Because I don’t have a tech background, it’s been challenging to learn how the blogging world works. SEO is still a bit of an enigma for me. I’ve become obsessed with checking my site viewers on Google Analytics and get frustrated when I see a decline. The worst part is not knowing what to do to increase my traffic. I feel like I’ve tried everything, but my numbers have remained stagnant. Basically, being patient has been hard!

The blog was originally intended to be a lifestyle blog for busy women. I was going to write about cooking, gardening, exercising, etc. as well as fashion and beauty. Because I didn’t understand SEO or blogs, I didn’t realize that my focus was too broad. When I did finally realize why I was getting no exposure, I consulted my trusty GA to see which posts were most popular. With the exception of a post about hosting a New Mexican themed dinner party, my most popular posts were about beauty and fashion. So, I decided to do that. It’s been fun immersing myself in the fashion world. Very different from teaching!


What do you want to accomplish with your blog?

I started the blog because I was just learning CSS and HTML and wanted a project. I also was still trying to decide what I was going to do with the rest of my life and thought it would be fun to write about things I was interested in and good at. So, basically, the blog was always intended to be a starting point for me in determining my next steps career-wise. And, it’s done that. In learning and writing about fashion, I’ve had many project and business ideas that have been passed to me and some that I’ve come up with. So, to answer your question, the selfish goal I have for the blog is that it helps me determine the next steps for my work.

The less selfish goal I have is for my intended audience. Many of the fashion sites I visited before starting this blog were fun, but not super informative and not realistic. I want my readers to be able to come to my site and easily find what the latest trends are, how to wear them and where to find affordable options. Though many women love watching fashion shows and enjoy designer clothes, few of us can actually afford any of that. So, I hope to bridge that disconnect.

I’m also interested in building more of a community among participants in the online fashion community. There seems to be very little communication or camaraderie. I’ve found it quite difficult to ‘make friends’ with other fashion bloggers. There’s a sense of unnecessary competition when really, we could be supporting each other.


How did you make the decision to leave teaching to go out and do your own things?

Oh! Tough question! And, how to answer this well? I loved teaching and have no regrets for making that my career for 6 years. I am the type of person who gives absolutely every part of herself to her latest project. And, that’s what I did with my students. I worked in a pretty challenging school and it became harder and harder to take care of myself and live my own life. I needed to focus on my needs, my relationships and what I ultimately want out of life. Really, I needed to allow myself to be more selfish for a little bit.

It was also time for a new challenge. Teaching was always very challenging. But, it was a challenge that had become routine for me. When a student was struggling with reading, I knew the steps to take to approach that issue. When a student was having home issues or behavioral issues, I knew what to do next. Those things were no less challenging, they just didn’t require me to be as creative or thoughtful as I had originally had to be. I needed something new.

The goals I have for myself include more flexibility and freedom on a day to day basis as well as long-term. Teaching wasn’t going to allow me that.


Who should be reading and what’s your plan to get a hold of them?

Anyone! I have a guy friend who says he reads it at work. He strategically places windows on his desktop so his co-workers won’t think he’s secretly interested in buying a new pair of Skinny Jeans.

My target audience is women aged 20-50 who want to learn more about fashion and beauty. My site is much more practical than just showing the latest runway trends. I show you how to achieve those looks for yourself at a reasonable price.

My plan to get a hold of them? Well, that’s the challenge! I’ve done lots of networking, link sharing, commenting, forum discussing and have tried to crack the SEO code. Any other ideas?


How can the okdork readers help you?

I would love any feedback! Feedback on layout, content, SEO, increasing traffic, etc.
And, spread the word! Tell your girlfriends, your sisters, your moms, your grandmas…your male coworkers!