Continuing on with this week’s #MoreThanEnough campaign + spotlighting my fellow blogging babes, I’m happy to feature Kelsey Linder. A girl after my own heart because she wanted to be an event coordinator or interior designer, she ultimately went with a career in graphic design + loves to blog on the side for a creative outlet for her other loves of fashion, beauty + decorating.
Check out Kelsey’s interview below for her bits of wisdom on how women can empower each other + her take on what it’s like to be a blogger!
#1: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your blog
I’m a blue eyed, blonde hair, California girl! I grew up traveling quite a bit and have had a serious travel bug lately! My mom was a flight attendant and my dad was a pilot… and yes, they met on a plane!
Going into college, I wanted to be an event coordinator or interior designer (I love organizing and planning) so I chose an art major. Looking back, I’m not sure if that even makes sense… but it did back then! I was introduced to graphic design in college and loved it! Graphic design has actually helped me quite a bit with my blog as well as I’m sure you can imagine!
I have always had a love of fashion, beauty, and decorating. My boyfriend and I are currently remodeling our house and I love decorating every room! I started my blog to create a space where I could put all of my passions in one place without bombarding my family and friends on my private social media profiles. I have always thought that if I’m curious or passionate about something, someone else out there in the world might be too… so why not share it?
#2: How long have you been blogging and what inspired you to get started?
It will be 2 years in February! I was an art major in college and have always loved fashion, beauty and design. I thought starting my blog would be a fun outlet to share things I love with like-minded people and not flood my personal/private feeds filled friends and family who may not be interested in those kinds of posts.
#3: Was there anything that ever held you back from blogging or made you apprehensive?
I think the biggest thing that has held me back is the fear that I won’t be successful. I remind myself daily that if I love and appreciate something (whether that’s a tip, products, etc.) chances are someone else out there will too! I think the fear of judgement, especially as a blogger with a small following, is all too real! It’s hard to get to a place where you’re comfortable sharing anything and everything whether you receive a response from followers or not.
#4: Do you blog full time or on the side? If on the side, what’s your profession?
I blog on the side. I’m a full time graphic designer for a communications and marketing company.
#5: What’s your best general career advice?
Give it everything you have, but cut yourself some slack! I think, especially in blogging, it’s so easy to get discouraged. Sometimes I’ll go for a while without posting on IG or getting a blog post up on my site because I’m busy or unmotivated and I get so frustrated with myself, but sometimes life gets in the way and that’s okay! When we see others success, it’s too easy to start comparing ourselves and that isn’t healthy. You have to remind yourself why you’re doing what you do, why you love it, and get re-motivated.
#6: What do you think makes someone a #girlboss?
I think the most important quality of a #girlboss is to be kind and supportive of others! I love the majority of the blogging community who is supportive of one another. Why be competitive when we can collaborate and help each other? To me, a #girlboss is someone who inspires and leads by example.
#7: What are you favorite ways to make yourself feel confident?
I feel the most confident when I’m eating right and working out (and I am totally off that bandwagon right now!). When I feel good on the inside, I notice an instant change in how I feel about myself on the outside. Even if I haven’t lost a lb. from going to the gym, I feel more confident in myself when I’m working hard to better myself.
#8: What advice would you give someone who is struggling to find their personal style?
Comfort is key for me! I would love to be that girl who looks and feels great in a bodycon dress and heels with her hair and makeup perfectly done… but the reality is if I’m wearing something like that, I’m probably uncomfortable! Jeans and cute oversized sweaters are my daily attire because I’m comfortable and if I’m comfortable in what I’m wearing, I’m more confident as well!
#9: What is your go-to power outfit?
I rarely wear this to work, but for client events… I love a good blazer and tank top tucked into high waisted pants and heels! For an everyday power outfit look, I love a cute blouse with high waisted flare jeans and heels. Something about elongating my legs makes me feel more powerful and confident.
#10: How do you feel women could do a better job supporting one another?
I kind of touched on this earlier but I think being supportive is really the key to success! Why hate on someone who has more followers than you on Instagram? It’s so silly! Appreciate the hard work they have put in and learn from them. There is so much to be said about women supporting other women and collaborating with each other.
A simple way I started showing my support for other bloggers (male & female!) was to post a #FollowFriday and tag different accounts I follow and love to look to for inspiration. Give people the kudos they deserve and others will feed off your positive energy.
#11: Do you ever experience social media envy? If so, how do you overcome it?
Totally! I would be lying if I talked about being supportive this entire time and didn’t admit that it’s so easy to be envious of others success. Social media is a tricky world – you’re really only seeing the highlight real of someones life and it’s so important to remember that.
I post one photo of an outfit but there are about 100 other pictures that I took to get that one good one! (Insert my boyfriend’s aka my photographer’s eye-roll here! Haha) Most of those photos consist of closed eyes, double chins… no one is perfect and it takes a lot of work to get that one photo!
I think they key is to take any “envy” and turn it into admiration. Do you love that girls feed and vibe? Yes. Why do you love it? What can you learn from her and implement into your own style?
#12: What advice would you give to an aspiring blogger?
There really is no “right way” to blog! I think the most important thing to do is figure out your niche. What can you offer that others can’t? What are you really passionate about? If you’re not passionate about what you’re talking to followers about, they’ll see right through you.
Blogging is such a learning curve! My process is constantly evolving and what I’m blogging about is changing and evolving as well. Interests change and it’s okay to venture out and try new things. Pay attention to what your audience interacts with, and interact back!
You can follow along with the lovely Kelsey on her website blondeandblushing.com + on Instagram @blondeandblushing
Related Posts: #MoreThanEnough; Sheila Smires // #MoreThanEnough; Marie Rau