I started a personal blog in 2015 where I only wrote poems, stories, things which inspired me at that time, and things happening in my private life. The blog was just an outlet for me, nothing serious. In 2017, after practising Law for a couple of years (2 years and some change actually), I became a Freelance Creative Writer for Guardian Newspaper while working on setting up my leather accessories company, RAÉ Accessories. Before then, I had been writing on my first blog which now acted as my portfolio since I was yet to write for any publication officially. It was then (at Guardian) I began considering writing professionally so I began experimenting with the different niches I was good at writing on. This led me to a writing career at Genevieve Magazine. Two years later, I can’t imagine a life where I’m not writing, whether as a Creative Writer or as a Blogger. The rest, as they say, is history.

Although I am yet to work with any brand, staying true to my readers is most important to me on my blog. Therefore, I will be extremely selective when it comes to deciding which brands I will collaborate and work with. I plan to only work with brands/companies that I truly love and would use/have if I did not have a blog. I would politely decline working with brands they would not be a true fit for me or my professional brand. If I am interested in working with you or your brand, I will get back to you within 48 hours. Please read my Editorial Policy for more details on this.

The same goes for gifts – I only accept gifted products if it’s with a brand that I naturally love and would normally purchase on my own. Gifted products within blog posts are noted with (℅). Please read my Editorial Policy for more details on this.

As someone who has started and grown from different blogs, the best advice that I can give is for you to keep writing and always post clear, colourful images. Write about whatever makes you happy and things that you are passionate about. Why do you want to write a blog? Whatever pops into your head is your gut reason for writing, so go ahead and write, write, write! Eventually, everything will flow naturally. Do not give up and never, ever, EVER compare yourself to other bloggers! Keep going and remember to just be you.

First is my work experience! I got my first writing jobs working in the Media & Publishing industry at Guardian Nigeria, and later at Genevieve Magazine, and I honestly never really stopped working since. These experiences taught me how to work for what I wanted, and never stop working for it. Being able to hold a conversation with anyone is a necessary skill in blogging when it comes to meetings, phone calls, events, and sponsorships. Journalism is a great way to practice these skills.

Next is my degrees! My Law and MBA classes were huge gamechangers. Blogging isn’t just about posting nicely-written words and pretty pictures – it is a cut-throat business that requires all the skills that any other business does.

Lastly, I learnt from the best! I worked with both Betty Irabor and Lolade Nwanze for a combined period of 3+ years. These women are both excellent communicators who taught me that publishing (and invariably blogging) is a business – not just fun and games.