Good morning, friends. Today we’re getting to know Jen McCabe who brings us daily doses of fashion, art, design, vintage, and lots of general loveliness at Honey Kennedy.
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Let’s start with the Portland allure. I love Portland and Seattle, but I did notice a sense of community and warmth in Portland that I haven’t seen quite as much of here.
I’ll ask you the same question that I asked Portland artist Brian Kappel. What makes Portland so freaking cool?!?! Also, since you’re from Seattle, what do you think the main differences are between our sister cities?
The biggest difference I’ve found is that businesses in the same industry or niche are much more apt to be snarky and competitive with each other in Seattle. In Portland, the local businesses support each other, recommend each other, help each other with ideas to grow their businesses to be even more successful. It’s refreshing and feels more like a community to me.
Also, people are more likely to strike up a conversation with strangers (in a good way) in Portland and remember you and several details about you the next time you run into them. People are more cliquey and guarded in Seattle. I think I was probably more like that when I lived there too without realizing it. There is a lot of great food, art, design, etc. in Portland and it is much more accessible and inclusive than my experience growing up in Seattle–it isn’t as expensive, overrun or elitist.
The downside for me has been the comical lack of urgency. It can take weeks or longer to get something done if you are relying on other people. I’ve gotten more used to it, but it still drives me absolutely crazy. I don’t know how many times a day I think “Oh, come on! Hurry the eff up, hippie!”
Note to Jen: I literally laughed out loud when I read your last line.
Based on the Honey Kennedy archives, you first started blogging in 2008, then began to post regularly last year. What motivated you to create Honey Kennedy, and how did you decide what the focus of your blog would be?
I actually started blogging on Myspace (!!!), but that was more just my personal, neurotic ramblings. I was shocked by how many people started following my blog. When I moved to Portland I started blogging and writing features for the online version of the daily paper. Honestly, it kind of put my personal blogging on hold. I started a Blogspot blog to transfer over some of my Myspace blogs and some photos from time to time. When I quit my job in 2010, I imported some of those posts into my current website. It wasn’t really a conscious decision to write about fashion, interior design, vintage, etc.–I just love talking about design and the people behind it. It just flows out that way because I am genuinely interested in it. Music, film and food are in the mix too.
Besides blogging, you also do freelance writing and you’re a marketing consultant. How do you juggle these competing responsibilities? Are you equally fond of all of these facets of your career or do you have a favorite?
Well, I love my blog most of all, of course! Ha. I juggle it all by working insane hours. I’m a workaholic and a bit of a perfectionist. I want myself, everyone I talk about and all of my clients to be represented in the best possible light. It is a lot of work, but I’m not willing to compromise on integrity or content to lighten the load.
Like most new(ish) bloggers, I want to expand my readership. How did you build your audience for Honey Kennedy, and what tips do you have for other bloggers?
Just write about what you love and stick to it. You’ll always have material if you love what you are talking about. ALWAYS credit other people for their work as well (photographers, artists, designers, publications, other bloggers if you are reposting their content, etc.)!
If you use
Twitter just be yourself and strike up conversations with the people you really relate to. Don’t use it just to promote something else. Promote your business, but build genuine friendships and acquaintances. It has taken me a little while, but I’ve made some really great friends that encourage and inspire me to keep doing these things I love. It helps! Being a blogger is such an odd, latenight endeavor–it’s nice to have other workaholic insomniacs to talk to!
I love to ask bloggers and artists about their paths to their current work. How did you get into writing and where did you get your flair for design? Do you have a writing or design educational background?
I went from barista to music special orders and imports buyer for a large company and on to other buyer positions. I loved unearthing obscure music and merchandise and watching people’s faces light up when I got it in their hands and ears. I ended up switching over to working in advertising and marketing and have been doing that for close to a decade.
I have been obsessive about writing, style, photography, music and design since I was in grade school. I think my combination of lifelong loves and work experience are what you really see in Honey Kennedy. I love sharing beautiful art, design and music from every corner of the globe with my readers and I love helping to promote the independent designers, businesses and shops that I adore. My flair for design comes from the real Honey Kennedy, my grandmother. She was instrumental in showing me that quality and genuine passion trumps convenience. She’s also where I got the fancy gene from.
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Thank you so much for sharing with us, Jen! Honey Kennedy is such an inspiring place to visit and I always forward to seeing what you’ve found for us next.
Design note: Jen’s beautiful blog was designed by another one my favorite bloggers (and Twitter roundifier), Anna Dorfman. Check out her stuff over at Door Sixteen.
Images courtesy of Jen McCabe. All rights reserved.
