Stephanie Ziajka of Diary of a Debutante
Stephanie Ziajka is definitely one to watch this year. She not only runs a successful fashion and lifestyle blog, Diary of a Debutante, she also is a financial ops manager and advocate for eating disorder awareness…talk about a jill of all trades! Stephanie is the perfect example of how to use fashion, blogging, and social media to help others. Keep scrolling to read all about the challenges she faced when starting her blog and her goals for 2016!
Maniac Magazine: What made you want to start blogging
Stephanie Ziajka: Kind of an interesting story— because of an eating disorder. I’m a devout advocate for eating disorder awareness primarily because I’ve been affected by one for almost my entire adult life, and I started blogging to pass time during a period of medical leave from my financial “day job” a few years ago. I was severely underweight and essentially bedridden, so I started Diary of a Debutante to stay busy while in recovery. What started out as an emo Live Journal eventually transformed into what it is today!
MM: What is unique about your personal style?
SZ: My style is what I like to call “chic conservative.” Instead of dressing in low-cut tops and short mini skirts, I opt for well-tailored dresses and ensembles that compliment my shape without showing too much skin.
MM: How do you use your blogging platform to help others or raise awareness?
SZ: Due to a long-winded history with eating disorders, I use my blog as a platform to discuss the importance of eating disorder awareness and promoting a positive body image. I believe that the more we talk about these issues candidly, the more normalized they’ll become— and the easier it will be to erase the stigma surrounding these disorders. I launched a series called “Mental Health Mondays” at the beginning of 2016, and I post about a different topic relating to mental illness each week.
MM: What are your style and blog goals for 2016?
SZ: To travel! Living in Florida is amazing, but we basically only have 2 seasons— hot and kind-of hot. I want to travel as much as I can and show how to dress in different regions (i.e. climates) of the world
MM: What challenges did you have to overcome when you first started blogging?
SZ: I had to overcome my fear of being judged. I competed in pageants for 2 years, and I thought the days of online message boards and anonymous cyber bullies were over— until I started blogging. As is the case with any community, there will always be bad eggs, but surprisingly 99% of my online community experience has been positive.
MM: What tips do you have for people who want to grow their Instagram following?
SZ: Don’t underestimate the power of hashtags! Yes, they’re tacky, but they work. Also, don’t over-think it. If you’re at an incredible place surrounded by all your loved ones, do NOT shift your focus to snapping the picture-perfect image for Instagram. Live in the moment. Take a few photos, put down your phone, and worry about posting after the event.
MM: What is your current favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe?
SZ: I just got an adorable teal blazer in the mail from Banana Republic, and it’s absolutely adorable. I can’t think of a better addition to a capsule spring wardrobe.
MM: Besides fashion and blogging, what other hobbies do you have?
SZ: Aside from starting my non-profit, I love to sing and play tennis. I’m the world’s worst chef, but I’m trying to get more into cooking my own healthy meals, too.
MM: Where/who do you gather inspiration from for your posts and style?
SZ: I do read magazines, but I get most of my style inspiration from my fashion icons. I love Audrey Hepburn and Kate Middleton’s effortlessly classic style, and I also have serious feelings of wardrobe (and husband) envy for Victoria Beckham.
MM: What is your most maniac moment?SZ: Last year, I was invited to the Demi World Tour concert by Tampax, and my girlfriends and I were photobombed by Demi Lovato in a banana costume. It was amazing.
