An Interview With Grace From No21
I'm super excited for today's interview, I'm a huge fan of Graces blog so it's been a pleasure getting to know her to know her a little more over the past month.
Tell us a little more about yourself Grace
My name is Grace and I’m in my early twenties! I was born and raised in South Korea and moved to the states when I was a teenager. I honestly think that I had a pretty amazing teenage years experiencing both Eastern and Western cultures!
What got you into blogging?
A few years ago, I moved to San Diego from Washington D.C. (For those of you who are not familiar with U.S. States, San Diego is located at the end of the West Coast and Washington D.C is at the end of the East side; equivalent distance from London to middle of Ukraine.) I had no family or friends in San Diego except my boyfriend when I first moved. So it was pretty obvious that I spent most of my time surfing the web. One day, I accidentally stumbled upon Estee’s blog - Essiebutton and found out there’s a huge beauty blogging community. I immediately fall in love with the idea of having a blog as I can post literally ‘anything’ and don’t have to be an expert. (Also, I thought it can be a great way to kill some time lol)
Tell us more about No21?
Since I got inspired by many beauty bloggers to start my own, it started off as a beauty blog in the beginning. Then again, over the years, my little blog developed into a general lifestyle blog that covers various topics; including beauty, style, DIY, decor and more.
Apart from running No21, What do you get up to?
Apart from my blog, I own a small design studio called Berry Vary working as a freelance designer. Also, believe or not, I am still studying - part time / full time, depends on my schedule. So I call myself a blogger slash a designer slash a student! But the crazy thing is that I still haven’t figured out how to manage my time - constant struggling on time management… seriously.
What keeps you inspired?
There’s no secret that I do spend a lot of time online. So, usually I get inspired by pretty photographs, magazines, Tumblr, Pinterest, Pinterest and Pinterest…!
Some of your favourite things about blogging?
Oh, there are so many things to jot down. But if I have to pick just a few things, I’d like to say that get connected with like-minded people all over the world is just amazing! And the supports from other bloggers!? No joke!
Tell us more about your design work?
When I first started blogging, I didn’t like the basic blogger theme at all. So I thought I needed to learn how to code; just so I can design and alter my blog the way I want! I learnt basic stuff online for several months and took some classes at a local college for the advanced coding. Also, I previously studied Graphic Design and Fine Art so I had some basic background in Art; which helped me a lot later on.
I never thought of opening my own little design studio, however, other bloggers contacted me and asked if I’m offering any services. Long story short (it’s pretty boring, you don’t want to know ha-ha), opening up my own studio was a great decision I made and since then I never look back. Over the years, I’ve worked with lots of bloggers (as such as Daisybutter, More Than Adored, Hello Glossy, Crystalin Marie, Suburban Faux-Pas and more…) I love what I do and feel very lucky to make some pretty pennies by doing what I love.
What is your favourite thing about living in San Diego?
Although I recently moved back to D.C due to a personal reason; San Diego has the most beautiful weather in the entire U.S. I believe! I loved wearing summer clothes all year around, beautiful beaches, closer to Mexico, LA and Las Vegas… I mean just almost everything! But, to be honest, not the high tax rate though!
Some of your current favourites?
My current favorite beauty item is the Egyptian Cream - just perfect for this cold winter weather. Oh, and the Chanel’s Mademoiselle… heavenly scent! Fashion favorite has to be the Kate Spade’s bags. I am so in love with every single one of their bags and have been buying it like crazy maniac. Also the Yankee Candles and stationery items are my forever addiction.
Favourite blogs at the moment?
At the moment, I am reading Chapter Friday, Blooming Rounge, The Private Life of a Girl, More Than Adored, From Roses, Jennypurr, and Peony Lim.
What is to come on No21 in the future?
Well, the last few years I had on and off relationship with my blog. I am trying to manage my time better and put more TLC to my blog start this year; which means more posts, DIY projects and so many good stuff!
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