Creative Corner: Shazia – Blogger

If you were looking for some great entertainment then guess what? You’ve come to the right place!

Welcome to my lifestyle blog and welcome to the Creative Corner, a segment where we get to know creative individuals from all over the globe.

Are you psyched to meet today’s guest? Well, wait no further.

Today we’ve got Shazia in the house!

Blogger Shazia lives with her family in Utah, USA and is a multifaceted woman. She has a career in IT, invests in real estate and blogs on her self-titled blog “here and there”. She’s been married since 2013 and has a sweet 3-year-old daughter.

This world travelling blogger has visited over 50 countries, loves road tripping and spending time outdoors and enjoys writing about a variety of topics.

Read on to hear more from blogger Shazia…

Why did you start blogging?

I blog primarily for myself, although it’s always nice to find out that other people are reading and enjoying my content. I feel like writing is therapeutic and I enjoy putting my thoughts down.

I also like telling stories about my travels and family life.

It’s fun to reflect on different experiences through blogging and to have my own little corner of the internet.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

These days, I usually write about topics that are on my mind, like family, productivity, and living a meaningful life. Sometimes I draw inspiration from real-life events or from other content that I see online.

My blog probably looks a bit scatterbrained to an outsider, but that’s because my primary passion in life is doing and trying new things.

Those who know me are aware that I’m always experimenting with new ideas, starting projects, and expanding my horizons. My blog reflects that and I hope it inspires others to branch out, as well!

I see on your Instagram you’re also a house flipper, can you please tell us a bit about that and what it entails?

I buy homes that are in rough shape, remodel them, and then sell them once they’re updated. It’s a fun side hustle that’s taught me a lot about coordination, construction, design, and real estate in general.

It’s also given me confidence knowing that I can manage big projects and accomplish the tasks that I set my mind to.

How important is social media for blog growth and what are your top tips for social media?

I think that learning to use social media is vital for anyone who wants to grow a brand or business. To be honest, I’m still learning how to do this, so I’m not an expert by any means.

I’ve found some modest success on Instagram by being authentic and engaging with others.

Which one of your blog posts is a must-read?

My two-part story of getting robbed in Curacao is pretty entertaining (and frightening!) Here is a link to part one: http://www.shaziachiu.com/cornered-in-curacao/

Of all the places you’ve travelled to; which are your favourites and why?

Oh man, this is a hard question to answer!

I think I’ve found things to love in every place I’ve visited. Morocco is one of my favourites for food and culture, New Zealand is a favourite for its pristine nature and gorgeous landscapes, and Iceland will always have a special place in my heart since visiting that country kicked off my love for international adventures.

Which of your strengths has helped in blogging?

I enjoy writing and have freelanced for close to a decade now. Once I get going on a topic I usually have a lot to say, so that’s helpful for staying motivated and consistent.

Who are some of your favourite bloggers and why?

There are many inspirational and successful bloggers that I respect, especially in the travel space.

One of the blogs that inspired me early on is Never Ending Footsteps. I loved reading about Lauren’s misadventures and I admire how she has been so open about her struggles with anxiety. I think that’s refreshing and relatable.

What advice would you like to give to new and aspiring bloggers and writers?

My advice is just to start writing! Don’t get too hung up on having a perfect design or immaculate photos – I definitely don’t have either of those things. Remember that you can always improve aspects of your blog over time. I’d also say that it’s essential to be true to yourself.

Write about things that genuinely interest and excite you. For example, I may love travel, but it’s not my only obsession. I enjoy productivity and finances, but they’re not the only topics that I think about. We are all multi-dimensional and have a lot to offer beyond our core interests.

I’ve bucked the common advice of niching down with my blog, which means that my growth will likely be slow and staggered. But I feel happy knowing that I’m being authentic to who I am.

Why should we subscribe to your blog?

If you’re the type of person who enjoys dabbling in various things (even things that you aren’t good at), challenging yourself, and trying to better yourself as a person, chances are that we’ll get along. 🙂 So please swing by and say hello!

And that brings us to the end of an amazing blogger interview.

I hope you loved getting to know and hopefully discovering a new blogger to follow. If you enjoy travel, lifestyle and a bit of everything in between then you will enjoy reading Shazia’s blog.

Check out Shazia’s Instagram!

Thanks for joining us on the blog today and I hope you’ve had fun with Shazia and me. See you again soon.

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