From London to Dubai: Zara from Mouldyfruit

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Zara – the fashion-forward blogger who lives in London (and previously Dubai). Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? Well, she has definitely caught our attention. She’s into beauty products, fashion and all things colourful on her Instagram, but her favourite colour to wear is black. Her essentials? Definitely a pair of sunglasses for when in London (since you might want to cover the bags under your eyes). Also, a pair of Doc Martens are a must have! We couldn’t agree any less.

Keeping things real

Zara has a London accent and absolutely fabulous sense of style. But, don’t be fooled by the beautiful pictures on her blog and Instagram: she also writes beautiful posts about fashion, life and other topics. In contrary, this girl is everything but materialistic. Even when her posts are about fashion or life, they just make you feel better after you read them. To be honest, she is a very relatable person and she keeps things real.

On to the next

Now that we’ve mentioned all the things about Zara which we love, let’s get to business! Keep on reading to see which questions we fired at her. What is her success story? Let’s find out!

What motivated you to start your blog?

I started my blog in 2009 after leaving university. I was frustrated with finding a graduate job so I used my blog as an outlet to focus on all the things I love. I started writing about beauty products, clothes I’d wear and amazing countries I’d travel to. It was a hobby for about 3 years till it progressed into my full time job and that’s where we are now 2017!

Can you talk us through what you were doing before you became a blogger and how you made the transition?

I was studying the arts at university. In those days there was no job title as a ‘blogger’ it was a very new industry and even when I begun in 2009 I had no idea it would turn into a full time paid job.

Describe the style of your blog!

In blogger years my site is ancient! So naturally there has been changes within my style. I will say it’s a very personal blog focused on products I’ve tried, places I’ve loved and great items I’ve purchased. MouldyFruit started more focused towards beauty but the older I’ve got the more varied my content has become.

What’s the most important message you want to bring across to your followers?

Just to be authentic and learn to love the skin you’re in. In this day and age it’s hard not to feel the pressures of being picture perfect. Social media confronts us with beautiful model-esque type women so frequently and it can often be a daunting place where we never quite feel good enough. I encourage my followers to find their own happiness – this is something I’ve struggled with for years so if buying that red lipstick makes you happy do it!

 

Favourite pair of sunglasses/eyeglasses? Why?

I find it near impossible to select just ONE favourite pair, I’m a huge sunglasses collector. I have different shapes, sizes and colours – the pair I pick will always reflect my mood. I will say my Celine Baby Audrey’s are my favourite everyday pairs and my Fendi Iridia are one of my favourite statement pairs.

Who is your street style icon?

I don’t have one particular street style icon, I think being in London I am constantly inspired by the individuality you see all over. It’s often bold, vibrant and edgy.

Shop: Ray-Ban Hexogonal

What has been the most challenging moment in your blogging journey so far?

Instagram! Instagram has massively changed readership, it’s so much easier to get frequent content and that has taken over how much we read. We live in a very fast paced world and now it’s easier than ever to get quick information and instant imagery all in one place. I know as a reader of blogs that I read less because of this exact reason.

How do you balance being a successful blogger with other aspects of your life?

It’s hard and this year I’ve taken more of a back seat to live life. Running a blog is a full time job, more full time than any normal 9-5. It can be consuming and sometimes it’s good to have a break, it’s such a fast paced industry that at times you need to be able to stop, disconnect, acknowledge your achievements and then re-connect.

How would you describe your blogging style?

I’ve always said that reading my blog is like having a chat with a group of your girlfriends – I talk to my readers as if we are all friends having a chat over coffee about our must have mascara or our new fabulous pair of sunglasses. I like to have that familiarity in my tone as if we’ve known each other for years.

What advice would you give your younger self that you wished you’d gotten?

Don’t get so caught up watching others live life that you forget to do it yourself. Enjoy the moments, make memories and don’t sweat the small stuff!

Where do you want to go next?

I have no idea and for once I feel like I don’t need to have all the answers, I’m more relaxed with blogging these days and prefer my content to be less regimented. I want to enjoy making content but more importantly I want my readers to love the content I’m uploading.

Want to know more about Zara? Follow her on Instagram! For more sweet content check out her blog right here. But wait…we of course also have a blog! Want to read more on eyewear? Check out our newest article on Sex and the City. Yes, you heard me.