The Power of Blogging and the Love of Interior Designing: Interview with Marilen Montenegro
- Alpha Sanford
- May 28, 2016
- 4 min read
Marilen Faustino Montenegro, is an inspiring Filipina woman! Not only is she a homeschooling mom to two beautiful children (not to mention the wife of former model and actor, Hans Montenegro) but a well-known Manila interior stylist and a print/ad and TV model - but she has leveraged the use of digital platform through blogging to reach a wider range of readers and potential clients.
Today she shares with us how she uses blogging as a tool to express herself and “touch others through it”, and how her daily time management helps her with work-life balance.
The Alpha Stories (TAS) : Tell us who is Marilen Montenegro?
Marilen: My name is Marilen Faustino Montenegro. I studied Interior Design and graduated last 2011. I worked as a professional model doing TV ads, print and runway shows. I also hosted a couple of TV shows related to Interior design on ABC5, TV5 and QTV 11. I eventually became a mom which has become the most important job I've had. I currently run the home and lifestyle blog www.marilenstyles.com
TAS: Tell us the story of Marilen Styles and why you started it?
Marilen: I began my blog last 2013 when I was looking for something to pursue besides my own Interior design company and projects. I saw a friend post an article on Facebook about how she began her blog, and I jumped on the bandwagon bringing with me the desire for an outlet of some sorts to keep me busy and the hopes that one day I might profit from it so that I need not work long hours away from my children.
TAS: So, how did you put it all together?
Marilen: I had no clue or knowledge about the blogging scene so I got the help of a blog mentor who helped me put my thoughts into perspective and point me to the right blog developers. From there I learned to do things on my own, studied online blogging courses and researched on the Manila social media scene.
TAS: What do you think is the most important part of starting out? How do you maintain a level of organization and impact to the community?
Marilen: The most valuable resource any successful blogger should have is a reason or genuine purpose. From there everything follows. I started blogging with the desire to do something more substantial. Eventually that turned into a passion then a clear vision which is to inspire people to make organized and beautiful homes because I believe a better home creates better family relationships.
TAS: Can you give us a few strategies that help you become a successful entrepreneur?
Marilen: Know that apart from God, you are nothing. Strive to make Him remain #1 in your list of priorities.
Know who you are. First and foremost I am a child of God so I must reflect that. Next I am a wife then a mother. After which comes my work and my brand.
Develop a system and schedule.
Be honest, charge the same rates according to a system you developed. I know some people in the industry who are dishonest and charge varying amount depending on the status of their client.
I’ve had to learn and still am mastering the science of time management. My mornings are usually spent playing with my kids and attending to their needs. A portion of that time is for homeschooling my three-year old son. While my kids have lunch, I catch up with my husband. Work begins after lunch when I have to attend meetings, look for accessories, or visit a project. I get home around six o clock, eat with my kids, put them to sleep then do all my computer work from eleven to one in the evening. It is this time that I blog, do paper work for my clients, and browse through Pinterest and my favorite blogs.
I’ve also learned to determine priorities as a woman and try to use it as a guideline when things get hectic. First and foremost, my priority should be my husband after God. The children come next, then my work.
I wrote about this before:
TAS: What was your most inspiring moment with blogging and interior designing?
Marilen: Various moments like getting heart- warming comments on my blog or Instagram. Finishing an interior styling shoot or model unit.
TAS: When did you consider yourself a success? Why do you think you are successful?
Marilen: I consider myself successful because I determined contentment based on my current situation and capabilities. However this does not mean I will not try to attain more. I still have more plans but as a mom, current situations don't allow me to work on them as much as I should, but I know one day that time will come.
TAS: What are your success habits?
Marilen: Be creative, push to think beyond the norm, and love what you do.
TAS: How does your morning look like?
Marilen: I start my day by doing a quick Bible reading a quick prayer with God because my kids need me and everything is a rush. I talk to God throughout the day though. I make the kids breakfast, Homeschool them, then work in the afternoon or do errands. At 4:00 or so, I bring the kids outdoors to play. I make dinner at 6:00, cleanup then get kids clean for bed. I read them a story book and bible before bedtime then spend the evening catching up with Hans.
TAS: What makes you happy? Do you think being happiness is critical in being successful?
Marilen: Yes, happiness is critical to success. When I am not happy, I am not motivated. Balance with regards to work and homelife is essential. Time out with friends and time to exercise and relax is important too.
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