We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Claudia McConnell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Claudia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I started my social media platform 4 years ago. As a farm wife, girl mom and affordable fashion finder. I have always enjoyed sharing pictures on socials. I thought why not. Since then it’s become so much more. After developing breast cancer at age 37 and going through that process I’ve found such a great community of supportive instagram friends. It’s given me an outlet for my own growth and well being. When I wasn’t able to work for a year due to surgeries and health, it gave me something to focus on. I’m still growing, learning everyday. Sometimes I feel like I’m not good enough, or young enough to compete with other creators but everyone has their own niche and there is plenty of space.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m proud of the little family I’ve built on here. The support. I am influenced by so many other women I follow and I hope to give others a little bit of my positivity.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Oh definitely my cancer diagnosis. Without my faith I wouldn’t be here. I mentally would not have survived that diagnosis and I wouldn’t be as positive as I am now.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

It’s so hard to grow and build your audience. I think being original. Keeping the videos shorter rather than long, so they are more engaging. Developing a bond with other creators. The support there will go a long way. Engage with your audience. Comment and share things. Do giveaways with brands.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rusticwifestyle/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/rusticwifestyle/

Image Credits

Johnna Watkins Cornett photography
Hope Mulanex photography
Agape Creations photography