Name Shayla Em
Age 29
Location Columbia, SC
Blog URL The Plus Diaries
What is your blog about?
It’s about life as a plus size woman. Fashion, pop culture, sex, my life, your life – if we can think about it, it is in my blog. I don’t like to hold anything back and I have learned that I find inspiration from anywhere and that is what makes the blog so interesting and honest!
Is this your first blog?
This is not my first blog. I used to blog for another agency and I have a personal blog that I also use. I just love to write, no matter if it is computer or good ole pen and paper.
When did you start your current blog?
The Plus Diaries went live May 25, 2013. Yes, it’s fairly new, but I have support from the awesome writing community!
What made you do it?
This blog is me being honest – other than not using my government name. LOL. I was tired of being made to feel like I wasn’t awesome just because I wore a larger size in clothes. So, I decided to not only tell myself that I was awesome, but also tell other people as well. Also, I share love to the non plus size community because they do not all treat us like we are worthless. Long answer to say that my life made me do it!
What was your first blog post about?
My first blog post was just introducing myself. My “first official” post that was actually about the plus community was about the size 12 mannequin in the H&M store in Sweden.
What do you think is the most useful tool to you as a blogger?
My most useful tool as a blogger is myself. I’m just being honest. I get inspiration from everywhere. My brain works weird and I absolutely love that fact, when it comes to writing. I just see things differently and I love the fact that I can see many different angles from one item or person or theme.
Do people in your real life know about your blog? If yes, has your blog helped you career wise?
Yes, they do. Unfortunately, writing is not my only job. My 8 to 5 keeps me rather busy. However, I want to turn it into a career and I am looking forward to the day that writing can be my career.
What has been the one thing (blog post, project, etc) that you have been really proud of?
The one blog post that I am most proud of was a collaboration blog that I did in August 2013. I got to work with an amazing writer, Evan F. Moore, and I think that we were really able to create something great. I am looking forward to being able to do that again with him or with another writer that shows interest.
Where do you see your blog in a year?
This is a hard question because I have goals and then I have “realistic” goals. In a year, I would love to see my blog taking off and becoming a household name. Realistic goal – I just want people to be talking about my blog, sharing my blog, and contacting me because something in my blog inspired them.
What do you wish you knew when starting your blog?
I wish I knew the impact my writing would have on myself. Sometimes when I go back to read my posts, I just have to take a breath and be so thankful that life experience allowed me and is still allowing me to do this.
What do you wish you know more about now?
I wish I knew more about how to get my blog more mainstream.
How do you keep motivated to post?
I keep motivated to post because I love to write and because I know that people are counting on me to say something that could change their world.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I would love to add a giant THANK YOU to all of you who have supported, are supporting me, and those new to my blog! You inspire me and you help me so much! You are truly amazing and I couldn’t do this without you!
