Melissa and Kristen are two kickass women from Adelaide who joined forces to start The Adelaidian, a online fashion and lifestyle magazine and blog. We asked them for advice on blogging and what an average day in their life looks like.
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself - who are you and what are you currently up to?
Mel: My name is Melissa Zahorujko, 22 years old, and I am currently studying a double degree in communications at University of South Australia. On top of that, I work as a Hostess at a restaurant, a bartender and a nightclub, and co-run my own business in food, fashion and lifestyle media called The Adelaidian (http://theadelaidian.net).
Kristen: My name is Kristen Byass, 22 years old, and I've recently graduated from a Bachelor of Journalism at UniSA. I also work as a bartender in the evenings and in retail during the day, as well as co-running The Adelaidian with Mel.
Q: When did you start The Adelaidian and why?
The Adelaidian was formed about 2 and half years ago when we met each other in our 2nd year of university, starting the blog in the hopes of getting our foot in the door. We were both doing little volunteer media roles here and there to try and meet people in the industry, but we decided starting something for ourselves would be more beneficial.
Q: Do you have any tips for anyone looking to start a blog?
Our main tip is to get out there and get networking. The more you network, the more opportunities arise, and the more people get to remember you in the industry. You also need to be an avid writer; write at least an article/blog post a day. If you keep up a routine in writing, it will eventually become natural to you. Additionally, if you're looking for more content, email local/interstate PR companies that represent clients suited to your blog and request that you be on their respective media lists. Make sure you come across as professional and credible in doing so!
Q: What does an average day in the life look like for you?
Get up, answer emails, write articles, post to social media, attend meetings/photoshoots/numerous events and launches. Never stop answering emails, never stop writing articles, never stop posting socials, never stop networking. That's just about as concise as we can make it!
Q: We're almost halfway through 2017 (can you believe it?), what have you got planned for the rest of this year?
We actually have just been given a car from Holden which is super exciting, so we will be doing loads of fun trips with the car... keep an eye out!
Q: What's your favourite song at the moment?
Mel: Definitely Hyperreal by Flume or Dream Awake by Northlane.
Kristen: Your Time by Nick Murphy and KAYTRANADA
Q: Go to UJ watch?
Mel: I wear the tan-black almost religiously, it just goes with everything. I'm also not super feminine, especially not in the way I dress, so this unisex watch is perfect.
Kristen: The Charlie is so different to any other watch I've had, I love wearing it during the week as I can wear it to the gym, but also straight to work meetings or lunches afterwards!
You can find Mel and Kristen on Instagram via their blog account @theadelaidian or their individual accounts @melzahoruiko and @adelaidiankristen_.