Hi, I'm Andi and I'm the momma of 2, wife of 1 (thank goodness), elementary teacher turned SAHM, crafter, wannabe photographer, and lover of all things vintage or antique. You can find me most days writing and photographing our daily lives, craft tutorials, recipes, and reflections on real life at
The Hollie Rogue.
I'm also the oldest of three girls and my sisters and I recently (November 2011) opened an etsy shop together--
The Hollie Rogue Shop where we sell our handmade vintage-inspired accessories.
Today, I'd like to share a little about my blogging journey and what steps I took toward opening my own online business.
Like I said, I started blogging in February of 2011--shortly after having my second child. I guess, looking back, I mostly started because I liked the thought of having something of my own that was a creative outlet, but also to keep my long-distance family updated. I had about 4 "followers" and was afraid to even tell people about it for fear of....who knows what.
Very shortly after I started the blog, we discovered that my baby son had
craniosynostosis (his soft spot was closed) and had to have major surgery to repair it. The blog became such a blessing as I was able to reflect and write about
that journey for all of our friends and family to read.
Skip ahead a few months, and I started sponsoring Casey Wiegand's blog--
CaseyLeigh. I felt such a connection with her and she was always so sweet to return my emails and answer questions. Through that sponsorship, along with joining link parties, commenting on lots of blogs/day, and social media, I slowly grew my readership. I have met some really amazing, genuine woman through this journey and look forward to meeting many more of you in the future!
In September, I won a professional and complete blog redesign from Jessica at
Southtown Creative and began taking on sidebar sponsors. It seriously makes me so happy to share about other handmade businesses and positive, inspiring bloggers.
During this time, my sisters and I were throwing around the idea of opening an
etsy shop, but I really didn't think I knew where to start. We each settled on a couple of items that we felt were good ideas and started putting it all together, photographing product, and in November, officially opened for business. It was such an exciting time--new beginnings with a new challenge.
Now here we are in the new year and I'm really looking forward to all it has for The Hollie Rogue
blog &
shop. If you are a new blogger or shop owner, like myself, my advice is that you not worry too much about the "numbers" and comparing yourself to everyone else, but to embrace WHO you are and WHAT you have to offer (we all have something--because God made us so unique). And, I, for one, would love to get to know you better so stop by
The Hollie Rogue and say "hello" sometime!
Thanks to Liz, for having me today!
Blessings, friends & soon-to-be friends~
Andi
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Giveaway:
One vintage-inspired ring (winner's choice from the rings pictured) & an XL Ad Package for the month of February!
Mandatory: Follow Andi's BLOG.
Extra Entries:
Tweet, FB or blog about this giveaway
Visit the SHOP. What's your favorite item?
Follow The Hollie Rogue on TWITTER.
Giveaway open to residents of the U.S. & Canada. Giveaway will end on Friday, January 20th at midnight mountain standard time (Arizona). Winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Saturday, January 21st. Good luck ;)
