Stories like
More Than Enough are so important. Voices like Elaine Welteroth's are crucial. This book was an exceptional narrative about a young woman with a dream, and her journey towards realizing that dream. We need to hear stories like this, because it reminds us that not only are our aspirations acceptable, but that they are also attainable.
There is a quote from Entertainment Weekly on the cover of the version I purchased that says this book is "the millennial Becoming," and I have to agree. While I was equally as inspired by Michelle Obama's autobiography, I can definitely see the parallels in their experiences, despite their different industries. One thing that is consistent, is that both women remained true to themselves, and it was their authenticity and strong family support that often led the way. It was their personal truths, and understanding of themselves, that allowed them to break ceilings and influence millions.
I love a good biography, because it presents the story-behind-the story for so many larger-than-life figures, like Elaine Welteroth. Familiar with her name, her style, and her impactful presence in publishing through
Teen Vogue, I was so curious about her journey. While the stories of most musicians and actresses are easily accessible, whenever I see a Black woman outside of the entertainment field who is boldly asserting her creativity and her voice out in the world and making movements along the way, I am first in line to hear what the experience was like for her.
How did she prepare? What did she feel? Was she always this confident? Did she have support? What did the support look like? Were there crazy obstacles along the way? How was her family? What about relationships? Did she experience racism in a way that hindered her? There are so many questions, and so many realities to explore, and every now and then we are fortunate when these answers and more are pre-packaged, and fall neatly into our hands in a book like More Than Enough.
What I didn't expect was just how much I would relate to Elaine's story, particularly her passions and even a few of her insecurities. She presents like an outgoing, confident, intelligent, and witty fashionista who has the ability to effortlessly inspire change and curate motivation. From the moment the book brought us into her classroom, and her childhood home, I was quickly reminded that she, too, was just a woman aspiring to do great things...she was relatable, and suddenly made even the most astronomical of achievements seem less abstract.
As the story continued, you could appreciate each and every win right along with Elaine. You could feel the hurt of her losses, and cheer her successes. Throughout high school, college, and the early years of her career, you gain true appreciation for every year of her journey...and it made the final polished results that much more influential, when you realize exactly what it took for her to get to those (well deserved) spaces.
Writers, artists, and creatives...there are usually some fundamental commonalities between us all. Most importantly, in how we connect our lived experiences to our produced works. How we understand the world, and how (and why) we choose to (or choose not to) present those thoughts are always a key factor in everything we do. It's always the most intriguing thing to learn how others are able to make that connection, and translate their thoughts and concepts into tangible products. The creative process is always a magical one, and unique in each iteration.
Elaine's impact on the publishing industry--and particularly with the presentation of the youth voice--were once-in-a-lifetime levels of fantastic. Reading about her meetings with Anna Wintour, her nerve-wracking salary negotiation meetings, and her experiences being called into great conversations and even greater encounters with her own creative idols was fascinating. Throughout the story, from adolescence, right through to the hugely successful Teen Vogue Summit at the book's end, you can't help but root for Elaine to win...in a big way. You can't help but feel like a friend, or confident as she describes the emotions, the fears, the tears, and the triumphs along the way. You can't help but sit in awe of all she was able to accomplish at such a young age, and despite the international impact she was able to make in a relatively brief period of time (she is, after all, still only 33 years old!), there was something so hopeful about the text that made it feel like it was happening to you the reader...and that it was possible.
I appreciated this book on so many levels. The familiarity of the culture and current events. The inside look at the glamorous magazine publishing industry, and also the resilience and commitment it takes to influence change, and remain true to yourself.
Now that I am familiar with the beginning of her career, I honestly look forward to seeing what other projects, movements, and creations Elaine will impact. I've just signed up for her mailing list, and I'm here for this incredible story of perseverance, and strength to continue!
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Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Reflection & Reason" blog.
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