Hi Lauren! What’s the name of your blog?
Where are you from?
Springfield, PA.
Tell us a little bit more about you and your blog, The Sassy Suburbs.
I’m an attorney by day, blogger by night, and full-time shopaholic. I used to work in fashion publications in New York City, and while I enjoyed the “Devil Wears Prada” moments, life took me in a different direction. I moved to the Philadelphia suburbs for law school but was still craving a creative outlet to share my passions. At that time, my primary focus was petite style and beauty; however, as life progressed, my little corner of the interest also evolved…and that’s how “The Sassy Suburbs” came to be.
Now as a wife and homeowner, I love sharing home and lifestyle content as well. Building a community of women who can trust my recommendations has always been a top priority, so I do my best to always be candid with my thoughts. Most of my friends (not a fan of the phrase “followers”) have grown with me, and their continued support means the world to me. I will forever cherish the relationship we’ve built over the years.
How many years have you been blogging at The Sassy Suburbs?
5 years.
Give us your best tip to staying on top of the blog/work/life balance?
Designated times in your calendar the same way you would any other appointment or task. I personally use an old school, paper planner, and that really keeps me on track!
Fill in the blank. What people don’t realize about blogging is….
time-consuming and a “real” job!
What’s your favorite WordPress plugin?
I’m still on the Blogger platform…I know, I need to get with the program!
What skills and qualities do you think are necessary for a successful and professional blogger?
Authentic, Useful Content, Quality Images, Ability to Adapt & Evolve.
What has blogging taught you that no other career or job has before?
You never know who is reading your blog, scrolling Insta, or watching your stories. With that, you have the ability to connect and uplight someone without realizing it. So many jobs are structure with input/output in mind, but blogging offers a way to impact someone’s life in a truly meaningful way, even if you’re sharing more of the frivolous things in life.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in the blog world?
Think of your blog like starting any new business. It will take time, energy and effort to be successful.
What makes your brand, The Sassy Suburbs, different than other bloggers?
I like to think my honesty is a differentiator.
What topic do you most enjoy writing about?
Beauty recommendations!
What would your dream partnership look like?
I am truly obsessed with Beekman 1802 products. They are goat milk-based, cruelty-free, organic and effective. Beekman is sold directly and through shopping networks, such as QVC. I’ve actually always dreamed of being a QVC host, so working with a brand that sells through them would be absolutely amazing. I’d hire one of my favorite photographers to shoot content in my home to highlight their cleaning products and soaps, but then take it outdoors (think backyard of a farmhouse) for some really great pictures of some of their other items, such as skincare and fragrance.
A current blogging goal you are working on?
Growing traffic to the blog and increasing Instagram engagement (not necessarily followers).
What does a typical workday for you look like?
With quarantine, I currently work from home full-time as an in-house attorney for a bank, so I’m able to sneak in pockets of time throughout the day for blogging. I log on to my work network around 9am and log off around 6. During lunchtime, I will share Instagram posts (4x per week) and go stories to chat with the group (at least 1x per day). For ease of planning, my husband helps with my photography and we try to tackle all that on the weekends.
What’s your most recent WIN with your blog?
My engagement has significantly increased with many people having more time to read blog posts. Definitely a silver-lining!
What is one thing in the blogging industry that frustrates you that you wish you could change?
The industry seeing the value in authentic, honest content. It seems like the “big bloggers” are never able to critique anything, which results in most feeds, blogs and stories looking and sounding the same. I find myself unable to trust their opinions, which has been disappointing.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show?
Law & Order: SVU.
What’s your Starbucks order?
Blonde Roast Sugar-Free Vanilla Latte with Almond Milk.
