We’ve really been feeling the entrepreneurial spirit at Style Sample lately. Maybe it’s the spring weather and the promise of a new start, or maybe we’re ready to change direction, but we’re looking to past and current Blogging + Business features (and obsessively watching clips of “Kell on Earth”) for inspiration:
“The best part is being able to create this business from the ground up on my own. The worst part is being able to create this business from the ground up on my own… it’s hard work but also extremely rewarding.”
~Rodellee of Adore Vintage, Issue #1
“Engage in Twitter, write a blog, do free PR for your friend with the cute handbag line. If the opportunities aren’t there, look for ways to create them on your own terms.”
Crosby of PR Couture, Issue #2
“I’m in love with storytelling, which makes the pieces intimate and meaningful to the owner. The personal touch is best.”
~Wendy of Wendy Brandes Jewelry, Issue #3
“Whatever I put into it is what I get out… so at the end of the day, there is nothing as rewarding as this.”
~Mimi of Brook&Lyn, Issue #4
“Just write about something that you are passionate about and it will come easy. If you really love what you do and work hard at it, then you will be successful.”
~Krista of MyLookbook, Issue #5
“I guess the most crazy part of it is how quickly it’s grown from a small online store to a business which has over 100 stockists. Rach and I literally squeal when we see girls on the street wearing Stylestalker.”
~Sue-Ann and Rachel of Stylestalker, Issue #6
Are you interested in building your own fashion-based business? How do you get inspired?
If you’re interested in learning more about fashion PR (and really, who isn’t?), Crosby also conducts interviews with key industry players on her Blog Talk Radio series. Check them out at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/prcouture
In the current issue of Style Sample Magazine, Maddie of Sprinkle Diary gives us some great photography tips. If you’d like more information on how to take amazing pictures for your blog, check out the following:
Here’s a quick tip for taking outdoor portraits, which comes in handy when taking pictures of your outfits:
“One of the great hidden features on digital cameras is the fill flash or flash on mode. By taking control of the flash so it goes on when you want it to, not when the camera deems it appropriate, you’ve just taken an important step toward capturing great outdoor portraits.
In flash on mode, the camera exposes for the background first, then adds just enough flash to illuminate your portrait subject. The result is a professional looking picture where everything in the composition looks good. Wedding photographers have been using this technique for years!
Another good technique is to put the model in the shade under a tree, then use the flash to illuminate the subject. This keeps the model comfortable and cool with no squinty eyes from the harsh sun, and this often results in a more relaxed looking portrait. Remember, though, that most built-in camera flashes only have a range of 10 feet (or even less!), so make sure you don’t stand too far away when using fill flash outdoors.” From MacDevCenter
You can now order your very own print copy of the second issue of Style Sample Magazine! Simply stop by MagCloud.com to place your order. At $.20 per page + $1.40 for standard shipping, it only costs $5.40! Credit cards and Paypal are accepted.
Style Sample Magazine #2 is in production at this very moment! 20 pages packed with style and fun should be ready for release on June 1st, though an inconveniently timed business trip may delay it a few days.
A great big thank you to all who have offered to contribute! I have no doubt that intelligent, thoughtful, and yes, stylish people like YOU are the reason fashion blogging is gaining prominence and is increasingly recognized as an industry force.
Here’s another peek at what’s coming in the second issue of Style Sample Magazine:
Trend editorial: Check out some of summer’s hottest fashion and beauty picks from fellow bloggers! Edited by Fajr of Stylish Thought with graphics by Liz of Pop Culture Tees.
1 Question, 3 bloggers: Breck from Fashion Without Guilt asks a deep (stylish) question…
Tips & Advice: Fantastic writing tips to help you improve your blog from Ceri at Style Eyes.
Issue #2 will be posted on this site the first week of June…be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!
Here’s another peek at what’s coming in the second issue of Style Sample Magazine:
Cover Feature
Admit it: You’ve been trying to figure out exactly how The Glamourai is always so…well, glamorous! Kim of Cupcakes & Mace interviewed her, and gives us the inside scoop.
From Blogging to Business
Sarah of Looking Sharp! talks to PR Couture‘s well-connected editor about blogging to get your foot in the door. Follow PR Couture on Twitter for ongoing tips and tidbits!
Emerging Designer
The designer of Cozy Handmade, a line of absolutely adorable purses and whimsical items, is interviewed by Morena of Too Haute to Handle.
Be sure to subscribe to be the first to know about what’s coming in the next issue of Style Sample Magazine!
It seems like the first issue was just released, but the second issue of Style Sample Magazine is already well underway!
All of your favorite features will be back, as well as two new ones: An informative news page with a bunch of exciting information about what’s happening in the fashion blogosphere, and a yummy trend editorial featuring the best style tips and picks from some of our fellow bloggers.
In the upcoming days, I’ll let you know a bit more about the talented bloggers contributing to the June/July issue. Remember, you too can submit your information as a contributor for future issues!
I’m happy to say that the premiere issue garnered over 60,000 page views, and hope that number continues to rise as the magazine gets bigger and better! Spread the word!
Overheard