Hi Yalana! What’s the name of your blog?
Where are you from?
Lawrenceville, GA.
Tell us a little bit more about you and your blog, Hometown Girl N’ Curls.
I blog about gaining self-confidence and self-expression through affordable fashion and natural hair care. I also provide tips on the importance of healthy family relationships especially after trauma using the Word of God.
How many years have you been blogging at Hometown Girl N’ Curls?
Six months.
Give us your best tip to staying on top of the blog/work/life balance?
Haha!! I’m still learning!! But I’ve learned to not burn yourself out even if that means working on your blog for an hour or 2 during the work week and doing the bulk of my work during the weekend.
Fill in the blank. What people don’t realize about blogging is….
It’s hard work!! I just started blogging and have gotten many questions about blogging with the assumption that you take cute photos and post them. Even taking photos can be hard work. I’ve had to shoot fall content while it was 80 degrees outside and you still have to look fabulous. It’s not easy!
What are three things you wish you knew about blogging before you started?
- How to be successful with SEO
- How to successfully manage time
- What types of resources to use when starting a blog
What’s your favorite WordPress plugin?
Pin it. I just stated using it and I love it!
What skills and qualities do you think are necessary for a successful and professional blogger?
Perseverance, consistency, and authenticity. I’ve noticed that people want to follow someone who is real and can be transparent with them. It gives them a sense of being relatable.
What has blogging taught you that no other career or job has before?
An awesome support system!! I’m pretty new to the blogging industry and I’m already connecting with like-minded bloggers who don’t mind guiding others to the path of success. Yes, it’s competitive but I’ve seen the importance of community in my short time. It’s refreshing!
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in the blog world?
When you feel like no one is paying attention to your blog or when you may have hardships, remember the why…why you chose to blog? Sometimes you need a reminder.
What makes your brand, Hometown Girl N’ Curls, different than other bloggers?
My personal experiences and story behind my reasoning for blogging. Everyone has a story and who doesn’t like a good story.
What topic do you most enjoy writing about?
Fashion!! I’ve gained weight recently and I’m enjoying my journey in embracing my newfound curves in my petite frame and how to inspire those to do the same.
What would your dream partnership look like?
I’m a huge fan of The Mane Choice and would love to partner with them. Their products changed my life!
A current blogging goal you are working on?
Starting my YouTube channel and gaining more traffic.
What does a typical workday for you look like?
I work full time for a law firm 4 days a week for 9 and a half hours. When I get home, I either work on content, coming up with ideas through research, and learning more about blogging. That usually takes about a couple of hours. Then I focus entirely on my blog during my 3 day weekend which includes writing blog posts, photo shoots with my hubby, and scheduling my content.
What’s your most recent WIN with your blog?
I was recently featured as a guest blogger to write about my experience with a lack of confidence with my natural hair. I received great feedback and I would love to collab with other bloggers in the future.
What is one thing in the blogging industry that frustrates you that you wish you could change?
The lack of diversity in the industry and the lack of representation of type 4 natural hair.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show?
The Masked Singer! I thought it looked cheesy but now I’m hooked.
What’s your Starbucks order?
I drink caramel macchiotto from quik trip. It’s delicious and cheap! Lol!
