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!

Newsletter featuring an article by Cake Marketing

Your business card can be more than just a directory of your contact details and now is the perfect time to revamp your calling card with new life that will have an impact with those you meet. Go beyond the typical boundaries of size and paper stock to find new ways to use this marketing tool to generate leads, convey your brand and promote your products or services.

The Nuts and Bolts:

1. Be sure to include all standard contact information such as your name and title, phone numbers, fax number, website and e-mail address as well as your logo and company colours which should be consistent across all marketing materials;

2. While being creative will get you noticed and remembered your card must also be readable so keep it simple. Don’t go crazy with multiple fonts and colours that are not part of your corporate brand;

3. When printing your cards you may be tempted to print 2000 at time as the cost per item is significantly less than on a smaller print run. Be wary as you may find that 1000 need to be discarded due to change of contact details and thus have cost you more. By doing smaller print runs you can keep it fresh;

4. Keep information to the point, simple and as brief as possible so as to not confuse your audience and dilute the main message.

5. As obvious as it may seem have a couple of people proof read your card before print and spell check the copy. Just one incorrect digit in a phone number could mean loss of sales and another print run.

Stand out from the crowd:

1. Before we get into the seriously creative a few simple changes to your business card can give it a much-needed makeover. Modify the shape, curve the edges, change the orientation of the card or text, or have them fold in half like mini brochures;

2. Make your business card go the extra mile by using the back of the card. Include checklists, important dates, quotes, hints and tips, special offers, or a calendar. If you are in the hospitality industry add recipes. If you sell shoes include tips to take care of your products such as waterproofing;

3. Use non-standard materials, suited to your brand and industry. This may be plastic, parchment or colored stock, metal (steel works/architect) or fabric (fashion designer/retail outlet) or brail as well as embossing or debossing effects;

4. Divide your print run into several, smaller variations of the one main style and make them interesting. For example, for a print run of 250 cards, print 5 lots of 50 cards. Each lot can feature a different product, quote, idea or staff profile;

5. Think 3D and have your card pop up or out just like kids books;

6. Die cutting is a great option to set you apart form the rest as you can cut out specific images or shapes.

7. Enhance your credibility by listing your awards, testimonials or images of your portfolio;

8. Who says it has to be a card? Think outside the square…it could be a note pad or ruler.