Every week we bring you a featured blogger who inspires us. This week we’re so excited to share with you Meagan of Meagan’s Moda! Just celebrating the two year anniversary, Meagan’s Moda was launched as a platform for sharing her love of all things style-related. Currently based in Rome, Italy Meagan also shares her travels and the places she has visited while there. Read more about Meagan here.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Prior to starting my blog I was a first grade elementary school teacher for six years, though I have always been obsessed with the fashion world ever since I was a little girl. My parents like to joke about how I would wear dress shoes with my PJs because I liked to play “fashion”, and all these years later I still enjoy finding any excuse to dress up! Because I like to read about and stay current on all the latest fashion trends, it became inevitable I would start following several online bloggers. It didn’t take long for me to begin thinking about how much fun blogging might be, especially since I was already putting together outfits every day for school. Finally, after some research into website/blog design and lots of encouragement from my husband, I decided to launch Meagan’s Moda in September 2013. (Side note: ‘moda’ is Italian for style, but I named the blog a year before we even found out we were moving to Italy—I like to think it was fate!) Ever since then we have been a blogging team, with him behind the camera and me in front, all the while having a blast traveling and shopping. The biggest change in our lives, and the blog, has been our move to Rome, Italy, which has been both challenging and amazing. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to live overseas, and even more so in a European fashion capital!
What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Classic – This is more of what I strive for since I personally love timeless style, and like to think of myself as more of a classic dresser as opposed to just following current trends.
Perfectionist – I know I can’t be perfect, but I am always pushing myself to be better and get everything “just right”. With my accessories, blog posts, and photos I always obsess over trying to achieve the best. If you asked my husband then he would probably tell you how this is his least favorite trait of mine since the standard of quality means more photography work for him 😉
Reliable – I grew up learning the importance of loyalty and following through on my promises, to myself as well as others. While this may not necessarily translate to blogging, it is an aspect of my personality which I feel gives me a strong work ethic as well as a solid foundation in all my relationships in life.
What Profession other than yours would you love to attempt?
I think being a buyer for a major retailer would be great to try, and I’ve always wanted to get paid for shopping!
What is your favorite quote?
“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel
(Just one of many Chanel quotes I love!)
What inspired your blog?
I think I always knew I would enjoy blogging, but I initially didn’t have the opportunity or time since I was teaching. You could say the motivation was always there, but I just hadn’t connected the dots and realized that blogging was something I could actually do. Everything changed when my husband went away for work for a few months, during which time I would send him pictures of my outfits after getting ready each morning. One day he told me I should post my outfits online so other people could take inspiration from my creations, and then the idea just clicked. From that point forward it was just a matter of time until the blog was born, and I certainly couldn’t have done it without him!
What is your favorite social media platform and why?
Instagram is my favorite because it is entirely based on photography. It is one of the best platforms for spreading creativity, with everything from fashion to travel. I especially like how easy it is to share my photos with others since what I do is visually based. Finally, I also like how practically EVERYONE is on Instagram, making it a great tool for connecting with brands, finding new people, and staying in touch with old friends.
Where do you find inspiration for blog posts?
Every time I read a fashion magazine, get a new piece of clothing, try on footwear, or even just go window shopping, I have some type of inspiration for a blog post. I guess you could say my brain is wired to do so at this point now that the blog is my job. Since I was already predisposed to creating outfits, using the same inspiration now for my posts seems to come naturally. I’m also inspired by other blogs I follow and love to see how those ladies style their looks.
What do you think it is about your blog that keeps people coming back for more?
I like to think that my personal style is what keeps people interested (and the photography—thanks, hubby!) Those who have been following me for a long time, as well as new readers, can accompany me on a virtual journey of my experiences and travel in Italy and Europe. I also believe the longer a blogger has been around the more personable they become for the readers. I try to share my experiences in fashion and life, and after more than two years of blogging, I like to think they follow along not just because of my style, but also because they are curious to see what I’m up to next!
How does a brand get your attention for a feature?
Any time a brand approaches me about a collaboration or a feature they get my attention, but the product itself is usually the deciding factor. When I first started the blog I decided I would not recommend anything I did not truly like or that did not reflect my style. It is always flattering to be offered products, but the last thing I want to do is trade my integrity for something I don’t feel passionate about.
What do you love most about blogging?
I love finding the perfect location to complement an outfit and going through the photos afterward for each post—it’s fun to see the details that come together to create each look! It’s also rewarding to build relationships and enjoy the unique experiences that come with being a blogger. I have met a lot of fellow bloggers, store owners, retailers, and salespeople during my blogging journey, and I never would have gotten to know them without Meagan’s Moda.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
With a husband whose job takes us around the world, I honestly don’t know where I’ll be, but I do see a family and a successful business that will both travel with us wherever we may go!
In your opinion, what separates a great blog from an unsuccessful blog?
I think the key to a successful blog is dedication: posting regularly, interacting with your readers/followers, and presenting everything on a polished site with professional photography. There are tons of fashion bloggers out there, so it is easy to get lost in the crowd and subsequently feel like giving up, but the most well-known bloggers surely did not make it to the top without putting in a lot of hard work and sticking with it!
