The Inspirationals: Elspeth Van Der Hole

 Super babe Elspeth

This 'Inspirational' is seriously close to my heart. Not only is Elspeth a BADASS fashion photographer, super talented, kind and my friend, she is also a massive inspiration to all those out there suffering with any form on mental illness. Elspeth openly talks about suffering heavily from anxiety, depression and recently diagnosed with showing traits of Borderline Personality Disorder. To me the fact she is so open about her illnesses are admirable, and has she let it stop her taking over the photography world? Has she fuck! Having worked with anyone and everyone from Vidal Sassoon to Asos she's a force to be reckoned with. Here she tells us all about how she got to where she is! 

 Elspeth recently shot musician Franzie Cocozza

Tell us what you do:

I am a UK Fashion Photographer!

What does your average work day look like for you?

The average work day? There is no average work day and that’s why it’s the BEST JOB EVER.

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

I am a registered sole trader so primarily I work alone but I get commissioned by clients to take photographs. These clients could be anything from a model or make up artist to a well known fashion house!

How amazing?!
 

Is this what you wanted to do as a child?  Did you end up in this job by "accident" or was it a planned career choice?

As a child I actually wanted to become a fashion designer – I ended up taking my photography A level as a ‘filler subject’ and completely fell in love with the industry and creativity!

How long ago did you start on this path?

Over 10 years ago now! Including my previous art/fashion background.

How long were you doing it before you made it int your your career or primary form of income?

Probably around 9 years, but I ran my business and building myself up as a name in the industry alongside my education.

Did anything specific happen to get you to that point, or was it a series of small steps?

A series of MANY small steps – and still going! The Prince’s Trust Enterprise course was one of the larger steps I took as I gained a business mentor and a business loan which has helped me progress quicker in the more recent months!

 More of Elspeth's work. 

What kind of education do you have?

I graduated last year from Nottingham Trent with a 2:1 BA hons in Photography.

Before that I got a distinction in my Foundation Art and Design National Diploma at Birmingham City Uni, after completing 5 AS/A Levels at Worcester Sixth Form College.

 
What do you think is the best thing about what you do?

Getting to meet the most incredibly inspiring people all the time, and not knowing what the next day will bring you!

 
What's the worst thing?

I don’t actually know, even the bad parts of what I do have helped me get to where I am, you learn from your mistakes and you begin to embrace the bad times! It makes you a much more humble and grateful person that’s for sure!

 
Would you call yourself a work-a-holic?

I don’t think I would call myself that, but I’m sure EVERYONE else will haha! To me, my business is my lifestyle so I am constantly networking, marketing or creating – purely because I just LOVE what I do!

Such a talent.

What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do?

Love what you do, but also make sure you have an element of being business minded. If you love what you do too much without any notion of marketing it then it’s almost a sure fail, in the same way that being too business minded can make you want for money too quickly and get impatient with how long the journey takes!

How about number 2?

Choose your battles wisely. Learn who to take advice from, some people may be out to belittle you for their own gain – either because of jealousy or other reasons. Be polite, but be aware of competitive nastiness!

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?

That you can get to where you want to be, regardless of money. You don’t have to be a millionaire to achieve your dreams!

Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

That it’s just a hobby, and we’ll happily work for free to enable other people’s monetary gain. ARGH.

 Photographing musical star Alexa Goddard

Do you have any ethical dilemmas with the work you do?

I haven’t directly encountered any yet – although there are a number of men who exploit the industry as a photographer in order to gain contact with young, vulnerable ‘wannabe’ models.

What's the best thing that's happened to you as a consequence of the work you do?

Having an outlet and somewhere to channel my emotions in order to keep my mental health balanced. It’s not easy running a business when you suffer from anxiety, depression and traits of borderline personality disorder!

 
What motivates you to keep what you're doing?

 

My mental health and the recent passing of my father have opened my eyes up to the need to living a life of fulfilment and the importance of being happy in your career. And my complete and utter infatuation with fashion photography, that feeling you get when you create a BEAUTIFUL new image that you just want to share with the world – it’s just bliss!

Who do you look up to within your industry and why?

I look up to a number of people around me – predominantly my direct circle of contacts, they keep me going and support me when necessary. It is important to surround yourself with positive and honest people, ESPECIALLY in the fashion world. I don’t think there is anyone I would single out in particular but having a good network of supportive contacts is key.

With the stunning Hannah Owen

Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100:

10281924793846210q93812-03912-=0949023748. ALL THE HAPPY.

Is there much career progression available to you?

So much. You can never stop learning and progressing. I’m just so excited for what the next few years will bring – this is just the start!

Do you think you'll continue doing this for the rest of your life?

FOREVER AND ALWAYS. It is my life, if I didn’t have my business, photography, fashion photography… I just don’t know where I would be right now, but it wouldn’t be a happy place that’s for sure!

 Would like to thank Elspeth SO SO much (and you will be seeing lots of her and Wonderland soon!) for her openess and honesty. I reccommend you check out her work especially if you're in the midlands, even if not! If you're are suffering from any kind of mental illness she is such a inspiring, honest person and I urge you to do so. Elspeth is unique in this, that she admits when she has 'dark days' or is suffering, and that to me makes her all the more real, she doesn't sugar coat or bullshit. 

All photographs taken with permission from Elspeth's website. 

Find this babe at the following places:

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Email / Blog

 

The Inspirationals: Vix Adams

Just in case you are new to the Wonderland party, we interview people who are talented, creative, unusual, and down right inspirational! This one is a gem, especially for all you fashion lovers! 

 

Total babe herself Vix! 

Vix Adams works as a London based freelance Fashion Stylist and Creative Director on runway shows, music videos, commercial projects and fashion editorials. She has styled many celebrity clients including McFly, McBusted, Jo Whiley, Ms Dynamite, Example, Kate Nash, Lauren Pope, Lucy Watson, Lee Ryan, Shayne Ward to name a few. 

However currently she is styling up those X Factor boys a storm on the Xfactor 2014. We love her work and her style, and Vix was kind enough to let us ask her all about her inspiring career! 

Styled by Vix, Mcbusted announce their new tour!

Tell us about what you do.

I am a freelance fashion stylist working on Editorials, music videos, commericial television, runway shows for both Men and Women and predominently Celebrity Clients. I am currently the stylist for McBusted, X-Factor and the menswear Editor for HotHot Magazine.

What does an average day at work look like for you?

Hmm, there is no such thing as an average day in this business which is why I love it so much, every project and every day is totally different from one day to the next, Its definitely not your typical 9-5!

  

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

I primarily work alone on most projects as I just prefer it that way as then I have complete creative control, and when working with clients I think its imperative to understand them in order to understand their style and vision. ith McBusted I work alone, but on a large scale project like the X-Factor I do work with assistants and a team of stylists.

 Vix with those rather stylish X Factor boys!

Is this what you wanted to do as a child? Did you end up in this job by “accident” or was it a planned career choice?

Probably not as a child as I don’t think I was aware that this role even existed. But I have always known I wanted to be involved with the fashion industry, it was about 10 years ago when I moved to London. I started to understand more about the role of a fashion stylist, and knew that it was the career path I was going to pursue.

How long ago did you start on this path?

I started working in fashion retail 15 years ago. From that point I worked my way up to retail management which I did for 4 years, and from there I went into a role of Visual Merchandiser for 5 years for brands such as Diesel, Armani, and DKNY. This was my first insight into the possibility of becoming a Fashion Stylist as a full time career. 

How long were you doing it before you made it into your career or primary form of income?

I have been a Fashion Stylist for 6 years and the first 3 years consisted mostly of networking and building my portfolio and client base. 

 Working with Lucy Watson in her role at HotHot Magazine.

Did anything significant happen to get you to that point, or was it a series of small steps?

A series of small steps definitely. Starting with test shoots, magazine editorials, commercial clients, celebrity clients, then tours. It has been step by step but always gently building in the direction I wanted it to go in.

What kind of education do you have?

I had a pretty standard education, school, high school, then college, I left college with the intention of taking a gap year before going to University. That’s when I started working in Fashion and realised I wanted to work rather than study, so that’s what I did.

Do you think official qualifications are important for someone entering your industry?

For me, no it wasn’t a necessity, I'm sure courses can help you get one step up on the ladder but that wasn’t how I wanted to do it. I think Styling and being creative is not necessarily something that can be taught, its either in you or it isn't and it has to be driven by passion not paperwork.

The beautiful lady herself! 

If you went to school, did you enjoy studying? Could you see where it might lead you at the time? What advice would you give to someone else who might be studying to get into your industry?

If I'm being honest, I hated studying, I hated the formality of it all, I loved the creative classes but Physics and Maths etc were never really top of my priorities even from a young age. If your studying Fashion or Styling or Visual Merchandising then that’s great, it’s a complex industry and I'm sure it prepares you for what this business entails. My advice would be to get yourself out there, assisting other stylists and expect to work long hours, for a long time, for free, that’s how you will truly understand the nature of the business.

What do you think is the best thing about what you do?

Without doubt the best thing about my job is that each day is different, whether it be location or people who you meet or what visual is expected from you. There really is never a dull moment in this career. It challenges you and pushes you continuously and I don’t think you ever stop learning. There is always something new fresh and exciting just around the corner.

Would you call yourself a workaholic, and if so, are you alright with that? Do you think that’s normal for your industry?

I am 100% a workaholic and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My job is my life. I think you have to be and I think within this industry its totally normal from stylists to photographers to MUA's. You are only as good as your last job, so you are constantly striving for more, striving to do better and push creative boundaries.

More of Vix's Work
What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do?

The best piece of advice I can give is to never ever give up. Be prepared to work for years for long hours, for free. Take every opportunity that comes to you and push yourself to the limit. Always be enthusiastic and motivated. Be willing to make mistakes as it’s the best way you will learn.

...How about number two?

Always carry a notepad, write lists, ideas, inspiration. Anything that will keep your brain mentally stimulated...and never give up!!!

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?

I wish I would have known how long it takes to actually build your name and your portfolio which means working hard for free for a long time. But so glad I did that as it taught me a great deal.

Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

Everyone presumes that being a Fashion Stylist is super Glamourous. At times it is and it has its perks but it takes a lot of hard work and a lot of determination. If you are willing to put in the work and the hours then it’s the most rewarding job you can do.

What is the best thing that’s happened to you as a consequence of the work you do?

The best thing that’s happened to me as a consequence of what I do is genuinely the friendships I have built. My highlight so far I would have to say is styling Mcbusted for their sold out 37 arena date tour.

What motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing?

I love what I do, so the motivation for me is easy. I'm quite self critical so I'm always looking for ways to improve so that motivates me to always want to do more.

More of Vix's X Factor Styling.


Who do you look up to within your industry & why?

I guess the obvious person is Grace Coddington, stylist for Vogue. Shes so iconic and still continues to be at the top of her game.
Recently I have been crushing on Ainsley Hutchence of Sticks and Stones. Shes so rad and her work always pushes boundarys which I love.


Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100 (100 being the best, 0 being devastatingly awful) on an average day.

oooh, I put 100% into everything I do and I believe in it fully, so I'm always pleased with the outcome, but there is always room for improvement. I would say a strong 70. I don’t think I will ever say 100 as then there's no where higher to go!

Is there much career progression available to you? What would you like to do next?

There are always new opportunities within this business and always different avenues to explore. Next year I want to get into possibly doing presenting fashion features for TV and online.

Do you think you’ll continue doing this for the rest of your life?

Who knows what is around the corner, but yes I am very happy in my career and the direction it is going in at the moment. I tend to set bench marks of what I want to achieve and then when I reach that I tend to set another goal. I want to continue to be a fashion stylist for as long as I am still passionate about it. I have no intentions of slowing down anytime soon.

We would like to thank Vix SO much for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions! You can follow her work and life at the following links: 

 Website / Twitter /
Blog /
Instagram

The Inspirationals - Jessica Sheppard

All photos belong and taken from Jessica's site.

 
I was really stoked when Jessica (above) agreed to answer our 'inspirations' questions. I have been a fan of hers for a long time (if you don't follow her, make sure you do, all links at the end of the post!) If you're new to the blog, we interview people with interesting careers/jobs/hobbies who we think others will find inspiring! Jessica not only runs a successful blog and youtube channel, but is also studying fashion design, but unlike many who take this path is going down the menswear route! Here Jessica tells us more about her chosen career path! 

Tell us about what you do.

I am doing a full time menswear design degree so that pretty much takes up all of my time. Around this though, I work I a supermarket and blog daily so my schedule is quite jam packed - its rare that I have time to stop. I'm also trying to branch out and become known as a designer as well as a secret project with a couple of friends - fashion never sleeps!


What does an average day at work look like for you?

Depending on which day of the week, it varies. I will either be at university all day, taking/editing blog pictures, filming/editing videos, sourcing fabrics and inspiration, making patterns and garments or working my bum off in the supermarket to afford it all.

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

It depends on what it is that I am doing. As far as university, getting my name out there and my blog - I work alone. It wasn't necessarily a choice but that’s how it happens with things such as those. For the secret project, like I said it is with a couple of close friends. That works well though because we are really close and despite clashing with some ideas, we seem to always form a mutual opinion to go forward with.

Is this what you wanted to do as a child? Did you end up in this job by “accident” or was it a planned career choice?

As a child, I changed my mind pretty much once a week. I wanted to be a princess but realised quickly that it wasn't easy, and then I wanted to be a vet until I realised it involved blood. Without being the typical 'I've wanted to do fashion all my life', I do remember as a pre-teen having a desk in my bedroom which was covered in magazines and the wall in front was plastered with designs that I had come up with.  As far as accidents go, my falling into the fashion industry and blogging world wasn't an accident. I chose to study fashion and to progress upwards to a degree just like I chose to start a personal style blog - as I don't think there are many bloggers out there who dress like me as I don't like following fashion exactly.

How long ago did you start on this path?

Officially, three years ago when I enrolled onto my BTEC course in fashion and textiles. This was a two year course which guided me into my fashion degree that has helped me into internships and pursuing my dreams.


How long were you doing it before you made it into your career or primary form of income?

Unfortunately, it isn't yet my primary income. My blog does give me a little bit of pocket money here and there but it wouldn't pay the bills. As for my designer work - its all a work in progress and I still have a long way to go.

Did anything significant happen to get you to that point, or was it a series of small steps?

I was a bit of an undecided teen. My mum just thinks that I couldn't stick at anything but in honesty, I was testing the waters to find out what I loved doing. When I was doing my GCSE and A Levels, I realised that art and fashion were what is in my heart but I was too lazy to follow them (the coursework was so much!) and my parents told me that fashion wasn't a proper degree or career. After three different a level and  BTEC courses flopped - it was my time to try fashion and prove that it was my hearts choice.


What kind of education do you have?

I've got 10 GCSE's including Art and Graphics as my top two, a BTEC at distinction level in Fashion and Textiles and a degree in fashion design in progress.


Do you think official qualifications are important for someone entering your industry?

I'd say for the most part, yeah. If you want to work within Fashion then you need some sort of understanding about what you're getting into. For example, if I hadn't done these courses then I wouldn't have a clue about sewing techniques, trend forecasting, fashion history as in depth or how to pattern cut. With a lot of internship experience you could make it, but getting into those internships without the qualifications could be tricky. However, my blog has got me into a couple of internships before.

If you went to school, did you enjoy studying? Could you see where it might lead you at the time? What advice would you give to someone else who might be studying to get into your industry?

I did enjoy studying - but only creative subjects. I was a bit of a rascal and played up in most of my classes but this was mostly because I am really not academic and it frustrated me. The creative subjects like art were my favourite. I wish I could go back and thank my art teacher Mr Holmes for helping me to realise my potential - even though I didn't listen to him at the time, he was one of my biggest inspirations. As far as advice goes, I'd say follow your dreams. I wish more than anything that I didn't listen to my parents and just went straight into fashion from the get go. I regret not following my dreams sooner and I told my little brother the same thing. He was given a push towards studying Law even though Performing Arts is his dream - but thats his decision to make and realise for himself.

What do you think is the best thing about what you do?

I absolutely love having such a full life with blogging, designer stuff and working. I like that my days always vary and nothing is ever the same. I'm always blogging new things, designing and making different ideas, etc. I like the variety.

What’s the worst thing?

When a deadline is looming at university, I have to side track my life a little bit. Blogging takes the biggest back seat because my degree is my future and everything else follows suit. I basically have to dedicate my entire being to finishing my projects to a good enough standard so that I can get through university.

Would you call yourself a workaholic, & if so, are you alright with that? Do you think that’s normal for your industry?

Well, I'd say that I am but I am also the worst for being lazy. If I wake up and I'm in the mood for whatever I've chosen to do - then I'll go into it full force. I tend to set certain days of the week for certain things. Like I'll choose a day when I've got a spare 3-6 hours for planning outfits and photographing them and then in the evenings I'll edit it all and get to my designing. However, if I wake up in a lazy mood then I'll probably just be found emailing and watching Gossip Girl while updating my social media profiles.


What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do?

Be prepared for a lot of work. Getting into fashion design is hard, stressful and time consuming. Its completely worth it but it does drain the life out of you at times because its such a fast paced industry.


...How about number two?

Make sure its 100% what you want to do. If you're not in it with your whole heart then it won't be as fun and interesting to you. Fashion isn't a fall back career, it has to be something you're dedicated to spending your life doing.

 

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?

I'd say that I pretty much knew what to expect but I wish I had made myself a bit stronger before. I knew tutors and industry professionals would be very hard and cut throat, but at first I found it really hard to take and struggled with the harsh realisation that my designs weren't that good. From the three years experience that I've had, I'd say that I've developed more of a back bone but I still dread deadline day and being told that I'm not good enough.


Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

Everyone thinks that Fashion is a fall back career if you fail everything else. They also think its always like 'Devil Wears Prada'. Or that its just drawing pretty dresses and sewing them together. It isn't. Fashion is a career choice, a dedication and hard work. It isn't something you just 'fall into' and sit back and relax in.


What is the best thing that’s happened to you as a consequence of the work you do?

I've met a fair few celebrities including Nick Grimshaw, David Ghandy, Tinie Tempah, etc. I've also had the chance of working with designers and other opportunities that I'd not of had otherwise.

What motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing?

There isn't necessarily a motivation, I just love what I do so I want to keep doing it. I don't wake up in the morning and dread going into university or sitting at my sewing machine - I stay up all night excited and jump out of bed.


Who do you look up to within your industry & why?

There are so many designers that I look up to. Christopher Shannon, Kit Neale, Henry Holland, Marc Jacobs, so many!


Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100 (100 being the best, 0 being devastatingly awful) on an average day.

If I'm pottering along happily - 100. If its near deadline then I wouldn't even ask me that question, I'd be too close to exploding.

Is there much career progression available to you? What would you like to do next?

I'm only just starting out and I'm not even properly in the industry yet so I'd say there is definitely room to grow and progress in my career. I'd like to finish university and get into Graduate Fashion Week. After third year I am going travelling around the world for a year so we will see what happens from there - I want to explore the world before I settle.


Do you think you’ll continue doing this for the rest of your life?

Without a doubt.

Thank you so much to Jessica for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions! Find Jessica at the following places:

Look Book / Twitter / Facebook / Bloglovin / Instagram / Youtube

and make sure to check out her blog!

The Inspirations: Max Rathbone - Tattoo Artist

 Max's work

Back with a bang, we interviewed Pixie's (one half on Wonderland) fiancée and very talented tattoo artist Max! So if you fancy yourself as a budding tattooist this is the post for you!

 

Max's Instagram 

Tell us about what you do.

I tattoo at Off Key Tattoo Studio in Birmingham UK  

What does an average day at work look like for you?

All my designs are drawn on the day of appointment, so the first hour or two is all preparation. I'll do anywhere from one to three tattoos in a day usually. I don't have any breaks other than to smoke so everyday is pretty hectic.

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

I work with a guy called Robert Ashby. His work is the opposite of mine but I think we compliment each other well. His wife is also there learning to tattoo and she does a few days a week. 

Is this what you wanted to do as a child? Did you end up in this job by “accident” or was it a planned career choice?

I wanted to do it as far back as I can remember, my earliest memory is my Dad coming home with a new tattoo and I loved them ever since.

 How long ago did you start on this path?

Not long after I dropped out of art college, think I was probably about 19.

 Max's work from Instagram

How long were you doing it before you made it into your career or primary form of income?

The first two years were unpaid. I was working anywhere up to 80 hours a week so didn't have time to give myself any other form of income. Luckily my Dad was very supportive and allowed me to live at home without rent, so I only had to find money for cigarettes. After two years I started making little bits of money

 What kind of education do you have?

I did okay during school and went to art college for about three years. So not much really.

 Do you think official qualifications are important for someone entering your industry?

100%. Very few people manage to become tattooists so it's important to have a back up plan.

If you went to school, did you enjoy studying? Could you see where it might lead you at the time? What advice would you give to someone else who might be studying to get into your industry?

I hated school and college was just messing around. At that age I didn't really look past next week let alone what I would be doing ten years later. I did fine art, but I would recommend anyone to chose illustration.

 Max's work on our Pixie

What do you think is the best thing about what you do?

I love so much about my job. It really is amazing the amount of people who give me free reign with their bodies. It's just an awesome feeling creating something new everyday and knowing that customer will keep it for the rest of their lives. Tattoos are one of the few things someone will buy that they will still own in five years, unlike phones, clothes, cars and any other possessions.

What’s the worst thing?

I can never switch off. Mentally, I'm constantly involved in tattooing.

Would you call yourself a workaholic, & if so, are you alright with that? Do you think that’s normal for your industry?

Honestly I'm fine with it. No matter what job I was doing I'd be the same, so it might as well be for a job I love.

 Taken from Max's instagram

What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do?

Get tattooed. By as many different reputable artists as possible

...How about number two?

Draw as much as possible. So many people say they don't have time to draw, that's bullshit. I used to sleep five hours a night so I would have time to draw

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?

So many things. I'd love to go back in time five years and just talk at myself for hours.

Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

People seem to think it's a lot more glamorous than it is in reality, probably because of what they see on TV.

 More of Max's work

Do you ever have any ethical dilemmas with the work you do?

Nope. I don't force anyone to get tattooed by me (except for close friends.)

What is the best thing that’s happened to you as a consequence of the work you do?

I met the love of my life Pixie.

 Pixie and Max 

What motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing?

I want to be the best. I'm a long way off, and there is a very good chance I'll never get there. But I'm going to do everything I can to get there.

Who do you look up to within your industry & why?

I could name hundreds. Eckel, Sneaky Mitch, Tiny Miss Becca, Greggletron, Justin Hartman, Wendy Pham, Lus Lips, Jeff Gogue, Thomas Hooper, Emily Rose Murray. Each one has had a massive influence on me, if you google them you will see why

Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100 (100 being the best, 0 being devastatingly awful) on an average day.

Anywhere from 60-80. 

 Instagram

Is there much career progression available to you? What would you like to do next?

I really want to travel. I want to work at all the best shops in the UK, I'd love to work in the States, Australia and around Europe. I want to work at London Tattoo Convention, be on the cover of magazines and tattoo all the celebrities I grew up idolising. If I could tattoo CM Punk I'd be over the moon. I don't know how much of that I can accomplish, but I'm going to try.

Do you think you’ll continue doing this for the rest of your life?

For as long as my health will let me. Even then I will probably still try.

Thanks so much to Max for taking the time out to answer these questions for us! For more of his work and for booking information check out his instagram here!

The Inspirationals - Victoria from Inthefrow.com!

 

All photos in this post from Victoria's Instagram

Victoria is by far one of my favourite bloggers, but not to only read her blog, but to work with. Classy, gracious and genuinely a lovely person who I am super proud to call a friend. Making a massive name her herself in the blogging world, but doing it her own way and with such inimitable style and sparkle. Not only does she research, write, and take photos for her blog Inthefrow she is also a Lecturer in Fashion Retailing, a fashion retail graduate and fashion doctorate grad. (Not a lot going on then!) This is why we decided that Victoria is most defiantly an inspiration - and asked her to tell us about what she does, and how she fits it all in! Hope you enjoy!

Tell us about what you do.

In the daytime Im a fashion retail lecturer at the University of Manchester after nearly finishing a fashion PhD.

What does an average day at work look like for you?

An average day includes writing lectures, possibly marking or chatting with students about work, giving my lectures to 120 students or writing my thesis. I do love it though.

 

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

Generally alone or with another lecturer, but we always come together as a group every now and again to talk ideas over.

 

 

Is this what you wanted to do as a child? Did you end up in this job by “accident” or was it a planned career choice?

No by accident really. After my degree I fell into the PhD and after that it is the natural progression to move into lecturing. So that’s where I am now.

But then I have my blog, so lets talk about that. Its far more fun. I had no idea I would get into blogging, so it was totally unplanned and a great surprise.

 

 

 

How long ago did you start on this path?

Around 20 months ago now, in October 2012 I started blogging.

How long were you doing it before you made it into your career or primary form of income?

Its not quite my primary form due to my actual job, but I would probably say in a year or so I could make it my primary income if I wanted to. So I guess 2 and a half years?

Did anything significant happen to get you to that point, or was it a series of small steps?

To the point its at now, it was small steps to build it all up and make it what it is now.

 

What kind of education do you have?

Almost at PhD level now, depending on me getting these corrections written, arghhh. 

 

Do you think official qualifications are important for someone entering your industry?

For someone who wants to get blogging, perhaps not so much unless you want to brand yourself as an expert. Otherwise anyone with a fab personality and a great way of writing can do well in blogging.

If you went to school, did you enjoy studying? Could you see where it might lead you at the time? What advice would you give to someone else who might be studying to get into your industry?

I did love studying yes. I was quite an inquisitive child and loved to learn new things mainly. I studied textiles and art and hoped it would lead me to fashion design, but it turned out I loved marketing much more. 

What do you think is the best thing about what you do?

Blogging gives you a pretty cool social life. Lots of events, parties and champagne to drink plus the opportunity to meet some awesome people. 

What’s the worst thing?

It takes up the majority of my spare time because I’m addicted to it.

 

 

 

Would you call yourself a workaholic, & if so, are you alright with that? Do you think that’s normal for your industry?

Definitely. At the moment I’m struggling with how much I have to do, but otherwise I’m extremely determined to do well in my career so it doesn’t really bother me. 

What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do?

I would say you have to have something different now to do this as there are so many bloggers out there already. You need to be innovative.

...How about number two?

Dont just do it for the products. Do it because you love to write and you want to build it into something amazing.

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?

I wish I had known how fantastic it would be and how much time it would take up due to my love for it.

 

 

 

Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

People may think its a breeze, but in fact its really hard work and takes up so much of my time.

 

Do you ever have any ethical dilemmas with the work you do?

 

I often worry about people thinking I’m selling them too much stuff and that they’ll think Ive sold out. But I only talk about products I love, so I hope that doesn’t happen.

 

What is the best thing that’s happened to you as a consequence of the work you do?

I’ve won a Company award, modelled for some incredible brands and gotten to meet some awesome people.

 

What motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing?

 

Im motivated every day by how amazing my followers are, and the feeling that I want to give them something new to read every day. And also the idea of being able to do it full time drives me on further.

 

 

 

 

Who do you look up to within your industry & why?

 

I love bloggers such as Native Fox and Beauty Crush who just ooze style and seem so lovely. Id love to sit down and have coffee with them some day!

 

Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100 (100 being the best, 0 being devastatingly awful) on an average day.

I would say I am around 75. Still hoping to do better but so proud of my achievements so far!

 

Is there much career progression available to you? What would you like to do next?

 

With blogging there will be an end point and at that time, Id love to start my own business. So we will see :)

 

Do you think you’ll continue doing this for the rest of your life?

 

Definitely not, but I will certainly do something in a similar niche. Fingers crossed!

 

 Thank you so much to Victoria for finding the time to answer these questions! Need a bigger fix, find Victoria at the following places! Blog / Twitter / Youtube / Instagram / Tumblr  /  Facebook and be sure to click this link to follow her on Bloglovin!