Hi Maya! What’s the name of your blog?
Where are you from?
New York, NY.
Tell us a little bit more about you and your blog, The Kelley Doll.
I’m an NYC-based fashion, beauty, and lifestyle blogger helping women navigate their twenties in style.
How many years have you been blogging at, The Kelley Doll?
5 years.
Give us your best tip to staying on top of the blog/work/life balance?
Use the pomodoro method to block out your time and break down your workload into manageable tasks.
Fill in the blank. What people don’t realize about blogging is…
There are so many skill sets that go into being a blogger. Usually, you’re the photographer, set stylist, hair & makeup, prop stylist, advertising team, creative director, and accountant all in one.
What are three things you wish you knew about blogging before you started?
- About the business side of blogging.
- More about photography.
- More about growth strategies.
What skills and qualities do you think are necessary for a successful and professional blogger?
People skills, creativity, analytics and negotiation skills, photography skills.
What has blogging taught you that no other career or job has before?
Blogging has taught me about perseverance. I’ve been doing this for 5 years and I’m only just now starting to see the fruits of my labor from the proverbial seeds I planted many years ago. Blogging has given me opportunities that I never thought were possible. I’ve been featured in Bloomberg Businessweek and CNBC because of my blog.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in the blog world?
Stay the course. Don’t expect overnight success.
What makes your brand, The Kelley Doll, different than other bloggers?
My audience primarily consists of millennial women who either live in the deep south (Louisiana, Georgia, Texas) or a bi-coastal city (New York, Los Angeles). My audience is a reflection of me and they trust my recommendations.
What topic do you most enjoy writing about?
I love writing about fashion!
What would your dream partnership look like?
I’d love to partner with Shopbop or Revolve on a year-long partnership.
What is a current blogging goal you are working on?
I’m looking to grow on Instagram and TikTok. Plus, I’d love to drive more traffic to my blog.
What does a typical workday for you look like?
I’m a full time blogger. Every day is different. Some days I’m out all day shooting. Some days I’m replying to emails, looking through contracts, submitting invoices and editing photos.
What’s your most recent WIN with your blog?
I was recently featured on Bloglovin and it led to a huge 600% increase in web traffic to my blog.
What is one thing in the blogging industry that frustrates you that you wish you could change?
I wish there was more diversity in the blogging industry.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show?
90 Day Fiancé.
How has your content changed since you first started blogging?
My content has gotten so much better as I’ve learned more about photography. I’m also incorporating way more video content now.
What’s your Starbucks order?
Tall Nitro Cold Brew with a dash of simple syrup!
