(page 46) SEPTEMBER 2015
THE REAL DEAL BY JORDAN SMITH
Name: Maren Jensen // Hometown: Sheldon, IA // Ages: 26 // Specialty: Events/marketing by day | Blogger by night
Who is your goal audience? MJ: Midwestern women. I don't specify "Midwestern women who are interested in fashion" because I hope to create a blog that all women benefit from. I hope I can reach anyone trying to do something new or different that makes them feel good about how they look. I say 'Midwestern' women, because we live in a unique part of the country where we have very defined seasons with very defined seasonal weather. A number of bloggers I follow live in places where it is warm year-round so it can be hard to relate to at times. What we can find on your blog? MJ: Midwest in Style has sections dedicated to style, home décor, shopping, moms, product reviews, and outfit inspiration. So far, the thing I have heard most from readers is that they love that all of my posts are shoppable! I link the exact (or similar) outfit or product featured in each post so readers can see where I purchased each item. What makes your blog stand out?
Submitted photos.
MAREN JENSEN Maren Jensen started her blog, Midwest in Style, in February to bring a little style to the prairie. After leaving her job as a reporter, she found that she missed writing and felt she could fill a gap in the blogosphere.
How did you become interested in blogging, and blogging about style in particular? MJ: I became interested in blogging about three years ago after I left my job as a reporter in Sioux Falls. About a year ago I found that blogging gave me the outlet I desired for my own writing, since I was no longer writing every day. My current job as an events and marketing specialist allows me to use my writing skills, but blogging allows me to write about my own interests. I started following several fashion and style bloggers, because I have always been interested in fashion, styling, and all things shopping. I realized that creating a style blog allowed me to merge my two passions of writing and fashion. Where did the idea for Midwest in Style come from? MJ: When I was tossing around the idea of starting my own fashion/style blog, I became more aware of people in my life who would ask me about where I shopped or where I came up with my outfit ideas. I thought, ‘I wish there was a way I could share my answers to these common questions with anyone looking for ways to improve their style.’ Honestly, I’m no fashion expert...I just never stopped playing ‘dress up.’ I am constantly online shopping or reading fashion magazines to get outfit inspiration.
MJ: I think my personal style is pretty relatable and my blog reflects that style. I'm your average Midwestern woman; I’m a wife, mom, and business professional. I shop for and write about things that are practical and affordable. I also try to feature local boutiques, because we have some amazing places to shop! I really value shopping small and supporting local business owners. The shoppable posts also make it convenient for readers to shop each look. What things are people interested in or want to see more of? MJ: I get all kinds of great feedback. So far I have found that readers want easy ‘throw on and go’ outfits for when they’re running out the door. I also get a lot of questions about how to style different trends in a practical way. I'm not a big trend person, because I prefer to fill my closet with timeless pieces, but there are definitely ways to play with trends without having a closet full of things that you will only wear once. What do you hope to accomplish with Midwest in Style? MJ: I hope to continue to meet new people in our community and across the world! I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing boutiques in Sioux Falls and I have loved building those relationships. I hope to connect with as many local readers as possible so I can post about things they want to see. But probably my favorite part about blogging is that anyone with that common interest in fashion or style can find me through my blog or social media, no matter where they live. I have created very real and amazing friendships with people who live hundreds, or even thousands, of miles away from me. I also hope that readers benefit from reading this blog. Check out Maren’s blog at midwestinstyle.com or follow on Instagram: @midwestinstyle.