For May Blogger spotlight we are chatting with Katie of heysweetkay! I mean I may be biased since we both have the same name… but Katie is one of my favorite bloggers to follow! I cant put my finger on how we found each other on Instagram, but I have been following her for over a year and have loved interacting with her and getting to know her! She is the sweetest soul and always has KILLER Amazon finds. You can follow Katie on her Instagram to keep up with all of her finds! So let’s get started with the interview and get to know all about Katie!
Q: Tell me about your blog & what your blog focuses on?
A: My blog is about fashion, but I incorporate a lot of home décor and some beauty content as well. So, you’ll see a lot of outfit collages, flatlay photos, mirror try-ons, and sale alerts.
Q: Is blogging your profession or just a hobby?
A: Professional – I do this full-time!
Q: What inspired you to start your blog?
A: I had followed other blogs and bloggers for about three years and LOVED them. When college graduation came and I knew I did not want to work in an office, I realized that if I loved blogging so much, why couldn’t I make a career out of it like others had done? So, in my last semester of senior year I started my blog.
Q: How do you manage time to run your blog effectively?
A: I can’t stick to a set schedule – after years of trying that, I learned I’m not cut out for a structured, blocks-of-time type of day. That was one reason I didn’t want to take an office job…I like flexibility. So, I’ve learned to incorporate my work into my day and vice versa. Depending on what I have going on during the day, I do my work in between errands, appointments, or sometimes during them. Most days I spend my lunch looking through the LIKEtoKNOW.it app for sales and new merchandise finds. I also use a lot of my down time, like evenings and weekends, to create content. If I feel like I need a break from being online, I definitely give myself a few hours, or even a day, away from my phone or the computer. However, it’s pretty much a constant hustle.
Q: Where do you look for inspiration?
A: Other creators and Pinterest! I love getting ideas from girls in my field – everyone comes up with their own, unique content, and seeing that helps me get inspired to make my own version of current trends.
Q: What blogger has been most inspirational to you?
A: There were a couple of bloggers that really inspired me to start my own! Caitlin Covington was the first I followed – I loved her outfits and posts. Darylann Denner was another girl who motivated me. She’s around my age and lives in my area – I figured if she is the same age, lives in the same place, became an online success, maybe I can too! We became real life friends after meeting at the mall one day, and I definitely still look up to her. Lastly, Jade Scott, Emily Gemma, and Jenn of Mrs. Casual are some of the originals who I always draw inspiration from. Love all of their content!
Q: What have you gained from creating this community?
A: I’ve made so many friends, more friends than I ever had offline. I love being part of this community because I learn so many things like life hacks, fashion and beauty advice, recipes…all kinds of great information! Not to mention it’s given me the confidence to put myself out there and really pour my heart into my work.
Q: How much time do you spend blogging each week?
A: While I’m not posting on my actual website as often, I consider content creating part of blogging. So, I would say at least 40 hours per week. I typically spend all day and late nights working, so it’s probably more than that. I don’t really keep time logs, though – probably should though.
Q: Who takes the majority of your photos?
A: 70% of my photos are mirror selfies or flatlays, which I do myself. If I need a photo outside, my mom takes them for me.
Q: Camera or iPhone pics?
A: Iphone!
Q: What is your favorite social media platform and why?
A: Instagram – I love watching stories!
Q: Do you have any advice for people looking to start a blog or growing content creators?
A: My number one advice is to put all excuses aside and just start. My blog would be a year older than it currently is if I had stopped thinking about it and just started it. Don’t wait until you have more confidence, until you have enough clothes, until you have a camera, until you have x-y-z. Just begin with what you have, have faith in yourself, and be persistent and consistent. If you continue to work on it tirelessly, even without pay, you’ll eventually turn it into something bigger!
Q: Where do you see yourself in the blogging community in 5 years?
A: I hope to have an established base of followers. I would love to form a community of girls where we all feel like a community – like we are all part of my page. It’s my dream to have a page that girls refer to for inspiration, advice, or even just because they enjoy being part of my life and content. One of my main goals when I started my page was to meet people and make friends – so I’m really hoping I have a solid base of girlfriends in 5 years!
Q: Where are you from?
A: Southern California – about 30 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles.
Q: What is your proudest achievement?
A: Moving to being a full-time content creator. I never would have thought this would be possible for me. Some days I think about how I’m able to do this for a living, and I remember in college when I felt SO lost as to what I was going to do with my life. Having this as my job really is a dream come true, and I always feel so grateful to God for the path he has cut out for me.
Q: Where is your favorite place to shop and why?
A: Nordstrom! They have all my favorite brands and amazing customer service.
Q: Who was your first style icon?
A: Probably Cailtin Covington – I loved her style years back when I was first interested in blogging.
Q: How would you describe your personal style?
A: Casual feminine! I love girly details, but low maintenance.
Q: What is your dream vacation and why?
A: Even though I’ve already been to Florida, my dream vacation is Florida! I want to check into a luxurious resort for a couple of weeks, relax poolside, go by the beach, go out to eat, ride bikes….and just have fun! I’ve sort of done that before, but I LOVE doing it haha.
Q: Favorite food?
A: Baby back ribs from Wood Ranch – they can’t be from anywhere else! I’ve tried lots barbeque in several different states….nothing beats Wood Ranch 😉
Q: Favorite TV Show or Movie?
A: Man from U.N.C.L.E. is my fave movie! Perfect combination of action, humor, and romance.
Q: Favorite genre of music?
A: Country pop (Dan + Shay *heart eyes*)
Q: Stay in or go out?
A: I’m a homebody for sure but I love getting dressed up and going out! If I can go out and then come home and eat dessert with a movie in my PJs….that’s perfect.
Q: What is something people don’t know about you that they do not see on social media?
A: I’m the type of person that can really open up and be fun and silly – but it takes me a bit to be comfortable enough to do so. I feel like that side of me doesn’t really come across online.
Q: As you know, red is my power color and I love to hear others! What is your power color and why?
A: Pink! It’s my favorite color and makes me feel happy and in my element.
