How did you start?
I started as an etsy shop for baby things! So different from where I am now. It took me many years to discover my true passion in DIY and home decor, and that’s where my blog is now.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram, but also just out and about, finding beautiful things or seeing beautiful homes!
What do you post about?
I post primarily about DIY projects and home decor, but I occasionally do lifestyle things as well.
What does your audience relate most to?
I would hope that they are mostly people like me, just a woman who likes to make her home pretty and isn’t afraid to do the work that it takes to get it just the way we want it.
What has been your favorite experience as an Influencer:
I did a multiple year contract with Better Homes and Gardens and it was actually so fun. I loved getting to know the company and the bloggers I worked with. I miss it!
What 3 things does anyone starting as an Influencer need to know?
Consistency is key, no matter how slow your growth is. This has been a HARD lesson for me and is always something I struggle with, especially since I’m also raising 5 kids (which is my priority!) Don’t compare yourself and pay attention to Google Analytics!
What is the best thing about being an influencer?
Being able to provide some income to my family through doing what I love! It doesn’t feel like work (most of the time!)
What’s the largest challenge you face as an influencer? How do you overcome it?
Lately it’s been finding the energy and time to do all the tasks I need to do to keep my business profitable while also raising my five kids and their demanding schedules. If you figure out a way to overcome it, let me know!
Tell us about your proudest moment as an influencer?
During my BH&G contract, the bloggers competed by creating a video about their products and my video won me a trip to NYC with Better Homes and Gardens to appear on their webcast with editor and designer Eddie Ross. That was awesome.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
My blog has been all over the place which undoubtedly made it grow slowly, but I started it as a new mom and my blogging journey has helped me to discover who I really am and what I really love, so I can’t say I would have changed anything!
What factors do you take into account for what you charge with a post?
Industry standards, my experience, my unique perspective, etc
What is the best practice for Brands looking to work with Influencers?
Micro influencers are big these days, so don’t write them off! You can find influencers with a smaller following with a big engagement. Also just because someone has a million instagram followers doesn’t mean they are big on other platforms and vice versa, everyone has one main platform where they truly shine.
How do you choose which campaigns you will and will not participate in?
I decide if the partnership is something my readers would resonate with on some level, and if it’s a good fit for my blog. Then I decide if the compensation is equal to the value of my time and whether or not I would enjoy doing it.
What do you do to encourage authentic engagements on your sponsored posts?
I always try to write like I’m talking to a friend, very real and down to earth. I ask questions, I (try) to be funny, and I always reply to comments!
Where do you see the future of influencer marketing?
Video is coming up huge and I would love to get more involved in that, especially the time lapse style tutorials since people have so much info thrown at them with limited time.
