Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikol Collins.
Nikol, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started Loving Beauty and Life as a hobby after attending a beauty convention back in 2016. I’ve always loved makeup and skincare, but I’ve never considered myself girly or even talented with makeup. Attending the convention was an eye-opener for me. I chatted with tons of people and most of them were interested in my opinions… I had never experienced that! I figured if I could connect with those people, I could connect with even more by starting a blog.
I really just wanted to share my opinions about products I use from a “normal girl” perspective. It has grown into something I had never imagined, and now I’m working even harder at it and working with brands I never thought I would. I’ve also met some amazing people along the way!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It totally hasn’t been smooth sailing. I started my blog, had no idea what I was doing, and ended up losing everything on-line. All my subscribers were gone and I felt like I needed to throw in the towel. I had a few friends give me a pep talk and convince me to start over. I don’t know why I did, but I did and it’s paid off. Building an audience online is really hard and slow as well, I’m still struggling with that. Instagram is always changing its algorithm and the platform is a big part of what I do. I’m still working hard to find the secret recipe, but until I do I’m going to keep doing what I do and hope for the best. I have to admit that there are some days I look at my following and want to give up because I’m not growing as quickly as I’d like but then I remember that I’m here because of my followers, and I’m going to keep it up!
My advice is to just do it. You’ll never know what could have happened if you don’t try and you have a 50/50 chance at succeeding. It doesn’t matter if you’re wanting to start a blog, take on-line classes, pick up photography or learn to dance… everyone starts somewhere.
We’d love to hear more about Loving Beauty and Life.
My blog, Loving Beauty and Life, is a lot about beauty and a little about life. I like telling my side of the story, sharing my opinions on particular products and sharing me with my readers. A lot of my followers come to me for skincare advice but I’m not an expert at all, I just know what I like and what I don’t! I’m most proud of the way I’ve grown and am still growing. I want to cover everything on the blog, not just beauty and I’m working really hard to do so. I like to think that I’m relatable, and that’s what sets me apart from others in the same industry.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
Women can do anything, the opportunities are endless!
I was actually in a very male-dominated position for years and years, and still am with my day job, blogging is my hobby/after work. I faced so many challenges in my career, but know it was all worth it because I know I’m good at what I do.
Women can do anything a man can do. There are more and more opportunities for women now because society is finally realizing this, and I think it’s amazing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LovingBeautyandLife.com
- Email: nikol@lovingbeautyandlife.com
- Instagram: http://www.lovingbeautyandlife.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lovingbeautyandlife
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nikolnolan
Getting in touch: SDVoyager 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.
