We recently had the chance to meet up with Lisa Linh ofBy Lisa Linh to get a behind-the-scenes scoop on her photoshoot! With one of the liveliest and funniest personalities, it was so much fun hanging out with her. We hope you guys enjoy this interview as we get yet another behind-the-scenes look on Lisa's view towards fashion and how it's impacted her life! ♥
1) Let's start off with the popular, most eagerly asked question: When and how did it all begin? What got you motivated to embark on running a fashion blog?
I’ve always been into fashion, and as with many bloggers, I love dressing up and expressing myself through my outfits. I started blogging a few years back and had a blog with a group of six girls total, but did not take it seriously and took a break to focus on my other responsibilities.
I started up again January 2014, after realizing that blogging is one passion that I dearly love and cannot give up. With a journalism and photography background, blogging is my great escape and allows me to convey my creativity in numerous ways. From photoshoots to styling outfits, my blog allows me to document cherished moments in my life and share experiences that others can relate to.
2) It’s said that a photo speaks a thousand words. A fashion blogger is largely based on the great photos they provide for their followers, and an important aspect of that is choosing the right photographer. How did you and your photographer meet?
My photographer is my boyfriend, which I’m extremely lucky and thankful to have him in my life. We met a few years back, as he is also a DJ, and had DJ’d an event I was hosting. He had mentioned that he was a photographer and we ended up collaborating on a few shoots. The rest is history.
3) Following up on the previous question, do you and your photographer balance each other out? How is your dynamic when shooting?
Ken and I definitely balance each other, but we bicker a lot during shoots as we both are photographers with very creative minds. While I may have one idea in mind, he has another but we always end up compromising depending on the project. Both of us prefer editorial lifestyle concepts, which does require more time and selective location scouting. We’ll discuss and bounce ideas prior to scheduling/planning the shoot. However, sometimes we have deadlines that aren’t flexible so we have to get the job done in a rush. For these projects, we’ll find an area while driving around and just shoot on the spot.
4) Each and every one of your looks have a different touch - fun, classy, casual, sophisticated, simple, vintage, indie, bohemian, and so much more! If any, what challenges do you face to be so creative to come up with such unique looks every time, or does it just come natural?
I’m naturally a versatile person and I dress according to mood/weather; not so much based on trends. There are occasional challenges, depending on what the brand is expecting. I try to research the brand and get to know them more so that I can portray the type of vibes they are expecting from me. I do get creative blocks at times, but there's also when I’ll reach out to my blogger bestie, Linh Winn, or my boyfriend for help. Between the three of us, we can usually think of something that will nail it. I believe that all the companies I’ve worked with so far have been quite satisfied with the results given so I guess I’m doing something right!
5) Everyone has that one accessory they're attached to - what's the one wardrobe essential you can't live without?
Hm, I’m actually not attached to any one particular item. As much as I love my Louis Vuitton Speedy, it’s replaceable. So are the majority of the items in my closet. The one thing that I wear 99% of the time though is my Daniel Wellington watch. I was never a watch person before it, but now my wrist feels naked without it. However, it’s not the first thing I’ll reach for if there was a fire. I would grab my cats and laptop/hard drive on instinct before anything else.
6) The fashion shows, travels, and a closet full of delightful apparel - the life of a fashion blogger seems privileged and so much fun! But I notice and realize that it must take a lot of time, effort, and dedication. Can you please share your favorite aspects of being a fashion blogger, as well as some of the challenges you face(d), if any?
My favorite part about being a blogger is being able to create and inspire. I’m a creative person and all about visuals, which is why I love photographing and being photographed. I believe it’s the best way to capture a memory. Meeting with likeminded individuals, companies/brands, and being able to share this passion is a feeling that’s indescribable. These opportunities are the perks of being a fashion blogger.
You are absolutely right in regards to the time, effort, and dedication required for being a blogger though. While we display all the fun and games of being a blogger, no one truly knows how hard it is. You’re a brand and you have an image to upkeep. Blogging full-time means you’re running a business and unless you have a full team backing you up, everything you do is done by you. This means the website layout, the writing, the imagery, the outreach, collaborations, meetings, and upkeep of social media is all done by you! If it wasn’t a business, you wouldn’t need a manager right? But we all know that the big players in this game all have managers and it just proves that there’s much more than dressing up and taking a few photos for the blog.If you’re not serious, dedicated, or motivated, you’ll burn out within a year or less. I’ve seen people start but never finish based on the lack of dedication. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it if you love it.
7) Going off of the previous question, fashion blogging definitely requires a lot of time and dedication. Has it in any way affected your career? Has it lead you in a new direction in life?
I started out blogging part-time, not thinking about it too much and I wasn’t too consistent. I posted on my blog 2-3 times a week while working full-time. After a year, I realized that I preferred blogging and would stay up until 2AM every night just to work on it (and I had work at 8AM). It didn’t take long for me to realize what I wanted to do and was happier doing. Therefore after much consideration and debate, I quit my job and became a full-time blogger as of May (of this year). I don’t regret a single thing and cannot be any happier!
8) To get to know you on a more fun and personal level, what is your favorite movie, food/drink, place, book, and color? :)
Favorite movie would be The Devil Wears Prada! Who doesn’t love Miranda? Drink is definitely boba milk tea and food wise, I cannot get sick of spaghetti or sushi! As for book, I love Jack Kerouac’s On The Road. My favorite colors are yellow and purple.
9) Everyone's got their guilty pleasures, hobbies, and personal interests. Can you please share what other activities you enjoy outside of fashion blogging and what best interests you?
Aside from blogging, I love photography and do it on a freelance basis. I love couple photography and enjoy capturing the love shared between two people on camera. I also love to eat and am told that I’m forever hungry, which is probably true. I love scenic views and a good drive down PCH. Most of the time, I enjoy unwinding with Netflix, with Friends or watching I Love Lucy (Lucille Ball is my idol).
10) Lastly, what would you advise to the next generation of young fashion-seeking bloggers?
If you’re going to blog, be prepared to work 24/7 because fashion never sleeps. Prior to launching, make sure you have a photographer and a consistent shooting schedule. Be prepared to pitch yourself whenever you get the chance to and really befriend those in the community. No one likes a blogger with an attitude! The more events you attend, the more people will remember you and start to recognize you. Remember, numbers aren’t everything; quality comes first.
And there you have it - Lisa Linh's thoughts on fashion and how it has been a major part of her life. Hope you enjoyed getting to know her as much as we did! Until next time ♥