VizSense - Blog - VizSense Vizionary: Megan Armstrong

How did you find the inspiration to start your page and take the leap as a content creator?

Three years ago, I realized when I came home one night from my corporate 9-5 that I was not feeling fulfilled, so I knew I had to find a hobby/side hustle. I started focusing on where I was spending a lot of my energy and attention and realized I was following a lot of bloggers to get outfit inspiration, recipes, motivational books, or the latest home décor trends. I thought to myself, “I can do this too!” I started putting myself out there and sharing the types of things that I was following myself. I am from Philadelphia and the blogging community here is extremely supportive. If it were not for the kind messages, networking events, and words of encouragement I would get from them, I do not know if I would be where I am today.

What is your overall inspiration for your posts and Instagram feed?

The name The Honest Blonde came from my long-time best friend who felt I was always honest in everything that I said and did. My intention with my posts and feed is for people to feel that they can be the same way. My blog started as a place to share low-budget things that made people look and feel good and I think over time my Instagram has grown with me as a person. I still want people to look and feel good, but I also want them to feel empowered to be their authentic selves, whatever that looks like.

How did you get your first brand sponsorship, and who was it with?

My first big brand sponsorship was with Neutrogena a couple of years ago through VizSense! They reached out to me via email and the rest is history!

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned working for yourself and creating your own personal brand?

That it's not as easy as it looks! You must wear a million different hats. You are the creative Director and the Photographer and the Project Manager and the Admin, so on and so forth. I think the most important thing is holding yourself accountable to weekly goals and keeping everything organized on a calendar and/or spreadsheet. I think it’s also getting really clear on what you/ your business stands for and what your core values are.

What is your favorite part of being a content creator?

Being able to do something I love. Creating and editing content brings me so much joy. Being creative and exercising that part of my brain is something I am really passionate about, so getting to do that in collaboration with brands that trust me to turn my creative thoughts into reality is amazing.

Who is your biggest inspiration in the industry and why?

This is a tough one! Who my inspiration was when I started my blog is not who it would be today, and I am sure that will continue to evolve as the space evolves and new creatives emerge. I would say from a style perspective I love, @yasmindevonport_, @kelsrfloyd, and @sweetteawithmadi. I love how simple yet edgy their style is, and that most of their clothes are from affordable brands. From a wellness standpoint, I would say @itskrista and @jennazoe. Krista Williams is a co-host on the Almost 30 podcast that talks about wellness and spiritual things from a very relatable and millennial perspective. Jenna Zoe is a Human Design expert that helps you understand your own human design and how to navigate through life with that knowledge.

What do you wish people knew about influencers?

I love this question. I think there is a negative connotation around the word. I think people should know that influencers are people that love to naturally create and express themselves. They are people that have a passion for community and connection. With this in mind, I think if we can reframe the thought of an influencer's purpose and the role they play in bringing information and products to your screen, I think people would understand so much more!

Where do you see yourself, as well as the industry, within the next few years?

I see myself doing this full-time in the next few years. I also believe with the new generation coming out of school, a lot of them are seeing the benefit in working for themselves and how much growing up on social media has put them in a great position to turn it into a full-time business. I can also see Universities educating students on this as a career option and more influencers becoming Unionized.

What is the best piece of advice you have for people who want to build their own social media brand and get started in the industry?

Just go for it! Do not get stuck in your head about what people are going to think. People are going to talk no matter what so you might as well do what makes you feel good. Also, do your research on what goes into it and what brands look for. You cannot just start posting on your IG page in a “bloggy” way and hope that someone will take notice. The three things you will need to be successful are consistency, engagement, and networking.