An Interview With Maple Leopard
A carriage of time awaits us, a cloak of trickery its disguise. Twirling in the shadows we laugh and dance, the soft moonlight a gentle cleanser. In the moonlight our worries are forgotten, age is nothing but a distant memory, a pre-emptive reminder of a lost world. Worlds collide, identities are lost we are souls stripped of negatvity and hatred. All that remains is a blurry haze of memories better left unspoken, better left in the past. When age is nothing but a number we rise again, a faded soul come back to life, drained of impurities.
Age is a label used to segregate us into groups that determine what we can and cannot do. A child will not be allowed to wear clothing that is deemed as inappropriate and neither will the elderly be seen as 'down with the kids'. But cultural archetypes are meant to be broken and that is where Maple Leopard comes in. A fashion blogger with a difference, creator of 'Maple Leopard' Valerie is 'fifty & fabulous', determined to challenge ageist agenda. Chic, youthful and talented Valerie proves that age is just a number and should not rule your hobbies. thoughts and behaviours. Contrary to popular belief older women are just as fashionable as the younger generation and Valerie is here to set the record straight.
Ana- Allow me to introduce you to Valerie creator of Maple Leopard, a fashion blog for those who live on the wild side. Valerie,as a fashion blogger we hold a duty to our readers to always promote the truth but sometimes the truth needs to be sugarcoated. Can you think of a time where you had to write a post that was not fully authentic?
Valerie-I can't say that I have ever written a post that wasn't fully authentic. Most of my posts are not lengthy, and I try to stick to sharing my outfit picks and how I styled them.
Ana-What are your views on the blogging industry and is there any room for improvement?
Valerie-I love being a part of the blogging community. And yes, it is quickly turning into an industry where people profit and make a living from it. I have found it to be a very supportive community for the most part. The public's perception of it seems to be somewhat misunderstood.
Ana-In a world defined by technology, social media has governed our every move. How do you make the distinction between the real and the fantasy?
Valerie-I just try to keep it real as I can. If I read something that doesn't sound right or makes me feel bad...I take a step back and try not to let social media rule my life. Social media is not the answer to all the world problems..when I remember that, then I keep it all in perspective.
Ana-Blogging is becoming an increasingly lucrative occupation. Why do you think blogging is so popular?
Valerie-I think blogging is popular because it is educates people as consumers in a way that no other press/media outlet does.
Ana-What is your favourite blog post and why?
Valerie- My favorite blog post is one of the first I did called "10 Eclectic Colors for Spring" It's my favorite because I was asked to expand it to an editorial, and it was published in a hard copy fashion magazine.
Ana-Where do you see Maple Leopard in five years time?
Valerie-I would like to see Maple Leopard as a label: My own designer clothing line. I am starting to design a little, but it's a very tough road. Also as a go to site for middle age ladies seeking fashion advice. There are not many blogs for fashion that are 50 !
Ana-Your blog name is unique and is distinctive of a blogger that knows her own mind. Is there a story behind the name?
Valerie- The Story behind my blog name "Maple Leopard" came from my love of animal printed fashion and I was born and raised in Canada, home of the Maple leaf, maple syrup, and anything else maple you can dream up!
Ana-Who would you cite as your blogging inspiration and why?
Valerie-My inspiration came from a college student of Eric-Liang.com (computer science major ) He was the one who encouraged me to start a blog even though I had no technical knowledge at all. He has been a great mentor in my year long blogging experience so far.
Ana-Society often condemns fashion bloggers stating that they are materialistic and not attuned to social issues. Do you agree or disagree and why?
Valerie-I do not agree, because fashion blogging is all about being socially aware. Communicating and engaging with those that desire to have greater fashion sense and knowledge.
Ana-Fashion has often been stated as a therapeutic medium. Do you agree and if so how has fashion changed your life?
Valerie- I think fashion is very therapeutic. It is a creative outlet that evokes a feeling of happiness, joy , inspiration, and a beckoning to come along and know more.
Ana-Everyone needs a bit of downtime and us bloggers are no exception! What are your hobbies outside of blogging?
Valerie-My hobbies outside of blogging are travelling, music: playing piano/vocals,sewing, cat, and family.
Ana-What are your favourite brands and why?
Valerie-My favorite brands are Louis Vuitton which exudes timeless class with superior craftsmanship.
I also like fast fashion or cheaper brands such as H and M and Zara, as they make it possible to acquire chic fashion without a huge price tag every time.
Ana-Tell us a fun fact about yourself...
Valerie-I have hiked and made it to the top of two very scenic spots In the world: Diamond Head Crater on the Island of Oahu, HI, and also to the top of the Hollywood sign in the Hollywood hills CA!
My Thoughts On Maple Leopard
A courageous role model who has a heart of genuine gold, Valerie is paving the way for a new generation of bloggers, armed with valuable experience. Valerie is loving, generous and an intriguing spokesperson for bloggers who represent difference. As a blogger who is a social advocate for justice, we both aim to change the blogging industry one step at a time and are not afraid to let our voices be heard.
Much Love Springbots xox
Model- Valerie aka Maple Leopard
Interviewer- Ana De-Jesus
Style- 70's boho meets tropical daydream