Picture of author L'Oreal Thompson Payton wearing a lime green shirt and jeans.

Hi, I’m L’Oreal (yes, like the makeup)!

As an author, journalist and speaker, I’ve dedicated my life to storytelling and the impact it can have on our lives. My passion for writing was ignited during childhood when I’d read The Berenstain Bears and later as I’d devour teen magazines. But I didn’t see myself represented in those pages, so I turned to writing my own stories and I haven’t looked back.

Since starting my editorial career in high school as the editor-in-chief of my student newspaper, my work has been featured in outlets such as Bustle, Essence, Fortune, SELF, and Well + Good, just to name a few.

When I’m not busy writing — which, to be fair, isn’t often — I enjoy reading, riding my Peloton and dancing to Beyoncé. Got questions or want to work with me? Get in touch!

Official Bio

Short Bio

L’Oreal Thompson Payton is an award-winning journalist and author whose work has been featured in several national outlets. Her debut book, Stop Waiting for Perfect, was published in August 2023.

Longer Bio

L’Oreal Thompson Payton is an award-winning journalist and the author of Stop Waiting for Perfect. Her words have also appeared in outlets such as Bitch, Bustle, Essence, SELF, Shondaland and Well + Good, among others. Originally from Maryland, L’Oreal lives just outside of Chicago with her very patient husband and daughter whose laugh lights up her world. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @LTintheCity and subscribe to her weekly motivational newsletter at LTintheCity.com.

FAQs

  • I love this question! My best advice is simply to get started. Start a blog. Start a newsletter. Just. Start. Writing. There are a ton of online and in-person classes available if you’d like to hone your craft, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you to put words on the page. If you wait for the perfect moment, you’ll be waiting forever (trust me, I wrote a whole book about it).

    Also, READ! You cannot (in my humble opinion) call yourself an informed writer if you’re not reading. So get to it! If you need additional coaching, you can book a session with me here.

  • I wish I could, but unfortunately I don’t have the bandwidth these days. If you’re a young person between 18-25, I highly recommend checking out YR Media. If you’re a woman in media, I suggest Digital Women Leaders.

  • Maybe. I receive a ton of messages via email and social media and it’s impossible for me to respond to each one. That being said, I will reach out if your idea is a fit.

  • Please complete the Booking Form on my Speaking page for consideration.

  • Please send details via my Contact Form for consideration.

  • Yes! You can book time with me to discuss your book idea or how to get started/unstuck as a freelance writer here.