My sweet friend Lindsay from The White Buffalo Styling Co. invited me to be a part of the Blogging 101 series – I’m so excited to be participating! I’ll be sharing a little about my blog story and how things have changed and grown over these few years!
First up – developing my brand.
Here’s how I started out. I started my blog on a whim in 2012 right after we moved to California. So, what lead to starting a blog? 1. No where locally was hiring Interior Designers – we lived about 3 hours from both LA and SF, and there wasn’t too much around. 2. Plus, I knew that we would most likely be moving every couple years – not ideal for employers. 3. For the first few years of our marriage, I held off on doing much with our apartment because I knew we’d be moving and I didn’t want to invest in a lot of stuff that we couldn’t move with us (easily). I reeeeallly wanted to make our apartment our own.
So, starting my blog was really an organic process for me – I wanted to make our apartment our own. DIYing and repurposing things was a great fit for us because we both love designing and building. Plus, using things from the thrift store and other materials was relatively inexpensive, so when we moved, we could sell and get our money back. It was also turned into a job! Between designing, DIYing, writing, photographing, editing, sourcing – I was easily working 40+ hours a week. Of course, I was making zero money at the beginning, but gradually, I started making some. Over the years, I’ve developed friendships and a community within blogging – having that really helps me feel connected and makes me want to stick around! I’ve met everyone (in person) participating in this series – they are all amazing and some of my favorite people ever! (neat how doing what you love works out like that!)
Recently, we’ve been transitioning from apartment DIYs to larger home renovations since we purchased our first home. So in addition to smaller DIYs – we’ll be sharing lots of larger renovations like bathroom and kitchens. I’ll also be moving over to WordPress – so look for a new an improved site soon!
 |
| Our Maryland entry |
 |
| Current Maryland living room |
If you’re looking to start or grow a blog – I recommend doing what you love (your passion will show through), creating something different and unique, don’t be afraid to turn things down, if it isn’t a good fit, don’t feel like you have to participate, and be honest with yourself and readers.
I think what has helped me was doing and sharing what comes naturally and things that I LOVE. I hope that translates here! Feel free to share comments below with your tips or questions.
Be sure to stop by With Heart, Emily A. Clark, The White Buffalo Styling Co. and Bliss at Home to hear their blog stories and their tips!
Love this Sarah 🙂 I love that you made your own job when you were not close to a city that hired designers. You are so talented and I think this says a lot about following your dreams 🙂 xoxo
Sarah, thank you so much for joining in this series! When I was thinking of bloggers to ask, I knew I had to ask you because your style and brand is so lovely and consistent. I'm so happy to know you and call you friend 🙂
Great advice! I've only recently started blogging and love it so far. And I love all your designs!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Love this, Sarah! We're in an apartment too, and sometimes knowing it's temporary holds me back, but it is fun trying to find timeless pieces that I know I can carry with me when we decide to buy a home.
Thanks for sharing! I've been blogging since the beginning of the year and I'm still working on finding my niche. I know I don't quite have it yet, but I know that's one of the most important parts of maintaining and interesting blog. Love everything you do!
your amazing, Sarah, and your growth is so deserved! No one else here tackles such amazing DIY as you and your husband. I love every project you guys complete!