This week’s Fashion Blogger of the Week is Grazia Local Sheffield ambassador Claire from The Jazzpad. Last summer Claire, a graduate and Junior Account Exec, shared her love of the Steel City with Grazia readers and now she’s back to offer a few pearls of wisdom about breaking into blogging. Originally started as a university hobby, Claire has since developed The Jazzpad into a lifestyle and fashion blog with outfit posts, reviews wish lists and more.

Find out more in our Q&A… 

Grazia Daily: How long have you been blogging

Claire from Jazzpad: I’ve been blogging in some form or other for nearly four years now (yikes!) but probably over the last year or so I’ve really made it my own. It’s even helped me get a job and I now tutor businesses on how to write, plan and manage their own professional blogs.

Grazia Daily: What made you decide to start your blog

Claire from Jazzpad: It was definitely a hobby at first – it started as an outlet for documenting my move to university. I wanted to remember everything that I did, so initially it was heavily photography-oriented. I started posting some wishlists and before I knew it I was attempting outfit posts when I spent all of my student loan too quickly on Sheffield’s best vintage. The rest, as they say, is history!

Grazia Daily: What’s been your highlight so far

Claire from Jazzpad: Working on a special edition of Grazia last year was a dream. I sing the praises of Sheffield on my own blog so it was great to be able to spread the Northern love to a national audience! I’ve also worked with some fantastic UK brands and have met some truly inspiring businessmen and women setting up their own independent boutiques. 

Grazia Daily: Are there any particular perks of blogging

Claire from Jazzpad: Getting the odd freebie isn’t to be sniffed at, but I’m a social butterfly so the events and press days are certainly a favourite aspect of mine. Some of my best friends are now those I have met through blogging, so I have a lot to be grateful for.

Grazia Daily: Have you been to London Fashion Week

Claire from Jazzpad: That’s my next goal this September! Every year something has got in the way – last February it was me and my boyfriend’s anniversary so we were in Paris. Not that I’m complaining!

Grazia Daily: Blog brag time: why should people read your blog 

Claire from Jazzpad: Variety is the spice of life so my blog is a mish mash of all things style related. From monochrome outfit posts to top products to use on ombre dip dye hair, I experiment with my style and try and push my own sartorial boundaries. If that doesn’t sway you, I’m one of the few flying the Northern flag, and I still post the odd photo diary up of my travels. You never really know what you’re going to get.

Grazia Daily: What advice do you have for anyone starting a blog

Claire from Jazzpad: I guess the obvious thing is not to be put off if you don’t have anyone reading it for a while. It’s definitely more important to retain that love of blogging, than being desperate for comments and followers. Write about what you love, and be proud of what you create.

Grazia Daily: Which other fashion blogs do you love

Claire from Jazzpad: I love the arty blogs such as Style Marmalade, Buckets & Spades and Is mental, but I also have a lot of love for the bloggers I am proud to call my mates, like Fat Frocks, Being Little  and It’s Cohen. There are so many though!

www.thejazzpad.com