30 Questions on 30A: Jami Ray

This post is part of my weekly Q&A series “30 Questions on 30A” where I interview friends, blogger babes and girl bosses to learn what makes them tick and find out their 30A favorites! For this post, I’m turning the tables and sharing my own answers.

I love that you all have enjoyed this series so far and I want to say thank you to each person who has read through or commented on the first three interviews. I’ve had so much fun asking questions and getting inspired by other creative ladies with plenty more features coming your way. In case you missed the first few, you can read 30 Questions on 30A with Jessica Fay of Lipstick, Heels and a Baby, Whitney Haldeman of Blonde Atlas and the Flowers sisters of The Perennial Style. One sweet reader kindly called me out for skipping over my own Q&A, which I didn’t even think about! So, with a little reminder (which I clearly needed!), read on for my responses to 30 Questions on 30A.

30A Shopping White Memorial Day Dress

1. How do you describe your blog in three words?
30A Inspired Style

2. How do you describe your personal style? 
Overall, I’d say bright, beachy and feminine. I love happy pops of color like pink, turquoise and yellow. Black and white is my all-time favorite combo and loud prints excite me.  I’m a fan of clean lines and neutrals, but also not afraid to throw in something bright or extra girly just for fun. 

3. How did you first hear about 30A? 
My family moved here when I was in high school and I immediately loved everything about 30A. I left for college at FSU then came home every summer to work fun, seasonal jobs and after graduation, knew I wanted to create a career here. Eventually I started Outright Social for content and design projects and later 30A Street Style. South Walton has changed so much since those early days, but the things I loved most about it then are the same things I love most about it now.   

4. What is your can’t-miss 30A restaurant? 
So hard to choose! I love 723 Whiskey Bravo and  The Pearl in Rosemary Beach

5. Favorite low-key spot on 30A? 
Chanticleer is my go-to for an easy and delicious lunch.

6. What do you order when you get coffee on 30A? 
It’s usually a frozen coffee with almond milk from Amavida. I can’t handle hot coffee in 90 degree weather. 

7. Who would you dream of having coffee with? 
I would love a coffee date with my grandmother who passed away a few years ago. She was one of the first women to go to law school at Florida State and was a total boss babe before that was ever a thing. We were always close, but I know we would have more to talk about these days than ever before. 

8. Best spot to grab cocktails? 
I love the craft cocktails at The Pearl in Rosemary Beach. I’m always torn between the roof and the bar downstairs. I also love Restaurant Paradis martinis.

30A Street Style Jami Ray The Pearl Rosemary Beach Black and White Stripes 7
Jacqueline Ward Images

9. Favorite sunset view on 30A? 
Watching the sun from the walkovers in Rosemary Beach is pretty spectacular, but you also can’t beat the front row seat from the sand or the view from a boat on the Choctawhatchee Bay.

10. What’s in your beach bag? 
I start with a fun pom pom tote, add a big hat, a magazine, plastic sunglasses that won’t get caught in my hair, sunscreen, ear buds, fruit, water and probably one of Emery’s mermaid beach toys. 

11. Favorite 30A memory so far? 
Hunter proposed in front of Bud & Alley’s where we had our second first date (that’s another story!) and I still feel like that moment was a dream. 

12. First website you check in the morning? 
Facebook and Gmail. I usually have the most notifications from Facebook when I wake up thanks to all my groups – some for clients, some personal and some for niche professionals. It’s like texting on steroids! I like to clear all my phone notifications before I even get out of bed. 

13. Last dish you ordered? 
Tomato soup and grilled cheese at Modica Market in Seaside.

14. Last book you read? 
I go through a ton of books on Audible and I’m currently in the middle of Anne of Green Gables with Emery. We follow along while Rachel McAdams narrates – it’s actually very relaxing!

15. Most used app on your phone? 
Gmail for my 3 email addresses, followed closely by Instagram

16. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? 
Usually around 30 minutes, but when I wash my hair I do it before bed.

Amanda Sause Photography

17. What one beauty product can’t you live without? 
Anastasia Brow Wiz pencil. Makes all the difference! 

18. What is the last clothing or accessory item you purchased? 
These colorful earrings.

19. What is your go-to outfit? 
Definitely a maxi dress. They work in so many situations. 

20. Favorite fashion (or beauty) trend of all time? 
Black and white stripes. 

21. What influencers do you love to follow? 
So many! The ones I’ve followed the longest would probably be Lauren Conrad, Julia from Gal Meets Glam and Tash and Dev from Bikini a Day

22. How do you unwind? 
Quiet time or with a cocktail – I could go either way!

23. Do you have any hidden talents? 
I played the saxophone in middle school. Does that count?

24. What would you never wear? 
Brown is last on my list.

25. Who is the last person you called on the phone (texting doesn’t count)? 
Hunter. 

26. What would you be doing if you weren’t on your current career path? 
Who knows? I spent so much time on a STEM-heavy pre-med track before realizing it wasn’t my true passion. At this point, I could see myself doing almost anything creative! 

27. Who has been your biggest influence? 
My husband is the person I talk about decisions and ideas with most. He says I’m easily distracted, but I like to think of it as easily inspired. He keeps me grounded and balances me, but also is great to sit down with and map out a real plan to make things happen. 

28. What are your best words of advice for aspiring lady bosses chasing the dream? 
Be confident in your abilities and go for it. No one is going to hand you your dream job tied nicely with a bow. You might have to create it out of nothing and train yourself. It will take time and everything won’t be perfect, but progress is better than waiting for perfection. When you look back you’ll wonder why you didn’t go for it sooner. 

29. Tips for balancing it all? 
Force yourself to organize and compartmentalize, even if it doesn’t come naturally.  I spend time scheduling to-dos on my calendar and setting notifications so I can make the most of my working hours and also know at a glance what I need to accomplish that day or that week. I like to set blocks of time to work on certain projects and when I meet a major goal or finish a project, I feel good about taking time off. I can refresh and create quality time by spending an afternoon at the park with Emery or hopping on the boat to hang out with Hunter. You can do lots of things well, but not necessarily at the same time.

30. What most excites you about life lately? 
I’m lucky to have so many great projects to work on this year. I’m excited about designing and being part of the new 30A Kids Club magazine and also looking forward to planning a few trips with my family. My goal this year is to work hard, but play harder!

Jami Ray Hunter Ray - 30A Street Style
Jacqueline Ward Images

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