Today we’d like to introduce you to Staci Salazar.
Hi Staci, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
About 12 years ago, my middle daughter (then 7) was going through a couple of tough medical diagnoses. I needed a place to share my thoughts, as well as keep family and friends updated on her condition. Therefore, I started blogging.
Once she was better, I didn’t want to stop writing, plus I realized there was a way for me to turn my writings into a viable income for our family. I was homeschooling my children, the youngest just over a year old, and helping take care of my mom who was fighting Lymphoma.
So, I kept writing. Kept posting. And kept networking. Soon, I received my first media-sponsored trip invite, and then next came the brand sponsorships. That was in 2011. It was just 3 years later when my husband started his own blog, working alongside me.
Since that time, we’ve been able to pay for both our oldest daughter’s wedding and build a home using residuals from commercials we’ve filmed. We’ve formed lasting relationships with brands and trusted partners and continued to stay afloat during the pandemic by shifting our business model.
Any content creator will tell you that the business comes with a certain ebb and flow through the seasons, but we’ve been able to make it work through the ups and downs.
Most recently, supporting our family from home gave us the ability to help care for our youngest granddaughter who was fighting Leukemia after being diagnosed at 7 weeks old. The flexibility of our job allows us to be available when one of our 5 children or 2 granddaughters need us.
That in itself is the most rewarding part of our business. Well, that and the travel we’ve been able to do thanks to our connections and opportunities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly? Not at all.
Social media was different back when we started. Instagram and Pinterest weren’t a thing yet. Each new platform means new learning curves and new readership.
Not to mention, in the early days, we were working for products. Sure, it was nice having new things, but those tangible items don’t pay the bills.
Taxes and fees can often eat our lunch if not done properly.
Plus, there is never a real “steady income” and no employer benefits. We are the employer.
We stay glued to our email to catch the next job because there are times that reps need a response ASAP, and if we miss the email, we lose out on the income.
Finally, the pandemic hit us extremely hard. Brands stopped all marketing budgets and that meant no income was trickling down to content creators. We had to compromise and shift the way we had always worked in order to keep food on the table.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My content is created especially for “real families who like to keep it simple.” From general lifestyle applications to family travel, to everyday routines, it’s all about finding simplicity in the journey of life.
Being able to bring my husband into my partnerships has often set us apart in the industry. Most creators work together on one platform, while my husband and I have two separate entities. We cross-promote each other and always pitch the other.
We’ve found that brands like the friendly banter we can display and because of the separate fan base, we can reach a larger, more diverse audience.
My favorite way to create content is on Instagram. Admittedly, I hated Reels when they came out, but have learned to love them. Right now, most of the content I create is for my granddaughter’s childhood cancer account rather than my own. But that’s okay because it’s an important cause to get behind.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
In this regard, social media is great! There are so many Facebook groups, Twitter lists, and Instagram profiles that focus on networking.
Pinterest can be a wealth of information as well.
I got started by reaching out to several bloggers in my niche until one finally responded. She helped walk me through the steps to get started with brands.
I then worked as a virtual assistant for another blogger to learn more about the business side of things and how to manage the administrative side of things.
Reach out to those you see doing well in your niche and just ask them for advice. Eventually, you’ll build your tribe and have people supporting you that actually want to see you succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ourfamilylifestyle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/our.familylifestyle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourfamilylifestyle/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ourfamlifestyle
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/7onashoestring
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/ourhappilyeveravery/
Image Credits
Harper Rae Photography
