Q: What inspired you to start your own YouTube channel?

A: I started making YouTube videos with my best friend, Sarah, on July 2010. At the time, there wasn't much emphasis on fashion on YouTube and I thought it was a gap that Sarah and I could fill. That summer we picked up my point and shoot and started filming. On August 2011, I transferred to a university and moved 400 miles away from home. Sarah and I both agreed that I would move forward with the channel from then on.

Q: Did you ever think that it could get this big?

A: Not at all. It's crazy to think that a hobby has turned into a full-time career.

Q: How did you and Sarah come up with the name "Clothes Encounters"?

A: One of my favorite stores in SF is called Clothes Contact. I constantly messed up the name with Clothes "Encounters" and so I thought it'd be a cool name for a vlog.

Q: That's so funny. It works! What catches your eye when you're shopping and what are you drawn towards?

A: When I'm attracted to something, I'm impulsive. I'll get it even if it's just a phase because I know it'll complete the look I'm aiming for.

Q: You are one of YouTube's trendiest fashion vloggers. People look up to you for fashion tips and advice all the time, but where do you get your daily inspiration from when it comes to dressing yourself?

A: My style is a mere reflection of my mood. It's very fluid and it changes everyday depending [on] what environment I'm in. Context is everything to me. I'm inspired by everything around me -- it could be a song or podcast I've listened to, a mannequin in a store front, or even a person walking by.

Q: What would you say is your go-to outfit?

A: A band tee and some skinny jeans.

Q: Who were some of your favorite YouTube vloggers that you looked up to before you started your own channel?

A: At the time, Michelle Phan dominated the field. She was one of the first people I watched and grew fascinated with.

Q: Oh, we love Michelle Phan! Do you have any favorite designers?

A: Charlotte Ronson and Opening Ceremony.

Q: When do you think the turning point was for you when you realized that your YouTube channel was becoming bigger than what you had imagined? And, what changed for you after that?

A: The first time it hit me was when I was invited to New York Fashion Week last year. Chictopia sent me out as their representative and I'm so grateful that they allowed me to have that experience. The turning point for my YouTube channel was when it simultaneously became my hobby and my career. I'm living my dream job.

Q: Do you have any other interests or hobbies unrelated to fashion that you're also passionate about or enjoy doing?

A: Lately, I've been obsessed with antique-ing for home decor. I love how every antique has a story behind it. I've noticed that I'm learning to appreciate items with history and age. I love going to the flea markets to look for old stones, crystals, maps, and things to fill my house with.

Q: Flea markets are the best. You find the most random and interesting things. Now that you just graduated, what do you have planned for yourself? And, Congratulations by the way!

A: I plan on putting 100% into my channel and expanding it as a full-blown business.

That's awesome. Can't wait to see what's ahead for you! And, that's the end of our interview. Thank you Jenn! It's been a blast.

Make sure to check out Jenn Im's YouTube channel:
@clothesencounters
and follow her on Instagram @imjennim