Please meet Alexa who writes the plus size fashion blog, Alexa Webb!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a 30-something living with my fiancé and our two fur babies. Until recently I was working in social research, specifically addiction medicine. I’m currently obsessed with Starbucks, YouTube makeup tutorials, and Pinterest.
When did you start blogging and what made you want to start a blog?
The short answer is that I have always wanted to show plus-size women, like myself, that fashion is for them. It is possible to be plus-sized and stylish. It is going to take way more effort than it should, but it is possible for anyone of any size!
The long version starts with Polyvore and Pinterest. About five years ago I started creating outfits/collages on Polyvore as a hobby. It was a way to express myself creatively, but more importantly offer some much-needed plus-size content to the site. At the same time I began pinning all things “plus-size fashion” and my own content to Pinterest. Back then there was not much plus-size content on Pinterest either. To my surprise I was gaining hundreds of Pinterest followers each week and in those five years had over 13 million outfit views on Polyvore. I had always wanted to start a blog but wasn’t sure anyone would want to read it. But after I had built an audience, I decided to go for it. I started “officially” blogging in November of 2015 with the goal of expanding on what I had already started.
Do you blog full-time or part-time, and how do you have time to do it all and do it all well?
Sadly, I’m recovering from an injury and had to leave my day job. So I have been blogging full-time for the past six months. Thankfully my blog and related revenue streams can support me. But, during those years that I was building my audience, I was working full-time and if I hadn’t been insanely passionate about offering new content (read: staying up late nights to publish and pin), I wouldn’t be where I am now.
So many bloggers have set goals to blog FT; how did you make the transition from the corporate world to blogging full-time?
Slow and steady. I can’t stress that enough. This is not my first attempt at being an entrepreneur. The first time I was “ride or die” and resigned from my secure and well-paid job. Silly me. In many ways I was successful, but not enough to actually support myself in any sustainable sense. But, at the time, I thought: This is what I want to do, so I will make it work because I have to. Unfortunately, sheer will and strength of spirit is not enough. Nor are the proverbial “blood, sweat, and tears.”
My most important lesson: I always thought that I couldn’t be successful unless I threw myself 110 percent into a project, like blogging. And that’s simply not true. It may take painfully longer to reach a goal, like blogging full-time, by investing just a small percentage of your time, but you will get there eventually. And I think you learn SO much more along the slow route, so when you do get there, you are really set up to be successful. And that’s when you give 110 percent! It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing or “ride or die,” in fact, it’s much better if it’s not.
You are a self-penned “plus-size fashion blog”; what are your thoughts on the plus-size fashion industry? Has it evolved, is it enough, are you content where it is?
Yes, the plus-size fashion industry has evolved in the last 20 years, thank goodness! But it isn’t enough. It’s so sad that it’s so difficult to find what you need when you need it! You have to plan ahead because you can’t just run to the mall to get a new dress or outfit. It’s stressful, seriously!
How do you stay true to yourself while continuing to evolve in the blogger community?
Having a mission statement to reflect on regularly. Keeping my readers in mind — they are always why I do what I do.
You are fairly new to the blogging scene; how has your style and blog evolved since starting your blog journey? Or, how do you think it might evolve down the road?
Well, I have certainly improved in creating my collages. My first Polyvore outfits were hot messes! My style is always evolving, I think. My blog is also evolving as I get feedback from readers. I try to offer more alternatives for different budgets and consider my readers more when suggesting products. Thankfully people write to me and I really try to listen.
Who are some of your favorite bloggers you follow who inspire you in your outfit choices or beyond?
I have to mention Gabi Fresh, who was probably the first plus-size blogger I discovered. Back then her blog was called Young, Fat and Fabulous, and when I found it my life changed. Yasss, girl! Also Jay Miranda was another blogger I started following early on. There are so many plus-size bloggers doing AHHmazing things these days. A couple more favorites are Rochelle of Beauticurve and Kristine of TrendyCurvy. These ladies are killin’ it!
What’s the one brand you are obsessed with?
City Chic. I’ve been a fan for a long time and I’m so glad retailers like Nordstrom and Macy’s are now carrying them! I have a collection of their blazers that I couldn’t live without. But really I don’t think there is an item they make that I don’t love.
Do you have any tips for bloggers starting out or bloggers looking to focus on a vertical like plus-size style?
Be true to yourself; it’s your voice and point of view that is valuable. Be patient. Consider your readers’ feedback and try to incorporate their suggestions. Post as frequently as you can consistently. Choose one or two social media outlets to focus on if your time is limited rather than spreading yourself thin to be everywhere. Build your audience slowly.
Speaking of tips, what is one Collective strategy tip you would share? Since you are pretty new to the affiliate world but have already made an impact!
I think the most helpful tip would be to include a widget on every post that you can. You can then update your saved widgets so that no matter which posts your readers land on, there will be fresh and relevant product suggestions. There is nothing worse than dead links for your audience!
You predominately focus on a collage-based blog; do you ever think you’ll branch out and share some of your fab style with the world via OOTDs?
I would like to eventually include OOTDs, that has always been a part of my vision. It is something I will develop with time . . . stay tuned!
What is a go-to look you will be wearing this coming Summer?
Kimono, t-shirt or tank, and jeans. I think that’s my new uniform! Dress it up with heels or just throw on flat sandals. Easy peasy!
Where do you do most of your shopping: online, in-store, boutiques, etc.?
Nearly all of my shopping is online. One reason is the limited in-store selections for plus sizes; a lot of stores that offer plus sizes only do so online.
What is the one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
I grew up on a large farm in a very rural area. I live in a city now, but I was once a country girl who spent Summers working in a barn and driving tractors.
Favorite social media outlet? Your social media handles?
Pinterest. I love the visual appeal and organization! I’m the worst at Twitter. I never tweet!
- Pinterest: AlexandraWebb
- Polyvore: AlexaWebb
- IG: AlexaWebbFashion
- FB: AlexaWebbFashion
- Twitter: AWebbFashion
What do you love about ShopStyle Collective?
The ability to search for anything and everything! My favorites list is out of control! Also, the ease of pinning to Pinterest. Did I mention my addiction to Pinterest?
Thanks, Alexa! Want to be our next featured blogger? Email help@shopstylecollective.com and let us know why we should feature you!
xo,
Carlina
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