I have so much fun interacting with you guys via the Questions feature on Instagram Stories, but I don’t always have the time to answer all the questions in 24 hours. So, I decided to do a monthly Q&A where I can answer your questions here in detail including links, etc.
PHOTOGRAPHY // Kaye McCoy
Here were your questions to me in March!
How do you find your personal style?
I think the more you know yourself, the better your style gets. Understanding your body shape, what makes it look good and what you feel confident in is also very important as well. I recently edited my wardrobe and created a spring capsule wardrobe. Selecting pieces for it really helped me identify with my personal style more.
What are your top tips for being organized and productive especially with a family?
Have a planner (digital or analog – whatever your preference is fine), use it (I share my fave planners, here) and try to plan ahead as much as you can. Small decisions like meals, what to wear and what chores need to be done being made ahead of time help out a lot. I like to dedicate certain things on certain days (taco Tuesdays, wash hair every other Saturday, etc.) to set clear expectations not just for myself, but for my family as well. And designate a time (an hour or two works for me) to actually do nothing but plan for the week. Sometimes, you can do that by simply waking up early one day out of your week. A lot of us have the intention to plan, but never deliberately carve out time to do so. Make time to plan. Uninterrupted.
What are your thoughts on influencer networks? Which do you suggest?
I think influencer networks can be beneficial when you’re first starting out and can help learn the ins and outs of executing campaigns. That being said, do your research. I don’t work with them on a consistent enough basis to suggest many. From my experience, Fohr and Whalar have been legit and offered worthwhile opportunities.
How do you become an influencer?
From a social media standpoint, it’s all about creating consistent content while growing your audience. As [a social media] influencer, your job is to influence your audience with your content. So being consistent is vital to maintaining or increasing your influence.
Will you relaunch your pitching course this year?
Yes. Excited to share more soon.
Where are you originally from?
I was born in Huntsville, AL but grew up everywhere. I went to preschool in Saudi Arabia, elementary school in Huntsville, Atlanta and Philadelphia, middle school in Philadelphia and high school in Pittsburgh. Moved around a lot as a kid because of my dad’s job.
How did you find your freelance support?
I’ve been blessed to have them find me, believe it or not. My best friend is my photographer, my business manager is a close friend of mine who ran my social media when I first went full time and my other freelancers (graphic designer and money manager) were recommendations from my sister. My current assistant was a long time follower and customer who truly knows the ins and outs of my brand and pitched me to work together. Research and take recommendations from people you trust and respect!
Any tips on how to look put together without spending hours in the morning?
Plan ahead! 90% of the time when I look put together, I deliberately decided what I was going to wear the day or night before. Also, having a capsule wardrobe helps out a lot because you’ve picked pieces for it that can be worn a multitude of ways. But literally lay or hang your clothes up ready to wear the night before like you did when you were a kid!
What’s it like with 3 [kids]? I want a third but with no family close by and us both working, I’m hesitant.
3 kids is non stop! It’s lots of fun and lots of work. We have family on both sides of the family who live nearby, so we have reliable childcare when we need it. I encourage you to go for the third if you want it and have reliable childcare, because you will need it at some point.
How do you balance it all? Kids, work, faith and marriage?
I prioritize. It’s the only way. When things are out of order, they don’t work. For me, my priorities in order are my faith, my marriage, my kids and then my business.
Do you plan on having more children?
Nope.
Do you do your own makeup for all of your photo shoots and YouTube videos?
Yes.
What are 3 things you wish other moms knew about embracing and slaying their day?
Schedule what’s priority vs. prioritizing the schedule, make small decisions ahead of time and be flexible enough to let yourself have fun.
Now that you’ve turned what was your hobby into your job, do you have new hobbies?
Honestly, not really. I love reading and make time for it, so that may be the only one I have at the moment. I think having a hobby is great in theory. With 3 kids age 5 and under, a husband and a growing business, this isn’t my season for hobbies. My free time is for self care and strengthening relationships. I’m ok with that.
Current skincare faves?
Recently did a post on all the products that changed my skin for the better, here.
During your maternity leave did you ever get anxious to get back in work mode?
No. I really did use that time to enjoy my family. Plus, I was on social media when I wanted to be and I really did consider it a blessing to not be worried about working for 2 months.
Do you use presets?
Yes. I currently use Brown Sugar from Marrica Evans.
How did you find good supportive friends?
I prayed for mine. I didn’t finish college and moved around a lot, so I don’t have those “traditional” friendships like many people have. I’m best friends with my sister and have been girlfriends who show up for me simply because of love. Some of these ladies are the wives of my husband’s friends, so it’s a double blessing. It’s a blessing not lost on me. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who inspire you and make you feel awesome. I talk about how to make friends as a grown up here.
