Featuring: Jean Millenue, Travel & Lifestyle Blogger
Jean is a travel and lifestyle blogger hailing from New York. In addition to her blog A Way Forward, she also works in marketing by day and as a freelance writer and branding consultant by night. In her spare time, she loves trying new restaurants, discovering new music, and drinking coffee.
We took the time to interview her about what goes on behind the scenes at A Way Forward, including the creative process behind making her channel, her favorite tips to help you build your own travel blog.
How were you inspired to begin your channel? Where did you start?
LM: To be honest, I didn’t think too much about it. It was my junior year of college at Western Michigan University and I had been binge watching Bethany Mota videos over winter break. I had no idea that she was so famous or that there were heaps of other people attempting to do the same thing. I didn’t even know that you could monetize your videos! I just thought it was a fun way to pass the time. I’ve had a blog since I was 13 or 14, so I guess YouTube felt like a natural next step. I uploaded the “Best of 2012 Tag” on New Year’s Day 2013 and just never really stopped making videos.
What inspires you and keeps you moving forward? Why are you passionate about it?
LM: I get burnt out every once in awhile. Sometimes I don’t know why I spend so much of my time and energy on YouTube, and it’s always right when I start to think about quitting that I get a message from a young girl who tells me my video made her feel more confident about her body. Or a husband comments that I helped him decide on a gift for his wife’s birthday. I’ve had the most uplifting messages from people and it’s so strange to think that even as a small channel, I do impact people’s lives in some way. And that’s really rewarding. It’s also a responsibility, I think. I try very hard to be a good person and encourage people to do the same. I’m not saying I’m perfect but the world could use a little more positivity and I hope to shine a light in at least a few people’s lives, even if it’s just for 5 minutes while they watch a beauty video.
LM: How do you organize/plan out your content?
LM: When I was in college I was awesome at this. I had my planner filled out at all times and set aside certain days to film. I recently moved to Detroit and adjusting to big city life, a new relationship, and my first full-time corporate job has made organization a last priority. I film when I can and I’ve been vlogging a lot more, because I love Detroit and want to share how amazing it is with my viewers. I’ve learned that everything doesn’t need to be super meticulous. My viewers haven’t left and I feel a lot less stressed just putting out content when I feel inspired instead of forcing it out when I’m not in the mood.
What is your goal for your channel? Dreams?
Of course I would love more time to focus on my channel, but I know I’m a very small fish in a huge, gigantic pond, so making this my full-time job just isn’t realistic. I guess that would be the dream. :) My goal would just be to keep going and not let haters or stress make me quit. It’s something I love, it’s something that helps people, and it’s something that has actually taught me a lot of really useful “real world” business skills. I’m so happy I have so much of my early twenties documented on my channel. Can you imagine how cool that will be to look back on when I’m older? Hopefully YouTube will still be around when I get married and have kids, because I’d love for them to see how hip I was. Ha!
What products are currently in your purse?
LM: I keep the Gallany Creme Satin Lipstick in Luxe with me at all times. It’s the perfect neutral tone that just looks great with everything. I’ve also been trying out e.l.f.’s new Mattifying Blotting Tissues which come with a mirror and everything, so they’re super handy. Other than that, I just carry a lip balm and hand moisturizer with me.
How does your personal style influence your branding?
LM: I think my personal style and my personality play a huge role in my branding. It’s funny too, because as my style has evolved I’ve noticed my branding has, too. When I first started blogging my tagline was literally “angst ridden child of the 90s” which is pretty hilarious to look back on… But I was super grungy, all about rock n roll, and sort of a wild child. I still have plenty of rock n roll in me, but I’ve grown up and mellowed out quite a bit, too. I favor a cleaner style now, with lots of black and white and easy to read fonts. It’s so much like my personal style, which has turned from dark black eyeliner and purple eyelids to matte skin, neutral tones, and simplicity.
