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Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita

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Not many can say they worked under the intelligence of a pioneer in the blogging industry…

So, I’ll thank my lucky stars and soak up all that I’ve learned these last two years and give back by sharing that knowledge with you all. I’ll start off by first saying that the business of blogging is incredibly complex and difficult – so in my two years with Zanita, I’ve really developed a whole new level of profound respect for anyone whose turned blogging into a full-time career.

More importantly, the industry has become even more saturated than it was two years ago, but there is still room for newcomers! The amount that brands are willing to pour into influencer marketing is huge because it’s proven to be an effective outlet. So, if you have a unique voice (and vision) and you’re able to communicate that instantly, you might just surprise yourself! But just exactly how are you going to do that? That’s for you to figure out… We’re just here to help you out along the way.

Here are my top 5 blog tips working under Zanita:

blog tips

#1 Keep a running list of ideas

You’re bound to run out at some point so go ahead and start a document of post ideas and load it up anytime inspiration hits. This document is key in helping you maintain consistency. Blogging never starts out as a business for anyone – and only those that can keep up with it long enough will find success. Along with that list, maintain a Pinterest mood board and keep it updated. This is essential in helping you develop and refine your aesthetic. It’s all about focus – all of this might sound like unnecessary pre-work, but you’ll see the benefits in the long run.

#2 Consume carefully and selectively

The amount of blog content, tips, and “education” out there is plentiful but consume lightly because not everything that’s available will add value to your lives. If you find something dragging you down (and draining your energy) rather than uplifting you, cut it loose. It’s hard to make and see progress if you’re not laser focus on what’s in front of you and your end goal.

#3 Apply what you learn

There’s an abundance of great information out there (think Azalle), but are you applying what you learn? Sure, you may have been at this blogging game for a while now and you might feel like the material you come across is redundant, but no one ever really knows it all. There is always something new to learn – or a new way to look at something old. Put that ego away, buckle down, and apply the strategies you learn. Then watch how your results unfold. (I’m guilty…)

#4 Always be forward looking

As soon as you see or feel something becoming a trend, move forward – or find a way to do the next best thing! Content, styles, and color travel quick in this industry and you never want to be that person lagging behind. To be a real tastemaker, you must learn to be forward thinking! Zanita has modeled this so well for me and is always nudging me in that direction…I didn’t realize what she was doing until not too long ago, but glad to be finally catching on!

#5 Unplug when you need to

Blogging is work that NEVER ends, but sometimes, you really just have to unplug even if there are still things to be done! We have all seen Zanita take breaks as needed unapologetically and I think this is critical for our personal mental and emotional health. Times get tough – it’s a natural part of life so when it’s time to just lay low and chill, do it. You don’t owe anyone answers.

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

 

Image Source Credits – LE JOLIE – Susan

 

You Should Also Read:

How to Stand Out When Everyone is Doing the Same Thing
When Growth Seems Impossible
5 Ways to Tell You’re Making the Wrong Decision

The post Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita appeared first on Zanita Studio.


The Best Things About Being in Your Late 20s

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I feel like I say this every year, but I really can’t believe we’re already in Q4 of 2017!

Two years with Zanita have truly flown by and I can’t even remember what I was carping about back in October 2015! Many things have changed since – most notably my age… I’ve gotten a little older, wiser, and more experienced. The one thing I’ve become less concerned about these days is getting older – and I think that’s one of the beauties about being in your late 20s… Sure, I’ve acquired more facial lines, a bunch of pigmentation, and bags under my eyes, but life is so much more than that. All these superficial things that mattered previously suddenly don’t matter anymore. Beyond that, there are so many other things to revel in – here are the best:

Opinions matter less.

Everyone talks about doing you and ignoring the rest, but I think executing this mindset in your early 20s is extremely hard – and even up to your mid 20s. Maybe a few of you do this terribly well; however, I was not one of you…

the best thing about being in your late 20s | zanita.comIt probably explains why I’m such a late bloomer in the industry. I can honestly say that it wasn’t exactly until this past summer that I just stopped caring about what everyone else had to say… And even if they chimed in, I let it in one ear and out the other… It takes talent and commitment to be able to drown out the chaos and negativity, but there is tremendous value in not letting opinions sway your decisions or actions.

You recognize the value of commitment.

In an era of instant gratification and immediate results, it’s hard not to be disappointed in a shortfall of overnight results. I have also been one of those…being terribly hard on myself because something I intensely desired didn’t manifest as quickly as I had hoped. That being said, I remained committed but still dreaded the moment and plunged in negative self-talk at any given moment. However, I can affirm with certainty that commitment pays off where talent doesn’t. Your time will come if you stay committed. The sad thing is very few people can commit to the process over a long period of time. Luckily, you still have time…

Failing becomes ok…

No one wants to fail ever, but hey it happens – and it’s necessary to keep you humble. You know that saying “never let success get to your head and never let failure get to your heart” – #truth! Rejection and failure – it’s all a part of the process that anyone who’s where they want to be now has experienced at one point or another. In your late 20s, you begin to value the notion of sometimes winning and sometimes losing… A loss is an opportunity to do better next time.

The best part about failing is that you always do better. Success is the culmination of overcoming all your failures one by one.

Action is everything.

Sure, it’s great to have wonderful ideas all day long, but those ideas aren’t going to get you anywhere if they’re just fixated in your head… At some point, you have to start doing something. When you’re young, it’s easy to think, “I’ll wait til next week…” or “I have until I’m 25″… No. Action starts now. I was once told that people become less ambitious with age. That thought alone scared the shit out of me and I vowed to always make a conscious effort to take action even if I felt too old… Complacency kills!

What are you waiting for?

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

 

Image Source Credits – LE JOLIE – Susan

 

You Should Also Read:

Habits to Break Before You’re 30
Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita
3 Tips to Overcome Shyness like a Pro Fashion Blogger

The post The Best Things About Being in Your Late 20s appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Golden Time Management Tips as a Working Mom

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I don’t think anyone truly knows their multi-tasking abilities until they become a mom…

Those skills are especially tested to full potential when you have not one but multiple kids and a job! Only then do you truly understand the depths and meaning of a “never-ending to-do list” and “not enough hours in a day”. I have to admit, it’s an ongoing mess that I’ve somehow learned to contain these last few months, so I thought I’d share my top time management tips:

Get into a M-F routine

Even though I hate routines and I believe they’re the culprit for complacency, kids need structure… Establishing a routine is more about helping your kids find a sense of familiarity in what they do. Between martial arts classes, dance practice, dinner, homework, and playtime, a weekly Monday – Friday routine has been key in managing my sanity. Use your weekends and holidays for spontaneity but your weekdays for structure.

time management tips as a working mom / zanita.com

Plan way in advance

The exception I make to the point above is if I have already planned other things in advance. With the line of work I am in, I travel occasionally and will be ramping it up in the next two weeks… My kids still need structure while I am away. Knowing those dates help me plan for everything else in between. This rule doesn’t apply only to my travel dates though. I don’t believe a mom should be confined to her home 24/7, which means you will need your occasional GNO or date night. Planning for those get-togethers in advance allows you to make arrangements for a sitter!

Maximize your nights and weekends

I’m one of those who can function on 4-6 hours of sleep and then crash after 2 weeks. Because of that, I see huge value in making good use of your nights and weekends. It’s not easy to run a blog, create content for others, and be a mom all at the same time. My nights (when the kids have finally KO’d) are typically spent catching up on emails, following up with teacher requests, signing forms, and checking homework. I spend my weekends shooting and editing for my personal blog so that it doesn’t interfere with the deadlines I set aside for my clients. Mom + blogging never sleeps…

Don’t be so uptight

I’ve learned that the more uptight and stressed I am, the worse everything becomes – basically your time management skills become nonexistent and you just lose all sense of coherence… To prevent that from happening, I advocate letting go what you can’t control. Do what you can and move on. Tomorrow is another day (and if it’s not, then it doesn’t matter anyway). Part of being a master multi-tasker is being flexible to the things life throws at you. It’s all in your attitude.

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

 

Image Source Credits – Fashion Gone Rogue

 

You Should Also Read:

Habits to Break Before You’re 30
Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita
3 Tips to Overcome Shyness like a Pro Fashion Blogger

The post Golden Time Management Tips as a Working Mom appeared first on Zanita Studio.

4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful

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Even with the pervasiveness of blogging as a career over the years, people still don’t give bloggers the credit they deserve…

Everyone who’s dabbled in blogging knows how profoundly difficult and time consuming it is, yet the skill sets a successful blogger needs is typically undermined. I’ll be following up with the hard skills every blogger needs to be successful, but for today’s post, I’m sharing 4 key soft skills I’ve seen all successful bloggers have in common.

#1 Self-Discipline

Drive, excitement, and motivation eventually phase out when results are slow and your efforts begin feeling meaningless… This is where self-discipline comes into play. You create content because this is a business – and it’s a business you want to be in… You create content when you could be napping or watching TV. Self-discipline is all about controlling your emotions and behaviors – veering from instant pleasure and gratification in order to achieve more meaningful things (like your blogging goals).

4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful

#2 Commitment

You don’t always start out as an excellent writer, photographer, or content creator – no one starts out excelling in every part of blogging. However, with commitment to one or all of it, you will become good enough at it. There are so many skills to be learned in blogging – that even if you are an excellent writer and photographer, you might not be so great at other things like social media and networking. Commitment is sticking to something even when you’re not good at it – and not in the mood to do it. Commitment requires a high-level of self-discipline – it means not giving up when challenges arise and working around your schedule to make things happen.

#3 Resourceful

Successful bloggers don’t go around asking for free handouts and follow me’s… They become resourceful through their network and resources (like the Internet and books) – and they’re extremely open-minded in how to apply the knowledge that they gain. Being resourceful is a key skill because you have to readily be opportunistic, open-minded, and imaginative in order to fully maximize what you have to work with. It’s fuel for constant improvement!

#4 Strong Work Ethic

You can’t let attention and praise get to your head. You can’t allow a lack of results to frustrate you. You can’t be one to give up. You bust ass every chance you get because results require hard work and responsibility. You don’t talk about “it”, complain about “it”, or waver about “it” – you get to “it” and get “it” done. A strong work ethic means working towards and end goal and acting in accordance.

If you have all the above, you seriously have a chance at this blogging thing!

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

 

Image Source Credits – Fashion Gone Rogue

 

You Should Also Read:

Habits to Break Before You’re 30
Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita
3 Tips to Overcome Shyness like a Pro Fashion Blogger

The post 4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful appeared first on Zanita Studio.

A Moment To Celebrate

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I haven’t been home to my parents farm in nearly two years.

I can’t believe how the time has flown by – but when I really ponder the months gone past in the context of my family and my life growing up, my heart aches so deeply. Esperance isn’t the most convenient place – in fact – my journey back home takes a minimum of 30 hours of travel. It’s easy to forget how far away it is while I’m caught up with my life in New York, but it’s truly world’s away. I would never usually wait so long to return but I had a bit of a visa debacle which for a number of reasons, crippled my ability to return Down Under.

My return was a joyous one. My darling younger sister Chloe and her boyfriend Sam gave birth to my nephew, Maverick Albert Frank Haberley. It’s why I chose this setting to shoot and share with you my latest project with my longterm Jansz – the most delicious Australian Sparkling wine – and the perfect accompaniment to celebrating what has become one of the happiest moments of my life. I don’t think anything can prepare you for the arrival of a new family member, walking into the room at the hospital I was overwhelmed with emotion, meeting this precious little guy and being able to share that moment with my parents was pure love. I’m just so proud of my sister for bringing Maverick into the world and into our lives, becoming a mother is truly the most bad ass thing – I don’t think I really learnt how much until this moment. Already loving being an Aunty too!

 

I often feel like my life is going a million miles an hour – which makes going home to Esperance is the best therapy and antidote to the chaos.

You can’t hear a single car out on the farm (maybe the occasional mooing cow!) and the clear night sky is filled with a million stars. Travelling the world has really made me realise what a special and unique upbringing I had, one I am truly grateful for. Today I am realising my dreams, working in the fashion industry, many oceans beyond this place – but I know it’ll always be a piece of me and makes up a huge part of my personality. I love being able to go back, knowing some things will never change.

It’s heartbreaking to be aware that I don’t get to share as much of my life with my family as I once did, thankfully technology makes it easier – but nothing compares to sitting down with my loved ones and sharing a glasses of Jansz, not saying a thing, just feeling love and knowing we are together. Miss them all everyday.

 

Cheers to family, in whatever shape they come. That’s what life is really about!

…in partnership with Jansz Australia

The post A Moment To Celebrate appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Hard Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful

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Last week, I went over some of the soft skills I found essential for bloggers.

This week, I wanted to dive in a little deeper and visit some of the most important hard skills I’ve seen across every major influencer I’ve met. I think most people look at blogging as a no-brainer, narcissistic hobby, but it requires keen entrepreneurial skills just like any small business.

If you’re looking to take your blog to the next level, here are the most important hard skills every blogger needs to be successful.

Writing/Editing

Although many big bloggers have a moved away from writing long, valuable content, writing is still very much essential to blogging. Writing is how you engage with others, share your story, and deliver your voice. You don’t need to be a best-selling author, but you need to have substance and add value. This might sound like bad news to those of you dread writing; however, consider it a challenge and find resources to help you improve.

important hard skills every blogger needs to be successful | zanita.comIf you’re not a great writer, maybe it means hiring someone else to write in which case you better be a badass editor. No one knows your voice better than yourself. You should be able to tweak anything to sound more and more like your.

Analytics

All mega-bloggers are watching their analytics in terms of the following:

– What’s driving people to my blog?
– Which content has been read the most?
– What’s not performing?
– What channels are my biggest source of traffic?
– Where is there opportunity for growth?

All successful bloggers are able to evaluate the effectiveness of their content. They use analytics to set goals, identify performance, and test new strategies for driving traffic, increasing engagement, reducing bounce, etc. We cover this info in our Content Strategy for Bloggers course on Azalle. I highly recommend you learn this skill now!

SEO

Top influencers don’t rely on SEO alone, but they know enough about SEO to optimize their content for search engines. That requires you to learn keywords, common image-naming conventions, and writing exciting titles that generate clicks. SEO matters because when someone finds your content through a Google search, they’re more likely to be converted into a loyal follower and stick around on your website when compared to referred traffic.

Marketing Strategy

One thing I’ve also seen running across mega-bloggers is the ability to sell – whether it’s making a product look enticing enough to convert followers into buyers or selling a lifestyle in such an alluring way that they convert by-passers into die-hard fans. They know how to connect and engage with others, promote their content, and gain exposure. As natural as it my look or feel, believe that there is much strategy behind it!

Networking

One of a blogger’s most-prized possessions is their network – industry contacts, other bloggers, and brand reps – it’s a huge part of how they get jobs. So, it’s no wonder bloggers become master networkers. The more you get around people, the better you become at presenting yourself and having meaningful conversations. I’ve learned that networking is a skill you learn overtime by putting yourself in situations that require you to speak to people. Even if you’re an introvert, there are always ways to network that won’t make you feel displaced. Learn this skill early on and you’ll be set.

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

 

Image Source Credits – LE JOLIE – Susan

 

You Should Also Read:

4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita
Golden Time Management Tips as a Working Mom

The post Hard Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Do Influencers Deserve Any Money?

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Bit of a delayed reaction post – I’ve been meaning to bring up this topic ever since I featured in an article on Refinery29 regarding strategy and streetstyle at fashion week.

While for me it might seem plainly obvious, the fact that industry professionals attend shows and use fashion week to strategize media awareness feels like some kind of secret. The truth is, it IS very valuable (and alot of fun) to attend and be featured – to boost one’s profile through press features in magazines and online globally. This strategy is employed not just by influencers but by buyers and editors who indeed pioneered the methods – and who are also using those methods to gain the same attention and utilize their growing profiles as part of the in-demand personality trend.

I’ve had the fortune of traveling to fashion weeks around the world – and while in the beginning I didn’t specifically strategize to gain awareness of my work, the fact that it happens work now shouldn’t be a taboo… and I certainly didn’t invent the system. If you’re not good at what you’re doing, you’re not going to benefit from attending because success requires the approval of the most premium photographers and editors. I’m still wearing whatever-the-f*ck I want, and like most of my peers, I’m pretty opinionated and stubborn about what clothes go on my body because that’s part of building an identifiable style brand…  it’s also probably why I’ve rocked some absolute doozies over the years too (cough, clogs, cough). No risk no reward! On an that, costs to take part can be astronomical. It’s why influencers trade in social content with hotels, car services and more to ease the financial burden. Even being very conservative, travelling to all four fashion cities – with meals, hotels, taxis/ubers (we’re often wearing heels cos lol, gotta be fabulous) and flights can cost upwards of 20-30k. I’ve certainly had seasons that left me out of pocket – but the press that trickles down in the following months can prove the payback. Today I won’t travel to a city unless I can work because it’s simply not the investment it once was, with so many photographers and attendees, competition is fierce. It’s a great chance to network but often I’ll have projects to do back home that are just as valuable. I’m a bit disappointed the article didn’t broach further the ecosystem that comes with the street style scene and the personal expression of style being valued by not only the designers and industry as a whole, but by the general public. It’s why we see exciting brands emerging through street-style coverage and new style personalities gaining traction, it’s purely democratic.

I’m keen for the day when individuals in my field will finally be considered ‘Professionals’ and respected for their hard work by the wider public, progress that I can’t help feel is being held back and trivialized by an obvious fact, this is largely women-driven industry.  It’s so frustrating how influencers get thrown under the bus for the work we do – but then again – being advertised to certainly has an ugly side. I get it.

The responsibility lies in these individuals working with clients in creative ways, making unique content and genuine alignments. When you take a birds eye view of the influencer landscape, you see a lot of people who are making money by working with brands, promoting them to huge audiences (yay so popular!) and painting their lives as a whole load of fun. Even I feel a little bitter as I consume the content in my feed, I spend most of my days behind a desk – but I also have a holistic view of the reality and business behind it all.  The day I had the opportunity to work with Louis Vuitton was a dream come true – since then I’ve been able to work on a whole load of incredible projects, working with anyone from huge global clients and smaller local brands to make imagery and content I’m really proud of. I don’t try to monetize everything I do and I’m disappointed if the article gives that impression.  I’m also certainly not saving the world – but I keep my morals in check and I don’t deviate from my genuine self. I do my best to share positivity and my learnings. I turned my hobby and passion into my career and I’m grateful for that everyday.

So I was pretty brutally attacked in the comment section of this article most of which I take with a grain of salt – and I can almost guarantee a few are from a crazy woman who has been harrassing/stalking constantly me over the last six months, more on that coming soon… I’d love to address a few of the comments personally but there’s really no point, most are just resentment, hate and lies. Yes, plenty of money can be made from having a platform on social media – the payouts are correlated to quality of content, cool factor, reach and engagement – all factors where success is hard won and should be deservingly credited. When we consider how much each of us use these platforms it’s easy to see why brands are investing more and more of their marketing budgets on individual talents. You can be bitter about marketing, strategy, business and just capitalism in general – but you can’t hate on one aspect and enjoy and blindly consume another. Influencers are punished for commercialism when other celebrities in various fields get paid millions for campaigns with massive reach, supported by mega media corporations. I could be seeming overly sensitive – but I’m old school, I’ve had my blog for nine years and I still wear the moniker with pride. It’s given me the opportunity to make my dreams come true, refine my talents as a photographer, launch a start-up I believe in – and now – open up my own photo studio in NYC (Also coming soon! Can’t wait!).

So do we deserve the money we’re paid? There’s no shame in admitting – we all resent… even just a little – the absurd amounts of money the Kardashian’s are getting to shill products, but that doesn’t mean the clients aren’t getting a return on their investment. To suggest that they should be paid less is really undervaluing the influence they have amalgamated and putting more profits into the hands of the corporations and big brands paying out, creating an imbalanced and unfair system. I hope that if my influence (and talent!) expanded, my income would deservedly correlate to my own value. It’s kinda gross, but we’re all being advertised to – and we always have been. Thank goodness for disclosure – so we aren’t swallowing so many of those damn blue pills (matrix reference fyi).

Excited to hear your thoughts on all of this! It’s quite the brain dump.

Thanks again for supporting me all along and making me feel ok about being open and myself. You guys rock.

Wearing total looks by Ksenia Schnaider, boots by Tibi and sunglasses by Andy Wolf

The post Do Influencers Deserve Any Money? appeared first on Zanita Studio.

4 Things to Know Before Going Full-Time Freelance

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Going full-time freelance is probably the dream for many creatives out there…

The freedom, self-directed schedule, and ability to work anywhere in the world at anytime are all compelling reasons to become self-employed. However, I think many of us don’t realize that it’s also far more strenuous than we think. I had wondered for a while if and when I would be ready going full-time freelance, but I never had the confidence that I could actually make it. Only recently, Zanita and Gustav gave me that push I needed, which I’m chronicling on my personal blog. Since I know this topic is of high interest, I wanted to enlighten you on what I’ve learned in my first month.

going full-time freelance | zanita.com

Be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Going full-time freelance requires you to be comfortable with ambiguity. You never know when and if you’ll land that next client or when the income will roll in, but you have to be confident that it will. My biggest concern was always “how am I going to land this client”? My biggest surprise was that I could land even one – and your first one always gives you the confidence to go out and get more. The thing you need to realize is, if you’re doing great work, clients will come. It’s easy for people to recognize honest, sensible, and valuable work, so if you can showcase that, you have nothing to be concerned about.

Be prepared to work even harder!

If you feel like you’re busting ass for someone else, be prepared to bust your ass even more for yourself. Sure, you have all the flexibility in the world, but going full-time freelance is so much work. I’m in disbelief and I have no idea how people keep it together… I barely have any time for anything but work these days. From managing my finances and invoicing to creating content, I really over estimated my organizational skills.

You have to put yourself out there constantly.

I’m a true introvert. Work requires me to frequent NYC and events more than ever before, which really suck the life out of me. However, that face time is incredibly important. I understand now why so many bloggers feel the need to be in NYC. The face-to-face connection is the best way to acquire clients… You have to go out and introduce yourself so people take you seriously. This really pulls me out of my comfort zone, but it’s so necessary for success!

You manage EVERYTHING.

Be prepared to do all the things you love as well as everything you don’t love! My least favorite part of being self-employed is managing the financial aspect of it… It’s quite boring and time-consuming, but who else is going to do it? Constantly keeping track of the money flowing in and out is no fun, but it’s critical to sustaining a long-term business. I also hate negotiating and proposing rates – this is something I’m still working to figure out. However, it makes you much more well-rounded and will take you far in your career.

It’s obvious that I haven’t gotten everything figured out, but learning along the way is a huge part of the process. If you have any specific questions or want to hear more on this topic, drop me a note in the comments below. I realize how lucky I am to be able to do what I do – and I’m always thrilled to share my learnings along the way.

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

 

Image Source Credits – LE JOLIE – Susan

 

You Should Also Read:

4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita
Golden Time Management Tips as a Working Mom

The post 4 Things to Know Before Going Full-Time Freelance appeared first on Zanita Studio.


How to Find Clients When You Start Out Freelancing

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I’ve decided to turn the questions I’m receiving into a series of blog posts, so if there’s anything you want to learn more about in the business of blogging, DM me on Instagram or leave them in the comments below.

Today, I wanted to cover the topic of how to find clients when you start out freelancing.

I’ve been fortunate that the majority of my clients have come from the Internet. Before you reach out to potential clients, I think it’s super important to have a certain level of confidence in your work and results that speak to your skills. It can be especially difficult to land clients online for a few reasons – people have no idea who you are, what you look like, or if what you’re saying is what you can actually do. While there’s amazing talent online, there’s also a lot of bullshit – we all know that. That being said, I’m going to share how you can find clients when you start out freelancing like I did…

How to Find Clients When You Start Out Freelancing | zanita.com

– Make a list of potential clients

Before you start the outreach process, you need to know exactly who you’re targeting so that you strategically target your pitch and rework your resume to fit the needs and vision of that particular client. In my case, I work specifically with bloggers on content strategy and creation, occasionally photography, and planning and execution. The term bloggers alone is pretty general in itself so I even go further as to target fashion and lifestyle bloggers with a following of at least several thousands. I am very picky about who I work with, so if they’re not already an established blogger (like Zanita), I need to see that they have potential and are committed.

– Reach out on Instagram.

When reaching out on Instagram, I never make any business inquiries right off the bat. These are typically influencers I feel have potential and a point of view, so I want to develop a relationship with them. I most likely have already been following them for a while and will ask to do test shoots. A free photoshoot is always a great way to build a relationship while growing your portfolio – this has worked well for me. From the test shoot, I’ll send over high-res, fully-edited photos with a quick snippet of my services and what I do. That’s where the lead begins and flourishes.

– Pitch via email.

Two years ago, I would have never had the nerve to reach out to an influencer online and offer my services. Today, I’m comfortable enough with what I can offer that I’ll take the leap of faith. The one thing that has benefitted me most is my current client list. When one influencer sees that I’ve worked on content strategy, planning, and execution with a mega-blogger, they listen. I know many of you may not have had the luxury of working with a high-caliber influencer like Zanita, but that’s why I think it’s so important to have industry experience. Be willing to work for someone for a few years before branching out on your own.

– Network & meet in person.

Meeting someone in person is the best way to find clients when you start out freelancing. It’s extremely exhausting for me to be in a crowd of people – especially when everyone is super competitive (like in blogging). Moving from a full-time Content Manager to a freelancer has really pushed me out of my shell as I strive to be that socialite for the sake of my business. It has been extremely beneficial and a wonderful learning experience.

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

 

Image Source Credits – LE JOLIE – Susan featuring Of Leather & Lace

 

You Should Also Read:

4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
4 Things to Know Before Going Full-Time Freelance
Hard Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful

The post How to Find Clients When You Start Out Freelancing appeared first on Zanita Studio.

What I Learnt From Rihanna (and more!) At the Vogue Forces of Fashion Conference

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It’s not everyday you have a chance to sit in a room with some of fashion’s biggest names – I’m talking Rihanna, Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Virgil Abloh, Marc Jacobs, Anna Wintour and so many more.

It might go without saying, this was an exclusive experience and I am so grateful to HP for inviting me.  I was able to document the whole affair using their newly launched product – the HP Sprocket 2 in 1 – which is a camera that prints your photos in these cutest little sticker formats, like having a photobooth in your pocket.  I spent the day furiously take notes and snapping little memories, tangible pieces of what was to become one of the most rewarding and valuable learning experiences of my career. The venue was also filled with the most gorgeous HP prints of some of the most iconic Vogue imagery from recent years, as a somewhat fledgling photographer myself, taking in gallery was truly inspiring.

So what did I take away from hearing these incredibly esteemed speakers discussing their careers?  Here are some of my most valuable and compelling learnings from the Forces of Fashion Conference – all taking place right here in New York at the famed Milk Studios.

Stella McCartney is warm and generous…

She spoke with Vogue’s own Tonne Goodman on the “The Ethical Future of Fashion”. This can be a prickly topic, something both myself and my peers have come under fire for in the past – and I’m sure can all agree that there’s a consumerist side to the fashion industry that’s pretty despicable. While we can feel intimated by the guilt of not doing everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint when it comes to fashion – Stella assured us, it’s not all or nothing. Simply becoming aware of the facts is a great step to making changes. Just like we can all help this environment by simply consuming less beef, trying to use biodegradable cleaning products where possible, recycling – we can also apply small principles to the way we thinking about clothing and fashion. Did you know that the fashion industry is the number two most polluting industry behind OIL?? And that rayon, one of the most common fabrics used in the USA, requires over 150 million trees a year to be felled in its production. The future of fashion is technology – there’s now artificial ways to produce animal based materials that don’t hurt the enviroment. Stella inspired me to write a post in the future about resources and methods to help us all make our wardrobes more ethical and sustainable. It’s not about all or nothing! It’s simply that if we increase our use of products being made the right way bit by bit, we increase demand and lower the costs making it feasible for all to have access to them and make better choices for the future of the planet.

Marc Jacobs once accidentally shared a picture of his butt on instagram…

This might not be news to you – but it was certainly for me! Marc spoke on a panel called ‘Fashion in the Age of Instagram’ with CEO Kevin Systrom, hosted by Vogue’s Sally Singer. I hoped a little they would broach topics like the rise of the fashion influencer through the platform, commercial partnerships on Instagram and censorship – but that would have taken all day and there was so much to get through! The panel was asked about social media regrets – which is how Marc brought up the topic of his accidental post – but he said he didn’t regret it because it was just him being himself.

“You can’t regret the things you do, You can only regret the things you DON’T do.”

I found this really poignant because regrets really represent the denial of a learning experience – and we grow the furthest from our mistakes. My work with Instagram has been a story of trial and error – and sometimes I’m still baffled by the success of one post over another! High end content never works as well as something spontaneous and genuine. The panel discussed the partnership between fashion and technology, how the two industries are more co-dependent than ever. It was a reminder that once upon a time, bloggers and influencers were at the forefront of digital communication and now brands like Vogue are where the greatest lessons are too be found, adapting to the way we consume fashion media and constantly pushing the envelope of creativity in the digital space.

Heron Preston is the coolest guy I never knew…

So maybe I’ve been living under a rock but I didn’t know much about Heron prior to the conference. The conversation he shared with Virgil Abloh and Vogue’s own innately cool Chioma Nnadi was perhaps my favourite of the day. Heron told the story of how he was on holiday in Ibiza realised there was a ton of garbage in the water, which triggered his idea on the importance and under appreciation of sanitation departments. The Department of Sanitation of New York is described as ‘one of the most important uniformed forces in NYC’ which lead Heron on a long convoluted quest to connect and collaborate with the department. The result is a collection which debuted at NYFW, with a goal to raise awareness for 0x30 – the department’s initiative that aims to eliminate the need to send waste to landfills by 2030.  All pieces are recycled – and obviously incredibly cool. Fashion with a conscience! There was so much more to the story but my takeaway was really exploring Heron’s unconventional approach, something he had in common with his friend Virgil (Off-White) whereby building a career outside of the traditional high fashion trajectory really lent them to create brands that felt like something new. There are no rules!! I also loved Virgil’s quote – “Cool kids wanna be rich and rich kids wanna be cool.” –   on the topic of how street culture’s influence has an ever increasing impact in high fashion.

Victoria Beckham never smiles in photographs – but she’s hilarious!

She opened her conversation with the quip, “Oh no, now I’ve got this microphone – maybe you’ll get a two for one!” An obvious nod to her past life as a Spice Girl, something she was super warm and ready to chat about throughout her discussion, something that no doubt the entire audience was super thrilled about. Victoria has had a rare experience for a life, having known mega fame with her music career since 18 years old, being married to one of the most famous footballers in the world (if not the MOST famous) and being a mother of four while juggling a number of businesses. Though Victoria’s high flying lifestyle might give you impression her career would be hard to relate to, there’s still parallels in the lessons and her experiences that we can all gain from – namely – with her namesake fashion line, she began by mastering the art of dressmaking and waited until she gained enough experience before developing suiting, extolling the virtues of patience, perseverance and a job well done. She also had the ironic fortune of naivety and inexperience, which averted her gaze from myriad of pressures and criticism from the industry, allowed her to maintain a singular focus on perfecting details and getting things just right, trusting her own vision. Stay true to your own beliefs!

Rihanna is everything.

I couldn’t really make notes while Rihanna was speaking because I was so enthralled by her presence, it’s easy to see what makes her a mega star. While she touched on both her Fenty beauty and fashion lines, what stuck with me were personal anecdotes – specifically the story of her 2015 Met Gala Gown – the yellow and gold Guo Pei showstopper. The story of the dress began when she was implored by Anna Wintour to ‘go with the theme’ for the Gala, prompting research into Chinese couture houses. As someone who prides herself in seeking out the unique, Guo Pei’s collection became an obvious choice – but she almost began regret her decision to wear it when it took four people to lift the dress in place on her body at the fitting. She was so anxious to arrive at the event with such an ostentatious look she sent the limo (and it had to be a stretch to fit the garment inside!) around the block three times before exiting. Her position inside the limo had to choreographed in order for her to exit and it took a number of people to get up the stairs. She changed her look as soon as she entered the building into something more practical. My takeaway? Sometimes even real life can be a fantasy – but its worth it to make an impact! We can all appreciate a little theatrics.

It’s thanks to my HP Sprocket I was able to capture memories in real time at the Vogue Forces of Fashion conference. I loved having a more tangible way to document moments, as opposed to the thousands and thousands of images we are saving on our phones to be forgotten or deleted. Can’t pretend I haven’t been pretty popular with friends when I head out in the evening and basically pull a photo booth out of my pocket!

Thanks so much to the incredible team at HP for giving me an experience I’ll never forget.

Post In Partnership with HP

 

 

The post What I Learnt From Rihanna (and more!) At the Vogue Forces of Fashion Conference appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Resume Updates to Make Mid-Career

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Over two years ago, I shared my top resume tips on Zanita Studio…

However, as I went back to update my resume a few weeks ago, I realized it was time for a revamped post. You might wonder why I needed to update my resume if I’m “working for myself” – and it’s basically because as I use it in my pitches to prospective clients. Plus, a freshly updated resume gives me clarity as I evolve in my career.

I’ve always placed a lot of emphasis on my resume because it’s the ONLY thing that someone can judge me by when they have no idea who I am or what I look like. Since I’m now mid-career as many of you might be, I wanted to share the essential resume updates you can benefit from.

– Add an objective summary.

After at least 4 years of professional working experience, an objective no longer makes sense… You should have already developed some level of self-awareness and really understand what your strengths and weaknesses are up to this point. That means dropping the traditional one-liner objective and crafting a witty summary objective that describes who you are, what you’ve done, and what you’re looking to do. Think of this is your elevator pitch… How are you selling yourself?

Resume Updates to Make Mid-Career | zanita.com

– Summarize irrelevant experience.

I’ve held so many different jobs – a stock broker, demand planner, assistant merchandise planner, and content manager. What I’m looking to do today is completely unrelated to corporate America, which pretty much means my roles in finance and retail don’t make a lot of sense. I don’t need to highlight my accomplishments there. Instead, I’ll write three quick sentences summarizing my key contributions – and then heavily underscore my success as a content creator for Zanita and my personal blog.

– Highlight major contributions.

I also removed my old-school bullet points because I’m not in college anymore… Remember that at this point, you have so much more to sell and a greater story to tell. Write a snappy snippet on your story in that role and include 2-3 bullet points highlighting your top contributions. Did you increase sales by 25% over last year? Did you successfully launch a brand new email campaign that generated over 75% in click-thrus? Those are the things that need to stand out.

– Two pages is ok.

Mid-career is probably the only time it’s okay to have your resume over one page. Make great use of your first page by playing up the roles that matter and toning down the ones that don’t!

– Drop the college fluff.

Other resume updates to make are discarding the GPAs, fraternities/sororities, clubs, and Dean’s Lists that are no longer relevant… Real hands-on experience will outweigh that college fluff. So, if you weren’t a 4.0 student, you’re in luck 🙂 Results and work ethic is what matters most – both of which will show in your experience.

What resume updates have you made?

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

 

You Should Also Read:

4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
4 Things to Know Before Going Full-Time Freelance
Hard Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful

The post Resume Updates to Make Mid-Career appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The Biggest Myths About Starting a Blog DEBUNKED

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I always love reading what others have to say about blogging…

Sometimes I agree and sometimes I don’t, but that’s the beauty of the Internet and having so many voices chime in… Everyone can share their perspective on what it means to be something or how to do something. Put everything together and you get all the different ways people do ONE thing – which means your chances of success become higher! At the same time, everyone who consumes that content has the same exact shot as you do. That’s where you come in. You’re the difference. It’s really up to you to decide what’s real, what’s valuable, and executable. To help you decipher that, I wanted to share my personal opinion on the biggest myths about starting a blog…

You need a DEFINED TARGET MARKET/NICHE.

I think having a clear idea about who your target market might be is NOT a bad idea at all. However, you have to be FLEXIBLE. Understanding what your audience might like, knowing their age group, and who they’re already following will help you hone in on a voice that speaks to that . This can get tricky when your target audience ends up not being your real audience… So, pay attention to the people who are interacting with your content – who’s commenting? What are they saying?

The Biggest Myths About Starting a Blog | Zanita.com

You have to have a PURPOSE.

I recently wrote about this on my personal blog, but wanted to share it here too in case you’re not following me there… Everyone talks about PURPOSE… knowing what makes you different and knowing what value you have to offer. *SURPRISE* You won’t always know and I explain more in the video below – but to recap, it’s OK if you don’t know your purpose from the start. However, you have to be doing something so that you can EVENTUALLY find that thing that makes you special. You’ll get reinforcement from your readers over time, but when you first start don’t stress out if you have no idea. 🙂

Create content you’re “PASSIONATE” about.

One of the other biggest myths about starting a blog is writing about something you’re passionate about! I think many of us have several passions in life… I’m passionate about beauty/skincare, fashion, personal development, entrepreneurship, photography, and creating content, BUT I can’t talk endlessly and tirelessly about ALL these things. However, there are a few key topics I can write about pervasively and never get sick of them… Things like blogging, photography, and growth – all of which have an overarching theme! So, don’t pick a passion. Pick something you can talk about for years and never run out of ideas! Remember, passion can burn out…

Give yourself a certain timeframe

Giving yourself a timeframe before you quit is totally unacceptable in my book. No one has the same blog story to tell. You NEVER know when success will come. It took me 5 years whereas it may have taken someone else 2 years… You just don’t know. So, if you start a blog with the intention of turning it into a full-blown business within one year, you will be disappointed. If you don’t have the stamina to create when no one is watching, how could you create when everyone is watching and you have a million other things to do?

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

 

You Should Also Read:

4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
4 Things to Know Before Going Full-Time Freelance
Hard Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful

The post The Biggest Myths About Starting a Blog DEBUNKED appeared first on Zanita Studio.

4 Easy Tips to Create Great Content Every Time

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With Instagram holding such high-value these days, it can be hard to decipher whether someone is actually reading anything…

And even if they’re not, I still think you need to write! Maybe I’m old school, but writing is something I believe will never go away especially as content and influencer marketing grows!

Writing is crucial to creating great content because it’s what conveys your message as you intend. People might interpret your photographs in a way that you didn’t mean for them to. So, add a few sentences that communicate your thoughts and everything suddenly changes.

Not the best writer? No problem. Here are my top tips to create great content every time.

Tips to Create Great Content Every Time | Zanita.com

Write what you know.

The best thing to write about when you’re absolutely clueless is to write what you know… When you write about your personal experiences, you can truly express how you feel and articulate what you gained or loss from that experience. You never know what someone might take from your lessons and how it might change their lives. That’s the beauty in blogging… I often feel like I don’t lead a super exciting life and I spend a lot of my days at home, but the messages I receive on a weekly basis from readers around the world has been so unexpected and profound. It’s always a good feeling knowing I helped someone else do better or try harder. Writing what you know allows you to show a side that no one else would have seen or felt – and that’s what makes it so special.

Write timely content.

Writing about what you know makes a bigger impact when it’s relevant. Therefore, you should think about life events in your life that pertain to the time and season we’re in. For instance, Thanksgiving is coming up… While many people might be sharing recipes or outfits to wear when you meet the “family”, you can write about all the non-material things to be grateful for. Black Friday will be high on everyone’s list, so talk about why you don’t do participate in the frenzy. Think about what’s happening – current affairs – and add you voice to the choir in a way that hasn’t been talked about yet.

Repurpose old content.

When you’re creating content week after week, it can be exhausting to keep the momentum going. What are you supposed to write about when you run out of ideas? Look to old content that can be repurposed. Take a quick spin through your archives… Re-read posts from 3-4 years ago – or other bloggers’ posts from that time – and see how you can turn it into meaningful content today. Everything has already been done – we all know that, but you can always make old things new.

Assume nothing.

Often times, we assume too much… We think we know what people want, we know what we can offer, and we know everything – or almost everything. One of the things I’ve learned to do when creating content is assume nothing. When you assume nothing, you’re able to provide more value-added information that you may have missed otherwise. Don’t even assume that the reader has read countless other blogs before stumbling upon your own. You never know what light you might shed when you write as though the other person knows nothing… I’m not referring to being condescending either! It’s about enlightening in ways you didn’t think were possible.

Have any tips to create great content every time? Please share them below!

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

 

You Should Also Read:

4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
4 Things to Know Before Going Full-Time Freelance
Hard Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful

The post 4 Easy Tips to Create Great Content Every Time appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Fall Essentials You Need NOW

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Hi everyone! It’s been quite a while since I last posted here. Summer has come and gone and my favorite season is already here. While most of us still haven’t experienced the thrill of fall, New York drastically changed temperatures and we can now enjoy the real-deal. I could not be more excited to pick up an actual coat and cozy up with my favorite almond-spiced-pumpkin drink. Sipping a bit right now.

But because the season isn’t only about the coats, I gathered a list of fall essentials you need now. We can call them basics or in-between’s – they’re basically all we need to keep us stylish and true to ourselves. Dwelling on Instagram makes me realize the importance of a simple and balanced ensemble. The simpler the better so we can properly accessorize and
embellish.

fall essentials

I’m a sucker for a basic tee, jeans, and a good trench spruced up with stacked jewelry, a special bag and shoes. But during fall, there are a few rules I like to follow, respecting the needs of the weather. Let’s get into my fall essentials.

#1 Skirt It Up.

‘Tis the season to fully enjoy a mid-length skirt. If you live in New York, like me, you know that winter is brutal and pants are non-negotiable. So I always enjoy the in-between seasons to show a little bit of leg. This season, pull out your favorite skirts and pair them with those cozy sweaters you’ve been keeping stashed away.

Shop my favorite picks below:

#2 A Leather Jacket Is Your Best Friend.

Not even lying. A leather jacket is your best friend this season. Too much for summer, too little for winter but just enough so you won’t get cold in fall. I just got one early in the summer and have been enjoying it to the fullest.

Shop my favorite picks below:

#3 All You Can Plaid.

Plaid is seriously e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. Skirts, blazers, shirts, and every cool girl is sporting it. Don’t be shy and, even if you like it so much you have to mix and match, do it. No shame in wearing something you love so much all the freaking time.

Shop my favorite picks below:

#4 Bootie To Match Your Bootay

No shame in admitting that I’ve already adopted the kitten-mid-heeled-bootie. Can’t get enough of this elegant, chic and classic style of a shoe. I remember the last time I wore pointed toed-shoes was back in 2008. And I had all sorts of pointed shoes. Now that it’s back, I just want to take advantage and rock them before the snow comes.

Shop my favorite picks below:

#5 The Perfect Pair Of Jeans

Finally, the perfect pair of jeans is waiting for you to wear them. I believe that, besides being timeless, jeans are an all-year-round kind of piece. I never cease wearing them – with the exception of hot dang summer days. But come fall, you can’t take me out of them. And there are so many amazing pairs to choose from. Just gotta find the one that fits.

Shop my favorite picks below:

What are you wearing this season? I’d love to know!

 

X Eduarda

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The Ultimate Summer To Do List
Summer Essentials for the Fashion Girl

Hot In the City: The New Boho Is Chic AF

The post Fall Essentials You Need NOW appeared first on Zanita Studio.

How to Pack for a Weekend Getaway Like a Pro

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There are days when we just need to get away…

One of the funniest things I’ve learned since going freelance (and I mentioned this before) is that you really work your ass off. From acquiring clients to managing finances, I still haven’t learned to shut off completely. It’s hard to when your income is dependent on YOU – your productivity, your efforts, and your results. However, I started to notice that I was burning out… I was mean all the time, more impatient than ever, emotional and just swearing left and right. And that was a good indication that it was time to shut off and get away for the weekend. With travel ramping up these last two years, I have to say, the one thing I’ve truly mastered is packing light… I’ll be showing you how to pack for a weekend getaway like a pro.

pack for a weekend getaway / zanita.com
pack for a weekend getaway - white sneakers | zanita.compack for a weekend getaway - duster coat | zanita.com

Wear comfy shoes, i.e. sneakers.

When I first started traveling, I always made the big mistake of bringing a few different pairs of shoes because you just never know where you might go. I’ve learned that 98% of the time, nothing is pressing enough to warrant a change of shoes. I now only stick to one pair of sneakers especially for short weekend getaways because they’re easy to walk in and sensible. My favorite has been this fun hummingbird pair from Axel Arigato. The quality leather, minimalist feel, and unexpected embroidery make it a fun addition to any outfit no matter where you’re going. Snag yourself a pair for a luxe sneaker update!

Pack lightweight pieces.

Also, the lighter your clothing, the better off you’ll be. A duster, turtleneck, and trousers fit the formula – plus it’s so chic. I prefer something other than denim for the car ride and I don’t do “athleisure”, so trousers are perfect! Side note: I did bring jeans, but I didn’t wear them for the drive. I considered packing a few more coat options and more sweaters, but reminded myself to digress. After all, I was only leaving for two days hence weekend getaway. The lighter you pack, the better off you’ll be.

Axel Arigato Clean Sneakers | Zanita.comGray Duster with White Sneakers / Zanita.com

Pack minimally when it comes to beauty.

Beauty is the one department I still struggle desperately with. I’m not TSA-abiding at all. But for such a short excursion, there’s no need to pack the vanity. I decided that all I needed this time was some sunscreen, a bit of color (i.e. blush and bronzer), eyebrows, my skincare essentials, and nice spritz. You can even skip the perfume, but I’ve been super obsessed with Glossier’s You. I just couldn’t leave it. It’s not overly feminine or sweet – and super fitting for my style. I threw all my goodies in two Glossier pouches (you get one with every order and they’ve been the best things to pack for a weekend getaway in terms of beauty and toiletries).

Do your research.

Maybe you should have done this first, but figure out where you’re going and what the weather is like. North Carolina is pretty chilly now – nothing like New York but enough to require layers. I brought a light jacket but I made sure to wear a thicker knit top (like a turtleneck) and also brought the right accessories like a chunky scarf. This was enough to keep me warm for a full-day’s worth of wander.

How do you pack for a weekend getaway?

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

 

You Should Also Read:

4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
4 Things to Know Before Going Full-Time Freelance
Hard Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful

The post How to Pack for a Weekend Getaway Like a Pro appeared first on Zanita Studio.


How To: Meaningful Gifts for The Holiday Season

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Buying gifts isn’t easy. In fact, it can be a little on the awkward side, that moment when you hand over a present to a loved one and eye their expression as they unwrap it, hoping you’ve made the right choice. Even more so receiving! Attempting to express just the right amount of genuine surprise and gratitude while being watched with bated breath – if I’m honest, it really makes me a little nervous. The pressure!  Of course – when you’ve made the right decision, the pay off is heart warming – and you’re only going to get that if you put genuine thought into the gift you select.

It really doesn’t have to be about amount you spend – in fact – it’s the opposite. There’s nothing like receiving a handmade or personalised gift from someone who truly knows you.  I’ve partnered with kikki.K to create this cute and festive video, sharing some of the ways I’m working to put a little something extra into presents this Christmas.  Hope you like!

Of course – it doesn’t need to be just about Christmas! If you don’t partake in the holiday, you can still take away from these little tips for giving at any time of the year. While clichéd, it’s absolutely the thought that counts.

Now I just need to keep my fingers crossed that my loved ones mentioned don’t catch this video before I have the chance to head all the way home to Australia to hand my presents over!

In Partnership with kikki.K

Check out this link right here to find my personal favourites from the collection!

The post How To: Meaningful Gifts for The Holiday Season appeared first on Zanita Studio.

How to Reignite Your Passion for Blogging

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Have you ever come across a blogger who goes through spurts of creating – and then radio silence?

Have you, yourself, ever gotten the high to create only to watch it fade into the distance? Let me assure you that this is all very normal – and I think everyone, especially creatives, experience it from time to time. As someone who does this full-time, the pretense on Instagram, pressure to output content daily, and fast-paced environment (which yield no time to bask in the glory of what you create), can get tiring quick. I sometimes feel like a robot on an assembly line rather than a creative. When these emotions emerge, it’s an indication that you need to reignite your passion for blogging. Here’s how I do it.

reignite your passion for blogging

Compile all the wonderful messages/comments you’ve ever received…

I often ask myself what I’m doing – and if I’m bringing any value into this world. In the last two years, I have gotten so many messages across the globe from many of you thanking and telling me how “inspiring” I have been. It’s stuff like this that brings me gratification, pushes me to keep going, and reminds me why I can’t stop. Lately, I’ve been feeling more discouraged than ever, but every time I reread a comment or message from a reader who expressed how I changed their lives, it’s the greatest feeling in the world. If you can empower one or two people out there, that should be enough to reignite your passion for blogging.

Remember why you started…

When you’re caught up in the daily bustle of blogging, it’s hard to stay aware of the bigger picture. Everything can feel tasky quick – even something as creative as the “photoshoot” aspect. In times like this, I always reference back to the time I first started. What brought me here to begin with? If your original intent has always been money, then this point probably won’t help you much. But for me, it was about having a voice – a perspective – and sharing that with the world whether it was five people or a hundred. Reflecting back on the burning desire to create something and put it online always helps me stay on track.

Slow down…

Sometimes, feelings of disinterest happen because you’ve taken on too much. This usually happens when you feel like your life revolves around work. Your schedule revolves around others. And your results are dictated by someone other than yourself. It’s best to just slow down and re-evaluate the situation sometimes. Maybe it’s dropping a client, outsourcing parts of your work, or taking a few days off. No matter what your solution is, you have to remember that it’s up to you.

Have you ever felt like you lost your fire for creating content? I’d love to hear more about your experience below and what you did to reignite your passion for blogging!

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

 

You Should Also Read:

The Biggest Myths About Starting a Blog DEBUNKED
4 Easy Tips to Create Great Content Every Time
How to Find Clients When You Start Out Freelancing

The post How to Reignite Your Passion for Blogging appeared first on Zanita Studio.

5 More Favorite Brunch Spots in New York

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Exactly a year ago, I wrote here on Zanita Studio my favorite brunch spots in New York City. Funny coincidence that I’m writing about this subject again today. Life in NYC goes by so fast that sometimes it’s hard to keep up. But one thing that I can always count on is for new places to pop up all over the city.

I’m always keen on trying out new places – many of which have landed at the top of my favorites list. And while a few from this list remain up there, some have swept me completely off my feet.

Here’s an updated list of 5 more favorite brunch spots in New York – no particular order:

favorite brunch spots in new york | zanita.com

#1 De Maria

From the renowned Chef Camille Becerra, De Maria is the most beautiful restaurant in Nolita, serving your typical brunch dishes with an elevated style. Even the avocado toast is a work of art. Make sure to drop by after rush hour because the wait might be up to an hour. But it’s worth it!

#2 Sunday in Brooklyn

This petit spot in Williamsburg opened up a few months ago. But it holds up to your expectations because the food is as amazing as the decor. I went bananas over their iced matcha and stash of pancakes. I dream about those pancakes all. the. time. List it as a must-go if you live in New York City or are planing to visit. Thank me later!

#3 Dudley’s

This cute and homey spot shows how the Aussie’s are king with food. I went there this summer after a bike ride through New York City for a late brunch. It was the perfect pit stop. Order the green salad farro! They also make this killer brussel sprout salad with quinoa! It explains why Zanita always says Aussies take their brunch seriously! They don’t play around here.

favorite brunch spots in new york | zanita.com

#4 Maman

I’m a bit suspicious of stating that Maman is currently one of my favorite places to brunch because it’s so close to my apartment. We’ve been going there quite a lot. Besides the decor being amazingly tasteful, the food is to drool for. I always love the croque maman and the white chocolate chip and pretzel cookie. Do not miss out on it.

#5 Sauvage

Sauvage is another must-go in Brooklyn, but this time, Greenpoint. Right across a beautiful park, Sauvage is the ultimate #frenchgoals restaurant. I’ve been there for brunch and dinner a few times and was never disappointed. The avocado toast is simply exquisite. Anyone tired of avocado toast yet? Not me when there are so many distinct ways to serve it.

What are your favorite brunch spots in New York? Any new ones I should try?

X Eduarda

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5 Places I’ll DEFINITELY Be Shopping on Black Friday

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I haven’t had much time to share my latest beauty discoveries, but believe me, there have been so MANY wonderful things to try!

I have been shopping on Black Friday for years now – since 2007 to be exact! I just believe in saving money when and where you can, so why not take take advantage of the sales and discounts? You might disagree and wonder if the the savings are really that big, but take 20-30% off here and there – and what do you get? SAVINGS. Don’t forget that I also come from the other side (retail merchandising), and I know these companies plan ALL YEAR for this event… The fact that they buy in bulk means they can provide you an amazing deal, so YES, you really do save! But first, don’t forget to give thanks – and then take the time give back by shopping for holiday gifts!

Best Places for Shopping on Black Friday | Zanita.comI always always always shop for beauty products on Black Friday because it’s extremely rare that a luxury beauty brand like Giorgio Armani or Bobbi Brown will offer discounts on their ENTIRE line. I also make sure to stock up on my essentials like Antastasia’s Brow Wiz or Dr. Hauschka’s Quince Day Cream. So anyway, here are 5 places I’ll be shopping on Black Friday! Note that Most of my predictions are based off of last year’s promotions because if a brand did something last year, they’re likely to do it again this year…

Glossier

Last year, Glossier offered 20% off plus free shipping on Black Friday, so I anticipate the same again. I also encourage EVERYONE to take advantage of this sale. I shared my top picks here but there have been so many new launches since. I’d urge you to try out the new perfume, stock up on the boy brow and priming moisturizer rich – all are wonderful and you won’t have an ounce of regret.

Dermstore

Dermstore has done 30% off again and again the last three years and I always buy something from here. They have a wonderful selection of Peter Thomas Roth with tons of gift sets, and I’m eyeing a few brands like RMS and Kevyn Aucoin. I just love Dermstore and their humongous offerings.

Birchbox

Last year, Birchbox really pissed me off because they didn’t do anything novel, but they’ve totally made a comeback this year! I cannot wait to get my hands on some Dr. Jart+ goodies and totally thankful for Birchbox coming through! (Bravo guys!) Their promo has already started, so head there now to see what it’s all about!

Shopbop

Shopbop is having a really cool sale right now that will run through Sunday. The more you buy, the more you save. If there’s a pair of shoes or handbag you’ve been watching all season, now is the time to cave – and save some dollars while you’re at it! I’m diggin’ these white boots and this backpack.

Nordstrom

Does Nordstrom ever do wrong? I don’t think so. I’m loving their sale selects right now – and admit that I rely on Nordstrom for all my Topshop goodies, plus they’ve got some cool beauty deals going on. I’m def picking up a coat or two…

So, as you can see, I keep it short, fast, and sweet! I hate crowds, I avoid the lines, and I still save 🙂

Cheers to shopping and hope you all have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving.

 

xo,
Susan
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3 Books All Bloggers Need to Read

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In addition to being surrounded by total boss babes like Zanita, one thing that keeps me motivated and on my toes is books. When I’m not blogging, I’m reading about blogging, or business, or branding, or marketing; you name it, I’ll read it.

How can you expect to get better at anything if you’re not doing anything to make yourself better?

Aside from your parents (maybe), no one is going sit you down and tell you the secret to success. You have to go out and find it on your own, and the best way to do so is by learning from those who have already done it. You wouldn’t take parenting advice from someone who doesn’t have a kid would you?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you want what someone else has, do what they do. All of the books below are written by people who have achieved something I want to achieve and if you’re reading this post, you probably want to achieve it too. I’ve got 3 books all bloggers need to read today.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

A common theme throughout this book was having good values. Your values determine how you measure your worth and level of success. Money, fame, recognition, family, community, health… those are values. Now you need to ask yourself what yours are.

Books All Bloggers Need to Read | zanita.comSome bloggers measure their worth based on how many followers they have or how much money they make, and when they’re not gaining followers or making money they feel unfulfilled. And then there are bloggers who measure their success based on how many people they help. You can probably guess which one is the better value to have…

Nothing good comes from bad values, so you want to ask yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing? Who is it serving?

Something else Mark stressed is that you’re wrong about most things and you don’t know anything. Yep. You read that right. You don’t know a thing and neither do I. You only know so much until someone comes along and tells you something else. You don’t know what you don’t know, you know? Each passing day means we’re a little less wrong and we know a little more but we’re still wrong about something and I’ve never realized that before this book.

Another crucial lesson for bloggers in this book was the art of saying no. Saying no is sometimes even more empowering than saying yes and it’s something bloggers should familiarize themselves with. Money is tempting, free gifts are tempting, attending events is also tempting but if it doesn’t make sense for you and your blog, you have to be able to say no.

You create boundaries by saying no. By remaining exclusive with the brands you work and products you endorse, you establish a demand for your services (aka more brands will want to work with you because you only work with a select few). And when there’s a demand for you, you can turn your blog into a business.

To learn more, and I highly recommend you do, read the book… now! (Get it HERE.)

The Brand Gap

The Brand Gap is a huge resource for bloggers looking to build a brand. It’s one thing to have a blog, it’s another to have an entire brand. Though this book doesn’t solely focus on bloggers, it focuses on brand building which ultimately is what you’re doing when you create a blog with hopes of turning it into a business.

Books All Bloggers Need to Read | zanita.comSomething I found extremely useful was “the hand test”. The hand test is when you can put your hand over your brand’s logo and identify it as your own. You can do this with any brand or blog.

For example, let’s say you just created a shoppable collage for your blog. You put your hand over your logo or any text saying it’s yours, and you see if the branding (the colors, the fonts, the overall design) is similar to past graphics you’ve had and on brand with your general vibe. If the answer is yes, then you’re in good shape but if each of your graphics looks completely different from one another then you may have to re-evaluate your branding.

Some other key points the author touched on was that a strong brand is born when strategy and creativity meet (talent and strategy), the zig-zag theory (which we’re all familiar with by now), and your brand isn’t what you say it is, it’s what they say it is. They is your customer, consumer, reader, visitor, etc.

I don’t want to be too much of a spoiler so pick up the book and find out for yourself. It’s a super quick read too, you just need a few hours and you’re done. (Get it HERE.)

Contagious

Contagious is based on the STEPPS theory. STEPPS stands for Social currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical value, and Storytelling. If you’re a blogger these STEPPS are total game changers. You can have a successful blog by using just one or a combination of a few of the STEPPS. But if you encompass all of them on your blog, you are guaranteed success. Yep. I promise you you’ll eventually blog full-time if you follow the STEPPS.

Contagious breaks down each of the STEPPS in an easily digestible way plus examples. I love a biz book with examples because it helps me apply things to my own life.

It may seem easy enough, but it’s not, which is probably why only 4% of bloggers actually “make it”. It’s no easy feat. That’s not to sound discouraging, it’s just a statistic. You are in control of your fate, but you have to be willing to put in the work.

Most bloggers don’t have the patience, talent, or strategy to follow through with half of the things they read or learn which again, is why only 4% do. I only recommend this book to bloggers who are serious about growing their blogs or businesses and who are willing to make the sacrifices necessary for it to happen.

I have this book highlighted from front to back because there are so many good gems in it. But if you’re still debating whether Contagious is right for you, stop. I don’t want to be too much of a #spoileralert so just buy the book and see how transformative it really is. (Get it HERE.)

If you’ve read any of these books, tell me about it! Also feel free to ask any questions you have about blogging, branding, or business in the comments below for a special shout out in our Monthly Blog Tip Q&A series!

 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

 

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