Every Monday we bring you a featured blogger who inspires us. This week we’re excited to share with you Payton of Hustle + Halcyon! Sharing her inspiration, personal style and so much more, Hustle + Halcyon is a lifestyle blog that is heavily devoted to style & wellness. Like the meaning of the word Halcyon (calm, peaceful, happy and golden), Payton’s blog is one of our new favorites for all things that make us happy! Read more about Payton here!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? 
My name is Payton, obviously, and I am a student & lifestyle blogger from Fort Worth, Texas ( though as a former military brat, I’ve lived also lived in a few other places ). Right now, I’m a senior at Texas A&M University, and I’m studying Political Science & Sociology. Recently, I was able to take a little time off from school to move to Los Angeles, California for 7 months to do a PR internship with the popular women’s fashion line: For Love & Lemons. My blog, Hustle + Halcyon, documents my personal style, how to look like a BO$$ on the cheap(er), easy & clean recipes, my travels, and more!
What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Analytical, Resilient, & Extreme ( i.e. I do things really intensely or not at all… there isn’t much of a middle ground )
What Profession other than yours would you love to attempt?
Well, because I’m a senior in college, I kind of have this huge career decision in front of me. I’ve been on a track to law school since I started college, but Hustle + Halcyon has presented me with another (or a few other) career option as well ( & I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE blogging and working in fashion ). I’d definitely have to say that being a prosecutor at the Federal level has always been my dream… #casual. So, this is my current struggle!
What is your favorite quote?
Oh gah… I’m so obsessed with quotes ( my ‘Quotes’ Pinterest board is PRETTY lengthy ) & putting a feeling/experience into words. It sounds like it should be so simple, but it’s really something special when it’s done right. So, today, my favorite quote is ‘She was free in her wildness. She was a wanderess, a of free water. She belonged to no man and to no city’ by Roman Payne. I can dig it.
What inspired your blog?
I started my old blog, Ramblings of a Wild One, to create a running resume for internships & future jobs in the fashion world. As far as Hustle + Halcyon ( which launched January of 2015 ) goes, I was inspired by the number of girls who connected with my writing, my style, and with my ambition. ROAWO readers lit the fire for Hustle + Halcyon, and now, those same readers inspire me every day.
What is your favorite social media platform and why?
Pinterest. Hands down. I love that there is SO much information readily available, and it’s all in a pretty, easily accessible platform. I’m obsessed with all things Pinterest, and I could ( and do ) spend hours browsing inspiration, style, QUOTES, recipes, decor tips, and more.
Where do you find inspiration for blog posts?
I find inspiration from my daily life & from reader suggestions. If I find something yum, pretty, or helpful, I love to share that with my peeps.
What do you think it is about your blog that keeps people coming back for more?
I think that my simple aesthetic and simple, conversational writing keeps readers coming back. I like to provide an easy approach to things like style and wellness to other girls, because both of these things can be overwhelming & expensive. I hope that this realistic view and presentation of a well-rounded lifestyle is what people come to H+H for, at least!
How does a brand get your attention for a feature?
Usually, I’ll stumble across a brand on Instagram or I’ll get an e-mail from a PR rep. I look for brands that create a beautiful, quality product ( pictures are EVERYTHING ) and that can communicate clearly with me. Also, a brand having a large social following is really nice to see, because it shows that they can connect with people and that people like their product enough to follow.
What do you love most about blogging?
I love the community it has provided me with & the platform it gives me to write about things that other girls identify with. Ultimately, my blog is for my readers, and if I can offer some sort of inspiration or advice that helps another coooool chick out there, that’s pretty sweet.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hm. Ready for my 10 year DREAM plan? It’s already been written. I’d like to open up an online store with a community facet ( dreams, dreams, dreams ) and, eventually, create a clothing line & house wares collection. I also have some ideas for a couple of books. I think my next 10 years will be pretty exciting.
In your opinion, what separates a great blog from an unsuccessful blog?
I think that poor-quality photos, a difficult-to-navigate site design and a selfish attitude will absolutely kill a blog. I find that successful bloggers have simply designed sites with big, clear, and well-lit photos. Also, supporting other bloggers/people is such a huge part of the online world, and you’ll crumble without a solid community ( i.e. follow other blogs and spread the love )!
