Beauty blogger, Sayantini shares how its all about supporting peers...

Sayantini's interest in Fashion & Beauty turned her towards embarking on a journey that led her to be listed in the Top 100 Indian Beauty Blogs.

Cherry On Top, Sayantini's blog shares product reviews, makeup looks, OOTDs and more. In this interview with Social Samosa, she shares how she rakes moolah with her efforts and maintains editorial objectivity.

Looking back, where did it all begin?

It all began with my deepest interest in beauty and fashion blogging. Back in 2013, I came across a few fashion bloggers from Kolkata while I was Googling for a particular market. That was a turning point for me as well as a self-discovery. I have always wanted to have my own lifestyle magazine; blogging kind of seemed >the same to me. I have always has a penchant for makeup and skincare which eventually helped my finding and deciding on my niche.

What's in the name?

At first, my priority was a cute and feminine name but later on, I changed it to something people could relate to. I believe, everyone is beautiful in their own way.

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

I think the more you personalize your writing, the more it becomes unique as everybody have their own perspective and they quite differ from each other. My readers have told me time and again that they like my simple writing style, honesty and the personal touch.

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

I am a major internet-buff! I am always in search of cool and crazy stuff on the internet plus, I almost always keep myself up to date with whatsoever happening in the beauty industry. I love trying out new stuff. Also, I am always hooked on to other peoples blogs, be it Indian or international. When I am not blogging, I read others’ posts.

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

There is no such strategy or should I say I don’t follow any. I just use keywords properly for my articles to rank. Also, a good way to promote your blog posts is through social media. It’s all in creating a strong channel of your fellow bloggers and to boost each other up.

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

I have always maintained a ratio of 3:1. Being honest to my readers has always been my first priority. I do value the brand brief but by only being correspondent to the overall framework of the blog.

Also Read: Hebbar’s Kitchen shares the secret ingredient to social media success…

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile

There are many! One thing I can say from the bottom of my heart, after blogging for 6+ years, my readers’ satisfaction has always been very rewarding for me. I get rewarded every day. If one person says that they like my writing or they have been reading my blog, I feel on top of the world.

But, if you ask me for a proper recognition that I received was when I was listed in the Top 100 Indian Beauty Blogs and Top 5 Kolkata Beauty Bloggers.

Weirdest brand brief/request ever

Haha! This is not a weird request but I did not quite appreciate it when a brand said their deliverables are 10-15 professionally photographed images that I need to send them without a single penny offered from their side. I replied to them saying, “What I am getting for this?” They literally said, “We will share your images so that you get audience!” I told them, ‘If I didn’t have an audience, did you want to work with me in the first place?”

If not blogging, you would be?

I would have been publishing my own poems.

A day in your life….

Consists of a couple of household chores, and then one eternity on my laptop reading emails, creating content on both my blog and YouTube channel, and watching other people’s vlogs.

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

Believe in yourself, don’t go with the flow, and set your own unique style. And, read others’ blogs. Don’t limit your knowledge to Instagram.

Your Favorite Influencer

There are a few. From the blogging sector - I love how dedicated all my fellow bloggers are. I can’t just pick and choose. I like Shayoni of Sweet n Bitter Blog, Priyanjana of Moonshine and Sunlight, Kinkinee of Gupshup Avenue and some international bloggers like The Sunday Girl, Hello October etc.

Among vloggers I really like Sejal Kumar, Kritika Khurana, Komal of MyHappinesz and KomalVlogz, Zoe Sugg, Tanya Burr, and so on!

The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand

I am on a mission of improving my blogging and vlogging game at the moment. In the next couple of years, I see myself establishing my YouTube channel and becoming more productive while fighting off my anxiety issues. In far future, I see myself coming up with a nice business plan. Right now, my motive is to grow more as a creator.