I posted on Twitter, Snapchat and my Instagram stories that I’d be taking questions for a Q&A and you guys delivered.
I grouped together some similar questions, just for the sake of keeping the post condensed. Some questions were already slated to become blog posts down the line, so I’ve saved those for that content!
If you come up with any other questions not answered here, you can always leave them in the comments or shoot me an email and I’ll include them in the next Q&A!
Life/Home Questions
Q: What tips do you have for living on your own for the first time?
A: This needs to be a full post (I’ll add it to my list!). In short, I’d say my biggest tips are developing solid routines for your space, not wasting money on trendy items (avoid Target) and investing in good-enough furniture. I say that last point because your first apartment won’t be lived in forever and your style is bound to change. Don’t spend thousands of dollars on a sofa you won’t bring with you when you move.
+ This post featuring an interview from BoConcept has some great points about where to splurge/save on your home.
Q: How do you keep up with friendships while focusing on other things like work and family?
A: Managing friendships after college can be tricky. Especially if your friends all go to different cities/states or countries post-grad. You have to be intentional about maintaining all of your relationships and communication is key. You may not be able to make every girls weekend, happy hour or family dinner but a text, phone call or thinking of you email goes a long way. Be there when you can and communicate always.
Q: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
A: Absolutely. After a long week, I typically turn to these vices: Talenti vanilla bean, chips (to be dipped in the vanilla Talenti) and R29’s Money Diaries (I’m weirdly obsessed) and/or The Cut’s Sex Diaries.
Q: How do you manage to read so much each month
A: Simply put, I love reading and work hard to make it a definite part of my daily routines. I read before I go to work most mornings, during my lunch break and before bed (usually around 100 pages per day). I also read what I love and always have a book on hand.
+ Read also: How to Read More
Blogging/Branding/Social Media Questions
Q: How did you know it was time to rebrand?
A: I share a bit about that in this point but essentially, I didn’t think my previous brand was serving my long term goals and needed to make a change.
Q: How do you determine that a collaboration/sponsorship is the right fit.
A: Whether you’re collaborating with a big brand, small business or fellow blogger, you need to be sure that their brand speaks to you and to your readers! If you know that you only eat organic and your readers come to you for that recommendation, then don’t collaborate with brands who support the opposite. If it doesn’t feel 100% authentic, don’t do it.
Q: How do you create and maintain an engaged audience
A: Being consistent is key here. You can’t expect people to respond and converse with you daily on multiple platforms when you aren’t consistent in what you do. That and taking the time to be an active part of the creative community are essential. Put out what you want back. Comment, share other’s work and be engaging back.
Q: Do you use a camera to take your Instagram photos?
A: Sometimes, but not often. Most of my photos are taken with my iPhone 7+. Occasionally, I’ll use my Canon EOS M10 for photos.
Q: How do you edit your photos?
A: I use VSCO to edit on my phone and either Photoshop or Lightroom to edit photos from my camera.
+ So you want to start a blog?
+ Write the perfect social media bio.
Career and Side Hustle Questions
Q: What do you do full time?
A: I work in public relations for the city’s tourism marketing agency. I work with media to get great coverage of all that Philly has to offer and also work on our marketing campaigns.
Q: Do you have tips for meeting other side hustlers and creatives?
A: Get comfortable with putting yourself out there! Research events happening near you, grab your favorite power outfit and some business cards and mix & mingle! Ask what others do, offer what you do as a resource so that they feel comfortable doing the same. Don’t expect folks to come to you.
Q: What’s next for SPoT?
A: Lot’s of new content. I’m still learning as much as I can about video production and editing so I can launch a YouTube channel that really resonates with you all.
Q: What kind of camera did you buy and how did you decide?
A: A longer post on this topic is coming, but here’s the short and easy: I purchased the Canon EOS M10* from Amazon Prime. I did LOTS of research before hand. I wanted something light enough to throw in my bag and vlog with but high quality enough to make produced videos, too. So far, I’m loving it!
That’s it for this round! As always, feel free to send me questions at anytime and I’ll include them in these posts. And if you’re question is more personal or specific, you can always note in your message that you’d rather it stay private.
Happy Monday!
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