DIARY directory recently caught up with Mona Lisa Adli of the blog Through Mona's Eyes. Launched a couple of years ago, Mona's blog primarily covers fashion, beauty and lifestyle content including travel and food. 

Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Micro- Blogger

Worked on the L’Oréal makeup digital campaign launching 16 February

"My work/life balance is non-existent "
 

Listed in DIARY directory in the digital influencers subsection, along with 1000+ categorised influencers for PRs to work with, Mona discusses her experience and struggles as a micro-influencer.

What got you into blogging, how long ago did you start?

I started my blog 2 years ago due to being made redundant from my previous Marketing job. It's the best thing that has ever happened to me! I’m proud of what I accomplished out of a bad situation and now it’s become such a passion of mine.

How do you make your content different to others?

I guess what makes me different is that blogging came to me rather than I for it, so I like to make content that my readers can relate to. My core readers range from females aged 16-34, so whether I write a product review of the hottest beauty trend, makeup tutorial or sharing some lifestyle and styling tips I always make sure it’s relevant and real for my readers, and most importantly to myself. Bloggers writing because they have been paid to has been more transparent than ever. I also come from a Marketing background so can see through all the gimmicks and produce a high calibre of content for readers.

What's an average day for you? 

My average day consists of checking my emails in the morning and replying to brands before heading into my office job, where I worfull-timell time Marketing Manager. My lunch breaks consist of having over the phone meetings with brands, discussing how we will work together on new product launches etc., all while eating my lunch. I also use that hour to write up blog notes or posting a picture on Instagram. On average 3 evenings a week when the clock strikes 5:30 I’m catching a train into the city for events, press days or brand meetings. Every evening without doubt I work on blog content for the week, I'll write posts and plan the videos I need to film. As well as visiting Doddle where I collect my blogger mail and decide which products I'm going to try out. My weekends consist of recording for YouTube.

" DIARY directory has been so beneficial to me and my blog. If it wasn’t for DD I would still be struggling to make those all-important connections in the industry. I highly recommend DD service to any micro-bloggers wanting to take their blogs to the next level."

 
How do you balance blogging with your day job?

This is hard question because as you can tell from my previous answer, my work/life balance is non-existent hence why I’m making changes. In a couple of months, I will be going freelance offering my Marketing skills to give me a chance to work more from home, focus more on the blog and have time for family and friends. I have so far written a post on how to juggle a blog, YouTube and full-time job in the hopes of helping others like myself.

What has been a blogging highlight?

Just when I think I know the answer to a question like this, something else pops up that blows everything out of the water. So my biggest highlight to date was working on a L’Oreal makeup digital campaign for their new lipstick launch which is set to go public on the 16th February. This was a real pinch me moment! For a massive brand to recognise little old me and be part of a campaign was such an honour. A constant massive highlight is when my readers & subscribers take the time to message me, I feel so touched hearing from them because ultimately I write and share content to inspire others and it’s SO lovely when I get their feedback.

…and biggest struggle?

Is managing everything myself. I have no help with my blog and only recently have started to hire a freelancer to help with some video editing. Everything I do is off my own back, the long nights of editing, replying to numerous emails, the travel and working to fund my blog. I’m lucky my family support me when I need them but by far the behind the scenes work load is intense. No one talks about that side of blogging enough.

How do you think brands/PRs can work better with influencers? Any pet peeves?

I have really scaled back on the number of PR's and brands I work with. But before my pet peeve are when PR’s were really inconsiderate with my time, sending products last minute then asking for content in an unrealistic timescale. I’m always upfront with brands and PR’s that I work a full-time job and so only have a limited amount of time to work on projects. Now the brands/PR’s I work with always send me products in as much of advance as possible and try to work with my schedule rather than against it.

How does being subscribed to DIARY directory benefit you as an influencer?

DIARY directory has been so beneficial to me and my blog. It’s my go to directory for the inside scope and helps me network with brands. If it wasn’t for DD I would still be struggling to make those all-important connections in the industry. I highly recommend DD service to any micro-bloggers wanting to take their blogs to the next level.

You also have a YouTube channel; will this ever be your sole focus or will your blog continue to be your main platform?

Yes I’m slowing transitioning over to my YouTube channel making it my main focus because I feel so inspired to create new and exciting YouTube content. On YouTube I can show my personality to my subscribers but I will never give up my blog and it’s still a great outlet for me to share pictures or discuss issues that I would be shy talking about in front of a camera.

You’re active on many forms of social media, which one performs best for you?

Instagram without a doubt. Now with Instagram stories and IG live it’s my go to social app! The more interactive I am the more people can see what I’m about and my blog. IG live has allowed me to talk directly to people in real time and it reflects how Millennials are in need of fresh hot content.

What’s one thing people may not know about you or your blog? 

I would love to set up my own foundation to help young girls from ethic minority communities to succeed in business and blogging. I think it’s so important to help others and another thing people do not know is that if I didn’t pursue a career in Marketing I would have been a child psychologist. I studied Psychology for 3 years.

Tips for other bloggers?

Don’t feel you need to conform to a certain style or any ‘blogging rules’. Always be honest and transparent. Don’t be swayed by the lure of free stuff or money. A quick win of stuff or payment is never worth losing the trust of your readers. Be creative but don’t force it. If you’re not feeling it then take a break. There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ type of content. Doing things that don’t work for you can be the best way to find things that do - and in turn find your style and voice. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Above all else, blogging is meant to be fun (even if it’s your job).

What other bloggers /influencers do you follow and why?

The bloggers/YouTubers I really aspire up to are Estee Lalonde and Amelia Liana. They are just owning their arenas and representing for UK talent! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting both and they are so humble and kind.

Contact

Through Mona's Eyes in 'digital influencers'