After over 5 years of blogging as the Untamed Optimist, I’ve answered quite of your questions. Some tend to be more popular than others, so I’ve composed a list of my most frequently asked questions as a blogger and small business owner.
Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog at 14 as a personal passion project. I was beginning to learn how to love myself after years of forgetting my worth. My posts began as a way to hold myself accountable by making real change and documenting how it influenced many aspects of my life.
How did you choose the name?
I chose to be the Untamed Optimist after realizing that if I remained optimistic about my future, I wouldn’t limit myself in my abilities now. By setting goals that made me have to work and inevitably fail from time to time, I kept myself moving forward.
I encourage you to remain untamed by going after that unfinished goal, stepping out of your comfort zone, and creating a routine that keeps you driven.
When did you start pursuing blogging as a career and not just a hobby?
Shortly after starting my blog, I found myself engaging with other content creators who were on similar paths as my own. I realized how vast this community is and dived in headfirst. I’d like to think I’ve gotten good at treading water after 5 years of posting.
How do you choose which brands to collaborate with?
If you ask most content creators, their inbox and DMs are probably full to the brim with inquiries from all sorts of brand representatives and ambassadors.
I don’t want to waste your time or money, and I never appreciated feeling like I was being sold something when asking for advice. You won’t find that here. I only share content about brands that I have experience with and will always look into the ethical standards of the brand before accepting a partnership opportunity.
Where do you find photos for your blog content?
All of the photos featured by the Untamed Optimist have been taken and edited by myself unless otherwise specified. This includes all content on my social media and the TUO newsletter. I’m always looking for new content to post and photos play a huge role in the blog, so there is always more to come!
Have you ever struggled with confidence?
I absolutely used to struggle with confidence, and I’d be lying if I said I never worry about it now. The thing is, we all have our moments of self-doubt. It’s about acknowledging why you don’t feel your best and taking ownership of what you can and cannot control to better your circumstances.
What are you studying?
I am wrapping up my final courses to earn my AA in Business Administration. I hope to one day return to school to be a registered nutritionist, though I’m okay with taking my time and seeing where my business endeavors take me.
What is your small business about?
I started my small business at 18 creating email campaigns for a local business after years of planning my own campaigns. I create customized newsletters and ad campaigns via email to draw in more leads for my clients!
What is your curl pattern?
My curls range between 2C and 3B depending on if it is wash day and whether my hair is cooperating. It is often a standard 3A curl, though my hair will never look the same from one day to the next.
What is your physique?
I get this question a lot in reference to my clothing sizes in fashion and personal style posts. I usually run S/M and I stand about 5’6″ with an hourglass figure, however, sizes are not universal and are typically indicated with each item.
Why is your health so important to you?
I struggle with a chronic (currently) undiagnosed stomach condition that I have been trying to tackle for several years. I’ve learned that food, sleep, stress, and activity influence my symptoms and pain management, so managing these is a large part of my treatment plan.
