Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Wilson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Alyssa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my fashion blog, Hopes and Seams, a little over a year ago. As a teacher, I want my audience to feel comfortable, look and feel good, and do it in an affordable way. Teachers often take homework on weeknights and/or weekends, so I strive to provide an easy way to shop for everyday wear as well as weekend looks. People always told me that I should start a blog because I always find quality clothing that doesn’t break the bank, but I never thought I had the time to commit to blogging because teaching takes so much time and energy (which I also love). Fashion has always been a passion of mine, so I finally decided to try and balance it with teaching. Has it been challenging? Yes… but I’ve found that I have a great audience who appreciate my content and continue to support my Instagram and blog on a daily basis.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. The fashion blogging/influencer world is a whole new ball game and I’m still learning tips and tricks from fellow bloggers. The biggest struggle is probably figuring out what makes you unique and how to set yourself apart from all the others that are also trying to be successful influencers. I would say if you’re just starting out, it’s super important to be clear in what you want to give your audience and to read about ways to engage them with your content. Since blogging isn’t my full-time job, I’ve been taking it slower than others and doing what works for me!
What should we know about Hopes and Seams? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
When people go to my website or Instagram account, it’s pretty clear I’m all about fashion. I specialize in finding quality pieces at affordable price points, which is actually fun for me. I also like to mix and match pieces to show different styles. I want teachers (and everyone!) to look great and put-together while working or playing and I try to make it easy to copy my looks. I provide direct links to all of my outfit pieces through my website and also through the LIKEtoKNOW.it app. I think that I’m relatable to my audience because I try to give a personal touch to my posts and be honest with who I am and what I think about the clothing pieces I find. I’ve also found that the more my audience knows about my personal life, the more they can connect and feel comfortable with messaging me with more specific questions.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My mom definitely played (and continues to play) a large role in who I am today. She is also a teacher and her love for kids, clothing, and bargains were passed down to me at an early age. I learned that you can create classic looks while still adding your own personal touches to make it unique to you. Working hard for what you want was always a non-negotiable and that is something I still very much value. My mom is still my biggest supporter and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hopesandseams.com
- Email: hopesandseamsblog@gmail.com
- Instagram: hopesandseams
- Twitter: Hopes_and_Seams
Image Credit:
Alyssa Wilson
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