Interviews - Inspired Living SA

{Interview} Confessions of a Blogger Cara Fay

Confessions of a Blogger

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you are slowly easing into 2015 and still enjoying the gorgeous summer weather, well, in Cape Town anyway! A friend just messaged me to say it is snowing in Yorkshire – Brrr!!!

We are already half way through January and that means it is time for our monthly interview feature! Today on Confessions of a Blogger we meet the lovely Cara Fay. As well as blogging about her beauty finds, Care shares her passion for dupes, bargains and DIY.

I am a 24 year old, born in Cape Town, South Africa raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. Graphic Designer by trade and a lover by nature. I try and live my life with love at the center, compassion in my heart and humility in my mind always

When did you start your journey as a blogger and why? I started this blog (I have had a few blogs along the way) mid 2014 – I have had a YouTube channel for about 2 years now and I just thought it would be nice to get a little more into YouTube and blogging.

Do you blog full-time or do you have a 9-5 as well? I have a full-time job, so my blog is just mine for my free time.

Tell us a little about your space on the interweb and what you blog about? Wow this is quite difficult as I don’t fit into a category much like the person I am my blog is a mixture of DIY’s, Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle, Videos and my mind wanderings.

Being a blogger is not always easy – what motivates you and keeps you going? I try to never let my blog be a burden and more of a place that is my sacred space to be creative with no boundries.

What have your biggest blogging challenges been? Making a schedule! I absolutely have the thought that if my pictures are not top-notch then I won’t post them which results in me taking longer to put a post-up

What do you love most about being a blogger? I love that my blog is mine with no one telling me where to put what. I also absolutely love the community I have found myself in – it forces me to be social and pushes me out of my comfort zone a lot!

Do you have any blog related or social media pet peeves? {things that other bloggers or social media peeps do, that really annoy you} YES! In South Africa the PR companies always choose the same bloggers as well as advertising – on almost every blog in South Africa there is the same advert, I think if the brands tailor-made who to advertise with and try make each one a little different it would benefit them and the blogger more.

What has your journey as a blogger taught you {about yourself or in general}? Has it changed your life in any way? Oh definitely, it has really pushed me to be a little more confident and not as shy when I meet new people – I am definitely a wall flower but blogging has pushed me to meet people and make friends!

If you had to give a newbie blogger any advice, what words of wisdom would you impart? BE YOUR SELF! We have so many bloggers here in South Africa that see glamorous UK bloggers making a living off their blogs that they end up having dollar signs in their eyes and miss the whole point of blogging and please ladies no copy and pasting off international sites AND no copying of fellow bloggers – there is room for everyone.

In three words tell me what blogging means to you: Freedom, Happiness and Friendship

Thanks Cara for sharing a bit more about your life and blogging journey, on Confessions of a Blogger, with us! Please pop over and connect with Cara here:

Blog link: www.carafay.co.za

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carafayct

Twitter: @carafay_

Instagram: @carafay_

If you would like to be featured on Confessions of a Blogger or would like to see a blogger featured here, then please email Fiona or leave a comment below.

Be Inspired, Blogging, Interviews

Confessions of a Blogger Leana { Hipstyler, Pretty & Ginger }

It is time for our monthly blogger interview, in fact this will be the last Confessions of a Blogger for 2014! I still cannot believe that it is almost Christmas, never mind the end of another year!!!

So this will officially be our Christmas Interview! Today we meet Leana, from Hipstyler, Pretty & Ginger. Leana is a gorgeous local blogger, with a wicked sense of humour! I have gotten to know Leana a bit better over the past year – she is really fun to be around and no matter what kind of day I am having, she always makes me laugh! {Online and in person 🙂 }

Hi my name’s Leana and I am an equally proportional hipster, beauty lover, corporate paralegal, Sponge Bob lover, supporter of the “Hug a Ginger” initiative and generally a dysfunctional 20 something year old. I’m a born and bred Capetonian corporate law compliance officer by day and raging indie band groupie (amongst other things) by night.

When did you start your journey as a blogger and why? I started blogging in May 2013. At the time, I’d just started the Hey Gorgeous Twitter account and I needed a platform to direct potential Hey Gorgeous clients to as the brand didn’t have a website yet. A blog seemed like the easiest thing to do and so Hipstyler Pretty & Ginger was born.
Do you blog fulltime or do you have a regular 9-5 as well? The dream is to earn loads of money from my blog, but for now, I have a full-time job, two part-time jobs and the blog… and studying. *phew*

Tell us a little about your space on the interweb and what you blog about? I like to write about anything that comes to mind, which is why my blog is so unorganized (I think) but the chaos is also the inspiration behind my new blog theme and look. I have a deep fear of commitment so I try not to restrict myself to one topic alone. I love writing about beauty products and new brands but I love music and hippy stuff too. And I was thinking of bringing in a new category called “Drunk posts”… yes? No?

Being a blogger is not always easy – what motivates you and keeps you going? It’s not easy, but you have to be disciplined in posting as often as you can – not for any reason other than “being the best you can be in whatever you do”. Whenever I feel like “taking a break”, I stop and think “NO! You might miss an opportunity” and then I carry on. Growing up, I imagined a person with a whip standing behind me, running me down in whatever I did, until I finished it. In the last couple of years, I lost this imaginary person, but recently, he “came back” and even though it’s tiring, I feel extremely proud when I pull through a difficult task. Another great motivation is the amazing friendships that I’ve developed over the last year and a bit. If it weren’t for them supporting me, I wouldn’t have made it this far. I’ve made some real friendships that will stand the test of time. Also… wine helps…

How important do you think it is to have a niche blog? You don’t want your blog to be “just another blog”. In a world where it feels like every second person has a blog, it’s easy to become invisible in the Blog Ocean. This is where I firmly believe that everyone has something to offer. Instead of trying to “fit in”, I choose to embrace my uniqueness (code for weirdness). Eventually, if you’re true to yourself and through hard work, you’ll succeed. So whether you’ve got an interest in dancing in front of your exotic fish tank while doing your makeup or whether you like to eat strawberry shortcake, you’ll end up portraying “you” in your blog. But… if you don’t, you’ll probably end up hating blogging.

What have your biggest blogging challenges been? When I first started blogging, I was too hasty. I think my biggest challenge was to be “OK” with where I was at any given time in my blogging career. Since this realization, I’ve been able to grow. I still get mail from new bloggers moaning about brands not noticing them… but it takes time if you don’t have the right connections. Rome wasn’t built in a day – I’ve had to learn this as well.
What do you love most about being a blogger? I have absolutely no idea what it is … but I’m addicted to it. I love every facet of blogging: coming up with content, taking and editing pictures, uplifting other bloggers through my Project feel Good series and also making friends with other amazing people. I think THE biggest high I get is when the big shots take the time to comment on my posts. Also… the events and the wine at the events… Oh… and this banner that City Girl Vibe made for me. I think it pretty adequately describes a little bit of me.
If you had to choose a favourite social media platform, what would it be and why? It’s a tossup between Twitter and Instagram. I like to be visual – I feel like it makes more of an impact.

What has your journey as a blogger taught you {about yourself or in general}? Has it changed your life in any way? ABSOLUTELY! Pre-blogging me was a shy “can’t do” person with loads of insecurities. I can’t even REMEMBER this person prior to Hipstyler Pretty & Ginger, but I’ll tell you this, I’m a better person for it, I’m richer in true friendships, I’m happy with who I am and I don’t allow people to walk all over me anymore. It’s a wonderful feeling when you find a place where you fit in.
If you had to give a newbie blogger any advice, what words of wisdom would you impart? This is an easy one. Everyone started somewhere. Think about the most successful blogger you know. If you dig long and hard enough, you’ll find that their first couple of posts were not what the posts are today. Don’t be discouraged and always remember that if it was easy, EVERYONE would have successful blogs. It takes time, commitment and passion. So, just work hard and one day you’ll pick the fruits.

Thanks Leana for sharing a bit more about your life and blogging journey with us! Please pop over and connect with Leana here:

Blog link: www.hipstylerblog.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hipstylerprettyandginger
Twitter: @leanahenke
Instagram: @leanahenke

If you would like to be featured on Confessions of a Blogger or would like to see a blogger featured here, then please email Fiona or leave a comment below.

Be Inspired, Blogging, Interviews

Confessions of a Blogger Lana from Lanalou Style

After a very long break we are back with our interview series, Confessions of a Blogger! YAY! Once a month you will get to meet a fabulous blogger and get to know a bit more about them and what makes them blog. Today we meet one of my favourite local, lifestyle bloggers Lana from Lanalou Style!

Hi there, I’m Lana from Lanalou Style. I live in Cape Town, in the city bowl and am 36 years old. I’m mad about my city, quirky spaces, colour and good design.

When did you start your journey as a blogger and why? I started blogging in 2009 as a way to keep myself busy during quiet times at work (I was working at an interior store at the time). I was also looking for a way to be creative and to share my photos. There were never any long term blog intentions but my blog evolved over the years and has become very much a part of my life. I think I would find it very difficult to part with now!
Do you blog full-time or do you have a regular 9-5 as well? I am self employed and offer website design and blogging lessons along with various online design services. I blog almost daily and my blog definitely helps in promoting my design services and serves as a marketing tool.

Tell us a little about your space on the interweb and what you blog about? Lanalou Style is a place for me to share my finds and offer inspiration and tips to my readers. I love sharing about beautiful spaces, local design, new hot spots and anything else interesting that catches my eye. I’m really passionate about the city I live in and so highlighting what’s happening in Cape Town is important too.

Being a blogger is not always easy – what motivates you and keeps you going? I absolutely agree! Hearing from readers and finding out that I’ve inspired them in some small way makes me feel happy. Keeping in touch with other bloggers is also a great way to stay inspired and feel connected.
How important do you think it is to have a niche blog? I feel that a niche blog definitely helps in securing a committed and passionate audience.
What have your biggest blogging challenges been? Trying not to compare myself to other bloggers! It can be difficult when you see another blogger being jetted off to an exotic location but it’s so important to remember that everything is relative.

What do you love most about being a blogger? I love the fact that I am always being kept up to date with all the latest happenings as well as the ability to inspire and offer useful tips to my readers. I have many international readers that enjoy my local posts especially those that are planning a trip to Cape Town.

If you had to choose a favourite social media platform, what would it be and why? I love instagram as I’m a very visual person. I especially love the idea that it is instant and up to date.
What has your journey as a blogger taught you {about yourself or in general}? Has it changed your life in any way? When I look at my blogging journey and some of the things I’ve accomplished, I can definitely feel proud of myself and that in turn helps boost my confidence. Blogging has also opened up many doors and opportunities for me and taught me to say yes to things even when they seem daunting.
If you had to give a newbie blogger any advice, what words of wisdom would you impart? Do your research, decide what you want to blog about and be sure that this is something you’re passionate about. Can you commit to blogging on a regular basis? Consistency is key!
To stand out these days you also need to make sure that you post content that is unique and relevant.

Thanks Lana for sharing a bit more about your life and blogging journey with us! Please pop over and connect with Lana here:

Blog link: http://lanaloustyle.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lanaloustyle

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/lanaloustyle

Instagram: http://instagram.com/lanaloustyle

If you would like to be featured on Confessions of a Blogger or would like to see a blogger featured here, then please email Fiona or leave a comment below.

Be Inspired, Blogging, Interviews, Travel

Cape Town from a Bloggers Perspective

A little while ago an international blogger approached me to interview me about Cape Town. She was planning a trip to South Africa and wanted to know more about our beautiful city and have a Cape Town Bloggers Perspective. This was the perfect opportunity to share why I am Proudly South African and love Cape Town so much. [Read more…]

Be Inspired, Blogging, Interviews

Confessions of a Blogger Sally & Kim

Blogger Series

Hello lovely readers! I am back in SA after a much anticipated trip to Italy, unfortunately my hubby fell ill in the middle of the trip, hence why I have been MIA for the past week!

In today’s Confessions of a Blogger we meet, not one but two bloggers! Sally and Kim are the creators of The Saltbox, a blog which showcases their passion for home décor and delicious food. Definitely girls after my own heart 🙂

Hi I am Sally – I am 29, live in Joburg, from Durban. Love the beach, eating and travelling. Hi I am Kim – I am 28, live in Durban but have lived in a couple other cities prior to this, including Cape Town, London, Joburg and Zululand (ok, not a city per say). I’m obsessed with food, love a good DIY and entertaining. We met when we were at school together in Durban and lived together in Cape Town, for a few years. We lived in a digs in Newlands, while at UCT, taking advantage of everything that Cape Town had to offer. We both spent time in Joburg and it was during that time that The Saltbox idea was conceived.

When did you start your journey as a blogger and why? Our journey started somewhere in the middle of 2013 and after about 6 months of talking and planning and writing (and a very steep learning curve), The Saltbox was born in January 2014. What a journey it has been so far! We identified the need for a food and home décor blog in South Africa, most blogs are focused on either food or décor, so we wanted to do something a bit different and offer readers both aspects on one blog. We also both happen to love beautiful places and spaces and great food (and wine!) so a blog seemed like a great platform to collate our passions and share them with the world.
Do you blog fulltime or do you have a 9-5 as well? We both have other occupations / day jobs! Sally: I work on the deal team at a small investment company in Joburg, but don’t feel too sorry for me – I love my job, and work with awesome people. Kim: I am currently in the process of starting up my own business (watch this space!) and doing some consulting work. So The Saltbox remains my “after hours” indulgence and every now and then during the day as well when I give in to the distraction.

Tell us a little about your space on the interweb and what you blog about? The Saltbox is our home of food and décor, we blog about anything related to food, entertaining and decorating your home – so you can look forward to recipes, DIY projects, restaurant reviews, décor inspiration, food travels, real life before and after projects, gardens, entertaining ideas and so much more. It’s a place where we can share our obsessions because we just can’t fathom people not knowing about that restaurant we visited or the wine we tasted, that really simple dish to make your life easier at your next dinner party or some easy DIY’s to get “that look” for less.

Being a blogger is not always easy – what motivates you and keeps you going? Kim: Those moments when I discover something and I’m bursting to share it. It’s the “you HAVE to try this” kind of moment. I almost get FOMO on other peoples behalf it’s that serious! The Saltbox is an incredible place for me to be able to share this with others and I am really motivated when people tell me that they have enjoyed what they read on the blog or the recipe they tried. It makes it so worth it! Sally: I have always loved writing and since my day job revolves around numbers and spreadsheets and legal documents, I love the opportunity to use the other side of my brain. The Saltbox is a fantastic creative outlet for me, for which I am very grateful. I think the fact that we are working on this together, and that I really don’t want to let Kim down is also hugely motivating. That being said, we are both pretty flexible and can usually step in for the other person if they are too busy or hectic to blog.

What have your biggest blogging challenges been? Photography! Neither of us have the experience and/or the tools yet to take amazing photos but it is something that we are working on and we even hope to do a photography course one of these days. With cooking often happening ‘after hours’ lighting can pose some challenges so we have to get a little creative sometimes. It is also quite daunting when you see the level of interaction that some other blogs receive and it can get disheartening at times but what’s important is why you do it and not always the number of ‘likes’ you get!
What do you love most about being a blogger? Kim: Being able to share things I have discovered and love with others because I genuinely want them to try it or see it for themselves. Sally: The interaction with our readers, especially when it’s not my sister or mom!
Do you have any blog related or social media pet peeves? {things that other bloggers or social media peeps do, that really annoy you} Sally: I find negative people on social media/blogs exhausting (and in real life too!) But one thing that I do love about social media is the fluidity, if someone is annoying you – unfollow them. It’s that simple. Kim: I also hate negativity and people who use these types of platform to complain. No one needs that in their life.
What has your journey as a blogger taught you {about yourself or in general}? Has it changed your life in any way? Sally: It is constantly changing my life. It keeps me on my toes and I find that I am always looking for a ‘Saltbox’ angle when doing something whether is cooking or shopping or travelling. Blogging has me looking at the world a bit differently, which I love. Kim: Like Sally, I look at things in a bit of a different way now always keeping an eye out for awesome things to share with others. It’s also pushed me to try new things, put myself out there and not worry too much what people think. These are the things I love and I hope that people enjoy it too but if they don’t, I’m ok with that.
If you had to give a newbie blogger any advice, what words of wisdom would you impart? Kim: Planning! If you don’t plan ahead life and work (naturally) gets in the way. We plan our content weeks in advance and make sure that we stick to this as best as possible ensuring that we treat our readers to all sorts of content on a consistent basis. The worst is knowing you need a post for the next day and have nothing to work off, that can only waste time. A content plan gives you a base and a way to use your precious time more efficiently. Also, it’s all a bit of an experiment, so try out different things and see what works best. Sally: We are still newbies – any tips for us? Jokes, I would say that starting a blog has its ups and downs and you should be prepared for the downs but don’t let them put you off. You’re unlikely to be an overnight sensation so keep on going and when you get comments from strangers, it’ll all be worth it!
In three words tell me what blogging means to you: Sally – Writing, Eating, Dreaming. Kim – Exploring, Cooking, Sharing

Thanks Kim and Sally for sharing a bit more about your lives and blogging journey with us! You can find out more about The Saltbox here:

Blog link: www.thesaltbox.co.za

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesaltbox

Twitter: @saltboxsa

Instagram: @thesaltboxsa

If you are a blogger and would like to be featured on Confessions of a Blogger, then please email Fiona or leave a comment below. Or if there is a blogger see featured here please drop me a mail or comment.

Image Source: The Saltbox