This month, I sat down with Payton Sartain of Hustle & Halcyon to talk about starting her blog as well as hopes for the future. If you’ve been wanting to start a blog and don’t know how, then listen to Payton’s easy-to-follow advice.
COLLEGEFASHIONISTA: What advice would you give to someone who is hoping to start their own blog?
PAYTON SARTAIN: Start now. There’s no time like the present to begin doing exactly what you want to do. If you’re just starting out, it won’t be perfect, and you’re going to have to accept that fact and begin anyways. I remember I started my blog at 3 a.m. on a weeknight in college. I had been thinking about it for a couple of weeks (and was nervous to start, fearing it wouldn’t be flawless) and had a random burst of inspiration after reorganizing my room one night. Let me tell you, I cringe looking back at those old posts, but that’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.
CF: What do you like most about your job?
PS: I like both the freedom it provides me with and the responsibility it requires. The success of my blog relies almost entirely on me, and I find that to be exhilarating.
CF: What 10 items would be in your capsule wardrobe?
PS: Lately, my top 10 pieces are my black Celine Nano Tote, white Superga platform sneakers, oversize gold-lensed Quay aviators, plain white T-shirt from DSTLD, vintage denim cut-offs, Steve Madden chunky black heeled combat boots, high-waisted black skinny jeans from & Other Stories, lacy black bodysuit from Gooseberry Intimates, my mom’s little black and gold Gucci watch from the ’90s, and, of course, my custom cowboy boots with a big Texas flag on the back and my initials on the front. Those 10 things would cover my nighttime and daytime outfits all summer long (and maybe add in my red Baywatch-inspired swimsuit for beach days).
CF: Why do you feel that it’s important to address certain issues such as slut shaming and the relations between social media and body image?
PS: I think those topics are important because one, they’re some of those topics everyone thinks about but doesn’t want to talk about (aka my favorite topics ever), and two, I’ve had personal experiences within both of these realms, whether it has been related to myself or someone I’m close to. I talk about topics that have affected me personally because I can share my own perspective in hopes that it helps someone else who is going through something similar.
CF: What is in store for the future of Hustle & Halcyon?
PS: Oh, all of the things! My plans include continuing to partner with brands that I truly love, sharing easy, healthy tips with girls looking to enjoy and nourish their bodies, and continuing to share my LA exploits via Instagram and Snapchat. In the near future, I’d like to get more involved in YouTube and in nonprofit organization creation. In the more distant future, I have high hopes to do things like writing a book and designing clothing I can’t find but want to wear.
Think blogging is for you? Show us your posts by tagging @cfashionista!
