#CoffeeTalk

I love how you and your fiancé support each other. Whats his profession? How do y’all balance work and time together? I love your blog!

Thank you! My fiance is in oil and gas, and also owns his own company. Technically, all of our time together is our time together, even if I’m working. We both work hard, so sometimes balance for us is sitting next to each other in bed with our laptops. I had a vision for my brand and life before him and I got together, so it’s important that I still put the work in to fulfill that and luckily, he understands and supports that. I also try to make sure I carve out time to spend distraction-free time with him. It may not be a lot of time or often enough, but he’s pretty low maintenance with his requirements so it works for us.

I’m traveling to Spain soon and would like to capture some great moments for my travel blog, but I’m struggling with the concept of showcasing my experience in a way that resonates with others. On my most recent trip I found myself trying to document every exciting moment thinking that’s what a travel blogger does, but it’s so draining! I’m really used to emerging myself on a trip and only taking pictures after the moment if I feel like it. This time around I want to be able to capture many great moments without losing the excitement for the trip. Can you recommend any tips for blogging while traveling?

Draining is such an appropriate word when it comes to blogging, especially when you’re trying to force things that aren’t your normal routine. I too have taken many vacations where I’ve gotten wrapped up in just enjoying myself, or had one too many drinks before I got around to taking photos and I always regret not having them after the fact. I think there’s a way to balance enjoyment and “work” when traveling. One thing I do when I’m on a trip is get photos out of the way early. As soon as I’m out of my AirBNB or hotel, I will start snapping. Whether it’s photos of myself, the surroundings or locals, I get it out of the way. Get your work done first and then enjoy yourself. If my plan that day is to explore a cave, I think of the best way to visually share that experience. In my mind, I would’ve already known I wanted a photo before entering the cave, maybe 2-3 inside and one of the view when I’m done. You don’t have to spend every minute of your trip taking photos, just put together an idea of what a visually appealing travel blog will look like and take those kind of photos.

I just want to start off by saying you are such an inspiration with everything you are doing. I came across your page from a friend and I am so glad that I did. I am a 25 year old stay at home mom and just getting back into school to finish getting my degree. At the same time that I started following your IG page, I was just thinking about changing my degree from Communications: Public Relations, to Nursing because I was a little afraid of not being able to have a very successful career in PR and be able to live how I wanted and  provide for my family. But after seeing how you have actually made a successful career in the field, I’ve decided to continue on with my Communications degree. I would just love to know more about what you do and the steps you took to get there.

Ah, thank you so much! It makes me so happy to hear that I’ve inspired you to stick with your plan in Communications. Public Relations is not a job that starts out paying well, so I understand your concerns. Know that success is relative. My job is fun and enjoyable, but I would not say that I’ve reached what I call career success just yet. Communication is something that most major corporate companies need, so don’t feel limited to only apply for PR jobs. I work for an engineering firm and my job is to keep my company in front of the public and make the clients that give us work happy. To make it simple, a lot of writing and a lot of events. A lot of running around and a lot of smiling. I had one internship while in college and used what I learned there to leverage the position I landed after college. Experience is going to be the best way to prove you’re fit for the job you want, so try and get as much of it now as you can.

I want to start a blog. I know what I would like the content to be about, however I don’t know where to begin or what should be my first step. HELP!

Your first few steps would be to 1) think of a blog name that fits well with what you plan to talk about 2) secure it as a domain name [a .com or .net, etc.] through GoDaddy.com or Bluehost.com 3) build a blog through WordPress, Wix or Square 3) begin creating content and then 4) promote your blog on social media. People over complicate the process and when it’s not very difficult at all to get started. Don’t hold yourself up because you don’t know where to start, none of us did! The most important part, is that we just get started.

I’m attending a work conference in a few weeks and am looking for some modest professional wear to last me a few days. Can you help me please?

Conferences can be tricky because you never really know what people will be doing until you arrive, but here are some safe statement items that you can mix and match and even add to your wardrobe once you’re back home. These should last you!

I’ve been following your blog for a while, and I truly love it. Your voice feels authentic, and I enjoy your perspective and hustle. I’m preparing to launch my blog in a month, and I think the hardest part thus far has been the technical jargon upon jargon. You purchase a service to help with another service and you’re learning the how-to’s for your how-to’s! Lol. Could you recommend some services or resources you’ve utilized to manage your social media, secure your sites, or just overall prepare you for blogging and growing your craft? Furthermore, please keep the content coming! It’s very refreshing and helpful.

Ah, I completely feel your pain – especially because I wasn’t any sort of web developer. My advice would be to start with the complete basics. A domain name, a web host and a pre-made blog template. Your web host should provide you with site security. The only additions I truly feel are necessary in the beginning are downloaded plugins such as web analytics, since you’ll need those numbers to apply for any sort of collaboration opportunities.

I have a business gala coming up in Mid November and I’ve had a lot of trouble finding a gown. I’m looking for something black and sexy, but formal enough to be around my peers. Please help!

This’ll be easy! Lol There’s nothing wrong with maintaining your sense of style even in professional settings. Here are some classic black options for you –

What’s your “why” behind being an entrepreneur and working for yourself?

I personally always wanted to work in an office building, although I’ve always had the mind of an entrepreneur. You can read more about my first entrepreneurial post here. I would daydream about being in a powerful position for a corporate company in a corner office. It wasn’t until I actually got into a corporate position that I realized how limiting it really was. As much as I like the power behind corporations, the power it had over how much money I was able to make did not sit well with me. My “why” behind working for myself is because there is no ceiling for what I can make, build or go. I’m on my own timeline for success. I can give myself a pay raise at any time if I want to without waiting on a review from a manager. When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re building for yourself and not anyone else. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve felt thus far.

When do you know that you’re ready to start monetizing your blog? At what point do you know your caliber of work is worth getting paid for?

You’re ready to start monetizing your blog as soon as you have the power to influence someone else’s life. Whether you’re helping them grow their natural hair out, attain their goals or feel more stylish. If you’re adding value to your readers, you’re ready. Bloggers are notorious for accepting less than what they’re worth because they feel uncomfortable asking for anything outrageous. Know that you will burn yourself out if you decide to offer a service for $19 or agree to a do an extensive collaborations for $100 at a time. You’ll learn early on that your time truly is worth money, especially when you’re producing quality work. I got tired of people picking my brain for free so I told the next person who asked that if they wanted to talk it would be $150 an hour… but the person agreed. That’s when I knew I should’ve been charging for something I was continuously doing for free.

Thank you for all of the Coffee Talk questions! If I didn’t get to you this week, I will next week for sure. Comment below with any questions for next go ’round or send them via DM. Homecoming is this weekend so I plan to have a great time. Have a great weekend!