Q: Please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my blog in 2012, shortly after I got married. At that time it was called loveallthingsfashion.com. Then, I rebranded to claudiacandelas.com.
It started as a travel blog because I wanted to document our honeymoon. I wanted a place to have my memories so I would be able to look back at it in the future. I never thought this would become my career path. It started as a hobby and slowly started to grow. I got my first sponsorship in 2013 with Shane Co. I couldn’t believe that you could actually make money doing this.
Q: What is your favorite part about the writing process?
My favorite part is sharing experiences with my audience. It’s very fulfilling and doesn’t really feel like work. When I became a mom, my blog became a resource for women. I shared my birth stories, tips, fashion, beauty, travel — it was an overall lifestyle blog.
Q: You have been a content creator for over a decade. How do you keep up with social media changes and trends? Any tips and advice?
It’s definitely a challenge to keep up with the new trends and platforms. But you have to do what is genuine to you. Try to create content that is fun for you to make and if it seems like something you don’t like, then don’t do it. I try to create content that is fun, informative and inspiring.
Q: What networks and segments have you appeared on as a bilingual on-air personality?
The segments I’ve been on have appeared nationally on Telemundo. I’ve also done many local segments here in the Bay Area on Univision and Telemundo.
Q: Can you tell us about the A Tu Lado podcast? How can we stream it?
Yes absolutely! You can listen to our podcast on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Pandora, iHeart — basically any platforms where podcasts are streamed. It’s a podcast I created with my husband to share couple, family and life stories. We love sharing about being first-generation students and families. We speak about many different topics and have all kinds of guests.
Q: How do you balance being a business owner, mom and wife?
I don’t really feel like I do a good job balancing it all, but I do try to be better every day. It’s so easy to get lost in motherhood, but being a businesswoman fulfills me in a different way. I love that women can be so many things. It’s up to us to not limit ourselves. We can do it all, but it’s all about setting a realistic schedule and knowing that some days we will fail and others we will feel like we conquered the world.
Q: What would you say is the greatest satisfaction of being a digital creator?
The greatest satisfaction is knowing that you can empower people. I love sharing my experiences in hopes of inspiring and letting women know that you can do anything you set your mind to. I always try to share real-life experiences that are able to help people, and I try my best to answer every message and comment.
Q: What is one thing that you want to improve on this year?
I didn’t make a vision board like I usually do this year. I felt a little overwhelmed at the beginning of the year and decided to do my best every day. I do have a goal to make more time for myself to work out. It’s so easy to get lost in work and motherhood. I forgot last year how important it is to make time for self-care.
We can do it all, but it’s all about setting a realistic schedule and knowing that some days we will fail and others we will feel like we conquered the world.
Claudia Candelas
Q: What are your favorite self-love tips?
Speaking of self-love, it’s so important to do what you love and without guilt. I’m a mom of two and I make time to work out every day. They have already gotten used to it and even ask, “Mom, when are you working out?” They know it’s part of my routine. I also make time for my mani, pedis, lash extensions — all those services that help us feel good about ourselves. Do whatever makes you happy and do it guilt-free. A happy mom is able to give her family the very best version of herself.
Check out Claudia’s Instagram @claudiacandelas, her podcast’s Instagram @atuladopodcast and her website.
