SA Bloggers - Inspired Living SA

Spruce Lifestyle {Confessions of a Blogger}

Sam & Ilaria from Spruce Lifestyle

Today on Confessions of a Blogger we meet blogging duo Sam and Ilaria, the creative minds behind Spruce Lifestyle.

Hi we are Sam and Ilaria – two regular girls and lifelong friends. We met in school at the age of 14. We have lived together, worked together, cried, struggled but most importantly laughed and continue to laugh together, and we are now on our very exciting blog journey together. We are passionate South Africans and are both currently living in Johannesburg, our City of Gold.

When did your start your journey as a blogger and why? We officially launched Spruce Lifestyle on 1 October 2014, but the idea behind our blog started a year before that. Sam had been reading blogs for about two years, and introduced Ilaria to them and we both fell absolutely in love with the idea of having our own blog space. Being in corporate jobs (in the financial services sector), we both felt we were becoming somewhat “one dimensional” and needed to find something to live outside of the box. Over the course of a few months, and many discussions, the idea of our blog started to develop (amongst a few variations) and one morning over a cup of coffee in the sunshine, everything about Spruce was decided!

If you are not blogging where will we find you? As we both have full-time, demanding day jobs we spend most of the time during the week at our offices. In our spare-time however, we both love to shop (we can spend hours browsing clothing shops together), eating good food, walking our dogs, trying to keep fit and spending quality time with good people.
Tell us a little bit about your space on the interweb and what you blog about. Spruce is our take on all things life, style or lifestyle orientated. We like to think of Spruce as an extension of our own personalities; a place celebrating inspiration, beautiful things and the simple pleasures of life. It is also a personal view into both of our lives – both as individuals and as two best friends (17 years and counting!) – and because of that, we want it to feel as open and authentic as possible. The best thing about being a ‘lifestyle’ based blog is that we have a chance to write about a wide range of things; anything that we feel fits within our space, anything that excites us or interests us. We chose a template that reflects a sense of happiness and lightness (almost like champagne bubbles) and we hope that each and every post conveys that sense too!

What do you think makes a blog successful? To start – it needs to be visually appealing and the content needs to be interesting, and remain interesting, while being easy to read. Successful blogs, in our opinion, convey a personal element; we know the blogs we keep coming back to are the ones which have that personal sense and ability to connect with readers. As readers and lovers of blogs we want to feel like the blog we are reading is accessible and engages with its audience across various forms of social media.
Being a blogger is not always easy – what motivates you and keeps you going? We are both very determined people and that has ultimately been the driving force since day one of this blog. We both have a sense of what is possible, and what milestones we want to reach, which has been the motivation to continue going, continue building and continue wanting to succeed. Secondly, it is the small pieces of feedback that we receive from our readers; it shows us that people are reading and enjoying (most importantly) the blog, and are wanting to engage with us. Every time one of us feels down, there seems to be some sort of encouragement and it has helped us push ourselves and want to carry on. Lastly, this blogging journey has been so different and new to what we know, and we understand that we both have so much more to learn in this space, which acts as a motivator in itself.

What have your biggest blogging challenges been? The initial set-up! Ilaria did this all by herself; with no help. We had bought a template but to get it to where we wanted required a huge amount of patience and trial and error. Getting our name out there in the blogging world has been tough. There are still a large majority of South African women who don’t read blogs on a regular basis so for us it has been about getting people into the blog-reading frame of mind.
What do you love most about being a blogger? The experience has been an eye-opener – of note! We have been exposed to a world we didn’t really know existed. Having our own blog has been amazing for both of us in developing ourselves, our creative sides and allowing us to look at life in a different way. The broad-nature of our blog means we have been required to really think about things differently (is this bloggable?) and take control of what we put out.

What has the journey taught you about yourself or in general? Has it changed your life in any way? Both of us can lack self-confidence at times so putting ourselves out there has really pushed our boundaries, and challenged us to be more accepting of ourselves. The journey has also forced us to experience more (which has been the most wonderful part) and start looking at things through a ‘blogging lens’ to incorporate cool ideas into our everyday lives.
What are your Top 5 SA Blogs: Vanilla Blonde, Inspired Living, In My bag, Lip Gloss is my life, All Dolled Up.
If you could give advice to anyone starting a blog, what wisdom would you impart? Don’t be scared – JUST DO IT! Don’t procrastinate too long, a blog can evolve (which is the most exciting part about the blogging) and as long as your first attempt is a fairly good attempt of where you want to be, it will work out! Don’t be disheartened by a lack of reciprocation of your efforts – if you keep on setting new goals and loving what you do, you will get there. Be true to who you are, always.

Thanks to Sam and Ilaria from Spruce Lifestyle , for sharing a bit more about their lives and blogging journey with us!

If you would like to find out more about Spruce Lifestyle and connect with Sam and Ilaria – pop over here:

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

Hayleigh from Hayls World {Confessions of a Blogger}

~ Hayleigh from Hayls World ~

On today’s Confessions of a Blogger we meet the lovely Hayleigh from Hayls World. Let’s take a look inside Hayls World…

Hey guys my name is Hayleigh, but my nickname is Hayls. I live in sunny South Africa & I run my own business with my best friend. I love blogging about all sorts of wonderful things that happen around me and I absolutely love and enjoy topics like beauty, business and places or events. I’m a trained musician, like I actually have a certificate and all, but by trade I am a designer slash Jill of all trades!!

When did you start your journey as a blogger and why? It was at the beginning of last year (2014). I had gone into a checkers and was not very happy with the state and service of the store. By the time I had finished in the store I was fuming and was going to contact the head office. I arrived home, furiously punched out a letter of dissatisfaction and was ready to send! Then when I started reading through it I realized how unpleasant I sounded, how many mails they must get like this and how I was probably just having a really bad day and was taking it out on them. I deleted the whole thing, never sent it and decided instead to write a really awesome letter to a brand I love, and just leave the whole thing on a better note! A couple of days later the brand responded to my mail and in turn surprised me with a huge box of goodies. Once I got stuck in and started playing with my goodies, I just had to show people, I had to write about my fun and I guess the rest is history 🙂
Do you blog fulltime or do you have a regular 9-5 as well? Oh my goodness I wish I could blog full time hehe, but nope. I currently run a small Design & Marketing business with my best friend and business partner Mike. I must admit though, I am terribly lucky as a lot of my work is done on my PC and the Internet so I am constantly behind my Mac. This then gives me time to stay up to date socially and post very regularly.

Tell us a little about your space on the interweb and what you blog about? I am on all the main social networks you could say, and I have my blog. I was fortunate enough when deciding on my blog name, to find it was available on all those platforms so I am basically Hayls World everywhere. I originally started out by blogging about my nail art, but as I ventured deeper into the online world, I discovered so much more about the beauty community I had never expected and so from there I went onto makeup looks, product reviews and also YouTube videos. So I guess you could say my blog is about Beauty and some snippets of my life. I have also been on a “lifestyle change” if you will for the past two years and I plan on brining that into my blog once I’ve figured out how. I’ve also got a travel video planned for the near future.
Being a blogger is not always easy – what motivates you and keeps you going? I think my passion. I have always been quite self-conscious about my looks and body, but since changing my lifestyle habits and venturing into the beauty world I’ve discovered a whole new part of me that is far more confident. Every time I do a nail art design now or new makeup look, the responses I get and communication from other bloggers is so inspiring and uplifting it makes me want to keep going and do more! I truly enjoy it and naturally want to be blogging all day.
How important do you think it is to have a niche blog and would you consider your blog to be a niche blog? That is a great questions and I think its super important to have a niche blog! With so many bloggers and people in the world now days, you have got to stand out! I would not say my blog is a niche blog at the moment, but oddly enough it’s something I’ve been working on. I’ve had some amazing advice from an incredible man in the beauty industry on how to stand out and hopefully with time and practice I develop and create my own Niche.

What have your biggest blogging challenges been? Another great question and I’d have to say its been about my space and lighting.Trying to find the space to take pictures, arrange my background for video’s and product shots have really been a challenge! All my shots have to be coordinated around the sun. I often have the most time to do blogging and pictures in the evening, but the sun is obviously nowhere to be seen, so it leaves me frustrated because I either have to scramble in the morning when its full-on sun rays coming through my window or over the weekend when I’m just keen to chill out or visit with friends and family hehe. But all in all it’s not that bad and I have found a routine. As soon as I’ve saved up for proper lights I will feel a huge stress fall away!
What do you love most about being a blogger? I love the outlet of creativity I get to experience. I have never been a numbers, “desk full of papers” kind of person. I am “artsy fartsy” to the max, so being able to blog, create nail art and experiment with makeup allows me the release my personality naturally craves. It takes my mind of the important matters haha, and allows me to de-stress, calm down and get back to balance. I also love how many friends I’ve made, the different people and brands I’ve connected with and how accepting everyone is in the community I find myself.
If you had to choose a favorite social media platform, what would it be and why?This is a hard one J but I think it would have to be Instagram. I love how instant it is to post and interact with people, its also far less cluttered compared to other social platforms like twitter and Facebook with adds everywhere. My close second would have to be YouTube though as I love to see what other videos people come up with, their creative genius and ideas. Also posting my own videos is always thrilling for me.
What has your journey as a blogger taught you {about yourself or in general}? Has it changed your life in any way? I have learnt many things, but mainly that I am capable of achieving my blog goals if I set my mind to them and focus. It is my hobby at the moment, but also my passion and would one day love to blog full time! I’ve also learnt people are so much more open to your content, you make real friends online and its not all bullying or hate out there. In fact there is a lot of positive people out there engaging with you, sharing your content and just being very supportive, so I’ve learnt its not as scary as some make it seem or as you build it up to be in your mind.
If you could give someone wanting to start a blog any advice, what words of wisdom would you impart? Hmmm what would my advice be… 🙂 I think to make your blog name simple, memorable and relative to what you’re going to blog about. Sometimes I’ve seen a person I like on Instagram and want to connect to their Facebook page, but forget their blog name, or the spelling is a play on words I cant remember, or it is so long I forget the other half of their blog name. It sounds very critical or I have a head like a sieve, but its just one thing I would recommend. The rest will follow over time, you’ll amend your blog look, your theme, content etc, you’ll discover all of that as you go, but your “brand name” if you will, will stay the same for as long as you blog, so you want it to be positive from the get go.

Thanks to Hayleigh from Hayls World, for sharing a bit more about her life and blogging journey with us!

If you would like to find out more about Hayleigh and connect with her – pop over here:

Blog link: www.haylsworld.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/haylsblog

Twitter: @HaylsWorld

Instagram: HaylsWorld

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.

Awards, Be Inspired, Blogging

African Blogger Awards 2015

Last week the African Blogger Awards 2015 were announced on Twitter and to my surprise I came runner up in two categories! I had actually forgotten about the awards! I entered a few months back and not given it much thought since then.

You can imagine my delight when Inspired Living SA was announced runner up in the Fashion & Beauty Category and the Lifestyle Category! As a blogger you always wonder how many people are paying attention and reading what you put out there. It would appear there are quite a few 🙂

The aim of the African Blogger Awards, is to acknowledge the top African talent in the world of Bloggers, YouTubers, Facebookers, Tweeters, and Instagrammers. These awards provide an opportunity to the most successful online influencers in Africa to be recognised, for their hard work in growing and keeping their communities active and engaged.

What sets the African Blogger Awards apart, from other similar campaigns, is there is no requirement for readers or followers to vote. To qualify for the awards I had to add my blog and/or social accounts on Webfluential {ensuring that social platforms and analytics are correctly linked to Webfluential so that judging could take place}.The Webfluential Algorithm, then measures blog traffic and engagement and compares it to others in the same category.

So a big thank you to all my loyal readers and my followers on both the blog and social media! Without your continued support I could not have achieved these awards.

Be Inspired, Blogging, Interviews

Candice from Beauty Candy Loves

Today on Confessions of a Blogger we meet local beauty blogger Candice from Beauty Candy Loves.

Hi my name is Candice from Beauty Candy Loves. I am a 20 something lady from the beautiful Cape Town in South Africa, like most ladies I am totally obsessed with makeup. Beauty Candy Loves is my little space where I can share my beauty loves,thoughts and amazing adventures .

When did you start your journey as a blogger and why? I started my blog last year ( March 2014). I started getting into makeup and beauty products and have always been a part of a beauty community. I really enjoyed writing about products and sharing my honest opinion about them, to hopefully help women and not have them waste their money on products that aren’t worth buying. Also I don’t really have friends and need a platform where I could speak freely and speak to other women, who share my passion for makeup and everything beauty.
Do you blog fulltime or do you have a regular 9-5 as well? I definitely blog in my spare time – I am a receptionist during the day.

Tell us a little about your space on the interweb and what you blog about? As mentioned I usually blog about product reviews, whether that be makeup or hair products. I also document my travels, restaurants and places I have visited. I also share some strong opinions on what’s happening around me and my experiences with life and things that I have overcome.
Being a blogger is not always easy – what motivates you and keeps you going? Remembering why I started blogging and it gets me motivated. Knowing that someone actually does read my posts and finds them useful in some way. I might not have the most followers, but I sure as hell enjoy what I do. But yes people can be mean and the internet is full of internet bullies but I try my best not to let those harsh comments get me down.
How important do you think it is to have a niche blog? I don’t find it that important, yeah it’s great for someone to recognize and relate to what kind of blog you have .. But I say blog about what you want, it’s your blog anyway.
What have your biggest blogging challenges been? Time management!! I struggle some days to find the time to write and take photos! Having a day time job can really be stressful on it’s own and having a blog to manage on top of that is hard.
What do you love most about being a blogger? Sharing my thoughts freely! I love the fact that I don’t have to filter what I think and worry about fitting in with the cool kids. I write what I want and not what people tell me to.

If you had to choose a favourite social media platform, what would it be and why?Instagram. I am a visual person and really enjoy pretty pictures. I would scroll through Instagram for hours if I could.
What has your journey as a blogger taught you {about yourself or in general}? Has it changed your life in any way? Blogging has changed my life, I am no longer that fearful girl, who was too scared to share my opinions and worry about what people might think of me. I have learnt a lot about myself and the confidence and now exude. I actually feel like I am good at something and I always wondered if I would ever be good at something – well now I’ve found what I enjoy doing and I would say I am actually good at it. Well trying too.. I definitely have more makeup now then I had before I started blogging. I can also create a winged-eye look now, which is life changing hehe..
If you had to give a newbie blogger any advice, what words of wisdom would you impart? Keep at it!! Blogging can be exhausting and especially when you just starting out and no one is commenting or liking anything. Keep at it – soon people will take notice and it will be worth it!

Thanks to Candice from Beauty Candy Loves , for sharing a bit more about her life and blogging journey with us!

If you would like to find out more about Candice and connect with her – pop over here:

Blog Link: http://beautycandyloves.co.za/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beautycandyloves

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautycandylove

Instagram: https://instagram.com/beautycandyloves/

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

Candice Ying Sun from Beautyqueen8 { Confessions of a Blogger }

Candice Ying Sun from Beautyqueen8

Today Confessions of a Blogger features the lovely Candice Ying Sun from Beautyqueen8, a blog “all things beauty” related.

I’m Candice Ying Sun a 26 year old joburger who is beauty obsessed blogger who loves all things beauty, easily distracted my shiny objects and hello kitty.

When did you start your journey as a blogger and why? I had a passion for all things beauty and I loved the idea of sharing my knowledge to the world as a hobby.
If you are not blogging where will we find you? Probably at a shopping mall looking at all the beauty products or clothing. I also love watching series.

Tell us a little about your space on the interweb and what you blog about? I mostly blog about beauty products but I’ve branched out and done lifestyle and food too now.
What do you think makes a blog successful? Being honest, doing what you love and not being too obsessed or fixated on numbers or stats. Also interacting and relating with readers.
Being a blogger is not always easy – what motivates you and keeps you going? My passion for blogging and sharing it with the world. Sure I don’t always feel like blogging somedays I simply do it when inspiration strikes. It shouldn’t be a chore.
What have your biggest blogging challenges been? In life there will always be bullying and critics who are jealous of you but you just need to hold your head up high and be the bigger persons. Also sometimes blog posts can take days to complete but in the end it must be completed.
What do you love most about being a blogger? All the amazing people I have met through this platform and all the knowledge I have gained.
What has your journey as a blogger taught you {about yourself or in general}? There will always be negative people and critics but in the end the only opinion that matters is your own. Has it changed your life in any way? I have learnt to be more open minded and not to judge a book by it’s cover.

What are your top 5 SA blogs? Well obviously my own. I visit lots of other blogs often but I must say lipglossismylife.com, notanotherpoppie.com, lovemarylu.com, onestilletoatatime.com and veiledbeauty.co.za
If you had to give a newbie blogger any advice, what words of wisdom would you impart? Just do what you love and the benefits will roll in. And don’t be too fixated on numbers and stats.

Thanks to Candice Ying Sun from Beautyqueen8 , for sharing a bit more about her life and blogging journey with us!

If you would like to find out more about Candice and connect with her – pop over here:

Blog link: beautyqueen8.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautyqueen8blog or https://www.facebook.com/candiceyingsun

Twitter: https://twitter.com/candyangel88

Instagram: @ricebunnyc

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.