In this interview Julie Hubert of Big Girl Bombshell talks about how blogging built a sense of direction and community in her life.

Tell us a little bit about your blog.

Big Girl Bombshell came about as a result of affirmations and visualization of what I want for myself in terms of my health and appearance. Any positive changes, especially in this genre, needs to come from awareness of self. Way too many people struggle with weight and body image. The weight and the image can hold them back from what they desire in their heart. I hope to instill a sense of excitement about their life, create a balance, and get excited no matter what size or shape they are

How long have you been blogging for? What made you want to start blogging?

I actually tried my first round of blogging back in 2004 – 2005 while taking my first journalism class. I wrote in the personal development genre based mostly on creativity and metaphysical practices. I had no idea what I was doing but the journalism class sparked a true interest in writing for me. I tried to start my own online business, but gave it all up when I made the choice to return to a full-time job for the security of a paycheck and benefits.

Last year, I found that something was missing in my life. I did some deep self-reflection and learned that it was my passion for helping others that was missing. My full-time job is in a field based on retail and sales. It was not fulfilling an essential part of who I am. So, I returned to blogging. It has changed quite a bit from when I originally started. It was like I had never done it before.

In a short period of time, I went from starting out on TypePad, moved to Blogger and have just recently made the switch to WordPress. I read, not only blogs in my niche, but blogs about blogging. I joined ProBlogger forum seeking out a community but I know use it for as a learning tool. My community is being build within my niche.

That is why I blog. To have a sense of community with like minded people and to practice my writing and creativity on a daily basis. To provide a way to help others while helping myself become a better person.

What were some of your biggest challenges when you first started blogging?

Oh Gosh…. Many! Trying to fit in, finding the right platform for me, trying to follow all the advice at one time, and not trusting what I already knew.

How did you overcome these challenges?

I think the most important thing that helped me overcome the challenges was to trust in myself and not rely on the numbers. Just like my tagline on Big Girl Bombshell, It’s the Attitude, NOT the scale, it’s the same thing with blogging. It’s the Attitude and the content, not the numbers.

Once I let my creativity flow, Big Girl Bombshell emerged and took on a life all its own. The blog actually started out as with a totally different name and feel to it. It didn’t have my personality.

You’re blogging about something very close and personal, and the internet can be a harsh place. Do you have a way of dealing with this?

Yes, it is something close and personal, but it is also extremely real.  Dieting, Weight Loss, Body Image has a huge presence in life and is seen or discussed in some form each day.  I have encountered the complete opposite of what you are asking.  It is a supportive and caring niche. It is a common ground among a large group of people who inspire, encourage, and share stories that make it personal.  You can share their successes as well as their set-backs.  I enjoy that sense of community.  I guess that is why I blog in that niche.  It combines technology and real life.

What is a recent milestone that you have accomplished with your blog? How were you able to achieve this milestone?

Milestones come in all sizes. Some of the first were having a day with 100 viewers. The first week, I had comments each day, and the first time I was asked to do a guest post. I have to admit, that some of the early milestones were from following the plan of ProBlogger, Darren Rowse, 31 days to Build a Better Blog and joining the ProBlogger.com community. It pushed me to practice different things in my writing which, in turn, gave me the confidence I needed to take a few chances and build upon what I already had within me.

What is your next goal that you want to achieve with your blog?

Since my niche is weight loss, you have to become comfortable with dreaming big and long term but focus on the tiny, everyday accomplishments. I want to have 1000 followers by the end of 2010. I want to have my blog represent a platform for future writing, a book, and a product line. But the tiny, everyday accomplishments come when reader’s comments let me know my writing has helped them in some small way.

What is your best tip for other people out there who might be new or struggling with their blogging?

Just keep at it! It cannot be said enough. Follow your heart, study the masters not only in your own niche but others outside your niche too. Remember that content is KING and writers are readers too. Read all that you can on other blogs. You don’t know which one may inspire you to great content!

Thanks again Julie for doing this interview.

Julie Hubert is a writer and artist who enjoys helping others overcome obstacles that they put forth in their life.  Her personal mission statement is to help others discover their own potential through my own personal experience and examples, so that they may build a more positive outcome for the future.  Follow Julie on Twitter at @BigGirlBombshel.

Tagged as: Blogging, Interviews