Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Lang.
Ali, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hoots of a Night Al began several years ago as a fun and simple way to log newlywed life. As I kept blogging, I found myself sharing recipes I wanted to remember, makeup reviews for my favorite products, and picture-filled recaps of our travels. I didn’t realize anyone but my husband and family was reading until friends starting thanking me for makeup recommendations or commenting on a yummy recipe of mine. Once I realized my posts could help others, I decided to start utilizing social media to reach more people. Since then, I have had the privilege to participate in fun collaborations, test new products to share with my followers, and get to know some wonderful people. I’ve been happily surprised at the opportunities that have come my way, and I look forward to continue sharing my life on Hoots of a Night Al in a fun, authentic way.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have always viewed Hoots of a Night Al as a fun, creative outlet, so I try to treat it that way. For example, if I know a collaboration won’t be exciting for me to share with my followers, I pass. I think a lot of bloggers get caught up in the pressure to share every single item they get sent or participate in every collaboration that is pitched to them. I’ve found that my followers know if my posts aren’t genuine, so it isn’t worth posting a fake review and losing their trust. Your followers will appreciate your honesty, and legitimate brands would prefer to work with a blogger or influencer who doesn’t “sell-out” just for free products. Authenticity is key in the blogging world.
Another piece of advice is to just get started! You don’t need a fancy camera, the most expensive makeup, the trendiest clothes, or anything else you think every blogger or influencer has. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with so many amazing companies, and I shoot ALL of my content with my iPhone! If you have creative ways to share your ideas and work hard, you can be successful no matter what.
Finally, proudly share the things you’re passionate about. It will be so much easier for you to stay excited and interested in your blog or business if you’re talking about things you love. For me, that’s creating an amazing makeup look with affordable beauty products, or showing my followers how to save money on a trip, or a sharing a delicious new recipe I tried… all of these things and more are a blast for me to share with my followers, so it makes creating content for Hoots of a Night Al a joy instead of a chore.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hoots of a Night Al – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Hoots of a Night Al is a beauty and lifestyle blog. Once I began getting more collaborations, I definitely focused more on makeup reviews. Primarily, I favor drugstore makeup. I have found that the majority of my followers feel the same and love seeing how you can create prestige beauty looks with products at a much cheaper price point! Not everyone can (or wants to) spend copious amounts of money on every new eyeshadow palette, foundation, or lipstick, when they can find an amazing, affordable option on their weekly grocery store run. A lot of beauty bloggers focus on higher-end cosmetics, and I think edging more towards the drugstore beauty industry definitely sets me apart.
While much of my content is focused on beauty, I love sharing recipes as well. I initially blogged my recipes because my Pinterest board was loaded with recipes I had tweaked and half the time I couldn’t remember what I had done! I started blogging my version of various recipes as a sort of online cookbook for my own reference, but my followers enjoyed my recipes, so I’ve kept up with it. I try to keep my recipes simple and approachable. I’m no master chef, so I assume my readers aren’t either!
Also, my husband and I love traveling, so I enjoy sharing our favorite experiences, easy tips, or funny travel stories with my followers. Travel recaps are a great way for me to look back on our trips and for my readers to get ideas for their next adventures. Within the travel category, I’d like to think I’m known for my love of Disney. I’ve been a lifelong Disney fan, and my husband and I try to visit Disney parks at least once annually. I love sharing our trips and any tips I’ve picked up over the years, and my followers seem to love hearing about anything Disney related!
Beauty, food and travel aside, I love that Hoots of a Night Al is a lifestyle blog because there are several other things I love to share about. Whether it’s my latest floral arrangement, a fun activity I’m doing with my family, or a bargain fashion finds, I embrace the freedom to share that with my followers! If I enjoy it, I think they will too, so it’s worth sharing.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I think many people (males and females) suffer from imposter syndrome… myself included! Imposter syndrome is basically when someone suffers from thinking they aren’t good enough or deserving of their success despite their hard work, knowledge, and accomplishments. In today’s digital world, people are inundated with everyone else’s highlight reel, which leads to so many feelings of inadequacy. It’s easy to think others are more deserving or better than you in your field. For anyone having those thoughts, I would encourage you to remember the value of individuality. No one can be exactly like you, so if you’re working hard and creating work you’re proud of, your success is deserved!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hootsofanightal.com
- Email: ali@hootsofanightal.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hootsofanightal
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/hootsofanightal
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hootsofanightal
- Other: https://pinterest.com/hootsofanightal
Image Credit:
Ali Lang
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