WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A FASHION BLOGGER IN 2017 + My Confessions

Recently I have come to realize “No Job” is easy. Regardless of the kind of Job you’re doing there’s a level of expertise needed for you to stand out amongst others. It baffles me when people look down on certain job descriptions one being ‘Blogging”. There’s so much that goes into it, As Dimmaumeh said in one of her vlogs “Bloggers are not regarded useful” that’s an actual fact and I wouldn’t really blame Nigerians for seeing us bloggers that way. Over here in Nigeria they are used to the White collar jobs and they believe that’s the only to actually make it but I see things changing now gradually.

Truth be told is it a Job you can survive on full time? Over here in Nigeria its NOT. So Please always have something else doing that generates income for you + No it mustn’t be a 9-5 Job . It’s hard enough trying to make it as a blogger with a Job meeting up with the pressures of having to buy clothes, logistics and up keep in general is tight.

No this isn’t a curated list of the items you need or the technical aspect of what it takes to be a blogger, this is more of a mental/emotional/awareness aspect of what it actually takes to keep pushing/striving as a blogger in 2017.

What I’m wearing?

Top: @Porshherr on Instagram (I got this in My Goody Bag from the TBP Bloggers Brunch)

Skirt: @oncenout on Instagram (On a budget online store)

Bag: @haute.signatures on Instagram

Shades: @olaidebabystores on Instagram

Shoes: @csiriano

PS: They are all Nigerian Brands (except my shoes)

 

You’ve got to have Passion: Like I stated earlier there’s a lot that goes into blogging, you are a writer, shopper, stylist, photographer, Makeup artist, picture editor, creative director, PR, Marketer etc. Well you might not necessarily be all of that after a while.

For Me starting out wasn’t easy I basically had nothing just a hand me down HTC phone from My brother (Yh I’m the last born so I basically get My siblings hand me downs Lol) but I just had to start cause for a while I kept pushing and telling myself “Nonye when you fix your iPhone/Get a New one” (which never/hasn’t happened btw) and then the journey began, I started with faith & hope in God and a better tomorrow. The hardest part was getting someone to take my pictures and when you’re starting out no photographer would want to collaborate with you so yh I started with My friend’s iPhone (Shoutout to Tosin and Faith for doing my makeup & taking my first set of Pictures). Asides getting the right shot (Photography) Makeup comes next, as much as I appreciate good makeup I do not have a complete or even half a makeup kit tbh I just got my eyebrows straight and in todays game of Fashion Blogging You have to SLAY from your hair down to your shoes, right now I watch makeup videos specifically Dimmaumeh’s channel cause she’s very relatable when it comes to Makeup in Nigeria, she highlights the best makeup to use for hot weather, oily skin and also her tutorials her easy to learn.

Consistency is important: I’m sure you hear this a lot or rather read it a lot but of course you should cause it’s the truth. I did not actually know how tasking it was to create content continuously not just any content but quality, good and engaging content. The continous process of taking pictures, writing, figuring out what topic to blog about or what you can do differently to stand out from others in your niche or joggling blogging with your day job. All these can be hard to find a balance. Tbh I’m still struggling with keeping to My posting schedule (Monday & Thursdays 9pm Nigerian time).

Get ready to feel insufficient: Yess, a lot of times I felt insufficient like I wasn’t doing enough or what I was putting out wasn’t good enough as I would like it to be. Most times I would ask myself or simply shout out loud “Nonye who sent you to blog” (Uchaychy can testify to this). Somedays I’d get a DM on Instagram on how amazing I am and how they love what i’m doing and just that left me wanting to do more. This day I remember so well it was in my earlier phase I was so tired and really just felt like i’ve had enough and then I got a message from @Yeyechi on instagram can’t really place the exact words but it made My day and I felt a whole lot better. So yess just a word can make a person feel much better and No I had no idea who she was. She probably doesn’t know this but wherever I get to i’d never forget this.

Its okay to feel this way, everyone has not just in blogging but Life in general is what you do after you feel this way that matters.

You need a support system: Going through all of the above its safe to add this point something I figured along the way. For someone like me who doesn’t like relying on anyone for anything I must admit having a support system feels pretty good. Tbh this doesn’t apply to only blogging but every aspect of your life. Wandering what a Support System is? Here it is; “A network of people who provide an individual with practical or emotional support.” Eg; Your family, friends, an older person etc. You need them for advice, to support and push you also help when you need it. You know that saying “Ask and you shall receive” well yh do not be afraid to ask if you get turned down atleast you tried.

PS: I have a lot of friends (Prefer to call them acquaintances) who have neverrrrr in their lives checked out My Blog or Given Me a Thumbs Up! But that’s fine keep being great at what you do and you become “Too Good to be Ignored”

It’s a Process, don’t rush it: This is the part you have to be careful about. Never compare yourself with bloggers who have been in the game longer than you and have literally been working their ass off to get to where they are. Don’t be like “Omg! She’s getting free stuff from asos , it’s not fair why can’t it be me?” Don’t do it! She worked for it, have you? Do you baby with time your hard/smart work would get noticed by the right people. I know Instagram makes it hard to get your eyes off all that but instead of it bringing you down Let it motivate you to work harder.

To be fair atimes I do this especially when i’m surfing through Instagram at night but It actually motivates me so i take my ass up do a bit of research and right out a checklist of To do’s.

One more thing do not be in a rush to charge brands for collaborations you need to build your self first. I recently just developed a Media Kit but tbh I’ve hardly gotten monetary value from blogging but I definitely got things more valuable than money. Like building a network among creatives, good referrals for more brands to come, outfits, Good relationships. This is me building a base on which I can now start making money from as I grow.

I’m trying not to make this post lengthy so I’ve been thinking about things I can do to differentiate me from other bloggers in My Niche so I thought of quite a few one being starting a Blog Series titled “Life of a Nigerian Blogger” Basically sharing my past/present and future experience blogging in Nigeria and how to tackle a few things. If you’d LOVE me to start this Please leave a comment below saying “YES”

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Thats all from Me

 

Stay Tuned for More, Don’t forget Posts Go Up Monday & Thursday.

 

|Thanks for reading|

 

Till next time keep sitting Pretty/Handsome

 

xx

 

NAYONDE

 

 

 

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