She's celebrating

Whether you're a blogger or not, I'm sure you'd appreciate exciting blog milestones like 30,000 pageviews! But not mine. Tania from MauiShopGirl celebrated 30,000 pageviews earlier this month and I'm excited for her to share her blogging experiences right here.

It’s been so wonderful getting to know, Tania, through our blogs and instagram (mauishopgirl). We share a love of photography and petite fashion blogs ;). Hope you’ll love reading her blogging journey as much as I have! Find out where her passion for writing came from, why it was put aside for a bit, and how she got her groove back by blogging.

*Tania resides in Maui and currently blogs at MauiShopGirl. Join with me to celebrate her successes by reaching 30,000 pageviews earlier this month!*

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Aloha everyone! I’m so excited that Lisa has asked me to write a guest post. My name is Tania and my blog is MauiShopGirl. I’m fairly new to the blogging world.

When did your passion for writing begin?
I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was in elementary school. I made up stories constantly and always had my nose buried in a book or comic book. While other kids were playing Star Wars, I was playing with my printing press or writing in the blank books my mother gave me. In college, I began to devour fashion and style magazines. Working for a magazine and writing fiction was what I wanted to do. But something happened when I was a sophomore at University of Hawaii. I got scared and anxious about how I would make a decent living while remaining in Hawaii once I graduated. This was in the late 80s and for many of us; it was difficult to imagine all the possibilities life had to offer in Hawaii and beyond. I had taken an accounting course and found I caught on to all the concepts pretty easily. So, I switched my major from English to accounting. I figured there were a lot of accounting jobs so that was a good way to go.

What happened to writing?
I wrote very little in the years that followed. Life was filled with long hours at the office, business travel and being a wife. Writing was always in the back of my mind but I kept waiting for life to reach a point when I would have more time to write. As blogs made an appearance, I started to think about writing a blog. In 2008, I registered my blog domain. My domain sat, parked with no content for three years. Again, I kept waiting for “a good time”.

After I got divorced and moved to Maui from Honolulu, it finally hit me. Free time was not going to miraculously materialize and not having a creative outlet was wrecking havoc on my emotions and happiness. Although I’m grateful for and enjoy my day job career, I realized I’m a creative person and not embracing that part of me was causing me to live a life of quiet desperation. So, I made the time to get my blog up and running. MauiShopGirl finally went live on July 17th, 2011 with a post about wallpaper I was eyeing for the big blank wall in my home office (otherwise known as the corner of my bedroom).

What is MauiShopGirl?
MauiShopGirl is a lifestyle blog. I write about design, art, retail and dining. I also share a slice of my Maui life and throw in the occasional essay. My favorite posts are those where I spotlight local businesses or designers through interviews and site visits. My blog is a happy place where I share what I love and what brings me joy. I do enjoy writing about more serious, personal or controversial topics too but I decided early on that my blog was not going to be a personal spill my guts journal or cover hard hitting topics like politics or the economy. My blog is my fun time, it is my own little magazine.

What surprised you about blogging?
When I started I knew I’d enjoy blogging and that blogging would get my creative juices flowing. What I didn’t realize is how social blogging is. I’ve made so many new friends both online and in real life since starting my blog. By participating in blog challenges, link parties and joining the Maui Social Media Users Group (Maui SMUG), I’ve gained readership and made new friends. Another thing I didn’t quite think about is how blogging is not just about writing. Photography, technology, networking and marketing all come into play. Most of us are a one-woman (or one-man) show. That said; I’ve learned to ask for help when I need it. I’ve done most of my back-end work myself but as my blog grew I have hired a consultant or two to assist me with some of the larger technical projects like moving my site to another host. I’m also taking a photography class in June to improve my skills and will probably hit up Lisa for tips once I get a bit more knowledge under my belt.

What advice do you have for bloggers?
My advice to any new bloggers would be to take a class or two in your area or online. I took courses at High Tech Maui and online with Décor 8 (Blogging Your Way). I also joined various local groups of bloggers, social media users and WordPress users. The meetings I attend are chock full of helpful tips and info. I’d also say work on your blog as much as you can manage. I feel because I blogged so frequently in the beginning, I was able to get past my learning curve that much quicker. Blog hop and write great comments on other blogs to build a network (and because it’s fun!).

Blogging has made such a difference in my life. I feel more connected to my community and filled with inspiration. I’ve discovered so many wonderful blogs like expandng and learn something new every day.

Mahalo for listening! Keep calm and blog on…

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Thanks, Tania, for being so honest about your blogging journey. Like fine wine, a good blog takes time to mature! Congrats again on 30,000 pageviews! It’s well-deserved as her blog is well-written, beautifully designed, and is a great place for design- life's inspiration!

Please share your thoughts on Tania's post
in the comments below!
Have you rediscovered/revived a passion?

And be sure to visit MauiShopGirl!

Show some love. Leave a comment below and I'll definitely respond!
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Originally posted at expandng.com - She's celebrating