I think it will also take a certain type of man to bring that side out of me.

Peep some shots from Taylor’s last curation, the Drake inspired “Views” art exhibit

By Brittany McGregor

Check out my latest interview with event producer, Brianni Taylor, as a part of Married To The Mob’s newest series ‘Out Here’!

So I’m trying to be more talkative on social networks, tumblr, snapchat, whatever. But anyways, I’m new to this whole being social and putting myself out there thing. Mostly due to the fact that I was a science major for three and a half years of my life and most of the talking I had to do was just asking my classmates if they understood the shit on the board. Regardless, that field wasn’t my thing and I put on a front for three years pretending that it was. I was a geology major, not to mention the only black geology major at my school (plus I was a female in a male dominated field so that made me stick out like a sore thumb). I do admit I was interested in the subject at first, I spent a lot of my childhood obsessing with tsnumanis, earthquakes, deep sea structures, etc. Though when all that physics and chemistry was thrown at me at a university level I couldn’t stand to look at that shit any longer. My friends were all science majors and they knew I wasn’t the environmental type, though I kept trying to convince them I was. YET, at the same time they looked down upon majors who weren’t STEM, law, or technology so I didn’t want to feel out of the loop with our whole group we had going on. My mom was the biggest factor in choosing a major, for if I wasn’t doing science or technology she wasn’t having it. My parents are Jamaican, so yeah you know that goes with trying to convince caribbean parents that a creative and fun major is going to give you a stable life. Moving on, I have now graduated with a Bachelors in Geology and I’m proud to say I am no longer pursuing it. I’ve moved back to New York and doing something that I love and know I can make a career out of. Fashion, I know that sounds crazy right? A girl has a stable career path going on yet decides to transition into something that seems so bizarre. But not to mention I basically got a C- in every geology class, so imagine me trying to obtain an actual job in something I suck at. Fashion was something I wanted to pursue since elementary, though I knew even back then my mother wouldn’t approve.But shit, I’ve graduated and started making real world moves and having real world dreams. I’ve been in NYC since May and I’ve already experienced the ups and downs of trying to make it in this fashion world, meeting phony people and dealing with phony bosses. But in contrast to Geology, I’m willing to push through all the struggle that’s been thrown my way. I’ve met great people and made great milestones in this field. I’m only looking forward to what these next couple of years have to offer, and writing this post has only increased my drive to continue to put myself out there and defy my shyness. So expect more posts from me in the near future.