How did you start your blog?

I started HMS Jewels in August of 2015 after spending several years reading fashion and lifestyle blogs during my undergraduate studies at UNC-Chapel Hill.

These blogs were a huge stress relief and provided countless inspiration and happiness – it made me realize I wanted to be a part of the blogging industry.

I have always loved fashion and art and design AND combined with the marketing and technical aspects of blogging (like web design and development), I truly feel like blogging gives me the BEST of both worlds. I learn something new every day, whether that is in regards to making my website run faster or more efficiently, coding the CSS for my blog design, looking at analytics for my blog, or learning new photography tips and tricks. I feel so lucky to be involved with blogging, I get to learn so much and have fun at the same time! 🙂

What did you get your degree in?

I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with degrees in Economics and Political Science along with a minor in Spanish. I now work in banking.

What advice would you give if someone were interested in starting a blog?

Be Persistent. Be Patient. Be Kind. Create content you are proud of.

Who takes your photos?

A combination of photographers I am starting to work with, iPhone photos, and my own camera (Nikon DSLR). One of the most important goals for my blog is creating amazing visuals and photographs. It is a work in progress. I have so much respect for the time and energy professional photographers spend making their images perfect.

What are your favorite spots in Raleigh?

I love Benelux Coffee and Warajii for Sushi! You can check out my list of my favorite places in Raleigh for more information if you’d like.

Why did you name your blog “HMS Jewels”?

I chose the name HMS Jewels because I wanted something fun and whimsical and feminine. I also wanted a name that was distinctive enough to be memorable but easy to spell and remember. The letters “HMS” are also my initials. 🙂

Can I send you promotional materials, brand graphics, marketing materials for a new product, etc. and then ask you to spend time and energy creating a post to promote my company or brand?

The short answer is no. I deeply care about the content that I create and publish on my website and I do not work for free. In addition, blogging is marketing and it’s incredibly powerful for a digital influencer or digital style publisher to collaborate with a brand or company as the authenticity and trust that blogger has built with their audience goes much further than if a brand created their own marketing campaign.