Virginia Bloggers

Category: VAis4Bloggers

  • Guest Blogger: Keenya Kelly

    Today’s guest blogger, Keenya, from Keenya Kelly, is a blogger with a crazy about of energy, drive, an entrepreneurial spirit! Today, she wants to share a look at her journey to where she is today!
    Nine months ago, I stepped out on FAITH and started my business Keenya Kelly LLC. I always knew that I would be a business owner one day, but was never 100% sure what that business would be and how I would actually get it started. 3 years ago this month I decided to stop chemically treating my hair and to see what my hair would look like as it grew, and of course with that came a set of problems that I wasn’t quite prepared for.
    For most of my life I was taught to stay away from water, use this product and this blah blah blah, so when my new hair began to grow, I thought I could use the same methods and still obtain great results. WRONG!! And with learning how wrong I was birthed utter frustration. I had to call a few friends whom had previously undertaken the same process to get tips and tricks. There were so many supposed tips and tricks that it sorta paralyzed me for a little while and I just stuck with gels for about 6 months, Finally my old roommate recommended that I visit some sites on YouTube.com and really get a better understanding of the process I had embarked upon.
    I must say that the videos were VERY helpful and kept me from chemically treating my hair again, as that was next on the agenda. I watched videos for over a year and really began to get a hold of the hair that was growing on my head…but then my sales/marketing background began to kick into gear. I realized I wasn’t the only woman who had undergone this journey, but that there were thousands of women on the same path and really confused as to what to do, so 2 1/2 years into my journey birthed Keenya Kelly LLC and Return of the Curls.
    It has always been a true passion of mine to help women with overcoming self-esteem issues, feelings of self-doubt, unworthiness..starting with their appearance. I think a number of women are always in competition with other women, trying to look like the images we see on television, then trying to portray this image to their jobs/friends and trying to please some men who really have no idea what they want or need in a woman…so this breeds a lot of problems in the long run.
    So as a result of having this beating passion and a need for caring for my own hair, I started my company and haven’t looked back sense. I knew starting, owning and running a business would be time consuming, but did I know HOW time consuming?? HECK NO!! Some days I wake up and after praying and reading the bible, its around 7:30 am and I work until at 12 am…yes you read it right AM!!! Now I do take a break for lunch and for dinner, but its been quite a little while since I’ve ate breakfast at breakfast time and really worked an 8 hour day. Am I mad about it? Not at all!!
     I wouldn’t trade it for anything in this world.
    How do I balance my life with my company? I have a personal philosophy that if you work your business like a job for 5-7 years then you will never work that hard EVER again. Before leaving my job I woke up this early and headed to the office and didn’t arrive home until around 6pm, so I figured if I could do this for someone else, then I could definitely do it for myself. Now typically after each show I take a day or a few days off to recuperate and do NOTHING business related, but I end up doing work any way unless Ive planned an out of town trip.
    Now this event we are having in a few days
    wasn’t quite as labor intensive as my summer Expos, but right after this event is over, I will begin working on America’s Next Top Model with CW Richmond and all of my 2013 schedule. It seems like a lot, but its such a blessing to be able to do it from home, while watching Food Network or HG TV all at the same time.
    If you were to ask me how do you start a business my best advice is:
    1. Find what you would do for the rest of your life if you never received any compensation for it
    2. Find a TRUE need in the marketplace and research your audience to see if they would pay for what you are offering
    3. If the time is right and God is telling you and giving you the grace to do so…then ladies & gentlemen start your engines.
    And don’t quit until…NEVER.

  • Guest Blogger: Traveling Hearts Photography

    Blogging and the Power of Photos

    I am so excited to have the opportunity to guest blog here at Virginia is for Bloggers today! If you are interested in my backstory, read a little more about me here. I had SO many ideas for this and had to narrow them down or we’d be here till Christmas! I finally decided to write something that would appeal to you all directly.

    Being a fellow blogger, I know how important photos are to telling your story. With me, photos are the main attraction since my topic is photography. But no matter what your blogging topic is, photos are equally important. There is nothing better than using photos to tell a story or show an example of how to do something. But if that photo is not clear, fuzzy, or too dark, it will do more harm than good.

    In addition to photography, I am also an upcycler. I am always perusing DIY or upcycling blogs for ideas and “how to” info. I find there is nothing more frustrating than looking at a photograph and having to spend time trying to decipher what is going on in that photo. If I can’t tell at first glance, it misses the mark.

    Let me use ETSY.com as an example. When you log onto ETSY, you are filled with beautiful images that are amazingly staged and properly photographed. Even if the item is something I don’t have the least bit of interest in, I find myself wanting it because it just looks so amazing. The same should be true when you are blogging. You want to use your photographs as tools to help tell your story, but to also engage your readers to want to spend more time on your blog and to come back again and again.

    Top Five Tips for Improving Photography in Your Blog

    Tip #1 ~ Turn off that flash!! Get outdoors and photograph your item or use natural light, like from a window. If your flash is trying to kick on, you don’t have enough light. You don’t need a fancy camera ~ even a camera phone can take decent photos ~ just remember to turn off that flash!

    United States Botanic Gardens, DC
    ISO 100 ~ 60mm ~ f/2.8 ~ 1/125 sec

    Tip #2 ~ Use an interesting perspective. Get lower than your item or maybe stand up on a chair or a ladder and get higher than your item. Maybe photograph part of the item rather than the whole thing to create interest.

    Restoration Project, VA
    ISO 100 ~ 41mm ~ f/5.0 ~ 1/60 sec

    Tip #3 ~ Find your focal point. If you are using a DSLR, you can switch to manual focus to make sure your focal point is dead on. If you are using a point and shoot, typically it is set to focus on the middle of the photo. Most point and shoots )and DSLRs) have a focus lock. Press the shutter halfway with your focal point in the center and then re-frame your image to your liking. When you are happy with the composition, fully depress the shutter. When you do this your item should be in focus even if it is not in the center of the photo.

    Belvedere Plantation, Fredericksburg, VA
    ISO 100 ~ 60mm ~ f/3.5 ~ 1/1250 sec

    Tip #4 ~ Use the rule of thirds. This is not something to follow exclusively, but a good guideline to keep in mind when composing your photo. It creates well balanced and visually pleasing photos that will have your reader coming back for more.

    Empire State Building, New York, NY
    ISO 100 ~ 28mm ~ f/11 ~ 1/50 sec

    Tip #5 ~ Be creative and have FUN! Don’t be afraid to think out of the box. Find things around the house to use in your photos to create more interest to your item. If you are shooting outdoors, look for things to create a pop of color. Or maybe use a wide open aperture to isolate only a small part of the object (as pictured below).  I usually have a stash of tricks in my camera bag to pull out when I want to add a little more to the photo such as a mirror or a brightly colored scarf ~ you never know when they will come in handy.

    United States Botanic Garden, DC
    ISO 100 ~ 60mm ~ f/2.8 ~ 1/1600 sec

    If you improve your photos they will help your blog stand out above the rest!

    If you are interested in following my blog click here or follow me on facebook.  I also have a website and an ETSY store.  And for those fellow instagrammers, follow me @travelingheartsphotography.

    Happy Shooting!

  • New Blogger Friends!

    Irresistible Icing– Aimee blogs all about her addiction to icing, weight loss efforts, and living an irresistible life!

    Jess Buckley– This girl is a student, photographer, and vintage lover. The girl’s got some mad photo skills.

    Debbie Lynne– This blogger has tons of tips on being thrifty, coupon-ing, and more.

    Simply Marvelous Haircare- Looking for some hair care tips? This girl can show you how to make your own conditioner!

    Scrambled Hen Fruit – A great collection of recipes from a grandmother who likes to bake!

    Life in Three Lines– Each post is about daily life… written as a haiku. Cool, no?

    Hopefully you’re all enjoy the beautiful fall weather! Stay tuned for a Virginia Blogger meet up announcement coming soon!

  • Bloggers Across the State

    Hi all!

    Hopefully you’re all staying warm as the fall weather has gotten cooler! A new Virginia Blogger’s meet up is in the works, but for now, say hello to some of our newest local bloggers!

    Leah Wise– A lifestyle blog focusing specifically on life in Charlottesville; fashion, design, and photographic inspiration; and her adorable vintage shop!

    Miscalaineous– Loaded with snapshots of their growing toddler, rambunctious dogs, attempts at design, a little gardening, the occasional recipes, and travels!

    Traveling Hearts Photography– Looking to improve your photo skills? This blog is a combination of photographs, tips, trips, travel, events and locations.

    Diamonds, Dogtags, and Diapers–  At Diamonds, Dog Tags & Diapers you can expect to read about life as a Marine Corps Wife, Mom of a toddler and everything from San Diego to Virginia Beach

    Titus 2 Homemaker– This busy mom writes about anything that touches on the life of a homemaker – cooking, organization, parenting, “green” living, crafts, holistic nutrition, etc.

    The Doyle Dispatch– This husband and wife team discuss how they are making our house a home, DIY projects, and working on (and staying) debt-free. They also document the goings-on of their dog and cat (Lucy and Toby).

    Family Seeks Farm– New to Virginia, this family bought an old B&B which they are currently restoring! Their blog is about our adventures in trying to “live the good life” and make a living!

    If you’re interesteed in guest posting, or planning an event, please e-mail us at virginiabloggers@gmail.com

    Virginia LOVE!

    Liz

  • Guest Blogger: Kristin @ Vignettes

    Hi Everyone! I’m Kristin, from Vignettes: a blog about life, love, food, home, and living intentionally. I live in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with my husband, two Bichon Frise rescue puppies, and our calico cat named Autumn who rules the house.

    One very important fact to know about me? I LOVE FALL! There’s just something about the clear air, the deep blue sky, and the delightfully chilly mornings that beg for a fuzzy robe, slippers, and hot tea. *sigh* Love ’em.

    Opportunities for seasonal fun abound this time of year, and I thought I’d share some of our favorite fall-ish date ideas with you today!

    *Apple Picking: beautiful orchards pepper the Virginia countryside and are laden with bright juicy fruit just ripe for the picking! Many orchards have a nice picnicking area too, so plan to make a day of it! Bonus points for baking a fresh apple pie together when you return home :-).

    *Day Tripping: Did you know there are 8 covered bridges in Virginia? Wonderfully romantic, historic sites – most offer a beautiful backdrop for an afternoon full of lounging about and enjoying each others company. Bring a blanket, some pillows, a book, a Frisbee, and some yummy snacks for munching!

    *Scenic Driving: My husband and I love to just get in the car and go! Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway both offer amazing vistas of the colorful quilt Mother Nature has thrown over the mountains this time of year. You could create a special car trip playlist or bring a book on tape to listen to, along with, of course, a travel mug full of hot apple cider. Make sure you have your camera with you – you’ll want to capture the majesty of the Blue Ridge at each and every overlook!

    *Fall Festivals: Overflowing with delicious festival food, live music, artisans, wine, competitions, crafts, antique cars, and more – almost every town in the Old Dominion will be celebrating the season in its own special way. Grab the one you love and enjoy an day full of making fun small town memories!

    As you can see, we really enjoy getting out and enjoying all that fall in Virginia offers! If you’d like to read more dating ideas, yummy fall recipes, fashion posts, seasonal home decor, inspiring quotes, daily musings, and follow along on my quest to live a life of intentionality, come visit me at my blog: Vignettes!

    To make sure you never miss a post, you can follow Vignettes on Facebook, Bloglovin’ Twitter, and Pinterest.

    So nice to “meet” you today!

    P.S. In case you missed it, make sure you get all the info on the next Virginia Bloggers meet up! Click here!