My Q&A!

February 13, 2017

1) How I got into blogging/ how I got started? 

To be honest I started a nutrition instagram and that started doing relatively well. So, I took my two passions, health food and fashion and created my blog, All of my Essence. I chose the name of my blog because the word essence means “the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character.” As many may not know when I was younger I lost 55 pounds (full story here!). When I was heavier, I couldn’t wear all of the clothes I had always dreamed of wearing! After losing weight, I was no longer insecure about my body. I could express myself any way I wanted using my own personal style. My blog encompasses all that makes me, me. Without my past I wouldn’t be the determined, strong willed, and confident person that I am today! How I got started? Well, this part was a little bit tougher. It took me about 6 months to get my blog up and running with content (shout out to my amazing boyfriend who helped me code my blog, you da bomb!) Then, although I was nervous and hesitant to starting a blog in the first place, I started uploading content hoping people would want to follow and be inspired. Perseverance pays off big time!

2) Strategies for a successful IG?

Im still figuring this part out actually! What seems to work for other bloggers and myself is to post daily! People want to be able to rely on you and when they know you post daily they will keep coming back to check on your Instagram. Post content you love! Don’t sell out just to make a few bucks. That is one pet peeve of mine. If a skincare company asks me to promote for them, I personally would rather turn down the money then post a picture of a bottle of cream (I mean come on who is like OMG that bottle of skin care is gorgeous…I need to follow!!!). Sorry I am just being honest! I promote things I love… fashion, shoes, bags, etc. The second and most important tip is to be social! They don’t call it social media for no reason. I was not social for the first 6 months of my IG. I wondered why I wasn’t getting much engagement. Then, I asked myself “am I engaging on other people pictures?” Once I started, the favor was returned immediately.The third tip is to have a theme! This takes some time but if you work at it you will get it just right. I finally just discovered a method that works for me. I believe that an instagram feed that is cohesive is more appealing to the eye and it will draw more people in.

3) How do I edit my pictures?

This is the question I get all the time. I will admit I have a little trick up my sleeve when it comes to editing my pictures. However, this is something that makes bloggers different so I will not be sharing that specific trick! I will say that I take all my pictures out of the sun. As far as editing my pictures I use Lightroom (the best editor ever!!!) and then I take it over to VSCO cam for the filter which I use A6 for all my pictures. In addition, I try to have all my backgrounds and colors of my blog match. I stay away from orange, brick walls, wood, etc. 

4) Do I blog full time?

I wish… hopefully one day! At the moment I am actually just blogging because I just got an internship with Lo Bosworth from the hills working on her blog, eeeek! I am beyond excited to have this opportunity!

5) Did the followers come easy?

Honestly, no! There are so many bloggers theses days so it is very hard to get noticed. So keep on pushing on!

6) Did I ever want to stop?

Yes! I have gotten so down on myself in the past but, I have never quit anything before in my life so I kept at it and I am so happy I did. I never imagined I would get to where I am today. 

7) How long have you been with your boyfriend?

I have been with my completely amazing boyfriend for over 3 years now! ♥ He is the absolute best! He finally agreed to start blogging fashion with me so you will all be seeing more of him! yay!

8) Tips to drive people to a blog?

I mean theres the obvious answer, take awesome pictures and create great content of course, but also promotion! Use Facebook, IG stories, snapchat etc. Try new things! For example, I recently started “Look for Less” and it is doing really well!

10) Who takes my pictures?

Dan, my boyfriend. If Dan isn’t around I ask my mom to take them. If all that fails… I’m SOL. Just kidding! I have an awesome tripod and remote. This is so handy it’s not even funny! I will do a blog post on this topic soon!

11) What lens do I use?
 
I have a Nikon D3300 and I use a 50mm f/1.8. This lens is the best thing to ever happen to my pictures. It creates the ideal blurred background!

Feel free to ask more questions in the comment section below! xoxo

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  • Mae February 13, 2017 at 10:58 pm

    I loved this post! Nice reading your answers to the Q&A 🙂

    Mae ♥

    http://sweetasmae.blogspot.co.nz/

    • Keri fay March 2, 2017 at 3:21 pm

      Aw i’m glad you liked it! Thank you so much!