Blogger’s Corner with Jaki from Jaki Jellz

logger’s The Blogger’s Corner series is an interview series featuring advice and experience from bloggers whose blogs are older than six months.

If you would like to take part, you can find all of the details here.

This week, we have the lovely Jaki from Jaki Jellz.

1 Introduce yourself

I’m Jaki, a thirtysomething Mum to one four, almost five year old. Wife, daughter, sister etc etc.

2 Tell us a little bit about your blog

My blog is JakiJellz, a lifestyle and family blog.

I know we are meant to have a niche but I struggle to commit to one topic.

I am more than just a parent and whilst I love writing about that side of my life, because obviously, it’s huge, there is more to me than just being a mum. As there is to my readers too.

3 What can your readers learn from your blog?

Real life parenting in all its glory. Warts and all.

But also, places to go that I recommend in the touristy area that I live in.

Reviews of children’s toys we enjoy and tips for family life in general.

4 What’s your favourite thing about blogging?

I have always loved writing from a very early age so to have my own little creative space in my corner of the internet is where I can be completely me.

I love the blogging community too. It’s so supportive. If ever you need help with anything, there is always someone willing to help. Even at silly o’clock in the morning.

The extra little bit of income I get is also nice.

5 And your least favourite thing about blogging?

While I love it, obviously, sometimes it feels like you can never take a break. Even if I’m out and about I always feel like I’m looking for inspiration for the next post, or getting that great picture for Instagram.

I think it’s mentally ingrained into a blogger’s brain after a short while. It’s so important to take a break though and I make sure I do from time to time. It’s needed to prevent blogger burnout.

6 Tell us one random fact about you

I once upset Davina McCall on Twitter with my opinions during a series of Big Brother many years ago. Oops.

7 If you could only blog about one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Oooh tricky one given my earlier answer. If I absolutely had to, it would be my little boy. He is the biggest and most important part of my life.

8 What was the hardest part of starting your blog and why?

Probably learning about all of the do’s and don’ts and etiquette. There is so much to learn and when you first start out you really have no clue just how much hard work is involved.

I really wish I had done more research before I started. I would have saved so much time.

9 If you could give new bloggers one piece of advice, what would it be?

Haha. Research, research, research. Read lots of blogs. There are many articles out there now that are full of tips. These are worth their weight in gold for newbies.

10 Is there anything you know now that you wish you’d known in the beginning?

I wish I had known how much time it would take and then I could have prepared myself. It doesn’t matter now obviously as I love what I do and I schedule my time accordingly. It’s so important to do this to get a happy balance.

11 Do you have any long term goals for your blog?

I just want it to continue to be successful. I have had a great eighteen months and if I get more of the same I will be happy.

I’m unlikely to be the next Unmumsy Mum but I love what I have got and I’m proud to have got where I have.

12 Who’s your blogging hero?

I look up to Bridie from Bridie by The Sea. We are very similar in that we are both a Mum to one and have openly admitted that we don’t know if we should have or will ever have the second children we are so frequently asked about.

I admire Bridie because this year she took the leap of leaving her job to take on her blog and social media work full time so she could be at home with her little girl more. She is doing brilliantly and is a real inspiration.

I also adore Prabs from Absolutely Prabulous. Her blog is one of my all time favourites.

13 What’s your favourite social media network and why?

Twitter. Without a shadow of a doubt. I loved it before I had a blog and it’s just my favourite place to hang out in terms of social media.

I love how fast it moves and that it’s always there to find out anything at any given time. I never understand how someone cannot have an account.

I can’t imagine my life without Twitter in it, how sad is that?

14 Anything else you want to share with us?

I run a fortnightly Guest Blogger Series for other bloggers to come and share whatever they would like to. I’m currently looking for more bloggers for the rest of this year so please do get in touch if you would like to be involved.

15 Where can we find you? (blog link and links to any social media)

b: https://jakijellz.com/

e: jaki@jakijellz.com

t: twitter.com/jakijellz

f: facebook.com/jakijellzablog

i: instagram.com/jakijellz