STAYING TRUE TO YOUR BRAND
…excitement, and brain overload were just a few of the emotions I was feeling.
Last weekend I attended my first blog conference (Haven) It was a magical weekend.. met many bloggers for the first time which was the highlight of the weekend.Haven was filled with array of classes, impossible to attend all of them. The classes I did attend was with stylist Micheal Mead and blogger Janet Coon on photography styling.It was just the perfect amount of information and inspiration I needed. Amy Howard demonstrated european paint techniques which transcended me to a place in France and Italy. The last class “working with brands” was worth its weight in gold..Kim Wilson (Sand & Sisal) Brittany Bailey (Pretty Handy Girl) and Mandy Gubler (Vintage Revival) all had great advice to share. Everyone that taught the classes all had one thing in common they all were pretty consistent to their brand.
When I started blogging 3 1/2 years ago. I knew back then that I wanted to blog about nature. It took me a few years to experiment and find the perfect look for my brand. Last November I met some talented people who helped me re-define my niche, Brandi from Alchemy & Aim, and graphic artist Ana Degenaar both their talent and creativity help me find my way to re-define what I wanted for my blog. I was totally swooned by Ana’s minimalistic style and I knew that’s what I wanted for my logo.
Photo by Studio Kalliomäki
I would like to say that the Haven Conference got me to regroup myself. It made me take a step back and think ! Is what I am doing with my blog true to my brand.? The answer to that is yes! I still think of this as a hobby, something I love to do and getting paid seems like secondary. If you have a niche you love to blog, stay true to that, everything else will fall in place. If you’re not having fun, take a step back and regroup.
Photo by Paulina Arcklin
Excitement and brain overload really sums up Haven well. It was my first time this year also, hope to see you next year!
Thanks Roxanne, trying to get all my contacts in order, ton to organize.
Maria
Hi, i need to know, are they dish towels, or napkins on that piece of marble, and where do I get them? I LOVE them!!
Those are linen dish towels, I have a stack at home! I found mine at Stein Mart! The ones in the pictures are very similar to mine.
Maria
I am so happy to hear that you went to Haven. It m must have been an amazing experience. I think you have a very definable brand. It is simple, clean and of course the word nature comes to mind instantly.
Oh Mary, that makes me feel good inside, I love your friendship and it means the world to me.
Maria
This is such important information Maria. I am trying to find a balance between my full time job and blogging-which I love and is my passion. Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day. I hope to go to Haven next year!
Yes, I work a part time job to pay the bills and its a struggle to balance, but with organization we can do it! I think you do a great job.
Maria
Thank you so much for your kindness and lovely words, Maria! It was an absolute pleasure to work with you. Hopefully we will be working with your friends soon too. xx
BTW The photo of the flowers is by Studio Kalliomäki and the room photo is by Paulina Arcklin <3
Ana, will add the changes to those pretty pics.
Maria
What an experience! Lucky you! We should evolve our blogs just as we do, even if it’s just a hobby.I’m with Michelle – balancing it all is a hard part. I still enjoy it very much but it hasn’t paid off yet. Love your new logo and blog design, btw! XOXO
I struggle with the balance act, I too have another job that is part time that pays bills for my home! but blogging is my salvation. When I stop its sad for me! Thanks Maria
Wonderful post my sweet friend. Happt to know you are true to your brand, It can be a difficult task ( one I often struggle with). But you have done it with grace through all that you share here. xo
Thanks my dear! Sometimes i drify away, but always come back which I think is ok! You are a lifestyle blogger so you can cover many areas! I think you are true.
Maria
Love this – Haven is such a fantastic place to learn SO MANY THINGS about blogging! 🙂 It’s definitely a perfect weekend to take a step back and analyze what you’re doing and what should change.
Amanda, Yes Haven is the place! Still recovering! Thank so much Amanda!
Maria
Haven was amazing and I returned home committed to writing straight from my heart and sharing those things that inspire myself and my family.
It was lovely meeting you Maria!
Jemma
Jemma
Miss you guys! Glad you are writing straight from the heart! So sweet.
Great tips. I feel like I am just starting to figure out what my brand is and trying to really learn to stay true to it. So sad I missed Haven this year. Next year I will be there 🙂
Your blog title has handmade and you love coastal and farmhouse, that where it gets tricky, Whats your main posts on, if its coastal then your brand is coastal handmade look, but if its farmhouse, then its that.. its ok to do both but your main topics should be one or other.
Hope that helps,
Maria
Didn’t we learn so much? I actually feel like I learned some things that I want to do and some things that I do not want to do. It was a wonderful experience. 😉
Beautiful post! Thanks for inspiring me to think again about my blog! xx
I am happy that you find inspiration in my post!
Maria
Such good, honest advice, Maria. I really needed to read this today. Thanks for sharing, Cynthia
Thanks Cynthia, thats makes me feel good!