Blogger Interview with fashion and lifestyle blogger Flexcia D’souza

 Hailing from the land of sun, sea and beaches – Goa, Flexcia D’souza is a passionate fashion and lifestyle blogger. Her immense interest in fashion, food and backpacking has let her create a lot of content in these areas. She has a great taste in fashion, loves styling outfits and modelling, thus creating iconic fashion editorials. Also, she loves trying different food and decoding recipes in her kitchen. She was recently featured in the list of ‘Top 10 Food Bloggers in Pune’. Flexcia is also ranked ‘#1 Food Blogger in Mangalore’ and ‘#2 Food Blogger in Goa’ by Zomato. Her interest in exploring rustic places and offbeat destinations has taken her to some really interesting place which she eventually features on her blog. Here are excerpts of our interview with this young blogger.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself , your blog(s)/website(s),and your aspirations and your hobbies!!

About me: Hey. I’d describe myself in three phrases – ‘gypsy soul’, ‘hopeless romantic ‘and a typical ‘girlboss’. That pretty much sums up my personality.
About my blog: This blog is a dream project that is a means of creative expression and exploration. ‘Flexcia Fashion & Lifestyle’ started off as a personal style, beauty and lifestyle blog that serves as an on line visual diary of my day to day life. My social media channels are an extension to the blog wherein I portray my perspective of the beautiful world around me.
Hobbies: I love exploring places, reading, trying out food, experimenting in the kitchen and spending time at the beach.
Aspirations: I want to be great at more than one things.

2. How you first got involved in with blogging/writing, are you an imaginative person?

Writing has always been a part of me. English was always my favourite subject in school, and I loved writing essays and participate in essay writing competitions. On a serious note, my writing journey began six years ago. It was during my 12^th grade that I started seriously writing to get out of the exam stress (I was preparing for my Engineering entrance). After that I somehow convinced my parents to not send me to an Engineering college and they got me admitted in St Xavier’s College. So well, I joined my Literature and Journalism course and specialised in Journalism three years later. During my first year in college, we were encouraged to contribute articles and feature stories to local newspapers and magazines. I had a lot of unpublished work, plus writing came naturally to me. So I got published for the first time five years back. And it never stopped. I freelanced with a lot of publications for a bit, including The Times of India, Abraxas, etc. About blogging; during my first year of college, we had a workshop on blogging. It seemed so interesting and so much fun, that I started blogging from the very same day. And it’s almost been five years since. Back then I didn’t know much about blogging, but gradually I learnt the difference between fiction writing, journalism, feature writing and digital writing. Last year I decided it was about time I started blogging seriously. With help from my friends and lecturers, I set up my blog www.flexcia.com and I blog about everything that interests me – fashion, beauty, food, travel, lifestyle, entertainment, etc. It’s been a journey of eleven glorious months as a blogger.

3. What do you find most challenging about blogging/writing about your topic?

Writing is always so much fun. There’s nothing really challenging since I only write about topics that interest me. I believe, if I myself don’t like something, I can’t produce an interesting piece. Until now, most of my editors have given me the creative freedom and I absolutely love how it helps me explore, understand and write.

4. Tell me about some of the people you have met while working on your blog?

The blog has helped me connect with a lot of creative and artistic people. I obviously can’t forget my virtual family (my followers on Instagram, Facebook, Roposo, etc) who show me so much love through messages and comments. I make it a point to meet people I connect with online if they seem real and inspire me in some way. There are millions of people out there, but if I can meet even a few passionate souls, it makes me happy. I also had this little blogging project I did as part of my post graduate degree, where I documented lives of interesting people I have met over the years. https://loversanddreamersblog.wordpress.com/  Also I meet a lot of celebrities and fellow bloggers at events and launches.

5. How would (someone) describe your blogging/writing style?

My writing style is very casual, fun and relatable. I do human interest stories catering to the urban youth and my tone of writing is something they can easily relate with.

6. What do you do when you are not working on your blog?

I read, cook, travel and sleep.

7 .Where do you see yourself blogging/writing wise in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road?

I look at myself successfully running the blog www.flexcia.com for the next five years. Also, I want to join a publication - a newspaper or a magazine, and continue writing and reach out to more people.

8. What networking do you do that you feel helps your blogging/writing business?

Attending events is the best networking opportunity for me as a blogger. I meet so many people from the fraternity, talk to them and understand the industry. I use quite a few social networks aswell. I use Instagram www.instagram.com/flexcia_dsouza and Facebook www.facebook.com/FlexciaDsouza on most occasions. Then for food, I use Zomato www.zomato.com/flexcia and for fashion I use Roposo www.roposo.com/@flexcia I also use a bit of twitter, tumblr, flikr and the like.

9. How do you keep coming up with material/content for your blog? Many people struggle with coming up with different articles/posts and they only have one blog.

Ideas come at the most unexpected time. Many a times I type from my phone every time an idea strucks or make little notes on phone or my diary and work on it later. It helps!

10. Whats your strategy with your blog in general?

I don’t even know what you mean. I share my experiences about everything  and help others.

11. Any specific tips you have for newbie bloggers who want to make it in the blogosphere?

Write. Keep writing. Read. Read anything and everything that interests you. Stay motivated. Do something that motivates you to continue. That being said, getting a thorough understanding of basics and key aspects of blogging is important. I was fortunate enough to be learning it in college, but if you aren’t a media student, find other ways to learn. There are a lot of books on blogging. Pick those, and learn on your own. But know what you are up to before you start. Have a plan. Know what you want to write about. But before publishing, please learn to write and edit well. Also do thorough research and have your facts in place. Don’t misguide people through your blog. Also start a blog only if you are passionate about it. Don’t start blogging for fame or money. Writing is beyond that.

12. What would you prioritize? Content? SEO? Traffic? Readers?

Everything. It’s about having a balance. You need good content and SEO to drive traffic, you need traffic to have loyal readers.

13. What’s the best thing a blogger can give to his readers?

Time. If you can motivate even one person out there and put a smile on someone’s face, it’s a great thing. The world is full of negativity. If reading a blog is something that helps someone forget their worries and stress, I feel it’s an amazing thing.

14. A lot of people are interested in blogging/writing for the money earning potential. What are some tips for people interesting in making money from blogging/writing? What are some realistic expectations in regards to what can be made?

As in every profession, money comes if you work hard enough. Currently, it’s not only about the quality of work though, a decent social media presence can take a writer places. So again, balance. Develop your writing skills, understand your readers, deliver quality content, make contacts and innovate.

15. What motivates you most in life?

The good feeling I get after getting the task done and the recognition that follows.

16. What has been your strategy for creating visibility to yourself and your blog?

Social Media.

17 What was the most challenging moment in your blog content development process and why?

Finding the right photographs/ graphics to compliment my stories. Even when I shoot, a lot of hard work goes into creating the photos.

18. Everyone has a favorite/least favorite post. Name yours and why?

They keep changing. I experiment a lot, so there is a scope of innovation in every post. Every post is different. Also it all depends on the mood.

19. Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?

I follow a lot of fashion, food and travel blogs. They’re all so different and so amazing. But if I have to pick one, I love Miss Malini. I love how she single-handily started a blog sitting in her bedroom, and now has built a blogging empire and has an entire team working for her. This is how she introduces herself and it is so inspiring since I have similar dreams and like similar things. “I moved to Bombay in the millennium with 2 suitcases and a dream (and lived in a house with six girls and a pigeon!). When I started this blog I had no idea that it would become my universe. I just knew I liked to write, and that I had something to say about everything that I loved. Bollywood, Fashion, Lifestyle & Pop Culture. I also wanted people all over the world to stop assuming that India was just what they were used to seeing on the Discovery Channel – Villages and Slumdog Millionaire. My India was everything. Poverty and ache yes, but also glamour and fashion, food and gossip, luxury and travel, love and music. And of course, so many beautiful perfectly imperfect people…”

20. What is the story behind the name of the blog?

I initially named my blog ‘The Glam Doll’ going by my friend’s suggestion. But somehow didn’t like it. So soon changed it to my own name. I am a Miss Malini fan you see. *wink*

21. Your connection with any Blogger Network like Indi blogger or Writeupcafe or any other and the experience?

 Yes, I am connected with a few blogger platforms including Indiblogger and I love the experience. I get a lot of positive criticism and help from fellow bloggers and like-minded writing community.

22. Which genre do you feel gets the raw deal?

No idea.

23. Which one plug-in would you suggest all bloggers to have?

Bloglovin’

24. Five adjectives that describe you.

Conceptual Storyteller.  Dreamer. Passionate Writer. Creative Maniac. Fashionista. Foodie.

25. What book would you say has made the biggest impact good or bad on you?

None. I love Durjoy Datta though. His books keep me sane when my mood is completely down.

26. Do you get easily provoked by positive/negative comments??

Yes. Very easily. I do not show it much, but if someone says something really nasty, it affects me real bad. But I like it sometimes since it makes me work harder to prove them wrong.

27. Do you plan to write a book, as every bloggers dream it is?

As unreal as it may sound right now, yes I do wish to pen down a book someday.

28. Are you a judgmental person, do you prefer to take sides instead of standing neutral?

I have a strong opinion of my own and I do not let anything or anyone manipulate my thoughts. I only support and promote things I personally believe in, love and stand by.

29. Your collaboration with other bloggers, are you much into social networking, tell us everything about it?

I connect with a lot of bloggers online and offline as well. Haven’t collaborated with anyone as yet, but I wish to do it someday soon.

30. What genre attracts you the most and which genre you avoid?

I love fashion, food, travel, relationships, health, shopping, entertainment.. lifestyle in general. I stay away from crime and politics.

31. Your Views on Contests and increasing plagiarism?

Contests are a great way to increase followers and almost everyone hosts contests and giveaways in collaboration with brands. It’s just becoming an extension to the blogging service you offer clients when you are a commercial blogger.
About plagiarism, that’s the first lesson taught to me in media school and I believe it’s wrong. On my blog, most of the posts are personal. So there is very less scope for plagiarism.

32. Words for me and my blogs Desire v/s Destiny and Blogger Interviews and my Website www.MyMagicJobs.com

It’s a great portal you are running. I have been following your posts since a couple of years now and I believe they help a lot of people. About you, I need to say a Thank You to you for supporting me and helping me out with the blog when I goof up.

33. On winning the Award/s , Are they Really necessary.

Yes they are important. It gives you visibility. You are known by your work, and you get more followers, and more results. Also it boosts your self confidence, so you perform better.

34. So whats Next in your list?

Write more.

35.Words for your readers and why they should follow you?

I love my virtual family (That’s what I call my readers). They aren’t just readers; they are my family, my world. My readers are what keep me going. A writer is a no one without readers. So I love and appreciate each and every one. Also I’d want to tell all my amazing people, keep commenting on my posts and photos and let me know what you wish to see on the blog, and I shall try my level  best to bring it to you’ll. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome. And I accept all the love.
Why one should follow me? You should follow me for some daily motivation and happiness. I share a lot of style inspiration, drool worthy food photos and fun travel photos which will definitely motivate you to live for the moment, enjoy everything you do, be happy and spread happiness.

Do follow this beautiful girl on various social media platforms :

Blog : www.flexcia.com
Instagram www.instagram.com/flexcia_dsouza
Facebook www.facebook.com/FlexciaDsouza
Zomato www.zomato.com/flexcia
Roposo www.roposo.com/@flexcia
Twitter www.twitter.com/FlexciaDsouza