DIARY Influencer: Carly Rowena
Date Posted: Tuesday 7th March 2017
DIARY directory recently caught up with health and fitness blogger Carly Peart of Carly Rowena. On her YouTube channel you are likely to find fitness tips and workout challenges along with diet and lifestyle experiences. Carly's blog shares a variety of topics, ranging from food reviews, beauty advice to seasonal gift guides.
| Date of birth: | 24.03.1994 - age 22 |
| County & country of residence: | Norwich, UK |
| 3 main areas of focus: | beauty, lifestyle, travel |
| 5 specific areas of interest: |
vlogging, hauls, Disney, advice, growing up |
| Skin tone: | fair / sensitive, eczema prone, dry |
| Hair colour: | auburn/brown |
| Dress size: | 12/14 |
| Shoe size: | UK 6.5/7 |
Listed in DIARY directory in the digital influencers subsection, along with 1000+ categorised influencers for PRs to work with, Carly balances her day job as a fitness trainer with her website and shares her top tips for PR, dream collaboration and some of her struggles.
What got you into blogging, how long ago did you start?
A funny story, it was blogging that caused me to realise my passion was fitness. I started my YouTube channel as a way to learn my passions, I was working in Marketing and although it was an amazing job, it just wasn’t where I wanted to be but I was ok at most things but not fantastic at anything enough to know where to turn. Three months into posting videos and it was my followers who suggested I should become a personal trainer, I am forever grateful to them for this, now I have not one but two jobs I adore!
The fitness industry is huge and continuously growing, what sets you apart from the rest?
I'm not sure there’s anything that sets me apart I just like to think I’m more your girl next door; I love food, I enjoy moving and I like to have fun. I like to offer a way to feel confident and happy without too much sacrifice!
Do you have any additional professional help for your blog?
Nope, all of my content is produced by me but my mum, boyfriend, remote control or friends generally help me take images unless I am able to get a professional photographer.
"I would like to see a little more trust come from Brands/PR’s, working with others is something I am incredibly proud of but I feel some brands want us to change our identity to suit their projects when in actual fact I feel they should let us be ourselves and have trust that we will positively share their message!"
What inspires you when writing a blog post and which posts garner the most attention?
For me it’s all about the writing, the photos come last, which is why I think I am always so sporadic with my posts. I travel a lot and find I am my most creative when on the train or in the sky, my clients are also a great source of inspiration when it comes to topics as they share with me their struggles!
What have been your favourite sponsored collaborations to date?
I have been so lucky to work with some incredible brands, Lancôme was one I will always remember as it was so out of the blue, I’m not much of a beauty person so it was the ultimate compliment, travel is also always something that blows me away when the opportunity knocks!
How do you think brands/PRs can work better with influencers? Any pet peeves?
I would like to see a little more trust come from brands/PR’s, working with others is something I am incredibly proud of but I feel some brands want us to change our identity to suit their projects when in actual fact I feel they should let us be ourselves and have trust that we will positively share their message! I guess an open forum where you can create something together.
What advice/top tips would you give PRs looking to promote their clients through your blog?
Top Tips, always use the correct name, never spam or pop everyone's address into one email, speak on the phone and if possible call and speak about products before sending them. I feel honoured to receive so many incredible samples but regularly they arrive without a letter or reason and it leaves me feeling so guilty. Tips to work together, just pick up the phone and talk to me about ideas you may have!
What has been a career highlight?
Being able to say that this is my full-time job, working with brands I never thought I could even afford let alone that they would know my name, having the opportunity to represent a healthy and real life to my followers.
… and biggest struggle?
Travel... I live in Norwich and have to travel 24/7. If there was a time machine, or I had bernards watch, life would be so much simpler... I need more than 24 hours in a day - For example, it’s 11:16pm, I’m replying to your questions on the train home and I woke up at 4am…
What would be a dream collaboration that hasn’t yet presented itself?
I would love to create my own trainer, clothing line or be in a billboard campaign with a top brand such as Nike.