Woman of inspiration: Q&A with InStyle Editor-in-Chief Justine Cullen

Confession, Justine Cullen may very well be my ultimate woman of inspiration. Since her days of leading Shop Til You Drop magazine and her down-to-earth editor letters I have always wanted to write, she has shown women all around Australia that anyone can work their way to the top, so getting to ask her a bunch of questions is a total pinch-me moment. Even better, she will be speaking at the final Inspire event at Canberra Outlet and you bet I will be there fangirling in the crowd.

She currently holds the position of editor-in-chief of InStyle Australia magazine and has spent her life writing for and about women. Working her way up from an intern at Dolly, she has learnt how to juggle careers, families, and everything in between.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into the industry.

I wanted to work in magazines from pretty much as soon as I read my first Dolly mag. It just seemed like such a more exciting world than anything I’d ever been exposed to. I learned from the editor’s letters that there was such a thing as work experience, and I threw myself into it with terrifying teenage gusto – showing up after school and every single holidays and offering my services. I don’t know how helpful I was, but I just loved being amongst it. Eventually I got offered a job as editorial coordinator at Girlfriend magazine while I was in the middle of my HSC exams. I’ve never looked back.

Can you walk us through where your passion for writing and creating magazines started?

I was a desperately shy child and pretty much never had my head out of a book. Going to the library was my sole extracurricular activity! I have joked in the past that fashion magazines combined the only two hobbies I’ve ever had, which were Barbies up until I could read and then words forever after.  Obviously, my love for the industry has evolved since then. What I eventually came to love was the creativity – having ideas and making something from nothing that could entertain, inform or impact the reader in some way. I love how tangible the results of all your efforts are.

What was the most challenging aspect you’ve faced so far?

The industry has obviously gone through an astounding amount of change in my 29 years as part of it. Watching budgets get cut and colleagues made redundant, the trauma and challenges to the business of transitioning to digital, possibly not as fast as was needed, magazines closing – there have been some very tough years. It’s really only the passion for it and my personal hunger to keep innovating that has kept me going at times.

What’s been the most amazing experience? You have worked with some of the biggest names in publishing, fashion and beauty, there has to be that major pinch me moment where you questioned is this really my life?

There have been many! Almost any big fashion show in Paris – Chanel or Dior shows where the level of creativity and execution is just on another level. I was once invited to visit Coco Chanel’s apartment there as well, which has been maintained exactly as it was when she was alive. That was a quasi-religious experience for me. Shooting with photographers whose work I grew up admiring, like Gilles Bensimon. There’s definitely been a lot of imposter syndrome!

What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone looking to chase their dreams/passion or try something new?

I really like how over the past few years we’re starting to understand that success is not necessarily about career or financial achievement, there are many variations of it and even your own personal definition of it may change many times over your lifetime. That’s not necessarily as easy a path as the old version though, and what it requires is really listening to your gut, knowing what genuinely serves you (and what doesn’t), and having the courage to make the right steps in that direction – even when no-one around you else gets it, or when it’s hard. You have a duty to be forensic and dogged about your own happiness!

We know it’s cliché but what does an ideal day look like to you?

Just any ‘no-work-no-school day’ as my three-year-old calls the weekends!

What keeps you Zen/Happy?

Travelling, particularly with my family (although I will not say no to a solo trip either!) I feel human now that the world has opened up again.

What is your go to outfit that just makes you feel great or is the easy throw together when time is not your friend?

I’m a dress girl. I have lots that are on constant rotation and have been for years. Put it on, outfit done.

Lastly, because we are very proud of our little city, can you tell us what your fav hidden gem is when visiting the Capital?

I haven’t been in years but my family is coming with me when I come for the Canberra Outlet Inspire event and we’re super excited to explore. Maybe ride some bikes around the lake and eat our way through the city. Any tips welcome!

 

Want to hear from Justine as she talks career, juggling four boys (husband not included) and still having a social life, click here to purchase tickets for Canberra Outlet’s Inspire event.

She will be joined by Zeb Khan, principle psychologist of Lifestyle Psychology, who has worked in the mental health industry for the past 15 years, and has seen the change from busy culture and the impacts on mental health during the pandemic. Between these two women you are sure to walk away feeling motivated and Inspired.