travel blogger, lifestyle blogger, influencer, brand influencer, influencer instagram, fashion blogger

California Blooms

California is blooming and she is magnificent. I’m sure by now you’ve seen all the wildflowers everywhere. Spring has got to be one of my favorite seasons at all time. The other week ago, I finally got a chance to stop by and see the beautiful poppies in Lake Elsinore.

It was so relaxing to be surrounded by nature with thousands of poppies. I made this one shoulder floral dress for the beginning of the spring season. What do you like most about spring? Have you seen any of the super bloom yet?

XO,

Joy

How this interior stylist and blogger is juggling her career and “passion project” and shares her do’s and don’ts along the way

Who are you and where are you from?

My name is Katherine, I am an interior stylist and blogger. I am from Pittsburgh, but recently moved to Raleigh, NC!

What is your brand about and what made you start it?

My brand, My Eclectic Grace, encompasses a lot of things. I started it because I was struggling with all my creative pursuits; writing, content creation, photography, art, and interior design..I wanted to put it all into one thing and I wanted to reach a lot of people, which is how the blog was created!

Do you have another job outside of being a (blogger/influencer/entrepreneur)?

I work for a start up interior design company, Modsy. I have been a stylist for them for a little over a year.

Is it difficult to balance your work life and passion project(s)?

Because my work and my “passion project” go so hand in hand, it really has been an easy balance and transition! Of course I always wish there were more hours in the day to do more, but i’m lucky that I have the job I do.

What do you love the most about being an influencer?

I love getting to meet so many people! I am quite introverted, so making friends is challenging for me. I’ve made so many amazing friends through blogging and with Instagram, and they are friends that I actually hang out with now on a regular basis!

What do you think is the hardest thing about being an influencer?

I think it’s an untraveled path. There is no guide book. You can’t go to school and learn how to do it..you’d have to take business classes, marketing, photography, communication, journalism..I mean it encompasses it all and most people do not understand that.

That is awesome! Have you taken these classes yourself and how did they help you as an influencer?

I have not taken any classes like that, my degree is in interior architecture, so all of my classes were art based! I have taken a few Instagram strategy classes. I just finished Cynthia Harpers and it was by far the best investment for my influencer platform.

What are three tips you can give to someone who also wants to be an influencer like you?

I would say that it’s going to be challenging at first, but you will learn every day. It’s a lot of trial and error..and most importantly, don’t go it alone. I ask for help all the time, wether it’s someone proof reading my blog, asking for a shoutout on Instagram or having my fiancé help with taking pictures!

LOL. Yes, having a finance that takes pictures is definitely awesome. Can you talk to us more about shout outs on instagram? For readers that don’t know what that means, how does that work? Also, can you share a few things that DID NOT work for you? This might help some upcoming influencers to not make the same mistake!

Shout outs are when you tell your followers about another account. For instance I will share a few photos from an account I admire and why I like them and why my followers should check them out – in turn they do this for me (most of the time!) It’s a prearranged thing – I always reach out to these accounts first to talk it over. It gets you seen in front of a whole new audience – but if it’s in your niche then it’s even more powerful. Things that DID not work for me was copying. And I don’t mean I copy and pasted others, I mean that I used to look at others and how they edited photos, what they talked about, how their bio was set up and would do the same thing. I didn’t carve out an identity for myself and that was not healthy – you have to be authentic and confident in who you are and what you’re promoting or you will get sucked into the rabbit hole of social media!

What are your goals and where do you see yourself a year from now? & where do you hope to be in 3 – 5 years?

My goal is to make this my full time career. I want to start a family in the next 3-5 years, so I want to be established by then. It’s a great career for flexibility and creativity!

Sounds like an amazing goal! What kind of niche are you thinking and what’s your focus going to be?

My niche is DIY and home decor. I through in a little lifestyle and hope to do more of that as I get established.

Who/what inspires you or keeps you motivated to do what you do?

It’s not so much who or what motivates me, it’s more the feeling of being on the other spectrum. I had a 9-5 for years, and I felt like it just leeched creativity from me, and my time was not my own. Doing what i’m doing, I’m able to travel whenever I feel like it, and it’s me who choses how high I rank. The only limit it myself!

What’s your favorite app aside from instagram?

I’ve recently become really interested in photography and editing. I downloaded Lightroom and have been playing around with it a lot!

What’s your next project and how can we support you?

I don’t have anything big coming down the pipeline – this time of year I like to be gracious with my time and take it easy. After the new year however, I will be starting a new business with my fiancé, and we are really excited about that!

That’s so exciting! Can you tell us a little bit more about your business with your fiancé?

I wish I could say more, but it’s a surprise for everyone! All I can say is it has to do with coffee! 😉

How important is it to you to make genuine connections/friendships through social media/in our industry & why?

It’s extremely important. I am a firm believer in being authentic and genuine..I can not relate, nor really communicate with people who are doing this for the wrong reasons. I’m all about supporting others and community over competition.

What does female empowerment and girls supporting girls mean to you?

It’s everything!! Especially in this field, jealousy is real. But when you support other women in their pursuits, you push that positive energy out into the world. It makes a difference.

Where can we find you in social media?(state your social media handles/blog/website)

You can find me on IG at @myeclecticgrace

my blog is www.myeclecticgrace.com

What are you looking forward to the most from Influencer Girl Gang and what do you hope to acquire from joining us?

I look forward to seeing other girl’s journeys and supporting them in their dreams! I hope to acquire an uplifting and empowering community of like minded people!

December 7, 2018December 7, 2018

madewithjoyLeave a comment

How To Make Unicorn Headbands

Anyone else obsessed with unicorns?!

If you are – here’s a step to step how to guide on making unicorn headbands.
For our latest Secretly A Mermaid, photoshoot we made unicorn headbands to complete our “UniMer” Themed Photoshoot with collaboration with Swimbrayv

First —> you’ll be needing all these below:

-scissors, flowers, cotton/stuffing material, paper to make your pattern, fabric of your choice, headband, glue gun + glue sticks, felt

Now let’s get to it!

Make a patter for your headband – trace it and add 1/2″ all around.

Then cut your pattern.

Draw your unicorn ears (1 big for outer ear + 1 small for inside ear) and draw your horn (make sure it rolls together).

It should look like something like this. After that – it’s time to cut the fabric!

Cut the headband pattern 2x.

Cut the horn pattern once.

Cut the inside ear 2x.

Then cut the bigger piece in felt (in this case I chose the white felt) to go with the iridescent mermaid fabric.

Afterwards:

Put the the two headband fabrics and sew the sides together and put the headband inside.
Fold the horn and meet the sides and sew until it makes a horn – then stuff it with cotton/extra fabric or stuffing material.
Glue the inside fabric ear to the felt (the bigger outside ear)

Everything should look something like this below:

Now you can assemble your unicorn headband and place them where you want everything to go. Cut the flowers and place them where you like. Then glue everything together —> including the bottom part of the headband.

TADAAAAAA! Now you can officially be a unicorn!

What did you boys and girls think of this blog post? Do you want to see more DIY projects? Any request of what you’d like me to teach you next?

XO,

Joy

July 20, 2018July 20, 2018

madewithjoyLeave a comment

Lavender Festival

Hi friends,

On June 16, 2018, Eddie and I went to the Lavender Festival <3 It’s probably one of my favorite festivals yet as it’s celebrated at the beautiful 123 Farm at Highland Springs Ranch & Inn where the organic herbs are grown.

They also serve lavender everything – from drinks to ice cream with live music!

You can also make your own lavender crown! But we came a bit later so we were too late!

They also have mini cute shops that sell oils, soaps, candles, spices, teas, books, honey and even bread!

Then there’s two huge fields with lavender where you are free to take pics and there were also horse drawn carriages where they give out guided tours.

And of course, I had to make an outfit for this gorgeous event! I made floral flowy dress that ties at the front. All portraits are taken by my photographer boyfriend, Eddie <3

If you missed this year’s event, I hope you make it next year. It’s so worth it and have I mentioned relaxing?

XO,

Joy

July 3, 2018July 3, 2018

madewithjoyLeave a comment

DIY: HOW TO MAKE SELF WATERING PLANTS

Are you a plant killer like me? If so, I have just the perfect DIY for you.

Dont know what to do with old plastic bottles? Instead of throwing them away, which could pollute the oceans, why not be crafty with these DIY self watering planters?

The concept is very simple: the string sucks the water up from the bottom portion of the planter to the top part.

Here’s a step by step on how to make one.

THINGS YOU’LL NEED.

2. Cut the water bottle in half – measuring the height of your plant and how much room it needs to be able to support it and poke a hole on the cap.and

3. Cut string or really thick thread (like yarn) and make it go through the whole, long enough to reach the water and long enough to reach the soil of the plant.

4. Add pebbles to have a little bit of weight on the plastic bottle and to keep the string in place.

5. Add the plant of your choice on the top portion and water at the bottom part and stack it up on top of each other. Make sure the cap is closed tightly.

And you’re done!

I know I added some paint on my materials needed – but it’s totally up to you. Feel free to get creative with this!

Did you find this blog post helpful? Are there any other DIYs you’d like me to do?

Also, I teamed up with Mobil1 to show off your love for DIY projects and get the ultimate garage make over! Mobil1™ is the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand and the #1 choice of drivers, mechanics, and car builders. This oil delivers exceptional performance and protection for vehicles of all ages and for all driving conditions—normal to extreme. Mobil 1 synthetic motor oils offer a full range of temperature protection: For cold starts, the oil keeps flowing as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can withstand high temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you need a garage make over, feel free to do these simple steps:

1.) Post a picture of your DIY project
2.) Follow @Mobil1 on Instagram
3.) Use #Mobil1Warrior and #Sweepstakes in your caption
4.) Tag @Mobil1
5.) Your Profile MUST be public to participate
6.) Enter the sweepstakes here.

XO,

Joy

June 29, 2018June 29, 2018

madewithjoy4 Comments

Museum of Ice Cream

The long wait is over as I finally got the chance to visit the Museum of Ice Cream!!! I love ice cream so much that I dressed up as one! Teehee. To everyone else that hasn’t gotten a chance to go yet, they just opened a new one in SF. You should definitely try to go! It’s probably the third happiest place on Earth in my books! The rules are pretty simple in this museum, you get a treat in every room you go into, you have loads of fun, you get to to dance around and sing a long with cool jams and you get to make new friends! They have the best employees. Everyone has a great personality and dances with you. We weren’t allowed to touch the hanging bananas and the black cones but other than that, you can pretty much touch everything. They also have a few cameras where you can take pics with your friends. My favorite room is probably the sprinkles pool – which is at the very end of the museum. I didn’t get to take a lot of photos as we didn’t have enough time. Also, when you go to each room – remember that you cannot go backwards so take your time!!! It’s a fun place to go on a date, go out with your friends or family or to be honest to go by yourself. I wish they sell more tickets because I’d definitely go again.

What do you guys think about my ice cream outfit? I pretty much wore a white tulle top and a brown fitted skirt for the cone and made a cherry headband.

XOXO,

Joy

September 14, 2017September 14, 2017

madewithjoyLeave a comment

Temporary Setbacks

“An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that its going to launch you to something great.”

One of my girlfriends sent this quote to me recently and it spoke so much to me. I never really thought of life this way but thinking about t now, it’s fairly true. Every time I am going through a setback, it normally prepares for something bigger and better in life which eventually ends up making me stronger. About a year ago when I was going through the roughest time of my life (yet), I always asked myself why is this happening to me? why? why? why? Until I got to the point where I got sick and tired of asking why, sulking around and crying. A year or so later did I realize that everything happens for a reason and that temporary setbacks are overcome through persistence, handwork and an amazing support system.

I cannot be more happy now and be glad of everything that I’ve been through. Because of these setbacks, I have adapted the meaning of self-love, learned who my true friends are and I’ve grown to appreciate my family more. A month ago, I had to leave my full-time job as a designer in order for me to spend some time with my family in Asia. Although, the idea of doing this is extremely difficult at that time since I’m slightly a workaholic, I do not regret doing so now. Reconnecting with my cousins that I grew up with, my aunts and uncles and making more memories with them is probably one of the best decision I’ve made this year. It blows my mind how little people have in third world countries; yet they probably are the happiest people I’ve ever met.

Now that I’m back in America, looking for a job now is actually a lot harder than I thought. Thankfully, I have a support system that encourages me that this isn’t the end and that I most likely needed this break before I get sucked back in the crazy world of the fashion industry. Oh and for this look, I made a simple two piece hot pink bathing suit and a white see through cover up. If you haven’t noticed on my last blog posts, I may or may not be obsessed with the color white. It’s just so easy to wear especially over the summer. What’s your favorite go to piece this season? Is anyone else sad that summer is ending too? And have you gone through any setbacks in life recently? If so, have they helped you shape the person you are now?

XOXO,

Joy

August 24, 2016

madewithjoyLeave a comment

Golden Age

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) is probably on of my favorite historical places I visited in Thailand. It is one of the oldest, largest and most revered temples in Bangkok. It is a must see if you are ever visiting Bangkok. The gigantic statue is the largest in Thailand. You can always hop on a tuk-tuk, or a metered cab depending how far you’re staying to get there. Be sure to dress appropriately. You cannot wear shorts or anything that shows a lot of skin. For this look, I made a two piece set outfit – a pop over top and a long pleated skirt made out of elephant print woven fabric.

Have you visited any interesting places this summer?

XOXO,

Joy

August 8, 2016

madewithjoy1 Comment

Colors

One of my favorite places in the world is the beach. It’s just so peaceful and relaxing. I grew up living 15 mins from the beach in Oxnard and when I was younger, I didn’t take advantage of living so close to it. But now that craziness and business of adulthood has finally arrived, I could use a simple getaway here and there. For this look, I made a colorful long maxi see through dress that can easily be worn on top of a bathing suit – perfect for summer weather. I’ll probably wear this dress multiple times for the next few months. Anyone else super excited that summer is finally here?

Photo Creds: Ever

XO,

Joy

June 3, 2016June 3, 2016

madewithjoyLeave a comment

Let Them Eat Cake

Growing up in Oxnard, I’ve volunteered each year in the California Strawberry Festival when I was in High School. But it wasn’t until this year did i know that there is a “Crazy Hat Contest” Of course, The Blogging Babes and I had to join and compete in this contest. This contest did not only take us out of our comfort zone (we had to walk and pose across the stage) but it also helped us express our creativity. Although we didn’t win the first prize, we all had so much fun creating our hats! I made a cake on top of my hat since I used to always volunteer in strawberry short cake tent and my vision for my cake is real. Haha. For my outfit, I created a free flowing top with a long skirt and a side slit. I wanted to make sure that my outfit was simple and that it complemented my obnoxious hat. What do you guys think of this look? Have you gone to any festivals lately?

XOXO,

Joy

May 25, 2016

madewithjoyLeave a comment