It’s March!  Can you believe it?  I feel like this year is already starting to fly by, which is fine by me because bring on Summer!

I’ve started a new series here at the Buffalo Blogging Network.  There are so many different diverse bloggers in Buffalo, that I figured I would profile a different person each  month, so you could get to know them a little better!

This month’s spotlight is on Ashley of Morning Glory!  I’ve known Ashley for a while now and she’s so sweet and genuine and her blog is amazing…make sure to check out her killer photography! You can find her over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Here is a little bit more about Ashley, her blog, and some of her favorite things about Buffalo!

How long have you been blogging?

3 years

What made you want to start blogging?

I wanted to try something new. At the time of starting it, I was working full time and needed a creative outlet. When I worked on a whale watch boat, I used to blog about our trips on my portfolio website, but once that job ended I wanted to find something I could write about year-round.

What’s your favorite thing about being a blogger?

I like that I have a place where I can share my own stories and inspirations in order to help or inspire other people. It’s also a great way to market my photography.

What is the meaning behind your blog name?

My blog is named after the Oasis album ‘What’s The Story, Morning Glory.’ Music is very inspirational and healing. It is one of my all-time favorite albums that always gives me that ‘feel good’ feeling. It is the same feeling I aim to achieve with my blog by using it as a visual and digital diary.

What do you love most about living in Buffalo?

I love how easy it is to connect and meet new people. When I lived in Boston, networking was a bit harder since I felt like a needle in a haystack. Here, not only is making connections and collaborations easier, but more personable as well. The people you meet become more than just a connection, they become friends as well.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?

It’s hard to pick just one, but Family Tree and Lloyds are always big favorites.

What are your favorite seasonal activities?

When I lived in Boston, I would go sailing on Boston Harbor, or boating on the Atlantic with friends in the summers. I haven’t really been able to do that in Buffalo due to my lack of boat access, but I hope to in the future! I enjoy anything on the water.

What is your favorite neighborhood in the city?

Not sure if I would call it a neighborhood, but I spend a lot of time at the Outer Harbor. I am such a water baby, and I try to be close to it as much as possible.

What are are a few of your favorite Instagram accounts that you follow?

@laurenswells @johnbozinov @cerealmag and @yeahbuffalo

What advice would you give to people who would like to start a blog?

Be genuine and be yourself. Try not to compare yourself to others. When I first started, I tried to do what other people did in order to ‘feel’ successful or gain a following. I found that once I just let go of what I felt was right and wrong, and just did what I liked, it was a lot easier to grow organically. Also, don’t be afraid to change or experiment with your niche. I am three years in and my blog and topics are still ever changing.