“I don’t think there’s any such thing as ‘disappointment’ when it comes to your work life.” says Aanam Chashmawala

Meet the ace “YouTube” star Aanam Chashmawala, widely known as “Aanam C” for her unmistakable and joyful nature. On her website “WhatWhenWear”, she shares her interests; for reading, writing and much more. She is a bathroom singer, and enjoys everything with a pinch of ‘Karan Johar style drama’. In a conversation with SurbhiVarma, Aanam shares why she started blogging and what motivates her.

What made you take up blogging?

Blogging to me happened by accident. It was one of those happy things I stumbled upon as a hobby and it outlasted most of my actual hobbies from the time.

Tell us about your blog, the idea and purpose behind starting it? Any motivational factor that you give credit to?

I think I was just looking for a place to vent out my thoughts. Fashion, beauty or even otherwise. I have never shied away from talking openly about anything that interests me across my social feeds. So in many ways it was a perfect fit for me.

Share your style of blogging?

I am moody, so you can see me shuffle between street styles, high fashion, luxury, beauty – and of late, you will see a lot of video content across segments too.

What has all helped you gain followers and readers?

It has been six years as on 8th December 2018, so I think being patient, and understanding your audience has definitely helped me. I have always tried to keep the communication both ways.

Share about your greatest accomplishment in your blogging journey so far?

I think being on the cover of a magazine was pretty cool!

Have you faced any disappointments? If so, what did you learn from them?

I do not think there is any such a thing as ‘disappointment’’ when it comes to your work life. You try things, and most of the times (hopefully) they work out, and sometimes they may transcend into learning. Each time it does not work out, you have to look at it as a lesson and nothing else.

Where do you see yourself in years to come?

We all just have to wait and find out 🙂

What is your most noteworthy accomplishment outside blogging arena?

I think that winning the first ever Miss Bombay Times Fresh Face 2011 was pretty amazing for me. I was in college when I had the opportunity and luck to win over 12 titles across various intercollegiate beauty pageants, so somewhere I knew my strengths and I wanted to build on them.

If not blogging or traveling, what are you usually doing?

Any free time I have is dedicated to my five-year-old nephew and one-year-old niece. Apart from this my husband and I love trying new restaurants and watching three movies back to back on weekends!

Which bloggers do you look up to, and why?

I think Chriselle Lim, Chiara Ferragni, Danielle Bernstein, Wendy Nguyen are some from fashion world that I absolutely love! Tati, Kaushal, Jeffree Star are some of the beautieswhose videos I love watching in my spare time. People often say that bloggers get free products;which is why every third person is into this profession. Well, every job has its perks and downsides too. A ‘bonus’ ideally, should not be a pulling factor. But everyone has their own way of thinking, and you have to learn to respect where they might be coming from. There is probably more to it, and we have to give people that benefit of a doubt.

How has your life changed post blogging as a career?

100% it has. Apart from the fact that it has made me revolutionize my wardrobe and vanity style, I think it has also made me an even more expressive person. I have always loved to talk about things that mean so much to me, and I think this platform makes me happy to do that while connecting with so many people, who are on the same page.

How frequently do you interact with your followers?

All the time!! I spend some time on a daily basis responding to comments, and I spend about 2-3 hours per week replying to their emails on [email protected]

Three tips for someone who wishes to become a blogger?

First know the niche clientele you are aiming for and understand the content required for it. Secondly, create a plan and the time to go in. The blogger population has made things more competitive and quality conscious than ever before. Lastly do not go by the number game, ever. Content is the king, and will always be!