Hi Kirsten! What’s the name of your blog?
Where are you from?
Annapolis, MD.
Tell us a little about you and your blog and what you mostly blog about?
I am a makeup artist with 20+ years of experience, and creator of The Beauty Blotter, where I share quick & easy makeup tips and affordable fashion finds for women over 40.
Give us your best tip to staying on top of the blog work/life balance?
Time management.
Fill in the blank. What people don’t realize about blogging is…
How much work there is going on behind the scenes. They only see the fun part and the finished results. It is a full-time job and then some. You can never “switch it off”.
What are three things you wish you knew about blogging before you started?
What’s your favorite WordPress plugin?
Jetpack.
What skills and qualities do you think are necessary for a successful and professional blogger?
Hustle & time management. You get out of it what you put into it. A good eye for esthetics and beautiful photography. Also, you need to learn the business side of things and figure out what sets you apart from everyone else. Figure out your niché.
What has blogging taught you/given you that no other career or job has before?
I am an introvert and blogging has given me the opportunity to share what I want to share on my own terms.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in the blog world?
Be prepared to work long hours for free. Consider it an unpaid internship in the beginning.
Is there an app or business tool that you swear by?
Planoly and Lightroom.
What is your main focus, blog or Instagram?
Blog.
What makes your brand different than other bloggers?
I focus on women over 40.
What topic do you most enjoy writing about?
Beauty and skincare.
What would your dream partnership look like? From the brand, the content, all of it! Dream up your perfect collaboration.
I would love to work in partnership with brands such as Sephora or Ulta, to create the content I want with the products I choose.
What is a current blogging goal you are working on?
Have enough monthly sessions to qualify for Mediavine. Also, more sponsored content and brand partnerships.
What does a typical workday for you look like? Whether you’re a full-time blogger or not, we’d love to learn what your schedule looks like and how you manage it all.
I work in blocks. 6-8 laundry, housework, get ready, 8-12 work, 12-1 lunch, and errands, 1-5 work, 5-10 kids stuff, dinner, relaxing
What’s your most recent WIN with your blog?
I reached 25,000 views and landed my highest paying brand partnership yet with CeraVe.
What is one thing in the blogging industry that frustrates you that you wish you could change?
It is so hard to find good quality paid brand partnerships for smaller bloggers. Instagram is a BEAST!!!!
How has your content changed since you first started blogging?
Yes! It is more focused on my niche.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show?
Younger.
What do you have on for background noise when working? Music, TV, or silence?
TV.
What’s your favorite blogging memory or highlight?
A brand partnership with Macy’s where I chose the products and the content.
What’s your Starbucks order?
I make my coffee at home. Currently loving VitaCup.
