Typical Vixen is not just your average site. Hailey Ray and Camille Smith, the creator and creative development specialist respectively, are sophomores here at FAMU. The two roommates created Typical Vixen to discuss thoughts and opinions of this generation’s women. Hailey and Camille started the site back in January and has grown immensely since then. Her Campus FAMU’s Editor-in-Chief sits down with the girls to discuss Typical Vixen, future plans and more!
Name: Hailey Ray
Major: Public Relations
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Orlando, Fl
Campus Involvement: PRSSA, NABJ and Famuan PR Team.
HC FAMU: Please describe Typical Vixen and what role you play in it.
HR: I am the creator and owner of TypicalVixen.com. I was given the mission, designed the website and concept along with our social media, and bought our domain name.
HC FAMU: Do you plan on working in digital, fashion or style after graduation?
HR: After graduation I would like to work at a PR firm that represents companies in these areas or develop these areas for the company.
HC FAMU: If I could trade lives with another woman for a day it would be _______.
HR: Beyonće. Hands Down.
HC FAMU: Do you have any advice for students who are looking to start their own website/brand?
HR: Start with a mission that means something to you. Your mission will drive the completion and success of your work, because it gives you a purpose deeper than yourself.
HC FAMU: The best fashion or beauty tip I’ve ever gotten is _____.
HR: Use clear mascara to shape your eyebrows, which came from our March Vixen of the Month, Ashley Reyes.
HC FAMU: What do you want readers to take away from Typical Vixen?
HR: Beauty has a voice. Girls are more than just pretty faces and beautiful bodies; we are also beautiful minds.
HC FAMU: How did you decide on the name Typical Vixen?HR: The definition of a Vixen is a female fox. People have changed the connotation to mean something demeaning, when the reality there is no shame in being a beautiful foxy lady, which even the typical girl is; Typical Vixen.
HC FAMU: What is your favorite brand of shoes?
HR: I’m not really a shoe girl, lol. I follow the 3C rule; cheap, comfortable and cute.
HC FAMU: Who is your favorite designer?
HR: Nothing like a Coach purse.
HC FAMU: What are your favorite beauty products?
HR: Lashes, Lashes, Lashes.
HC FAMU: Can anyone be featured on Typical Vixen?
HR: All girls have the opportunity to answer our “Hot Topic” or “Quick Question,” however, our “Vixen of the Month,” is chosen based on going above and beyond in order to be a role model for other girls.
HC FAMU: What inspired you to create Typical Vixen?
HR: As I applied for internships I noticed potential employers asked for my website and blog information. My professors explained how having your own website or blog is a good idea so I thought about what Girls today NEEDED and how I could reflect that in a relatable way. God gave me the mission “All Girls are Pretty. All Girls are Worth It. All Girls should Know It,” the rest just unfolded.
HC FAMU: Are there any upcoming projects for Typical Vixen?
HR: Our next project is “Women 2 Watch,” which will highlight women who own small businesses, as well as an advice column. We’ll also be selling E-Hookah sticks to promote quitting tobacco very soon. Eventually, I’d like to start a foundation and modeling agency under the same name and mission.
HC FAMU: Typical Vixen’s motto is “Every girl is pretty. Every girl is worth it. Every girl should know.” That statement is so true and speaks to women empowerment and self-love, what we here at HC FAMU encourage. How important is it for all women to love themselves?
HR: First and foremost: so many women lack self-love and as a result, they seek love in other things that are superficial or temporary. Once those things waiver even the slightest, they are broken. When you love who you are, truly and completely, nothing can take your joy away. Love will radiate through you and spill out into your life, your relationships and everything you could have ever imagined will be placed before you.
HC FAMU: Name that one song you love to listen to that makes you feel like the woman you know you are.
HR: “Not Ready to Make Nice” by the Dixie Chicks. It’s my message to the people who get power through degrading women.
Name: Camille Smith
Major: Business Administration
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Campus Involvement: None yet.
HC FAMU: Please describe Typical Vixen and what role you play in it.
CS: Typical Vixen is a fun and flirty blog/website that deals with the thoughts and opinions of beautiful women. I am the Creative Development Specialist. I help generate the ideas and details that will help us build a strong brand, as well as identify with our audience.
HC FAMU: Do you plan on working in digital, fashion or style after graduation?
CS: After graduating, I plan to open a retail store with another one of my partners and also continue to work with Typical Vixen.
HC FAMU: If I could trade lives with another woman for a day it would be _______.
CS: Oprah. Mainly, because she embodies ALL of the qualities that I believe a powerful businesswoman should have.
HC FAMU: Do you have any advice for students who are looking to start their own website/brand?
CS: Be confident and have faith, there are so many students that have great ideas but lack the confidence to carry out their ideas. It all starts with one step, everything after that is extreme faith that everything will come together.
HC FAMU: The best fashion or beauty tip I’ve ever gotten is _____.
CS: To wear your clothes tight enough to show your curves and loose enough to show that you’re a lady.
HC FAMU: What do you want readers to take away from Typical Vixen?
CS: I want readers to know that they DO have a voice and they are worth being acknowledged.
HC FAMU: How did you decide on the name Typical Vixen?
CS: Hailey came to me with the name and logo, and we both decided that it sounded and looked good as the brand name.
HC FAMU: What is your favorite brand of shoes?
CS: I don’t really have a particular brand, as long as the quality of the shoes are good… I love all shoes!
HC FAMU: Who is your favorite designer?
CS: I really love Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs, their style is really clean cut and timeless.
HC FAMU: What are your favorite beauty products?
CS: Revlon Colorburst Lip Gloss in Bellini. I swear by it, its great for any look.
HC FAMU: Can anyone be featured on Typical Vixen?
CS: Yes, any girl can be featured on Typical Vixen. Our mission is to reach out and give girls a voice by allowing them to speak on subjects that women face in our everyday lives.
HC FAMU: What inspired you to create Typical Vixen?
CS: Well, one day Hailey came to me with the idea for the site and the mission and instantly I knew that it was something that I could stand behind. I believe that the site gives girls a space to share their opinions no matter how unique they are; with the one commonality of us being woman and our thoughts and personality are what set us apart.
HC FAMU: Are there any upcoming projects for Typical Vixen?
CS: One of the next projects for Typical Vixen is the “Drama Mama’s Advice Column” which I am very excited about so definitely be on the look out for that.
HC FAMU: Typical Vixen’s motto is “Every girl is pretty. Every girl is worth it. Every girl should know.” That statement is so true and speaks to women empowerment and self-love, what we here at HC FAMU encourage. How important is it for all women to love themselves?
CS: It is EXTREMELY important for a woman to love herself. As women self-love is the hardest thing to accomplish yet it’s the most freeing feeling in the world. Self-love builds the foundation for loving others, its important to know your worth.
HC FAMU: Name that one song you love to listen to that makes you feel like the woman you know you are.
CS: “Video” by India Arie, to me it is a song the spreads self love, originality and acceptance.