Blogger Spotlight: Susan from Une Femme

Please meet our latest blogger spotlight, Susan from Une Femme.

Tell us a little about yourself and your blog

I blog about style, travel, and lifestyle for women of a certain age. I live in Southern California and I am married with one grown son. I’m also a “parent” to two senior dogs. In addition to style, I love Paris, coffee, travel, good food, and wine. I’ve been blogging full time since 2016. Prior to that, I was an administrative executive in the entertainment industry while blogging part-time.

When did you start blogging and why?

I began blogging in 2007. I had just turned 50 and was struggling to find clothes that worked with my body and style while being appropriate for a casual office. I went online looking for style blogs and didn’t find any speaking to women my age, so I decided to write one in hopes of starting a conversation about style with other like-minded women.

How do you stay true to yourself while continuing to evolve and be relevant in the blogger community?

That’s a great question! Over time, I’ve learned to trust my gut and stick with what feels right and authentic. I had a few mentors in the corporate world who instilled the idea of doing the best work you can and not worrying about what others are doing. I’ve tried to bring that ethos into my work on the blog.

What do you wish you knew when you first started blogging?

I wish I’d known more about the tech side (I’ve learned a lot since then) and about SEO and social media. That’s still a learning curve!

What are some tips you use to stay aligned with your personal brand?

I think it goes back again to authenticity and integrity. Thinking long term, rather than short term. I ask myself, “Is this work I’ll still be proud of in 5 years? 10 years?”

What surprising lessons have you learned along the way?

That women, especially other bloggers, are so supportive and eagerly help each other. That my time and POV are valuable. That I’m still doing this and loving it after almost 11 years!

Have you ever experienced a block on your blog? If yes, how did you overcome it?

All the time! I’ve learned to jot down snippets of ideas that I can go back to when I’m drawing a blank and use as a springboard.

How do you structure your days to ensure you’re maximizing your blog while maintaining a personal life?

This could easily consume all of my waking hours, so I set a blogging schedule of 4-5 posts per week maximum. I work during the day and try to unplug in the evenings. I’ve learned when my most productive times of day are and schedule outside appointments and errands around those times.

How do you find ways to constantly push your style comfort zone?

I’m curious and there’s definitely a magpie part of my brain that’s always drawn to new “shiny things.” I try to balance that with keeping my wardrobe cohesive and in sync with my personal style.

What do you love about ShopStyle Collective?

My reps in the LA office are wonderful and very responsive when I have questions or need feedback. I like the consistency of the commission and payment structure, which makes it easier to manage my finances. And the “Sold Out” notifications rock!

What are your social media handles?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UneFemmeCertainAge/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan_unefemme/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/unefemme/

Twitter: @DejaPseu

 

If you want to be featured as our next ShopStyle Collective blogger, leave us a comment below and let us know why we should share your story with our community.

 

Xo,

Carlina