Blogging Behind the Scenes: Meet Shannon Nelson, the brains behind A Girl’s Gotta Spa

As you all know, I have been talking to bloggers, publishers, and public relations agents alike to find out what really happens in the world of blogging. Recently, I had a chance to chat with Shannon Nelson, editor-in-chief and founder of A Girl’s Gotta Spa, a site filled with honest and humorous reviews. Started in 2005, A Girl’s Gotta Spa was recently listed as one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs by Konector. Shannon keeps busy, writing for American Spa Magazine, appearing in conferences (ICMAD, Spa Clique, the HBA Expo and most recently, Cosmoprof North America), and working as a social media consultant. Shannon has been also quoted a variety of magazines (Glamour, Woman’s World, NailPro, Trendi, GCI and On Makeup Magazine, among others).

Q. What made you want to become a blogger?

Shannon: I wanted the ability to reach more women beyond where I was locally. I live rurally so it can sometimes get a bit lonely. Blogging meant being able to have a conversation with women globally. I also have loved writing since I was in 5th grade. So merging my love of beauty and writing was a match made in heaven.

Q. How long have you been blogging?

Shannon: Since October of 2005, it has been 4 glorious years and I have had amazing opportunities come my way since day 1.

Q. What is the best thing about being a blogger?

Shannon: Wow, good question. I honestly can’t pinpoint any one thing, because there really are so many things! First it would be the ability to make so many friends, both fellow bloggers and readers. Second would be the mass amount of knowledge I have acquired of the beauty industry. Third would be the quality of life that blogging has given me and my sons.

Q. What about the worst?

Shannon: I never once have thought that there was a down side to blogging. Never once.

Q. What is your ‘routine’ for researching and testing products?

Shannon: I have a firm rule that I will not read any of my friends reviews on the products or any of the instructions and PR given to me on the products. I want to form my own opinion without being influenced in any way. Once I have tried the product several times and have come to my own conclusions, that’s when I will take out the press releases and read through what the product claimed it could do.

Q. Will this routine change now that the FTC’s Blogging Rules are in effect?

Shannon: Nope, not at all. The only difference is that now I place a disclosure link at the bottom of each review, added a disclosure image w/link on both my Facebook fan page and my blog’s sidebar.

Q. How do you feel about this ruling? Do you think it’s a necessary measure?

Shannon: As more and more companies are tapping bloggers to do giveaways and product reviews, there will always be those who can be bought, so yes, I think it is necessary. However, I don’t agree with it not applying to all forms of media.

Q. What do you think the overall effect of this ruling on blogging will be?

Shannon: Honestly, I don’t think it is going to make a huge difference. Now you’ll just learn who has relationships with who. Readers who truly trust their favorite bloggers will understand the sincerity behind each review and they’ll be able to distinguish between the ones who were basically bought.

Q. Where do you see your site going from here? Will there be any new features for us to look forward to?

Shannon: Eventually all of the men’s reviews on my blog will have their own blog to call home. I will continue reviewing things I love and find fascinating. I will also continue to only do giveaways on my blog that tie into philanthropy. 2010 will be about purpose and helping others.

Stay tuned for more interviews – and as always, feel free to send your questions to productpasha@gmail.com.