Tell us what motivate you to start blogging. Were you
following a lot of personal style/fashion blogs before you started blogging?
I started blogging on a total whim. I had a friend mention
to me that I should start one and showcase some of my fashion tips. I thought,
why not. So, one day I decided I was going to do one and the next day I did. I
had no idea what I was doing and never even followed a blog before I started.
Crazy, I know. I have learned so much
and my style has evolved because of it.
Which blogs do you read every day?
Honestly, I don’t read one particular blog(s) every day.
There are so many that I do follow. The ones I read most are my friends that I
have made through blogging. I truly don’t read the BIG name blogs all that
much. I read the ones that I have made a
connection with.
Who takes your pictures? What cameras/lenses do you use?
Have you ever been "caught in the act" of taking these pictures?
My husband takes my pictures. He is the only one I really
feel comfortable with. I don’t have an expensive camera. It’s a point and
shoot. I haven’t invested in a higher quality one just yet. I think I am just
too intimidated. Yes, I have totally been caught in the act! People just smile,
look at me weird or ask us if we want “them” to take a picture of “us”
together.
What programs do you use to edit and upload your pictures?
You often times make collages of outfits - what program do you use for that?
I use PicMonkey and iPiccy for all my editing and for the
collages. They are both free online programs and are super user friendly.
Do people in real life know about your blog? What were their
reactions when they found out about your blog?
Yes, everyone close to me (friends and family) know I have a
blog. They support my 100% and hopefully read it every once in a while. My
husband is my biggest fan.
Many fashion bloggers hop from one trend to the next. How do
you try to stay on trend while working within your budget and closet?
If I want to pick up a trendy piece, I head to Forever 21. They
carry so many of the latest fashion trends at great prices. Half of my closet
is from there. I am a HUGE budget shopper. I always have been…always will be.
My motto is “You don’t have to spend a lot to look like you did.” I also have a
hard time getting rid of my clothes, so I have quite a bit to work with…mixing
the old with the new.
Putting yourself on the internet comes with the expectation
that not everyone will always love what you are wearing and writing. Have you
encountered any of these criticisms, and if so, how do you handle it?
That is the HARDEST part of blogging…putting yourself out
there. It can be very nerve wracking, intimidating and can make you second guess
yourself 100 times a day. I get unfollows all of the time and wonder what did I
do? What did I say? And I take it personally. I don’t have thick skin, but
blogging has given me more confidence and an attitude of loving myself and what
I believe in…regardless of what someone that I have never met in real life
thinks. I have never gotten a NASTY comment on my blog. Some weren’t the most
pleasant, but I did responded to them with class and dignity. You will NEVER
make everyone happy….it’ a fact of life.
What has been the best thing to come out of blogging?
Hands down…the friendships I have made! There are a handful
of girls that I talk to on a daily basis and have become some of my closet
friends. It’s CRAZY! I feel like I have known some of them for years and
couldn’t imagine my life without them now.
When it comes to promotion of your blog, what methods do you
use? Do you spend a lot of time commenting on other blogs, pinning your looks,
doing link ups?
I try and promote all of my posts on FB, Twitter and
Instagram. I will “pin” myself on Pinterest occasionally. I typically link up with
the same blogs every week, but not every post is a link up, but they do help
with finding new blogs and new bloggers finding you. I don’t spend as much time
finding new blogs, but that’s all I did when I first started out. I would spend
hours commenting. Now, I have stepped back from that because it was consuming
so much of my time. Blogging can become a full time job if you let it.
What tips or suggestions do you have for your fellow
bloggers?
Stay true to yourself and people will be interested. They
want to see and read “real”. Don’t post because you feel like you HAVE to. Do
it because you want to. Don’t get discouraged by the blogging cliques because
they are out there and they are tight. Be genuine in your commenting. Develop a
loyal following by responding to people and commenting back on their blogs. You
won’t gain 100 followers overnight…it takes time. A lot of time. I think it’s
best to grow slowly and not fly off the charts right away. This point goes back
to developing a loyal following. Most importantly….HAVE FUN and try to not take
yourself too seriously!
Thank you again Shanna! Next week's Behind the Blog is Erin from Loop Looks!
Thank you again Shanna! Next week's Behind the Blog is Erin from Loop Looks!
