Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaina Bryant.
Elaina, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Hello! I am Elaina, creator of the lifestyle blog Elaina Faye. I was born and raised in the Dallas area, moved to Arkansas for school, and recently moved back. I’m a football coach’s wife and dog mom.
Prior to blogging, I worked at a quick-service restaurant for over seven years. I started working there in college and climbed the ranks into upper management. I learned leadership skills, marketing, human resources, and administration skills. Working with primarily high school and college students, I learned how to invest in them and push them to grow in their personal and professional lives. The best part of my day was seeing one of them achieve their goals, get out of their comfort zone and build their confidence.
When my husband and I moved from Arkansas to Dallas, I found myself missing the daily conversations I would have with my younger employees and finding ways to cheer them on and love them. It’s hard to find new relationships when you move. So, I created Elaina Faye as a place to share tips & tricks, products that I love, and my everyday life in hopes to help others feel enough and confident in who they are and find a community.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think people realize how much goes into blogging. It’s not just writing what’s on your mind and hitting publish. If you want to make your blog a business, you have to learn how to create a website, branding, marketing, e-mail, etc.
I’m a big introvert so blogging is out of my comfort zone. I’ve struggled with the path I wanted my blog to take. When I started, I wrote content that was easy and what I knew would get traffic, but it wasn’t my heart. I had to figure out how to shift and focus on the mission and the why of Elaina Faye. I’ve faced rejection, lost motivation, and been discouraged by numbers and competition. Don’t let those things get you down and don’t compare your beginning to someone’s ending. Self-doubt is real and constant. When I have moments of self-doubt, I remember my “why” and the results of sticking with it are greater than if I quit.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Elaina Faye is a lifestyle blog that provides style and beauty resources, personal development strategies, recipes, sales that are happening, and stories of encouragement. I believe that everyone has a purpose and deserves to feel enough and confident. My goal when you visit is that you leave feeling inspired and encouraged to try something new and have fun in life.
I find joy in the small things of life, finding a great restaurant, jeans that are affordable and comfortable, a new workout program, or your best friend that your favorite lip gloss is on sale. Whatever your small “joy” is, I want to be your resource that provides it. Elaina Faye is still in the baby stages but I have big plans for growth and creating an online community. There is currently an “encouragement” page on my blog that has a couple of personal stories that give encouragement. My vision for that page is for others to submit their stories of encouragement and achievements.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t really believe in good or bad luck. I think God gives us blessings but also allows us to go through tough times to grow closer to Him and mold us into who He wants us to be. I’ve been through difficult seasons throughout my life and wonderful seasons. When I look back at both good and bad I find that they made me stronger and connected me to others.
My past work experience pushed me to learn about business, leadership, and marketing. I had amazing mentors but also had to learn of a lot of it through trial and error. I’m thankful for the highs and lows of that job because I don’t think I could learn and pursue blogging without it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elainafaye.com
- Email: Elaina@elainafaye.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/elaina.faye
- Facebook: facebook.com/elainafayeofficial
- Other: pinterest.com/elainafaye
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