South African Mom Blogs
When I started blogging in January, literally three days before discovering I was pregnant, I would have laughed if you had told me that one day in the VERY near future I’d be blogging about my pregnancy and my plans for my baby’s arrival in September. I’d have laughed even louder if you had told me that I’d be a mommy blogger. That was just so far off from my thoughts of blogging at the time.
Fast forward a few months and not only am I blogging about my baby but I also belong to one of the most warm and welcoming blogging communities in South Africa; South African Mom Blogs. After a post about my pregnancy on a community blog page, I was invited to join SA Mom Blogs by fellow blogger and website founder Heather Step (Heather blogs at One Step at a Time) to join the directory and have been loving getting to know other South African bloggers over the last few months.
One of my fellow SA Mom Blogs members, Eleanor who blogs at Just Ella Bella is my first ever Featured Blogger of the Month. Thanks to Carla Smith (Diary of a Fit SA Mommy), the rock star who decided to bring back the monthly blog swap feature.
Featured Blogger: Just Ella Bella
Eleanor was kind enough to take the time out of her busy life (she’s a full-time mom, blogger, student and entrepreneur) and answer some questions about her blog and her life. You should visit her blog for yourself and get to know this lady with an awesome sense of humour for yourself.
What three words best describe you?
Creative, emotional, talkative.
Can you tell us a bit about how and why you first got into blogging?
I’m a journalist by trade. I was asked to run a blog for the publication I was working for and really liked it. Then I moved from writing full-time to layout and design and figured blogging would be a good way to keep writing.
What do you think is the impact of your blog on your readers (what makes them keep coming back)?
Looking at my stats people come to my blog for the crafts and for my interviews with other people. I’d like to think my sparkling personality helps too (but it’s mostly the interviews) I’ve been told my blog is funny, I try not to think about it because I can’t be funny on demand AT ALL.
What’s your best advice for a new blogger struggling to get readers/followers?
Join forums and guest write! Many of my followers come to me because; “I read your post on…..”
How do you motivate yourself to keep the blog up and running?
My blog has really changed over the years, it used to be fashion and events but now it’s much more home body (kinda like me). I love blogging and I love sharing with people so motivating myself is really not that hard, I’m an over sharer by nature. I blog daily and have a theme for every day which helps with the writer’s block. Monday (mommy moments/weekend in pictures) Tuesday (snippets from my life) Wednesday (crafts) Thursday (Guest posts) Friday (foodie Friday recipes) and weekends I post if I feel like it, I usually don’t.
Aside from blogging, you also own and run your own business “Oh!Boy” and create for “Gifts and Goodies.” Tell us a bit about that and where your products can be found.
Oh!Boy is a range of handmade accessories for boys, because all the cute things seem to be directed at girls, frills and glitter a plenty. I started making for my own son (he is two now) and things grew from there ohboykids.co.za www.facebook.com/ohboykids
Gifts and Goodies is exactly that; gifts and date boxes and party in a box and treats. I run it with a friend and we take the stress out of finding the perfect gift. Just give us your budget and what you were leaning towards and we do the rest. facebook.com/giftsgg
I’m also a freelance writer and am studying towards a diploma in digital marketing. Because I just might be insane 😉
Can you give other moms who blog, run a business and have children any tips for juggling it all?
Cut yourself some slack! Right now it’s Sunday morning and I’m typing in my PJ’s watching my son bath. I’ve been sewing since Friday evening and am giving myself the morning to just relax instead of feeling bad that I totally missed church and even my son remarked that my hair looks messy.
I remind myself that my son is the reason I opted to work from home in the first place so if I have to sew/craft at 1 in the morning just because he wanted me to paint with him, that’s what I will do…also he goes to daycare half day because I am only but human!!! And I have an amazing support system in my husband, friends and family.
What does your family think about your blog?
They know I do it but I think they see it as an extension of me writing for other publications so they don’t pay too much attention to it, like; “oh she’s writing, jip that sounds about right”… moving on
What do people usually say when you tell them you’re a blogger?
Usually they give me a blank stare…what is blogging even? (It is only recently taking off in the Eastern Cape) Others ask for my link.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
Life related; I thought someone was coming in for a hug (I’m not a hugger) so I hugged him, but he was actually leaning over (I’m a shorty) to get something off the fridge (at my old job).
Media related; My bank flagged my cards as stolen while in Brazil for fashion week (when I was a fashion writer) and I had to borrow money from the fashion editor of Elle magazine…. Just died typing that.
You can also find Just Ella Bella on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
Look out for my regular monthly featured blog and blogger interview!
