LadyLUX is proud to present the fabulous Ria Michelle as our blogger of the week!
Learn more about her background in fashion and how she started her selftitled style blog:
LadyLUX: At what age did you first really begin to start defining your style? Are there any memorable stories that stand out during this time?
Ria Michelle:I think I was kind of a late bloomer style wise, in high school I liked edgier stuff (lots of black, lots of spikes) and my mom HATED it. Lots of throwing out of a lot of the stuff I used to wear haha. I still remember the day my mom called me to tell me she was getting a manicure with black nail polish. She always gave me a lot of guff about my choice of nail color. It's weird that all the stuff I was singled out for is kind of normal now. After high school I really started defining myself and my style. A brief dalliance with gyaru fashion set me on the path I'm on now. I think you can still see elements of everything in my current wear.
LL: How did you get into styling? What do you like about it?
RM: I used to model, then decided I wasn't very good at it and quit. Another model friend of mine kinda came to the same conclusion herself and decided to become a makeup artist. She called me up to style her shoot because of my entirely too large wardrobe and I just went from there. I was really excited about what came out of that. Starting with a blank canvas (the model) and really being able to change the perception of this person with clothing is really exciting for me. I still get really giddy when dressing models and seeing the final photos.
LL: What is your favorite part about creating content for RiaMichelle.com?
RM: If I have content for my blog it means I'm doing something exciting so that's my favorite part. I rarely get dressed just for the blog. I usually take photos at events and fashion shows so that's fun. It's more genuine to me that way, especially with outfit posts. I understand that sometimes it's hard to shoot things during more hectic events and if you're running late etc so I can't completely snub my nose at scheduled outfit posts.
LL: What is your favorite part about being a fashion blogger?
RM: The fact that being on the internet is my job haha. I've been an internet addict since I was a kid. I've had my domain since I was about 13. I loved blogging, I got bored with blogging, I quit blogging, I came back to blogging when I realized it fit my current interest (fashion). I used to just have a personal blog and that's okay but I lost interest after doing it for so many years. There was no purpose for me. With fashion blogging, I connect more with other people because we have the same interests and I get to connect with the brands I love and use in my daily life. The idea that let's say Urban Decay knows of my existence is wild to me, I ADORE UD and recommend it to everyone who is interested in makeup.
LL: Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?
RM: I am lucky enough to be a full time blogger. I've been self-employed most of my working life, I've worked exactly one actual job. It was at an Aldo shoe store and I had a lot of fun doing it (not to mention the discount) but it's just not for me. I like doing my own thing. I got into blogging from livejournal.com I still have my original journal with loads of teenage angst haha. I eventually learned html (and became a webdesigner for a spell) and got my own domain (http://www.withering-rose.net) at 17. I got riamichelle.com 5 years ago to start a modeling portfolio. Now both links lead to my fashion blog which I'd say has officially been running for 2 years.
LL: What’s the best thing a blogger can give to his readers?
RM: Genuine content of course. Your integrity is the best thing you've got. Giveaways are a great way to thank your readers, nobody dislikes free stuff and it's a great way to thank everyone for their support.
To keep up with Ria Michelle, and her online adventures, follow at @riamichelle and "like" on facebook.
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