Getting to Know Our West Coast Editor-At-Large: Janet Mercel
Since starting The Tidalist in 2016, there has been an array of incredibly wonderful things that have occurred because of it. One of which, is when I connected with the ever-so-talented writer and beauty, Janet Mercel. Since the day Janet shared her first idea with me to submit to The Tidalist, I knew she had what it took to bring a fresh sensibility to the site and stories. Whether it is her love of travel, art, culture, and of course… New York, or her exciting new role as a mom, it has been an absolute delight and pleasure to witness her life blossom.
Now, given our mission to spotlight those we admire, I couldn’t think of a more suitable woman to share with you next, than Janet, our incredibly stunning and cool Editor-At-Large. From growing up in Red Hook to moving to LA and being our dependable eyes and ears for the West Coast, Janet has shared some of the best stories with us and has done so as her life has simultaneously enrichened. In addition to her role at the Tidalist, Janet is also the editor-in-chief of DVEIGHTmagazine, the West Coast editor of A Hotel Life,andcontributing writer to outlets such as Architectural Digest, The Drive, The Regular, and many more. We are so lucky to have her!
Get to know Janet and be sure to follow along with her writing! We love you Janet <3
Where are you from? And where do you live?
Red Hook, NY. I currently live mostly in L.A. but go home to the Hudson Valley and my Brooklyn apartment as much as possible.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m terrified of surfing. I tried a few times but I’m fascinated by people who are comfortable chasing waves in Montauk or Malibu.
Favorite city to live in / favorite to visit?
Visiting NY while living in LA and vice versa! In summer, Gloucester, Massachusetts or Sag Harbor.
Last concert you saw?
Steely Dan at the Hollywood Bowl. I have a one-month-old baby and I was really proud we made it through half a set.
Photo by Carmel Samiri
If we hacked onto your Spotify, what would we be listening to?
News! The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Airmail Weekly. Music-wise, lately a lot of comfort playlists I made in maybe, 2018? Like VHS Collection and Ten Fé.
Favorite restaurant(s)?
Bar Lobo, Barcelona. I ate paper-thin fried eggplant there years ago and I still think about it.
Favorite essentials clothing brand(s)?
Sandro, CO, Want les Essentiels. But as often as possible I shop at Consignment Brooklyn on Atlantic Avenue.
Writing to you is…?
Necessary
Where do you go to get inspired?
The open road in running shoes.
Favorite store?
Marche Rue Dix in Crown Heights, BK. It’s the sister store to the Senagalese restaurant next door. They have new and vintage fashion, teas and kitchen accouterments, an insane nail bar and the most beautiful packaged beauty products ever.
Any tattoos. If so, care to share what/ the story behind it?
I have many and every one relates to physical and/or mental health or boundaries
Person you most look up to?
Tina Brown
Thoughts on love and the world of digital dating apps?
I’ve never done it and it’s not for me but I applaud anyone who can sustain reality from an app.
A perfect Saturday night?
These days I’d be happy to get an Aperol Spritz or two somewhere beautiful with my husband. Maybe Cecconi’s (DUMBO or West Hollywood, I don’t care which.)
Words to live by?
This too shall pass.
Workout(s) of choice?
Run or hike, anything to zone out.
Something you are most excited about for the future?
A new gen of print publishing. I love all the new zine type mags people are putting out.
Artist you love?
Oof. Just one? Cindy Sherman. And Ellsworth Kelly.
A happy place?
A clean bed
