Regina Garay of Fauxology

One of the greatest things to come out of the Shootout was getting to meet new bloggers. I had seen a few posts on the Fauxology Blog and enjoyed the beautiful pictures Regina posted on her Facebook Page. After seeing her entry, Embossed Allover Designs, it was clear why she was chosen as the winner (and the proud owner of a new Erecta Rack!). Her writing style and passion for all things Faux is evident. I was really interested in her story, so I caught up with her on Twitter and we scheduled a phone interview.

Off I went to her site to try and prepare for our chat, I spent hours reading her posts on Fauxology and her site, Garay Artisans. The more I read, the more impressed I was! And feeling a little out of my league! Reading more of her work clearly shows how much she really enjoys what she does, and she shares it with a wide and appreciative audience, as you can see by the multiple comments on her posts. That obviously spills over to her business, which has won several awards and been published often in trade magazines.

Needless to say, I was a bit nervous as the time came closer, I soon learned I had nothing to worry about, Regina is just as gracious and passionate in person as she is online and we had a lovely chat and I feel like I made a new friend. Let’s see what she thinks about blogging!

Were you always a writer? Even in school?

Yes, I loved keeping journals, it always came easy to me, unlike math!

How much time do you devote to blogging?

Usually about an one to three hours a day, it has been a great outlet, and my family appreciates that! I used to talk nonstop about Faux painting, my family would just roll their eyes!

Your articles flow so well, what is your process?

I just write what I feel, and I may keep it as a draft for a day or two and go back and add a thought or make a revision. I generally just let my thoughts flow and write what I am feeling.

Do you ever get writers block?

Very rarely, all I have to do is page through a magazine and I get inspirations from colors, textures and ideas. I can make a list of my top ten latest favorite things and create ten posts out of it!

What inspires you lately?

Integrating technology and social media into my business has become something I have been spending a bit of time on.  I do find that I can spend too much time immersed in sites like Facebook, so I will set a timer, when it goes off, I log out! I think there are so many advantages to using technology and social media in our business.

You mentioned that you started your blog because you talked to your family so much about Faux, how has the blog affected your personal life?

Oh, I have found so many kindred spirits! People comment on my blog, send me beautiful pictures and  links to interesting sites. It is such a pleasure when I get to meet them in person at a conference or event.

Do you use your blogs to promote your business?

I actually don’t use the blog to promote my business much at all – I usually make fun of that fact.  I don’t consider myself an expert either (it makes me very uncomfortable to refer to myself that way, like a bit of hubris) just a really passionate person about their field.  But I do think it can be used to establish yourself as an expert, if that is your goal.  

What advice would you give to new bloggers?

Write from your heart and be true to yourself and your vision.

Thank you Regina for taking the time to share your thoughts on blogging  with our readers, and welcome to the Blogging Painters!

If you have not had the pleasure of checking out the Fauxology blog, you really should. The writing and visuals are very inspiring. We consider Regina to be truly one of the thought leaders in her field, and since her field is so closely related to ours, we all gain from the exchanges we share in moving the finishing industry forward.

You can read more from Regina here.