Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Black.
Monica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began blogging as a hobby. It was a way to add some creativity to my life. I have a serious, government job in the Criminal Justice Field. So, I often tell people that blogging is my fun job. About three years ago, I was reading a lot of blogs and really wanted to start my own. I had friends who would ask me for fashion, skin care and fitness advice. One even suggested I start a blog. I have always loved writing. I also love photography and fashion. Blogging gives me the opportunity to do all of these things.
I thought it would be great to start my own blog to share these things with my friends and family. I just wasn’t sure how to begin, and my confidence kept me from starting. That voice in my head kept saying, but what if I fail? What if no one reads my blog? How can I do this? Who will take my pictures? I prayed a lot about it. I knew that I wanted to pursue a blog, but I wanted to be sure it was in accordance with God’s will for me. The desire to start blogging continued and after much prayer, I felt it was the right thing to pursue. I said, “I’m going to jump in. I will give it a year. If I fail, then at least, I will know I tried.” With the support of friends and family, I have been able to grow. It’s so much fun and truly my passion now. I could not do it without the support of my husband, who is also my photographer. Like many husbands of bloggers, he is the ‘Instagram husband.’ He says he is going to start a support group. 😉
I really wasn’t sure if I could have a successful blog. It’s such a different arena for me, and so many people still aren’t sure what exactly what a blog is. I have been delighted to receive a lot of positive feedback from friends and readers. I’m ever so grateful, and it just fuels me to create more material that is useful and that people enjoy reading.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There were a lot of challenges. Setting up my website was complicated.
Choosing content at first was scary, not feeling confident that people would enjoy reading it. I knew no one in this field, so I had no one to ask questions — no one to point me in the right direction.
One of the biggest challenges was and is growing a following organically. Those of my generation are not familiar with all social media platforms. Most of my friends, family, and colleagues use Facebook but aren’t as likely to use Instagram. Whereas, the younger generation uses multiple social media platforms on a daily basis. I have had to educate many about Instagram and how to follow my blog.
Another challenge is balancing full-time work and devoting time to the blog. I often have ideas that I want to run with, but it’s difficult to find the time with work and other regular duties of life. Despite the challenges, I find myself wanting to just push through to accomplish the task. Each time I get through one obstacle, I feel empowered to keep moving forward.
I would tell other women who are just starting out to find your niche, then connect with other ladies in that niche. It’s so helpful to have the support of other women. Networking has been super helpful to me. That saying, “Find your tribe” is certainly true, especially in the blogging community.
Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to other bloggers. They won’t all answer, but some will. I reached out to a couple of bloggers for constructive criticism and advice when I first started my blog. Some answered some did not. But I will always remember those that did. I, myself, have had people recently reach out to me. I am always willing to help, just as those few bloggers helped me in the beginning. I believe in giving back and treating others as you want to be treated.
I would also say, take that leap. Don’t be afraid to start. What have you got to lose?? (the answer is nothing!)
As they say, nothing worth having is ever easy.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Monica’s Mix story. Tell us more about the business.
My brand is about style at any age. I want women to see they can still wear trendy styles, even if they are in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s or beyond. Monica’s Mix is a mix of things. I cover fashion, fitness, beauty tips, and healthy recipes. I also share a mix of fashion pieces, like those worn before with new items. I want to show women they can shop their closet. Just adding a new cardigan and shoes can make a whole outfit look and feel new. I want women to have confidence, I always feel more confident if I feel good about what I am wearing.
My blog is known for bright colors. I love to find wonderful wall murals that compliment the outfit.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Workplace equality and equal pay, in general, are big barriers, but at least these issues are getting more attention now. We have a long way to go, but we are making strides to close the gap.
Another barrier is that in the years prior, there were not many female role models to look to. It is difficult to imagine yourself as a leader if you do not have leading women to mirror.
Honestly, I feel we must be confident in ourselves if we are to lead. Believing in yourself — that you can be a leader — is the first step. Having a sense of purpose, and carrying ourselves as leaders is vital to be accepted as one.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://monicasmix.com/
- Email: monicasmix@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicasmixx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monicasmixx/
Image Credit:
David Black, Chasitie Watson Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
