Trending 30th May 2015 by Genevieve Wilson
#MyBlogLife: STELLAR Meets Rosie Connolly From Hearts, Heels And Handbags
Mummy blogger Rosie Connolly's blog Hearts, Heels and Handbags get 7,000 hits a day. We chat to her about how it all started and juggling her busy schedule.
Age: 25
Website: heartsheelsandhandbags.blogspot.ie
Blog Traffic: Avg 7,000 hits per day
Twitter: @rosieconnolly
Instagram: @rosieconxxx
Youtube: youtube.com/rosie170190
Tell us about starting your blog
It was only when I was pregnant with my son that I really began to blog regularly. I gained a strong following from my pregnancy fashion posts. I now blog full time, so the work never stops.
What’s in your essential kit?
My iPhone 6 plus, my Macbook Air, a good notebook and diary. There is so much going on at once, that if I didn’t write every event and meeting down, I would be a disaster.
How big is your following?
I gain 700 new followers a week on Instagram. I update my Instagram over six times a day, and I spend most of my day scrolling through other bloggers’ and celebrities’ feeds too.
What have been your biggest blogging challenges?
Putting your life in the public eye leaves you open to internet trolls. I have had plenty of nasty comments online, but for every negative comment, there’s a thousand more positive ones.
What’s been your best opportunity?
Teaming up with Stila Ireland and Harvey Nichols to produce my Beauty Masterclass has been amazing.
What’s been your best freebie?
It has to be the constant flow of free make up from amazing brands! I do a lot of giveaways with my followers.
What’s your next big purchase?
I think it will have to be another Louis Vuitton bag to add to the family. I currently have the Speedy 35 and matching purse, all thanks to my lovely partner Paul. I would love to add the Never Full to my collection next.
Your favourite blog category?
It used to be fashion but now I love doing baby posts. So many of my followers are Mums or due their first baby. I love sharing my experiences.
How do you make your blog stand out?
I’m a young, unmarried Mum, who is juggling home and work life. There are not many Mummy bloggers out there who are in their twenties so I think that gives me an edge.
Tell us about becoming a mum
My Mum told me I “went into the hospital as a girl, and came out as a woman” and I couldn’t agree more. My gorgeous boy Harry has taught me what really matters in life. My self confidence has really grown, and I’m much more comfortable in my own skin.
Did motherhood change your career?
Motherhood made me rethink my career and made me want to work harder for Harry. He motivates me to give him the life that I was so lucky to be given from my parents.
Who’s your inspiration?
My own Mum. She overcame breast cancer two years ago with an even more positive attitude and I am utterly in awe of her. There is nothing she cannot do.
What’s been your biggest hurdle?
The hardest year of my life was definitely 2008, when my Dad passed away tragically. I was a Daddy’s girl and it hit me very hard. I have suffered from severe anxiety ever since, but have come out the other side.
Where do you see yourself in two years?
I’d love to start my own online boutique, and have my own make-up range.
Any tips for other new mums juggling a new baby and work?
My key to success so far is organisation. If I know I am going to have a busy day, I prepare everything the night before. I lay out both mine and Harry’s outfits for the day. I lay out my make-up at my make-up station. I pack my handbag and Harry’s baby bag. It is the only way I can be on time for meetings and not get into a panic. Also, multitask when you can.