SHE Partner of the Week: Neely Moldovan

Every blogger knows that determining the name of your blog is a critical step in building your identity as a content creator. When Neely Moldovan’s life no longer clearly reflected the name A Complete Waste of Makeup, she took the plunge and rebranded to It Starts With Coffee. This SHE Media Partner has always understood that her blog needed to reflect her life and the every-changing blogosphere, so the decision to rebrand was a no brainer. Neely strives to be authentic and transparent with her audience and knows it takes a village to run a successful website. With help from her husband and her manager, Neely has crafted a relatable, profitable destination backed by personal content for women everywhere. You’ll find her blogging about beauty, food, fitness, organization, blogging tips, and her everyday life as a wife and new mom. Learn more about Neely and her blogging journey in our interview below!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvzK9QlHIB0/

Tell us a little about yourself and your blog!

I am a 35 year old wife and mom first and foremost. I started my blog when I was 25 and single. So needless to say, things have changed in both my life and this blogging world. I blog about my life, motherhood, fitness and health, and beauty. I am currently trying to switch as many products as possible to clean beauty so that’s been really fun to explore! In my free time I love to take barre classes, read, and binge TV shows with my husband. 

Why did you decide to switch the name of your blog? Did you face any struggles in doing so?

My blog has actually had a few name changes but the first few were long before I had many readers. A Complete Waste Of Makeup felt like a stage in my life. Single, to becoming married. Once I was married and knew I wanted a family I wanted a name that felt more me. Thats where It Starts With Coffee came from — As everything in my life starts with coffee. 

What 3 things does anyone starting out as a blogger or influencer need to know?

Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. I heard that quote at a blogging conference about 8 years ago and it’s always stuck with me. Just don’t play the comparison game. Also, don’t assume you know what someones life is like from a few, short clips we see each day. The last would be to just be kind. You never know where someone will end up and how they can help you. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt_0j_Dnu8B/

How do you decide which brands to partner with?

I have to love the brand and the product. I turn down a lot [of brand partnership opportunities] because it’s a product we don’t use or wouldn’t use or it’s a brand I don’t love. It has to make sense for me. 

How do you determine how much to charge for sponsored posts?

I have a really amazing manager who helps me with that and really showed me how badly I was undercharging. A lot of factors go into it, including paying for a photographer, the time it takes to try the product, create a recipe, etc. Plus I really try to not overdo it on sponsorships.  

Which social media platform do you prefer?

Twitter! Its my favorite and always has been. 

Which topic do you each enjoy writing about most?

Motherhood! It’s the biggest part of my life and I love being a mom. Connecting with other moms is my favorite thing. 

How did you find your brand voice?

Honestly, I just write from my heart. What you see is what you get. No more no less. I am who I am in real life and on this blog. I’m a little awkward, a little self conscious, and a little shy. 

What are your hobbies outside of the blog?

Baking, reading, barre classes, spending time with my husband and son, organization. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpVH-WCFi98/

Follow Neely on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and check out her articles 2019 Clean Skincare Routine, How To Become A Morning Person, and 5 Things I Would Tell Myself As A New Mom.

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