Who is Vaishali Sudan Sharma?
Listen, in her own words…
“A seasoned brand communications professional, a certified digital marketer and content specialist with over 15 years of experience, during which time I have amassed a wealth of online, offline and content marketing communications and corporate experience as both a consultant and in-house communications leader.
I have managed content and communications which have ranged from creating brand strategies to assessing clients’ communications objectives as well as determining the strategy required, and crisis management.The Champa Tree (aka TCT) was conceived in 2014. Around the same time as my son’s birth. In the initial years, both the blog and my son required my utmost attention. Now I am just watching them both grow tremendously.”
For more: https://thechampatree.in/about/
Can you tell our readers about yourself and your blog?
The Champa Tree (aka TCT) was conceived in the month of May 2014. Around the same time as my son’s birth. In the initial years, both the blog and my son required my utmost attention. Now I am just watching them both grow tremendously.
The Champa Tree is about motherhood, parenting, baby, and child care. Tickle your funny bone with some parenting humor or read moving pieces that most of us can relate to. But above all else, The Champa Tree is a safe place where all mothers and fathers can find answers to specific questions they think are too “silly” to ask out loud. In case you don’t find the answer to a question that has been bothering you, feel free to reach out to us—there are no “right” or “wrong” questions.
If you’re wondering if this blog is all about the soft and fluffy stuff — peace, serenity, and the joy of parenting? Well, we really wish that were true! So, if you’re little angel has become a handful, perhaps out of sheer boredom we are sure you’ll find some super interesting activities to keep them busy and yourself sane!
Describe how you first get into blogging?
A workaholic communications consultant dashing in and out of fashion shows and events, life for me was going in the right direction. Then in the summer of 2013, pregnancy happened and it did slow down things for me. This eventually encouraged me to write. I’m now, the founder of India’s leading parenting blog- The Champa Tree, and a marketing professional.
Although I knew I would not be the first among my friends to have children (I was nearly 30 at the time), I figured once my child-rearing days were over, I would have to fall back on a solid work-option! While my little one was only three-months-old, I got myself managing content for a beauty blog. That’s exactly when I found my dream job.
What started in 2014 saw growth in the months and years to come. In no time the blog was monetized. My favourite spot in the house was turned into an office. I partnered with a like-minded team to assist me by extending their support on a freelance basis. Today, we are a team of amazing and passionate mums (and dads) who are inspiring and creative.
Little did I know quitting one job at the peak of pregnancy would also open other job-avenues. It’s not that I am a perfect mother and so whatever I share through the blog, you should follow to a tee. Parenting challenges me to learn and do new things every day, allows me to work hard and be creative, and also gives me the opportunity to serve others in a very meaningful way.
Today, The Champa Tree has close to 2 lac views a month, a strong community of mums and dads not just in India, but the US, UK, and other countries following us across social media handles. We’re the go-to platform for any parenting or baby/child-related query.
How would you describe your blogging style?
Effortless, friendly, empathetic, deep, emotional and everything that a mom (or a dad) goes through in their journey of parenting!
What type of networking do you think is better to enhance your traffic to the blog?
Word-of-mouth all along!
What do you think is the best service a blogger can provide to their readers?
As the leading platform operating in the parenting segment, the critical task has been to extend support to our community.
a) Staying relevant to them in these tough times by providing the following support.
Problem-solving for working parents
Easy tips and workshops for non-working parents
Hacks on how to reduce screen time smartly
The Champa Tree as a platform and the entire team went back to the drawing board and our content saw a shift.
b) Being Empathetic
We asked each other and ourselves the ONE thing – How to be helpful. How not to glorify pain and suffering. How to stay calm and be of help. An example of being helpful was our putting in place a service that offered to hire writers on a freelance basis.
How do you manage time to run your blog efficiently?
I am consistent and persistent. That has helped me stay focused and be relentless in showcasing as well as sharing real-life learnings about and around parenting.
How do you want to improve yourself in the next year?
To be inspiring and motivating moms to motivate and inspire their circle of influence. Also, to be more tech-savvy and explore AI, just to use it as an assistant 😉
What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from that?
I have always had a deep concern about the possibility of a future where social media overshadows the essence of human existence, leaving us disconnected and unfulfilled. The thought of people solely relying on virtual interactions and neglecting real-life experiences saddens me profoundly. It undermines the true purpose of our existence and leaves me with a heavy heart.
Tell me about your proudest achievement?
The everyday experiences of mothers and fathers serve as my inspiration. From real moms like you, me, our grandmothers, and our neighbors, we find inspiration in the strength and power they possess. My proudest accomplishment has been recognizing the significance of a real mom's narrative. What began as one mom's desire to share her adoption story has evolved into a series featuring over 100 remarkable moms. Each one has a unique and beautiful story to tell. I invite you to visit our collection and take a moment to read their inspiring journeys. If this effort resonates with you and you'd like to share your own story, please reach out to me via email.
Who has impacted you most in blogging and how?
The profound influence of my grandfather's love for gardening has left a lasting impression on me. Through this passion, he imparted valuable life lessons, teaching me the importance of reflection and creativity. Moreover, the collective impact of mothers has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me. Their resilience and nurturing spirit have motivated me to write and strive towards a meaningful purpose. It is from these influences that our blog has emerged, showcasing the embodiment of these cherished values.
What is your greatest achievement outside of blogging?
One of my greatest achievements beyond blogging is the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of others and support ventures led by moms and dads. Through our platform, we have been able to amplify the voices of real moms who have faced hardships and lacked a platform to share their stories. These experiences deeply move me and serve as a source of reflection, fostering a sense of gratitude within me. It is through these endeavors that I strive to make a positive impact and cultivate a greater sense of empathy and appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of others.
What do you do in your spare time?
Read, mostly. Also, enjoying my life as a mom of two!
Where would you like to be in blogging five years from now?
My goal is to excel as a collaborative platform, providing guidance, resources, and a valuable repository of content. I aim to inspire and empower moms, enabling them to motivate and uplift others. The Champa Tree is a trusted and reliable source of knowledge, offering credible insights and expertise. Additionally, I am excited to integrate AI technology, providing users with an assistant to enhance their search for relevant information on our website.
What was the most challenging moment in your blogging journey so far?
One of the most challenging moments in my blogging journey has been conveying to brands the importance of recognizing the value of our humble initiative and compensating us for our efforts. It's crucial to emphasize that life cannot solely revolve around barter deals, and fair compensation is necessary for sustainable growth and success.
How do you motivate yourself to keep the blog up and running?
My children serve as my constant source of motivation, inspiring me to share my experiences and insights through my blog. Additionally, my readers play a crucial role in driving my motivation to continue creating meaningful content. Interestingly, even those who may not hold a favorable opinion of me contribute to my drive to express myself through my blog.
Can you tell me about a few sources from where you get products for review on your site?
I typically endorse and support products or services that I have personally used and genuinely enjoyed. Additionally, I prioritize promoting humble initiatives and startup ventures that aim to make a positive impact on parents' lives. I also consider the products or services that are highly sought after by many individuals.
What do you find the most frustrating aspect of blogging?
The most exasperating part of blogging is the misconception that it is merely a hobby, while in reality, it is a demanding profession that demands extensive hard work and dedication. Blogging is an ever-expanding field that necessitates significant creativity and continuous effort.
What is the biggest difference in your life post-blogging?
I continue to enhance my expressive abilities with each passing day.
Did you have any professional help or did you create the blog yourself?
What began as a modest hobby has evolved into a significant source of income. We have transitioned from a solitary endeavor to a cohesive team of driven and inspired women. Our dedication to sharing real stories, whether through our Real Mom Real Stories section or our Vocal for Local campaign, fuels our daily ideation. Our sincere aspiration is to positively impact the lives of our readers. Our blog may lack glamour or glitter, but it thrives thanks to our invaluable readership.
How active are you on a weekly basis? How often do you communicate with your followers?
I am highly communicative, and my community means the world to me. Although I would love to be more frequent in my interactions, there are limitations to what one person can accomplish.
How much time do you spend blogging?
10 Hours a week.
What do you think is the best social media strategy for getting more visitors to a blog?
Continuously share multimedia content across various platforms. Evaluate the success of each platform and analyze the reasons behind it. Stay committed to attracting a growing audience. Once you achieve this milestone, set new goals and expand your horizons. Embrace the spirit of exploration and keep seeking new opportunities for growth.
Would you encourage other people to make their blog?
100% I would encourage other people to make their blog and share their unique perspectives, insights, and experiences with the world. Blogging provides a platform for self-expression, a way to connect with like-minded individuals, and an opportunity to make a positive impact. Whether you have a passion for travel, food, technology, parenting, or any other subject, your blog can become a powerful medium for sharing your thoughts and expertise. Don't hesitate to start your own blog and join the vibrant community of bloggers who are shaping the digital landscape. Your voice matters, and your blog has the potential to inspire, inform, and entertain others. Embrace the opportunity to create something meaningful and unleash your creativity through the art of blogging.
Is blogging your profession or just a hobby?
My passion!
A lot of people think that blogging is an easy way to make money online. Do you have some tips for those people who are interested in making money from the blog?
While blogging can be a fulfilling and potentially lucrative endeavor, it's important to approach it with the right mindset and strategies. Here are some tips for those interested in making money from their blog:
Find your niche: Identify a specific topic or area of expertise that you are passionate about and that has a target audience. This will help you attract a dedicated readership.
Create high-quality content: Consistently produce valuable and engaging content that resonates with your audience. Quality content is key to building a loyal readership and attracting potential revenue streams.
Build a strong online presence: Promote your blog through social media, guest posting, networking, and search engine optimization. Increase your visibility to attract more readers and potential monetization opportunities.
Monetize strategically: Explore various monetization methods such as display advertising, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, digital products, and online courses. Choose strategies that align with your niche and audience.
Engage with your audience: Foster a sense of community by actively responding to comments, encouraging discussions, and seeking feedback. Building relationships with your readers can lead to loyal followers and potential collaborations.
Diversify your income streams: Relying on a single income source can be risky. Explore multiple revenue streams to mitigate risks and maximize your earnings potential. This could include partnerships, sponsored content, affiliate programs, or even creating and selling your own products or services.
Stay consistent and persistent: Building a successful blog takes time and effort. Stay consistent with your content creation schedule and continue to refine your strategies. Persistence and dedication are key to long-term success.
Remember, making money from a blog requires patience, perseverance, and a commitment to providing value to your audience. By focusing on quality content, engaging your readers, and exploring diverse monetization strategies, you can increase your chances of generating income from your blog.
