As far as fun occupations go, marketing isn’t half bad. It’s no blogging (and freelance writing), though! At least that’s the revelation Kat Boogaard made when she started her site Lemonade Linings in the spring of 2014. Tired of being constrained by the creative writing limitations placed on professional marketers, Boogaard first began Lemonade Linings as a way to have more control over what she wrote and how she presented it.
Find out how Boogaard’s journey has gone so far by checking out the following Q&A we conducted with her recently:
A: You know, when I first started my blog, I focused mainly on style, beauty, and other lifestyle topics. Many other young, female bloggers talk about those same things, and I LOVE reading those blogs. So, I thought, “Hey, I enjoy these things — I can write about them too!”
But, a few months into blogging, I went through a pretty major transition. I jumped ship at my full-time job in order to pursue a career as a freelancer. Along with that big life change, my blog content naturally shifted. Today, I love blogging about freelancing tips, self-development, productivity, goal-setting, and really anything else that helps people achieve happy, purpose-driven careers and lives. Of course, there’s still the occasional lifestyle post thrown in — for good measure!
A: I first started my blog in May of 2014, so I’ve been blogging for a little over a year and half now. Wow, that went fast!
A: Well, many of my readers are bloggers themselves. So, I had been reading this particular reader’s blog for quite some time—and vice versa. We really clicked through thoughtful comments, social media, etc. One day, we decided to have a little Skype date just to chat about some different things.
It was my first time actually talking face-to-face with someone I had met through blogging, and it was such a neat experience! I felt like I had known her for ages, even though we had only ever interacted via the internet. We’re still in frequent contact, and I consider her a friend. Definitely one of my best interactions so far!
A: I work for myself as a freelance writer now. But, when I started blogging, I actually worked full-time in marketing. I enjoyed my job, but I didn’t get to write creatively nearly as much as I would have liked. So, my blog began as my outlet to write about the things I wanted, and has really grown from there. I love working on it!
A: It sounds cliché, but I’ve found so much joy in the blogging community. I’ve met so many people that I consider friends, even if we’ve never actually met face-to-face. It’s really a unique community, filled with people that are always willing to give advice, share tips, and generally just lift you up when you need it most.
A: The biggest piece of advice I’d offer is probably to resist the temptation of trying to fit yourself into a mold of what you think a blogger should be. There’s no guidebook to being a blogger, so write about the things you’re most passionate about. That enthusiasm will naturally shine through in your writing!
Oh, and try your best to stop comparing yourself to others. Maybe that person’s desk looks prettier on Instagram. Maybe they have more Twitter followers. But, in the end, it really doesn’t matter.
A: Man, it’s difficult to pick just one! I have a great time writing nearly all of my blog posts. So, this is a tough choice!
Alright, I’ve settled on my top two. I loved writing “Reflections on My First Year as a Business Owner”, just because it was so fun for me to look back on my first year in business and all of the things I had learned. I also loved writing “Dealing with an Inconsistent Income”. I think it’s something that a lot of creative entrepreneurs struggle with, so I really felt like I was offering a lot of value for my readers. And, that’s ALWAYS fun!
A: The number one challenge for me, personally, is finding a balance. I love working on my blog, but I also don’t want to live life just for the sole purpose of having content to post there. I’ve made an attempt to stick to a regular schedule and routine when it comes to blogging, to avoid having it creep into all aspects of my life.
Aside from that, the comparison trap is a real struggle as well. There’s always someone out there with a blog that you think is better than yours. But, yours is uniquely you, which is really all you need!
A: I absolutely adore Melyssa from The Nectar Collective, and she’s a big part of the reason I worked on a shift in my content. All of her posts are chock full of value for creative entrepreneurs, and they’re just genuinely fun to read! Throw in all of her ecourses, workbooks, and free downloads, and she’s just absolutely killin’ it!
I’ve also been a longtime fan of The Everygirl, and have the absolute pleasure of being the site’s Career Editor. They share such a wide range of relevant, well-written content. It’s my go-to stop for everything from decor and style, to health and finance!
A: My rescued terrier mutt, Bertuzzi, has become quite the Internet celebrity himself thanks to my blog. I feature weekly photos of him in my Friday posts, and he’s even an ambassador for Chewy.com. He never complains about the monthly treats!
