Glimpse: A chat with Emily of "Once Wed"

Whether or not you're interested in wedding blogs, Once Wed is an amazing source for beautiful inspiration. Emily is the creator of this online bridal gown listing website and finds time to bring her viewers a blog which focuses on the latest and most unique wedding ideas out there. She was kind enough to share a few of her thoughts...

Once Wed is a great resource not only for the bride looking for the perfect dress but a wonderful place for wedding and design inspiration, how did you get started with your website/blog? 

When it came time to sell my wedding dress online, I wasn't too excited about the options out there. Every service required a listing fee or a commission on the sale of the dress and I really thought the internet was lacking another option. I told my husband one morning while getting ready for work I wanted to start my own listing service where you could list your gown for free and 2,000 gowns later here we are. The blogging part was a huge surprise for me though. Never in my wildest dreams did I think the blog would get the response it has and people would actually want to read what I was posting. I am so excited about expanding it into other area's over the next year. To say Once Wed has been a huge blessing in my life would be an understatement.

You feature some of the most unique and lovely weddings out there, how do you come across such gems and what draws you to blog about these weddings and details? 

Thanks, Whitney. I spend way to much time on the internet. Honestly, ask my husband. I have 500+ blogs I subscribe to and read daily. I search and scour everything I can find on weddings, so I am consistently bringing content to the site that is refreshing and new. I really don't know if there is an exact formula for the weddings I feature. I try to post weddings and couples that speak to me. Weddings where the details and aesthetic are a true reflection of the bride and groom. Weddings were creativity thrives...

Are there any types of challenges you face as a blogger? 

Definitely keeping the content I provide to my readers relevant and original and making myself step away from my computer. When you look at so many incredible images everyday you hope to walk away with all this inspiration, but I went through a period of time where I found myself completely discouraged because I kept focusing on what I was lacking rather than what I was bringing to the table. I've realized the more that I take little breaks throughout the day - the more refreshed and content I am when I come back.

The wedding industry has really blossomed across the internet, how do you think that is affecting the way couples are planning their weddings? 

I love how there is a little of something for everyone. I think for the longest time inspiration and resources were very limited for couples planning a wedding and if you wanted to do something different or unique you were kinda on your own. Now, I think the hardest part is narrowing down your ideas. There is so much to choose from.

Do you have any other hobbies -- things you enjoy in your spare time completely unrelated to what you blog about? 

I live a pretty vanilla life especially now that I am working on Once Wed full time. My husband and I both love to read and most weekends you will find us at our local coffee shop reading books on business and marketing. We're both very close to our families and try to see them at least once a week.  We both love to travel, but have had to put that on the back burner for a while to focus on Once Wed. I'm also trying to branch out of my comfort zone a bit more and try new things especially when it comes to styling and photography. Currently, I am trying to train our crazy mutt, C-Bass. We've had him since he was 6 weeks old and even though we love him - he is destructive little thing. He has officially passed the shoe chewing stage and decided to move onto eating our house and furniture.

Now that you've had a web presence for just over a year, where do you see Once Wed headed in the future? What are your goals and dreams for the blog and website? 

I wouldn't even know where to begin. There are so many directions I would love to take Once Wed, but right now my biggest focus is getting the new site up and learning to manage my time better. The redesign has taken a lot longer than I originally planned, but were very close and I can't wait to unveil it as a whole new resource for brides planning their weddings. I plan on adding more features and contributors, so definitely stay tuned for some fun announcements over the next few months.

Lastly, what do you hope your readers take from Once Wed? 

The wedding blogger in me says I need to say something about weddings and inspiration, but honestly my first thought when this question came to mind was my journey with Once Wed. It took me almost six months to gather up the courage to actually launch Once Wed. I was stuck in the ever familiar "dream state" and spending the rest of my time over-analyzing and fretting over all the ways Once Wed would never work instead of actually taking action and tackling those baby steps to make it a successful online venture. I think some of us have a tendency to over analyze every single detail until our dreams seem so unattainable in our minds that we never get really anywhere with them. I definitely did and still find myself falling into that trap. You might not get everything right the first time around, but most people don't. In fact, I find myself getting things wrong a lot more than I get them right, but I've learned to approach failure as a necessary part of success. I know this isn't a typical response to the question above, but I hope Once Wed encourages those who might be struggling with this same issue to take action too and start working towards their dreams.

[images: elizabeth messina, chelsea fuss, tim walker, unknown, aaron dyer, thayer allyson gowdy, samuelle]

Glimpse: A chat with Danni of "Oh, Hello Friend"

I am so delighted to bring to you an interview with Danni of Oh, Hello Friend. Danni's blog and work is a breath of fresh air -- so delicate and inspiring. Besides posting amazing finds and lovely imagery, Danni has a design aesthetic that is quite delightful. Hope you enjoy the interview!

How did you get started writing Oh, Hello Friend?

I first started Oh, Hello Friend off as a personal blog but the more I posted, the more I realized I was posting things I enjoyed: crafts, design, etc. It was a bit random initially, so I decided to create a schedule called 'the dailies' - which was a consistent topic dedicated to each day, and i've tried to keep it going ever since! I've really enjoyed all the friends I've made from starting the blog..

I love the range of topics you cover, everything is so delicate and inspiring – what motivates and inspires your posts?

Thanks Whitney! I love finding topics to post about. I'm dedicated and motivated by all the lovely comments I receive from my readers. It is so sweet when someone takes the time to send me a simple email telling me they enjoy the blog or it's one of their daily reads. That is awesome! Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere! A lot of it comes from all our other fellow blog friends out there who take time to post to inspire others as well.

How does your background in graphic design influence your blog?

I love design and how it pours out and can be seen in so many aspects of .. everything!  Design has really helped me to look at the world in a different way. Design can be seen in everything, and learning design has really influenced my blog in many aspects like finding other lovely designs to blog about .. and also in making the blog look somewhat decent ;)

You also operate a successful etsy store, tell us more about that:

I think I am super blessed to have my little shop discovered amongst all the talent on etsy. It is super fun to have and a great outlet for creativity. I think what has helped me in having a successful shop is definitely taking good + clear images of your products, having good customer service, the way you present + package your products, and using descriptive key words so that people can search and find your products. I love encouraging people to start up their own shop because really, anyone can do it!

Are there any types of challenges you face as a blogger and/or etsy merchant?

I do feel like sometimes I get lost in the blog world, as I'm just a tiny part in a huge massive 'sea' of blogs. There is often so much inspiration to be found and so many things I want to create, it gets overwhelming at times. I feel like I have to take it one day at a time and there are only so many  hours in the day. I can find myself getting lost in all the loveliness and then I look at the clock and it's 1:00 or 2:00 and my afternoon just flew by!

What are you hopes and aspirations for Oh, Hello Friend – where do you see yourself going from here?

My hopes for Oh, Hello Friend is to continue to offer a place where readers can come for inspiration and encouragement. I'd love to offer things that everyone can participate in: creative exchanges (old fashioned letters, pretty packages, lovely handmade items), resources to help in their own designs, tutorials, tips and advice on possibly starting up and running their own shop, really just a place where readers can come and be encouraged and motivated to think, "I can do that too!" or feeling like they are really able to make things happen.

Do you have any other hobbies, things you don’t blog about?

I really enjoy working with little kids, they are so precious and simple minded and adorable! I also really enjoy traveling, and would blog about it more often if I did it more often :) I wish I had endless amounts of money so I could travel all over the world. I'd love to go help out in an orphanage in Africa. That would be ideal!

Lastly, what do you hope your readers take from Oh, Hello Friend?

I hope readers are encouraged and inspired from reading Oh, Hello Friend. I hope it's a place they can come for fun, for resources, or to take a moment from their day just to relax and enjoy creativity in so many aspects. I hope through it, they will find and meet fellow artists, crafters, shop owners, and friends.

[all images are by Danni]

Glimpse: A chat with Traci (aka mrs.french) of "Bliss"

I was estatic when Traci of the blog Bliss emailed me her interview answers and inspiring images -- to have her lovely photos fill my blog makes for a beautiful post :) Bliss is one of my favorite blogs and I'm especially keen of her weekly "I heart Monday" posts where she lists her latest cravings and finds. Her flickr and etsy shop are filled with eye candy -- and she was kind enough to answer a few questions...

You have been authoring Bliss for just shy of year, what got you started blogging?

I honestly started blogging to curb a shopping addiction...I somehow got the same satisfaction from sharing pretty things with folks as I did buying them...although I have to say it has backfired a bit, through this lovely, inspirational world of blogging I have been introduced to even more beautiful things to covet...

On top of blogging you have a strong following on flickr and a successful etsy shop, how do each of these inspire the other?

It started with the blogging... I hadn't realized how many stunning things were out there that I had yet to discover.  I became overwhelmed with lovely inspiration from the blogs of my talented, creative friends...this came out in my photography, which led to my etsy shop...

How did you get started taking photographs?

I grew up with a father that always had a camera attached to him and appendage of sorts...then I had my own son and became the exact same way...right around the same time we moved to Oregon and was instantly surrounded by beauty, the likes I had never seen before...then the wide world of blogging/flickr/etsy took my photography to the next level and continues to motivate me...

Your photographs have such a soft hue about them? what type of cameras do you shoot with and do you have any favorite techniques (either in camera or post-processing)?

I currently use a nikon d-80...I had a d-40x (my beloved mabel)...she fell to her demise a few months back...I also have a holga (which I have not used yet)...and a sx-70...besides that I use photoshop elements and picnik and play, play, play!

Are there any types of challenges you face as blogger and/or etsy merchant?

challenges?  honestly the toughest thing is keeping in touch and up to date with all of my friends I have met through this amazing experience this past year...I have turned a hobby into a career of sorts, which changes my priorities a bit...I try, but often times feel guilty because I feel as if I fall short compared to my past correspondace...

Do you have any other hobbies, things you don't blog about?

I love walking, reading, watching movies, taking in the outdoors (skiing, hiking, snowshoeing etc...), travelling....all with my trusty camera!

Lastly, what do you hope you readers take from Bliss?

I want my readers to look at bliss as a vacation from real life or the everyday...I want it to be a breath of fresh air in hectic times..."bliss" I guess...

(all images are those of traci french of bliss)

Glimpse: A chat with Ellie of "Mint"

I met Ellie through a friend and am so glad I've gotten connected with her. Another NC native, Ellie is the author of Mint, a design blog dedicated to a broad range of design topics. She is a graphic designer at Flywheel Design in Durham, NC and in between working and authoring her blog she was kind enough to answer a few questions I had for her...

You are celebrating the one-year anniversary of Mint soon, how did you get started blogging?

After reading design blogs for about a year or so, I felt like I was going to explode with all the inspiration! I thought I'd start a blog to just "save" all the things I found. But once I actually got the blog up and running, I became more interested in finding new things to share, and I found that I was more creative in my day to day life as a result. It's been very empowering to me as a creative person, designer, and (maybe!) eventual business owner.

On Mint, you blog on a wide range of categories and topics – where do you draw inspiration and what are some of your favorite sites to get ideas?

Many of my favorite blog posts come from me just sitting around thinking about new projects - for example, I might think, "hey, I'd like to make a mobile" and next thing I know I've rounded up twenty images of mobiles as inspiration, and those will end up on the blog. I love reading other blogs, and those are what inspire me in my own creative endeavors. It's hard to list a few favorites! But let's see... Lately I have been enjoying Mustard and Sage, Please Sir, and Saipua. And Darling Dexter, of course!

How does your profession as a graphic designer affect what you blog about on Mint?

I spend a good amount of time at work looking at design books, magazines, and blogs for inspiration for work projects. And luckily, my boss encourages it! Often I bookmark things while I'm at work and revisit them for Mint posts. So I guess it means that more of my posts come from being interested in print design, packaging, identity, etc. I'm the kind of person that likes to completely soak myself in inspiration all the time so that I stay energized in my own work.

Are there any types of challenges you face as a blogger?

Honestly, every single week I wonder if I'm going to be able to come up with another weeks worth of content! But when I sit down on Sunday afternoons to put together posts, it just starts flowing and so far so good. Sometimes I wonder if I should be putting more energy into other projects and spending less time on the computer, but Mint still feels like a new hobby and I'm very happy. 

Do you have any other hobbies, thing you don't blog about?

Well lately I've been putting a lot of time into wedding planning, and I'm hesitant to blog much about the day-to-day aspects of that. It feels too personal. I love to read, take art classes, and to do small DIY home improvement or decorating kind of things.

You are getting married this spring, what role has the blogging community played in your wedding planning process?

In some ways I think it has added some pressure! I go through phases of trying to limit reading wedding blogs, because it can be overwhelming. On the other hand, seeing so much inspiration has given me a pretty clear idea of what I hope our wedding will be like and that has been helpful. 

Lastly, what do you hope your readers take from Mint?

I hope people get inspiration to take into their own lives - whether that's translated into craft projects on the weekends, purchasing products from independent artists and designers, or feeling empowered to start small businesses after seeing the success of other creative (and often very young) people. 

(All images are by Ellie)

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Check out my previous conversations with:
Chelsea of {frolic!}
Diana of Please Sir 

Glimpse: A chat with Diana of "Please Sir"

Diana and I met through the blog-world, however we were actually in design school at NC State around the same time -- although our paths never crossed! She is the fabulous author of Please Sir and has graciously accepted my offer to ask her few questions about her blog, life, and ambitions -- hope you enjoy :) 

How did you get started writing Please Sir?

Borrowed from Oliver Twist, my friends and I began using the phrase “please sir” during a wild mountain weekend, and it’s become a statement we use everyday!  Originally, I imagined the blog as an explosion of all my repressed creative energy, since my “real job” doesn’t allow for the artistic freedoms I once enjoyed as a design student.  However, based on my own interests and the responses to my design posts, Please Sir has evolved into a site focused primarily on inspiration.

From vintage finds to up & coming artists, you often feature a spectrum of topics--what inspires and motivates your posts?

The posts on Please Sir are quite eclectic because many different disciplines interest and inspire me.  I keep a running list of websites to reference for future posts.  But, I don’t wake with any set agenda regarding my posts – I just embrace all the unique events that occur during my day. 

How does your background in textiles influence your content?

My background in textiles has enhanced my ability to recognize and critique different artistic mediums.  Basically I’ve learned how to find the meaning and message behind different pieces, whether they are photographs, interiors, or fashion.  Overall, I have learned to evaluate work as an objective and informed observer.

What are some of your favorites websites, blogs, books, etc.. that influence your work and blog?

I have a difficult time with any questions requiring me to “pick favorites,” because I’m inspired by so many things from different disciplines – for me, everyday experiences are my influence.  My regular reading habits are quirky; for example the latest book I’m reading is David Sedaris’s brilliantly hilarious When You Are Engulfed in Flames.  As for blogs, my daily reads are included on the Blog Love list, located on the right side of Please Sir.  My Google reader is probably going to explode someday!

Are there any types of challenges you face as blogger?

I like to think of myself as having two jobs – one for pay and one for play.  When things at my “real” job get hectic, it’s difficult to find time to update the blog.  Also, as any blogger knows, it can be a challenge to continuously find original and interesting content.  On a more personal note, lately I’ve been struggling with a desire to step away from only posting “pretty pictures,” and have started including more meaningful content like my recent posts from the Inspired Design conference.  There are amazing advances being done in textiles and I think it’s important to highlight them, like the BioWall and Christy Matson’s interactive sound pieces.

You have lovely flea-market and vintage finds--what is your secret to finding the treasures through the trash?

Oh thank you!  I give credit to my parents for helping me develop my flea-marketing skills.  In high school I would go with them to fleamarkets and pick up neat finds, which now furnish my apartment.  Presently I try to maintain a mental list of items that I’m interested in finding or photographing, but I’ve stumbled upon some of my best finds by accident.  I think it’s important to nurture a careful eye so you’ll be able to recognize the treasure from the trash.  Also, get up early to score the best finds at yard sales.

Do you have any other hobbies, things you don't blog about?

Though I don’t have much free time, fiber work, such as screen-printing, dyeing and weaving, is an area I’ve been interested in since college.  I also enjoy photography, and feel fortunate that I’m able to incorporate some of my photographs into my blog posts.  On the weekends I enjoy going to the lake with my boyfriend, obsessing about travel trips around the States or to a foreign country, and my guilty pleasure of hulu.com!

What are you hopes and aspirations for Please Sir--where do you see yourself going from here?

One of my short term goals for Please Sir is the development of an Etsy store.  I would like to be able to share and showcase some of the vintage finds my mother and I have found throughout North Carolina.  Beyond that, I hope to continue providing my readers with original insights and inspiring posts.  As I grow and evolve I would like my blog to do the same.

Lastly, What do you hope your readers take from Please Sir?

A word that continually reoccurs when I describe Please Sir is inspiration.  Whether I’m offering the reader inspiration for a project, inspiration for their creative development, or just inspiration to get through the day.  I want Please Sir to be a place where people look for an imaginative and unique outlook on art and design.  Like an old junk shop or a new travel destination, I hope readers will have a “you never know what you’ll find” kind of feeling for Please Sir.  

[Images are all those of Diana's which can be found on her flickr site except the two square-format b/w photos which can be found here]

Glimpse: A chat with Chelsea of {frolic!}

I've been following the blog {frolic!} for what seems like forever--Chelsea's taste is delightful and inspiring, and I'm always interested to see her latest projects or interesting finds. She was kind enough to share with me her thoughts as well as imagery she finds inspiring...

You've been authoring {frolic!} for some time now, how did you get started?

I had just closed my flower shop and was back working in an office.  I needed a creative outlet and I also wanted to keep up on the freshest and latest design ideas. At first I only knew about personal blogs and I thought they were a bit narcissistic. Then, I started seeing these amazing blogs by craftspeople and tastemakers. I thought, “I want to do that.” Sometimes I feel so inspired, like I will explode, so it’s a good outlet! I started a couple of blogs one for my floral design, and another style blog- I later deleted them.  It took a couple tries to get it just right.

You cover a broad range of categories on {frolic!}, where do you go for inspiration and what are some of your favorite sites to draw from?

I usually find inspiration when I am not looking for it. Lately I am very inspired by film photography (polanoid.net  + flickr are favorites) and short little films (this one was a recent inspiration) and I also love the fashiony films that designers make like these moving pictures on Sally Scott's website. I like looking at websites of photographers and stylists (Martyn Thompson, Roland Bello, Jen Gotch).  I also  love real life blogs by people who beautifully capture life as it is  (Liivian Talossa, Little Birds, Abby Trys Again). I love doodly blogs like Obsessive Consumption , draw draw draw, and Blogging Molly. I am a magazine addict too, but lately I’ve been feeling a bit of a void at the magazine stand. I always read Domino, though. I read over 300 blogs a day! And, I always have to check in on Snippet & Ink and Oh Happy Day, they both have aesethics that are very much in line with my own.

Are there any types of challenges you face as blogger ?

Yes. I always want it to be about what inspires me and I try to stick to that while also trying to keep content fresh and original.I think a blog has to evolve. I’ve definitely been thinking a lot about where to take Frolic! next.

I am not a techie person at all. I don’t own an ipod, I barely watch TV, and spending money on electronics has never been a priority for me. So sometimes, I get a little resentful of my computer and the time it takes:)!

Sometimes managing time can be a struggle as well. Especially if I have a photo shoot or event that I am working on. I love the idea of making a living off of a variety of creative endeavors but balancing it all can definitely be a challenge.

I know you have a background in floral design and have blogged some of your lovely prop-styling--where do see yourself going from here and more specifically where do you see {frolic!} going in the future?

I am always thinking up new businesses and ventures. I’d really like to own a flower farm someday-growing old-fashioned flowers and culinary herbs. I love physical labor and I want that to be a bigger part of my life. My favorite projects are ones where I get to have complete creative control- so I’d like to find something that will enable me to do that while also supporting myself. I am also very determined to take my businesses in a philanthropic direction someday. I love the idea of being creative but helping people at the same time.

As far as the blog, I’d like to add a lot more original content to Frolic! (my own work and others) I think blogs have to evolve. I have some ideas that I am excited about, but I am still working out the kinks. 

Do you have any other hobbies, things you don't blog about?

I love being outdoors, camping and hiking. I play the piano. I have a restaurant group with friends and I love practicing yoga. 

You often refer to your town, Portland , Oregon , when blogging--how does the city you live in reflect what you post about?

Since moving to Portland, I’ve become a lot more interested in the music scene so I love posting about local bands. There are a lot of Frolic-y things about Portland too. It‘s sort of the perfect city for me to be living in and just encourages in me all the things I love. Portlanders have a wonderful, earthiness to them, but they are also full of style.

Lastly, What do you hope your readers take from {frolic!}? 

I hope readers consider it be more than just a site about pretty products. I’ve had some people write me and tell me that they lead very stressful lives or have very intense careers and visiting the site is a calming and joyful moment in their day. That makes me so happy! Also, I am a huge believer in small business so I love spreading the word about small businesses and artists. If I bring a little business to someone, I am thrilled!

Images: toast, teen vogue, molly findlay, christopher smith