Happy Valentines Day Friends!! I am so excited today to introduce to you a new friend (Joy from Frock Files) and a new bi-monthly blogging series (Blog Crush)! Twice a month I'm going to be sharing with you a snapshot into the life of a new favorite blogger. The inspiration to start this new series hit me (not suprisingly) while I was attending the blogging conference Alt Summit a few weeks ago. I just met so many incredible bloggers that I knew I had to spread the word!
I'm thrilled to introduce you to Joy today. She was one of the first new friends I met at the conference when we happened to be on the same tram. I knew from the instant I met Joy that we would be fast friends. She is a genuine and creative soul who makes you feel right at ease immediately. Read on to learn more about Joy:
When did you start blogging? What inspired you to start blogging?
I’d dipped my toe into the blogging world in 2006, but I was in grad school at the time and just couldn’t commit to it. When I started again at the end of 2011, I was still pretty casual about it. I just wanted a place where I could marry my love of writing and design; I needed a creative outlet.
What is your favorite aspect of writing your blog, and what do you find the most challenging about blogging?
The community that you can choose to be a part of as a blogger is incredible, and it’s by far my favorite thing about blogging. I love being part of a group of people who are constantly looking for ways to create new things and inspire people. Finding the time to sit down and write can be difficult, since I also write and design for clients, but I just have so many ideas to share that I enjoy the challenge.
What are some posts that you've written recently on Frock Files that made you feel like Yes! that was awesome!?
After coming back from Alt Summit, I didn’t know if I should do any recap posts because I figured everyone else would be doing them. But I have a close-knit group of blogger friends who really wanted to go to the conference and couldn’t make it, and I wanted to create posts that made them feel like they were armed with the best information that I got there. Those three posts ("The Truest Version of You" featuring Jasmine Star, "Meet Mr. Hackworth" & "Tips for Growing Your Blog") were linked to and re-posted in multiple places. Though, what meant most to me was the fact that the friends I had in mind when writing those posts let me know they got a lot out of them.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
It’s easy for me to get stuck behind my computer, but whenever I get blocked I pick up the latest issue of the New Yorker or listen to a podcast (This American Life is one of my favorite things ever). Taking my mind in a completely different direction than my work does amazing things. And when all else fails: cake.
What is your favorite pair of shoes and why?
{ Source: Joy }
Right now, I’m smitten with this pair of lace-up heeled boots from Chinese Laundry. I’ve been trying to break out of my fashion comfort zone, and these definitely aren’t like anything else I own, which is refreshing.
What was the last great book you read?
I’m currently reading Zadie Smith’s NW. It’s phenomenal! With each character, it feels like she steps out of one suit, zips up another, and becomes them. They’re all so real -- and maybe because I lived in London for two years -- so familiar. Also, though I can’t take credit for actually reading it, my guy reads to me every night and we just finished Life of Pi, which was gorgeous, and also completely exhausting.
What current dream or goal are you working towards (big or small)?
When I moved to Boston and began looking for a job, everyone said, “It’s all about who you know in this town.” I, of course, knew no one -- how frustrating! After Alt, I realized that this city is made up of transplants, many of whom are creatives looking for a way to make connections. I’m in the very early stages of planning an event to bring creative women together to foster friendships and possible collaborations, and maybe even careers. I’m starting with the goal of having one party this summer, and we’ll see how it goes from there.
What's your go-to meal?
I’m kind of in love with my Crock Pot -- especially in these cold months. Whenever I need to cook for lots of people, or I just want leftovers for the week, I make a big pot of this stellar turkey chili. It’s the best chili I’ve ever had, it’s healthy, and it takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time, which makes it a slam dunk in my book.
Do you have a personal motto? If so, lay it on us. If not, do you have a favorite quotation or inspirational piece of art?
Who are your top five blog crushes? Is there a blogger that would you love to meet in real life?
These first three ladies were at Alt, and I was so lucky that I got to meet them. I write for Melanie Blodgett’s blog occasionally, and I’d been in contact with Melanie Biehle and Nicole, so it was great to finally chat in person:
1. Melanie Biehle of Inward Facing Girl
2. Nicole Balch of Making it Lovely
3. Melanie Blodgett of You Are My Fave
4. Theresa Dykes of InspirationCOOPERATIVE has a gorgeous blog; I think she has the most flawless taste. We’re great friends, and she actually helped me to come up with the concept for my business cards for Alt (I gave a few away in a vellum envelope with friendship bracelets). I hope that I can someday be as spot on as Theresa always is.
5. When I introduced myself to people at Alt, they would look shocked, then confused. Then they’d say slowly, “As in...OH JOY?” Sadly, no. That said, I think Joy Cho of Oh Joy! has the cutest blog around and I love reading about her little family. I mean, have you seen her baby? And her adorable “Make Someone Happy” videos? I just about die every time I visit her site.
Isn't Joy Incredible? Don't forget to check out her amazing blog: Frock Files. You can also follow her on twitter, facebook, pinterest, and instagram. Don't be shy!
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