What’s the formula for making a popular fashion blog? If anyone knows it’s Christine Andrew. She founded Hello Fashion in 2011, and as well as managing to keep it up all this time, she’s grown her success and sustained it. We had a chat with her to find out what her secrets are . . .
I always knew I wanted to have my own business of some sort.
I wasn’t sure exactly what it was going to be growing up, but I’m so thankful I found something I love that I look forward to working almost every day!
Learning how to deal with the negativity is the hardest part!
Whenever you put yourself out there, there will always be people who put you down, but it says more about them than it does you. 5 years ago I decided to take the outlook that people are good but might be going through hard things in life or having a bad day when they put you down.
Even when people say something rude or are negative, I choose to be happy! Not to say it doesn’t hurt still sometimes, but a lot of the time the negativity is more a reflection of what’s going on in their life. Instead of getting angry, I take that opportunity to respond with kindness. 90% of the time, even the meanest commenters will reply with something nice. Choose to be happy and spread kindness over hate and anger.
If you want to have a successful blog, or anything really, don’t be in it to make money.
Do any job with passion, because you love it and eventually you will be able to make a career out of it. Consistency is key. Success doesn’t happen overnight, I get so many emails from readers saying they have been blogging for a month or six months and don’t get why their audience hasn’t taken off yet. It takes time! It’s such an obvious answer but it’s so true! Stick with it, even if it isn’t taking off as quickly as you had hoped, don’t give up!
Inspiration is everywhere!
I always find great pieces while browsing through catalogs and looking at new arrivals on my favorite retailers’ websites that I love and want to share with my readers. As far as content, the blog usually reflects my life. Cody and I are all about knocking items off our bucket lists, whether it’s traveling to new places or trying new things, and those experiences always give me a new perspective to bring to the blog.
Of course, there are some family things we like to keep just in the family, but I do like to share a lot of our life and travels on the blog. Traveling is always a huge inspiration – it leaves me feeling refreshed and with a passion to try new things!
Honestly, it’s a weekly struggle to balance everything!
I try to make it a point to work hours when the kids are asleep or out with Cody so I can take full advantage of the time I have with them. I have some days when it all comes together and somehow feels so easy but then, of course, there are times when all my deadlines seem to hit at once and there are never enough hours in the day.
There are weeks when I feel like, no matter what, something’s gotta give and I am falling short somewhere (or everywhere!) whether it’s missing out on moments with the kids, falling behind on things for ILY, missing deadlines for the blog, or not getting enough one-on-one time with Cody.
My wardrobe staples . . .
A good blazer, a classic/sexy nude pump, sneakers , A designer bag, A LBD, A denim jacket and a long sleeve striped top
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