Life & Work with Bethany Schaaf

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethany Schaaf.

Bethany, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my blog in July 2019, just as a fun hobby really. Once I realized that fashion blogging was a thing, I decided to go ahead and just jump into it and start. I really didn’t know what I was doing at the time, so I had to learn how to create a website and write good quality blog posts. I started with my actual website and didn’t even realize how big Instagram was for blogging. I didn’t share anything on Instagram for a couple of months until I felt more comfortable and didn’t start my Instagram account for my blog until October of that year. I don’t think I even followed any influencers until I had started my blog and then realized how big the fashion blogging community is. Once I started to put more time and effort into my blog, my following started to grow more in March 2020. I started to really enjoy the social interaction that it gave me. I love shopping, putting together outfits, and then sharing my outfits with my followers. But what I love even more is interacting with my friends, family, and new friends that I have made through my blog. Especially during quarantine, it really helped me to stay sane and stay productive even when we were all stuck at home.

Now that things are starting to open back up again and more events are happening around Kansas City, I have enjoyed going to events, traveling, and sharing those experiences on Instagram as well. I have even had a couple of opportunities to collaborate with local businesses like Zona Rosa over the past few months. Even with a relatively small following on Instagram, I like to use that platform to highlight local businesses and local events as much as I can.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For me, blogging started out as a hobby, but I treat it like it’s a job. You really have to be willing to put in the hours and stick to it, even when it gets frustrating or you feel like no one’s paying attention. One of the main challenges right now is growing your following. Especially if you are relying on Instagram, it takes a lot of consistency and quality content in order to grow. My challenge has been to focus on the quality and consistency of my content, and also just have fun blogging instead of obsessing over the number of followers and if I’m getting paid brand deals or not. Some people think that bloggers make so much money from their posts, and the bigger accounts definitely do. But when you are just starting out, you won’t be making any real money for a while. So you also have to be willing to put in all of this work and not necessarily see any financial benefits from it for a while, if at all. It really has to be a passion and not just a way to make money.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a website and Instagram account for my blog where I share affordable, everyday fashion. Currently I am focusing on sharing my outfits, style tips, and any sales that are currently happening. When I travel, I like to share that content as well. My Instagram stories are just my day-to-day life, as well as some fashion content. I like to share tips for how to be stylish without breaking the bank.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Some people may not have been shopping as much in the past year and a half, especially those who have lost their jobs or who have been struggling financially because of the crisis. Other people were doing more online shopping while stuck at home. As a blogger, I am often encouraging people to buy things that aren’t really necessary, so it has just been important to stay aware of current events and be sensitive to that when sharing on social media.

Contact Info:

• Email: bethany@bethanyschaafblog.com
• Website: www.bethanyschaafblog.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bethanyschaafblog
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethanyschaafblog