I do not blindly follow brand briefs shares Dolon of Pout Pretty

On Dolon's blog, Pout Pretty, you'd find product reviews on make-up & skincare, travelogues, and more. Here she shares some BTS of her blog.

Her blog is filled with logs like the Christmas collection of a skincare brand, illustrations of a trip to Angkor Wat with touristy details and more. In this interview, she shares details of her blogging life.

Looking back, where did it all begin?

It began in 2012. I was reading a lot of beauty and fashion blogs at that time and suddenly, one fine night, I decided that I wanted to start writing a blog as well. I spent the entire night first reading about the how to's and technicalities and then writing my first ever post and I still remember what it was. It was a review of my favourite lipstick shade at that time, MAC Party Parrot. When I read that post now, I cringe at the horrible pictures and want to change everything but despite all that, that post will always have a very special place in my heart.

Looking back, it has been an eventful and extremely exciting seven years and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

What's in the name?

When I first decided to start a blog, I wanted to write only about lipsticks and make that my USP hence the name Pout Pretty. Over the years, I have branched out and have incorporated fashion, travel, and lifestyle but I've never changed the name simply because I like it a lot. I regularly get emails and messages addressed to Pout Pretty and it has become a part of my identity now.

What is your USP in this cluttered space? How does your content give you an edge?

I love interacting with my readers/followers and a statement that I get very often from them is that "We love that you are honest in sharing your opinion and that is why we love following you". And I would say that is my USP. I have never shied away from speaking my mind and my readers/followers know that. I also believe in keeping things real. I am someone who everyone can relate to and I don't try and portrait a 'perfect, Instagram worthy world'.

Please take us through your content creation process. How do you stay relevant and relatable?

I wish I could give you a step-by-step process but to be honest, there is none. Obviously, if I am working for a brand then their inputs play the most important role in shaping my content creation process but there is something that I tend to do quite regularly as well and that is asking my readers/followers on what they would like to see on Pout Pretty. The responses I get gives me ideas of what to and what not to do and I would ask every content creator to do this regularly. Also, trying out new things, new concepts and posting regularly is very important to help one stay relevant in a time when the space is so cluttered.

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

Brand collaborations are my source.

How do you maintain editorial objectivity with the influx of brand briefs?

It is a two-way process. I do not blindly follow brand briefs and always tend to discuss my concepts with them. Also, I know what is my USP, I know what my readers/followers like and why they follow me so I try and create my content by balancing both brand requirements and my audience preference.

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile

Every time someone recognises me and comes up to me and tells me that they love my work or sends me a message saying that they appreciate what I do, that to me makes it all worthwhile.

Also Read: Interview: We define our channel as “Not a category.”: Sejal Kumar, Content Creator

Weirdest brand brief/request ever

A collaboration request had come in from an astrologer. That was pretty weird.

If not blogging, you would be?

Working in a MNC which I already do now.

A day in your life..

Since I have a regular job, my weekdays are all about the 9-5 life. Sometimes there are events but I mostly attend those during the weekends. Those two days are also when I really work on Pout Pretty - projects, create makeup looks, click pictures, write and just prepare for the coming week.

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

Be original, be yourself and be passionate about blogging. Don't just start it because you want to get free products or be invited to fancy events.

Your favourite influencer

Way too many who inspire me.

The future you foresee for your personal brand

Considering how fast this space changes, it is a bit tough to plan for the future but I do want to start creating videos, vlogs and just think of ways to make my content more interesting and exciting.