WeBlogNorth Featured Content Creator of The Week - Thistles and Hearts
This is a space that showcases all of you awesome WeBloggers in the North and gives everyone a chance to get to know each other, as well as raise your profile (and your DA!). This week we're chatting with Steph, blogger at Thistles and Hearts.
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Name - Steph Hamilton
Location - Manchester
Blog URL - www.thistlesandhearts.
Twitter followers - 982
Instagram follower - 196
Write whatever you feel comfortable with, what you’re passionate about, and what you enjoy.
How long have you been blogging/vlogging/creating content?
I started blogging back in 2012 but took a break over the last few years and started afresh in February 2018. I did the odd bit of writing and content creating in between so on and off for about 6 years.
Why did you decide to start your blog/vlog?
I really enjoy the process of writing, I find it so cathartic! My two great loves are Food (which for me means Gluten Free food) and books. When I first had to go Gluten Free I found blogs so useful and made the whole process a lot less scary. I hope my blog can provide some comfort for others too. Gluten Free food definitely doesn't have to be boring!
Do you see this becoming a career or part of your career?
It’s honestly not something I’ve considered, but if the right opportunity comes along then perhaps. Never say never, right?
What do you hope to achieve for your content in 2018 and what’s your big-picture goal?
My goal for this year is to create content on a regular basis, with it being a new blog I want the first 12 months to be the time for setting the tone and hopefully developing content for an engaged audience. I work full-time so it’s a learning curve to juggle work, the blog and still have time to do my own thing. The big picture goal, as cheesy as it sounds, is to create relatable content that reaches out to people. If someone can feel better about themselves having read one of my posts I’ll consider that a success.
What is your favourite social media channel & why?
Instagram. Even with its faults I love getting a visual snapshot of a person's life. I have to admit I do suffer from serious wanderlust on Instagram though, more than any other channel. I feel there is a more supportive community on Instagram.
Who is your blogging/vlogging/content inspiration and why?
I’m drawn to bloggers who keep it real, most of the time that’s female bloggers but not always. I love Vix Meldrew and her whole attitude to the world is really relatable for me. I also love Manchester-based Alice Catherine’s style and vintage finds.
What do you like to do on weekends? Where can we find you hanging out?
I’m 50% home bird and 50% nature lover so it’s weather-dependant on where you’ll find me. I love taking off for the day either over to the West Yorkshire countryside or to the coast, but at the same time, I’ll happily sit with 25 cups of tea and a good book! I try and go home to Scotland the odd weekend too, to top up on Irn-Bru, haggis and Billy Connolly jokes. Yep, I’m the stereotype to end all stereotypes!
If you could go anywhere in the world or experience any one thing, what would it be?
I’m a huge history lover and I’d love to do the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchi in Peru. That’s a bucket list thing for sure!
What're your tips for staying motivated and/or organised in your work?
I have two things I do that seem to help me. The first is fresh air, I spend the majority of my day at a computer screen so I either head out for a walk at lunchtime or in the evening. It helps me to shut off for a little while then when I’m back at the computer I’m more focused. The second is the use of a trusty to-do list. Whether it’s the need to know what I have to do or a placebo at seeing things be marked off a list, I don’t know, but it works for me.
What is the one piece of advice you’d give other content creators & aspiring bloggers/vloggers?
I’d say write whatever you feel comfortable with, what you’re passionate about, and what you enjoy. Otherwise, your content is going to come across as forced rather than as something you're happy to share with the world.
Don’t pressure yourself to try and write for a particular audience, write for you and the audience will find you. Your content needs to have your voice.
Fun/Random fact about you (go on, surprise us!):
When I finished university I decided to move wherever I was offered a job. So I moved from Glasgow to Penzance, literally the other end of the country. For a good fortnight, my friends and family thought I was winding them up!
The Featured Content Creator of the Week series is available to all bloggers, vloggers, influencers and content creators subscribed to WeBlogNorth. If you are a subscribed member and would like to be featured, then please get in touch. You’ll receive exposure to the entire WeBlogNorth family, as well as coverage across the @WeBlogNorth social channels and website. It’s great exposure for any content creator looking to get noticed and grow their following.
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