Growing up Black and biracial in a predominantly white country came with its challenges, but it also shaped my deep appreciation for diverse cultures and different ways of life. Creativity became my anchor – first through dance, and art then through storytelling. Though I once dreamed of a career in dance, knee injuries and the pandemic shifted my path. Instead of performing, I became an observer, drawn to the personal stories behind art, music, and fashion.
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My curiosity exploded during lockdown, fuelled by documentaries like Paris Is Burning and Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends. I became fascinated with subcultures, queer spaces, and the power of creative expression. This led me to journalism as a way to capture voices, challenge perspectives, and explore the ever-evolving intersections of fashion, music, nightlife, and LGBTQ+ culture.
About Jess Bowen
At Edinburgh Napier University, I honed my skills in writing, radio, podcasting, and multimedia storytelling. I co-hosted Pop the Culture Iconography for four years and gained hands-on experience with digital journalism during my internship at Trill Magazine, where I wrote long-form pieces on Black culture, beauty, and queer dating experiences. My love for performance also led me to review dozens of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe for Broadway Baby.
Fashion journalism became a major focus after profiling designers for Impulse Magazine, which later landed me a role creating the official magazine for Scotland Fashion Week with House of Kungi. In 2024, I launched CLOBBER, a sustainable fashion styling website featuring lookbooks, designer profiles, and trend analyses.
​My latest project, BLUSH, is a queer and POC-friendly culture and lifestyle magazine, where I have expanded into film photography and creative direction.
Through all these experiences, one thing remains constant: my passion for storytelling. Whether I am writing about underground club scenes, analysing fashion’s role in identity, or diving into the cultural forces shaping our world, I aim to inform, connect, and inspire.