Meet Mary Farah of Along Comes Mary

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Farah.

Mary, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up throughout California, I always loved writing and reading, especially magazines. As I grew up and we had the rise of the internet and bloggers, I’d always think it would be awesome to know what the heck a “blogger” is and how to do it. Fate intervened when I met my friend Jamie at a Christmas cookie exchange party in 2011. She was blogging and I asked her to help me start mine. This was April 2012 and I’ve been going at it on Along Comes Mary ever since!

I partly chose that title as I envisioned my blog focusing on music and concerts. Along Comes Mary was a popular song in the 1960’s by the Association. While there’s definitely music vibes on my website and concert reviews pop up, my true passion is traveling and working with conference and visitors bureaus to promote awesome towns and cities across the country.

I grew up watching Huell Howser on PBS. I love how he could make any “Anytown, USA” seem like the coolest place to be. That is one of my goals on Along Comes Mary; to highlight the smaller, off the beaten path places.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
More than anything, I would say the evolution has been wonderful. I’m someone who has tried a variety of endeavors and tend to have a bunch of interests. Thus, I tend to start projects and not finish them. I’m pretty proud that Along Comes Mary has come as far as she has in the 6 years we’ve been out there.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Along Comes Mary story. Tell us more about the business.
Along Comes Mary is a travel and lifestyle blog. I partner with both CVB’s (conference and visitors bureaus) and PR to promote their brand. Which, given my niche, is often a city or town and its highlights like beloved businesses and restaurants. to visit. I’m the Founder and Managing Writer. We have a few contributors but I am the primary writer for the page.

One of the things I am most proud of is my involvement with the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). I am on their Board of Directors and have participated as a Workshop Leader and Social Media support for their past 2 conferences. We have such an amazing group of members, I feel extremely grateful and honored that I’ve been so welcomed into a group of individuals who are at the top of their food/wine/travel writing game.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
A lot, in my opinion. I have learned in life that it’s all about who you know. It’s been important to me to get out of my ‘bubble’ and network and meet new people in the industry. If you’re looking to partner with brands or PR on your blog or be a social media influencer, you have to step out of your comfort zone and network and make yourself known.

I feel extremely lucky for the trip opportunities I’ve had on Along Comes Mary.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alongcomesmaryblog.com
• Email: alongcomesmary26@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/alongcomesmary26
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/alongcomesmary26
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/maryfarquhar
• Other: www.pluckysocialmedia.com

Image Credit:
Julie Raelyn, Samantha Capaldi

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