The fashion circus has stopped in Milan this week, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a day trip into the avenue while the trends come down the runway, right?
For the final Follow Friday of February 2013 (say that three times fast), we head off to South Africa to revisit Jasna Zellerhoff of Fashionjazz, who was last profiled in September of 2010. Though it would have been awesome to have a bilingual profile, this one will be English-only; according to Zellerhoff, she doesn’t speak Afrikaans often. No matter. Make the jump to learn about how she first began fashion blogging, challenged a few misconceptions about South Africa, and who the bloggers she admires most are.
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Jasna Zellerhoff of Fashionjazz with her traditional sunnies and signature blonde hair.
Name: Jasna Zellerhoff
Date of founding: My personal style blog was founded in August 2009, and my fashion/lifestyle and beauty website Fashionjazz was found in July 2012.
A short description of your blog: My blog was originally a personal style blog, but I decided after 3 years to make fashionjazz more of a website as I work a lot more now with beauty and lifestyle brands as well as fashion brands, and I needed a platform in which to post everything on. I still have my original blog though where I post my daily outfits and things that are more personal to me.
How did you find your way into fashion blogging?
Zellerhoff: I joined Chictopia about 5 years ago. I was the only South African at the time to join, so everyone was quite intrigued that I first of all I did not own a lion or live in a hut, which is the misconception most people have of South Africa until they visit our amazing country. I live in the South of Africa, and I live in a very modern and diverse and fashion-conscious country, which everyone from all over the world loved; hence my blog on Chictopia was very popular.
After the overwhelming response I received from everyone on Chictopia with regards to my daily style outfits, I decided to start a fashion and personal style blog to showcase not only my style, but my life here in South Africa and all the amazing things we have here.
What is the story behind the name of your blog?
Zellerhoff: My name is Jasna, but my nickname is Jazz and I love fashion, so I decided to combine the two which made fashionjazz.
Your blog began on Chictopia before going its own way, and is a reflection of your life and style in South Africa. As your blog prepares to celebrate its fourth anniversary at the end of August, how have you and your blog changed from those days on Chictopia, as well as after the blog’s reboot?
Zellerhoff: So many things have changed, I have landed up making a career out of my blog and website, and I have met so many amazing friends through my journey. I have also learnt so much about myself as a person. It has not been a easy journey, but one thing I will never do is give up, and knowing that I can help people and inspire them at the same time makes blogging worthwhile.
South Africa doesn’t usually come to mind when one thinks of fashion capitals. From street style to the runway, what would you tell my readers about South Africa’s fashion scene?
Zellerhoff: We are actually a very modern country and love fashion. We have such a diverse culture, which is influenced in the clothes we wear and the way we live our lives.
If any of my readers were to visit South Africa, what should they know in regards to culture, nightlife, dining, attractions and lodging?
Zellerhoff: We have some such a mixture of things to do in South Africa, whether it’s wine tasting, going to the beach, hiking up the mountains, experiencing world class cuisine or African culture. We are one of the most friendliest and welcoming countries in the world, and everyone who visits never wants to leave.
Zellerhoff in a red jacket next to a red door.
Zellerhoff: When I was chosen as one of the top 100 bloggers in the world, and featured in the coffee table book “Style Yourself.”
Why do you blog?
Zellerhoff: I blog because I love what I do and inspiring people
What post best defines your blog?
Zellerhoff: My personal style posts
What advice would you offer to my readers regarding…
Style: Style is what makes you different from anyone else, so always be an individual and dress every day like you might meet your worse enemy.
Blogging: If you truly believe in yourself and love what you do, never stop trying because you will be successful, and always treat everyone with kindness and network as much as you can.
Life in general: The beginning is always the hardest so never give up and cherish each day, each moment and each minute because you have no idea how long it will last.
Who is your blog for?
Zellerhoff: I like to think my blog is for everyone who loves fashion, beauty, lifestyle and the fabulousness that life has to offer in South Africa.
Who are the bloggers you most admire, and why?
Zellerhoff: Jen from MadeByGirl and Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere. I love that both of them have turned their part-time blogging into a full-blown career. They inspire me every day to try and work harder, and to the best that I can be.
Any final words?
Zellerhoff: [None were given. - Editor]
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Zellerhoff’s personal style blog can be found at www.fashionjazz.co.za/blog, while her professional side can be found at www.fashionjazz.co.za. Zellerhoff can also be found on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest and Google+.
Photos: Fashionjazz.
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