FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I get a lot of questions from readers, followers, and friends, about being a blogger. I am always happy to answer questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions for your reading pleasure.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

I had this idea for a blog for many years. I had a rendition in 2013 but let it fizzle out in 2014. I let people convince me that it wasn't worth starting. But after some time I did start my blog up again. House of Gabrielle began in the winter of 2020, during season 2 or 3 of Covid. It's a place for me to write and share my life experiences of being a stepmom, now a mom, and about my life with my blended family.

On the blog, I share about the many different passions (music, cooking, baking, painting, beauty, fashion) I have had throughout the years, as well as, my many fields of expertise (writing, graphic design, web design, art, illustration, interior decorating, self-care, the healing journey, body acceptance, ED recovery, travel and so much more).

WHY THE NAME?

I believed the name should represent what I wanted to share with readers and followers. All of these things I listed above, I do from my beautiful home. The home is the heart of the House of Gabrielle. It's where creativity, warmth, healing, love, and caring for ourselves and our families happen. Hence in reading this blog you are being welcomed into my home and all that happens there. So, welcome.

WHY THE LOGO?

Having worked with many big-name brands and created many logos and looks for clients, customers, family members, and passion projects, I called on my years of expertise as a brand creator and expert and set to work coming up with the logo for House of Gabrielle.

In the first rendition, I went with a classic-looking loop stitch design surrounded by botany sketch-like flowers, and the brand for House of Gabrielle took shape. A soft, feminine design that lent itself to the idea of the home with a touch of refined detail. The flowers featured in the design are wild roses, indigenous to Northwestern Ontario, Canada.

HOW DO YOU HAVE TIME TO BLOG?

The short answer is, I don't always have time. I took a brief hiatus when my son was a newborn and I was newly postpartum. Since then, I have used a few different strategies to help me stay on track. What works for me is a set of tools and apps that help with scheduling, design, post ideas, and more. The use of helpful sites and apps keeps me online, scheduled, and consistent.

DID YOU TAKE ALL THE PICS?

The blog has a variety of photo sources. Some are from collaborations with local photographers such as Athena at Athena Marie Photography, and Nicole at By the Moment Photography. My husband, Brent Wesley, is also a former photographer and a very talented one, so I use his photos from time to time, as well. I also use photos I have taken myself but I don't always have time for a proper photoshoot. When I don't have a very specific photo I need, I rely on free stock photography. It works in a pinch.

I WANT TO START A BLOG. WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE?

My advice -- Go for it! Write about what you love and be as consistent as you can. There are a ton of sites (Wix, Squarespace, WordPress) and apps (Tailwind, Metabusiness, Grammarly) built to help you. Create a pre-planned schedule, map-out content, and build a solid social media strategy and you will have a solid start. Just keep writing and keep going, you will find an audience.

I also highly recommend a brand shoot. It is so useful and you can use the pictures in a lot of different applications.

ARE YOU HIRING MORE WRITERS, INTERNS, OR ASSISTANTS?

I would love to. But, at this time I am not looking for additional writers, interns, or an assistant. Hopefully, one day soon.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY IN COLLEGE?

I studied a variety of subjects in college, but I majored in graphic design. After school, I continued learning and have worked as a children's book illustrator, project manager, web designer, social media manager, content writer, model, artist, and more.

What questions do you have? Ask me anything in the comments below.