Alaa Balkhy is a graphic designer, illustrator, blogger, social media enthusiast and the founder and designer of handbag fashion brand Fyunka. She is originally from Jeddah, but now lives in New York City.
Arab News talked to Balkhy about her fashion blog aalabalkhy.blogspot.com and how she promoted her fashion brand using social media.
What initially made you want to start up your blog?
I started my fashion blog in 2009 to post about things that inspired me, whether it was fashion, design or art. To me, it was a way of expressing my opinion about certain things.
How often to you post and why?
I try to post at least twice a week. Blogs need to be updated consistently in order to get reader’s interest.
Can you describe your blog and tell us what makes it stand out from other fashion blogs?
I try my best to post original content so pictures on my blog are my own and that is what makes it different. I try and focus on local brands and I post a lot about New York since I live there.
How did you first get interested in fashion and why is it important?
I guess a girl being interested in fashion comes by default. My interest started when I worked at a local fashion brand in Saudi Arabia. From production to fashion show and the photo-shoots; I find the whole process amazing.
Did you expect to get as many followers as you did?
Not really. When I first started blogging, I did it for me. But gradually people wanted to see more and I was receiving a lot of views, especially when I started posting my own illustrations and pictures.
How did readers perceive your posts and ideas?
I think for them it is interesting to see how I started my brand Fyunka. It also gives kind of an insight into a Saudi girl’s life, living between Jeddah and New York.
What do you usually blog about?
Art, fashion and design.
How would you describe the fashion scene in Saudi Arabia compared to other countries?
The fashion scene in Saudi is very young and is not very saturated. There has been a lot of emerging talent lately. We are seeing a lot more Saudi brands. People really latched on to the concept of a brand rather than a product and that is great!
If you had to choose one place in the world where you could go and shop, which would it be and why?
New York City. Hands down.
Describe your personal style and inspiration.
I would say that my style is very simple. I stick to solid colors, simple patterns, and polka dots. I like to experiment with shoes and accessories. I love necklaces; a statement necklace can go a long way.
You have a handbag brand. How did social media and blogging help you market Fyunka?
It helped significantly. When I started Fyunka it was all social media — Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Now it seems as though Instagram is the most successful. Especially in fashion because it is visually interesting.”
What fashion rule will you never break?
I will not wear leggings as pants.
What is your next must-have purchase?
A Shourouk statement necklace.
What is on your iPod player and on your bookshelf at the moment?
Britney Spears, Adele and Drake are playing on my iPod. On my bookshelf you will find “100 Years of Fashion.”
Your online presence stretches across platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and your blog. How do you keep them up-to-date and how do you differentiate between them all?
Each platform has a different purpose. Twitter is for updates and announcements — it is an easier way to engage with people. Facebook is where you place a huge chunk of the information that you will be providing about your brand. I put most of the information that people would need to know about the brand on Facebook. Instagram is my most important platform. I have to update it regularly and post at least once a day to keep on peoples’ radars. I try as best as I can to manage them all. A lot of people wonder if I ever sleep.
Where would you like to see your blog go in the future?
I want it to be a platform that introduces Middle Eastern brands to the world.
What is the one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started blogging?
When you post something on the Internet, you can never unpost it.
