#MyBlogLife: STELLAR Meets Niamh Webb O’Rourke Of Love Life Blog

When did you start blogging?

I started blogging at the beginning of 2014. Initially I started a blog part-time during sixth year because I was interested in doing a journalism course in university but when I decided to take a year out after my Leaving Cert before third level, I thought why not give it a proper shot.

How often do you blog?

Initially, I was trying to get a post up every second day, I thought that was the only way I’d get readers, but now I blog two to three times a week. A lot of work goes into each post and I put a lot of effort into my content.

My schedule over the last couple of years has been pretty busy. I only recently graduated from Limerick Senior College where I studied Fashion Buying and Merchandising. I was also working as a make-up artist with MAC and studying for a degree in Digital Marketing and Social Media for Business. Right now, I’m studying with the London School of Styling in Fashion PR and Styling, and as well as that I work part-time in Schuh.

Is blogging easy to break into?

Personally I don’t think so, no. I think you really need to have a love for blogging because it comes across in all aspects of your blog and social media if you don’t. You need to find your feet and your niche before you crack into it. In saying that, blogging’s becoming bigger and better everyday, so the opportunities that are now being presented to us bloggers are incredible.

What camera do you use?

I use the Canon 1100D with a Sigma 70-300mm Lens.

Do you think social media and the need for ‘likes’ puts pressure on young girls and bloggers?

In a way I think it does, yes.  Obviously the more likes and followers you get, the better you feel in some way or another, and when you see others with more followers, you do sometimes wish that that was you. But on the other hand I don’t think so, you get out what you put into social media, so I think if you’re strong enough, you won’t let that part affect you.

How do you deal with that pressure yourself?

I’m someone that thrives on pressure and I do usually like to have a million things going on at once. If I don’t, I get bored and end up doing nothing productive. But when everything gets on top of me, I love to have a few pamper hours to myself with no distractions, like putting on a face mask, fake tan etc. I love alone time, just so I can think to myself and make a plan of action to sort everything out.

What are your thoughts on the recent Essena O’Neill fiasco?

In all honesty I haven’t paid much attention to it. There has been so many stories going around about it, you wouldn’t know what to believe. I do agree that the bigger your following is, the more pressure you might feel to make everything look perfect and amazing, but I think if you’re honest to yourself and putting your real self out there, trying to get the perfect photo shouldn’t really affect you that much.

Has everyone around you always been supportive of your blogging aspirations?

100%, I’m incredibly lucky that my friends and family have been really supportive of my choice to start a blog and pursue it as my career. Initially they didn’t understand the whole concept, but now they know so much more about it and see the amazing opportunities that you can be presented with. At this stage they’re the ones that push me to put myself out there and experience new things.

You recently uploaded a post about anxiety, what advice do you have for other young women who might be experiencing the same thing?

I’d written that a few weeks before posting it and I was really hesitant about putting it up there, but I couldn’t haven been happier with my decision. The response I got was amazing. The only advice I can offer is to speak to someone. Just opening up to someone and getting everything off your chest is such a relief. I also keep a journal and write down how I feel most days, it really helps.

Lets talk fashion, where do you get your outfit inspo?

I literally get inspiration from everything! The oddest thing can inspire me and influence my style in a way you could never imagine. I do like to be edgy with my looks, because that’s what I’m most comfortable in. Just walking through the streets of a city can present a huge amount of inspiration. I recently went to London Fashion Week and I came back with a million different ideas and inspirations for new looks, it was amazing.

Do you prefer understated or overstated?

I think somewhere in-between really. I like dressing comfortably, casual and understated, but I’ll always throw on something that makes me feel a little bit glamorous. It means I’ll be prepared for whatever the day has in store.

Where do you like to shop?

My favourites are Zara, Topshop and of course Penneys, but I’m also an avid online shopper. Boohoo and Missguided are my go-too online shops. So much so that I’m on a first name basis with the couriers!

Do you follow trends or do your own thing?

I think I’m 50/50 really. I do like to incorporate trends into my looks just so my looks fit into what’s in style but generally I love to do my own thing. I know what pieces suit me and I know what doesn’t. The most important thing is that I’m 100% comfortable in any look, be it day or night.

What will you be wearing this season?

I’m definitely an A/W girl. I’ll be wearing over-sized coats, blanket scarves, skinny jeans and of course a good pair of boots – either my beloved Timberlands or Dr.Martens.

What’s on your Christmas wish list?

My Christmas list is never-ending as per usual! The main thing I have on it is an over-sized tweed coat, I saw one in Zara a few months back and fell in love.

Any tips for other aspiring bloggers?

Be true to yourself. Honestly, find what you like and stick with it. Don’t try to please everyone, please yourself. Once you’re happy with your blog, the right followers will follow you. Be interactive and meet new people, no matter how daunting it is.

The blogging community is amazing and especially in Ireland. We’re all so supportive of each other and will push each other to achieve the best that we can. I’ve met some of my greatest friends through blogging so yeah, be active and be true to you.

Wanna be a part of #MyBlogLife? It runs online weekly and in the magazine monthly, too. To be considered, you need to have a personal blog. Join STELLAR’s Facebook group, open to all personal bloggers, or drop an email to info@stellar.ie, telling us why we should feature you.

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