Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantal Fullerton.
Chantal, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Since I was four years old, my love for fashion started. In my teenage years, I took that love for fashion and poured it into modeling. By the time I turned 18, my modeling career did not hit it off as I would have liked, I put modeling on the back burner and focused on school. Being in the corporate world for several years, I missed being involved with fashion. So, about a year ago, I took the plunge and started a fashion blog called The Fashion Turner.I have seen, and experience opportunities that were amazing, and I am so glad that I did not let fear get in the way of my dreams.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, It has not always been a smooth road, and it still is not. When I started my blog, Instagram just changed their algorithm. The first two/three months, I was growing my audience and all of a sudden I stop growing. I had no idea what was going on and why. I took the time to plan out my photoshoots; I post professional photos, what I was wearing was on trend. It drove me crazy, and I saw other people making half the effort growing at a faster rate then I was. I started to get very disappointed and discouraged because I knew people wanted me to fail at something I know I was meant to be doing. I thought I was failing because I was not growing. Also, being a blogger is a numbers game and when you want to work with brands, you have to have a certain amount of followers and high engagement to be taken seriously. So, the lack of growth affected me for a minute, and then I stop thinking about numbers and start thinking more about why I was doing this, and that was my passion for fashion. I still have an issue growing but its ok, brands have reached out to me, I have been invited to fashion shows, incredible dinners speaking to brands one on one. My numbers have not affected my opportunities. With that being said my advice to someone who is starting a blog is not to stop because the road is rough, with anything you start you are going to have bumpy rides here and there and take those lessons as learning opportunities. Do not compare yourself to anyone, because everyone has a different journey, so continue to focus on yourself and never give up.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fashion Blogger – what should we know?
I am a fashion blogger; I blog about how to style pieces in your closet for the everyday working women. I am proud when the pictures I post give others inspiration for their style. I think what sets me apart from others is that I make simple outfits look elevated, and inexpensive clothes look expensive without breaking my bank.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice in finding a mentor and what worked for me is I found a person that is at a place right now, that I wanted to be in the future. I think that is very important when looking for a mentor because they have been where you are, and they can advise you on the ups and the downs, and prevent you from making the same mistakes they did.
Image Credit:
BanAvenue Photography, Michelle Media
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