Over the past two years, Kamlia turned her passion for food and health goals into a thought provoking blog for her side hustle.
Tell me a little bit about how you got started?
I started my website, Sensual Appeal, as a simple way to keep track of my food and health goals. However, over time, the website and my goals evolved completely and I went from being just your random blogger to writing comprehensive articles and posts that are thought-provoking but also really helpful to the reader. I realized that there is a ton of blogs out there written by experts who seem to always be “perfect.” I provide a realistic approach – I am not a licensed expert in nutrition or fitness, but I am someone who has a love for the subject matter and experience from a point of view of a busy young professional.
How long have you been doing this?
I have been blogging for 2 years now.
How do you make money?
As a blogger, I have many streams of income that are related to the blog. The most obvious way is through advertising – mainly through Google Adsense and another ad network I belong to. The one that brings in the most income, however, are sponsored opportunities. I work with many brands that are related to my blog – health, wellness, food, lifestyle – and if there is a fit, I create content, post honest reviews, co-host Twitter parties, or host giveaways on behalf of the brand. Additionally, I do freelance opportunities that are blog-related, such as freelance writing, social media/blog consulting, and more.
What Areas of Marketing have worked best for you, for instance, Referrals, Social Media, etc?
The biggest source of traffic for me comes from search engines – I have spent a lot of time making sure that each post is written with SEO in mind and being aware of current trends and best practices in regards to SEO. Additionally, social media plays a huge part – in particular Pinterest, which is perfect for my website since I host a lot of recipes and other visual-heavy content.
When do you find the time to work on your side businesses with a full-time job and other obligations?
The secret to finding time is making the time. It’s not about finding it, it’s about having it as a priority and then time finds itself. I love what I do and I am deeply passionate about growing Sensual Appeal, and I have fun doing it – my down time is spent on my blog because I honestly love the feelings it brings me: success, accomplishment, and inspiration.
Did you set any business Goals when you started?
When I first got started I had no idea what the blog would form into. I’ve always had the entrepreneurial and 
business mindset so I hoped it could become something bigger although I did not have any clear-cut goals – I just wanted to connect with others. With experience, a lot of education on the topics related, and perseverance, I am happy to say I am on the path to creating something bigger.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
The best advice for someone who is starting a blog is to have their priorities in order. You have to really love the topic you write about and NOT do it for the money. The money is not a sure thing and if you don’t do it for the pure joy and passion for it, you will not succeed – because your readers will see right through you. Find your passion and follow it for the pure satisfaction and joy of it. If money comes too, look at it as a side effect. A happy and positive side effect of following your passion.
How can people find out more about your Business
People can see more of what Sensual Appeal is about by going on the website at www.sensualappealblog.com – you will be able to find anything that makes life more delicious, mindful, and happy. Specifically healthy recipes, tips for leading a happy life, thought-provoking posts and inspiration for women on self-love, body image, and more.
Anything exciting coming up that you would like for us to know about?
I am currently working on expanding our video presence and we are currently filming and planning some videos in collaboration with other industry experts. I will be coming out with a bi-weekly fitness video feature starting mid-March with fitness trainers sharing their thoughts on many misconceptions people have around fitness and health; I also have several interviews scheduled about self-love and other similar issues that relate to women. It’s gonna be a busy year and I’m excited to see where it leads!
Andrea is the Chief Chick of Smart Money Chicks. After filing BK twice (once because she panicked, second time because the pro messed the first time up), she realized that it all could have been avoided if she understood more about how her Finances worked and the options available. At that point, she wanted to help as many as she could never make the same mistakes again. Our Promise is that all the content you read on here is created or edited by Andrea