Blogger Spotlight: Molly McWilliams Wilkins

Ever since I started this blog, even before finding the editorial line that best suited me, I wanted to do a blogger spotlight series, for I think there is an abundance of excellent bloggers out there that deserve a shot out . And I’m honored to start it with the multi-talented Molly McWilliams Wilkins who besides succesfully running the blog “Make It Work Molly” owns The Hyperion Group a Public Relations company that strives to provide their clients with innovative campaigns. And of course, she’s a mom, and that’s without doubt her fave side of them all.

If you’re not already an avid reader of her blog, you will end up devouring her posts after checking this little interview, specially if you’re an entrepeneur or are considering to start your own business. Enjoy!

Every blogger has a different story on how they got started blogging. What is yours? 

Oh gosh, I tried blogging several different times over the years and I would drop the blog shortly after starting it.

It was after freelance writing for several publications, and establishing my own fashion column for a few years in a local magazine, that I thought starting a fashion blog as a spin off from my column would be a good idea. I was restricted to writing only about local advertisers, and this would allow me to write about what I wanted.

The blog would eventually grow in to writing about other topics, and I added other writers, guest bloggers, and syndicated columns/blogs. And somewhere along the way I started selling ads, too.

What are some of the topics you write about on your blog?

 Ha- just about everything. Mostly fashion and beauty stuff, but a lot of it is on local events, charitable stuff, but I also cover parenting topics. My mom writes an art lesson blog (she’s a retired art teacher). I have friends who write about cooking, parenting, and interns who cover events and other fashion. I also have pulled some syndicated blogs (like yours) from the Lucky Portal.

 Tell us about your fashion sense and how it has changed throughout the years? 

Oh gosh- I had zero fashion sense until about middle school.  My style is constantly evolving, I’m generally a rather classic girl (suits, black dresses, formal dresses) but once I switched jobs to the digital world- and even once I started working for myself- it’s taken another twist. When it’s warm outside I’ll wear a sundress and flats and a blazer if I have meetings. But I’ve started doing the “dress up shorts” suit thing, too. I’m trying to get more “edge” in my style 😉

Which season consists of your favorite trends and styles? 

Generally the spring- I love the light weight fabrics and bright colors emerging from the cold.

Which item from your wardrobe can you not live without and why? 

Um- that’s hard. I’d say high waisted jeans (having two kids pretty much permanently jacked up my waist line and I’m not at the point of wanting surgery yet) – Joe Jeans are my fav. And knee high boots. A cute pair of flats (because I’m generally carrying my purse and laptop bag). BCBG heels- right now my pink ombre ones. My Louis Vuitton. And all of my Tibi formal dresses. And Tiffany’s jewelry.

What other interests you have besides fashion and blogging? 

Being an awesome mommy to my kids!! I’m in to the arts, I write a lot, and I paint and do photography. And I own a marketing and PR business: The Hyperion Group. I do a lot of social media work.

How do you monetize your blog and your brand?

 Gosh, I reach out to people I have a relationship with and sell locally. I’m a big believer in building relationships that way.

What would make you choose to work with a brand on a giveaway campaign on your site? 

If I believe in the quality of their product or I think my audience would like it.

How do you use social media, and what role does it play in your blogging life? 

Well, it’s part of my profession. And I did it as part of a job for a local TV station, too. I use it to speak directly to my audience as if they were in front of me and let a lot of my personality come through.

If you had to mentor a new blogger, what is your go-to advice to become successful?

 Be honest and be yourself. Use as many other platforms to promote yourself as possible- like write a column in your hometown or get a radio show. Realize that you won’t be paid for any of these things until you get an audience which justifies your worth. And do what you love ‘because if you don’t- the free work will suck and it won’t pay off eventually.

 

** Pictures by Molly McWilliams Wilkins & Collaborators.