Lifestyle & Fashion Blogger PRINCESS Talks Bevy App, Personal Bravery, and the Art of Branding

PRINCESS is a fashion and lifestyle blogger from the midwest. She loves conversations and topics that uplift and inspire herself as well as others. While dedicated to being “her own boss” and growing as a person, Princess and I chatted about her upcoming app Bevy, favorite brands and influencers, and gems for new bloggers.

Tell us more about your company, Bevy.

PRINCESS:“Bevy is an app to help you manage your lifestyle and wallet in one place. It is still in its infant stages of being developed, but we’re hoping to launch by the end of 2019.”

What do you love most about being a lifestyle and fashion blogger?

PRINCESS: “I’ve always enjoyed putting outfits together. I remember years ago having stacks and stacks of magazines with pages full of sharpie markings of outfits I wanted to recreate. So, when I discovered the world of blogging, I created my own little space where I can share my style. I just recently added the lifestyle portion to my blog because, although I love sharing my looks, I knew there was more that I wanted to share with the world. I wanted to share my travels, new restaurants I’ve tried, and more.

The subtitle of Personal Bravery is “The Inside Out Blog”. This idea came to me during a break that I took from blogging for some personal self-care. I started thinking, it’s fine to look amazing on the outside, but what do you do when the inside is damaged and hurting? It’s so important to deal with the matters of the heart so that the inside can be as together as that shiny new outfit on the outside. That’s the most important part. Being the trendiest, stylish person means nothing if the inside is ugly and broken. Deciding to do this required me to be transparent and honest. I felt like I owed it to my followers.”

How would you describe your personal style?

PRINCESS: ” I would describe my style as “Thrifty Chic”. I’m all about style on a budget. I am the promo code queen. If there’s one out there, I will find it. I rarely pay full price for anything. Now, I do believe in investment pieces that I’m willing to pay a little more for. But even then, I’m willing to be patient, because most times it eventually goes on sale.”

Who are some of your favorite fashion brands and influencers?

PRINCESS: “I love Asos, Who What Wear for Target, Zara, and H&M. All of which are budget friendly brands. If I want a high-end designer piece, I like to shop online with Shop Bop, Net-a-Porter, and Matches Fashion. They all have great seasonal sales. I also like The Real Real for gently used designer items. Some of my favorite influencers are Monroe Steele of Fashion Steele NYC, Ada Oguntodu from the UK, and Musemo Handahu of Miss Lion Hunter to name a few.”

What does success mean to you? Has a mistake ever led you to success?

PRINCESS: “Striving to reach my goals every day, big or small, that’s success. During the early years of blogging, I worked for a guy that ended up being a fraud. It was a huge mess that ended with him in jail and me as well as some others talking to lawyers and stuff. That whole situation shook me. But it also taught me the importance of doing your research. Looking back on that fiasco, I see how it taught me to trust my gut. It’ll never happen again. “

What do you think it takes to be a great blogger?

PRINCESS: “You must be consistent. This is something that I continue to work on daily. You must stay in your own lane and create your own platform. Always be inspired and hungry to learn. There are always new things to absorb.”

What is your personal and professional motto?

Personal: One thing at a time.

Professional: Beyond fear is your freedom.

In moments of adversity, how do you build yourself back up?

PRINCESS: “I just told my best friend the other day to “be kind to herself”. She was so overwhelmed about eating too many calories, preparing her home for an inspection, taking care of her beautiful boys, being a great wife, and working as a nurse (on top of everything else because she’s a super hero) that she began to get down on herself. Negative thoughts began to consume her mind space. I had to tell her to “give herself grace”. We can be our toughest critics when things in our lives become undone. Its’s important to treat yourself with love during adversity.”

What is your biggest goal this year?

PRINCESS: “I want to take my brand further than it’s ever been. I’d like to design and sell a couple of products of my own. I’d also like to become comfortable and more confident with public speaking. Sorry, that was more than one. lol”

Name 3 tips every new blogger should consider when they are starting their brand.

PRINCESS: “Be organic, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. I don’t have the best blog on the web, but I’ll help you in any way that I can. “