Hey Ashley! What’s your blog name?
Where do you live?
Charleston, South Carolina
Tell us more about you and your blog?
This is an Instagram dedicated to some things I love the most. Great food, drinks, local businesses, and community events!
What does your typical work day look like?
My typical work day is one of a busy mother who works full time, yet still makes time for her dreams. I have two children, a husband, and a house to keep in order, but I still manage to go to work and also blog about my favorite eateries because it is what I love to do. Any spare time that I have once I get off is spent with my family and finding amazing dishes to serve them as well as visiting beautiful restaurants.
How has your blog evolved since you first started?
Early in my blogging career I was a small voice who would write reviews on local restaurants, but recently I have grown and even have relationships with businesses and chefs who I can call friends and it makes me so elated to realize that the words I write carry weight and people want to invite me to events.
What people don’t realize about blogging is…
It takes effort and passion. You get better as you publish new posts and get out of your comfort zone!
We love to celebrate wins, even the little ones. What’s your most recent with your blog?
My most recent victory was attending the Charleston Wine and Food festival. There were so many amazing chefs and dishes to enjoy. I truly cherished every moment of it because of the great energy and people I got to interact with. Becoming a Yelp elite member has also been a momentous occasion for me because it gave me a sense of validation. People really enjoyed what I had to say.
What are 3 things you wish you knew about blogging before you started?
- The dedication that it takes.
- The grasp on the English language and vocabulary.
- The expectations from those who consume your blog to trust your word.
What’s your background noise of choice?
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I love music. High-energy tunes is a great way to keep my motivation high. What I’m most known for though is having the Food Network playing while I cook and blog. Watching Chopped or Beat Bobby Flay is certainly a favorite last time of mine and I always have time for that.
What skills and qualities do you think are necessary for a successful and professional influencer?
Knowing how to write, being personable, and being passionate for your blogging subject are essential for blogging. If you can’t write something that keeps readers engaged or if the readers can tell that you don’t have a passion for what you’re writing about they will not latch on. People need to feel like you care about the subject you’re writing about.
Is there something that blogging has taught you that no other job has before?
Blogging has made me feel that people value my opinion and it feels good to inspire others and show them something tempeh may have never been exposed to before. It also gives me the opportunity to delve deeper into something I love beyond being a regular consumer. Businesses will sometimes reach out to me for a partnership or will give me a behind-the-scenes look at their process and it is such an honor.
Someone is just starting out, what’s one piece of advice you would give them?
Practice makes perfect. Do not assume people will immediately respect your opinion simply because you have a fancy webpage. It takes work and passion for people to realize you have a valuable view on the subject and you are knowledgeable.
We love a good business tool or hack, what’s one you swear by?
Vixer is what I use for all of my editing. It is a great tool that gives me an edge and makes my videos look crisp and vibrant.
What topic do you enjoy writing about the most?
I most enjoy writing about local, small businesses. Especially black businesses that have made a great name for themselves. It fills me with joy to showcase someone who against all odds has made a thriving business that puts their passion and talents on display.
We love to put our goals out there into the Universe. What’s a current blogging goal you are working on?
My current blogging goal is setting up a website for my blog and putting more content out with stories tailored to me.
What’s one thing you’d change about the industry or that frustrates you?
I wish other people in the industry were more into working together vs than being in competition. I’m a people person so I’m always excited to meet more people that also blog or have similar interests.
Okay, tell us your ABSOLUTE favorite blog memory so far
My fav blog memory was when we went to Chasing Sage and ordered the entire menu. I love the new concept of small shareable plates and me another foodie lover really indulge that night.
