Today’s Confessions of a Blogger features the lovely Heather from Femme Lifestyle, someone who I have actually gotten to know, as a friend, in real life, not only on the web! Heather also heads up Bloggers Who Bless, a blogging group I belong to.
I am an ‘almost’ 40yr cuddly bear and bookworm. I am known for my whacky sense of humour, big hugs and even bigger bush of curls. I am a #kittymom with two ‘feline children’ and have worked as a beauty therapist for more than 20 years. Currently I manage our family signage business, as well as run the design department and have been doing so for going on 5 years. I have a passion for food, travel, beauty, writing, art and all things creative. I am a Christian and I believe that love conquers all ….
- When did you start your journey as a blogger and why? I started blogging and launched Femme Lifestyle just over a year ago now. My blogging became an escape from the mundane admin side of my work, this is where I am often stuck behind a pc for hours on end. I couldn’t physically do anything creative without being ‘noticed’ and so I escaped into a world of words, sharing my passions of beauty , women and all things lifestyle (books , food , reviews ,travel etc.)
- Do you blog fulltime or do you have a 9-5 as well? Oh how I wish I could blog full time, nope I am afraid I blog as a hobby (addiction …oops).
- Tell us a little about your space on the interweb and what you blog about? Femme Lifestyle is really a space where I get to share what interests me, things such as great restaurants, recipes and even the obvious such as events or expo’s. On the other hand it is also a place where I share new trends for women, products that I maybe trying out which more often than not includes a review and extending as far the occassional DIY insert. Lately I have been trying to get out of my comfort zone and focus more on the ‘Lifestyle’ side of the blog; I tend to err on that which is familiar, so easy to do when I am pushed for time. I try and add a twist of interest by incorporating places to stay, books to read incl.reviews and pet health.
- Being a blogger is not always easy – what motivates you and keeps you going? Often my blogging is a place of refuge and therefore does not require much motivation; my biggest challenge is overcoming busyness and tiredness more than anything else.
- What have your biggest blogging challenges been? The challenge is to stay authentic and true to you, our modern-day world is so very competitive and quite nasty. For me, I try to focus on the fact that I am original and that alone prevents me from comparing myself to anyone else ‘the shoe wouldn’t fit’, I try to live each day valuing those that support me and sponsor me, focusing on what I do have and not, what I don’t have and lastly loving everyone that crosses my path (a kind word and a warm heart can make all the difference in someone’s day – it does in mine).
- What do you love most about being a blogger? The opportunity to share the fun, the excitement, the adventure and the joy of all I get to experience. I cherish the wonderful opportunity I have had to make friends with similar interests, irrespective of age, location and type of blog. I love to be able to encourage others and also share honest and transparent reviews and write articles on what I find to be of interest.
- Do you have any blog related or social media pet peeves? {things that other bloggers or social media peeps do, that really annoy you} Yes, when people are demeaning and/or belittle people for no reason aka blog-bashing. The reality is … ‘no matter how great a blogger/social media guru/ brand you are no one is irreplaceable and no one is ever ‘the best’ so be nice. Life can be the greatest equaliser when you least expect it!’
- What has your journey as a blogger taught you {about yourself or in general}? Has it changed your life in any way? I never knew I had such a motherly instinct towards others, nor did I ever imagine I would meet so many hurt and broken people. I genuinely love people and blogging has taught me that I can reach out with a kind word, I can share my journey through life, and in so doing help others to see how beautiful they are.
- If you had to give a newbie blogger any advice, what words of wisdom would you impart? Be true to yourself, measure your success not by numbers, freebies and events, but rather but the joy you get from sharing that which you love.
- In three words tell me what blogging means to you – Love, honesty and transparency
Thanks Heather for sharing a bit more about your life and blogging journey with us! You can find out more about Heather and connect with her here:
Blog link: http://www.femmelifestyle.co.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Femme-because-life-happens/340443906067167
Twitter: @heatherdebruin
Instagram: femmelifestyle
If you would like to be featured on Confessions of a Blogger or would like to see a blogger featured here, then please email Fiona or leave a comment below.
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