Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Straubinger.
Jocelyn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Born and raised Houstonian, it’s safe to say my love for this city runs deep. I’m also a proud Mexican with incredible parents that showed us hard work, diligence but also a huge appreciation for this city and its diversity.
I’m always so grateful to have grown up in a city where I was always around different backgrounds, races, cultures and good food. Oh, the food!
Where can you get authentic Asian cuisine and just a couple miles away authentic Indian dishes?
From hot spots to a hole in the wall restaurants – there’s never a lack of great options your disposal.
I can’t even remember the last time I ever said “I’m bored”, there’s always a new spot to check out, shows playing and events in town – some even free! If you’ve ever caught yourself saying that, you’re doing Houston wrong.
My husband and I love trying new eats & coffee in town and found myself being the hub for friends on where to go, what to check out and what to avoid.
Thus began my journey with my website Strauberry Fields. The name came from my married last name and my love for The Beatles. Also “fields” because my brain is a field of ideas and wanted to cover more than just food. I love great music, recipes, travel and random topics.
I just started it this year after pushing it aside for so long and have enjoyed getting to share on a variety of topics. It’s still new to me and it’ll always be evolving.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing comes easy and everything takes hard work. Most of my hurdles were on what was happening around me. Life happens, everyone faces opposition, everyone is struggling with something – it just comes down to are you going to let it defeat you or you defeat it.
Staying motivated, positive and continuing to work towards what I want is a daily choice despite rejection, let downs or even my own negative thoughts. Like anyone else, I have doubts, insecurities, and fears but my main motto in life is “don’t live in fear”.
Fear is crippling and I’ve seen how it can paralyze you from living your best life. I’d rather do something scared of out my mind than to not do it all. Time is precious and ever fleeting, I never want to look back knowing I didn’t live it to it’s fullest potential.
My faith and relationship in God is my constant and solid foundation. If you have peace, you have everything.
My advice to anyone reading this is don’t be afraid of the unknown. Everyone has their own set of unique gifts and talents, don’t be afraid to share it with others. Go with what drives you, even if others don’t understand or fully support you.
what should we know about your business? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’ve always been fascinated with behind the scenes anything. At the same time, I love whatever work I’m doing is benefiting others lives in a positive way.
While in college, studying Broadcast Journalism, I ended up being more into the behind the scenes work and production side of things. I got involved in helping organize large fundraising/concert events and from there got into event planning & coordinating.
I ended up working for a large non-profit organization as an event coordinator for 6 years.
This year, I took a sharp turn in a different direction away from the event planning realm and jumped into the styling and tech world. Currently working as a freelance personal stylist & consultant and contract work with Google’s Area 120.
Although it may not have made any sense to most, to the ones who knew me it made perfect sense. I love exploring new industries and put myself on a career path that is constantly challenging me and getting to use my talents in a different avenue. If I’m comfortable, I’m not learning anything new.
In styling, I love the feeling of helping create a look for someone perfectly tailored to their own style and liking – ultimately making them feel their absolute best.
Clothing shouldn’t wear you, you should wear it! My clients range from stay at home moms, high-level executives to some travel & family bloggers.
It was definitely a leap and plunge, but it’s been very rewarding!
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
The Way of the Shepherd is one of those short and simple but much-needed reminders throughout the years on how to be the best leader and care for others whether in the workplace or in your personal life.
Uninvited by Lisa TerKeurst deals with rejection and dives into those raw deep thoughts we tend to entertain.
I rely heavily on the Word of God (Bible) and of course going to church.
I enjoy the motivational and psychology breakdowns on Ted Talks and whenever I want a quick pick-me-up, “ThinkUP” app has great affirmations to read over ranging from motivation to parenting and everything in between.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.strauberryfields.com
- Email: joss.straubinger@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strauberry.fields/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jocelyn.torres
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/jossstraub/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
