I remember seeing posts about Haven Conference when I first started and thinking ‘what the heck is that?’ and then thinking ‘why does anyone care about what you learned at some blog conference?’ I didn’t get it then. But now having been, I get it. For real. Haven was awesome. And if you’re a design/home decor/DIY blogger or thinking about becoming one, you need to go. I learned so much, made some great friends, connected with some awesome companies and had the best time.

I can’t tell you how nice it was to be surrounded by people who get me. Who are in or who were in the same boat I am in and know the demands, the joys, and everything in between about being a blogger. Being around so many creative people was energizing and I came home with a renewed sense of who I am as a blogger and where I want to go.

 

I wish I could fill you in on everything but it would take a week.  So here are some highlights of my 3 favorite sessions:

Creating a Meaningful and Stylish Home

Bre, Rooms For Rent and Jen, City Farmhouse

Bre and Jen are so talented, it’s almost unnatural. But whatever, I love them. Anyway, they shared with us how their styles have evolved and how to embrace your own unique style and make it work in your home.

1. Don’t worry if you don’t fit into one style. Most people are a combination of 2 or more styles. How do you know what your style is? When you sit in it , you feel peaceful and comfortable.

2. It’s ok to change your mind and try new things. Like Jen said, “It’s just paint.”  Go for it!

3. You can completely change the look of a space by changing out artwork, pillow covers and accessories.

 

Turning Your Blog Into a Brand

KariAnne, Thistlewood Farms, Jenna LaFevor, Rain on a Tin Roof and Laura Putnam, Finding Home

Talk about helpful. These 3 ladies are all very different but all 3 of them had fantastic insight about crafting your blog into a brand.

1. Know who you ARE NOT as well as who you are. Once you know who you are, create a style that conveys your brand clearly.

2. Your brand is how people will come to recognize you so don’t deviate, even on something as simple as color scheme. Be consistent across the board.

3. There’s not one way to skin a cat. Every blogger makes money differently but pretty much all of them do multiple things, i.e. ad revenue, affiliates, e-books and traditional books, sponsored posts, sidebar advertising, speaking, contributing to other blogs, etc…

Instagram Tips and Tricks

Liz Marie Galvan, Liz Marie Blog and Jennifer Robison, Stylehouse Interiors

Liz Marie is adorable. She’s also insanely creative and smart. So is Jennifer and both of them had great tips about building your Instagram following. 

1. Be consistent with your pictures and filters.

2. Let your blog Instagram be for your blog. Pics that aren’t relevant (including the millions of pics we have of our kids) belong on our personal Instagram profile.

3. Use hashtags and be sure to comment on other people’s pics. That’s how you get to know them and they get to know you.

 

In a nutshell–Haven was awesome. I’ll definitely be going again next year!

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