Skyla Susan
Welcome to my world.
About The Writer
My name is Skyla Susan Stillo and I am a Chicago based confessional poet and memoirist. I have always excelled in the creative aspects of life. Since age two I danced competitively, making most of my childhood and teenage years spent in the studio for hours at a time. Stemming from this, my love for music grew and became a primary inspiration when it comes to my writing. Throughout my high school years, I struggled with undiagnosed mental illnesses. The one outlet that I found helpful with these struggles, were writing. I would spend any free moment between classes and dance to journal about my life and often would end my entry with a lyric from a song I had heard earlier that day. I found the words I had been looking for to describe my pain through the unique lines of The Beatles, Alanis Morissette, and many more artists that created a world where I had finally felt heard.
At age sixteen, I went through one of the hardest moments of my life. After an attempt to end my life, I was hospitalized for months. Although this was not something I ever wanted, I found myself coming out of this time feeling inspired. I had been thrown into a very vulnerable place where I had no choice but to bare it all. Since then, I have chosen to live my life through vulnerability. My goal with writing, is to speak the words that are the hardest to say. Whether it is speaking to acquaintances or writing, I pour all of myself into my words. And through this journey I have found my vulnerability is not only giving myself that voice but those around me that may have felt silenced.
I wish for my writing to be the words and conversations that are often un-said. Dealing with multiple hospitalizations, self harm, misdiagnoses, and prescription drug addiction, my life has not been one of glamor or excitement. I have been through dark and scary moments that have questioned my survival. I want to show the real perseverance and strength that is needed to overcome the stigmas placed onto the mentally ill and the fight for a life greater than one’s brain.
Written Work
Application is no longer available.
Skyla Stillo is a last year student at Columbia College majoring in Creative Writing with a Poetry focus and minoring in gender studies. She grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago born into an Italian, Mexican, and Irish American family. She spent her childhood dancing until age seventeen, after being hospitalized due to her struggles with mental health. After being discharged from hospitalization, she went on to create her own blog, “Unlabeled” where she wrote on topics of mental health, fashion, and shared her work of poetry. She is currently working on writing a Memoir about life as a young girl who was misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
Resume
Linked In- www.linkedin.com/in/skyla-stillo
SKYLA STILLO
7082750882• skylastillo@gmail.com • Chicago, IL 60601
Skyla is passionate about creating compelling content and driving engagement. Talented at
crafting dynamic stories, informative articles and persuasive copy that resonate and inspires readers.
Creative writer with eye for detail. Skilled in utilizing new techniques and keeping up with latest trends
in writing. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure
entry-level writing position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Work History
Mar 2021 - May 2021
Forest Park, IL
Flower Merchandiser / Neal Mast Greenhouses
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Updated pricing and signage to complete product displays and
educate customers.
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Monitored inventory levels and kept adequate stock in product
displays on sales floor.
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Collaborated with store managers to devise store layouts and
establish aesthetic appeal.
May 2019 - Jan 2020
Westmont, IL
Dance Teacher / Expression Dance Studio
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Taught and explained choreography by breaking down steps and
demonstrating moves.
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Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by
implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle
discipline.
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Promoted creative expression to encourage students to explore
dance as art and self expression through movement.
Jul 2017 - Feb 2019
Burr Ridge, IL
Fashion Stylist / Francescas
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Provided education and guidance to clients on fashion trends an
styling techniques.
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Led entire client shopping experience, putting together ensembles,
and providing styling tips that were personalized.
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Researched current fashion trends to create on-trend looks for
editorial and commercial projects.
Education
Expected in Jun 2024
Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing
Columbia College Chicago
May 2019
La Grange, IL
High School Diploma
Lyons Township High School
SKILLS
Strategic Communication
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem-Solving
Creative Development
Social Media Content Writing
Nonfiction Prose
Grammar Usage
Creative Direction
Creative Writing
Unique Content Creation
