On today’s Elle’s Edit, I am handing back the torch to our girl Dana.
I wanted to come up with a couple of questions that would help all of you better know Dana, like I do! From being an “outsider” in the blogging world, I always appreciate when bloggers try to get personal with their readers. The blogging community is such an awesome community and I really appreciate all the bloggers who are so authentic and want to engage with their readers.
S
o without further ado, let’s get this Q&A started!
I know you’ve mentioned this before but what made you start your blog?
In 2011, I was just learning about blogs. I was fascinated about having a space on the Internet, and wanted to start one…but didn’t know how. I worked as a Student Ambassador in our Admissions Office and learned that they are actually the ones who spearhead the Student Blogger program. So that’s how Pink Champagne Problems was born. I would write about what it was like to be a student at Marymount University, and attend different on campus events. Pretty soon, Linda and I started photographing my outfits…and a fashion blog was born!
Were you nervous by what people would say about you having a blog? Were you up front with your family and friends at first? How did they take it?
I guess in the beginning I was a little. But as I started posting more and more photos of myself, I just stopped caring. Now that I have an established following, I really could care less what people from my hometown or from school think of me. It’s a pretty hard concept for a lot of people to understand if they aren’t blog readers. My friends still don’t really get what I do as a blogger, and my family is kind of just super supportive because they know I know what I’m doing.
Describe your style and has it evolved over time?
OH gosh, I hate this question. I don’t really think I have a specific style. I wear what I want, but I definitely learn more towards the casual, “edgier” side. And that’s FOR SURE evolved. In college, I exclusively wore J.Crew and Kate Spade.
If you didn’t have your full time job or if blogging wasn’t a thing, what would you be doing?
Honestly, I can’t imagine doing ANYTHING else, I’ve never wanted to be in another industry. My life revolved around fashion, and I followed in my sister’s footsteps right from the beginning. I never considered doing anything else!
What is one thing that scares you and one thing that excites you? It could be about blogging, your job, or anything really!
The unknown definitely scares me. That’s part of the reason I would never take my blog full time. I’m simply not brave enough to walk into the unknown. What excites me? When something just “clicks” at my job. The last four years has been such an amazing learning experience, and now I’m just trying to apply everything I’m learning to actual situations within my job as a Merchandiser.
How do you battle the competition in the blogging world and how do you stay true to yourself?
I don’t really pay attention to what other people are doing if I’m being honest. I take note of what my readers and followers respond to, and just kind of go from there. I stay true to myself by realizing, at the end of the day, this blog is FOR ME. I love having this creative space and being able to share it with so many people is just a plus.
How do you find inspiration for your posts?
I just write down every and any idea I have. Then I go back to this list, take a look at the topics, and then just write. I love writing, so that’s why you’ve seen me incorporate more long form posts onto my blog. I also take into consideration any reader suggestions. It’s so important to listen to what my readers want, and a lot of times, you guys have THE best recs!
Briefly describe your morning and night routine.
Ugh. Elle. Just because you have a great morning routine doesn’t mean I do;) I really don’t have much of a morning routine at all. I roll out of bed and head to work. I guess my “routine” as of late is getting a latte and then running to grab some oatmeal before heading into the office. Once I’m settled, I eat breakfast either at my desk or in the kitchen with my coworkers before heading back to my desk to start on my emails. As for my nightly routine, I typically come home, eat dinner, then get on my computer or laptop to get blog work done. I’m a night shower type of girl, so when I’m ready to take a blog break, I hop in the shower. I try to get to bed by 11/11:30p every night.
What is one thing that you want to accomplish in 2018?
I want to grow more in my role as a Merchandiser. I think I’m ready to take an important step in my career now that I’m super comfortable and confident at my job. It’s really fun to know our products, and now I want to start thinking bigger picture in terms of our business!
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Oh I have a lot. People who don’t listen. People who are too full of themselves and just need to come back down to Earth. Ah, and I can’t forget about people who are
constantly
on their phone when you’re out to dinner.
What is your favorite thing to do to spend time with your family?
Family time is the best time! When my family wants to get together, we all usually go to my cousins’ house in Westchester. We always have so much fun together, and you all know just how much I love my baby cousins (who I often refer to as my nieces and nephews). It’s also really nice to get my grandma (she’s 95) out of the house. Her face lights up around the kids — even more than when she’s at the casino;) We try to get together as often as possible, but it’s usually for holidays and birthdays!
What do you want your readers to know more about you?
I don’t know! I’m just a normal girl that shares her life on the Internet. And even though it looks like I’m sharing my life, it’s really just the highlights. Sure, I talk about the not-so-glamorous things, but for the most part this is just a tiny glimpse into my life…and I try to be as open as possible!
Thanks Dana for opening up to us and answering a couple of questions! If you have any additional questions, feel free to comment them below and she will be sure to answer them.
Thanks for reading Elle’s Edit. If you have any topics that you would like for me to discuss, feel free to email me at
[email protected]
. I would love to hear from you! xo