A Pinterview with … Hayley Hall
Join us and get to know Hayley, hear more about her career, the impact that Pinterest had on her business and her answer to Victoria Magrath’s creator question.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your blog?
I’ve been blogging now for a whole decade, which is insane. I started in 2010 just as a way of being creative outside of my day job; I’d just started to read other blogs and thought I would have a go — having worked in beauty for many years and having a passion for everything that surrounds the industry, I definitely felt I had a fresh perspective. Within a few months I’d carved a niche for myself (thanks to being outspoken, honest and having a background in branding) and was nominated for a Cosmo Blog Award. Over the next few years it spiralled, my channels grew, I started making money and winning more awards; eventually it became my full-time job, although that was never the intention.
What moment are you most proud of?
I guess the moment I was able to take it from hobby to a job that surpassed the salary I was on working in a London media agency. The fact that I’ve been able to build everything up from scratch and turn it into something of real value is hugely satisfying, as is the fact I’m now in control of my career in a way that wasn’t possible before. I can choose when I work, how I work, with whom I work and that’s really provided a sense of balance.
What are you currently Saving?
I’m just getting into modest fashion — although it’s a growing trend, it’s something I’ve adopted without realising for years just because it’s my personal style. It’s great to see so many awesome ladies wearing so many incredible looks, without flashing too much skin (which personally is not my thing.) And I’m always pinning and looking for luxury handbag inspiration! They’re my absolute weakness.
Where do you get your inspiration?
From everywhere: things I see online, trends identified through reports, pieces I see in shops, questions I get from readers…
When did you start to see success on your Pinterest profile?
Maybe a year or two after I started to Pin; I was lucky enough to be highlighted as an account to follow, which really helped me to grow and for my content to be seen, so after that point, I started to take it more seriously. Over the last couple of years, Pinterest has become a much bigger priority for me, as it helps with the longevity of my blog content and exposes me to new potential readers.
What impact does Pinterest have on your business?
It’s a great source of inspiration and provides an easy way of creating mood boards for potential collaborations; a picture can say what 500 words could not, so it’s a resource I use all the time. In terms of driving traffic and commerciality, brands are increasingly interested in the longevity of Pinterest content so are taking that into consideration. I can say that my content is amplified and seen by up to a million people a month, which is hugely powerful; Pinterest is my biggest platform by a long way.
What’s the one thing about Pinterest that you wish all Creators should know?
That it’s all about the long game! You have to beaver away for some time before you start seeing the rewards, so don’t give up if you don’t see success within a week or two.
What’s your top tip for success on Pinterest?
Just keep pinning! It’s not a channel you can pin a load of pretty pictures and then leave for three months; it’s a constantly moving platform. Also: if you don’t know, ask! There’s such a huge amount of information on the Pinterest channels that will help you on your way to success — especially as things change all the time and it can be tricky to stay on top of them. My friend Talonted Lex (Pinner of the Year!) helps to manage my account and keep me on track, providing me with lots of advice and recommendations.
Are there any fashion or beauty trends that you’re loving right now?
Midi pleated skirts always, but I’m really loving chunky boots with floaty dresses because it makes walking the streets of London so much more pleasant! In terms of beauty, I’m really loving the paired back simplified looks we’ve been seeing with a focus on great skin; heavy makeup and Insta brows are just too much effort every day!
If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 beauty products would you take with you?
SPF — the biggest cause of premature ageing is sun damage.
Lip balm — probably Burt’s Bees because I’m obsessed with all their flavours.
A pack of Invisibobble hair ties — because you want to tie your air back in that heat!
If your Pinterest profile had a theme tune, what would it be?
Do you have a question that you would like to ask a fellow Pinterest creator?
What’s your favourite pin ever?
Make sure that you follow Hayley’s Pinterest profile here to see her fab Pins and whats inspiring her. Keep your eyes peeled for the next Pinterview to see who our next Creator in the series is and find out their answer to Hayley’s question.
For more Pinterviews with our Best in class Pinterest Creators and more Pinterest tips and tricks, check out the Pinterest Creators Blog and make sure that you’re signed up to the Creator database to hear the latest from us.
Georgia — Pinterest Creator Specialist, currently Pinning… Shoes shoes shoes.
