This week we interviewed Lifestyle Blogger The Only Way Is Ellie to find out her thoughts on the Manchester Blogging Scene and aspirations for the future. Ellie is a recent graduate from Manchester who blogs about celebrities, film, fashion and anything she fancies.
How did you first start blogging?
I first started blogging just as I finished University. I studied Acting for Stage and Screen and therefore a lot of what I discuss on my blog cropped up at various stages of my degree. For one of my final degree pieces I discussed how Hollywood creates feuds between women in the media. Jennifer Lawrence and Miley Cyrus were my main examples (hello it was 2013) Whilst my lecturers may not have appreciated this in depth analysis, I found a place where people would and voila my blog was born!
How would you describe your blog?
It’s a little bit of everything. With Pop Culture as my focus, I can cover a lot of different topics without having to stick to one niche which is what I love the most. I think it reflects my own personality in that one minute I can discuss the ins and outs of Haute Couture week, and the next I can be furiously typing away at a Game Of Thrones plot development analysis.
Do any bloggers inspire you?
Many bloggers inspire me. In particular the ones who so bravely set aside any ego or fear in regards to putting their content out there and not caring what anyone thinks about it. There have been times where I’ve set aside pieces and thought ‘what will certain people make of this?’ & it can be really damaging not to just your blog but to your mentality too. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some fabulous gals in the blogging community who really shine through their work and helped me to overcome the fear.
What are your thoughts on the Manchester Blogging scene?
The Manchester Blogging scene is absolutely AWESOME! We have an amazing group in which we can express concerns, queries, suggestions or arrange shoots and meet ups. It’s also a great way for PR companies to contact us regarding events or opportunities. There are so many lovely bloggers from Manchester, so it’s really no problem attending an array of different events by yourself as you can always guarantee a friendly face there.
What is your favourite thing about Manchester?
Where do I begin? Manchester is the greatest city in the world. I love how everyone has their own individual quirks and lets face it we are home to the greatest football club (MUFC) (editor: no bias from us 😉), music scene & fashion sense. Theres such an incredible atmosphere on every street and at every turn. Manchester is BAE forever. “We do things differently here” as Tony Wilson once said.
How do you think shifts in alogrithms and visibility is impacting bloggers?
Half of me acknowledges how unfair it can be when Bloggers who don’t fall correctly into the algorithm can be impacted hugely by it in regards to their own visibility. However the other half of me accepts it for what it is. It’s just the way it is and I think as long as your doing your uttermost best to get yourself out their organically, there isn’t much else to be done.
Where do you see your blog going in the future?
I’m hoping to cover events such as Cannes Film Festival, and San Diego Comic Con so that I can get stuck into the atmosphere of these two huge events that surround the things I love. I want my blog to take me places that can lead to what I want as a career within the TV & Film industry.
Which are your favourite brands?
High end are; Vivienne Westwood, Dolce Gabbana, Valentino and Zuhair Murad. A few of my favourite highstreet brands are; O Mighty, Puma, Lazy Oaf, Dr Martens. I love brands with slogans and personalised items. Beauty-wise my favourites are; Giorgio Armani, Mario Badescu, Urban Decay & Charlotte Tilbury.
How would you describe your personal style?
My style is all over the show. One minute I want to be classic, the next I look trashy AF. It totally depends what kind of vibe I’m trying to achieve or what music I’ve been listening to that day.
What advice would you give to new bloggers?
DON’T BE AFRAID. Don’t be afraid of what somebody that you used to know will think, don’t be afraid of voicing your opinions, don’t be afraid of trying it out. It isn’t for everyone and takes a lot of un-paid time and hard work but it’s totally worth it if even just ONE person responds to a post!
Visit The Only Way Is Ellie online.
