Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Katsaris.
Hi Michele, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
Hi! I’m Michele. I’m a lifestyle blogger currently located in Orlando, Florida. Originally from the DC area, I started blogging in 2014 as a creative outlet. Through the years, this creative outlet has also become an online journal of my life. I’ve learned a lot, not just about social media and blogging but also about myself. My lifestyle blog, MicheleOneL.com, which has turned into a part-time job, will always be a creative outlet for me, first and foremost. It’s a safe place to work on my writing, photography, and photo editing, but most importantly, it is a place to document my life. I always create blog posts that excite me and are true to my brand and myself. I find it’s important to be true to yourself while navigating this “online world of social media.” Of course, I’m putting up the happiest memories, but I also talk about mental health, grief and loss, and financial struggles. It’s important to me to always be honest because I am that girl who works a full-time 9-5 job, I have student debt, and my name is constantly being misspelled in emails. I work every day to be a better version of myself and to share my journey in hopes that I can help or inspire others too! I recently moved to Central Florida with my longtime boyfriend to start a new business venture, real estate! We have always loved Florida, and when we were narrowing down the options on where to buy our first home, it just made sense to be a place we visit frequently. We are currently renovating our first home here in Central Florida, and we’ll be documenting the entire journey on Instagram and TikTok @TheHappiestAirbnb.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has only sometimes been a smooth road. I started blogging before “influencers” were a thing. Except I didn’t know what I was doing. There wasn’t a handbook on this kind of stuff. My passion for the “online world” began on MySpace. I was obsessed with changing layouts, learning new codes, and creating a profile that truly represented my aesthetic. When we all transitioned from MySpace to Facebook, I was devastated. Facebook didn’t allow me to be as creative as I wanted. So my search began for another platform. I’ve tried them all; Piczo, Friendster, Tumblr, Wix; none of it stuck. I was looking for something else more creative.
Through internships and my burning desire to find something that genuinely sparked my creative side, I found blogging. Once I realized what blogging was, I jumped in headfirst to find out how it works, what the platforms were, and how I could tweak it to what I wanted, and eventually, it went from a domain-less URL to MicheleOneL.com!
It was a lot of learning along the way, including how to obtaining an LLC, finding your ECIN applying for influencer and brand campaigns, and marketing yourself. And I’m still learning! I truly believe there’s room for all of us on the Internet, and if your goal with social media influencing is to “become famous,” that’s fine too. Just make sure you’re being your most authentic self and having fun.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
With all this knowledge, I found that I’m super passionate about many different things. I never niched down. And maybe that’s “hurt” me when trying to build a following, but I think it’s done the opposite. I have so many interests, which means I relate to more people. I post about the World Cup and the new Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon episode. I share my advice for grief and loss then I put together thrifted outfits for petite girls. I share my love for interior design and my obsession with my dog! I’m a normal girl who likes many things and enjoys sharing what brings me joy. The main thing I’m truly focusing on now is my love for interior design and home renovations. I wanted to start a new project that would inspire not only me but other millennials going through this home-buying process – because it’s rough out there! Now I’m able to combine my love of social media and blogging into this new real estate venture!
How would we have described you growing up if we knew you were growing up?
Passionate! I never did something half-ass. I always went 110% with any project I began. As I mentioned before, I have various things that bring me joy. When I was younger, that included playing soccer, hanging out with friends and family, and being on the computer (either on MySpace, AOL Instant Messenger, or playing The Sims). Those who grew up with me always complimented me on my confidence. I take great pride in my confidence and it’s not because I’m cocky, I’m the furthest thing from it, I just learned very early on that the opinions of people who don’t know me don’t matter. I always try to be a good person and be nice to others, but I have to be nice to myself too. I walk away if someone is being mean (in real life or online). It’s a hard lesson to learn, and I still have moments where a mean comment or anonymous message will get to me. I am human, after all. But going back and forth isn’t going to change their opinion about me and since they’re being mean do I want to take what they say to heart?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.micheleonel.com
- Instagram: @michelekatsaris
- Other: Instagram: @thehappiestairbnb, tiktok @thehappiestairbnb, tiktok, @michelekatsaris
