Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Fabiano.
Hi Courtney, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Thank you for having me! I started my blog for a number of reasons. It is not something I thought of out of thin air, and it was an idea I was toying with for a while but never implemented.
Once I parted ways with a previous employer, I used that downtime to figure out what my purpose and passions were. I was feeling really lost. I started to educate myself and build my blog during this time. And that is how Smile Darling was born.
The back story:
Ever since I was younger, I enjoyed being in front of the camera in some shape or form. I used to force my cousins to put on shows that I would choreograph and film on my Grammy’s camera (sorry guys), I did musical theater (god knows why because I cannot sing at all), I went to a modeling and acting school where I had a two-year contract and took classes, and I freelance modeled until 2016.
Now, I am not saying I have this natural ability in front of the camera because you can asked my friends, and they will beg to differ. I take hundreds of shots to get a handful of good ones. But it was definitely something I missed and enjoyed. Being an influencer allows me to be back in front of the camera, all while giving me the opportunity to bring great content to you all!
Secondly, I saw a need for more honest reviews and transparency. That is one of the main focal points behind Smile Darling. Everything I share is 100% my honest opinion. Not all my reviews are good, and some brands have not asked to work with me again because of that. But, I’m okay with that! I have built a loyal following of friends who genuinely trust my opinion.
Lastly, I wanted to share affordable fashion but also make an impact. Everyone goes through personal things. I knew when the timing was right, I wanted to open up about my struggles with an eating disorder, mental health, and domestic violence. I really wanted to have an impact and help someone. Even if it was only one person, I felt like I would have “done my job”.
I do work full-time and blog as a hobby. And don’t get me wrong, I love my current job right now and I work for a great corporate company. But when it comes to the topics of lifestyle and fashion it just comes naturally. I have this ability to connect with people in a way I couldn’t have imagined! My Advertising degree gets to be put to use too! Blogging is the only thing I really enjoy wholeheartedly, and it has given me a purpose.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I was very fortunate with timing when I first started Smile Darling. My Bachelor’s degree is in Advertising, so I was already familiar with WordPress and how to build a website. While the education process of starting a blog was overwhelming, I found it to be enjoyable.
I was living in Charlotte, NC when I started Smile Darling. I connected with an amazing group of bloggers, and those connections really opened the door for me regarding different influencer opportunities and events. When I first started on Instagram, my following grew quickly. I had about 2,000 after a few months.
But the last few years have been challenging and frustrating. With the constant changes to Instagram’s algorithm, it almost feels like they are trying to work against influencers. There has been numerous times where I have thought maybe this is the end of the road. The stress and constant feeling of rejection of your hard work not being seen can really make you feel defeated.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
By day, I am a Corporate Recruiter for an RPO company. We specialize in recruiting for financial services and Tech.
By night and on the weekends, I am the owner and content creator behind Smile Darling Blog.
I do draw a fine line between the two. While Smile Darling is my side hustle, it is more of a passion project/ hobby. I do not make any significant amount of money from blogger where I could leave my day job. And honestly, I do not have a desire to be an influencer or content creator full-time.
With Smile Darling, I am most proud that I have been able to touch people’s lives and make them feel less alone. When I talk about serious topics like domestic violence or mental health, I really see the impact I’ve made when I read people’s private messages and comments.
I think my willingness to show vulnerability really sets me apart.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
A lot of things make me happy! I live in the beautiful city of Charleston, and I try my best to not take that for granted.
I have a job and hobby I really enjoy!
My friends and family also make me happy! I went through a transformation this past year with friend groups. It was really hard for me and mentally put me in a rough place. But I truly believe everyone comes into your life for a reason. I am super fortunate now to have a positive, and supportive girl tribe around me.
Contact Info:
- Email: Smiledarlingblog@gmail.com
- Website: https://smiledarlingblog.com
- Instagram: @smiledarlingblog
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/SmileDarlingBlog
