With 14 years of fashion experience under her belt, Porchea-Londone started her blog www.porchealondone.com to serve as a tool to empower women of all ages to find confidence in their individuality and to understand the importance of dressing with purpose. She address topics including style, inspiration, and encouragement on her blog. Read our interview with the lovely Porchea-Londone below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have always been interested in fashion and journalism so fashion blogging was a natural fit for me.
Tell us about your business.
My website serves as a empowerment destination for young women on topics including, style, inspiration, and encouragement. I am currently adding some other exciting elements as well.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I’m a researcher so I spent a full year studying blogs. I studied the cosmetic elements, content and posting patterns. I also read books on marketing from fashion experts. One of my most recommended sources is Leave Your Mark by Aliza Litch. After, determining what I wanted precisely I hit the ground running.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
I attend at least two networking opportunities a month. When people ask what I do, I say I’m a fashion blogger. Even if it is the person bagging my groceries. There’s no such thing as a small connection. And social media is a gift from God.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
I’m a recovering perfectionist. I know exactly what I want and I can be stubborn about it. If it isn’t exactly what I want, I can sometimes procrastinate until it is.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I’ve learned that my “brand” is all about transparency. That means letting my followers be part of my growth and seeing the good, bad and ugly. Everything doesn’t have to be flawless.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I focus on the “why” and not the “what”. I love fashion and my blog is www.porchealondone.com. Even though it is my name, it isn’t for me. I do it in hopes of inspiring others. God always send someone to encourage me when I think I’m not reaching anyone.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I just be me. No one else has lived my life or has my personal style. I’m a supporter not a competitor. I have quite a few friends that are fashion bloggers and I want to see them succeed. There’s only one me so there’s no need to seek differentiation when God broke the mold with me. I will say one unique element my blog has is a Dear Diary section that features unedited post and videos. Subscribers can also message me for advice, to vent or ask questions. It is a digital safe place.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Trust. It is okay to ask for things. I have been through a lot so I have a very grateful heart for the smallest things. I’m learning that contentment and complacency are very different.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Go for it!!! So many people let fear stop them! Do your research, get good marketing in place and have fun!
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Social media. It is (mostly) free and it reaches so many people. Every business and person needs to identify which platforms work best for them and their goals. My brand is visual so Instagram is my favorite.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
• Instagram @porchea_londone
• Facebook www.facebook.com/porchealondone
• Twitter @porchealondone
• Hashtags #porchealondone #girlbossgirlfriends #deardiary #style #periscope #inspiration #empowerment #fashionblogger #christianblogger #womensupportingwomen
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
Leave Your Mark by Aliza Litch
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals for the next few months include launching a YouTube channel, adding more elements to my blog and making more appearances. My husband gifted me a Canon camera for my birthday so I plan to utilize it as much as I can!