Blogger Behind the Blog {Nomipalony}

Here’s this week’s instalment of Blogger Behind the Blog where I interview a blogger all about their reasons for blogging and what it means to them. This week I’m joined by Nyomi from Nomipalony.

Here’s Nyomi with more about her blogging life:

Where did your blog name come from?

I didn’t want to use my real name for blogging as it’s quite unique and I didn’t want potential employers to google me and get my blog as it’s really personal (and a bit sweary). I struggled with choosing a name for ages and I still have doubts about it but I went with my nickname. My family tend to call me nomipalony affectionately (my niece calls me Aunty Omi – so cute). I like the way nomipalony sounds a bit higgedly-piggedly (sp?!) because my blog covers all sorts!

When did you start your blog and why?

I started my blog at the end of January last year. I’ve wanted to do one since I was pregnant with my son 5 years ago but I never got round to it. I’m a very extroverted person who likes to over-share and write so it’s perfect for me. I wish I had done it sooner!

What did you do before you blogged?

I’m a part time project officer and I still do that alongside the blog.

What was your first post?

My first post was January 29th and was pretty much just a link to our YouTube review of the Rockaroo swing. The video review is about to hit 100,000 views which is awesome, the blog post views were tiny though!

My first proper blog post where I wrote anything considerable was the next day and was all about getting through the day with little kids when you are really sleep deprived.

I still like that post but I could make it better now.

What inspires you to blog?

For me it’s quite personal, it’s cathartic, things I want to get off my chest. It helps me feel better just writing it down. I also like to help others by sharing experiences I think others might find helpful.

What post has had the best response, which post are you most proud of and which post did you enjoy writing the most?

The post I had the best response on was my review of the Haakaa breast pump. It was new on the market here and I ran a giveaway so that was popular.

The post I’m most proud of is how the patriarchy ruins sex, probably because it’s very honest and unfiltered.

The post I enjoyed writing most was my HBAC birth story. I worked so hard to achieve my home birth after a c-section and was proud to write about, and share my experience. That’s the post I’ve had the most heartwarming feedback on, from women who had a bad first experience like me and are trying for a VBAC. I’m really passionate about birth and have a lot of birth posts planned.

Have any of your posts not had the response that you expected?

I was disappointed with how my spoiler free review of the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Play went.

I know it’s niche but I thought more people would read it, after all, the films and books do alright don’t they!

Where do you see your blog in a year’s time?

I hope that I’ve consistently found my blogging voice – sometimes I lose it in the hurry of blogging while watching the kids. I hope I’m getting more sponsored posts by then too. I’m trying so hard to grow my social media accounts so it would be good to see all my numbers growing substantially.

What is your favourite thing about blogging?

I enjoy the writing itself and that it allows me to get things off my chest.

…and your least favourite?

Having to promote myself. I find that difficult and cringe a bit when I share my posts or have to big myself up.

What’s the best blog post you have ever read?

Oh man this is a hard question!! Probably this from the lovely Sarah over at Nurshable. I have two major sleep thieves and Sarah’s posts have supported me through that and helped me become the parent I want to be.

What blog do you love to read and why?

Nurshable that I’ve mentioned above because it’s so inspiring. I’m also slightly obsessed with Elsa Pataky’s blog from Spanish Glamour largely because I have a girl crush on her and like to spy on her and Chris Hemsworth’s lives. I also love to look at the Londoner’s blog as all the pictures are so pretty.

Do you do anything differently now to when you started blogging?

I’m just naturally developing and learning all the time. I’m already looking back at posts I wrote just 6 months ago and cringing. I suppose that shows I’m learning. I’m still so new though, I’ve a lot to learn and I’m grateful to the blogging community for being so supportive.

Is blogging what you expected it to be?

I think I thought most my time would be spent writing but I didn’t realise how much time would be spent networking and promoting.

What’s been your favourite blog collaboration to date?

I did a guest post for North East Family Fun where I reviewed a local museum which was a great day and working with Samantha and the museum was all was effortless.

Are there any brands you would love to work with, why?

I’ve just become brand ambassador for Mama Jewels which I’m stoked about because I’ve long worn her babyproof necklaces. I’d love to do some work with brands that are all about women supporting other women – Selfish Mother, Mere Soeur, Thinx. I’m all about the sisterhood.

Have you had any blogging fails so far?

I had a big one when I put out a blog celebrating my 6 month ‘bloggerversary’ and it took me weeks to realise it had actually only been 5 months. Facepalm. I was honest about it and gave people a laugh at my expense. I blame sleep deprivation!

What is your biggest blogging hope, dream or ambition?

My dream is to make blogging my profession. That would be a dream come true.

What do you do when you’re not blogging?

I’m playing with the kids and if they aren’t around I’m binging on TV shows – currently in a Sons of Anarchy binge.

and lastly, tell us all a random fact about yourself

I once interviewed Tony Blair for Sky News when I was 16.

Now that you know all about Nyomi at Nomipalony, make sure you go and read her blog. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – thanks so much Nyomi for being involved!