Meet Candice, Founder of The Blog Social, in this Haute Stock Member Feature!

Who or what inspired you to start your business?

I've been a blogger for over 7 years now and recently changed my niche wanting to share the knowledge I have gained over these years. Adding value to my readers was the main reason for the change in niche I recently underwent.

What was your biggest struggle when starting out?

Growth and comparison. It's so hard to not compare yourself to others in the industry. I've learnt that sticking to your passions and what you know rather than comparing yourself to others is key. Your readers will see how passionate you are and growth will follow with time.

Candice of The Blog Social attributes her blog growth to being consistent. Learn more in this Haute Stock Member Feature! — What’s the #1 thing you attribute to growing your business?

**Being consistent.** It can be tough at times juggling a blog, household and a full-time job. Having that said, being consistent with your content helps to grow your online audience. *I love using content planners to help me keep track of everything.*

What podcasts are you listening to or business books are you reading right now?

There are so many incredible leaders in the industry! I'm definitely a podcast gal and love listening to Thrive, Boss Girl Creative, The Blog For Profit and Blogging Unscripted to name a few.

What mindset shifts have you made to set your business up for success?

Writing for my audience instead of myself. If you want to grow your online presence you have to listen to your audience and take into consideration what their struggles and pain points are. As humans, we are always wanting to know what we can gain. As much as you might love to talk about puppies... Think about what your audience wants from you. Doing polls is a great way to pick the brain of your audience.

The Blog Social uses Haute Stock images for blog post covers and more, as shown in this new Haute Stock Member Feature! — What’s your favorite music to listen to when you’re working?

I love Latin music, this puts me in an ‘I want to dance’ state and helps get my creative juices following. Other than that I usually listen to podcasts.

How do you decide on what images to use for your brand?

Haute Stock makes it SUPER easy! Because my niche mainly focuses on bloggers wanting to find the best tools and tips, HS has a wide range of workspace images and mockups I can use. I filter by my brand colours and boom! I have beautiful on-brand images.

What’s your favorite Haute Stock collection?

Ah, only one? Wow, there are so many! But, Blush Bedroom is one of my ultimate favs.

Candice of The Blog Social answers "How has Haute Stock helped you in your business?" in this Member Feature — How has Haute Stock helped you in your business?

**HS has taken the stress out of visual content!** It has allowed me to get access to professional photos and creatives without needing to spend a ton of money on camera equipment. Let’s face it cameras and all the lighting equipment and tools is expensive. Not to mention the number of hours you need to learn how to get the most out of your camera.

What has been your biggest business lesson learned?

Everything takes time... Being in the blogging world for so many years you learn patience. Growth doesn't happen overnight — take your time and have fun with it!

Meet Candice from The Blog Social in this Haute Stock Member Feature. — Candice Sandler

is a pizza-loving, wine drinking 31 year old from Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about blogging and sharing the tips and tricks she’s learnt over the 7 years in the blogging industry, and so *The Blog Social* was created. From email marketing to which are the best WordPress templates, *The Blog Social* is your one-stop-shop for everything blogging.

stay connected: @theblogsocial_

Member Highlight: Candice Sandler of The Blog Social