We’re back with another segment of TBP Insiders! This week we caught up with our babe Hayleigh Jade and quizzed her on all things blogging. From Hayleigh’s favourite collaboration to her top tips and advice for brands - Keep reading to find out what she had to say!
1. So Hayleigh, tell us a bit about you. When did you begin blogging and why?
I am a Life and Style Blogger from Manchester. I started blogging about 4 years ago, from starting out very basic and very small to what I am working on now. It was a hobby I really enjoyed that turned into creating content for every single day.
2. Is blogging your full time job?
At the moment, blogging is all I am focusing my time into. I am really wanting to see whether this is something that's sustainable to keep being my sole focus. I adore blogging and all the amazing people I have been able to meet through it, and fantastic opportunities that I have been able to have and experience.
3. What do you enjoy most about being a blogger?
My favourite thing about blogging is the relationships you are able to build with likeminded individuals. It's such a huge industry and it's amazing who you get to meet at events, trips etc. I love being able to build relationships with friends and brands, so you are able to work on campaigns that are really beneficial for everyone involved. I also adore the opportunities I am able to have, I have been able to visit some really gorgeous places this year already and I am so thankful for it all.
4. What is a typical day like for you?
Honestly, being a blogger means no day is the same - at least this is how it is for me. I can have really hectic and busy days where I am shooting or have meetings or may be down in London or away on a press trip. Then sometimes, a day can consist of catching up on missed emails and writing/editing new content. It changes day to day, and thats one of my favourite things about it.
5. Your photography is great! Who takes your photos and what camera do you use?
It really depends. A lot of the images I do take myself, unless they are street style images or more editorial style ones. There is a surprising amount you can do with yourself and a tripod! If this is not the case, I will usually have one of my photographer friends I have met along the way work with me on shooting some new content for my blog. I currently use the Olympus PEN EPL-7.
6. We all know what a lifesaver editing apps can be for those photos that just need a little something more! What’s your favourite editing tool and why?
I have two absolute go to editing tools when it comes to editing my Instagram images. My absolute ride or die is VSCO Cam. I could not live without it. I love how it makes my images look when I apply the usual technique I use. My second favourite is Snapseed. This really helps me with editing the more specific elements of the image i.e. lightening certain areas, reducing saturation of wood or off white segments.
7. As an influencer you probably get approached by a lot of brands on a daily basis. What advice would you give to brands who are looking to collaborate with influencers like yourself?
I think its hard to give anyone advice in this industry because it's so vast and varying. But I think the main thing when it comes to collaborations between brands and influencers, is that both parties need to be accepted as on the same creative level as one another and not to think that one has authority over another. I have always found that I find it so much easier working with a brand when the creative process is discussed and includes ideas and elements from both the brand and the influencer themselves.
8. What has been your favourite collaboration to date?
I have to say I always adore collaborating on travel content, so any of the press trips I have been lucky enough to go on have been some of the most amazing experiences of my life. Superdry have been one of the most amazing companies to work with, as I have been able to grow such a bond with the wonderful people working there as we have worked together.
9. Do you have any tips or advice for those thinking of starting a blog?
Don't try and conform. That's honestly the biggest piece of advice I would have told myself 4 years ago when I was first trying to start out. I would spend ages thinking what I wanted to do wasn't right because it wasn't what I was seeing everyone else doing.
10. What are your plans for the future?
I would love for my blogging to really take off and doing this longterm would be an absolute dream. However, I have always loved the writing aspect of my blog, so I would love to perhaps go into Journalism or use the skills I have learnt from all aspects of running my blog to another field.
Don't forget to check out Hayleigh's links below!
Blog: http://www.hayleighjm.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleighjm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hayleighjm
