- Why did you begin blogging?
I started blogging almost as a birthday present to myself - I'd been wanting to start for ages, but just never got round to it. On my 20th birthday I suddenly decided to go ahead and set it all up!
- What made you decide to blog about beauty and fashion?
It's something I love talking about - but nearly all of my friends are lads, so they're not at all interested in what I have to say! Blogging is a lovely platform to chat about what you're loving or hating, or can't live without!
- Do you ever blog about personal aspects of your life?
Yes. I've talked about mental health, a bit about my job as a drama teacher, and some of my experiences at university.
- If yes, what inspires you to do this?
I think it's important for my readers (still feels surreal saying that!) to know that I'm not just interested in beauty and fashion. I have a life outside of blogging that's literally based around university and my job, which might not be particularly interesting, but at least it's relatable!
- What do you gain from doing this?
It gives me more dimension, and more to chat about on my blog. I think it adds a nice personal touch - my writing is supposed to be chatty and friendly, so why not feel like you're chatting to a friend?
- Why did you volunteer to be part of #FBMH?
It's really important to talk about mental health. I suffered for over a year before I dared to even think about going to a doctor, and when I did, I felt embarrassed and upset. We need to get these issues out in the open: nearly everyone will suffer with their mental health at some point in their lives, and we shouldn't be ashamed to discuss it.
- How do you feel about mental health stigma?
It makes me sad. Mental health shouldn't be something that's joked about, or made to seem insignificant, but equally, it shouldn't be something that's bragged about either. Through my time at college, so many people around me were creating drama based around mental illness - almost like it was a fashion accessory.
- Do you actively campaign for better mental health services or to get rid of stigma?
I'm looking into a volunteering scheme with my university, going into schools and openly discussing mental health, confidence and self esteem.
- How did you find writing your piece for #FBMH ?
It made me think a lot. I've been feeling worse lately, so I took a little break from blogging until I felt more cheerful again. I didn't realise how much of an outlet blogging is becoming for me, which is a really good thing.
- What has been the best moment in your blogging career so far?
I get so excited when I work with brands - it seems so strange to me that they'd be interested in what I have to say! I recently did a very excited happy dance when an online store used my name as a discount code - that was just crazy!
- What has been the worst?
Honestly, just the days when I get writers block. It' so frustrating wanting to take pretty pictures and write something funny when absolutely nothing comes out!
- What advice would you give someone just beginning to blog?
Don't try and be someone you're not. If you don't fancy writing about high end products, then don't! Don't be afraid to change things up either - my blog was originally based on fashion, but I discovered I much prefer writing about lifestyle and beauty.
Anything else you'd like to add?
A big thank you to Aimee for letting me be a part of this series!