Want To Be A Plus Size Fashion Blogger? Here’s What You Need to Know

Photo: The Curvy Fashionista

Fashion blogging has exploded in the last few years. What used to be a hobby for chicks with a love for style has evolved into a respected career that is earning some bloggers steep six figure incomes. Although this is a new media, it's one that isn't showing signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Full-figured girl bosses around the globe have steered away from the traditional corporate landscape to enter an exciting venture in the world of plus size fashion blogging. These chicks are turning their passions into a legit business, complete with a strategic marketing plan.

After a lot of hard work, comes the glamorous side of being a blogger, and the side that is most recognized by aspiring bloggers: Free swag. Invites to exclusive events. Internet fame. Photo shoots. Working with brands. These are just a few of the things that make this path worth while.

Is plus size fashion blogging still calling your name? Then grab a seat and get ready to take some detailed notes because OG plus size fashion blogger, Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista, has got the scoop.

Marie sat down to chat with StyleBlazer and gave us the low-down on how you can get your heels into the plus size blogging world too.

Photo: The Curvy Fashionista

As the Editor in "Chic" of  The Curvy Fashionista, Marie has developed a community that is a mecca in blogging world. Although Marie has been successful over the last 8 years as a plus size influencer, her success came some what unexpectedly.

See, in 2009 when Marie graduated with her MBA in marketing, she had no intentions of starting a blog. With her new degree and years of retail experience under her belt, her eyes were set on opening a boutique. Things took an unexpected turn in her career and to put it in simple terms, she turned lemons into lemonade in a way that Queen B would approve of.

Because of her knowledge, sass and the ability to look her fear in the eyes, Marie has become a prominent resource for plus size who are searching for the latest news and trends in the plus size world. Her blog rakes in hundreds of thousand readers each month, not including her robust social media community. But how does one get on Marie's level? How do you even start to build a blogging empire so big?

You're about to find out.

SB: When starting a blog, should toy do it for passion or profit?Marie: "If you want to start a blog for the love and passion, then go for it. Do what you want Boo! But, if you see an opportunity to turn your hobby into your hustle, then it's time access your strategy."

How do you create a game plan as a blogger?"First, you need to learn your voice. What is your passion? What has driven you to speak up and share? You need to figure it out and stay true that. There may be other voices that gain more reach or reaction, but your voice is what makes you unique. People are going  to come to you for that prospective.

Two, focus on your foundation first. Just like when you build a house, you need to wait until your foundation settles before you start building on top of that. The same thing applies when you growing a blog and/or your brand. I see a lot of bloggers out the gate trying to figure out how to monetize, but you have to be careful. It's a slippery slope because if you focus on that too much, you turn into a sales person and loose your authenticity and unique voice.

Three, it's not always a numbers game. Don't focus on your follower count, but on consistency and engagement instead. It's important that you create conversations with your fans and build authentic relationships. When you do this, your numbers will grow and if you realize what your readers are reacting to, then it will help you to create content that they want to see."

What are some of the growing pains that you have experienced along the way? What are some that rookie bloggers may experience too?

"There is no guide to blogging. The trailblazers of this industry didn't have some of the resources that are available now and we had to learn along the way.

One of the first things you will learn is that bloggers wear many hats. We're content editor, creative director, marketing, business communications and development, and public relations. When you wear all of these different hats, it can get overwhelming.

You will also learn a lot about yourself. I've learned how to stand on my own two feet and learned to be confident in myself. This has been just as much of a confidence journey for me, as it has been for those who support my brand.

The key overcoming these struggles is to know your sweet spot, but on the flip side you need to know what scares you the most and conquer it."

The internet has its trolls, how do you deal with the haters?

"I don't focus on that and neither should you. I block mean comments because they are detrimental to my community, but I don't delete all of them. Just because someone disagrees, doesn't mean that they are hating. I'll have conversations with folks on my Facebook, and sometimes by readers will respond too."

What do you do you do if you find yourself falling off track?

"Whatever you do, never compare yourself to others. The bloggers that you see that are extremely successful have put in years of work and getting discouraged is not going to help you. Instead, set SMART goals for your yourself along with a vision board and a list of things that you want to accomplish. It's important that you stay encouraged because blogging is a new media and you never know who is watching."

Photo: Instagram

How do you create your own space in the blogosphere and beyond?"Your path depends on your end goal. If you discover a specific passion when as your blog grows, that's the beauty of this field. It's very flexible and I think that's what makes blogging very unique. There isn't a defined road map and you can create your own path. Your path will be different than the next persons, so don't compare yourself to others. You have a unique and individual voice, so your path is inherently going to be different."

As a new plus size blogger, how can someone connect with industry leaders and network? Basically, what can someone do to take their blog to the next level?

"There's still so much space for unique voices in the plus size community.

For those interested in getting into blogging, wanting to build and establish relationships, or get a perspective on how things work, then attending my TCFStyle Expo will give you an up close and personal look into the plus size fashion world!

With various panels addressing the business of fashion, styling, modeling, and body image- as well as over 40 vendors, this event will be what you make it- as is the case with any conference or event!"

Tags: career advice, Marie Denee, plus size blogger
Source: Want To Be A Plus Size Fashion Blogger? Here's What You Need to Know