Me in my old kitchen in Better Homes & Gardens
Happy Friday! This summer I’m honored to serve as a blog mentor at the Haven Conference in Atlanta. Haven is a DIY and home blogger conference that’s perfect for new bloggers and veteran creators alike to learn, connect, and be inspired. If you’re attending, I’d love to meet you in person.
As a mentor I’ll share lessons I’ve learned while blogging about home and design. Today I’m taking part in a mentor “blog hop” alongside other mentors, answering the same set of questions about life as a blogger. Even if you aren’t a blogger, you might enjoy reading a bit about my journey and what I’ve gained from this community.
blogger life
1. How many years have you been blogging?
I published my first post on The Inspired Room in July 2007. This summer marks the blog’s tenth anniversary. Time really does fly when you’re doing work you enjoy. A small side note: The Inspired Room began as a decorating business in January 2007, six months before the blog launched. Once I started writing online, I never looked back.
Since then I’ve written thousands of posts and published six books, including a New York Times bestseller, Love the Home You Have. I never imagined I would become a writer or entrepreneur, but blogging opened that door and changed my professional life in ways I didn’t expect.
my favorite project
2. What is your favorite DIY project that you have completed?
My favorite projects are the design work I get to do as a designer. I’m not the kind of blogger who frequently runs to the workshop with power tools or craft supplies; I prefer to design rooms and pull pieces together. My favorite project to date is my recently remodeled kitchen — a space that reflects my style and practical needs.
You can see the kitchen remodel reveal on the blog.
3. What is something useful you have learned from a blog conference?
Early in my blogging career I attended Blissdom, a conference that pushed me well beyond my comfort zone. I’m a homebody and an introvert, so attending conferences and speaking on panels was challenging at first. Still, those experiences were critical for my growth. They helped me develop new skills, practice public speaking, and connect with other bloggers in real life.
Investing in personal growth — not only blog growth — made a big difference. Getting out from behind the computer to build relationships expanded my opportunities and led to some of my closest creative friendships. For many seasons of a blogging career, conferences are a worthwhile investment.
4. What is something you love about blogging and what is something you wish you could change?
I love that a blog gives anyone the chance to create something beautiful and meaningful from their passions. A blog connects you with people and opportunities around the world, and there isn’t a single path to success. Each blogger gets to define what success looks like in their season of life.
That said, blogging can look deceptively easy from the outside. It’s tempting to imagine that blogging is all fun, free products, travel, and casual chats online. In reality, many aspects are enjoyable, but the work behind the scenes can be much more demanding than people expect.
For me, blogging has made it possible to work from home and be present with my family while running a business — a dream come true. But it took consistent effort, persistence, and a focus on creating meaningful content, not just chasing freebies or social media tricks.
My Books
My advice for anyone building a blog or creative business is to be in it for the long haul. Long-term success comes from steady investment, authentic engagement, and staying true to why you started. Minimal effort or hoping for quick rewards won’t create lasting results, and burning out by trying too hard is counterproductive. Share from a place of genuine passion, support others, and keep making time for the life you love outside the screen.
Even with the many hats I wear and the pressures of entrepreneurship, I still love blogging because it lets me share my love of home with people who care about the same things. There’s nothing else I’d rather do.
5. What is one piece of advice you would offer a blogger–new or otherwise–who is going to Haven?
Whether you’re new to blogging or have been at it for years, attend the conference intending to make new friends and reconnect with others. Don’t hang back because you feel unsure or worry you don’t measure up; most bloggers arrive feeling imperfect. Introduce yourself, ask questions, listen, and be authentic. Being real makes others comfortable and helps you form meaningful connections. You have a unique voice and perspective to bring to the community.
Now, enough about me and my thoughts!
Be sure to visit the other bloggers taking part in Friday’s lineup. Enjoy meeting the mentors and learning from each of their stories.
Start here for Friday’s line up: Beauty and Bedlam | The Kim Six Fix | Shabbyfufu
Here are the rest of the links from this week’s Haven Mentor blog hop:
Monday: Southern Hospitality | Finding Silver Pennies | Jennifer Rizzo | Chaotically Creative
Tuesday: Life on Virginia Street | Just A Girl | French Country Cottage | Maison de Pax
Wednesday: Thistlewood Farms | The Handmade Home | Beneath My Heart | That’s My Letter | Sweet Tea, LLC
Thursday: Centsational Girl | Mom4Real | Cedar Hill Farmhouse | The Lettered Cottage | Shades of Blue Interiors