I'm so excited for todays Pintastic People post featuring the amazing Erin Hiemstra of Apartment34. I seriously love this lady and jump at any excuse to get to chat with her about pinterest and blogging. I met Erin soon after I moved to the Bay Area at a cocktail party and we quickly bonded over our shared love of graphic design, social media and everything about living in the Bay Area (Erin is a recent transplant herself). Since that first meeting Erin has become one of my dearest new friends, who is always my go to gal for anything from business to fashion advice. Below she answers a few of my questions on why she is so amazing :)
Photo by Belathee Photography
How did you get started on pinterest?
Living in the heart of tech and start-up land, I heard about the Pinterest beta rather early and actually met Pinterest founder Ben at the Altitude Design Summit, a bloggers conference, just after the site launched nearly two years ago. I was immediately hooked and have never looked back!
You also have your successful blog Apartment34, how does pinterest effect your blogging?
Pinterest has turned into a critical blogging tool - it's where I bank inspiration, find inspiration and also drive a lot of traffic back to my site!
What are 3 of your favorite pins from this week?
Well, now this is a toughie, but if you're going to make me choose, I'm going with these
Well, now this is a toughie, but if you're going to make me choose, I'm going with these
Image via Inspired to Share
What are a few of your favorite sites to find source materiel for your blog and pinterest?
I'm constantly on the Tumblr troll looking for new gorgeous images and lately I've been very into Scandinavian design blogs for my home decor related pins.
What do you do when not pinning or blogging?
Is there more time in the day?? Actually, after a Hawaiian vacation this summer I rededicated myself to unplugging regularly. I make time for cooking, wine tasting, a good workout and continuing to explore our adopted city of San Francisco (and the East Bay thanks to you!).
You are one of the chicest women I have ever met, where do you get your style inspiration?
Why thank you, that's so kind! My style inspiration has continued to grow and shift as my life has, but lately I really look to the European approach to style i.e. simple is the new black. I think investing in high quality pieces is key to building a great wardrobe and trends should only come in very small doses.
What are a few of your favorite shops and boutiques?
I'm a huge boutique shopper - I love to support local business and small stores, both online and off. In San Francisco I regularly head to Chloe Rose Boutique, Carrots, La Boutique D'Arte, Acrimony and Rand & Statler - online I love PoppyNYC, KitThis and I won't lie, Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom and Shopbop are good alternatives!Why thank you, that's so kind! My style inspiration has continued to grow and shift as my life has, but lately I really look to the European approach to style i.e. simple is the new black. I think investing in high quality pieces is key to building a great wardrobe and trends should only come in very small doses.
What are a few of your favorite shops and boutiques?
You are always on the go, or jetsetting somewhere it seems, what are 3 must have items for easy and fashionable travel?
When I travel I rely on a classic dark denim jean (I heart JBrand and MiH). You can wear them over and over and no one will notice. A good dress is a complete outfit in a single article of clothing {which saves space} and blazers or scarfs are an easy way to dress up a simple tee or tank. I always fail when it comes to shoes though. I'm known for packing seven pairs for a 3-day trip!
Is there anywhere you haven't been that your dying to visit?
When I travel I rely on a classic dark denim jean (I heart JBrand and MiH). You can wear them over and over and no one will notice. A good dress is a complete outfit in a single article of clothing {which saves space} and blazers or scarfs are an easy way to dress up a simple tee or tank. I always fail when it comes to shoes though. I'm known for packing seven pairs for a 3-day trip!
Is there anywhere you haven't been that your dying to visit?
There are entirely too many to list (I've never seen an episode of No Reservations where I didn't want to go where ever Anthony Bourdain is) but my top picks currently include Bali, Coratia, Istanbul, Austin, TX, Ireland and i'll always want to go back to Italy.
Bali image via Flickr
Do you have any hidden talents? if so what?
Hmmm, do you consider power shopping a talent? I can play the Entertainer on the piano, dance a decent jig :)
Tell me why you love blogging and pinning so much?
Falling into blogging, and by way pinning, has been a life changing experience. It's allowed me to turn my passions into my career. It's also introduced me to amazing people across the country, and world, many of whom I now call dear friends. I'm so grateful for the creative outlet and the opportunity to do what I love!
Falling into blogging, and by way pinning, has been a life changing experience. It's allowed me to turn my passions into my career. It's also introduced me to amazing people across the country, and world, many of whom I now call dear friends. I'm so grateful for the creative outlet and the opportunity to do what I love!
Who are a few of your favorite pinners?
My favorite pinners list is very very long but, besides you of course, of late I've been loving Bonnie Tsang, Jennifer Hagler, Sarah G. Marrow, Martha McQuade
Thanks for the link Maia! Love this series! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Colleen, I'm glad you're enjoying it. And the blog link was one of Erin's favorite pins this week! It's a really great piece BTW.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun interview. I'm always glad to hear about more awesome Bay Area bloggers!
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I had the amazing pleasure of meeting erin in person and she IS as amazing as she sounds in this interview. Love this post and for meeting a fellow blogger in the bay! looks like i'm going to spend rest of the day reading all the "pintastic people" and pretend to be working! thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteErin is definitely the best! I'm so glad you're enjoying these posts :)
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