Interview for Les Assorties, June 2015

What started as a promising food blog, it turned out to become one successful lifestyle blog; Eat.Wear.Travel, formerly known asEileen Cuisine, run by Elena Sandor, revolves around everything that inspires her – fashion and beauty, traveling and food. Read on as Elena discusses the transition from cookery to lifestyle, and gives her advice to all aspiring bloggers.

What inspired you to start your own blog?

I started my first blog, where I shared my recipes and love for cooking, eight years ago. Fast forward two years ago, I decided to expand my blog and talk about fashion, beauty, as well as traveling, because I was an avid Vogue reader, and used to watch all traveling documentaries. Everyone was asking about my views on my last trips, my beauty routine, and where I bought that dress; I felt I had something to say about my personal style. This is how my new website was born, and I started this wonderful journey with lots of expectations.

How important is the name of the blog?

I was known as Eileen Cuisine, due to my first blog, and after my decision to expand into more lifestyle areas, a new name had to be found. I researched a lot, and some bloggers said it is important to have your own name as a domain. Others said you need a catchy short phrase. For me, Eat.Wear.Travel sounded best because it says exactly what you are going to read, and it is memorable.

How difficult is to find a blog niche?

Finding a blog niche is something every expert insisted on in every blogging forum and meeting I have attended. I haven’t found my niche yet, because I am still trying to figure out what I love the most – the problem is I love almost everything!

What is the best way to promote and grow your blog?

I am promoting my blog mostly on Facebook; this is where most of my reach is gained. Also, Pinterest is huge at the moment, and it can be a powerful tool when it comes to being recognized from a wider audience. Twitter and Instagram are important as well, mostly to promote your name.

What is your main audience and how did you reach out to them?

My main audience is young, happy women, who like to treat themselves well, are driven to success and ready to conquer the world. They are elegant, edgy and down to earth at the same time. I connect with them via Facebook, Instagram, comments, etc.

How important is it for your business to attend fashion week?

I have attended LFW for two years now and I am planning on attending this year as well. It is tremendously important to see new trends first hand, and share them with your audience. I have noticed that my followers grow a lot after posting about real time events such as press days and LFW, so it is important to be active and socially involved in this industry.

What are the best tips for building long-term relationships and partnerships with brands?

You need to be present; they want to see your face, not a name behind an email. So make sure you attend all press days, meet with the PR agencies, and make yourself known! Also, you might want to write one or two articles for free about these brands before asking for something. They want to see you really like their brand because of their value not because of freebies.

What is the biggest challenge about running a blog?

Personally, my challenge is being constant in writing. I have lots of pending posts because I need to find time to finish them.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to start a blog today?

Find your niche, connect with as many bloggers and audience as possible, be true to yourself and don’t sell yourself short. Know your value and make everyone know it as well! Make a schedule and stick to it. Be dedicated, with a lot of work you will see results. Also, don’t let it become a burden. Remember the early days when your blog brought you happiness and satisfaction.

What are your ultimate plans for your blog/blogging career?

I really want to become a full-time blogger, make a living out of what I love. I still need to work on that, but I know I am on the right path.