The extraordinary and very busy girl boss behind SimplyCyn is just as inspiring as her blog feed. Focusing on travel, fashion, lifestyle, music and more, Cynthia of @SimplyCyn is both a full-time blogger and a full-time attorney (actual goals). Most notably, Cynthia loves to document her adventures around the world through her blog, detailing her trendsetting style and valuable travel tips. Trust us, you’ll want to be sure you’re following this empowering influencer!
What’s your best advice for juggling your personal passions (i.e. blogging, working full-time as an attorney, etc.)?
The key to being productive when you juggle a lot is to plan, plan, plan. You need to be extremely disciplined about sticking to any schedule you create. I also believe that you need to prioritize — find out what really matters to you and what is most important. There’s no way to do it all. So for me, I gave up a few things in my life. I don’t have as much TV time, for example, in order to make sure that I can create content and work on projects that I can be proud of.
How do you like to stay up-to-date on the latest fashion trends?
I’m definitely still a lover of magazines, although they are now on my iPad and not on paper. Being in NYC, there’s so much fashion everywhere — so much street style and subway style. I also look to Instagram, or as I like to call it, the visual fashion marketplace.
What are your go-to fashion essentials that you pack when traveling?
It depends on the season and where I’m going. For warm weather trips, I always take a strapless bra — so necessary for off-the-shoulder and strapless dresses. I’ll also always pack a pair of my favorite denim shorts. For cold weather, I always take colorful scarves along with some super soft sweatpants to sleep and travel in. I also always take one big bag, often a tote bag, that can fit my cameras, lenses and any trinkets I may pick up as I go around.
What are your best tips for getting the most out of your travel?
Do the 50-50 split. Have 50% of your trip planned out: do some research ahead of time, plan out places to go, restaurants to eat at, shopping to do. Close the other half of the time off for exploring and getting lost. Some of my favorite travel memories were spur of the moments finds, last-minute detours and completely unplanned activities. Also, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with both the locals and fellow travelers — you will get tips, make friends and learn more about a city this way. Most people are really nice and simply love to share their travel knowledge and experiences.
What advice would you tell young women who are interested in starting their own blogs and businesses?
Borrowing from another company’s motto, I say “Just Do It.” Start somewhere, anywhere, even if it’s small or local. Take the time to learn the different pieces, such as photo/video editing and working with lighting. Also, treat blogging like a business. Keep track of how much work you do and for how long, track your invoices and your expenditures. Leverage your existing contacts and followers as the foundation for your audience. Pay attention to what your followers like to see.
What style trend are you absolutely loving right now?
High waisted wide leg pants — they started showing up a lot last Fall and I’ve already picked up a pair for this year. I think they’re super flattering on most body types.
What’s one tip you can share for snapping that perfect, Insta-worthy photo?
Good natural light makes all the difference! When that fails, I swear by prime lenses (35- 50mm) and mobile photo editing tools like Snapseed.
What advice do you have for building a network and meeting other bloggers?
Events are great for meeting other influencers. Also, develop relationships with other influencers by engaging with them and their content. Leave comments, send DM’s, or whatever you can do to make yourself visible. It’s not easy, but every now and then, something clicks in these relationships.
What’s your favorite part about being a blogger?
Meeting people and traveling quite often. Being able to use my voice to showcase what is possible is the best feeling in the world.
Be sure to follow SimplyCyn on her blog and her Instagram.