A Word to the Wise: A Blogger Spotlight on JT Wisdom

Bubbling Over with Elegance and Grace

J.T. Wisdom is a +40 fashion blogger who has a lot more to talk about than the latest fashion mood-swings.  She is thoughtful in her posts and in her comments to others. A mid-west girl who loves the big-city but can appreciate the country, J.T. Wisdom's cup runneth over in her blog, Bubbling with Elegance and Grace.

THE CITIZEN: How long have you been blogging?

JT WISDOM: I started my blog in August 2009, so for almost two years.

THE CITIZEN: What inspires your style? 

JT WISDOM: My grandmother and mother are my two biggest inspirations. My mother taught me how to remix my clothing so that it looks like I have way more clothes than I actually have in my closet. My Grandmother taught me that you do not have to wear name brand clothing to look good; boy was she right about that one.

My fashion sense ignited when I took a sewing class in Home Economics in high school. That class taught me how to save money by making my own clothes including my high school graduation and baccalaureate dresses.

THE CITIZEN: You are an "over 40" blogger, when most bloggers average between 14 and 28. What motivated you to start your blog? 

 JT WISDOM: I enjoy writing about fashion, beauty, hair care and lifestyles issues. And mind you I love wearing all types of fashion and accessories.  I started my blog as a way for me to write about these topics and to be able to share information with other people who have the same interests.

When I first started blogging I didn't know anything about the whole age thing. It wasn't until I became more involved with the various communities that I found many of the bloggers are under 30.

THE CITIZEN: Were you discouraged at first because of your age? If so,  what got you to move beyond the discouragement and get to blogging?

JT WISDOM: Sure, when you look at all the people who are blogging right now, so many of them are under 30. It seems like I was way out my league; but I still wanted to blog. So I decided that I would not let age stop me from doing what I wanted to.

I enjoy blogging and I've learned so much in every aspect of it. The sky is the limit with my blog and I'm enjoying the ride and the community of meeting really cool people.

THE CITIZEN: As an older woman, do you find yourself comfortable with contemporary fashion? Where do you see areas of improvement in the industry? 

JT WISDOM:  Well, I don't consider myself an older woman. Age is just a number. I'm in my early forties and I am as youthful as I feel. You can be 19 and feel old or you can be in your eighties with tons of energy to run your next marathon.  One of my long-time friends always says at each birthday that she is so many years young and I love that phrase. 

The fashion industry to me gives mixed messages because I hear designers and fashion magazine editors say that they cater to everyone.  But this is simply not true.  When I flip the pages of the fashion magazines, I may see one model that is over a size 8; but every other model is a size 2 or less. When I look at a garment it would be nice to see it on a body shape that is my size and not only on a stick thin model.

THE CITIZEN: What has being "over 40" done to help your self esteem? Are you more comfortable in your own skin?

What's been the best benefit to you as a blogger?

JT WISDOM: I am in my early forties and hopefully with age comes wisdom.  My relationship with my Lord and Savior has helped me tremendously in feeling comfortable in my own skin and dealing with self esteem. 

My blog has introduced me to a fashion and beauty community in a passionate way. In my current job, I am completely removed from the fashion industry all together. The jewel of blogging is community and meeting people from all over the world without leaving my home.   I am able to interact with bloggers as if they were a neighbor across the street, not across the world.

THE CITIZEN: Who are your readers? Who would you like to read your blog?

JT WISDOM: My blog readers are a diverse group, from fashion bloggers to stay-at-home moms. I have many readers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Bangladesh. It's cool for me to see that my blog have visitors from all over the world.

I love diversity so I would like men and women of all ages from all nationalities to read my blog.  I strive for my blog to be appealing to anyone who loves fashion.  I want the mindset that if you love fashion then you will love Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com.  

"The jewel of blogging is  community & meeting people from all over the world without leaving my home."

Name 3 blogs you enjoy reading, that inspire you. 

1. Leia’s Delights – www.leiasdelights.com
2. The Style Crusader - www.thestylecrusader.org
3. Taxonomy of my Wardrobe – www.taxonomyofmywardrobe.blogspot.com

THE CITIZEN: You've recently moved to Wordpress from Blogger. What made you decide to make the switch? 

JT WISDOM: I started on Blogger because it had an easy-to-learn platform. As I became more comfortable, I wanted to see what WordPress could do for me. There’s so much freedom now.  I can add many plug-ins and finally design my blog the way I want with no limits and that is a thrill to me.

THE CITIZEN: Any words of advice to other bloggers?

JT WISDOM: First and foremost- BE TRUE TO YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. If you enjoy writing about fashion, write about fashion.  If you have another passion write about that, blog about what moves and inspires you.

HAVE FUN! If you want to blog about fashion because that is what you enjoy, then it has to be fun. Do not get caught up in how many subscribers you have or how many people have commented on your post. 

THE CITIZEN: Has blogging changed your style at all? 

JT WISDOM: Not at all! I like being a girly-girl and my blog has not changed that. It just has provided me an opportunity to talk about it with others who have the same passion that I do.

Where do you see yourself and your blog in 3 years?

JT WISDOM: I enjoy blogging and I have learned so much in every aspect of it. The sky is the limit with my blog and I am enjoying the ride and the community of meeting really cool people.  I would love to see if I could include an online shop that would include some of my favorite handbags and accessories and as a bonus I would love to include 100% Natural products for the hair and body.

THE CITIZEN: Any last words?

JT WISDOM: I love this quote from Sophia Loren- “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” 

Read her blog: Bubbling With Elegance and Grace
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