How Stefney Quit Her Retail Job And Became a Full-Time Blogger
While working a retail job, Stefney felt tired and sort of depressed, like her creativity was being majorly stifled. So one day, she picked her shit up and flat out quit. She didn’t know where she was going to get her next paycheck from, but she says that made her work even harder on her hustle.
Now, she’s a well-known Australian fashion blogger and photographer who has caught the eyes of companies all over the world.
We talked to Stefney about how music inspires her style, her fave low-end brands, and how she made the decision to quit her day job to blog full time.
How did you fall into the fashion scene?
I began studying photography in high school through university, which then led me to have a career in fashion photography.
How did your social media popularity grow so huge?
I’m not quite sure, I think once you start taking photos of what you’re wearing every day, people start to get interested in your style and you as a person.
Where did your personal style come from?
To be honest, each day I’m learning more and more about myself, what aesthetic I like and don’t like. Just like fashion evolves, my style evolves as well. Two things that influence me the most is music and different eras. In particular Hip hop/Rock and the early 90’s.
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What are your favorite low-end and high-end companies to buy from and why?
My favorite low-end places to shop are vintage thrift stores, it’s always exciting not knowing all the cool pieces you’re going to find. Some other brands I love are Sorella Boutique, FashionNova, and Windsor store. Some high end brands I love are Fear of God, Rick Owens, Givenchy and Saint Laurent.
What tips do you have for women looking to grow their personal brand?
Always stay true to yourself, never change for anyone. Keep learning and growing from people you meet, you can never have enough knowledge about the fashion industry.
READ ALSO: The Top 10 Fashion Schools To Help You Score Your Dream Job
What are the most important factors in becoming a fashion blogger?
Always set short term and long term goals so you always know what you’re working towards. Consistency is key.
Why do you think you have supporters from all over the world?
I try my hardest to always upload quality photos as well as making sure that everyone knows where I get my clothing from. I always want to make it easier for my followers to find the pieces by tagging the stores.
How has your social media popularity aided in you becoming an entrepreneur?
I’m able to work with my favorite brands and connect with people that I’d never thought possible. I also love being able to meet new people through social media. I get to do what I love and promote brands I truly love and believe in, it’s literally the best job ever.
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What made you start a blog and what are some goals you have for your blog?
I began blogging the campaigns I shot when I was a fashion photographer, as well as what inspired me in the fashion world. When blogging I could always express my self and show my inner most thoughts through pictures. Then I started to take photos of what I wore each day and that took over my blog. I still like to repost photos that inspire me on my personal website/blog.
What are some personal and business goals you set for yourself?
I have a few things that are in the works right now. I want to create a product that is true to my personal style, whether it be shoes or clothing, but my main focus right now is to keep blogging. I really enjoy it.
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What tips do you have for young women looking to grow their social media following?
Be consistent and always choose quality over quantity.
What’s an interesting fact about you that many people don’t know?
I love music. I love all genres of music and my style is very inspired by the music I listen to. When I was younger all I wanted to do was sing, I took up learning a few instruments and I can play guitar and piano very well. I could not live without music.
What was a huge challenge for you to overcome as you grew successfully?
There was a lot of things I struggled with while becoming a blogger. I was working at a clothing shop as well as shooting for brands on the side while I was studying at university and I remember coming home from working a shift and being so tired, down, and crying. I felt like I was trapped in a tiny box and couldn’t fully express myself creatively.
I was only uploading once a week at this stage and getting noticed by brands but not being able to shoot because I was working. I always tried my best to be consistent with uploading. One day I decided I’d quit my job, even though I was unsure about how I was going to have an income. But now I realize it makes you work ten times harder because you have nothing else to help you.
Another thing I struggled with was confidence. I’m a very shy and private person. It’s hard having people judge you immediately from what you wear. I get a few nasty comments about my body or my face, things that I can not personally change, so I struggled with that a lot at the beginning, but I always had to tell myself each day that I am fine the way I am, we are all imperfect people. Learning to love yourself is probably the best thing you can do for yourself.
What do you want your supporters to take from this interview?
Work hard for what you want. Set goals and don’t fall off your path. Don’t ever ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything and that your dreams are too big.