Interview for Danielle Aliana, Feb 2015
Why did you decide to start blogging?
Nine years ago I started a blog about food and recipes I tried in my own kitchen. I actually didn’t eve know how to boil an egg, but I needed to focus and keep up with everyone else, since Julia Child was trending high at the time. My current lifestyle blog, which I’ve started almost two years ago, is a combination of street style, travel, beauty, restaurant reviews and, of course, my love for food.
Ever since I’ve known myself (which is a long time ago), I’ve had a passion for fashion. I used to do dress ups with my friends, then, when I grew up, I was offering tips and advices to everyone asking about the perfect outfit for different occasions. My blog started as an outlet for my daily inspiration in everything beautiful and I can’t see myself doing anything else.
Are you an organized person?
If you ask everyone around me, they will tell you I have OCD. If you ask me, they exaggerate. A bit. I probably am the most organized person I know; I have a monthly subscription at a journal app, I own a dozen of agendas, I color-code everything, and I like keeping my things in a particular order. It is busy being me, but hey, my world spins perfectly when I dictate its trajectory.
How do you manage to fit blogging around everyday tasks, children etc?
For six months now, I’ve started to blog frequently, and to take this lifestyle more seriously. I don’t have any children, so it might seem I have a lot of time on my hands. The truth is, I can barely manage to breath sometimes, running to events, talking with PRs, finding time to cook, shoot for street style and editorials, and many other beautiful things I try to keep organized in my daily agenda. I’ve discovered an app that maintains me focused, it is called Journl and you should definitely give it a go. Obviously, you need to set your goals and keep them happening.
Where do you find most of your inspiration for content?
I have a pretty long list of things I want to do, ideas keep coming to my mind whenever I see a movie, or I am traveling; books and magazines are really an oasis of imagination. You just need to keep your eyes open and draw inspiration from everything and everyone that surrounds you. Step out of your comfort zone, you may never know that the grass is greener on the other side, until you’ve jumped the fence!
What bloggers inspire you?
I believe this post should have a decent size, so I have to resume myself on mentioning just a few amazing bloggers that I follow and inspire me. Gary Pepper is on the top of my list, as the most genuine, beautiful and impressive influencer. There are also two Romanian bloggers, Fabulous Muses that I truly appreciate, they are ever so glamorous and perfect, with lots of editorials out of this world. I cannot finish without mentioning Miroslava Duma, Olivia Palermo, Tuula Vintage and Kristina Bazan, the titans of the fashion world, which made it easier for us to be taken serious. And harder to be compared with.
What is your favourite product of 2015 so far?
I must say I’ve tried Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre and I absolutely loved it, my holy grail on facial creams. The jewel in my cabinet crown, it restores the balance of my complexion, nourishes dry areas and fights environmental aggressors. Not to mention that my makeup stays and looks healthy all day long! I am pretty sure I have a lot of other favorite products to share with you, but you’ve only asked me about one. The rest should pop on my blog soon.
Heels or Flats?
Definitely heels with flats in my bag. I never leave my home for an important event with my heels on, because, well, I just hate how they make my feet feel sore. Instead, I change at the location. Simple and efficient!
Who’s your famous crush?
I hope my husband won’t read this, but my famous crush is Josh Duhamel. I and the other half of the rest of the women on the planet know what I mean. His smile, dimples, his efforts on being the bad guy but can’t because of his charm and oh, I think I should stop there;)
If you could invite 5 famous people over for dinner (past or present) who would you invite and why? Also what would you serve them?
I would definitely have Audrey Hepburn, I truly admire her elegance and femininity, so a few lessons from here won’t hurt. Next to her, I’ll have Blair from Gossip Girl, her insights and drama, together with a brilliant sense of fashion, would make the party a hit. Meryl Streep and Will Smith are two of my favorite actors, so it is a no brainer they should attend my big evening. Last, but not least, Ellen DeGeneres can’t miss my dinner, she is so witty and full of life, and we need someone to keep the party going.
I’ll cook them a French 7 course meal. It is the stars night, remember?
Lastly what advice do you have for someone just starting out in blogging?
Work, work, and then some more work. You need to define your passion and sell it. People are spotting a true believer in what they do from a mile away. Have faith that you will accomplish your goals, and then go on to make your dreams come true. First, set up a plan for the year ahead with your expectations, and means to achieve them. Be consistent in what you blog about, and do it frequently. Connect with other bloggers, PRs, network, network! In the end, don’t forget to have fun!
