Every Monday we bring you a featured blogger who inspires us. This week we’re excited to share with you Rita of Coast With Me! Rita started Coast With Me as a creative outlet after graduating from college. She is now enjoying the journey, meeting amazing new friends, and embracing who she is, quirks and all! Read more about Rita here!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Well, there are a few things you need to know about me. 1) I love music. Every stage of my life is associated with a special song. And I love to sing in the car (I feel terrible for my passengers). Especially when Mariah Carey comes on the radio. You just have to belt it out and own the performance. Warning: Don’t attempt her whistle register (especially while driving lol). 2) I love to express myself through fashion. I’ve always been a woman of a few words, so I like my outfits to do all the talking. As a child, nothing gave me more joy than picking out the right outfit for free dress day. Hmm…what else, I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. Graduated with a degree in communication studies. Got my real estate license on my 19th birthday. Have done marketing, writing, PR, and styling internships. Not quite an intern queen, but I’m getting there. And….I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up;).
What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Creative, Passionate, Friendly
What Profession other than yours would you love to attempt?
Personal Styling
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is always changingJ, but my latest and greatest favorite is from Jim Carrey. If you haven’t heard his commencement speech, please take a few minutes of your time to watch it. Here is my favorite quote from his speech, “I learned many, many lessons from my father, but not the least of which is that you can fail at something you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance doing what you love.” (Note To Self)
What inspired your blog?
A little something I like to call a Quarter-Life Crisis.
What is your favorite social media platform and why?
I use Facebook the most because it’s the easiest way to keep in touch with friends and family. For blogging purposes, I would have to say Instagram is my favorite platform because I love all of the beautiful and inspirational pictures
Where do you find inspiration for blog posts?
Pinterest, friends & family, fashionable and fabulous people on the streets, fellow fashion bloggers, going through my closet and pairing random pieces together, and good ol’ retail therapy
What do you think it is about your blog that keeps people coming back for more?
Hmm…this is always a tough question to answer. I shop at stores like Forever 21 and H&M and throw in a few lucky finds from Tar-jay every now and then. I think people come back to my blog because they can relate to me (and my shopping habits). J
How does a brand get your attention for a feature?
A simple email gets my attention. If I think the brand is a good fit for my blog, I will feature the brand.
What do you love most about blogging?
I would say connecting and building relationships with readers and other bloggers.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I don’t know about you all, but the 10 year plan gives me a whole lot of anxiety. So much of my life is spent worrying about the future instead of living in the present moment. What will I be doing in 10 years? Will I feel fulfilled career wise? Will I own a home? Be single or married? Kids or no kids? Traveling? Still Blogging? And so on. Sometimes, I just want to turn off that switch in my brain and not worry about whether I will or will not hit certain milestones by a certain age. To answer your question, I don’t know where I see myself in 10 years, but I have faith that everything will work out and I will be exactly where I’m supposed to be in 10 years.
In your opinion, what separates a great blog from an unsuccessful blog?
It’s so important to have a unique and authentic voice. Also, being consistent with your posting schedule, being active on social media, and interacting with your readers.
