I am delighted to introduce you to the lovely Michelle Lyndon-Dykes, the owner of blog The Barefaced Chic, which caters to the growing number of 50+ women looking for fashion and lifestyle inspiration online.
Michelle caught my eye on twitter where we first connected, after following her pinned tweet in search of 50+ bloggers. I had also been in search of the same, so was instantly drawn to her blog and her twitter feed. I could see she was an established blogger that was consistent with her blogging and vlogging and I wanted to know more. You can watch Michelle travelling on her many adventures, cruising the waters in her motor boat on her recently launched YouTube channel.
So, to say I was intrigued is an understatement. So let’s get to know Michelle at The Barefaced Chic blog.
How long have you been blogging and what motivated you to start a blog?
I must admit, if you had told me three years ago that not only would I become a lifestyle blogger but I’d be blogging about how to enjoy midlife I’d have shook my head in disbelief. Although I had a wedding blog a few years ago, I really wasn’t sure if midlife women would want to hear what I have to say about rocking the mid years. Turns out that some of them are more confused about midlife than I was!
Which brings me to the reason behind me launching the blog. When I was about to hit 40 I had no confidence, was extremely shy and didn’t really know my own worth. I set about reinventing myself and be the woman I was meant to be before life got in the way. My aim now is to help other women live their midlives to the full.
Your blog is about lifestyle, womens fashion, beauty & self-development. Has your focus always been these topics and what experience did you have previously that gave you the confidence to blog about these areas?
Since starting the blog I’ve always concentrated on these areas as I feel they can be the most confusing when it comes to changing your outlook on ageing. As I said earlier, I have been through some major changes in my life and I have morphed from a shy little mouse into a bit of a lioness. I really hope my ramblings help other women find their roar 🙂
What are your thoughts on being a 50+ blogger and influencer at such a wonderful time of your life?
I honestly think that attitudes towards ageing are changing and women are not pigeon holing themselves any more. When our parents were young there was a blueprint to follow. They got older, started to wear ‘suitable’ clothes, retired, etc, etc. We don’t have any such thing – we’re kind of making it up as we go along. Which makes being 50 plus awesome, but sometimes confusing.
How do you balance your blogging with your lifestyle and is blogging your full-time career?
I am, and always have been, an insomniac. In fact, until I was given sleeping medication at the age of two, I only slept two hours a night – my poor mother! I tend to blog during my sleepless hours, on car journeys (I travel a lot for business), on trains, etc. I would love to spend more time on the blog, but I’m thrilled that I’m managing to keep all the balls in the air.
Why did you decide to add a YouTube channel to accompany your blog?
I do think that the future lies in video. We have become ‘snackers’ when it comes to the internet. We want to be entertained, educated, enthralled but we want it NOW. Video is the perfect platform to satisfy the people who want to snack AND the people who want to sit with a cuppa and immerse themselves for an hour or two.
I also feel that video is a great way of sharing my personality with my readers. Yes it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I love the thought of giving readers more of an insight into my life and loves.
How do you manage the tech side of being a blogger and YouTuber?
I adore tech. As long as it’s computer oriented – don’t give me anything else with buttons and screens. Learning new ways of editing, etc keeps me on my toes and stretches the old grey cells beautifully!
What advice would you give to a 50+ woman starting out as a blogger?
Be yourself! I see so many new bloggers emulate the more successful bloggers out there. Find your own voice and shout your message from the rooftops. And don’t put off starting. You don’t need the latest kit, the best camera or the perfect blog – just hit the publish button and enjoy
What have you learnt about yourself since blogging?
Well, I definitely have thicker skin that I once did. Blogging can be the most joyous experience, but the trolls that sometimes infiltrate this wonderful platform can be quite cutting. I’ve learned to take no notice, wonder what they are missing in their lives that makes them so insecure and move on.
Tell us more about your Blogging Award and what opportunities have opened up for you since your blogging journey started to take off?
I was lucky enough to win Blogging Edge Blogger Of The Year in the fashion and beauty category, I’ve also been shortlisted for a UK Blog Award twice. I can’t say either experience brought heaps of opportunity, but the knowledge that readers had taken the time to cast their votes gave me a huge confidence boost.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m putting the bones of a new series together in which I’ll be showcasing bloggers aged over 50. There’s so much talent out there in ‘mature land’ and it will be quite exciting to see how the series evolves.
What’s next for you on your blogging journey?
I would love to launch my own range of skincare. It’s something I’m working on so watch this space!
You can find Michelle online:
Website: The Barefaced Chic
Twitter: @Barefaced_Chic
Instagram: @Barefaced_Chic