We loved hearing Chicago-based fashion and lifestyle blogger Aimara Mayorca’s (@waysofstyle) story when we met her at a Beachwaver® event in downtown Chicago. We were so inspired after sitting down with Aimara, we decided to share her story with all of you! Learn more about Aimara—like what she did before becoming a full-time blogger, the best advice she’s ever received and what she thought of the Beachwaver®—below!

Beachwaver: Tell us about your blog—how did you get started? 

Aimara: When I moved to Chicago from Venezuela four years ago, I had a lot of people saying things to me like, ‘I love your outfit!’ or, ‘Where did you get your shoes?’ I was following some bloggers at the time, and I thought, ‘Maybe I can do this, too!’ At first it was just a hobby—I was going through a divorce at the time, and it began as a kind of escape. A year later, a brand approached me asking for my media kit, and I was like, ‘What’s that?’ I started Googling it and realized people were making money [by blogging]—like real money! So I started to take it more seriously and eventually went full-time. I actually just survived my first year as a full-time blogger! 

Beachwaver: Before blogging, you worked in the oil industry. Tell us more. 

Aimara: When I graduated high school, my Dad told me, ‘You have to be an engineer.’ That’s what you do in Venezuela—you go into the oil industry. So went to engineering school, and then business school. After I graduated, I accepted a job offer from an oil company in Venezuela. I managed drilling contracts and had to be on-site—sometimes I would be covered in oil from head to toe! But any time I went into the office, I dressed up in high heels and dresses. Those were the only moments I felt like myself. I worked there for three years, and it was a great experience, but it made me realize I wasn’t living the life I wanted. So that’s when I moved to Chicago to study English.

Beachwaver: What are your favorite places to shop in Chicago? 

Aimara: My blog is about making the most out of what you have in your closet already, so I actually don’t shop that often, believe it or not! I’m a bargain hunter, so when I do shop, I shop the sales at Express, Loft or Nordstrom. And that’s probably only three or four times a year! 

Beachwaver: What is your favorite restaurant in Chicago? 

Aimara: I die for Italian food, and I recently went to this restaurant called Ella Elli in Lakeview. It’s a small, Italian restaurant—perfect for date night. It’s the best food I’ve had in a while, by far.

Beachwaver: What are some of your goals for 2018? 

Aimara: I want my blog to grow even more—by 50 or 60 percent. And I want to work with five or six brands I’m really passionate about and create long-term relationships with them. I’m also planning to travel around the world for two years, so one of my goals is to save for that this year.

Beachwaver: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? 

Aimara: One of my sisters gave me two really good pieces of advice. One of them was, ‘Don’t be afraid to be different.’ She also told me that I should always have ‘Good eyes.’ Meaning, in any situation, you have to learn how to look on the bright side. A couple years ago I was going through a rough time, and I made it a point to apply this advice and find the good in every situation. Now I’m super positive and optimistic because I see the good in everything.

Beachwaver: What do you think sets you apart from other bloggers? 

Aimara: Well, I call myself a fashion blogger, but I’m not really a fashion person. I never know what’s going on during fashion week or what’s trending this season. I just stay true to my style, which is usually very classic, so I rarely fall into trends. I also think my account has grown so much because I post consistently, every day in the same way.

Beachwaver: This was your first time using the Beachwaver. What did you think? 

Aimara: I curl my hair all the time, and to find something that will cut my styling time down to 10 minutes—and make it look shiny and wavy like this—is amazing! And it’s super easy to use. I’m really excited to play with it and do a Beachwaver® + Ways of Style post!