We had the good fortune of connecting with Ellie Phelps and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ellie, what principle do you value most?
The value or principle that matters most to me is determination. This matters most to me because it is what will get you far. For me, it comes fairly easy but that doesn’t mean there aren’t hard days. I’m able to push through those hard days because my mind is set on the big picture, not the periods of waiting for the paint to dry in between. When others see you push through those hard times, it makes them hungrier to keep pushing. You may not even know your determination inspires others, but it does.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I create engaging content for social media, and to be used internally. I am most proud of myself for being a woman in sports. This is not an easy field to get into, especially as a female. Not everyone can say they have known what they want to do since they were a little girl, but I can proudly say I have always wanted to edit. I started making music videos in third grade, when I got to middle school I started making videos of me flipping, and then in high school, I discovered sports media. The question of “Was it easy” is a difficult one to answer. Yes, but no. It was easy because I have always had a passion for making videos and loving sports. I took a class in high school where I learned how to edit in industry-standard software. It was difficult because in high school, some people would act like they loved my content to my face, but actually thought it was weird. People also like to assume that women do not know sports. I have had people doubt my knowledge and tell me to “name five players.” The best way for us women to show our knowledge is to keep grinding and creating. These moments have taught me that people are going to judge you no matter what, whether you create or do not create. Might as well do what makes you happy. I want people to know that it is imperative to do things from love and not for it. If you do it because you love it, the goals you have set for yourself will come naturally.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh my goodness if my best friend, Kaya, was visiting for the week, I already know where I would take her. Let’s say she gets in late at night so we just go to sleep. In the morning, we will go to the gourmet shop for brunch! Then after I think it would be fun to walk around five points. They have some really cute stores!! That’ll take a while (because we are just girls). Then, Gervais and Vine for tapas. Probably walk over to Bourbon for dinner! The next day would preferably be a Saturday in the fall so we could go to a football game! On Sunday I think going to drip for breakfast would be fun. I have never been but I would love to go. Then it would be fun to go thrifting, since we thrift all the time at home. There are bins here and she has never been to the bins, so it would be fun to dig with her! Lunch at Cantina 76 before she would hit the road to go back.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my media team for being my family here in Columbia. Jhalen Wingate has acted as not only a mentor for the past two years, but also a friend. He has poured so much time and energy into helping me grow as a creative and a human. He trusts me with projects and wants me to thrive and succeed.

Website: https://www.behance.net/elliephelps

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shotbyphzlps

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phzlps/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/phzlps

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