Meet The Blogger: Dear Bear and Beany

Here at BlogOn we like nothing more than showcasing different bloggers and their wonderful blogs. This weeks blogger is Laura from Dear Bear and Beany. If you fancy being featured on Meet the blogger then please email laura@blogonconference.com

Dear Bear and Beany

Name –  Laura Smallwood

Blog – Dear Bear and Beany

Blog Url: www.dearbearandbeany.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dearbearandbeany

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dearbearandbean

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dearbearandbeany

YouTube: Dear Bear and Beany 

How long have you been blogging and what made you start?

I started blogging in January 2016. I first thought about starting a blog when Alice was born in 2012, but I just didn’t have the courage to do it. The thought never really left me and with the support and encouragement of my husband I finally started my blog.

The girls were growing up too quickly and I wanted to remember all the little parts, the bits that I knew over time I would forget.

What do you wish you had known before you started?

How much it would change my life and for the better and how much I would love it. It would have given me that kick to do it earlier.

What one tip would you give to a new blogger?

To remember the reason you started, to have this at the forefront of your mind with every decision you make.

What is the most surprising thing you have learned since you started blogging?

That it’s people’s job! I didn’t realise that you could earn money from blogging. It wasn’t until I joined a Facebook group and I was reading some of the posts and I thought what are they talking about?

I remember the first I was contacted by a company to work with them, I was amazed, shocked and also wondered how they found me. I still wonder this when I’m contacted by anyone.

What is the best thing about blogging?

The friendships that I’ve made. To have people in my life that make me laugh and smile every day, I never thought that my blog would bring me this.

What new skills have you learned since you started blogging?

Where do I start? coding, website design, taxes and whole heap of admin that goes with having a blog.

The 2 biggest things are making and editing videos and photography. I’ve always loved to take photos, I was always the one that took a camera out on a night out. But since I started blogging I’ve started to see if differently, the framing of a photo, how to use my camera properly, how to edit photos. It’s my favourite part of blogging.

What is the most unusual thing you have done/received because of blogging?

My girls got to draw their dream pet, which as you can imagine they were not your typical pets. Then they got made into real toys and they couldn’t believe it when they arrived.

What has been your proudest blogging achievement so far?

To be asked to me a Merlin Ambassador for 2018. I would never have dreamed that they would ask me, and I’m really honoured and proud of my little blog to be asked.

It is going to be great for our family this year to enjoy going to all the different attractions and have a year of fun.

What is your blogging goal for the next year?

I’ve never really set myself any goals before, but I do now have one goal. Holly starts school in September and this means its time for me to get a job. I would love to be able to make my blog, my job. I’m inspired by lots of brilliant bloggers who have made this happen and this is what I will be working towards

What will you be doing in 5 years time?

Well that’s a tough one. If I reach my goal above, then hopefully I will be living the dream to have a job that I love, that fits around the girls. I know it won’t be easy and that it’s going to take a lot of work to make it happen.

If in 5 years time I’ve made it happen. I hope to also have achieved a good work/life balance.

Will we see you at a BlogOn event this year?

Yes, my ticket and hotel are booked for May and I can’t wait. It is my favourite blogging event to go to and one that I feel comfortable at. I love getting to see lots of blogging friends and a chance to meet new ones too.

If Yes, What do you hope to learn more about at BlogOn?

I would love to have a session or an inspirational talk from someone that has made blogging their job. How they’ve made it happen, in a way that people can inspire to be.