Page 14 - MASALA LITE ISSUE 89 | FEBRUARY 2018

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BY ASHIMA SETHIY ASHIMA SETHIY ASHIMA SETHI
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The Open Journal is a lifestyle blog that reads like an online diary, exploring a
range of topics from fashion trends and skincare to mental health and wellbeing.
The humble voice behind the blog is Natasha Suntewari, who strives to create an
honest online platform for her readers, by off ering insight into her life as a career-
oriented woman and a third culture individual. With thousands of followers on her
Instagram and Facebook pages, Masala sits down with Natasha to talk about her
growing social media presence.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your blog.
I was born and raised in Bangkok, but I moved to Vancouver six years ago to
complete an undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
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After I graduated, I worked for a magazine and then later went on to work as a Some of her most popular posts are
marketing and PR manager at a media company. I am hopeful to complete an MBA about fashion. So let’s fi nd out more
at some point but we’ll see how that goes. about where she gets her inspiration.
In regards to my blog, I create visual and written content about general lifestyle
topics, such as fashion, beauty and food; basically all the things I love. I try to How would you describe your
maintain an authentic personality and I use humour to inspire and create a sense of personal style? Do you have any
community with my readers. fashion icons?
I’m a mix between casual and chic. I
How did you initially get into blogging? love being comfortable in everything
I started blogging about two years ago. I always had a passion for writing and taking I wear but I do make sure to add in
photographs, so instead of keeping all my work to myself, I decided to take the some frills and colourful statement
plunge and put it ‘out there’ to see what kind of response I would get. It was a very pieces. Cute and comfy is totally a
intimidating process at the beginning, but I knew that receiving feedback would give thing! My two favourite fashionistas
me insight into how I could improve. are Cara Delevigne and Emily
Ratajkowski.
As a blogger, what are your biggest challenges?
Trying to make myself stand out! The market is very saturated because there are What are some of your favourite
so many talented, beautiful, creative and smart bloggers out there, so it’s always fashion trends?
a struggle to create something diff erent for my audience that hasn’t already been My current favourites include crop
done better. tops, track pants, fl ared sleeve tops
and furry sandals.
What kind of topics do you enjoy writing about?
I choose to focus on a few topics, but if I’m being honest, my favourite posts are the
ones where I get to refl ect on something I’ve learned or where I’m motivating people
by off ering support. My Instagram bio says ‘read my captions’ because it’s very Where do you hope to see your blog
important to me that people focus on them as well as the pictures. I try my best to in the future?
make all my posts meaningful in their own way. I hope to work with more local brands
because I love supporting aspiring
entrepreneurs. I feel great when I’m able
to put new and deserving talent out
there for people to recognise and learn
about. A lot of the time, amazing ideas
don’t get the attention they deserve
because they haven’t been able to reach
the right audience.
What tips can you give people who
are interested in starting a blog
or website?
I recommend setting aside time every
day to dedicate to blogging, as it’s
very important to be consistent with
posts in order to gain followers. Start
by creating a detailed plan of what you
want to achieve and how you would go
“I try to maintain an authentic about doing it. Unleash your creativity and don’t let fear stop you; you can do this!
personality and I use humour For extra help, feel free to contact me on my website www.theopenjournal.net or
through any of my social media channels.
to inspire and create a sense of
community with my readers.” Follow Natasha’s blog on her social media sites:
Instagram: @theopenjournal
Facebook: @tashasopenjournal

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