This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This is at no extra cost to you. I only ever recommend products and services that I love and that I think you will love too.
Here we are again for the second instalment of my series of motivational and inspirational stories of success.
(You can also read the first instalment here – Jennifer’s inspirational story of how she got out of her comfort zone, overcame her limiting beliefs and is now helping others to do the same!)
My guest today is Ell who many of you in the blogging world will know as the Queen of Pinterest!
I’ve personally learned loads from Ell – her fab Pinterest course got me set up quickly and I love her motivational tweets which always seem to land in my feed at just the right time! She is also a genuinely lovely person 🙂
Ell’s story is truly inspiring and I think shows how you can create your own opportunities and achieve anything you want to if you apply the right mindset.
So, without further ado, here is Ell!
Can You Start By Telling Us A Little Bit About Yourself?
Hi, my name is Ell and I’ve been blogging since April 2017! I have since then turned it into my full-time job.
.
It hasn’t been easy and it’s been very time consuming, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
.
I’m a huge fan of reality TV, wine and coffee.
.
Before starting my blog I was a massive Pinterest addict which eventually led me to create my blog and find my passion!
Why Did You Decide To Become A Blogger And Pinterest Strategist?
Before I started my blog I was a college dropout who waitressed full time. Needless to say, my job put me in many stressful situations and I felt like I didn’t have a purpose. I felt stuck in a rut that I couldn’t get out of.
.
After applying to countless amounts of jobs and getting no callbacks, that’s when I knew I had to make a change. I realized no one was going to hand me a job so I needed to create my own opportunities.
.
As I mentioned before I was a huge Pinterest addict – after long doubles serving I would come home and pin my “dream life”!
.
That’s when I started coming across pins that said you could work from home as a blogger and make money off of Pinterest.
.
I remember looking at my boyfriend and telling him one day I’d be making money full time from Pinterest. He probably thought I was crazy but he believed in me.
.
In April 2017 my blog was born! Since then, I worked hard EVERY SINGLE DAY to turn my dreams into a reality. I finally quit serving the beginning of 2019 and haven’t looked back since!
.
.
What Challenges Have You Faced In Going Down This Path?
I think the biggest challenge is the fear of the unknown.
.
Being an entrepreneur/freelancer your pay is always up and down! It’s never consistent. Although I’m somewhat used to this because that’s how it was with waitressing!
.
Budgeting can be tough if your pay is always fluctuating and some months I worry, but it always ends up working out.
.
I also struggle with self-discipline which can make working from home tough! It’s so easy to want to sit there and binge watch a tv show instead of working.
.
Finding that balance is so important.
.
.
What’s Been The Best Thing That’s Happened As A Result Of Becoming An Internet Entrepreneur?
I think the best thing that’s happened is I feel like I found purpose. I love working for myself and helping others while doing so. It can be stressful but it’s a different kind of stress.
.
I also feel a sense of freedom. Although I work many hours, it doesn’t feel like work because I enjoy it! Working from home and for myself has allowed me to be able to take my work with me wherever I go.
.
I also can’t forget about all the amazing and inspiring humans that blogging has introduced me to.
.
.
What Are You Planning To Work On Next?
I think next I am just trying to focus on making my future even more secure and stable.
.
I’m constantly thinking of ways I can increase my income while making a difference, which is what most entrepreneurs’ mindsets are like.
What Advice Would You Give To Someone Who’s Feeling A Bit ‘Stuck’ And As Though They Aren’t Living Their Best Life?
I would say to take a step back and remember you are only stuck if you think you are stuck.
.
Our mind is powerful. You have to believe in yourself and allow yourself to create those opportunities that make you feel excited!
.
Never stop learning and implementing strategies either!!
What Do You Do To Relax?
I like to drink wine and watch reality tv. I also love a good bubble bath!
.
.
How Do You Stay Positive?
I try to stay positive by reminding myself why I started in the first place.
You Share A Lot Of Positive And Inspirational Stuff, How Do You Keep Your Ideas Coming?
My mind has always been really creative!
.
Whenever something comes to mind I write it down so I don’t forget it.
.
I’ll always go back to my list of inspirational thoughts, or I will just write what’s on my mind in the moment!
Where Do You See Yourself Five Years From Now?
Ideally, I hope to be married with at least one to two kids in a home that may not be perfect but will be perfect for us. I hope to still be working from home doing what I love!
How Can People Find Out More About You And Make Contact With You?
I would love for you to take a look at my blogs and social media! I also have a BossGirlBloggers Facebook community of over 33,000 women who are entrepreneurs from all around the world!
.
Links are below:-
.
.
Connect with Ell on Instagram
.
Thank you so much to Ell for featuring in my inspirational stories of success series! I hope that Ell’s story has inspired you, we’d love to hear what you think!
.
I also highly recommend checking out Ell’s Pinterest Course if you haven’t already!
.
Other related posts for you:
.
Geraldine
Ell is so amazing, she is one of my greatest inspirations in the blogging world! I love reading her story and seeing how she rose from what she was doing before to what she is doing now! It inspires me to work just as hard to do the same! Great interview Alison!
Alison
She is isn’t she? Very inspiring! Glad you enjoyed the interview 🙂
Chloe Chats
Such an inspiring story! I definitely feel like I’m stuck in a rut at the moment in the career path I’m in – it’s definitely not something I want to do for too much longer, the only reason I’m doing it is for the money so I can pay bills etc!! I would love to start my own business though, I definitely need to push myself and change my mindset. Thank you for sharing Ells story, it’s so inspiring to read!
Chloe xx
Alison
Thanks Chloe, glad you enjoyed Ell’s story. When I’m feeling stuck I look for one small step I can take. Any more than that can get overwhelming!