Wanderful Interview: Caroline of Blush Avocado
I discovered Caroline, known as Blush Avocado, and noticed that, like me, she’s French and passionate about fashion, makeup, and photography - and I was instantly drawn in.
The Paris-based blogger has been developing her page for a couple of years now, creating a following of almost 70K followers (wow!) with her unique balance of classic French style and her love of that free-feeling American mindset. It was such a pleasure to interview her because on top of being a working, independent, and badass influencer, she is also the sweetest person on Earth.
Like Caroline, I am presently pursuing a career in marketing. She was so open about her background, her desires and her dreams that we clicked instantly. Caroline represents the new Parisian, cultivating a cool combination of American and British influences in her Parisian pieces. Read on to learn more about her.
Elise Genoux for Oui We: So Caroline, tell me a little bit about yourself and how you began your blogging journey.
Caroline: Hey!! Well, I am an influencer, and I founded the lifestyle blog, Blush Avocado in 2014. I was a marketing manager for a couple years when - like Andi - I decided to quit my job and travel abroad in order to combine my skills and passion for fashion, makeup and traveling.
I built my blog during this period and after a little more than a year, I became a professional blogger. I moved to Brussels for couple years, but as a proud Parisian, I moved back to the Paris countryside — it is so beautiful!
EG: What’s coming up for you in 2019?
C: I am planning so many trips, and I am very excited about them. I just bought a house, and I was busy working on the interiors for the past couple years, so I am excited to visit new countries soon. I am also planning on launching a new section on my blog. This year is proving to be such an exciting one!
Blush Avocado goes to the Bahamas
EG: Your Instagram page is a wealth of inspiration, providing tips for everything from lifestyle to interior design. I’m so captivated by your creativity that I personally used some of your suggestions to decorate my Christmas tree this past year. When and how did you discover your passion for fashion, makeup and travels?
C: I had those passions when I was young but it really took off during my first trip to the United States a few years ago. The first time I went to New York, I discovered new brands and very unique fashion designers like DVF, Catherine Malandrino, and Mara Hoffman. I love them so much, I am almost obsessed by their work.
Then, through those brands, I really developed a passion for fashion. My passion for makeup came differently — but also in the most natural way. We have Sephora in France, but I was so impressed by the diversity of the American Sephora.
Finally, my love of travel came from my husband. My favorite memory is when we went on a trip across the world — going to New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia and Canada. I really enjoyed those destinations so much! It was also during this big trip that I discovered the importance of blogs and influencers across the world, and a day later, I decided to start my blog.
Since then, I have been a professional blogger, which allowed me to attend some French fashion runway shows. I love fashion shows — especially because they are so intense. It’s always a great time to see the new creations and an honor to be around fashion magicians. My favorite fashion show so far was Ziad Nakad’s with their gorgeous dresses.
EG: As a French woman who moved to the U.S., my style has evolved to mix my French pieces with American touches - whether it’s makeup or hair - and you do this seamlessly. You’ve served as my biggest inspiration in blending the two fashions perfectly.
How would you describe your style?
C: Well, to be honest, I tried many different types of styles, but the one that I am the closest to today is a mixture of funky and comfort. Like those nice clothes that stretch and adapt well to your body type but are also so forgiving and light at the same time. I love the Parisian Chic style — I actually recently saw that Andi devoted a Pinterest board to it that I love —but the Parisian style is maybe a little too chic for me. I tend to lean more towards the British and American styles.
Caroline’s classic French approach
We love her take on American style too
EG: I’m a big fan of your take on makeup and beauty - do you have any makeup tips? What about filter tips?
C: I never use a filter for my pictures — simply because I do not want people to be disappointed when they meet me in person, haha. On my blog most of my makeup routines focus on flawless skin, with a darker color for my lips, like a dark red or dark pink.
EG: Who are the influencers or artists that inspired you?
C: To be honest, my first blog was a very random idea that I wanted to pursue and challenge myself with. I was just looking at information for my “around the world” trip when I came across the concept of blog. I found blogs interesting and also a great way for me and my bae to preserve memories from our adventures. At this time, influencers were not really big in France but the concept was getting bigger in the U.S.. Today there are so many influencers in the world and I feel so lucky to be part of the community.
EG: How do you explain your success, and what advice do you have for others to succeed as an influencer?
C: I wouldn’t t say that I am super successful, or, at least, my goal is not to be super famous for the sake of being known. I wanted to create this blog because it is my passion and I love to share my knowledge with others but also learn from them.
In real life, I am a pretty private, shy and discrete person, so my blog is an amazing way for me to be a little more extroverted and connect with people from anywhere in the world. I believe that to find success as an influencer, you have to be constantly posting and talking about your passions and the things you love — you also have to be patient and provide great, insightful information for your readers.
EG: One of the things I admire most about you is your honesty and humility. With a follower count just shy of 70K, I’d say you’re quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in France!
Who are some of the brands that you work with? And the ones you would like to work with?
C: I work mainly with French brands and some brands abroad, mostly with their lifestyle and makeup lines. My biggest dream would be to work with Tiffany & Co — I am their biggest fan. I just love all their products and the quality. The little blue box is just sign of happiness every time I see it.
EG: If you could have any type of breakfast in anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you eat?
C: Wow! Well, my favorite breakfast is eggs benedict and fresh squeezed orange juice. The destination is a little trickier, but for the past few months I’ve been a little obsessed with going to Iceland, so I would go there.
EG: What is your biggest dream as an influencer?
C: My ultimate goal as a blogger and influencer would be to create a clothing brand or accessories brand using locally-sourced French materials.
EG: I love that! I love “made in France” products simply because you help support local businesses. For someone passionate about France, or someone that lives in France, or wishes to marry a French person one day 😉, learning more about authentic French brands is a must!
Lastly, what do you think about the new Miss France?
C: I LOVE the new Miss France so much. She was my favorite, she is fresh, young and she has a different type of beauty. I absolutely love her!
When it comes to this year’s Miss France, Caroline and I are on the exact same page. With Tahitian roots, she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She faced a lot of racist critique, handling it all with a grace that cemented my appreciation for her.
In regards to this conversation: Caroline and I talked at length about her travels and incredible experiences around the world. While we all dream about it, I’m so inspired by her confidence and will to actually do it.
She’s a total French girl. She believes in forgoing filters and photoshop to embrace her natural beauty - and that’s something I can completely get behind. Merci, merci Caroline! Thank you for participating in our Wanderful Girl series!
