My Journey to Becoming a Haven 2018 Mentor: Insights from Years of Blogging and Home Transformations
I am absolutely thrilled to share some incredibly exciting news with you all: I’m going to be a mentor at Haven 2018! This amazing opportunity is truly a testament to how profoundly my blogging journey has blessed me over the years. It’s a privilege to contribute to a community that has given me so much, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow creatives and share the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
What is the Haven Conference? Your Essential Guide to Blogging, Design, and DIY Excellence
For those unfamiliar, Haven is an annual blogging conference specifically designed for a vibrant community of bloggers, aspiring content creators, interior designers, passionate DIYers, and home decor enthusiasts. It’s more than just a conference; it’s an immersive experience that allows us to step away from our daily routines for a few days of inspiration, learning, and genuine connection in the picturesque city of Charleston, South Carolina. Each year, Haven brings together some of the most innovative minds in the industry, offering a unique platform for growth and collaboration.
During our time in Charleston, attendees delve into a wealth of knowledge, gaining invaluable blogging tips, tricks of the trade, and actionable strategies to elevate their online presence. The conference curriculum is meticulously curated, featuring a diverse range of classes covering everything from advanced design principles and practical DIY techniques to mastering video content creation and professional photography skills. Believe me, no matter how long you’ve been blogging or creating, there is always something new and exciting to learn that can transform your approach and spark fresh ideas. Beyond the structured learning, my absolute favorite part of Haven is the opportunity to forge new friendships and reconnect with old ones, sharing stories and insights in real life—a truly priceless aspect of this incredible event.
My Blogging Journey: From First Home to Haven Mentor at 50
My path to becoming a Haven mentor has been rich with experiences, both personal and professional. I embarked on my blogging adventure later in life, starting at the age of 50, which gives me a unique perspective on navigating the digital world. Over the years, my life has provided an abundance of content for my blog: I’ve owned three distinct houses, a charming lake condo, even operated my own brick-and-mortar store, all while building a wonderful life with my husband and our beloved dog. This journey has not only kept me busy but has also continuously fueled my passion for sharing home transformations, DIY projects, and lifestyle insights. As one of the ‘older’ bloggers, I often joke that I could be your mother or even grandmother, but I truly believe that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing your creative passions and building a thriving online community. I’m excited to share a deeper look into my personal history and answer some of your most burning questions, so let’s dive in!
House #1 and the Lake Martin Condo: The Genesis of My DIY and Furniture Makeover Blog Content
My first house and the subsequent lake condo were foundational to the early days of my blog, providing an endless source of inspiration and content. It was during this period that I truly honed my skills in furniture makeovers, transforming outdated pieces into stylish treasures. Each project became a blog post, detailing the process, materials, and final reveal. This passion for repurposing and design didn’t just stay online; I began selling my refinished pieces at two different locations in Savannah, Georgia. This eventually led to an even bigger adventure: opening my own store, where I not only sold my creations but also hosted other talented vendors. This hands-on experience in retail and design offered a rich tapestry of stories and tutorials, covering everything from antique restoration to effective merchandising, all of which I eagerly shared with my growing audience. These early experiences truly shaped my voice and expertise in home decor and DIY.
House #2: Renovating and Redefining Spaces in Two Years
Our second house, though lived in for only two years, was a whirlwind of significant transformations that became central themes on my blog. We wasted no time in making it our own, starting with a complete kitchen refresh that involved painting the cabinetry and updating fixtures to create a brighter, more contemporary feel. The installation of Phantom screens on our doors was a game-changer, allowing us to enjoy fresh air without the hassle of insects, a practical upgrade that resonated with many of my readers looking for similar solutions. Perhaps the most impactful project was finishing the basement, converting an unused space into a functional and inviting extension of our home. This involved planning, construction, and decorating, all meticulously documented for my audience. Additionally, we undertook the significant task of refinishing the floors throughout the house, bringing new life to tired surfaces. Each of these projects offered valuable insights, challenges, and triumphs that I thoroughly documented, providing detailed tutorials and before-and-after reveals that our readers adored. These renovations weren’t just about updating a house; they were about creating a home and sharing the journey every step of the way.
House #3: Embracing Farmhouse Charm and Ambitious Renovations
Our current home, House #3, has been our canvas for the past 18 months, and it has undeniably kept us busy with ambitious renovation projects that continue to inspire my blog content. Even before we officially moved in, we embarked on a major structural change: removing three walls to create a more open-concept living space, followed by a complete interior repaint to establish a fresh, cohesive aesthetic. This farmhouse-style home came with exciting additions, including a charming guest cottage that we’ve been transforming into a cozy retreat for visitors, and an impressive outdoor kitchen, perfect for entertaining and enjoying the beautiful Alabama weather. Currently, we’re in the midst of designing and setting up a brand-new home office, a project that is generating a lot of interest and content for my readers. One of the most significant changes we’ve made is painting all the interior brick, completely modernizing the look and feel of several rooms. Now, I’m seriously contemplating extending this transformation to the exterior brick, a decision that promises another major blog series! These ongoing projects not only provide endless material for tutorials, design reveals, and renovation diaries but also highlight the continuous evolution of a home and a blogger’s creative vision.
Answering Your Burning Questions: Insights for Bloggers and Haven Attendees
What is your best advice for a new or established blogger?
Without a doubt, my best advice for any blogger, whether you’re just starting out or have been publishing for years, is to attend a blogging conference—and specifically, if you can, go to Haven! Seriously, going to a blogging conference like Haven is the single most valuable investment I make in myself and my blog each year. The connections forged at these events are truly priceless. You’ll have the unparalleled opportunity to build lasting relationships with fellow bloggers, share experiences, and most importantly, connect directly with brands looking for partnerships. These relationships can open doors to incredible collaborations and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
Beyond networking, the educational aspect is phenomenal. You’ll gain cutting-edge knowledge from expert-led classes on everything from advanced SEO strategies and social media mastery to video production and monetization techniques. But the learning isn’t confined to the classrooms. Some of the most profound insights I’ve gained have come from casual conversations—sitting around at the hotel bar, chatting in the lobby chairs, or simply grabbing coffee with other bloggers. These informal “brain-picking” sessions offer a goldmine of practical ideas, problem-solving strategies, and mutual encouragement that you simply can’t get from reading online articles alone. It’s an immersive environment where everyone is eager to learn, share, and grow, creating a truly supportive and inspiring atmosphere for content creators.
What is your best advice for a new Haven Maven attendee?
For all you first-time Haven Mavens, my advice is simple yet powerful: Walk in there like you own the place! Haven is designed for YOU, so embrace the experience and have fun. It’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed or shy, especially if you’re attending alone or don’t know many people beforehand. I distinctly remember my first time at Haven; I only knew bloggers through their online personas and even ended up rooming with people I’d never met in real life! It was an adventure, to say the least.
To ease into it, a great strategy is to connect with a few friends or fellow attendees before you even arrive. Social media groups, particularly the official Haven Facebook group, are fantastic for this. Introduce yourself, find common interests, and perhaps arrange to meet up once you get to Charleston. Having a few familiar faces will make a huge difference in helping you feel comfortable and integrated. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to new people; everyone at Haven is there to connect and learn. Carry business cards, have a brief “elevator pitch” about your blog, and most importantly, be yourself. The community is incredibly welcoming, and you’ll find that making genuine connections is far easier than you might anticipate. Just show up, be open, and enjoy every moment of this inspiring conference!
My Personal Branding Evolution and Haven Memories
My early Haven experiences are particularly memorable, not least because of my initial foray into personal branding. Back then, I really had no clue what I was doing in terms of sophisticated marketing, but I understood the basic principle of branding myself. I had a clear idea to create unique shirts featuring varying “Refresh Restyle” labels in my then-signature colors of orange and turquoise. These shirts were not only fun but also incredibly effective as conversation starters! They were a simple yet powerful way to introduce myself and my blog to countless new faces, making networking a breeze. It’s fascinating to look back and see how much has changed since then. My brand aesthetic has evolved, now primarily embracing turquoise with a more refined palette. And yes, I’ve changed a little too – perhaps a bit more “generously proportioned” and definitely a lot more gray hair to show for all the wonderful years of blogging! It’s all part of the journey, and these photos from my first Haven Conference capture a moment of enthusiastic beginning.
Who are YOU most excited to see/meet at Haven this year?
Every year, the excitement for Haven builds, and this year is no exception! I’m genuinely thrilled to reunite with all my wonderful blogging friends, whose camaraderie and support mean the world to me. It’s always a joy to catch up, share updates, and brainstorm new ideas. I’m also incredibly eager to see the dedicated Haven team, who work tirelessly to make this conference such an outstanding success, and to connect with all the generous sponsors whose participation enriches the experience for everyone. But most of all, I’m excited to meet YOU—the attendees, both new and returning, who bring so much passion and energy to the event. I can’t wait to see familiar faces and make many new connections!
Looking Forward to Haven 2018!
As you can see, my journey has been quite an adventure, filled with home transformations, blogging milestones, and incredible community connections. Being a mentor at Haven 2018 feels like a wonderful culmination of these experiences, and I’m ready to embrace every moment. Here’s a recent photo of me – I’m looking forward to seeing you all in Charleston!
Meet My Fellow Haven 2018 Mentors
I’m honored to be mentoring alongside such a talented group of individuals. Please make sure to visit all my mentor friends and explore their incredible blogs:
- Charlotte with At Charlotte’s House
- Sheila with Maison de Cinq
- Liz Marie with Liz Marie Blog
- Haneen with Haneen’s Haven
- Erin with Erin Spain
- Stacey with Not Just a Housewife
- Katie & Jeremy with Bower Power
- Brooke with All Things Thrifty
- Sarah with Thrifty Decor Chick
- Brittany with Pretty Handy Girl
- Aniko with Place of my Taste
- Lauren with Blesser House
- Diane with In My Own Style
- Ashley & Jamin with The Handmade Home
- KariAnne with Thistlewood Farms
- Courtney with French Country Cottage
- Beth with Home Stories A to Z
- Laura with Duke Manor Farm