Tell Me All About It: Q&A with Caroline Winn

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Caroline Winn, a photographer, blogger, marathoner, yoga teacher, and web designer. [Yeah, I'd say that the lady wears a few hats...].

Although Caroline and I connected via the blog world quite a while back, I've recently discovered that she lives in Boston, and am excited that she is now only a hop, skip, and a jump away from me ;) While we plan to meet and yoga together soon, for the time being, I decided to learn more about her via written Q&A. 

I think you'll lover her blog, as we share a lot of common interests/subjects. She blogs about health and fitness (especially yoga and running), creativity, photography (obvs), and how to live a more mindful life. Pretty great, right? So, that being said, lets meet Caroline!

Read below for the inside scoop on all things Caroline Winn and Sweet Caroline...

Why did you start blogging? Why have you continued to do so?
I started blogging in college shortly after discovering my love for running and reading fitness blogs. I didn't really put too much thought into starting my own blog and I certainly had no idea where it would take me, let alone that I would keep up with it for this long! Pretty quickly after starting my own, though, I realized how many doors blogging opens. 

I've met so many amazing people and learned so much about myself on this blogging journey. More recently, my blog has become a part of my business and a great creative outlet to display my photography.

If you had to give one piece of advice to women (or men!) who want to take the plunge and pursue their dreams of working for themselves or starting their own business or blog, what would it be?
Don't let the fear of uncertainty hold you back. It's so easy to be paralyzed by fear, I've definitely been there myself once or twice. But sometimes you have to just take the plunge, even if you don't feel completely ready, and have faith that it'll all work out. 

What's your favorite blog post you've ever written, and why (include a link)?
Oh, this is hard! I'll pick something I wrote recently: The Flowers in Your Windowsill. It was a pretty different post than I normally write but it felt so good to get off my chest. It's basically about picking yourself up even when you don't want to and paying attention to the little things in life, because those really are the big things. The post incorporates two aspects that I think make a powerful blog post: honest words and beautiful photos! 

What's your yoga story?
I first found myself on my mat in college when I was going through a period of transition. I quickly fell in love with the spiritual side of yoga and felt it's teachings transfer to all areas of my life. Since then, yoga has been my calm in the midst of chaos and my constant through change, not to mention a killer workout! I think deep down I always knew I wanted to teach someday... I finally took the leap and got my certification in March of 2013.

What inspires you?
Creative entrepreneurs. Go-getters paving their own way. Traveling. Getting outside my comfort zone. Unplugging. Love.

How do you stay balanced? How do you unwind? 
Balance is hard and I'll be the first person to admit that I don't have it all figured out! But I think the key to balance is knowing where your priorities lie. I make an effort to never say I don't have time for something, but rather, I don't make something a priority. It really helps put things in perspective. For example, when I find myself saying, "I don't have time to work out!" I realize I'm really saying, "I'm not making my health a priority." This forces me to reassess my commitments and make the time. I like to unwind with yoga, wine and good friends ;)

If you were exiled to a desert island and could only bring 3 things, what would they be?
My camera, a notebook and my yoga mat.

Words of wisdom you live by?
The best is yet to come.

What's your biggest dream for 2014?
To grow my photography business! I'd love to shoot 12+ weddings in 2014 in hopes to go full time with my business in early 2015. That's really scary for me to say out loud!

I love it. Want to learn more about Caroline? Check out the following links:

• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Thanks for taking the time to tell me all about it, Caroline! 

Have an inspirational week, everyone :)

{All images courtesy of Caroline Winn}