This week in our “LadyM Connects” interview series we chatted to an up and coming fashion blogger, fabulously stylish lady and budding author, Natasha Footman.

Blogger & Author Natasha Footman

Natasha writes the great blog “Girl in the Lens”, a fashion, beauty and photography blog featuring her favourite designers, photoshoots and fabulous outfit posts. As well as writing a blog, Natasha has a debut novel, “The Elites” coming out in Autumn 2013.

Natasha describes her fashion philosophy as “always stay true to your own style – take trends and make them your own, and only wear clothes that you feel comfortable in”. So lets delve in to the life of Natasha and learn a little more about her.

Q. When did you first start working in the fashion blogging industry?

I was working at a social media agency and everyone had blogs, so I thought I’d better start one up myself! I chose to focus on fashion because it’s something I’ve always been interested in and passionate about, and it’s different enough from the day job that I won’t get bored writing about it.

Q. What encouraged you to get into this industry and what was your route into it? 

The blog was the starting point for me, and since then I’ve ended up becoming more immersed in the fashion industry in general. I’m starting a new job running a jewellery company’s social media, and I’ve also got a super exciting project starting soon that I’m not allowed to talk about yet, but will also be something to do with fashion.

Q. What is a typical working day for you?

At the moment I’m all over the place, as I haven’t settled down into my new job yet. But I usually get up, spend an hour or so checking my emails, and then prepare my blog post for the day. Then I spend time doing my other jobs (freelance writing, tutoring and working on my next novel) whilst doing social media for my blog throughout. In the evening I often have an event to go to to cover on the blog.

Q. What do you love the most about working for photography and blogging and being in the fashion industry?

It’s a toss up between all the free clothes and great events, and the diverse opportunities I’ve got to be involved in.

Q. Where are you based, how much of an inspiration is your city and what are your favourite cities around the world?

I’m based in my home town of St Albans right now, but I’m moving to London in a few months, and I can’t wait. London is always an inspiration to me – it’s eclectic and fun and I love the mix of cultures. Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur is also inspiring for me. I used to live there when I was younger (it’s my mum’s home city) and I love everything about it – the food, the atmosphere, the weather, the people. It’s so different to England but also home to me.

Q. How would you sum up what you do in one sentence?

I’ll give you one word – writer. Everything I do seems to come back to writing in some form or another.

Q. Where would you like your blog to take you?

It’s already taken me somewhere I never expected, so I’d just like to continue being surprised by all the things blogging can bring.

Q. Have you seen the fashion industry or change in the last few years, have you had to adapt?

I think the one big change I’ve noticed in the fashion industry over the last few years is the rise of the power of the individual. Because of the internet and social media, individuals with no traditional background in fashion are really empowering themselves and offering a unique voice to the world.

Q. What’s the most rewarding part of your work? What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

The most rewarding part of blogging is still hearing from readers about how they love your blog. The internet can be an anonymous, isolated place, so it’s great when you actually meet fans or they send through comments or emails.

Q. What is next for you? What are your goals for 2012/13? We hear you are writing a book….

I’ve actually written one already! It’s a young adult novel called The Elites, and it’ll be published in Autumn 2013. I can’t wait. I’m also writing a couple more books, and starting work on that top secret project I mentioned earlier. I’m really excited to see what 2013 brings.

Bonus Question

Q. If you didn’t do the job you do now – what would be your dream job and where?

I am living my dream job – being an author! But I’ve always dreamt of being an architect too, somewhere in South East Asia as I love their architectural styles.

You can check out Natasha on her blog Girl in the Lens, on Twitter and on Facebook.