We were lucky to catch up with Erin Spain recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Erin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned a lot through a combination of trial and error and online resources. I’m not sure if I could have sped up my learning but at the same time I still feel like there’s so much left to learn and there always will be. For me, the most essential skills have been hands-on, like the basics of using tools (for my DIY work) and photography and editing skills. The biggest obstacle has always been time management and trying to figure out work/life balance. I’m always trying to learn while also tending to my day to day responsibilities and being a mom.

Erin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started as a DIY blogger 13 years ago when blogging was relatively new. I fell into it by accident, as at the time I was a stay at home mom with a need for a creative outlet. I started teaching myself how to use tools and make things, and began decorating our home on a budget and blogging about it. I realized people were starting to earn a living doing this, so I poured myself into learning the business side of things and developing all the various skills I would need to turn my new passion into a job. I learned how to design and manage my website, how to expand my DIY skills and use power tools, how to be a photographer since I couldn’t afford to hire one, how to create social media content and use it to support my brand, how to maximize SEO, etc. Later, I started a YouTube channel and had to learn how to shoot and edit video too. Several years later I started a side gig as a concert and event photographer, and I recently started new social media accounts on Instagram and TikTok where I share Atlanta-focused content, featuring local businesses and events.

Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?

With any online or content creation business, it’s always important to diversify income streams. I earn a living in a variety of ways, including ad revenue from my website and YouTube channel, brand deals, and affiliate marketing. My photography business brings in additional income, although I haven’t focused on it as heavily as I could and might in the future.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I think one of my passions has always been to show people that they are capable of more than they might think, and that if I can do this, anyone can. I like inspiring people, particularly women, to try new things and feel empowered.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ErinSpain.com
• Instagram: @ErinSpainBlog @ErinSpainPhoto @ErininAtlanta
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErinSpainBlog
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinspainblog/
• Twitter: @ErinSpainBlog
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/erinspaindiy
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@erininatlanta