This week on the blog, I have the pleasure of introducing Harriet to you. For those of you who don’t know, Harriet blogs at Toby And Roo and has recently made it into the coveted number one Mummy blogger spot. She commands over 50,000 followers on Instagram and is feeding her three children through the hard work and determination she ploughs into her blog. No mean feat I can tell you!
It’s a big statement but I think Toby and Roo is probably my all time favourite blog and that is due to Harriet’s ability to write with both candour and a healthy dose of the over-share but also intelligence and wit. When she writes, she has something to say and I like that. It is probably those things that, when you read her blog, make you feel like you sat down to share a bottle of wine with a really good (and funny) friend. It’s also most likely the reason she is going from strength to strength.
So with three (in her words) slightly feral kids, two of the most ridiculously cute dogs you’ll ever see and a wine merchant hubby – I sat down with Harriet to find out how exactly she manages it all.
How did you come about setting up Toby and Roo?
I absolutely loved a blog called Babyccino Kids and I wanted to share all the fun things I did with the kids, all of the fashion finds and that kind of thing. I started out blogging about “oohh look at these cute trousers I’ve found” and “I love this craft for my kids” and then as it grew I would throw in blogs about my child’s behaviour or something and then eventually I phased out (without meaning to) the “oh look at this” posts and I started posting about me, my life and my views. That’s when things took off really, when it became something more than “oh check this out”.
What were your expectations of being a blogger?
I think I thought that it would allow me to share the fun things I did with the kids and never really thought it was something that would be a career. Eventually I started to pick up and realised that I could make this something that I could do around my children, or even with my children, and make a really good living at the same time.
How does the reality of being a blogger differ from your expectations? Or is it as you imagined it would be?
It is wildly different to what I thought – I remember when I first started I was super excited because I pitched to a company to get some clothes for the kids for holiday. I had no concept of what my social stats were worth, domain authority values or anything. I got the swim shorts and I was so happy. I’ve also found that blogging for a living is very different to what I thought it would be when I left work 2 years ago. I thought that I would be working part time, totally flexible around my kids and have lots of free days to play/craft/bake… yeah. That hasn’t transpired!
Describe a typical working day in your life.
I get up around 6.30/45, check my Instagram, twitter, facebook page, WhatsApp and emails (usually in that order!), then I get coffee because I don’t function without it at all, get the kids ready for school, do the school run and come home to get set up on work. I’ll perhaps do an Instagram shoot, write a bit, schedule social media content, edit old posts, agree new deals, invoice clients… any of these things amongst others! I spend a lot of time faffing around on Instagram and procrastinating so I have to try and remember to get on with the important stuff! I then go to pick the kids up, do the dinner/bath/homework/bed routines and once everyone is snoozing I get back on it. I try to Instagram around 8pm and that can take me a good hour to really engage with my followers, then (depending on what I’ve got going on that month – this month I’m happy and being a bit lazy… she says typing at 11.14pm) I’ll either switch off or I’ll work until 11/12am.
What is the best and worst part of being your own boss?
Best part is being so flexible – I can go and get the kids from school at the drop of a hat if needs be, or I can say “I’m not working on this day because it’s sport’s day”. That is invaluable to me. Worst part? That panic at the beginning of the month when I haven’t set anything up for the rest of the month and I’m wondering if perhaps this month I won’t be able to put Sofia the First on the telly and grub in the belly. Touch wood, we haven’t had that month… but there is always the knowledge that the pressure is on me.
How do you deal with negativity from trolls or even from people who don’t think you have a real job?
Ahh trolls, meh. I genuinely don’t let it bother me – I’ve written about topics like abortion and feminism, so I expect trolling from time to time. I generally take it as an opportunity to hone my sarcasm skills J K Rowling style or I ignore it. As for the people who don’t think it’s a real job – we get that from time to time. I know my husband’s friend’s have asked him if I plan to go back to work now Edith is at preschool and he is very quick to say I’ve been “back at work” since she was 2 weeks old, but we’re hoping it won’t be long before he doesn’t have to work any more and can be a stay at home parent. It generally shuts people up.
Who do you look to for inspiration in your career?
I spoke about this recently – I was asked to appear on a TV show and they wanted me to be really divisive and I said I wasn’t prepared to do so. I want to build women up and unite mothers (and fathers) in parenthood. I feel like the absolutely love Anna from Mother Pukka is super inspiring, The Unmumsy Mum, Constance Hall, Giovanna Fletcher – they’ve all built successful careers on positivity and helping other women. I’d like to think that Toby & Roo is the same – a no judgement, united zone.
Where would you like to take Toby and Roo in the future?
Gosh, I don’t know – it’s surprised me with where it’s grown to already. I’d really like to try and expand into vlogging, I think there is something in that but as a perfectionist I don’t like to do things by halves!
Pick three pieces of advice that you would give to new bloggers starting out who want to build their blog into their business.
Prepare to work hard. Believe in yourself and stay positive. Never say no to something just because you don’t see the immediate gain, but never say yes to something that compromises your values and beliefs – people smell fake a million miles away.
A massive thank you to Harriet for taking part in this series.
For more from her you can find her at Toby and Roo on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook.
I love this interview series. Toby and Roo you are amazing! Love your blog and aspire to be like you one day! The goddess of the blogging world! Xx
Rachel Bustin recently posted…New Mum Stories: Pickle and Poppet
I’m bookmarking this post because there is just so much good advice here. I love that Harriet has done it without selling out and has remained authentic. Great interview x
Brilliant post. I love your husband’s answer when people ask him whether you’re going back to work. People simply don’t have a clue how much work goes into blogging. I was really naive too when I started and thought I would spend an hour here and there blogging. Ha!
Mel recently posted…‘Free From’ Desserts for Valentine’s Day & #FreeFromFridays
Toby & Roo is an enjoyable blog, & I always enjoy your inspirational interviews!
Fantastic post. So many good snippets of advice here! Thanks for sharing xx
Brilliant post. It’s great that you have turned something you love into a career that can work for you and your family. Blogging takes up a lot more time than people think and that’s just doing it as a hobby! #fortheloveofblog
I always love Harriet’s honesty and candour, and this interview is no exception #fortheloveofBLOG
Fab interview. Love it what Harriet says about her blog being an United zone. It was one of the first blogs I came across when I entered the world of blogging. #fortheloveofBLOG
Sunita recently posted…Newborn essentials: Etta Loves muslin cloths
Brilliant post! I love Toby and Roo! I think it’s great that Harriet has made it to the point where she can now support her family with her income from her blog. But it shows that it isn’t easy to be a professional blogger! #fortheloveofBLOG
Louise – Mummy Miller recently posted…Parent and Child parking: Why are you parking there?
Love Harriet’s blog and she’s such an inspiration. And so willing to share tweets and posts – I don’t say it enough, but thank you! #fortheloveofBLOG
Jaki recently posted…The 30 Day Music Challenge
Agree with you, Harriet is one of my favourite bloggers too! Great interview. Just goes to show what hard work can achieve in blogging!
Mrs Lighty recently posted…10 Things that Happen when you’re the Mum of a Small Baby
Toby and Roo is such an amazing blog it’s no surprise you featured her. I love the aspiration to have JK Rowling style sarcasm – I’m a huge Potter fan but love her twitter for a whole other reason!
Laura recently posted…Food: The Alternative Date Night at The Pantry
I love reading Harriets posts and her Instagram is hilarious. I’m a a particular fan of her stories. I wish I could make it to BlogOn but that isn’t going to happen. I think the hard work she has put into it all is inspirational and just shows you get out of stuff what you put in.
#fortheloveofBLOG
Kirsty – Winnettes recently posted…I Am Me – Hear Me Roar
What a lovely, chatty interview. I’m really enjoying this series #fortheloveofBLOG
People don’t realise how much work blogging is! There’s some great advice here 🙂 #fortheloveofBLOG
Laura – Autumn’s Mummy recently posted…When I found out I was pregnant – Mummy Bee
Totally agree on the united front. Love the laid back attitude and how she admits to being on Instagram (like me) most of the day haha. #fortheloveofblog
50 thousands instagrammers! How the f**k did you manage that you machine!!!
#fortheloveofblog
kristin mccarthy recently posted…When Toddlers Attack…
This is a lovely inspiring interview. I really enjoy Harriet’s blog so it’s nice to read more about her #fortheloveofBLOG
Kelly recently posted…Top 5 new mum essentials for avoiding looking a state
I loved this interview! As someone who would absolutely love to blog full time, this gives me both hope and a healthy dose of reality!
Tinuke recently posted…Celebrating the bonus episode of Project MC2 on Netflix
Great read. I only came across Harriet’s website recently but I’m really enjoying that and her Instagram. I can really appreciate how much time she invests in her blogging. I only blog as a hobby and it fills so much of my spare time. I can easily see how it would become a full time job. So many people are naive though and we still live in a culture where people work to a clock-in and clock-out time rather than value added. All the best Harriet for growing your blog further! xx #fortheloveofBLOG
Angela Watling recently posted…1 – 2 years with a toddler: 11 things I couldn’t have lived without
Although I’ve known about Harriet for some time, I’ve not read many posts until recently. She is now becoming one of my favourites since reading her post about telling her husband to stop touching! and that bath video thats gone viral… Just love the honesty.
I also love how she has mentioned Constance Hall. She is one of the reasons I started blogging as she just doesnt care. She is all about the love for eachother and is so open with her marriage problems but lets people know that its ok to feel how you feel!
Definately looking forward to continuing reading more of Harriets work =] #fortheloveofBLOG
Mrs Mummy Harris recently posted…A Picture Says a Thousand Words – A Norfolk Mummy
Great interview. I love how positive Harriet is. Women supporting each other is such a great thing.
#fortheloveofBlog
Ali Duke recently posted…#VlogStars 9 Favourite Things
I love the positivity and being supportive to one another. This is so important, especially in the high stress world of moms. #fortheloveofBLOG
Wow that is so impressive.
Another great interview
#fortheloveofblog
suz recently posted…Instructions for a secondhand Heart by Tamsyn Murray. Book review.
Great post and am amazing blogger! I am super nosy so I love reading about other people, especially why and how they blog. Toby and Roo is a blog I really admire so this was so interesting! #fortheloveofBLOG
five little doves recently posted…My children are just as annoying as yours!
Very inspiring! I think there are so many people who don’t realise what goes into blogging but Harriet just proves what real hard work it can be! #fortheloveofblog
Wow – 50,000 followers! I don’t get Instagram at all – I just started using it and am still trying to come to grips with it. It’s great you’ve managed to build up such a successful blog with hard work and positivity – keep it up! #fortheloveofBLOG
Squirmy Popple recently posted…Bad at social media? You’re not alone.
It’s great to know that it can be done and that we can make a good flexible career whilst being at home for the children. Posts like this are my inspiration to keep going! #fortheloveofblog
This is a great post. I love Harriets blog its such a great read. I’m a big fan of her Instagram stories ! #fortheloveofblog
I love the way your husband defends your blogging. That’s so lovely. #ForhteloveofBLOG
Lydia C. Lee recently posted…“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” – Marilyn Monroe
Thanks I loved this interview #fortheloveofblog
Left Back recently posted…Valentine’s Day
I adore Harriet’s outlook on life and motherhood – her blog is bookmarked on my phone and laptop! She’s fab #fortheloveofBLOG
Chloe recently posted…Why I Don’t Limit Screen Time.
I love this! Harriet is one of my fav bloggers and so nice! She’s given me so much advice that has already paid off! #fortheloveofBLOG
I love this! Also one of my favourite bloggers and I’m slightly obsessive about checking her insta too! #fortheloveofblog x
I need to subscribe to Harriet’s blog – I’ve dipped in and out but I love her more now! Professional blogging seems to be a 24/7 job :-0 with flexibility though, hurrah. #fortheloveofBLOG
Kimberly – Media Mummy recently posted…11 Amazingly Kind Acts of Randomness (plan laugh…)
Such an inspiring blogger who has worked hard and deserves all the success she is getting. #fortheloveofblog
Lovely to read. I do love her blog and its great to hear how her expectations of blogging were vastly different to reality! x
#ForTheLoveofBlog
Helen @Talking_Mums recently posted…One year old. The journey and the milestones.
Great, inspiring read. I’m now over to read Toby and Roo, sorry Fi! 🙂
Carol Cameleon recently posted…Time for some happy in my #HighlightsofHappy #30
This is a great interview, she is so inspiring! xx #fortheloveofblog
Claire recently posted…When blogging became something more.
Oooh thanks for the tips! And the terms I now need to go away and research! #fortheloveofBLOG
I’m finding that blogging is really about hard work and dedication. People who aren’t in the ‘game’ really don’t understand it. Great Post. #fortheloveofblog
Ahh what a lovely interview. I’m ashamed to say that although I’ve heard of Toby and Roo I’ve not really read her blog I’ve obviously I’ve been living under a rock so am off to have a gander now. #forthelovofblog
Maria recently posted…Cartamundi Fundels review and giveaway
Love that she’s happy to help others out not knock them down. #fortheloveofBLOG
Helena recently posted…What Books Did Eldest Get For Her Birthday?
A fab interview and I love Harriet’s advice at the end – she really does come across as a lovely blogger. xx #fortheloveofBLOG
Hayley@ Mission: Mindfulness recently posted…Small Changes Can Make a BIG Difference
Harriet is one of my absolute favourites. Love her honest voice in posts and her Insta Stories feed is just hilarious! That’s a lady know knows how to keep it real! Loved reading this. 🙂 #fortheloveofBLOG
Sinead (shinnersandthebrood.com) recently posted…Mom to 5K #2 – RUNNING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Super great post and I love her Instagram. Great advice too! Thanks so much!
#fortheloveofBLOG
Great interview, I love Harriet’s blog and it’s always interesting find out more from ‘behind the scenes’. I also love her husband’s response to the going back to work questions!
#fortheloveofBLOG
Alana – Burnished Chaos recently posted…My Sunday Photo – 19th February 2017
Such a good post. Really love her! Can’t believe I’ve only just found her blog a few weeks ago. Mental! She’s very inspiring and writes with such wit and intelligence like you say xx #FortheloveofBLOG
I love this! Great questions and fabulous and insightful answers from Harriet. Great advice too about never saying no to something if don’t see immediate gain or saying yes to something you don’t believe in. #fortheloveofblog
Great interview. Harriet is such an inspiration. #fortheloveofBLOG
Nadia x
Two of my favourite bloggers in one room! Very insightful and honest chat, thank you ladies x