Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Blakey.
Susan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2007, I had just turned 50 and was struggling to figure out what to wear. The office had become more casual, and my suits felt outdated. I went online for style ideas, but found that almost all of the style websites and blogs were geared toward much younger women.
So, I decided to write the blog I’d want to read, and hoped to connect with other style-minded women “of a certain age.”
I found this was a fun outlet for my writing, and what started as a hobby became my passion.
Since then, I’ve just tried to keep the conversation going. There are many more style bloggers now in the 50+ age group, so I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with many of them. I’ve added some travel and lifestyle content, and have been working on getting a newsletter up and running. I’ve learned a lot of the “tech” side of blogging, and website design and management. And I have been working to improve my photography skills.
About a year and a half ago, the company I worked for offered an early retirement package, which I decided to accept and make blogging my full-time job. It’s been great! I’ve been able to do more traveling, and love being able to set my own schedule.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a *slow* road. For the years I was working at a corporate job, I needed to remain anonymous on the blog, and so couldn’t promote as much as I might have liked.
Income can be variable and sometimes unpredictable, but I guess that’s true for any entrepreneur.
The field is a lot more crowded than it was a few years ago, and there are also a lot more social media platforms that contribute to audience fragmentation. There’s a lot of pressure to have a presence on every new social media platform that comes out, but I’ve made the decision to focus on the few that really drive traffic and engagement. It’s tougher to grow in this environment, and without any staff, I have to decide how best to use my time.
Please tell us about Une Femme D’un Certain Âge.
I run a blog/website that focuses on style, travel, and lifestyle for women over 50.
My focus is on sophisticated but accessible style that helps women shop and put together workable, cohesive wardrobes. I also focus on travel wardrobes to help women pack lighter and smarter, and never have a “nothing to wear” moment. The travel wardrobes are some of my most popular content. It’s been very gratifying to get so many comments and emails from women telling me that my tips and wardrobe suggestions have really helped them and it’s one of the things I’m most proud of.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Some things are only knowable in hindsight, but I probably would have paid more attention sooner to website design, creating quality images, and learning more about the business end of blogging.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unefemme.net
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan_unefemme/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UneFemmeCertainAge/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/unefemme/
Image Credit:
Tannaz Tan
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Jill Pontiere
January 17, 2018 at 22:53
You have been a great inspiration to me and many. Love your blog. I have learned so much about style and grace through your pictures and writings and I thank you! My best to you!