#Girlcrush - Renata
Tell us about yourself and your blog!
I am from São Paulo, Brazil and moved to San Diego, California to go to Fashion School. I know it doesn’t really make sense fashion + San Diego… But hang in there… Little I knew it was it! I was going to meet my husband, my kids father, and call paradise my home!
In my blog I say: “I was just a city girl on her heels who took a trip to the west coast and never went back home!”
I had to reinvent myself in all matters, personally and professionally, and found out that casual chic was my new style, mixing city and beach styles is fun!
What inspired you to start your own blog?
When I became a mom I saw myself totally devoted to my kid, which was I wanted to do at that time, however at some point I felt I was missing something… Fashion was always my passion and I never forgot the feeling styling used to bring to my heart. I wanted to be able to work with my passion while enjoying as well as struggling as a mother! Can’t really do one thing without the other after all!
How would you describe your blogging style?
I would say I am a fashionista mom, who loves to share everything fashion and my lifestyle as a mother. My mission is to inspire moms go thru motherhood in their own style!
Can you tell us about your ideal reader?
My ideal reader is basically moms, moms to be, (but really women in general) who maybe caught up with life and kind of forgot about themselves and need some inspiring ideas, quick and efficient ideas on how to make themselves feel better, thru styling, beauty and real motherhood!
How do you structure your days?
My days are kind of hectic with 2 kids, one being on his terrible twos. Regarding work, I have a specific time I post on Instagram, I do my best to have 1 or 2 blog posts per week, go through my emails a long the day. If it’s possible have at least one photoshoot session per month, and if I am not super tired when kids are in bed I make sure I have it all good for the next day.
Is blogging your profession or hobby?
I am a SHAM - Stay at Home Mom, and am working really hard, or as hard as I can to make blogging my full time job. It’s not easy, and it requires dedication, investimet, time, courage and energy. It began as a hobby but am sure it’s my main professional thing!
What has been your most successful blog post?
It’s a bit hard to pinpoint, but when I opened up about how I felt when I was pregnant with my second regarding my first kid, people absolutely loved! It had nothing to do with style, even though on Instagram I usually mention that and link products with liketoknow.it app.
Describe your writing process from start to finish.
It differs from post to post, when I am talking about me as a mom I have to have it from within my own experience, when I am talking about styling it’s all about how I love to pair things together, and when I review a product it began with my availiation when using the product. However, I usually write ideas down, and from those notes I start writing it. I have to be alone, otherwise I get too distracted. Kids call me MOM all the time!
So I have an idea, write it down, take some pictures and write it after 8pm. Most of the time I have the body and then i create the title.
Where and how do you work best?
I have only worked from home, and for blog posts when there is no kids around. Usually after 8pm. In silence, focused, maybe with a cup of latte!
What were the first few steps you took to get your blog up and running?
I actually started with my Instagram account, then after a few months I created a free layout blog, tried to post every month, but after I was very sure I wanted to make it happen, I did a 4 class program about social media. From there I had a professional make my blog with the colors and vibe I wanted, to make it mine, only mine!
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your blog and attracting an audience?
Sharing it on my other channels. When there is a new post, I mention on my ig post, ig stories, on Facebook and Pinterest. I feel like a combination of the 3 of them is perfect for me!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
To keep me organized in order to be consistent. Organization is my 2019 word, so I am doing my best to do things the same way everyday. As much as possible, because with kids there is never a dull moment.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I try to be consistent not only with work but with my kids, there has to be time to do everything. Like, 6:30am wake up, 7am kid wakes up, 9am Instagram post (engage for about 20 minutes), 12:30 lunch, 5:30pm bath, 6pm dinner, 7pm first kid go to bed, 8-8:30pm second kid, 8-8:30pm blog post (if it’s time for a blog post)... I have to be sort of methodic, otherwise I can’t make it right.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
Sometimes it’s hard, I just use my mindset and cheer me up, exercising helps, breathing a different air as well, might even take a short break to come back stronger...
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I strongly believe we are all different, and I really want to communicate my own way, and even though we might be talking about the same stuff, it won’t be the same. I stay true to myself and keep it going.
What do you wish you knew when you started your blog?
I wish I knew about SEO and how much traffic Pinterest can bring to any blog.
Who are your biggest influences? Who do you admire most? Who or what inspired you to do what you’re doing now?
I absolutely love Danielle from @citygirlgonemom, Calli @thekelsays, Stefanie @raisingdarlingdragons, Tonya @two.n.tow, Anna @its.a.rad.life_, Bettina @being_betina, Tonia @toniasheart, Paige @thepaigedanielle, Jacque @thegoodsaturday, Signe @saynplaycolumbus, Arielle @ariellemae. Most of them moms, who has been incredibly inspiring to me!
What advice would you give to other bloggers?
Stick to your true, use your voice to help others, be consistent, and authentic. Never ever buy numbers, it’s not worth it! Your community will come and it will be strong!
What surprising lessons have you learned along the way?
All the algorithm thing everywhere changing all the time. Hard to keep up with it!
Where would you like your blog to be 1 year from now?
I would love to have it in most of my readers hearts, as an inspirational source to have self love, in fashion, motherhood, and beauty!
Where can we find you?
Instagram: @urbangirlgonebeachmom
Facebook: @urbangirlgonebeachmom
Facebook Group: Beaty Bar
Pinterest: @urbangirlgonebeachmom