Q&A with Charleston Blonde

Blogger Charleston Blonde's Favorite Charleston Hotspots - Chasing Cinderella

I've done a few different blog posts about supporting your local girl gang, so when Jaime reached out to suggest a community spotlight series, I was so excited to be included in something that was so encouraging and collaborative for the blogging community! To return the favor, she answered the same questions she asked me for my blogger spotlight so you all can get to know her a little bit better.

Q&A with Charleston Blogger Charleston Blonde

I’ve known Jaime from Charleston Blonde for several years now, from sharing the same Charleston blogger space to showing up at the same events, and I just love her personality. She is the absolute sweetest and it is impossible not so smile when you're around her! Her travel guides for Charleston and beyond are always helping me discover new favorite spots, and she’s got a great eye for interior design! Anything you need to know about Charleston, Jaime should be your go-to girl!

And without further ado, here's Charleston Blonde.. 

What was your career before blogging?
I started my career as the Director of Public Relations for a women’s ministry in Nashville, TN. I was also a casting director for CBS and helped find interesting prospects for reality television shows. Some of my recruits were on Survivor, Amazing Race and Big Brother.

Why did you start a blog? What does Charleston Blonde mean?
I’ve had a blog for over 10 years. My first blog was called Fried Pink Tomato, and it was a mommy blog following my pregnancy with my son Harper and my experiences as a new mom. When we moved to Florida, I had a blog called Sunshine State Skinny that was a lifestyle and event blog for Southwest Florida. Then when we moved to Charleston 4 years ago, I decided to do a similar lifestyle blog for the Holy City. I was trying to come up with a clever name. My nickname has been Blondie since I was little (everyone thinks I look like Debbie Harry), so I decided on Charleston Blonde.

What kind of camera do you use and who is your photographer?
I have a Canon Mark IV, and I’m still learning exactly how to use it, but I’ve been passionate about photography since I was young! I normally shoot with Rachel Red Photography, Catherine Ann Photography, Josie Derrick Photography, and Kailee DiMeglio Photography. I love natural light photos and I hate Photoshop.

What do you use to edit your iPhone photos and schedule your Instagram posts?
I use the Filmborn app to edit my iPhone photos and I use Tailwind to schedule my posts on Instagram.

If someone wants to become a blogger, what is one piece of advice you can share?
Blogging is WAY more work than anyone initially expects. If you are going to be successful you have to be willing to work hard, create high-quality content, and handle constant criticism.

Q&A with Charleston Blogger Charleston Blonde - Chasing Cinderella

Local Love- Charleston Hotspots

Favorite CHS restaurant?
I love Félix, Leon’s, Uncork Charleston, Basil, and Xiao Bao Biscuit.

Best place in CHS for breakfast?
Breizh Pan Crêpes. I love their strawberry, banana and Nutella crepes!

Best coffee in CHS?
I don’t love coffee, but the chocolate coffee (AKA “the Stella”) at Christophe Chocolatier is freaking fantastic.

Best place in CHS for fried chicken?
Leon’s. Hands down. They win.

Q&A with Charleston Blogger Charleston Blonde - Chasing Cinderella

Best place in CHS for steak?
SNOB. I know everyone picks Halls but I swear SNOB is just as good, maybe better!

Best place in CHS for ice cream?
I love Republic on King Street and I cannot wait to try Off Track Ice Cream.

Best dessert in CHS?
The coconut cake from Peninsula Grill.

Best pet-friendly spot in CHS?
Martin’s BBQ on James Island

Q&A with Blogger Charleston Blonde - Chasing Cinderella

Best pizza in CHS?
D’Allesandro’s Pizza and in Mount Pleasant, I love La Pizzeria.

Favorite CHS tourist attraction?
I love the Pineapple Fountain and Rainbow Row. One of our favorite things to do is ride around on the Charleston Water Taxi. It’s a great, inexpensive way to see the Holy City by boat.

Best place to find a cute outfit in CHS?
Maris Dehart, Beckett Boutique, Tres Carmen, and Style Dwell Boutique.

Best place to grab a cocktail in CHS?
I love the rooftop bar at The Restoration, called The Watch. They’ve got great drinks and an incredible view!

Charleston Blogger Charleston Blonde's Favorite Charleston Spots - Chasing Cinderella

Best spa in CHS?
Woodhouse Day Spa & Boutique

Where do you get your hair done?
Largo Salon. Best blonde in Charleston!

Where do you get your eyebrows waxed?
Urban Nirvana and Francis Marion Hotel Spa. I also got my brows microbladed at Microblade Charleston and they did an incredible job!

If someone is coming to Charleston for one day, what is the one thing they MUST do?
Eat ALL the things! I have traveled all around the world and Charleston cuisine is hard to beat. Make sure you grab fresh pralines on Market Street, fried chicken at Leon’s, a classic southern meal at Magnolias, and fresh oysters at The Darling Oyster Bar. I also think watching the sunset on Sullivan’s Island is pretty spectacular.

Can't you just feel her personally through her answers?! She's just as great as she seems y'all! If you ever need any Charleston recommendations, or even something to make you smile, make sure to check out Jaime's blog and Instagram!

Thank so much for reading! xo

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