Tina Fussell is an adventurous and creative blogger, artist, traveler, wife, and mother of three…for starters. She writes one of my favorite blogs, the gorgeous Flying House by Traveling Mama, and sells her handmade cards on Etsy. After a two year stint in Spain and three years in Morocco, Tina currently resides with her talented husband Jack and her beautiful children in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Will you tell us a little bit about how you got started blogging?
My husband kept telling me that I should start one. At the time we were living in Morocco and every time he asked me I would respond by asking, “Who on earth would read it?”
In your experience, what is the best way to grow your blog audience?
Oh, well, I’m not sure I am the best to ask about this. Honestly, I could probably have much bigger numbers if I followed all the “blogging rules.” I could spend a lot more time promoting myself, but I am a busy mom of three, we’re currently writing a book, and I am a full time language student.
Besides, I decided about a year into blogging that I wasn’t going to worry about the numbers and just focus on keeping my content real, authentic, and honest. I have also made it my goal to connect with people and in return I have made some incredible and true friendships through my blog. I have always been so happy when I have met my online friends in person and they find me to be just as they expected… well, maybe a bit shy at first, but that wears off after a few minutes of coffee and cake!
You make beautiful hand stamped cards. How did you get started doing that and where do you get your inspiration?
Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me!
My inspiration comes from many different places, but my greatest inspiration is my travels. Living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world doesn’t hurt either!
I have a husband, a one-year old, a “day job,” and I’m trying to start a new career as a blogger/photographer/graphic designer/collage artist. You do so many things and you have three children! How do you do create balance when you have so many things that you want to do and so many competing obligations?
I don’t sleep. I am laughing out loud as I type that, but it’s so true.
When I first started blogging, I was completely obsessed with my blog. For three years I blogged a card almost every day and I nearly burned out. One day I just stopped making cards, and for a while I thought I would never make another one. I was just sick of the pressure and the feeling like I had to “wow” people every day.
The ironic thing was that I found out that most people enjoyed the mix of stories, photos, and crafts. I decided to author the kind of blog that I would want to read, which goes back to the whole idea of authenticity and honesty.
Once I started blogging from my heart and from my passions it got a lot easier. I do almost all of my blogging/connecting while my littlest is taking his nap and at night when all of the kids are in bed. Truthfully, I put a ton of hours into creating content, photographing, and then blogging about it, but I love it, so it is very satisfying for me.
What advice do you have for people who want to break free from their “day jobs” and live a creative life?
I think you just have to keep it real. Look at how much you need to make and how many hours you have to give. Give as much as you can to making your dream a reality, take classes, read books, and really do your research. When you are ready, I think you will know!
