15-year-old Tolmeia Gregory, who has reached international blogging fame by the name of Tolly Dolly Posh, established her blog at the young age of 11. She has since attracted high-profile press attention – see the Telegraph, the London Evening Standard, Company, i-D and Marie Claire, to name a few – and done an interview with BBC Radio 4. Tolly channels her authentic voice through her sartorial choices, bright texts and fashion illustrations – the latter is a talent she has inherited from her mother, a former Mulberry designer. Now Tolly is in her fourth year of blogging, and one step closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a fashion designer; her collection of fanciful socks in collaboration with Mooi en Lief has just launched last week. Read on as Tolly discusses her own adventures in building and running her personal website, and reveals her views on teenage blogging.
Who or what inspired you to start your own website?
I originally started my blog for two reasons; the first being that it was a great project for the summer holidays, where I could channel my creative ideas and thoughts, and the second being that it was a possible way to get me onto that first stepping stone on the path to becoming a fashion designer… possibly!
You started blogging at the age of 11. How have you evolved since?
Everything I write is so much more in depth and just ridiculously better (if I do say so myself). I’m much happier with it now and I just wish I could go back and teach my 11 year old self what to do. My brand has also evolved, and I’m super happy with that also.
What would you say is the biggest challenge you are facing with regards to blogging?
Currently, it’s finding ideas. I’ve been on a bit of a blogging break because I just want to do more with my blog rather than just churning out wishlists and generic “blogger” style posts.
Do you get just as creative with your school outfits, too?
Well, I’m actually homeschooled so if I were really honest my “school” outfit is mainly PJs… oops!
Tell us about your project “Mooi en Lief” you just launched.
Back in 2014, a Dutch brand, Mooi en Lief, came to me with the idea of designing a collection of socks for them, and I of course, happily accepted! I launched my very own collection on September 5. How exciting!?
Your blog looks very professional from every aspect. Do you get outside help or do you do/decide on everything by yourself?
Thank you! Nope, it’s all me! I mean, if there is something technical I need help with, then of course I’ll get some advice, but everything to do with branding and design, is done by myself.
You seem very informed on current fashion news. What is on your daily reading list?
I mainly like sites like Business of Fashion and Vogue. They have lots of different articles that ask lots of different questions and they form good starting points to write off from. I’ve also recently discovered Reddit as a good way to find
ideas, which is not what I was expecting!
Have you ever attended fashion week? How do you feel about teen bloggers attending fashion shows, even sitting front row?
I haven’t unfortunately, but I have been very close to getting some tickets. I think teen bloggers attending fashion shows is great! I think as long as they know exactly what they’re going for and treat it like a professional press event, then why not?
Have you received any negative criticism about what you do? How did you handle it?
I have, but not very much. The worst thing of recent was when I wore an outfit that wasn’t quite perfect and Primark shared it on their Instagram… cue a couple of hundred comments saying that I don’t how to dress – fun!
Are bloggers your age serious about blogging? Are they starting it as a potential future career, or do they see it as another off-school activity? What is your case?
I’m not sure. I think since people have started looking at what people like Zoella have done, they’re more interested in the career side of things, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t bloggers my age who take it as a serious hobby. I wouldn’t say I’m doing it for a career, but I have had some amazing opportunities so far, so I’m not stopping anytime soon!
I couldn’t help but notice your talent for both creative writing and fashion design. Where do you see yourself in the future?
Thank you! My main ambition is to become a fashion designer. I think I have realized that blogging is just another major part of my life now so it’s something I’ll do along the side. I still do designing, I just haven’t shared as much as I would like to as blogging has gone in a different direction. I hope to share more soon though!
www.tollydollyposhfashion.com
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Images © Tolly Dolly
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