About Janell

Janell M. Hickman-Kirby is a seasoned writer, editor, and brand expert based in Brooklyn, New York currently working as senior brand copywriter at Sol de Janeiro.

A Minneapolis native, Janell moved to New York to join WWD after earning her degree in Journalism from Hampton University and swiftly made her way up in the city’s fashion-culture world, working at the Victoria's Secret headquarters where she assisted on legendary 2008 and 2009 fashion shows.

Because she’s a storyteller at heart, Janell has held a breadth of print and digital editorial roles throughout her career: Beauty Editor at BET, Associate Beauty & Grooming Editor at Ebony Magazine, Fashion and Beauty Assistant at ESSENCE Magazine, and more.

Her work has been featured in major beauty and fashion publications: VOGUE, ELLE, Allure, Coveteur, Harper’s Bazaar, The Zoe Report, W Magazine, New York Mag, Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Byrdie, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, and Man Repeller. And because she’s got a knack for all things style, taste, and class, Janell’s often the one being interviewed, too.

An expert in the branding and digital messaging space, Janell has held positions at esteemed marketing and public relations agencies like HL Group where she managed prestige fragrance and skincare accounts. Janell also spent time as the Senior Women's Editor at GILT, where she created content for top luxury fashion and beauty brands like DVF, kate spade new york, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. In short, she knows what she’s talking about — just check out all these podcast features.

Her past copywriting projects include, but aren’t limited to Sol de Janeiro, Keys Soulcare, Yitty, Hyper Skin, Birchbox, Frederick Benjamin Grooming, Heyday Skincare, Dermstore, and more. 

Janell is available for editorial, branded, and copywriting projects. Keep up with her (if you can) by following @jmargaretbeauty on Instagram.