San Francisco 2017

This past weekend, I went to San Francisco to meet up with Nanette and Joanne! I met Nanette in college when I visited SF for a convention (we're in the same sorority) and Joanne through Instagram! I'm so happy I got to spend quality time with 2 women I respect and admire, and I also got to meet up with old/new friends and my cousin too! Here's a recap of the weekend:

China Live Opening Party

As soon as I flew in, I met up with Nanette for the China Live opening party. We feasted on dumplings, wontons, gua bao, beef noodle soup, and more! At first, I was freaking out about being in sweatpants and a hoodie, but it was so crowded no one even looked twice. I also got to check in my luggage, so many thanks to China Live for hosting such an accommodating and awesome opening party! 

Pier 2620 Hotel

Hold on, I need to talk about my hotel in Fisherman's Wharf. The corner of the room had PERFECT DECOR and was one of the main reasons I booked it. Room inspo! I actually booked Pier 2620 through a collaboration with HotelTonight, an app that is perfect for last-minute hotel bookings (up to a week in advance) at a great price. In retrospect, the location probably wasn't ideal for me since it was so far north of where I explored all weekend, but it's great if you're wanting to be in Fisherman's Wharf. 

PS - Use the code KARLAO to get $25 off your first $135+ HotelTonight booking! 

Napa Valley

The next morning, Joanne drove us to Napa Valley for wine tasting and sightseeing. I'm so glad I went with a pro! We went to VGS Chateau Potelle for food & wine pairing, stopped by Long Meadow Ranch for a little bit more wine and food at Farmstead, got dessert at Bouchon and Kollar Chocolates, and then ended with more wine at Ma(i)sonry. Overall, a fun day of bonding with my girls! 

There was someone sleeping on the left side of the table... check out my photo cropping skills though.

Exploring SF

The next day, I spent all morning with Nanette before heading to Joanne's Passion X Purpose event. We started at Cafe Réveille for some amazing coffee and food, then walked to SFMOMA, got lunch, and then finally arrived at Sweetgreen to reunite with Joanne.

What everyone has been going to the SFMOMA for: Cloud Cities.

The Passion X Purpose: Bay Area Boss Moms talk was so inspiring! I loved listening to strong women talk about their views on health and motherhood. Below are Katie Hintz-Zambrano of Mother Mag, Shahidah Zareef of Boss Mom Nation, and Joanne Encarnacion of GOFITJO. Makes me wonder if I should put something together for women and passion projects in Dallas. Hmmm... 

Later that night, I met up with my college friend Andrew who was in town for a GDC 2017! Then I went home to pass out like an old lady because the next morning was coffee with Jeffrey, Anson, Jimmy, (and I also got to meet Eza and Cam)! Then straight to lunch with my cousin Brandon and his girlfriend Robin before taking off. My heart is full!

In love with Eza's style!

PS - I also came home to great news: I got a promotion at work and am now a Senior Developer! Proud to be representing women in technology, and I can't imagine a better end to my birthday month.

Why I Create Sponsored Content

I recently went to a meet-and-greet hosted by @instadfw and Fleishman-Hillard where local DFW creatives/social media influencers got to meet with the agency side. It was so great seeing and hearing both sides of the process of influencer marketing, and it spurred me to finally write down my own experience.

I've thought about broaching this topic for a long time because a lot of people ask me about it... and I've also heard people speculating about my Instagram and blog. What do I get out of creating sponsored content (or being a "social media influencer")? WHY do I do it? Surprisingly, money is not the only factor.

Money

Farmshop, CA

Okay, but it is a factor though. I started my Instagram and blog to be creative. I love making things look pretty, whether it's a flat lay or editing a dingy corner of a cafe. Then one day, I wanted to become a part-time freelance photographer and get paid for shooting other people (babies, engagements, weddings, I'll do it all).

Somehow along the way, my Instagram blew up, and I got paid to shoot for other ... companies. What is the difference if I'm creating content for brands versus people? I love creating aesthetically pleasing images! And if I get paid to be at SXSW or style a gorgeous product in my home, then that's even better. I'm doing what I love to do, experiencing cool events, getting free product, and making some side money.

I can see that the difference may be that I vouch for other companies, but I actually only accept what I like. To be honest, I've turned down $1,000+ offers because I couldn't relate to the brand or if the brand would just... ruin my aesthetic. I think hard about every project I take on; they are not just easy paychecks because I put my heart into the content.

Disclaimer: In the beginning, when I became a suggested user, I did take on any projects because I was SO excited I could make a few bucks for being a photographer ("influencer"? I don't even know if that term was around at the time)! I've since then learned how to curate my personal brand and feed to be more genuine.

Levi's

Creativity

I absolutely love thinking about how to take a great shot. Constantly. If I'm not thinking about full-time job (my unaesthetic, logical side), then I'm researching and thinking about my next shot. I think to grow any skill, you need to be challenged. As a freelance photographer, taking on new client projects is your challenge. The same concept applies when you're shooting for Instagram/blog posts. Accepting a product and assignment I'm interested in but have never shot before is an amazing challenge and forces me to think on my feet or come up with new concepts.

A pretty recent challenge for me is also being IN the photos of my own feed. Who takes those photos? Well, whoever is around me that I can direct really well... I've had to learn to direct, model, and edit another person's photos (sometimes that person doesn't even know any more than pressing a button). I've also started hanging out with other photographers, and we all take photos of each other, which is really great for creative collaborations also!

Le Labo

Growth

I post almost EVERY day. I think that constantly creating content for either myself or brands has given me a lot of visibility and connections. I've met a lot of great people, learned to run a side business, learned to be patient and kind with people from all walks of life, learned new photography skills, and am still constantly evolving (this isn't even my final form). I LOVE my full-time job, and loving both sides of my world (logic and art) is what keeps me sane and amazed with life in general. 

I still shoot for myself. I still shoot for others. And along the way, I shoot for brands. Whatever I'm doing, I make sure it's to grow, learn, and become more well-rounded person.

Advice?

If you are an aspiring blogger/influencer/creator, make sure you are 1) staying true to yourself and 2) educated on what you're creating/who you're creating for. I've pushed back on ideas and given reasons on why something will work or fail; most brands will work with you on that. If not, then the post will fail (and sometimes that happens), but you learn not to accept those assignments anymore/to stick up for yourself.

Are you blogging to make a quick buck? Don't get burnt out by taking on partnerships you don't even like or making content you're not proud of. Are you wanting to make it your career? I really can't relate, but as with any career, make sure you're happy. Are you doing it to become "Instafamous"? What in the world.

Just have passion. Fleishman-Hillard said they think creatives/influencers are the type to not be able to put a camera down, and it's true. We love what we do as creators, and being rewarded for it is a great perk in addition to creating work we are happy with!  

Where to Work: Top 5 Dallas Coffee Shops

As many of you may know, I work full-time as an IT developer. What? You didn't know I'm not a full-time Instagrammer? 

My work schedule allows me to work from home twice a week, so it's easy to get cabin fever. A lot of my mornings are spent working from coffee shops, and then I go home for the other half of the day (or vice versa). After a few months, I've realized some spots are definitely better than others, especially for long-term working instead of just popping in for a conversation. I've compiled a list for those who are interested!

Note: These are just my opinions, and my experiences have heavily influenced why these specific coffee shops are on the list.

#1 - Oak Lawn Coffee

Address: 2720 Oak Lawn Ave A, Dallas, TX 75219
Pros: Variety of drinks, plenty of outlets, comfortable seats/sofas, large window view
Cons: Can get crowded, loud music (if you have phone calls to take)
Comfort level: 4/5

You might think I'm biased because I live so close to Oak Lawn Coffee, but I actually prefer to drive to this coffee shop than to walk the few 100 yards to Ascension Coffee. It's my most frequented spot for working remotely!

Oak Lawn Coffee can get crowded by mid-morning, but if you come early enough, you'll get a spot. Outlets are aplenty here, so no worries about where to sit. The employees are some of the nicest I've ever come across too! I also love the large windows in the front because it gives me something to look at when I need a break from the screen.

I love their standard espresso drinks, but if I feel like treating myself, I get the frozen latte (it's like a frappuccino) or the shaken espresso (lots of half-and-half so it's pretty sweet)! They also serve Tacodeli in the mornings. YUM. 

#2 - Houndstooth (Henderson Ave)

Address: 1900 N Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Pros: Ambiance, music
Cons: No AC outlets except corner of shop
Comfort level: 3/5

This is the first Houndstooth in Dallas and a gorgeous space, but the only outlets are in a corner. When I'm here, I like to sit at the raised seating area (great for people watching haha). On nice days, the back patio is great too! The front patio is more for conversation since it's right by the street. However, the seating can get uncomfortable at the stools & tables.

Ooh, they also serve Tacodeli here.

#3 - Houndstooth (Sylvan | Thirty)

Address: 1878 Sylvan Ave e150, Dallas, TX 75208
Pros: Aesthetic, music, variety of seating (tables, benches, countertop)
Cons: No AC outlets inside
Comfort level: 3/5

This is Houndstooth's second Dallas location and another gorgeous space. The only negative is that it doesn't have any traditional AC outlets inside the shop. They only have USB outlets, so come with your laptops fully powered! I normally work here in the mornings and then leave by lunch. Tacodeli is also next door... wow, I'm starting to see a pattern here. Is this turning into a Tacodeli list?

Like the other Houndstooth, the tabletop seating can get uncomfortable after awhile since you're on a stool for hours, but you can always move to the bench area or the 2-person tables with regular chairs. The patios on either side of the shop are also comfortable.

PS - I've put this coffee shop above some others even though it doesn't have OUTLETS... so that's saying something.

#4 - Magnolias Sous Le Pont

Address: 2727 N Harwood St, P2, Dallas, TX 75201
Pros: Matcha lattes, plenty of tables, comfortable seating
Cons: Dark inside, limited street parking (but read more for where to park!)
Comfort level: 5/5

I've only recently started working here, but I've realized it's a great place to get work done! It's a bit dark inside, but it's beautiful when they open the patio doors. I didn't have any issues finding an outlet, and the chairs and tables are the most comfortable I've found at a coffee shop. It's also the only place out of this list that serves matcha lattes! I'll be coming back here more when I want to mix up my spots. It's just a bit hard to find parking on the street.

UPDATE: Magnolias was kind enough to let me know that there is additional parking if you cannot find street parking! "Hectic street parking is a common misconception due to lack of signage. If street parking is full, you can go to the entrance to the parking garage located next to the loading bay to the left of the front street entrance, you can be buzzed in and park anywhere besides reserved parking. Since we are tenants of the building, our customers are tenants too!"

#5 - Mudsmith

Address: 2114 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Pros: Plenty of table space and outlets
Cons: Can get crowded, chairs make the most hair-raising screech against the floor
Comfort level: 3/5

Mudsmith is another great place to get work done because of all the outlets at the communal tables. It gets crowded, but once you set up camp, you can really work away for however long you need. I only mention this because other coffeeshops make you aware of how long you've been hanging around, but it just seems expected here.

One huge con: just thinking about the way their chairs screech on the floor is giving me goosebumps as I type this. It's my last resort for a spot to get things done, but it's up there.

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Going through this list, I realized that the most photogenic coffee shops are actually NOT the ones where I prefer to get work done! I've probably taken the most photos at Local Press + Brew and Davis Street Espresso, but they're definitely more for a casual hangouts and conversation (especially since Davis Street Espresso doesn't have internet).

I hope this list helps you the next time you look for somewhere to work! Let me know your thoughts!