After a very long break we are back with our interview series, Confessions of a Blogger! YAY! Once a month you will get to meet a fabulous blogger and get to know a bit more about them and what makes them blog. Today we meet one of my favourite local, lifestyle bloggers Lana from Lanalou Style!
Hi there, I’m Lana from Lanalou Style. I live in Cape Town, in the city bowl and am 36 years old. I’m mad about my city, quirky spaces, colour and good design.
- When did you start your journey as a blogger and why? I started blogging in 2009 as a way to keep myself busy during quiet times at work (I was working at an interior store at the time). I was also looking for a way to be creative and to share my photos. There were never any long term blog intentions but my blog evolved over the years and has become very much a part of my life. I think I would find it very difficult to part with now!
- Do you blog full-time or do you have a regular 9-5 as well? I am self employed and offer website design and blogging lessons along with various online design services. I blog almost daily and my blog definitely helps in promoting my design services and serves as a marketing tool.
- Tell us a little about your space on the interweb and what you blog about? Lanalou Style is a place for me to share my finds and offer inspiration and tips to my readers. I love sharing about beautiful spaces, local design, new hot spots and anything else interesting that catches my eye. I’m really passionate about the city I live in and so highlighting what’s happening in Cape Town is important too.
- Being a blogger is not always easy – what motivates you and keeps you going? I absolutely agree! Hearing from readers and finding out that I’ve inspired them in some small way makes me feel happy. Keeping in touch with other bloggers is also a great way to stay inspired and feel connected.
- How important do you think it is to have a niche blog? I feel that a niche blog definitely helps in securing a committed and passionate audience.
- What have your biggest blogging challenges been? Trying not to compare myself to other bloggers! It can be difficult when you see another blogger being jetted off to an exotic location but it’s so important to remember that everything is relative.
- What do you love most about being a blogger? I love the fact that I am always being kept up to date with all the latest happenings as well as the ability to inspire and offer useful tips to my readers. I have many international readers that enjoy my local posts especially those that are planning a trip to Cape Town.
- If you had to choose a favourite social media platform, what would it be and why? I love instagram as I’m a very visual person. I especially love the idea that it is instant and up to date.
- What has your journey as a blogger taught you {about yourself or in general}? Has it changed your life in any way? When I look at my blogging journey and some of the things I’ve accomplished, I can definitely feel proud of myself and that in turn helps boost my confidence. Blogging has also opened up many doors and opportunities for me and taught me to say yes to things even when they seem daunting.
- If you had to give a newbie blogger any advice, what words of wisdom would you impart? Do your research, decide what you want to blog about and be sure that this is something you’re passionate about. Can you commit to blogging on a regular basis? Consistency is key!
To stand out these days you also need to make sure that you post content that is unique and relevant.
Thanks Lana for sharing a bit more about your life and blogging journey with us! Please pop over and connect with Lana here:
Blog link: http://lanaloustyle.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lanaloustyle
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/lanaloustyle
Instagram: http://instagram.com/lanaloustyle
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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