Tag: interview

Featured

An Interview with..

Categories LifestyleLeave a Comment on An Interview with..

If I am totally honest with you, I have tried to come up with some witty snippet which shows my sheer admiration for the woman I am about to interview and nothing came close. In other words, Rachel Salter, otherwise known as Dollie is not only one of the most inspiring people I have ever met, but is truly an incredible friend.

Whilst sharing her love of all things Disney, her illnesses, and her up and coming bundle of Joy, its safe to Say the love she shares throughout her channels, will soon be shown in an all new light. So I would like to welcome you to the wonderfully magical world of Dollies Adventures...

Hope you’re okay and are still as wonderful as ever! 2018 was such a massive year for you, what does 2019 hold for you?

Hey Em! Thank you so much for having me as apart of your interviews, I am so grateful to be given this chance to sit and have a little natter with you. Well kicking of 2019 with the most incredible news that I am going to be a mummy. My husband and I have been trying for a baby for a long while so feel completely blessed to finally have this beautiful baby in our lives. Baby is due in September and I cannot wait. This year will bring lots of lifestyle updates in regards to pregnant life, decorating the nursery and on top of that LOTS more Disney and lovely pretties! I am still working with Soap and Glory reviewing new products which is always such a joy and I hope to work with another big beauty brand in the coming future all being well, I’ll reveal as time goes on.

Disney is such a huge part of your life, are you planning on taking any more trips to the land of happiness?

My husband and I are absolutely planning more trips to Disney of course!! Once Baby is big and old enough to safely and comfortably travel we will make that magical journey to the castle and share it with our baby.

For me you embody Disney, you provide so much happiness to those around you whether thats through your blog, social media or friendship. Even supporting people like myself when we were completely young and naive. So, I was wondering, If there was one thing you would want to tell your younger self?

Oh that is an incredibly good question and one that generates nothing short of a powerful response. What I would tell my younger self is to STOP! Stop confirming to trends, groups, popular opinions and acting a certain way because you thought it was cool ~ Be your own person, stand out because you’re yourself and proud. Make decisions based on your gut and not your heart and always have faith in your own mind and abilities. I would tell myself to stop being to hard on yourself, you put too much pressure on yourself and you don’t need to. Enjoy life and the little things because with hard work you’ll reap the benefits so work hard but don’t forget to let your hair down because your only young once and shouldn’t look back regret can eat a person alive.

You are so passionate about spreading awareness about disabilities, is this something that you will continue to do on your blog and socials?

100% absolutely! Awareness is key after all! Individuals with disabilities are amount the strongest of people I have had the deepest pleasure of meeting, working with and crossing paths with, I adore everyone I have met and am humbled and inspired by everyone’s journeys and lives. WE deserve everything that everyone else is offered, the disabled community deserve a voice and a platform and if I am but one person who helps stand up and creates a voice then so be it. One person is better than none. When I was first diagnosed with my health conditions it wasn’t the condition that hurt and tore me apart it was the sheer loneliness and isolation being sick brings and I couldn’t bare the thought of anyone else feeling this same feeling. So if I have to speak openly and freely about my health including all the embarrassing parts in order to stop just 1 other person feeling that loneliness creep in ~ then my blog has made a difference. That’s why I’ll continue to speak freely, openly and proudly about my disabilities on as many platforms as possible.

Just one thing I admire about you is your openness to discuss your own illnesses, whilst still taking on the world like the ultimate boss. Do you ever think your amazing mindset could be changed?

Oh bless you babe, thank you, no way!! My mindset will never change I will continue to be the honest, humorous and sometimes sarcastic writer about my own health for as long as there’s a platform I will continue to have a voice.

In the past you’ve been a constant support when I’ve struggled with my mums illness’s. Is being a support to others something that means a lot to you ? And do you have your own supporters when things get tough?

Hearing that makes me feel so happy knowing that I have offered support to you in times where you’ve needed it the most, that makes me so happy. I feel very passionate about helping and supporting others because to be honest with my illnesses and disabilities made my life incredibly difficult and I probably did not have as much support as I needed not through anyone’s fault but Purely because my support network where so fearful of the diagnosis and the life I was living that they wouldn’t accept or acknowledge it and that made it hard to manage alone. I had no choice but to become my own biggest support and learn to be strong for everyone else and myself. This is probably why I am passionate about helping and supporting others.

You have an amazing ability of making every one feel amazing about themselves. You’re so motivating to everyone, who motivates you?

I think personally it’s not who motivates me it’s more so what motivates me. The motivations comes from the fact that I was told I would never be able or capable of doing something, therefore find love and motivation is finding a passion for something that no one believed that I could but don’t get me wrong the smaller passionate bloggers inspire me because they remind me that we all started somewhere and everyone deserves a chance and a platform to do what they love.

In the past you have dabbled in YouTube, is that something your going to continue ? Or is blogging the way for you?

I would LOVE to do some YouTube pregnancy videos however I’m honestly struggling to find the time to do everything. When your pregnant, working and walking around with some absolutely crap health issues days can run away with you and sometimes finding time to eat becomes a task in itself. If there where more hours in the day I would love too.

You have worked with some amazing brands recently, is this something you’d love to continue?

Yes I feel absolutely blessed to have been given such wonderful opportunities with brands and I hope that I continue working with some more, as I mentioned earlier there’s one more in the pipeline but I’m not allowed to mention that yet ha ha!

I could ask you a million questions (honestly) but if there was one thing that you wish you could tell others, what would it be?

One thing I could tell others?! Wow such an incredible question and to be honest I’m struggling to narrow it down because I am quite a passionate conversationalist and depending on my audience would depend on my topic. One this I would say is this STOP pushing smaller bloggers away just because of the amount of followers they have, so you ever think sometimes people just deserve a bloody break and need just 1 person to step out of the line of judgemental influencers and vouch for them?! Let’s just all be mindful that everyone is doing their best and sometimes someone just needs a break! Oh and STOP THROWING PLASTIC IN THE BLOODY SEA WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!! Ha ha!

And with that exceptional environmental point, I wanted to mention the impact Rachel has had on the blogging community- in particular the impact she’s had on smaller bloggers. Being a constant support for any blogger questioning their abilities, sharing her own thoughts on issues that effect all small writers, and fighting for equal opportunities- its safe to say that the blogosphere really would be missing a star if Rachel decided to end her adventure.

As of right now all I can say is thank you to this amazing woman. The support she has not only given me, but SO many others really has shaped who we become as a writer’s. For that alone I, owe a lot to Rachel.

So here’s to Dollies Adventures, I hope you never lose your way,

Em x

Disclaimer: All images used throughout this blog post are owned by Dollies Adventures. A conversation prior to the publishing of this interview confirmed that i was allowed to share them.

If you would like to see more of Rachel’s work, please feel free to click the links below.

Instagram handle: @dollies_adventures

Twitter.

Blog.

An interview with Steph’s World

Categories Lifestyle1 Comment on An interview with Steph’s World

Heys guys, lil ol’ me again, but this time I am bringing you something very special.

After meeting in a pod nearly a year ago, Steph has become some one who I couldn’t live without. Our weekly updates, giggles and hufflepuff pride make my heart burst with pride. If blogging doesn’t give me anything else I’m proud to say it has helped me find not only an amazing blogger but a best mate in the process. So before I get overly emotional, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Steph’s World.

The Interview.

Hi Steph,

Hope you’re well and had a lovely Christmas. Speaking of Christmas, how did you spend it ? And what was your highlights ?

P.S. Hope Santa was nice.

‘Hey Em, thank you so much for letting me be part of this series which I love! Christmas was so nice, but seems so long ago now. Working full-time; it was nice just to be able to sit back and relax over the festive period. On Christmas Day, myself and my boyfriend spent the morning with my family opening gifts before heading to his sisters house for Christmas Dinner (yum yum), a few rounds of “What do you Meme” and a huge cheese board.

‘Santa treated me very well this Christmas. I am very lucky to have received lots of Charlotte Tilbury goodies, new Hunter Wellies as well as a new strap for my Fitbit and a gorgeous Barbour scarf which has been so perfect for the cold weather. ‘

Steph has been such a monumental part of my blogging experience. From moments of empowerment when I almost gave up to promoting my little space of the internet- blogging would be so much less fulfilling with out my fellow blogger.

With that being said, I couldn’t help but wonder what blogging means to Steph.

‘Thank you so much for being so kind. Blogging to me is all about having fun with writing. If I don’t feel like sitting down and writing a post, I just won’t do it. I feel like I want to put 100% into my posts as they will be there for me to reflect on in years to come. I already sit down and read my past travel posts or my theatre reviews to relive those memories I love. I wanted to make my blog into my own little journal and somewhere to be able to be creative.’

Arguably, Steph is one of the most creative people I have ever spoken too. She constantly amazes me by endlessly supporting others in so many innovative ways. None more so than her annual Christmas Q/A. As some who has had the pleasure of taking part for the past 2 years, I wondered if she would be continuing one of my favourite traditions.

‘Asking me at this time of the year is very wrong haha. I love my Christmas Blogger Q&A series so much that I have ran it now for three years. I always forget how much work and preparation I have to put into it for it to run smoothly in December. Even then I do have a few fails where I forget to publish a post (oops).

Will it be something I continue though? You heard it here first – Steph’s World will be running the Christmas Blogger Q&A in 2019!

I don’t think the run up to Christmas would be the same without it, so I will be doing them for as long as I can and people aren’t sick of it.

I have a ‘Behind the Scenes’ post on my blog if you’d like to snoop into how I run my series.

Speaking of Steph’s immense creativity, I wanted to share with you the creativity she shares throughout the other 11 months of the year. One of the most exciting things Steph has spoken about is wanting to develop her blog more.

‘Every year I seem to want to have a little shake-up on my blog; whether it’s refining the “Lifestyle Blogger” categories I want to cover or changing my blog theme and style.

In 2019, I would love to create more mini-series on my blog as well as another potential Guest Blogger series in the Summer. Watch this space…’

With Steph wanting to refine the ‘Lifestyle Blogger’ category, I was brought back to one of the most empowering blog post’s Steph has ever written. A few months ago Steph shared her own battle with hair loss. As a friend, I was immensely proud of the honest and empowering post she had written. I wondered if in the future she would be open to sharing more health related posts.

‘Thank you so much for your love and support – honestly, you made sharing my story a little easier knowing I had an amazing friend like you by my side.

Sharing my journey was so hard for me. When I started my blog, I was very much in the middle of my hair loss. I kept very anonymous on my blog with no current photos of me because I was worried about how my hair looked. One of the reasons I set up my blog was to share my story – but then it took me over another 2 years to actually share it. ‘

I knew I wanted to share my experience of hair loss as when I was going through it, I struggled to find other people’s stories and essentially I wanted to see that they came out of it the other side. Now that my hair has come back to a state I’m proud of, I knew I had to sit down and make that draft post into a published post. It was difficult, very heartbreaking to have to see how far I came through it, but it was needed. The response from fellow bloggers and even strangers on the internet who wanted to hear my story, ask further questions and ask for advice since sharing the post has made it all worth while. To me, that’s what Blogging is about.

Throughout this interview you will probably come to realise I have so much admiration for Steph, not only for the empowerment she provides others, but because she constantly astound me. To me, Steph is everyone’s blogging best mate- the exact reason she started her blog.

With that in mind i wanted to ask her what she wanted others to think when reading her blog.

‘“Omg, I would love for her to be my Best Friend”. Ok, I’m joking about that.

I just hope that people have fun and enjoy reading my posts. Whether they are informative, enjoyable to have a nosey into my life or look at some photos I’ve took, I just want people to have fun. I hope that comes across in my posts. ‘

Spoiler* she completely did…

Personal

Steph may not realise this but in the 365 days I have known her she has grown into such an amazing person. Every conversation we have leaves me proud and I can’t wait to see what 2019 holds for this amazing twenty something. No matter what happens this year there is two thing’s both Steph and I will always have, and that is our love of Harry Potter and her being a constant source of inspiration.

From donning her Hufflepuff scarf, to being genuinely one of the most supportive people on the internet I can honestly say Steph’s World is the home of Hufflepuff (well, other than Hogwarts). With that in mind, I wanted to asked who inspired her.

‘Hufflepuff Pride!

I’m inspired by so many people, too many to mention – one has to be the lovely Em Rambles though!

I am a massive scroller through Twitter and Instagram always on the hunt for new blogs to read. I find the community is so creative and I draw a lot of inspiration from them.

I can’t say I keep up to date with celebrities, but I do follow the like to Giovanna Fletcher, Mrs Hinch, Zoella & Carrie Hope Fletcher who keep me inspired to keep creating. ‘

I sent over these questions, just a few days into the new year but being the nosey buggar I am, I wanted to know what 2019 would hold for Steph.

*Teddy cuddles not included. (Teddy is Steps adorable family pet who i adore!)*

‘Totally just Teddy cuddles. He’s just like a fluffy bear!

2019 will be a year of surprises I think. I will be looking to make a bit leap into adulthood by getting on the property ladder (if all goes well). I don’t have a lot mapped out for the year, apart for being Bridesmaid for 2 weddings this year and a couple of planned theatre trips.

Here’s to finding out what 2019 has in store for me. ‘

And there you have it, an interview with one of the best people on the internet. Steph has been such a positive impact on my life, I couldn’t help but share my love and admiration for her. I can only hope that I am as good of a friend as she is.

So if you wanted to get to know this wonderful woman a little more you can find her here.

Instagram: @StephsWorld_X

Twitter: @StephsWorld_X

Blog: www.StephsWorld.com

An Interview with Em Lemon.

Categories Lifestyle, Ramble all the way...

Throughout the few years I have been blogging I have been lucky enough to meet some truly incredible women. From working mothers who are looking for extra income, to women with truly amazing sense of self. Blogging has not only opened doors for me personally but it has allowed friendships I hold dear to bloom.

None more so than this amazing young woman. Emma Lemon, is some one who believes in others more than she believes in herself, some one who’s creativity knows no bounds and if she believed in the term, would be the pinnacle of the term girl boss. For the past year I have been lucky to speak to this incredibly creative woman almost daily, from working with her on blog logos, to bombarding her for more information about the cutest staffy’s in the world. If blogging gives me nothing else, I am so incredibly honoured to know Emma Lemon.

Now, before I get all mushy, let me introduce you to my blogging hero.

The one and only Typegal, Emma Lemon…

With 2018 being the year Em has really grabbed life by the horns and hit the ground running. Nothing has shown this more so than her return to blogging. From her 30 thins post to her creativity with ebbs through each and every post. Em really has found her own way to do things. And I for one can’t wait for her to continue to shatter every glass ceiling which ever has the stupidity to hold her back.

Me: You’ve recently turned the big 3-0, relaunched your blog AND got your ‘dream job’ as a graphic designer. (Is there anything you can’t do?) what’s your next thing to be ticked of your 30 things list?

Em: ‘Oh yes, finally starting to get my sh*t together, bout time really isn’t it haha! Ideally I’d like it to be paying off debts, but I reckon it’ll probably be sorting out my diet. I have so many digestion issues after suffering with gallstones, and honestly it really does come down to what you put in your body! ‘

Back again… this time only better.

After a short break from Em has recently found her love and passion for writing again. When this interview was conducted a mere few days after her first blog post she filled a huge Em shaped whole in the blogosphere. I couldn’t help but wonder if she has missed blogging as avid readers (me) have missed her and her truly original pieces.

How are you feeling about your return to blogging? And do you have schedule in mind or posting when inspiration takes hold?

‘Amazing, I’m actually so happy and inspired and motivated. I’ve missed it so much, and I think this time round I’m not going to get too hung up on numbers and not being able to do what other people do. I need to realise I’m not in London, so picture perfect opportunities are not always available to me and I do actually work a full time job/have other commitments, so I can’t be on Instagram all day long. I’d like to get back into posting Wednesdays and Sundays, but I’m easing myself in and not beating myself up if I don’t manage to post on time. ‘

Ditching numbers and embracing the poorer blogging has, Em has now published a few more post, my personal favourite is ‘ Is it time to ditch the Girl Boss Term’. With uniquely refreshing content as an avid reader is so happy this incredible blogger is not only back, but back to her full potential.

Blogging hero’s.

As bloggers we always hold certain writers dear. With many providing inspiration at times when we cant find the words to fill pages. For me personally Em is one of my inspirations. When I cant find the words, the motivation or even an idea, I look to Em.

Both Em and I have often spoken about how Lydia Elise Millen has been a huge factor when it comes to out love of blogging. Her like-ability and love of Chanel are show no bounds. With so many amazing bloggers a simple google search away I asked about the other blogs which inspires Em.

Speaking of blogging, we both know Lydia Elise Millen is goals, but do you have any With 2018 being the year Em has really grabbed life by the horns and hit the ground running. Nothing has shown this more so than her return to blogging. From her 30 thins post to her creativity with ebbs through each and every post- Em really has found her own way to do things. And I for one can’t wait for her to continue to shatter every glass ceiling which ever has the stupidity to hold her back.

‘Speaking of blogging, we both know Lydia Elise Millen is goals, but do you have any other blogging hero’s who inspire you?’

‘There are so many amazing bloggers, and I find inspiration in all of them. I obviously love the big well known bloggers just as much as anyone else does, but one thing I want to try and change is the whole ‘worshipping’ thing we have going on. At the moment I’m trying to shy away from reading/following the same people I always have, and try to find people who maybe aren’t as well known but create amazing content!

That being said, I love Vix, Em Sheldon and Chloe Plumstead! ‘

Fitness friend or foe?

2018 has been a monumental year for Em, but nothing has been more amazing than her finding a love of fitness. Showing her enthusiasm of a good work out on instagram and some how still looking like a post work out goddess. I wanted to know her secret to the ‘healthy work out glow’ rather than sweaty red pancake.

Over the past few months you’ve really focused on your health and fitness, in fact, you’ve shared a lot of fitness inspo on instagram, is this something you are going to share with ink art love and your blog?

‘Well thank you for noticing! I must admit I haven’t been to them gym in at least a month (holiday and life has been too much!) I am trying to incorporate a healthier diet, that is easy to manage. I’ve been looking into things I specifically need for my body, such as fibre – I need WAY more than the average person for my insides to work properly. I absolutely love the gym now, I only do weights – purely because I want to build muscle, and I hate cardio. I’m bottom heavy so I’m just trying to shape how I want to look by using what I’ve been naturally given, so except lots of leg/booty stuff. I DO want to share workout vids/tips and recipes, from a beginners POV. ‘

Future of Emma Lemon.

Over the past few years Em been using her creative skills for all things hand lettering. A combination of her love for hand lettering and graphic design allowed her to focus on her then company Ink, Art, Love (now Typegal). From working on blog headers to displaying her stunning artistic eye on Instagram, I wanted to know what her artistic eye was going and if she had any plans to delve into homeware.

Since I’ve just mentioned your beautiful, graphics and calligraphy company, Ink Art Love, are you wanting to expand the brand, introduce new merchandise or graphics?

*cough* you should *cough*.

‘I am! I’ve used my time off over the summer to really think about what it is I want to do with it. Right now, I think I’m going to invest my time into creating beautiful paper goods. My love of creating with paper and ink is what started it all, so I’m going to go back to that! Except prints, stationery and more custom services. A MASSIVE one I want to crack with my little lettering business is to do some sign writing for somewhere like Grind in London! ONE DAY! I’m also working on a new project for bloggers, as I feel like it’s something I can contribute my knowledge too. While I want to provide services, I also want to give back to the community in any way I can, so I’m hoping to do that with blogkit.co’

Taking time to asses what she wanted her online world to be was monumental for Em, her confidence and personality seems to have shone and shown how important she is to so many. However, change didn’t stop at Em’s online world but her real life one too.

In your new 30 things post you’ve given yourself a long list of things you have already ticked off and are yet to tick off, are you excited for what’s to come? And are there any goals you are keeping to yourself?

‘I’m so excited for what’s to come. A year on from being in an AWFUL relationship, that held me back (or held me in the house so he knew where I was at all times) I’m in such a different position. I’m happier, I’m working in a job that I want, I have an amazing boyfriend who encourages me rather than bringing me down and I’m finally working on my goals! There’s only one, and that’s just to do with myself and my behaviour/wellbeing. Being mistreated over the years by men, and people who I used to call my friends has done a lot of damage that I know needs to be repaired. So every day I am actively working on that, by being kind to others and kind to myself. ‘

From a year, which most certainly deserves to stay in the past, the a bright bold future. 2018 has be a year of change for Em. As a blogger, a friend and some one who is a truly admiring reader, I am so proud of how far she’s come. *holds back drunken sobs*

With the written word being as close to Em’s heart as she is in mine I couldn’t help but wonder what quote inspired her to change her live and create the amazing adventures which are coming her way.

And lastly, (I promise not to keep you here forever) is there any quote you hold close to your heart? If so what is it?

‘There’s a quote I found ages ago on Pinterest (gotta love spending all day aimlessly scrolling through it haha) by someone called Max Lucado. I don’t know much about him, but it was on a Pinterest graphic and it has always stuck with me.

“When you are in the final days of your life, what will you want?”

Will you hug that college degree in the walnut frame? Will you ask to be carried to the garage so you can sit in your car? Will you find comfort in rereading your financial statement? Of course not. What will matter then will be people. If relationships will matter most then, shouldn’t they matter most now?”

We are always so hung up on what we have, when all that really matters is the people in your life. Bit deep, soz haha!’

For me personally Em is a constant source of hope, after being in a similar situations, she shows that there is a light at the end of every tunnel, even if at the time it feels like there’s no hope. For that reason alone I knew she had to be the first person I asked to take part in ‘An interview with…’.

Thank you so much Em. Not only for being the first of incredible women within this series but for being a constant source of help, motivation and friendship.

Always love.

Em x

Just a little disclaimer* All images used in this post are owned by Emma Lemon. She has all rights and any copyright infringement will be dealt with accordingly.

On a lighter not I am so sorry about the pixilated images this is due to the software blurring the images themselves.