I was interviewed by Paige Neely of Paige to Paige blog for her new post series called “I Choose You”. Through this series she interviews writers + bloggers that inspire her to feature on her blog! Read the full interview below [or head to the original post here] to learn why I started And Simple Things, what a typical day as a Handbag Designer/Blogger looks like, and much more [such as my tips on dressing colorlessly]! You won’t want to miss this. . . so here it goes!
Hey Noodles, do you like meeting new people? I may have my shy moments, but I love meeting and learning about new people and what they do! That was part of my inspo’ for taking on this I Choose You series! This series has been so much fun so far, and I would love to hear from some of you readers about your own blogging endeavors too, send me an email some time. *Wink
I’ve recently fell in love with this fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog I noticed on Instagram called And Simple Things. She covers anything from shopping hauls to beauty secrets, and even travel guides to keep us all from looking like lost puppy tourists. Without further ado, everyone say hi to Michelle!
Hey Michelle, Introduce Yourself!:
Instagram:@andsimplethings
Website: https://www.andsimplethings.com/
Age: 25
Your Title: Influencer + Associate Handbag Designer
Married/Dating/Single: I’m currently dating my High School sweetheart. We reconnected about a year ago and I couldn’t be happier. 🙂
City you live in: Lindenhurst, NY [I’m a Long Island girl!]
A typical day in your life includes…
I currently work full-time in the Fashion Industry as a Handbag Designer for Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet. And Simple Things currently is my side hustle. A typical weekday for me is pretty much the same every day. Some would think this is boring, but I’m totally Type A and love this kind of structure.
Each weekday, I ride the Long Island Rail Road every morning into Manhattan and work on my blog posts/Instagram/e-mails/etc. for the hour ride before I get to my office. Then, from 9:30am-6pm I switch from “Influencer” to “Handbag Designer.” I’m usually fully invested in my work when I’m on the clock with CAD drawing, research, pulling swatches, and so much more!
On the weekends, you can find me at the gym with my boyfriend, shooting pictures for the blog, shopping or going out with friends. Having a full-time job and a side-hustle is definitely not for everyone, but I make it work!
Who’s your biggest inspiration – Blogging?… Life in general?
My biggest inspiration related to blogging is Arielle Charnas of Something Navy. I’ve been following her since the very beginning, and it’s absolutely incredible how much she’s grown her empire over the years.
Another woman who inspires me every day is Annie Spano, who is the founder of Style Collective. It’s basically a community of women entrepreneurs and bloggers who inspire and help one another to achieve success.
Where did you get started? What was your life like before & Simple Things?
In high school, I knew I wanted to pursue the Fashion Industry as my career. I was always putting outfits together and taking mirror selfies to post on my Facebook and Instagram [#ootd lol]. This became something I loved to do.
After graduating college, I worked for this amazing company that gave me so many incredible opportunities to grow my knowledge in handbag design. My “personal” Instagram page started to feel more like a fashion blog and people were noticing. Some people I went to high school with unfollowed me, and in return I gained new followers who were excited about what I was doing!
I made the decision in early fall of 2017 that I was going to finally turn my Instagram into a blog by the end of the year… and that is exactly what I did. During Christmas break I had two solid weeks of PTO saved up, and this was when I officially launched And Simple Things. I created and designed my website in a week, and started writing blog posts immediately. It was so fulfilling. I went back to work in the new year with a brand new mindset, and for the first time in a while I felt like I found my purpose.
I love that your motto is “simplicity is key.” Does this mesh into other aspects of your life?
Of course! If something does not make you happy, it’s so simple to make little changes every day and find what makes you feel fulfilled. I like to think that life is much simpler once you learn that quality is better than quantity. This is significant for me especially when it comes to relationships, friendships, and even material items! Cut out all the “junk” and only keep the necessities. You will be much happier this way, I promise!
What are your passions outside of fashion?
I danced since the age of two, and stopped once I started college. It’s always been a passion of mine, and hopefully one day I can pick it back up again. I also love to travel, and hope to visit a new place every year!
What would you wish to tell readers who wish to live colorlessly?
It makes life so SIMPLE! Haha! Everything pretty much matches, and you don’t have to worry about not having something to wear. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you want to jump on board with me, it’s life changing I can help you make the switch.
Are there any current, or future, projects you have going on?
Currently, I’m working with Smile Brilliant, trying out their new capriPRO Ultrasonic Electric toothbrush. I’ll be posting a product review this week, and hosting a giveaway to win a free toothbrush! If you want to enter, here is the giveaway link.
*For 20% Off use code: andsimplethings20
I’m also playing with the idea of doing logos for fellow small businesses and entrepreneurs. I’ve had a few clients in the past and really enjoy bringing people’s ideas to life! I’m currently not taking any more graphic design jobs for the rest of the year, but will consider starting this up again in 2019.
I’ve always wanted to start my own accessory line, and seeing my inspo, Arielle Charnas, land a deal with Nordstrom makes me think it’s possible to do if I just set my mind to it!
Do you have any fun discount codes you can share today?
SmileBrilliant.com is currently offering my clients 20% off with my code andsimplethings20. Also, VIIcode.com is offering a $5 discount to my followers as well with the code Michelle.
Life is always so much easier when you’re looking at the simple side of things, don’t cha’ think? Whether it’s a sale or a new skincare routine, Michelle knows how to make it easier to do and easier to understand. I know I’ve already learned so much from reading her posts, and I know you will too, check her out before it’s too late (jk there’s no such thing, but do check out her page)!
Ta Ta for now, Noodles!
/ / As always, this is my personal blog. This blog post is not sponsored. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are my own and do not represent the views of any company or individual I may mention. This post may contain affiliate links where I make a small commission if you click and shop using my links. It won’t cost you a penny, but helps keep this blog running!
/ / This blog post was a collaboration between Paige Neely + Michelle Russo. The original post can be found on Page To Paige blog at this web address linked here. I do not own or contribute to the Page to Page blog nor own any rights to her site and content other than my opinions and responses expressed in the above interview. This was a friendly collaboration where both parties agreed to cross-promote this content on each other’s websites + platforms.
/ / As always, this is my personal blog. This blog post is not sponsored. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are my own and do not represent the views of any company or individual I may mention. This post may contain affiliate links where I make a small commission if you click and shop using my links. It won’t cost you a penny, but helps keep this blog running!
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