Happy Wednesday, darlings! How are things? How’s your 2018 going so far? I really hope it’s started off with a bang! My 2018 is going well so far, but I’m looking forward to it picking up speed soon.
To kick off the new year, I wanted to have a little coffee chat with you! Q&A posts are some of my favorite to create, because I love sharing part of my story and finding connecting points with you. So, let’s pour a fresh cup of coffee and have a little chat!
ASK SUMMER: Q&A COFFEE CHAT
1. What are your favorite ways that you practice self-care? What dimension are you currently working on? Some of my all-time favorite ways to practice self-care are painting my nails, listening to indie music while laying in bed doing nothing, and of course, binge-watching on Netflix. The dimension of self-care that I’m currently focusing on is social. As an introvert and someone who lives in the mountains, I don’t get out too much. And sometimes when I get the chance to, I don’t want to. So, that’s the area I need to focus on more.
2. What is your #1 piece of advice for someone starting a blog or small business? Don’t rush your launch. Starting a successful blog or small business does not happen on a whim or overnight. It takes months and months (if not more) to plan and properly develop your vision and branding. I’ve touched on this topic before if you’d love to learn more on where to start in planning your blog launch.
Why You Can’t Start A Blog In “Just Minutes”
[bctt tweet=”My top tip for those wanting to start a blog: Don’t rush your launch. Starting a successful blog or small business does not happen on a whim or overnight.” username=”SummerTelban”]
3. What does your makeup routine consist of? I’m the girl who typically wears the same look everyday – the only thing I really ever switch up is my lipstick! Here’s a list of products that I’m currently using and have been for months!
- IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream (shade: light)
- Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer (shade: light neutral)
- SERIOUSLY. The best concealer on the face of the planet.
- Urban Decay Naked3 Palette
- The BEST dupe I’ve found of this palette for only $7.99 HERE!
- Essence All About Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
- I brought this on our vacation, because I didn’t want to lug a huge palette with me and I was impressed! Pigmented well, long-lasting, and super affordable!
- NYX Epic Ink Liner
- Buxom Big Tease Plumping Mascara
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
- Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
- Physicians Formula Butter Blush
- And for lipstick – I’m all about the LipSense! I sell here: The Darling Lip Studio
4. Any tips on how you edit your photos? I use Photoshop and Lightroom to edit my photos – my fashion and product/stock photos. I actually have a blog post coming up on how I edit my fashion photos, as it’s highly requested! It’ll be coming up very soon, so keep your eyes peeled!
I highly suggest both Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as the VSCO app for editing. There are many free Lightroom presets out there, as well as amazing deals on packages. If you’re editing completely from a phone on photos captured by your phone, I recommend the apps Pixlr, Snapseed, and again, VSCO.
[bctt tweet=”Some Of The BEST Apps To Edit Photos” username=”SummerTelban”]
5. What are some tips you have for transitioning into a full-time blogger? Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. In order to become a full-time blogger, you obviously need to be in a stable place financially. That’s a given. One top thing I really believe you need to have in order before making the jump to full-time is a clear vision for your brand and what you want to accomplish through it. You want to have a strict sense of what kinds of content you want to create.
For example, when I first started monetizing CWS, I’d participate in sponsored campaigns that didn’t really align with my passion. Don’t get me wrong, I really loved those brands that I worked with, but some didn’t align with my vision 100%.
If you want to be a full-time blogger, you can only make time for the projects that are true to your brand. You never want to take on a project just because of the money. When you hit that point, you’re in the danger zone.
All that to say, really take time to prepare your blog and your life to take that next big step… but only if you really want it and will stay true to your brand and audience.
[bctt tweet=”If you want to be a full-time blogger, you can only make time for the projects that are true to your brand. You never want to take on a project just because of the money. When you hit that point, you’re in the danger zone. ” username=”SummerTelban”]
6. What has helped you grow most as a blogger? The support I receive constantly – from other bloggers, my husband, my family and friends. The fact that I have a “squad” of people who believe in me will always mean the world and be what continues to propel me forward in my career.
The amount of times I have wanted to give up and quit… have been very many. I have seriously considered it before when I was discouraged and low. If it wasn’t for the support of those in my inner circle, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t be as in bloom as I am today.
So, thank you to those who are constantly cheering me on. Your encouragement and support means more than you know!
7. What do you think is your biggest strength when it comes to blogging? Biggest weakness? My biggest strength in blogging is my ability learn quickly. Almost everything I know about blogging, I have learned on my own. I have done my research and have put in so much time to achieve where I have gotten to now. In addition to that (and what I think is even more important in blogging) is that I have always been able to easily connect with others. In blogging, I think that’s huge, because that’s how community is formed. I love people. I love learning about their personal stories.
[bctt tweet=”In blogging, one of the most important gifts to have is being able to easily connect with others. This is how true community is born.” username=”SummerTelban”]
My biggest weakness has to be that I get discouraged easily. It takes one thing to go wrong and I convince myself that nothing matters. It’s something I’m working on, but it can be a huge struggle somedays!
ABOUT THE OUTFIT:
If you’re looking for a cute, casual outfit for your coffee dates, this one’s a great one to copy! Distressed denim, a plaid top, crossbody, and booties are always the way to go when going out for coffee. All of these pieces are oldies but goodies to me. I have linked some similar items for you below!
What do you typically wear when you go out for a coffee date? If you have any questions for me, drop them below and I’ll include them in my next Q&A post! Let’s chat, friends!
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