Interview With a Blogger: Me And Orla

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a 30-ish mama, photographer and freelance writer living in Yorkshire, England. I’m abnormally attached to Instagram, Twitter and mid-afternoon naps.

Why did you initially decide to start a blog?

I’ve always blogged to some degree or another, simply as an outlet for my photography and writing. After my daughter was born I found my narrative and voice had changed quite drastically, and decided it was time to start again.

What do you blog about and why?

I blog about everything, really – lifestyle, food, parenting, photography. I try to picture my blog as a weekly column, and therefore avoid feeling trapped by labels or categories.

Any advice to anyone that wants to start a blog?

Be authentically you. So many people start a blog to try and project and new-and-improved version of themselves, and wonder why it fails. It’s impossible to keep up a charade like that indefinitely, & audiences aren’t looking for perfection and shine. Just be you, flaws and all, and people will relate to that.

What are the best aspects of running your own blog? What are the hardest aspects?

I’m my own boss and I get to design my own job description. When one form of monetising doesn’t feel right for me, I have the freedom to simply switch it out for something else and take control of my own happiness.

The hardest part is the stress; it’s all just me, and the limitations of what I can get done in a few days a week. I take my successes and failures very personally, and frequently panic that I’ve ‘lost’ whatever made me able to do this work in the first place.

What’s your golden rule for increasing Instagram followers?

Post beautiful content! So many people want it to be about hashtags or tricks, but the truth is – beautiful content will always win. The rest is just icing on the cake.

What do you enjoy about blogging and social the most?

The community, the creativity. I laugh every day. I’ve met so many wonderful people and had so many unimaginable experiences.

Where do you see yourself and your blog in five years time?

Still going strong, I dearly hope! I’d love to have written a book, and continued to grow. Maybe an actual column for some publication, and some photography e-courses.

Three blogs you love that we should know?