Last week I introduced a new blog series called #TheLadyBossCollection. In this collection I’d be introducing various lady bosses that inspire and educate young entrepreneurs by sharing their passions. Today, I’m exciting to share the first of many amazing ladies.
A couple years ago I attended the YAP Field Trip hosted by the Joslyn Art Museum. As I was browsing #YAPfieldtrip on Instagram I was virtually introduced to Erin, Lifestyle Blogger and Digital Marketer. Immediately I began following her (of course). How could I not? Food, travel, fashion! What I loved most was how real she was. She was authentic and perfectly sharing her passions in a genuine way. I was drawn in.
Later in the year, I ran into Erin at the YAP Art Crawl. I introduced myself and shared that we had connected on Instagram. It’s odd to think that in this day-and-age we’re more likely to meet virtually before we ever do personally and sometimes it makes the personal meeting awkward and/or completely unnatural. For Erin and I, it was completely natural (awkward Ashley adverted – success!)
Ever since Erin and I’ve worked together in a number of ways. Not only has Erin constantly trusted my creativity and included me in her passion but she’s openly shared her knowledge and experiences with me.
She continues to inspire me and motivate me to set goals and crush them! To not hold back and go for it! You never know what you can achieve and you won’t know if you don’t try. Without further ado, meet Erin…
1. Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Erin Fairchild, I’m 25 years old, and I spend my days as a Senior Digital Marketing Specialist and my nights as a blogger at Her Heartland Soul. I live with my husband, Josh, and cat, Punkin, in Omaha, Nebraska. We moved to the Midwest three years ago from the East Coast for my husband’s job. We didn’t know anyone or anything in the Midwest, but in the past few years it has come to feel like home. I love good food, fashion, travelling to new places, and getting lost in a book.
2. How did you first get involved in blogging and why?
I got involved with blogging while in college. My freshman year was fall of 2008, the year the economy started to crumble. When I started my freshman year, we were told anything was possible. By my junior year, we were being told we’d be lucky to graduate and find a job.
As a marketing major, I noticed a lot of companies turning to social media to sell their products and services, connect with customers, and conduct everyday business, but it was such a new medium we weren’t really being taught it in school. I didn’t want to graduate unqualified to find a job in the field I love, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and learn about social media on my own. I created a food blog, Girl Gone Veggie, to learn the medium on my own. There I was able to develop my voice, find an audience, and learn to work with brands.
When I graduated college, moved to Omaha, and got my first big-girl job, I wanted to focus less on food and more on creating an overall lifestyle destination for young professionals. That’s how Her Heartland Soul was born. It’s a space where I put my heart and soul into my words, and it’s crafted in the heartland of America.
3. What inspires and motivates you to keep blogging?
So much! I’ve met some of my best friends through blogging. I’ve been given some incredible opportunities to travel the country and work with brands I adore because of blogging. The feedback I get from my readers keeps me blogging. The fact I’m continually learning and growing keeps me blogging. It’s work, but it’s work I love to do. I see myself blogging for a long, long time.
4. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?
There are a million blogs out there covering a wide variety of topics. Find a topic you’re passionate about and develop a voice in it. Use that voice to create a connection with your readers and serve them useful content on a consistent, regular basis.
Make connections with other bloggers and develop a network of peers to bounce ideas off of, partner with, and troubleshoot with. Keep up-to-date on the latest news and best practices in social media, content marketing and digital influence. These industries change all the time so it’s important to have your finger on the pulse of it all.
5. Who are some Lady Bosses whom you look up to and why?
My biggest female role model is Michelle Obama. She’s a strong, smart, driven woman, who advocates for change on a global stage and still manages to put her family first and look stylish while doing it all.
,,Erin’s story tells me two things. One, when you find something you love, then go for it! And two, hard work pays off! Today, Erin has quite the engaged following. Her readers love learning about her travels, fashion trends and favorite recipes. If you’re not already, head over to Erin’s blog and check out some of her recent posts! And don’t forget to give her a follow on Facebook and Instagram as well!
Her Heartland Soul:
Website: http://www.herheartlandsoul.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herheartlandsoul/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herheartlandsoul/
I’d love to know….Have you ever made a virtual connection with a fellow creative business owner? What tips would you share with others looking to make connections in their industry? Share with all of us in the comments!
love & pixels,
ashley nicole
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Love, love, love Erin! It was fun to learn a little more about her in this post!