I can’t believe that it’s already been a couple of weeks since I hosted my first masterclass: The Business of Blogging.

Sharing Blogging and Social Media Basics

Yes, blogging tips and guidelines are all over the internet. It’s all good and well but I always find that all of the information can be overwhelming and confusing. I’ve been doing this for eight years, so I could only imagine how confused a new blogger would feel when trying to get blogging help and tips. How do you even start to blog? My masterclass gave my guests the foundation of how to start a blog and the basics of social media, as learned by me from my own personal experience.

In a nutshell, it was exactly what I’d envisioned. It was held at The Business Exchange in Rosebank on Saturday 10th August, just a day after Women’s Day – perfect timing. I put in a lot of work into the class and I’m so grateful to everyone who came to listen and learn.

Realising a Dream

The truth is, this masterclass is something I’d been wanting to do for a while, but I just didn’t know what it was exactly. Blogging and social media influencing have finally taken South Africa by storm. I say ‘finally’ because it’s been a long time coming – especially compared to how soon the rest of the world started taking it seriously. When I began blogging, it wasn’t even close to the juggernaut that it’s become. It was as simple as sharing what I felt like I wanted to share. There were no real guideline or rules. So I stumbled a lot, made many mistakes, and had to swim on my own. I wanted to continue to honour my why and share what I’ve learned so others who want to use their voice to inspire others, wouldn’t make the same mistakes that I did.

This all culminated to a beautiful group of women coming together that Saturday. My first class consisted of aspiring bloggers, newbie bloggers and bloggers who were thinking of changing direction and needed a crash course of the basics. Masterclass 1 covered the basics in-depth and essentially prepared my guests with everything they need to know and have locked down, before they can get to the next level: working with brands. I’m so honoured that I was able to share what I’ve learned in this often very blurry space on the internet.

Blogging Tools

My close friends and family know, but many of you may not be as aware that I’m absolutely obsessed with pretty stationery! Yes, as much as I’m an online storyteller, I’m old school. There’s nothing better than good ol’ pen and paper to scribble ideas, thoughts and plans. Just make them cute, okay. I was known at my previous jobs as being the picky one when it came to office supplies. So you can imagine my excitement that CNA was the official stationery sponsor of my class. CNA has such a pretty range of books, calendars, pens and other office tools – perfect for my blogging class. Each guest received two notebooks and a pen on arrival to take notes during class. They were then treated to a goody bag with some of my personal favourite items from the store. And one lucky guest won the day’s competition and left with a R300 CNA gift card to get more goodies she needs to kick-start her blogging journey.

I know it’s cliche to say it went by so quickly, but it really did!

I’d like to say a special thank you to my sponsors CNA and Loft 13 for their support in putting this together. Another special thank you to Team A&L who were my little elves before and during the day and made my job hosting so much easier.

And last, but certainly not least – thank you to you. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again because it remains true: I’m able to do what I do because you read my story, watch my testimony, and let me into your life.

I’m really excited for masterclass 2. Look out for the announcement here and on my social media platforms!

Photography by Thabang R. Photography.