Starting a hobby blog that turned into a business was one of the best decisions of my life. I’ve shared my complete story in 6 parts on my blog already, so I won’t repeat all of that here. It’s a good read if you missed it and goes into much more detail than I’ll share on this post, but that’s how it all began. For fun. A hobby to keep me busy and an outlet for my decorating passion, which has been around for a long, long time.
I discovered the internet while working in the corporate world in the mid ‘90s. Once I found decorating forums full of other people who shared my passion for things like paint colors, renovation projects, and kitchens they wanted to remodel, I jumped right in too, asking and answering questions. Before I knew it, six years had passed. We had seen homes transformed in front of our eyes, and the forums were a big part of my life. I discovered the home blogging community in 2006, and started my own the next year. I managed to make a header and learned enough html to change my background. Blogger was free, and easy to work with.
“I can do this,” I thought! I became obsessed with learning as much as I could that first year to make my blog pretty. I was constantly changing it up.
I embraced blogging and began sharing what I was doing to my home at the time. I found more blogs in the home and crafting niche, and over time, my blog, and community, grew. I joined the BlogHer ad network in 2008, and began to make a little extra money. The BlogHer founders foresaw a huge opportunity for women to have a voice online, and they also could see the potential for growth that brands would partner with these bloggers. It was very part-time, but so exciting to get paid for writing about my home projects, painting, thrifting, and showing my house.
These were my eight keys to turning my blog into a business:
1. Starting a blog early in the game:
Getting into blogging and the home niche early helped. I’m so grateful for all the readers that have been with me from the beginning.
2. Writing about what I’m passionate about:
My love for home design, decorating, and DIY brought me into the forums and online community in the first place. I brought my passion for these things to my blog. It continues to energize my work today.
3. Lots of hard work:
Being self-employed is a wonderful thing (except for the paperwork and tax thing.) I love being my own boss and not having to report into an office anymore, but I am also responsible for everything, from my blog design to my own content. I love what I do! I spend a lot of time behind the computer (definitely as much as a 40 hour work week), but it’s still fun to me.
4. Trying new income streams:
Learning how to work with ad networks, brands, and sponsors is a key part of making it all work together and making a living doing this.
5. Learning as much as I could along the way about blogging and technical stuff:
I’ve come a long way since I made that first header. I still don’t know a lot about coding, but I can change out ad tags in my widgets and play around with my sidebars without breaking anything.
6. Taking on new projects and trying new things:
I pulled together a group of women in my niche who were also passionate about starting our own blogging event, to start the Haven conference last year. We had no idea how to do it, but all the key players came together and we made it happen. This year is even bigger and better, with some fantastic sponsors and vendors.
7. Building my community
The success has not all been financial or even tangible. The friendships and camaraderie I’ve found in blogging, and offline at conferences like BlogHer and Blissdom, and now Haven, has been amazing to me. I have friends from all over the country now and it has opened up a completely new world.
8. Last but not least, blessings from above, have brought me on this journey:
I have worked hard, no doubt about it, but the blessings have come from God above and I don’t ever want to forget that. He knew that I would need a career to sustain me again and He gave me the best gift I could ask for.
I tell people I really do have a dream job and I truly believe that. Something that I love to do is also my way of making a living. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else at this stage of my life, so I hope it lasts and lasts.
So far, so good!
This post is part of BlogHer’s Goal, Accomplished editorial series, made possible by P&G Always Infinity.
I am not a blogger but I still enjoyed reading that. Interesting!
You really are an inspiration to me, Rhoda!
Nice recap of your story. You’ve come a long way, baby! I
am truly so happy for all your success. Blessings, dear cousin.
I’ve been reading your blog for close to 1 year along with the blogs of several of the Haven group. What a neat story of talented women that have found such a niche for your creative blogs. Congratulations – very interesting.
Right on Rhoda! God gave you the skills and you have made it into something amazing 🙂 Congrats on your success and keep on inspiring! xo Kristin
Lovely post, Rhoda! I never tire of hearing your story… God is so good and you are a reminder of His mercies!
xo Heidi
Rhoda-Congratulations on all of your well-deserved success! I really enjoyed this piece. Xo, Lisa
Always love reading your blog. When I discovered blogs years ago, yours was one if the first ones I began reading on a regular basis. I felt a connection knowing you we’re in Birmingham (then). Loved “following you” to Atlanata! I get so many ideas and inspiration from you!! Thanks for sharing.
Rhoda, I feel like your an old friend..I have know of you since GI, I always thought you were the kindest, most helpful person on that board and I’m so happy for all your accomplishments and success. I wish you many more years of successful blogging, it couldn’t happen to a nicer person.
Thank you, Mary! That seems like a lifetime ago, but you’re so kind to say that. I do try to be helpful to folks, always have tried for that.
I’m not a blogger. Don’t think I would ever have the time or enough of my own ideas. But I love checking in on my favorite blogs every day and getting inspired to try things in my own home. I found your blog by accident a few years ago when I was looking for something else and that’s how my blog reading obsession began. Now I have a whole list I like to keep up with. Thank you…….I think!
Well done! I’ve been a faithful reader for years. Your story is one of inspiration. Continued blessings to you!
Hey Rhoda – This was very interesting to read! Thanks for sharing 🙂 I’ve been reading your blog for several years now…my husband and I even purchase your bed when you moved from Bham! We still have it and love it by the way 🙂 Anyway, you are definitely an inspiration…look forward to your posts!
I have followed your blog for years – and actually learned about it when I was visiting my daughter in St. Louis. I stopped in a decorating shop, and when the owner learned I was from B’ham – told me all about your blog and how much she loved it. I’ve been an avid follower since! Your faith in God has never waivered; you are blessed!
Rhoda – I’ve enjoyed following your blog and life over the past few years. Your story is a true testimony to God’s faithfulness. Jer 29:11
I enjoy your blog, getting to know your sweet family, and your sense of style! Great job!
Thanks, Rhoda. I always wondered about your start-up in blogging. This post contained very comprehensive information and has sparked my curiosity about BlogHer…will have to read about them. God bless.
Rhoda, I admire you so much! You have shared yourself with your readers! I have enjoyed following along on your journey! Thanks for all the inspiration in faith, family and home!
I dream of being in your place. You have done a great job at
becoming successful in a fun and creative way. I’m so envious!
The html and coding is what scares me away-I don’t have a clue and unfortunately don’t wanna know. I just want to sew and decorate for my clients.
I’m so proud of you and tell peeps about you all of the time!
Thanks for sharing.
I admire you for doing this. I always admire people who follow their dreams. I would like to, but I never seem to do it. I take some small steps, but get nervous and do now follow it to the end.
I know you work hard at this, it shows. You deserve all good things.
Would like a little push from you if possible.
Thanks.
Hi Rhoda, Your love of all things decorating and creative shows in everything you do! You should be very proud of all you’ve accomplished and yet you are so down to earth too. I sure enjoy your lovely blog.