Speedy Spotlight: FashionSquash

An interview with 18-year old Jesslyn Robert, author of the fashion and beauty blog, FashionSquash. She spoke to us about how she keeps her content fresh, working closely with blogger network EtailPR and on documenting her life as a fashion student when she starts university next month.

Why should people read your blog? What makes it different? I’ve only just turned 18 and I feel like I’m finding myself and discovering new things. I always share my experiences with my readers/followers and I feel that’s why they read my blog. I don’t hide my personality when writing up posts, what you read is what you get, basically. I also feel like I cover a good range of topics. Some posts are focused more on beauty and fashion, some on education and others on my ‘fashion design’ journey.

How do you measure the success of your website? I recently hit a follower milestone and I was so happy! I set blog goals for myself and when I accomplish them, I feel like I’m on a ladder to success. I don’t compare myself to others because I know what I want to achieve from my blog.

What’s your favourite blog and why? I love reading all types of blogs but if I was to single out my favourites, it would have to be Shirley’s Wardrobe, Copper Garden, Patricia Bright and I can’t forget the blogging duo, Stylingo. They all let their personalities shine through their blog and that’s why I love reading them.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a blog? I’ve had a few lovely girls asking me for advice lately and I’m so flattered. I’ve never thought I’d be in a position to give out advice. So, my advice would be to be yourself as readers can always tell when you’re not. Always make time for yourself, blogging can take over your life without you noticing so make sure you schedule your blog days and your fun days. And lastly, remember that everyone started with 0, never get frustrated that you don’t have 500 followers in 3 months, it takes time and if you truly love blogging, you’ll be patient, put in the work and you’ll definitely reap the rewards.

How do you work with marketers and PRs? I haven’t actually worked with many but I’ve been approached by a few. I’m quite a shy person so I don’t like throwing myself out there but Twitter and Instagram are great ways of interacting with PRs. I always make sure I’m polite, remember first impressions count because you don’t know who knows who so it’s always best to be respectful even if you have to turn down opportunities.

Who do you work with in brand marketing? PRs? SEOs? Anyone else? At the moment, I work with EtailPR, they offer great opportunities for fashion and beauty bloggers. They have great relationships with the bloggers and they always fast to reply to emails and help you out. I love working with them, I’ve had great opportunities with them.

What can marketers do better in working with you? Making sure the content would benefit my readers. That is my first rule when working with marketers.

What was your blogging highlight of 2013? Being able to celebrate a year of blogging, I’d come such a long way with my blog. Seeing how my readers and followers interact with me and support my blog was definitely a highlight. I’m so happy with my progress and blog achievements and I’m looking forward to the future!

What will be big in your blogosphere in the coming months? I’m starting university in September and I’m going to be studying Fashion Design. I talk so much about my plans for the future so I’m sure my readers will be excited to join me on the start of my ‘fashion design student’ journey. I’ll probably do a couple of ‘life as a fashion student’ posts. They usually go down really well with my readers so I’ll definitely share that. I also have a personal project coming up soon but I won’t spill the beans just yet!

Editorial information on Jesslyn Robert, FashionSquash and thousands of other media contacts and outlets, can be found in the CisionPoint Media Database.