I wish there was some way we could look back and see how long we’ve been following people. I can’t quite remember when I found Kate, it was definitely years and years ago, but what I do remember was just being completely inspired by everything she was doing. I sat on youtube for hours watching her vlogs (because I LOVE seeing into other people’s lives), read all of her old blog posts and printed her insta photos for my inspiration wall. Do I sound creepy yet? ;)

She shares her life and her projects in a genuine way, something that you don’t find very often online. And somehow, with over 240k followers on instagram, she manages to stay connected with her followers (like me) via DM. I mean, she answered my request to do this mini interview!

So, if you’re like me and are looking to learn and find inspiration for your home, your wardrobe (and an insane bag collection to accent it), your beauty routine, your travel plans, ok really anything, click over to Kate’s blog and (multiple!) instagram accounts. Set aside a few hours, you’ll need it.

I’m so excited to re-introduce this little series of questions for small business owners and have Kate first up to kick it off! Every month we will ask our online favorites what their tips, secrets, routines and tricks are for everything business related. Here’s is what Kate had to say…

How long have you worked for yourself?

This is my tenth year blogging (if you can believe that!) but it's only been in the last seven or so years that I've considered it a career, before that it was most definitely a hobby or a side project. I've always worked alone, but in the past couple of years I've been working more regularly with photographers and now have an assistant too. 

How do you explain your career to those outside of your industry?

Most people have heard of influencers, but I never think of myself as one. I always say that I'm a digital content creator or a blogger; I blog about my life and the things I love, and I work with brands I love to create imagery and content to share online to my readership. 

 What does a typical day look like for you?

I get up early, I'm a morning person for sure, and usually I go to the gym and then come home and get ready for the day. I like to have routine, which can be tricky when you work from home. I spend a few hours at my desk catching up, finishing blog posts and getting through my inbox. My assistant and I will discuss the day and then perhaps spend the afternoon shooting, either in my flat or out and about. 

Favorite app for running your business?

The Notes app! I have so, so many notes - from checklists to goals to ideas and lists of posts I want to write. I invite my assistant or other members of my team to share them so they can keep up with the inner workings of my mind too. I love that I can sync it from my laptop to my phone, so I always have my notes available. 

best tip for building/growing a community online?

Be authentic - share what you love, interact with people you follow (as well as the people who engage with you!) and build an audience that is organic and true to you.

favorite way to break out of a creative rut?

Moodboards! When I need a bit of inspiration, I look to Pinterest or my favourite Instagram accounts to inspire me. 

If you could go back in time, what is one piece of advice you would give yourself before taking the leap into entrepreneurship?

To take myself seriously from the start! A lot of people thought blogging was a silly hobby at the beginning, and for that reason I didn't consider it as a career until I was quite a few years in. I wish I had pushed myself from the start and had faith that I could make it in the online world. 

We hope you enjoyed our first mini interview! If you have questions that you’d like to see in future posts, leave them in the comments and we’ll be sure to include them as we reach out to more small biz owners.

Visit Kate La Vie // Visit her personal instagram, @kate.lavie // Visit her interior focused instagram, @klvhome // Visit Kate’s YouTube channel here