As I’m on adult “Spring Break,” the blogger Interview is designed to engage with bloggers whom I like and respect, and who have something to say. It will run each weekday from March 21-28. I posed to each of the interviewees the same 13 questions and requested that they answer at least 10 of them; I told them that their answers could be as short or long as they wished.
Today’s interviewee is Ashley Pitt of A Lady Goes West. Back in the day, when I first started focusing on fitness and health as a primary theme of Semi-Sweet Tooth, I started searching the web for some inspiration. A couple days into my search, I found A Lady Goes West and I haven’t turned back since that day. Her posts are smart, funny reads and you feel like she’s instantly your best friend. Check out below to learn more about Ashley and her awesome blog!
What goal did you set out to achieve when you started blogging? Has it changed?
Yes, I initially started out blogging to share my life and adventures with my family and friends back in Florida after moving to California. But these days, although I still share about my life, my focus is more on healthy living, food and fitness tips.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your blogging career?
I’ve learned that you have to be true to yourself and write a blog that you would want to read. You shouldn’t try to copy anyone else, but just be you. People read your blog because of you — so let your personality shine.
What’s the most significant thing you do each week, and why is it so significant?
The most important thing I do each week is teach group fitness. It takes so much time to prepare to teach, and a whole lot of effort to get in front of a full room — but it’s the most rewarding thing ever. I love it, and have been doing it for many years. I can’t imagine not teaching group fitness.
Who has been the most influential person in your blogging life, and why?
I would say that there are some bloggers I’ve always admired and enjoyed. As far as giving me the most blogging advice, that would be the lovely Heather of Life in Leggings, who is a friend and a blogging mentor!
If you had to define the most important aspect of blogging successfully, what would it be and why?
Being a good writer and having a voice is very important. However, in order to be successful, you’ve got to treat your blog like a business. Set expectations for yourself, share them with your readers, and put your best foot forward. Create well-written posts, take good pictures and try to help people, as you share little bits about your life.
Do you prefer posting on your blog, Instagram, Twitter, SnapChat, or any other account, and why?
I love Instagram! It’s my favorite. Although my blog is my main vehicle for traffic.
Most memorable meal? Where, what, and why?
Oh my! San Francisco has SO much good food. I would say my most memorable meal would probably be House of Prime Rib in the City. It’s to-die-for. But healthy food is also my jam!
What’s one thing that you haven’t done yet that you would most like to do?
I’d love to shoot a workout video and share it with my readers, but I haven’t taken the time to do that yet. One day!
How do you typically plan your posts each week, and how far in advance?
I don’t plan my posts very far in advance at all, which is probably surprising, given that I’m adamant about treating a blog like a business. I typically plan out about a week in advance and run a few regular features that are easy to put together, like “Weekly Workouts” and “Favorite Things.”
What are some of your favorite blogs to follow for inspiration?
I love to follow so many bloggers. I would say one of my favorites is The Fitnessista for sure — especially because I’ve become friends with Gina, the creator of it, in real life.
Keenest insight (so far) from your life and/or blogging career?
Be nice and make friends! And never forget that you can use your blogging power for good — like helping small businesses or good causes with coverage. Doing nice things is always a good idea.
Tomorrow: Joules of the wonderful “Lifestyle by Joules.”
