Moms Who Blog : Featuring Rachel Eapen

Hello and welcome to Mom Blogger October on the Times of Amma. As regular readers know, the Times Of Amma community is all about inspiring Moms and building them up as they work on being themselves and Mothers. And so, this month is dedicated to featuring Moms who are working on being themselves and mothers, while expressing themselves through their blogs. Today, we meet Rachel Eapen, a décor enthusiast and influencer, and an expat based in Oman. Rachel is a management professional who used to work in a leading MNC in Bangalore for a couple of years. Today, she is a stay-at-home mom to a seven year old. she is a self-taught budding artist, passionate about photography and baking and an occasional freelance writer. For the past 5 years she has been a lifestyle blogger where her love for global décor, interiors, art, travel, food and crafts are reflected in her blog. You can follow her blog here.

What was it that prompted you to become a blogger?

I have always been a scribbler … maintained diaries… and during this process I was always drawn to beautiful homes… homes big and small, that is done up so well…. I used to take away inspiration from them. I was drawn to creative people and their ventures. So I wanted to archive all these inspirations somewhere where I could inspire myself and others out there. So I started blogging on interiors, décor, art, craft, my culinary adventures, travel and DIY. And of course I was also inspired by blogs like design sponge, apartment therapy, an Indian Summer and many others.

Which has been your most memorable post to date and why?

There are so many but two stand out right now… my first feature on a home tour in Kochi, where I was given the privilege to take pictures on my own and write about it… I received many emails acknowledging that post… and the second one was my first recipe blog post and I was so pleased with the good reviews after my readers tried and tested. That was the best encouragement and there was no looking back from that point.

What was the most memorable comment on your blog been so far?

Again I can’t point out to a particular one comment… but there has been comments asking me to continue inspiring them with more posts… there have been emails asking me if I am okay when I don’t blog…. These are tiny memorable moments that I hold on to…

Have you ever been trolled? How did you handle it?

I have handled criticisms and judgmental comments so far.. As mothers we all get judged no matter what you do… you just need to take it in your stride I guess.. but I have never been trolled till date so I really don’t know what it’s like to be trolled… I have been blessed with all the love and acceptance from my readers have brought me so far.. for that I will always be grateful to my readers.

Have you ever started to write a post and then abandoned it? Why?

Yes, so many times… sometimes when you are so inspired to write a post, you get interrupted with mommy duties… and I sometimes juggle with painting as well … so basically when I am interrupted, I lose the flow and I wait till I get back to that space where I left off and then continue… hence that makes my blog not so consistent like how I want it to be.

Do you stick to a regular posting schedule or do you post whenever inspiration strikes? Do you have a writing routine?

Yes I try to make sure that I post at least once or twice a week… but not always consistent. I have set a routine and during my “me time” I try and get my writing done. And especially when you put in that 100 percent of effort in everything you do, be it writing, painting, photography or mommy duties, sometimes you don’t always meet your deadlines.

Do you find it hard to get your voice heard in the crowded blogosphere?

Not at all. When I started blogging I created a niche and audience for my blog. When you have readers out there who share your passion and interests your voice is automatically heard.

Many say that blogging is dead thanks to other micro-blogging avenues like Instagram, Twitter and others. As the owner of a traditional blog, how would you respond to that?

I don’t believe that blogging is dead. Blogs are born every day! I believe micro-blogging has actually helped blogs and bloggers like me. There is more network happening in blogosphere and more exchange of ideas are happening… but I have to say that most of us in our busy schedules have less time to sit and read the written word. Therefore many bloggers have resorted to micro-blogging as compared to traditional blogs.

Do you see your blog as a stepping stone to something else? Do you see yourself wearing the tag of 'blogger' five years down the line?

The hope to see my blog as a stepping stone to something else is alive and I hope it becomes a reality soon. But at the same time I don’t see myself stop my blog journey in the near future. So yes I do see myself as a blogger five years down the line.

What tips do you have for other Indian Mom bloggers?

“At the end of the day, it’s what makes you happy that matters”… this is an advice I got from a very close friend of mine… Blog about something that you are passionate about… choose a subject that’s important to you and go for it… be yourself and most importantly your work should foster joy and celebration.

You can follow Rachel's blog, here.