Meet Elizabeth Randolph-Montgomery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Randolph-Montgomery.

Hi Elizabeth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
My journey as an artist began incredibly early in life. My earliest memories involve using my imagination, whether playing Barbies with my sister, dressing up and playing with makeup, or nestled in a corner with a book. When I was a little older, around 5 or 6, I fell in love with my favorite way of being creative — writing. 

The way I discovered writing as a hobby was entirely accidental. I lived in California with my mom and sister in the 90s, where I was introduced to the movie ‘Selena.’ Although it’s probably odd to imagine Selena being a kid’s favorite movie, I was captivated by the film from beginning to end. I loved Jennifer Lopez as Selena’s style, the music, and the quotable scenes like “Anything for Selenas.” I watched it every day after school. 

One day, while I was watching Selena, something in me told me to write down everything I saw on the screen, scene by scene, plot by plot. From there, it sparked my passion for writing and, eventually, journalism. 

While I liked writing, I was curious if I wanted to do it as a career. However, I knew I loved fashion and entertainment and told stories well. In high school, I joined my school’s newspaper and yearbook staff. During that time, my English teacher, Mrs. Poulsen, told me I should go to college for journalism. When she said that, a light went off, and my journey as a journalist began when I was accepted to Kent State University to study magazine journalism. 

My time at Kent State helped me explore various forms of journalism, from written to broadcast to digital. Before I graduated in 2015, journalism had found more of a digital presence, making it more difficult for me to find a job with my “traditional degree.” So, in 2017, I returned to school and studied fashion marketing at LIM College, where I learned the business side of fashion and created a way to merge my love of writing, storytelling, and fashion. Thus, my fashion blog, Styled to Bloom, was born. The blog has seen various iterations and is now a lifestyle brand hosted on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. 

Today, I continue sharing my passion for style online through social media. However, since 2019, I realized entertainment journalism is what I enjoy discussing. I’ve now written for The Inquisitr, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Monsters and Critics, and Distractify as a freelance and staff writer. In my entertainment career, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Lala Anthony, Lamar Odom, Candiace Dillard-Bassett, Tami Roman, Christian Cowan, Andy Cohen and many more. My next objective is to be an editor and find a way to use my skills to give back to my community. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to where I am now hasn’t been easy by far. There have been many personal and professional obstacles along the way, including working multiple jobs that didn’t necessarily align with my goals, though I learned from all of them. My most significant struggle is finding work-life balance, which I battle all the time. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in writing, interviewing/reporting, and content creation. I would say I’m more known for my role as a journalist. I have been a freelance and staff journalist for multiple publications, including my current position as a staff writer at Distractify.com. I am most proud of the fact that, through the ups and downs of working in media, I have been able to sustain myself solely as a journalist and creative. This is something that isn’t lost on me, as so many talented people are forced to work jobs that don’t align with their goals every day. 

I believe that what sets me apart from others is that no one is me and can do exactly what I do as I do it. As much as my head can try and convince me otherwise, I am not in competition with anyone. Only God and I know how much I’ve sacrificed to get into the rooms I’m in, and only God knows where I will be going. I try to remember that often, though life can make that difficult. I am also someone who has remained consistent in her craft and has always remained curious on how to improve my skills even after I’ve achieved a goal. 

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My tribe. I have so many people, including my beautiful wife, family, and friends, who are constantly cheering me on. Whether I’m celebrating an interview, a new job, or need encouragement, I am blessed to have the people in my life lift me in times I can’t. 

Also, bright clothes, makeup, TV, classic movies (like Selena, Waiting to Exhale, etc.), good food, and a better book make me extremely happy! 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styledtobloom/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.randolph.94
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-randolph-a6990a93/

Image Credits
By Ari Productions
Sunflower & Succulent
Masterpeace Media