Blogger Spotlight with Nany’s Klozet

Image via Nany’s Klozet

• Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Daniela Ramirez. I was born and raised in Venezuela, but I have been living in Miami, FL, since 2006. I have a fashion and lifestyle blog called Nany’s Klozet where I share my personal style, travels, beauty tips, etc.

• When did you start blogging and what made you want to start a blog?

I started blogging in 2009 in another blog first, called Fab Chic and Fit. It was written fully in Spanish and I was never in the pictures and it was more like a relatable magazine content on how to wear trends and what to wear to certain occasions. I started it because at the time, there weren’t blogs in Spanish dedicated to the everyday woman (it was all magazines or up-scale type of content).

In 2010, I posted my first OOTD. It was an article on 10 ways to wear a simple black dress, which was followed by a strapless white dress. People really enjoyed seeing who was behind the screen and I took to a personal level. A year later, I opened Nany’s Klozet as a way to amplify my audience by also writing in English. I live in a bilingual community , so it made perfect sense to have  a bilingual blog.

• So many bloggers have set goals to blog FT. How do you feel about this? What are your big-picture blog goals?

I started blogging so early on in the game that I never opened it for it to become a full-time job. I was in school at the time, getting my degree in marketing. At the time, I looked at it as a way to have an online portfolio and eventually get hired by a magazine.

And that’s exactly what I tell people when they tell me they want to become bloggers. I ask them again “No, what do you want to do with your blog?” Your blog should be a tool to reach your goal,  not the end goal. If you want to be a magazine stylist, then turn your blog into an editorial magazine while collaborating with amazing talented people in your area. If you want to have an online store, then show on your blog different ways people can wear the items you sell.

My big-picture blog goals have changed over the years. At first I wanted to work in a magazine, then I wanted to get in retail. Now I’m enjoying the managing blogger part, the business aspect of it. We will see where all of this takes me.

• How do you stay true to yourself while continuing to evolve and be relevant in the blogger community?

This is definitely hard because it is easy to lose who you are in the process. I think the best way to stay true to yourself while continuing to evolve is to learn to say no. Be grateful when opportunities come your way but if they don’t fully align with you, say no . . . it’s okay to say no.

If over the years you are not into makeup and want to make your blog into a cooking blog, then do it. It’s important to remember that a blog is  an extension of YOU, it is not an editorial magazine. You don’t have to write about teen stuff because you started when you were a teen. It’s okay to evolve. Some people will leave, and some will evolve with you.

• Has there been that moment where you felt like you made it, and what was that like?

Wow. I’ve had little surreal moments. I still have a long way to go. Definitely when I received my first paid gig. When I was part of a big-time production for a national company. When I designed a handbag for Rebecca Minkoff. The first time someone stopped me on the street to say hi.

• How has your style and blog evolved since starting your blog journey?

This question is a little bit bittersweet for me because I miss part of the good old days. Since I started blogging many things have changed. When I started blogging, everyone did it as a hobby and not as a career. Brands didn’t work with bloggers and didn’t understand the value of our work and/or voice. People really read blog instead of quickly scrolling through pretty pictures. The market is definitely oversaturated with a mix of people that do it for passion and others that do it for the fame.

In terms of style, I have (and hope I have) evolved with the times. I consider myself a little more risky now. I’m not afraid to try new trends or to transition from girlie to boho to edgy.

• What does the next year look like for Nany’s Klozet? The next 5 years?

I want to do more long-term projects with brands I love. I want to travel more. I want to keep on having fun with the blog and enjoying every step of the way.

The next 5 years, maybe I’ll transition into lifestyle blogging. I’d love to start a family. Again, we will see how this industry continues to evolve!.

• Do you have any fashion or lifestyle bloggers you admire and follow yourself?

Yes, so many. I absolutely love and admire bloggers with different styles.

I love Luanna from Le-Happy; she’s so edgy and also Latina.

I adore my close friend Steffy from Steffy’s Pros and Cons; she has a vintage flair that’s very inspiring.

I’m obsessed with Xander Vintage’s colorful style; her hair is perfection and she has a funky style that’s also very inspiring.

• Any advice for bloggers on networking or pitching themselves for a project who aren’t so comfortable with it?

Of course:

• Don’t feel afraid to reach out to fellow bloggers in your area. Connect, talk, share tips. You will understand each other. Let each other know about events in your city and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to everyone around.
• Never feel too small to reach out to a brand. If you have a great idea, go for it. If you can find their email, tweet at them. Many times I have requested the marketing email from Twitter . . . and hey, they do answer!
• Remember to pitch the idea and not yourself. It’s not YOU, it’s what you can do for THEM.

 

• Do you have any tips for bloggers starting out or bloggers looking to focus on a vertical like fashion and lifestyle?

My main tip is to enjoy every step of the way, not to do it for the fame or the following (or the money). Start a fashion or lifestyle blog because you absolutely have something different to share in this industry. Like I said earlier, treat your blog as your portfolio and focus on networking and on a bigger goal than just blogging.

• What’s the one thing you constantly try to do during the year as a blogger to better promote your blog/brand?

For many years, I would have said consistency. Nowadays I believe that quality is better than quantity. It’s okay to take days off — those inspire you the most. It’s okay not to post every day, because eventually the content will feel forced and not real. I also try to have a great relationship with my readers, answer every tweet and comment. I love going on their IG profiles and checking what they do. Blogging is definitely a two-way of communication and it’s important to create that relationship.

• As a blogger you get to wear some great brands — which are some of your favorites?

I absolutely love mixing high and low. I love finding great deals on Forever 21, H&M, and Zara. I love supporting little local boutiques that have emerging designers. And investing in classic designer pieces. I also love 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rebbeca Minkoff,  J.O.A, Alexis, etc.

• What are some of your favorite brands you’ve gotten to collaborate with? What was it like?

My favorite brand collaborations have been the ones I get really involved in the process. I designed a 10-piece capsule collection for a Venezuelan brand called Melao that sold in Venezuela and in boutiques in Miami. Another favorite was customizing a Rebecca MInkoff bag inspired by Miami — the whole process was incredible. And recently I designed 3 sunglasses and 2 eyeglasses for Bonlook.

• What is the one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?

I think people are always surprised to know that I’m a little bit of a tomboy and I absolutely love staying in my PJs all day. People assume that as a fashion blogger we are glammed up all day and night, and that’s definitely not true.

• Insta-stories or Snapchat? Your social media handles?

I prefer Insta-stories now, I just wish they could have the fun Snapchat filters.

You can find me everywhere as @Nanysklozet and my blog is www.nanysklozet.com

• What do you love about ShopStyle Collective?

I love how easy it is to search and filter items. I can always find similar items to what I’m wearing at every price without waiting hours for it to load. I also love how customizable the widgets are.

If you want to be featured on our next Blogger Spotlight email us at help@shopstylecollective.com letting us know why!

xo,

Carlina