GUEST BLOGGER // AMELIA STYLES
I am so thrilled to start this new series on my blog! For some time now I have wanted to have guest bloggers share their story on how they got their start and where they plan on taking it in the future. Some of these will be friends, others will be people that I admire.
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The goal in this is to celebrate the accomplishments of people that have worked hard behind the scenes to achieve their dreams.
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To kick of the "GUEST BLOGGER" series I wanted to interview my dear friend, Amelia. Recently she stepped down from her corporate job to be a full time blogger and store owner, and she was kind enough to share her story along with some great advice on chasing the entrepreneurial dream!
- HERE IS HER INTERVIEW AND I HOPE YOU ENJOY -
IF you like the GUEST BLOGGER SERIES be sure to subscribe HERE for updates on my next guest!
When did you start your blog and why?
I started blogging in October of 2014 because I was missing something in my life. I was working in sales right out of college, and I really began to miss creativity. I've always been a big writer. I took creative writing in high school, then started writing a fashion column for our newspaper, and then went on to write for my University's newspaper in fashion. I enjoyed writing and editing, and starting a style blog seemed like something I would really enjoy.
Did you know it would be "Amelia Styles" right off the bat, or did you begin with a different blog name?
I started with the name The Sunday Styler. I typically had one day off from work most weeks, and it was....you guessed it - Sunday. So I would shoot and post exclusively on Sundays. All of my Instagram posts were in black and white, and my blog posts were in color, which was really fun!
Over time how has your style/aesthetic changed?
I feel like my aesthetic has taken so many different directions over the years. I went from bright and preppy to edgy and moody. Now, I'm channeling an uber feminine, vintage style that I'm really loving. I finally feel like my style and aesthetic is in line with what I truly love and have always loved.
Tell me about your shop! The style, the type of customer you cater toward.
My shop offers feminine clothing and accessories. I cater to women who need versatile, classic pieces in their closets. Pieces that transition easily from a busy work day to evening cocktails. I've always been influenced by European style, specifically Parisian style, and my shop reflects that. I love classic clothes that withstand the test of time. My favorite thing about my store is finding styles that look expensive, but are inexpensive. I love the art of looking expensive. It's always a fun challenge.
What is the best and hardest thing about running a brick and mortar?
The hardest thing about being an entrepreneur in general, is figuring out what I should outsource, and what I shouldn't. I tend to be a perfectionist, so I'd rather do everything myself. But I'm quickly learning that I need to let go and learn to trust others in order to strive and grow the way I want. I've worked really hard and put all of my own money into this business, and I just want everything to be right.
You recently just quit your full time job at Fed Ex to run your shop and focus on blogging. Can you share some about what that previous job was like and how it shaped you and pushed you to make your entrepreneurial venture work?
I worked for FedEx for two years in Logistics and Supply Chain, which is what I majored in during my time at the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!). I managed various projects and groups of teams within a reverse logistics warehouse. The environment was very different than what most people experience at a corporate job, and I woke up at 3:30AM in order to report to work by 5:00AM. I would work in the factory until 2:00pm, leaving me time to dedicate to my (then) online shop and blog in the afternoon and evening. I made the decision to work there, because at my last job I was working from the early morning until the sun set, leaving me no sunlight to shoot for the one thing that made me happiest - my style blog. This new job, although it had some negatives, would allow me sunlight to shoot, and would give me more time to dedicate to my passions. Making sacrifices is just what you have to do when you're going after your dreams. The journey can't and will not be perfect or pretty.
What is one piece of advice you would tell your past self?
- Don't be scared to take a leap if it's what you really want. Say yes and figure out the details later. You are in control of yourself and the decisions you make. If you're going to bet on anyone, bet on yourself.
- I was SO scared at every step, and each time I've taken a leap, I've surpassed what I set out to do. If you work hard, you really can do anything.
Sorry that was more than one piece. Haha
What is one work smarter not harder tip you would give to someone who is blogging or starting a business?
When blogging:
- Do what's easiest for you. Do what you can afford. For example...if that's taking iPhone photos and shopping your current wardrobe, then don't stress about professional photography and buying new clothes. Just make it work with what you have. Don't put yourself in debt or in a bind when it's not necessary. There are people out there who will love your style and aesthetic no matter what. I'm a single female and don't have the luxury of a second income - so I just have to bootstrap it sometimes...and that's perfectly fine.
When you're starting a business:
- Keep it simple. Don't reinvent the wheel.
- Stop talking about it and do it. Start today.
SOME FUN QUESTIONS:
- Favorite Ice Cream - you know me and this is not a fair question. I can't choose one. #1 Chocolate with sprinkles #2 mint chocolate chip #3 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Music you always go back to (a lifetime favorite) - Frank Sinatra
- 3 words you would use to describe yourself - personable, honest, passionate
- Heels or flats? Flats - I don't have time to be uncomfortable
- Something you are looking forward to the most this year - buying a vintage Mercedes
- A goal you have for yourself this year - to double my profits from last year and grow my brand
- Your “Treat Your Self” food - Cheesecake Factory all the way. Also a good steak. And macaroni + cheese.
- A beauty product you cant live without - Davines Oi All In One Milk for my hair. Smells amazing and makes my hair shine