Whenever I interview a blogger for blogging journey series,it opens up a wonderful new world.I love reading and learning about how others stumbled onto blogging.Thats like a picnic basket of goodies.You know there’s going to be good stuff ,but until you open the basket ,you really don’t know how good it is.
Today for my mompreneur’s blogging journey features Mackenzie Glanville #mg from reflectionsfromme.com
Thank you so much Mackenzie for agreeing to this interview.It’s a pleasure getting to know your secrets????.
Tell us how you started
Just over 2 years ago I was in a place where I had lost my lust and passion for life. On the surface my life seemed perfect. Happily married, 2 daughters, and 1 son, and living in my dream home. Only I felt miserable. I couldn’t understand what was wrong with me. I felt incredibly selfish, and would put myself down constantly for my feelings. I was angry at myself for not being happy when I had everything that should make me happy, or so I thought.
What I didn’t understand was that unless I was happy within myself, I would never truly be ‘happy’! I didn’t like the person I was, I didn’t respect myself, or feel I was worthy of happiness. The truth is I had never really felt worthy of love, for many reasons that are too complex to go into right now. When you grow up never believing you are worthy of love, and looking for others to fill that void, you come to a point where you realise that no on else ever can fill that void for you! You can only ever fill that void yourself!
I think as mums too, we are busy, and we don’t really have the time to stop and think about what we need, or want for ourselves. We get lost in daily life of rushing around, and scarifying our own happiness in an attempt to give our children, and partners the world. But 2 years ago I was on a holiday. We were staying with my mother-in-law and she insisted we rest. The children were happy, and I had no work to do. I actually had time for me. So I started to write!
In that moment something took over me, and I felt a rush of passion that I hadn’t felt in my life for a long time. Once I stated writing I couldn’t stop. It became my air to breathe.
Once we were back home, I was taking my son to his kindergarten class when another mum mentioned she had a blog. I was instantly intrigued. I had no idea what a blog was. And without reading any blogs, or really looking into what was involved, I looked up how to start a blog, and Reflections From Me was created.
Who is your audience ?
My target audience is mainly women aged 20 and beyond, although I do have men read and comment also. A more defined target would be women who are looking to be inspired, who are working hard as a mum, and need to make time to follow their own passions.
How many blogs do you manage ?
I was managing 3 blogs, and contributing to another one overseas for quite some time, but I have pulled right back to just managing reflectionsfromme.com I found I was trying to do too much, and that took away the joy for me. I am enjoying Vlogging on youtube too at reflectionsfromme.
Best blog design tips from your experience
I use a WordPress theme currently. I have changed a few times over the 2 and a quarter years of blogging, but always used one of WordPress themes.
I think a blog that is easy to navigate and also quite simple is best. When blogs are too colourful or confusing it can be overwhelming. I also think good photographs that are sized well makes a blog more visually appealing.
How do you manage family ,work and personal care.Give us your best time management tips.
One thing I have learnt is that if I am happy and fulfilled, my family is too. A happy mum does make a happy home. So making time for self-care is hugely important for me. It is not that we have much time for ourselves as a mum, but if we are more mindfull in what we do then it has a greater effect. For example in the shower I make sure that I smell the soap, and take note of how the water feels on my skin. When I drink my coffee I notice the taste, I don’t rush as much as I used too. I also had to allow myself to stop feeling guilty when everything wasn’t done to the ‘perfect’ standards I set myself in the past.
For me it is not about finding more time, it is about enjoying the time I have more.
What are the 5 Best blogging practices.
- Authenticity!
- Use your own voice, never try to be like anyone else.
- Write from the heart about things you enjoy, or are inspired by.
- Social media is a must have, be friendly, and communicate with other bloggers. Make sure you have links to your social media pages on your website.
- A great looking website. Look at other people’s websites, and decide what you love, and what sites you find easy to navigate and follow. Then make changes to your own.
Which email service do you use?
Mailchimp.
Give us your top 5 ways of making money from your blog.Which one is your favourite and why?
It is easier to make money from your blog if you have a niche. This is one rule that I don’t follow enough, but that is because my blog is about helping others, and writing as a passion, rather than making money.
Don’t be afraid to contact brands and be proud of what you have to offer.
Build your following, the more subscribers you have, the more bands will want you!
Don’t give up! If someone knocks you back, move on and try again.
Don’t let people take advantage of you. You do not have to work for free!
Your inspiration and favourite quote
“I will embrace my weaknesses, I will turn them into my greatest strengths.”
When did you start the #mg linky and why (I love it and the badge )
Shortly after starting my blog I met a lovely blogger from the other side of Australia, we both had ‘reflections’ in our blog names, and we decided to start a joint link up called “Friday Reflections”, after a while I decided to start my own link up also. My link up partner and I were finding it hard to keep up with everything and so we handed the linky over to some other amazing bloggers who now run Friday Reflections.
I run my #mg Link Up Party each Monday and it stays open usually until Thursday, or Friday. I really enjoy running my linky as I meet amazing bloggers and get to read some fantastic posts. The blogging community is wonderful, and friendly, and running a link up is a love of mine.
Tips & Your message for struggling Bloggers
If you are not loving what you write, then change the topics you write about. You should always write about what you are passionate about.
We all have days where we struggle to write. It is OK to take a break and have that much needed rest.
If you are struggling to get followers you need to interact more with other bloggers so they notice you and share your work.
Don’t be afraid to ask an experienced blogger advice.
Feel free to email me, send me a tweet, or message me on Facebook if you need advice.
Are you involved in any charitable causes ?
I offer charities the chance to advertise through my blog as long as they are legitimate. I donate to Save The Children and The Royal Children’s Hospital. As well as support our local animal shelter. I have taken in 3 rescue cats, 1 rescue dog, and a rescue bunny.
Tell us a little bit about your family. Who is your biggest support.
My husband Steve is an amazing support, he really helped me through the difficulties I went through, and was supportive of me starting my blog. We have 3 children, our eldest daughter is 12, followed by our other daughter who is 9 and our son just turned 7.
Mackenzie Glanville is the creator of Reflectiosnfromme.com a blog that is all about inspiring you to live an authentic, beautiful, and happy life. With 3 children, and an array of pets life is busy, but beautiful. Join Mackenzie for inspirational, lifestyle, decorating, and parenting posts.
Feel free to join in each Monday with #mg Link Up.
Instagram @macglanville
Twitter @macglanville
Facebook Mackenzie Glanville and Reflectionsfromm
Youtube Reflectionsfromme
I hope you knowing about Mackenzie.Comment below to let me know which was your favourite part.Dont forget to say hi to her on twitter.
#UBC Day 14