A former Wall Street executive, Stella Compiseno began blogging in 2013 after moving to Northeast Ohio with her family. The Heart's Delight serves as a creative outlet for Compiseno to share her style tips and fashion inspiration, all while functioning as a natural extension of her styling business. Compiseno was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions about blogging, finding inspiration and her favorite style advice.
You've been blogging for quite some time, about 4 years now. What made you decide to start blogging?
I started blogging in 2013 after quite a bit of change in my life. I had recently relocated from New York, quit my career on Wall Street and had my second child. While I loved finally being able to spend time with my children, I missed the sense of accomplishment that working used to provide and wanted to finally create that perfect work-life balance -- the holy grail of every working mom. I realized that I had the opportunity of a lifetime to build a business from scratch, doing what I love without sacrificing time with the people I love most.
Blogging evolved naturally out of the personal and commercial styling business I wanted to create. By focusing on this website, not only could I express my sartorial point of view in a creative and innovative way, but it could also serve as an anchor to the styling business. It was the perfect solution.
What advice would you give to someone just starting a lifestyle or fashion blog?
Think about who YOU are and what you represent. What is your personal brand? Who is your audience?
There are so many blogs out there these days. What makes the great ones so great is that they are a true representation of the people behind them. Rather than imitate what the others are doing in hopes of the same success, try to pave your own way that is authentic to YOU. I want someone to look at one of my images or posts and instantly know that I ("The Heart's Delight") was behind it.
Where do you find inspiration for your posts?
Honestly, everywhere! Magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, the news, the weather...
However, my best ideas come from actual conversations I have with my friends, family and clients. In addition to posting "pretty things," I want each article I write to have a purpose and to offer a value-added solution for my followers.
How would you describe your personal style?
I like to describe it as MODERN + CLASSIC … with a tomboy/gamine twist.
I favor clean lines, neutral colors and a slightly more edgy look; Little to no fuss or frill, and a whole lot of black. You can take the girl out of NY, but you can't take the NY out of the girl.
What is the best piece of style advice you've ever received?
Don't be afraid to try things on!
I've seen people completely turn their noses at clothes and specific styles before even putting them on their body. However, once the item is on the body, the look (and their opinion) completely changes. You really never know how something will fit until you give it a try. These days, vanity sizing is out of control and varies so wildly between different brands -- it's really important to try on everything AND in multiple sizes.
Oh, and the tailor is your best friend. A $10 alteration can make a $20 dress look like a million bucks.
Follow The Heart's Delight at www.theheartsdlite.com and learn how to discover your style identity.
