Today we’d like to introduce you to Evann Webb.
Evann, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my blog Damsel in Detroit in 2016 shortly after I graduated from Michigan State University. I majored in journalism and fashion design and was having trouble finding a job in my desired field. I had a dream one night and the name “Damsel in Detroit” just came to me. So I did some research on how to secure a domain, made a very basic logo using Google Drawings and built my own website using Squarespace. The blog originally served as an outlet for me just to talk about my life post-undergrad and document what I was wearing along the way. Eventually, it blossomed into a lifestyle blog and I started posting about events I was going to, beauty products I like to use, and so much more. In 2019, I had the opportunity to work with several brands doing influencer and paid blog work. It let me know that people were actually paying attention! In March of last year, I started a podcast called “Damsels in Detroit,” where I interview women from the city who are killing it in their industries. Sometimes I think we can be too humble, so my goal is to shine a light on the women in Detroit who don’t get the recognition I feel like they deserve.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I won’t say it’s been a smooth road, but it hasn’t been a terribly bumpy one either. I think with everything, there’s a learning curve. You do something, figure it out as you go along, and then try different things to perfect or tweak whatever it is that you’re working on. I think the hardest thing for me is consistency and finding the time to work on my blog and podcast. I still work a 9-5 and probably will for a while, so just finding the energy to do things after work can be challenging. My advice for other women that are looking to get into blogging or influencer work is to remember that it’s not an overnight thing. Just because you start a blog does not mean that brands are going to be knocking on your door the next day! Figure out why it is that you’re starting your platform. What are your intentions? Are you passionate about what you’re writing or talking about? Once you figure those things out, the rest will come.
We’d love to hear more about Damsel in Detroit.
I work full-time as the Social Media Specialist for a direct-to-consumer brand called Bloomscape. We sell indoor plants and deliver them right to your door. I just started in September of 2019 and I’m really enjoying it so far! Prior to that, I worked as the Digital & Social Media Associate for the City of Detroit for 2.5 years. Outside of that, I have my fashion and lifestyle blog/platform, Damsel in Detroit, and run a podcast called Damsels in Detroit. Since I have a journalism background and work in social media, I specialize in communication in many forms. I constantly have to figure out new ways to connect with people online and having in-person people skills is something that’s very important to me. I think I’m most known for my style. I feel like that’s one of the first things people notice about me or probably the main reason why people decide to follow me on Instagram! Lol. Right now, I’m most proud of my podcast. Being able to help other women tell their stories has been so fulfilling. I think my authenticity is what sets me apart from others. I try to be as transparent as I can when I’m posting on social. I’m not afraid to get on my Instagram Story and talk while my hair is tied up or my face is bare. I want people to know I’m a real person!
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I love reading. I think it helps me to stay calm and it’s nice to take breaks from a computer/phone screen for a while. I also love listening to podcasts. I especially love the Wall Street Journal’s “Secrets of Wealthy Women” podcast. It’s actually what inspired me to start my own show.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.damselindetroit.com
- Email: contact@damselindetroit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damselindetroitblog/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evie.webbie
Image Credit:
Malaika Hilson
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