By: Danielle Kwateng
Gabi Gregg never expected so much stardom in a short period of time. All the Detroit native wanted to do was inspire young girls through her blog Young, Fat and Fabulous. Now, through a whirlwind MTV competition and gig with Vogue Italia, she’s not only inspiring but embracing the world of fashion. Gregg is MTV’s first ever Twitter Jockey which positions her as the face of MTV’s media mix of social networking and TV. Gregg will upkeep a blog on her experience, interview entertainers and avidly micro-blog on Twitter, you can follow her @GabiFresh. Fearless in her pursuit of all things fly, we sat down with Ms. Gregg to see what the journey was like making network history and how she plans to individualize this opportunity.
How did you get involved with MTV’s Twitter Jockey competition?
Unlike most job searches, MTV starting scouring the internet on their own. They didn’t tell anybody. They looked for young people who were really into social networking and they found my blog and my Twitter along with 17 other people. They contacted us and asked if we’d be interested in the competition, so I didn’t apply to anything. They came to me. I definitely said: “Yes.” because I’m a huge fan of social media and pop culture. It fit in with my interests. We had competitions and challenges…it was narrowed down and people voted via Facebook and I ended up winning that way.
When did your blog start? And what was the original focus?
I started blogging in October of 2008. It started off a little bit differently. I do more of my own outfits and style choices and wish lists. When I first started, I did more tips and where to find clothes and how can you wear skinny jeans-type posts. I also incorporated a few outfits and I found that’s what resonated with my readers.
Do you come from a broadcast background?
I don’t. I was interested in journalism in college, but my school (Mt. Holyoke College) didn’t offer the major. I ended up majoring in international relations, which is not related to fashion. [Laugh] But I always had an interest in fashion when I was in college. I didn’t know how to go about it. So I started the blog, because I couldn’t get a job in it. I applied to a few places and got a few interviews, but nothing panned out. I was like, “I can do this myself and see where it leads.” I combined my passion for fashion and writing, specifically plus-size fashion…since there isn’t a lot for young girls. I wanted to help fill that void.
Who are some of your favorite designers?
I love Alexander McQueen. He was probably my favorite. I love Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Rodarte has some great things.
What part of Detroit are you from?
I’m from the East part of the city.
Detroit versus New York, who has better shopping?
[Laugh] Oh, shopping! Hands down, New York. Detroit is not that known for their shopping.
How did you get involved with Vogue Italia? Didn’t know they had a plus-size section.
Yea and they didn’t for a while. American Vogue definitely doesn’t [have a plus-size sections]. But Vogue Italia is more progressive and they decided to launch their new website, which is Vogue. it. They thought of the idea to have two sub sections: Vogue Black and Vogue Curvy. Some people say it’s worse, because now we’re segregated. But to them I say if we didn’t have subsections we wouldn’t be there. I think it’s a step in the right direction. They have different bloggers from all over the world and I said I can do Chicago and we negotiated that.
Where does your confidence come from?
From seeing other girls who were confident that looked like me and seeing other people that promoted the idea of loving yourself. So I’m now happy to be a part of that movement.
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Want the latest on Gabi Gregg? Log onto http://tj.mtv.com/, or simply follower her on Twitter @GabiFresh.
