Elaine Welteroth's memoir "More Than Enough" tells the inspiring story of her journey from a small town in California to becoming one of the youngest editors-in-chief in Condé Nast's history. As a biracial woman, Welteroth faced unique challenges in both her personal life and professional career in the predominantly white world of fashion magazines. Her story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and learning to embrace her identity.
The book takes readers through pivotal moments in Welteroth's life, from her childhood experiences grappling with race and identity to her meteoric rise in the competitive magazine industry. Along the way, she shares valuable insights about overcoming self-doubt, breaking barriers, and staying true to yourself even when facing immense pressure to conform.
"More Than Enough" is more than just a memoir - it's an empowering guide for young women, especially women of color, who are trying to navigate their careers and find their voice. Welteroth's candid reflections on her successes and struggles provide inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone striving to make their mark on the world.
Early Life and Childhood
A Biracial Upbringing
Elaine Welteroth was born to a white father and black mother in Newark, California. From an early age, she was aware that her family looked different from most others in their predominantly white community. This realization came into sharp focus when she was just three years old, working on a preschool assignment to create a collage representing her family.
Unable to find magazine images that looked like her mixed-race family, young Elaine initially used pictures of white people to represent her parents and brother. When her mother Debra saw the collage, she recognized it as a teachable moment. She sat Elaine down for an important conversation about race and helped her redo the project using images from Ebony and Essence that more accurately reflected their family.
This experience was formative for Elaine. Her parents, especially her mother, made a concerted effort to instill a sense of pride in her black identity from a young age. They taught her that she was perfect just as she was, even if she looked different from her classmates. This early lesson in self-acceptance would prove invaluable as Elaine navigated issues of race and belonging throughout her life.
Early Signs of Entrepreneurship
Even as a young girl, Elaine showed signs of the drive and creativity that would fuel her later success. In fifth grade, she and her best friend Claudia started a makeshift beauty salon in Claudia's backyard. While partly motivated by a desire to make friends with the neighborhood girls, this venture revealed Elaine's early interest in beauty and her entrepreneurial spirit.
At home, Elaine spent hours creating elaborate collages, cutting out images and quotes from teen magazines to capture the essence of her friendships. Though she didn't realize it at the time, she was honing skills in layout and design that would serve her well in her future career as a magazine editor.
Elaine also loved to tell stories and conduct imaginary interviews, using her showerhead as a microphone. She would pretend to be Barbara Walters or Oprah, interviewing celebrities and historical figures. These childhood games foreshadowed her future work in media and journalism.
Identity Struggles in School
As Elaine entered her pre-teen and teenage years, she began to struggle more with fitting in and embracing her identity. Her hairstyles became a reflection of her inner turmoil and desire to belong. In elementary school, she wore her hair in braids styled by her mother. But by eighth grade, she was experimenting with different looks, trying to control her naturally curly hair.
A particularly painful moment came when Elaine discovered a list ranking the girls in her grade from "pretty to butt ugly" - and found her name near the bottom. This experience shook her confidence and made her even more self-conscious about her appearance.
In junior high, Elaine's chameleon-like ability to blend in with different groups led her to adopt the style of her Mexican classmates. She gelled her hair into the popular style and penciled her eyebrows, trying to fit in. But she still felt overlooked, especially when it came to romantic attention from boys.
These early struggles with identity and belonging set the stage for Elaine's ongoing journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. They also fueled her later passion for increasing diversity and representation in the fashion and beauty industries.
High School and First Love
Falling for the Bad Boy
Elaine's high school years brought new experiences and challenges, particularly in the realm of romance. For the first time, she found herself getting attention from boys, specifically black boys her age. At 14, she was ready for her first taste of romantic love.
Enter "First Love" - the bad boy of Elaine's dreams. With his cornrows, athletic prowess, and air of mystery, he embodied everything Elaine thought she wanted in a boyfriend. They became official in the spring of her freshman year, beginning a relationship that would last throughout high school.
The early days of their romance were like something out of a movie. First Love made Elaine mixtapes, they spent hours on the phone, and shared their first kiss outside her house. For Elaine, it felt like the pinnacle of teenage romance.
The "Ride or Die" Mentality
Elaine's relationship with First Love was heavily influenced by the pop culture of the early 2000s. Songs by groups like Destiny's Child glorified the idea of standing by your man no matter what - what Elaine calls "Ride or Die Syndrome." She internalized the message that a good girlfriend should weather any storm and stick with her partner through thick and thin.
This mentality would keep Elaine in the relationship long past the point where she should have left. As First Love's behavior became more troubling - getting involved in selling drugs and displaying violent tendencies - Elaine convinced herself it was her duty to stand by him.
Derailed Dreams
Elaine's dedication to First Love came at a significant cost to her own ambitions. Throughout high school, she had been a straight-A student with dreams of attending Stanford University. But as First Love's path diverged from hers, Elaine made the fateful decision to follow him instead of pursuing her own goals.
When it came time for college, Elaine chose to attend Sacramento State, where First Love was going, rather than reaching for more prestigious schools. This choice marked a significant detour from the path she had envisioned for herself.
The relationship continued to deteriorate during their freshman year of college. The final straw came when First Love was arrested and jailed for six months. Elaine visited him regularly at first, but by the summer after her sophomore year, she finally found the strength to end the relationship.
This experience taught Elaine valuable lessons about the importance of maintaining her own identity and aspirations within a relationship. It also set the stage for her to rediscover her ambitions and chart a new course for her future.
College and Self-Discovery
A Transformative Mentor
After breaking up with First Love, Elaine found herself adrift, unsure of her direction in life. But a chance encounter with a professor named Dr. Michele Foss-Snowden, whom Elaine affectionately nicknamed "M. Foss," proved to be a turning point.
M. Foss represented everything Elaine aspired to be - young, intellectual, beautiful, and biracial. She became more than just a teacher; she was a mentor who helped Elaine articulate thoughts and feelings she had long struggled to express.
Under M. Foss's guidance, Elaine began to critically examine the messages about race and beauty that she had absorbed from mainstream media. She realized how pervasive and damaging these messages could be, particularly for young black women.
Embracing Black Identity
As Elaine delved deeper into these issues, she became increasingly angry about the lack of positive representation of black people in media. This awakening led her to more fully embrace her own blackness. She started wearing her hair naturally and spending more time with black friends.
This period of self-discovery was crucial for Elaine. It helped her develop a stronger sense of identity and purpose, setting the stage for her future career advocating for diversity and representation in the fashion and beauty industries.
Finding Her Calling
Despite her growing self-awareness, Elaine was still uncertain about her career path as she approached graduation. A disastrous internship at an advertising agency in New York City helped clarify what she didn't want to do, but she was still searching for her true calling.
It wasn't until a heart-to-heart conversation with M. Foss that Elaine finally admitted her dream: she wanted to be a magazine editor. This admission was a pivotal moment, giving Elaine a clear goal to work towards.
With her newfound clarity, Elaine threw herself into pursuing opportunities in the magazine world. She applied for an internship at Essence magazine, using her childhood collaging skills to create a unique application that mimicked a beauty magazine article.
Around this time, Elaine had what she describes as a spiritual experience. While looking at a copy of Ebony magazine featuring Alicia Keys on the cover, she felt compelled to reach out to the article's author, Harriette Cole. This intuition would prove to be life-changing, setting Elaine on the path to her future career.
Breaking into the Magazine Industry
The Power of Persistence
Elaine's journey into the magazine industry began with an act of bold persistence. Determined to connect with Harriette Cole, the accomplished editor she admired, Elaine called Cole's office repeatedly, day after day. Her professionalism and tenacity eventually paid off when she secured a 45-minute phone conversation with Cole.
This interaction left a lasting impression on both women. Elaine felt inspired and energized by the conversation, while Cole was impressed by the young woman's passion and drive.
A Fortuitous Opportunity
Months later, just before Elaine was set to begin an internship at Essence magazine, she received an unexpected call from Harriette Cole. Cole invited Elaine to assist her on a photo shoot in Los Angeles, an opportunity that Elaine eagerly accepted despite not fully understanding what the role entailed.
The shoot turned out to be for Ebony magazine's cover, featuring tennis star Serena Williams. During the shoot, Elaine took a risk by suggesting a wardrobe change to Cole - a bold move for someone in her position. To her surprise and relief, Cole considered her suggestion and even implemented it, resulting in the blue swimsuit Elaine recommended appearing on the final cover.
Choosing Ebony over Essence
Impressed by Elaine's initiative and eye for style, Harriette Cole offered her an internship at Ebony magazine. This presented Elaine with a difficult choice. Essence was considered the more prestigious and stylish publication, but Cole assured Elaine that she would have greater opportunities for growth and hands-on experience at Ebony.
Trusting her instincts and Cole's guidance, Elaine made the bold decision to accept the Ebony internship. This choice proved to be pivotal. While none of that summer's Essence interns were hired full-time - a first in the magazine's history - Elaine found herself gainfully employed at Ebony, gaining valuable experience and industry connections.
Learning the Ropes at Ebony
Elaine's time at Ebony was transformative. Under Harriette Cole's mentorship, she was exposed to all aspects of magazine production. She worked on exciting cover shoots featuring prominent figures like Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, and Barack Obama.
However, the magazine industry proved to be unpredictable. When Harriette Cole unexpectedly left Ebony, Elaine faced a moment of uncertainty. But she chose to stay on, working hard and taking on increasing responsibilities. Her dedication paid off when she was promoted to beauty and style editor, a significant achievement for someone so early in their career.
Personal Growth and Relationship Challenges
A New Romance
As Elaine's career was taking off, she also embarked on a new romantic relationship. Still healing from the pain of her high school relationship, Elaine had been cautious about dating. But when she met "Future Husband" at a party just before her 23rd birthday, she felt an immediate connection.
The relationship moved quickly. Within a month, Elaine had keys to his apartment, and by Valentine's Day, he was giving her diamond earrings. From the outside, it seemed like a fairytale romance - Elaine was young, successful, and dating a man who seemed perfect on paper.
Red Flags and Self-Doubt
However, cracks began to appear in the relationship. Future Husband's grand gestures, like the diamond earrings, came with expectations that Elaine struggled to meet. He became critical of her appearance and behavior, slowly chipping away at her confidence.
Elaine found herself changing to please him, wearing clothes he preferred and trying to anticipate his needs. She ignored her gut feelings that something wasn't right, instead convincing herself that this was what a mature relationship looked like.
This experience highlighted a common struggle for many women - the tendency to silence their instincts and change themselves to maintain a relationship. Elaine's story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of trusting one's intuition and maintaining one's identity within a partnership.
Professional Triumph and Personal Turmoil
While Elaine's personal life was in turmoil, her professional life was soaring. She landed a coveted position as a beauty writer at Glamour magazine, a significant step up from Ebony and a rare achievement for a black woman in the predominantly white world of mainstream fashion magazines.
The contrast between her professional success and personal struggles created internal conflict for Elaine. On the surface, she seemed to have it all - a prestigious job and a committed relationship. But beneath that polished exterior, she was grappling with self-doubt and unhappiness.
The Truth Comes Out
The turning point came when Elaine received an anonymous email detailing an affair her boyfriend was having with a coworker. Initially in denial, Elaine eventually confirmed the truth of the allegations. The betrayal was devastating, but it also served as a wake-up call.
With the support of her mother, who flew to New York immediately upon hearing the news, Elaine found the strength to end the relationship. This experience, though painful, taught Elaine valuable lessons about self-worth and the importance of trusting her instincts.
Rising Through the Ranks at Condé Nast
Breaking into Condé Nast
Elaine's career continued to ascend as she set her sights on Condé Nast, the prestigious publisher of magazines like Vogue and Glamour. Landing a job there was a major accomplishment, especially for a young woman of color in an industry still lacking in diversity.
Her position as a beauty writer at Glamour was just the beginning. Within a year, Elaine was promoted to style and beauty editor, becoming the first black person to hold that position at the magazine. This rapid rise was a testament to Elaine's talent, work ethic, and unique perspective.
The Move to Teen Vogue
Elaine's next big break came when she was tapped to succeed Eva Chen as the beauty and health director at Teen Vogue. This move represented a significant step up in terms of responsibility and influence. At Teen Vogue, Elaine found a platform where she could more directly address issues of diversity and representation that were close to her heart.
Making History as Editor-in-Chief
Elaine's ascent at Teen Vogue was meteoric. Four years after joining the magazine, she was named editor, and less than a year after that, she became editor-in-chief. At 29, she was the youngest person to hold this position in Condé Nast's history, as well as only the second black editor-in-chief at the company.
This achievement was groundbreaking, making Elaine what Shonda Rhimes calls an "FOD" - First, Only, and Different. It was a position of great influence, but also one that came with immense pressure and responsibility.
Championing Diversity and Representation
As editor-in-chief, Elaine used her platform to push for greater diversity and representation in fashion media. She spearheaded groundbreaking cover stories and features that put black models and artists in the spotlight. For example, she wrote a historic cover story featuring black models Imaan Hammam, Aya Jones, and Lineisy Montero.
Elaine also facilitated important conversations about race and culture in the pages of Teen Vogue. She published a dialogue on black pride between singer Solange and actress Amandla Stenberg, and oversaw a feature article on cultural appropriation featuring singer Willow Smith.
Importantly, Elaine's commitment to diversity extended behind the scenes as well. She made a point of hiring black photographers, stylists, and other creatives, recognizing that changing the storytellers was crucial to changing the stories being told.
The Pressures of Being an "FOD"
Being one of the few black women in a leadership position in the fashion media world came with its own set of challenges. Elaine often felt the weight of representing and advocating for all black people, a pressure that could be overwhelming at times.
She also had to navigate the complex dynamics of being a trailblazer in a predominantly white industry. While her success was celebrated, it also highlighted the lack of diversity in fashion media more broadly.
Despite these pressures, Elaine remained committed to using her position to effect change and open doors for other people of color in the industry.
Personal Growth and New Beginnings
Reconnecting with Her Roots
As Elaine's career flourished, she also experienced growth in her personal life. She reconnected with Jonathan, a childhood friend from her church, and their relationship blossomed. They got engaged the month Elaine turned 30, marking a new chapter in her life.
This relationship represented a return to her roots in many ways. Unlike her previous romantic experiences, her connection with Jonathan was built on a foundation of shared values and mutual respect. It was a partnership that supported rather than hindered her personal growth and professional ambitions.
The End of an Era at Teen Vogue
Elaine's tenure at Teen Vogue came to an unexpected end when the decision was made to cease print publication of the magazine in 2017. This was part of a broader trend in the publishing industry, as many print magazines struggled to adapt to the digital age.
While Elaine could have stayed within the Condé Nast family and moved to another publication, she made the bold decision to leave. This choice was driven by a combination of factors, including burnout from years of intense work and a sense that her story at Condé Nast had reached its natural conclusion.
Listening to Her Body
The decision to leave Teen Vogue was also influenced by Elaine's growing awareness of the toll her high-pressure career was taking on her health. For months, she had been experiencing physical symptoms of severe stress. This served as a wake-up call, reminding her of the importance of self-care and work-life balance.
Elaine's decision to prioritize her wellbeing over her career ambitions marked an important shift in her approach to life. It demonstrated a growing confidence in her own worth beyond her professional achievements.
Embracing New Opportunities
Leaving Condé Nast opened up new possibilities for Elaine. While she didn't have a clear next step planned, she trusted that her skills, experience, and unique perspective would lead her to exciting new opportunities.
This period of transition allowed Elaine to reflect on her journey and the lessons she had learned along the way. It reinforced her belief in her own resilience and adaptability, qualities that had served her well throughout her career.
Key Lessons and Final Thoughts
The Power of Self-Acceptance
One of the most important themes running through Elaine's story is the power of self-acceptance. From her early struggles with her biracial identity to her later experiences as one of the few black women in fashion media leadership, Elaine repeatedly faced challenges to her sense of self-worth.
However, she ultimately learned to embrace all aspects of her identity. She came to understand that her unique perspective as a woman of color was not a liability, but a strength. This self-acceptance became a source of power, allowing her to advocate for change and push for greater diversity in her industry.
The Importance of Representation
Elaine's career is a testament to the importance of representation in media. As she rose through the ranks, she consistently used her position to amplify diverse voices and showcase a wider range of beauty standards. Her work at Teen Vogue in particular demonstrated how fashion magazines could engage with important social and political issues while still celebrating style and creativity.
By hiring diverse teams and featuring people of color in prominent roles, Elaine helped to change the narrative about who belongs in the fashion world. Her efforts showed that increased diversity not only makes magazines more inclusive, but also more relevant and exciting.
Balancing Ambition and Self-Care
Elaine's journey also highlights the delicate balance between ambition and self-care. Her drive and work ethic propelled her to incredible heights at a young age, but also led to burnout and stress-related health issues. Her decision to step away from Condé Nast at the height of her success shows the importance of listening to one's body and prioritizing wellbeing.
This lesson is particularly relevant for young professionals, especially women and people of color, who may feel pressure to constantly prove themselves in competitive industries. Elaine's story reminds us that true success includes taking care of oneself and knowing when to step back and recharge.
The Value of Mentorship
Throughout her career, Elaine benefited from strong mentors who saw her potential and helped guide her path. From her college professor M. Foss to industry leader Harriette Cole, these relationships were crucial to Elaine's professional development. In turn, Elaine became a mentor to others, particularly young women of color aspiring to careers in media.
Her experience underscores the importance of both seeking out mentorship and paying it forward by mentoring others. These relationships can provide invaluable guidance, open doors to new opportunities, and help navigate the complexities of professional life.
Trusting Your Instincts
One of the most powerful lessons from Elaine's story is the importance of trusting one's instincts. Whether in her personal relationships or professional decisions, Elaine found success when she listened to her inner voice and acted on her intuitions. From reaching out to Harriette Cole to leaving Condé Nast, many of her boldest moves were guided by gut feelings.
This lesson encourages readers to cultivate and trust their own instincts, even when they go against conventional wisdom or the expectations of others.
The Journey Continues
Elaine Welteroth's story doesn't end with her departure from Teen Vogue. Instead, it opens a new chapter filled with possibilities. Her journey serves as an inspiration for anyone striving to make their mark on the world, particularly young women and people of color.
The central message of Elaine's memoir is encapsulated in its title: "More Than Enough." Throughout her life, Elaine has learned that she is enough, just as she is. This doesn't mean settling or stopping growth, but rather approaching life from a place of self-acceptance and confidence.
Elaine's story reminds us that our unique experiences and perspectives are valuable. By embracing our authentic selves and using our voices to advocate for change, we can each make a meaningful impact on the world around us.
As Elaine continues to write her story, she carries with her the lessons of her past experiences and the confidence that comes from knowing she is, and always has been, more than enough.