Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Barrow.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I studied Communication Disorders with the intention of getting my graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. I was an active member of my sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, during my undergraduate career. My junior year of college, I was given the opportunity to become a brand ambassador for Keds (the shoe company) on campus. I started an Instagram account (@musingsofglitter) inspired by a pair of gold glitter Kate Spade Keds as part of the ambassadorship to help market events and the shoes across campus. The account quickly gained traction and I was offered a summer internship in the social media/marketing department at Wolverine Worldwide (the parent company of Keds) in Boston. Although, at the time, this was wildly out of my comfort zone – I packed up for the summer and moved to Boston. I absolutely LOVED my time there and learned so much about myself and the world of social media. At the conclusion of my internship, I was offered a job upon graduation but turned it down to go to graduate school to get my master’s in Speech-Language Pathology.
I kept my Musings of Glitter Instagram account, shifted the focus to fashion/beauty and started a blog to keep my foot in the social media/marketing world – just in case I ever wanted to return to that career but finished out graduate school at the University of Arkansas. Following graduation, I knew I wanted to move to a bigger southern city – but I’m a southern girl at heart, so I wanted to stay somewhere close by. I ended up moving to Nashville and began working as a speech-language pathologist within the public schools with students with disabilities. Working in the schools has been perfect for me as it’s allowed me to keep up with Musings of Glitter as a side hustle.
After four years in Nashville, I wanted to move a little closer to home – so enter Dallas! I’m brand new to the city as of this summer and can’t wait to explore. I’ll continue working in the public school as a speech-language pathologist, but am also hoping to get plugged into the blogger/influencer world down here in Texas! I’m looking forward to this new adventure and am excited to get involved within the 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?
I’ve always been really torn between the two career paths. The excitement and glamour of the social media/influencer world has always been alluring. Free swag, cool events and lots of incredible opportunities! It’s a job that challenges my creative side and lets me explore my passion for fashion. On the other hand, I’ve always loved working with children with disabilities. It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about! Working as a speech pathologist and helping students communicate and find success is incredibly rewarding. I’m fortunate to have found a way to pursue both, but it’s hard having my feet in two different worlds at times.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Speech-Language Pathology: I work within the public schools and have worked with all age groups (from PreK through 21). I work on a variety of different skills and my therapy sessions vary greatly based on each student I work with. Some of the skills we target in sessions include articulation, expressive and receptive language skills, pragmatics (social skills), cognitive processing, fluency (stuttering) and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication). I absolutely love working with students with disabilities and find it incredibly rewarding. I believe that every child has the right to communicate and I’m honored that I get help each of my students be successful both in and out of the classroom.
Musings of Glitter: Although this originally started as a blog, over the years it has mainly become an Instagram presence. It’s given me a lot of incredible opportunities over the years! I’ve been able to model for Garnier Fructis in a national ad campaign. I’ve worked with countless brands, including Maybelline, Old Navy, Adrianna Papell, Bud Light, Kendra Scott, Sugarfix and more! During my time in Nashville, I was able to expand to cover lifestyle events as well, allowing me to cover bar and restaurant openings throughout the city. And, of course, living in Nashville – you can’t forget about the music. I was lucky enough to work with CMA Fest and Warner Music over the years.
How do you think about happiness?
I love getting to spend time with my friends and family. They are the most important thing to me and getting to spend quality time with them is always so sweet!
Contact Info:
- Email: musingsofglitter@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/musingsofglitter
Image Credits
Some of the photos were taken by Olivia Dixon and Robbie Hall.
