Women in Media recently sat down with Glynis Traill-Nash, former fashion editor of The Australian, talented musician and much-loved member of the WiM community.
She shares her experience transitioning from an editorial position into the world of freelancing.
What is your current role?
I’ve now entered the world of freelancing. Along with writing, predominantly about fashion, I’ll be moving into more speaking engagements as well as launching a fashion podcast in the near future.
How did you get into the industry?
It’s been a mildly circuitous route. While finishing an Arts degree (French & English) at UWA in Perth, I landed a part-time role at the university’s publications unit, then moved to London to pursue a career singing jazz with a sideline in avant garde musical theatre. While that went well, I was always working in publishing by day, as a freelance sub-editor and even editor of a small business title.
Moving to Sydney in 2000, I landed a job at Who as a sub-editor and became its first beauty editor, while recording an album and hustling gigs on the side. From there In Style came calling and I’ve been writing about hemlines and convoluted supply chains ever since.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
Lasting nearly 10 years as fashion editor of The Australian.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered?
Being made redundant from The Australian in September.
Who has been the biggest mentor and influence for you?
There hasn’t been a single mentor per se, but I have been lucky to work alongside some of the best brains in the business, from those early days at Who and at In Style, the Sun-Herald and the Oz. Most recently, I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of people happy to divulge very empowering intel as I enter this new freelance phase. And that’s mostly from other women who have done the rounds, whether other freelancers or business leaders. It has been very humbling and further proof that there is power in knowledge and sharing information.
What is something no-one knows about you?
I performed in a jazz opera in London wearing little more than some lace knickers. Mercifully, this predated social media.
How do you wind down after work?
I’m a Gemini, so one twin is trying to prioritise more yoga while the other remains hell bent on sampling more sangiovese.
What are you reading at the moment?
Since COVID, I have struggled to finish reading anything. However, crime fiction is my literary jam, and I have just put down Eight Detectives by Alex Pavesi, quite an unusual take on the genre. And I’m about to open the latest from my favourite writer, Chris Brookmyre, the top proponent of tartan noir. Enjoyed with a wee dram of The Balvenie 12-Year DoubleWood Matured.
What does the immediate future hold?
The great thing about freelancing is that you have the freedom to create your perfect day, right? At least that’s what everyone tells me. Anything that means I’m not chained to my desk for eight hours a day, every day, will be a win. Already I can report that even one coffee meeting or interaction with the outside world is an instant boost to the working day. If you’re in Sydney, hit me up!