Meet Stacey Freeman, Ph.D. | Co-Founder and Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacey Freeman, Ph.D. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacey, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
A lot of people have negative views of influencers as being vapid, superficial, and lacking substance. But growing a successful business as an influencer is actually a full-time job. I started my blog in 2013 and in the last 8 years, I’ve never taken a single day off. To grow and maintain a successful blog and social media channels, you need to be consistent and post often. Of course, there are stories of people who became overnight successes as influencers, for a lot of us, including me, it has taken many years to grow my following, respect through brand partnerships, and refining my brand to align with the shifts in society.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For the past 15 years, I have grown my career as a higher education administrator. I currently work as an Executive Director at a research institute at UCLA. Growing my career took many years and many moves (AZ, KS, MA, CA). My greatest accomplishment thus far was completing my Ph.D. in educational policy. In 2013, I decided to start my blog, Posh in Progress, while I also continued my career in higher education, because I was a first-time mom and I felt like I needed a creative outlet outside of my job and being a new mom. The initial goal of the blog was to share things I was excited about and I focused primarily on recipes, fashion, and parenting. I always approached the blog as a potential business, so I approached it with the same level of professionalism I approach my education career. Over time, I grew my blog following and social media channels to the point where I can monetize through paid partnerships with brands. Now that my blog is a full-blown business, many people have asked me if I would quit my other job. At present, I am too invested in my work and making a difference, that I do not have any plans to quit. However, the amazing part about my blog business is that I get to do both – I’m able to focus on the things I love through my blog – fashion, beauty, recipes, travel – and still keep my career I’m so proud of. Probably the greatest outcome of my blog is the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met. Some of my dearest friends are also bloggers. And some of my greatest memories with my kids (like going to Beaches Resort, Disneyland and LegoLand) happened because of my blog.

.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m still new to LA – I moved here at the end of 2019. But some of my favorite places in LA revolve around nature and views. I would definitely take them to see the Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro. I would also take them to Griffith Observatory and to see the Hollywood sign. I would also take them to Jerome C. Daniel overlook at the Hollywood bowl which has one of my favorite views of the city. I also would take them to my favorite beaches – Redondo and Hermosa Beaches.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank the community of women and fellow influencers who support me and the brands who value influencers and have helped me to grow my business. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this if it weren’t for the readers and followers who support me.

Website: poshinprogress.com

Instagram: instagram.com/poshinprogress

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/staceyvfreeman/

Twitter: twitter.com/poshinprogress

Facebook: facebook.com/poshinprogress

Youtube: youtube.com/poshinprogressblog

Other: tiktok.com/@poshinprogress

Image Credits
All images are taken by Jade Freeman, Co-Founder @poshinprogress The one photo that is very blue by the pool with the palm tree, that is Roberto Estrada @robertoestrada on Instagram