In 2012 we will be bringing you a selection of guest bloggers and the first is Mel Carrero, aka The Chubby Fashionista. When Mel is not waving her magic marketing wand about for our Cake Marketing clients she transforms her models with expert styling, takes images that capture those moments you can’t keep yours eyes away from and shares her fashionable skills through her blog The Chubby Fashionista.

First of all if you could tell us a little bit about yourself, what you do now and for how long, how you got there, where you came from.

Mel Carrero not only works for Cake Marketing and The Northern Rivers Echo, she is also has a hobby on the weekend, her blog, The Chubby Fashionista. The blog is about fashion, lifestyle and opinion but what has got her noticed lately is her styling and photography of local amateur models in collaboration with designers and local retailers.

What keeps you motivated?

The readers mostly! They are constantly questioning me about when the next shoot is, who is the next model and get me excited to keep doing more. Obviously the reaction of readers and compliments of friends is what propelled me to keep doing the shoots for the love it. And of course for me the result is so rewarding!

What is your favourite way to unwind?

Unwind? What’s that? Haha. My boyfriend says that I don’t know how to do that, but I’d say it is probably lying on the lounge watching a tv series (usually swallowing many episodes whole). Dinner and wine with friends is always a goodie as well.

How do people find you/your business?

Through my facebook page , facebook.com/thechubbyfashionista, through the people I shoot, word of mouth and my own disgusting ability to self promote with no shame (I work in marketing, ok? And yes you do have to vote for me in ANOTHER competition!)

What have been your biggest challenges and how have you overcome them?

I’d have to say in this line of work/passion/hobby there are no challenges except for rain and lack of bobby pins.

What is your favourite brand and why?

Hard question! Sportsgirl, who I have worked for, for many years. They are a constant inspiration with their imagery in campaigns, their fashion forward thinking for a big retailer and their marketing. I guess it was always a dream to work there and it was a great place to work with happy memories!

What has been your biggest marketing success?

Starting The Chubby Fashionista Facebook page. As simple as it is, it has exposed the blog to heaps of people that might not have seen it otherwise. With something like blogging, which can be obscure, the main type of marketing that works is putting yourself out there. It’s how I get the models, it’s how I got to get in the art space to have my blog launch last week!

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were establishing your business?

Something you might have to ask me in a year’s time!

What is your proudest achievement so far?

Having my images in an art gallery (where I am writing this from as we speak) is a pretty proud moment. Seeing my images, sharing them with people and having a little party to celebrate is amazing. I am so thankful of everyone’s support and help for this event. A special thank you goes out to Katie, from Cake Marketing, who has been the most supportive boss (whose boss lets you go over to their house and helps you work on your blog launch sign and business cards for your OTHER job!), and I would be nowhere with out my sidekick and makeup artist Shannon Butler. Love you guys so much!

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