'How do I do it all?', 'How long have you been blogging?', 'How do you monetize?', 'Do you do this full time?' - I've heard these so many times that now I know the slew and the order of questions I'll be bombarded when ever I'd mention to someone that 'I am a blogger.'
I am sure you would have similar and a few more questions in conjunction to the above that you would like me to answer. So, let's make this Monday a Q&A day and make everyone happy.
Q: How long have you been blogging?
A: I have been blogging for a little over five years, but in terms of real blogging and monetization 'I would say 3 years.'
ZARA dress ( similar ) // BANANA REPUBLIC jacket // TORY BURCH mules
Q: Who takes your pictures?
A: When I started my career as a blogger I did it all, from taking photos to editing to publishing. I worked with a tripod and remote for a good couple of years until I met my photographer who happens to a girlfriend's boyfriend. He has been kind enough to give me a F&F rate and it has been amazing ever since he came on board. It has been a game-changer, my photos look more professional and well-composed. Generally, I edit my photos unless it is a sponsored big brand campaign where he would pitch in.
Q: How do you do it all?
A: Truth be told ' when you are passionate about something, you enjoy the hustle.' Blogging is my passion and my face lights up ( my colleague says so ) when someone shows curiosity towards blogging. I work full-time as a property manager, I work more than full-time as blogger, and I don't mind the hustle. I take alternate Wednesdays off from my day job to do all my photoshoots and attend business-meetings. I owe this to my husband whose unconditional love and support for me and my work keeps me going.
Q: When do you know it's time to stop?
A: Well, the path I've chosen there is no stopping. 'You snooze, you lose' is the rule of thumb that works in my industry. You snooze one day and you lose weeks worth of your hard work. There is no denying that I have become a workaholic now. I don't know how to enjoy leisure and even when I am away with family I am working. But don't worry I have my own ways to relax and rejuvenate. Cleaning my closet, cooking, playing board-games with Riri, a round or two of badminton outside now that the weather is getting better refreshes me. Otherwise I am always on the go.
Q: How do you monetize?
A: There are several avenues of monetizing blogging. Blogging is now a legit career and just as others get a paycheck we get a paycheck too, except that ours doesn't arrive as per any preset schedule. Direct partnership with brands has been my highest paying channel. Some have been through PR companies and some direct pitching to the brands. After this would be affiliate sales. I am a part of a few affiliate platforms wherein I earn commission on every sale that I make. I usually link individual pieces from my outfit and when you shop using that link, I earn a commission for all sales. Running adds on my blog is another source of income, enough for my weekly coffee bills.
Q: Is your daughter a part of your blog?
A: Women's fashion is my niche, but I enjoy creating content around lifestyle and kid's fashion. When I am working on sponsored lifestyle campaigns, I don't mind Ribhya jumping in. If you ask me why she would agree to work then my answer would be ' she gets paid for all the work she does for me.' She gets paid an hourly rate and all that earns goes towards her college fund. She understands the dynamics of being employed and she enjoys the reward.
Q: How has blogging changed your life?
A: Blogging has now become an essential part of my life. It is like my third baby that needs attention, love and nurturing. I have made new friends and learnt a lot. A platform that was born out of a new stay-at-home mom's desperation to do something to entertain and empower herself, has come a long-long way from being that just-another-blog. I am thankful to you all for accepting me and making me a part of the influencer community. I am thankful to all my readers for who I am, where I am and for what I am going to be. My blog wouldn't have become a brand name if it wasn't for your love and faith in me. I am working on bringing some newness to the blog and can't wait for you to witness all the fabulosity and empowerment.
SHOP MY OUTFIT
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