Every other girl is a fashion blogger these days, so I work really hard to create quality content.
Empress Avenue interviewed Siffat Haider, the fashionista behind the blog, Icing and Glitter! We love her effortless outfits and her drool worthy food photos. On top of managing her blog, Siffat works for ELLE Canada as a Fashion Web Editorial Assistant. We are thrilled to introduce you to Siffat!
Tell us about yourself, and how you started blogging.
I started blogging after graduating from university as an outlet for my creativity and to sort of document where life would take me. What started out as a hobby became a very real career path before I knew it.
Give us the ‘inside scoop’ – what does a day in your life look like?
On top of blogging, I’m currently on contract with ELLE Canada as a Fashion Web Editorial Assistant. Since I started working full-time, my days are pretty crazy. I wake up around 6:30 to work on my blog, head to work around 7:45, and come back at 7pm only to work on my blog again. I spend weekends shooting outfits, and preparing content so I’m not killing myself during the week.
What types of readers are in your ‘pink book’ and who are you looking to connect with?
My readers range from girls who are looking for inspiration on how to dress to people who are looking for travel advice and restaurant recommendations. Honestly, my only goal is to connect with people who I can provide inspiration to, and fellow bloggers who can stimulate me creatively.
Do you think it’s important to love what you do, or make good money?
I think that no matter how much money you make, if you don’t love what you’ll do, you can never be happy. I was also taught that if you love what you do, the money will follow.
Is owning your own blog as glamorous as it sounds?
Yes and no. The events and gifts are great, but shooting when it’s -20 degrees out while risking the loss of limbs to frostbite just to get the perfect shot is anything but glamorous. Owning a blog is a job that takes serious dedication. That means staying up late to write, getting off the couch and putting on makeup when all you really want to do is relax, and standing on a chair at a crowded restaurant to get the perfect shot of brunch. It can be exhausting (and a little embarrassing, but you only live once).
What inspired you to start your own blog? What made you decide to take the leap?
I’ve always been interested in writing, and I really needed an outlet to express myself. I initially wanted to stay anonymous, but realized that I loved photography too, so I started adding all sorts of different components to my blog. At first, I was scared of what people would say – I didn’t want to be thought of as pretentious – but then I realized I couldn’t expect to be successful if I wasn’t able to disregard other peoples’ opinion of me. So I took a leap of faith, dedicated all my time and energy into my blog, and talked about it proudly.
What are your tips for setting yourself apart in the fashion blog industry?
As cliched as it might sound – be yourself. Find your style, and be comfortable in your own skin – that’s really as much as anyone can do.
What is the biggest challenge about fashion blogging?
Being original in a saturated industry. Every other girl is a fashion blogger these days, so I have to work really hard to create quality content.
How would you describe your own personal style? Is there a person who is a fashion inspiration to you?
Minimalist. Although I don’t think there’s an individual who’s a style icon for me, I’m constantly looking at French and Scandinavian girls for inspiration.
What is the one thing you couldn’t live without?
My iPhone!
What are some of your current fashion obsessions?
Culottes, menswear inspired anything, and chunky knits.
What is your favourite travel hot spot?
Paris and Barcelona top the list for me.
Can you offer any advice for new bloggers or entrepreneurs looking to promote their business?
Whoever said your blog blows up out of nowhere is a liar. Don’t expect to gain real followers if you’re not willing to put in the time and effort into building a community. Make friends with fellow bloggers, support each other, and create really great content.
Where do you see your blog in the next five years?
As a self-sustaining business.
