The landscape of the blogosphere is painted with a myriad of personalities. Many inspire their readers, while others advocate a cause that is near and dear to their hearts; some simply share their creativity with stories of their personal lives or photo essays.

One of my favorite bloggers among many is Monique Frausto, best known for her directory of blogs: Blogs By Latinas. Her warm and down to earth personality is evident throughout her work. As a successful blogger she also keeps herself busy with Curves and Chaos and Click Latina, which are two among the several other blogs she has produced in her three years as a blogger.

Monique’s impacted schedule gave rise to my desire to find out- how the heck does she do it all?

You started out your blogging career after graduating college during the height of the recession in 2008- are you still seeking to find a career working under the umbrella of a corporate company or do you see yourself continuing to grow within the blogosphere?

To be honest, I have this deep-rooted dream to one day work for or own a magazine. I’ve had this dream since I could read. If I did get a job, it would only be at a corporation or company that I loved and respected or I created. Now, on the other hand, I love my life in the blogosphere, so no matter what I do, it will always be a part of my life.

What has been some of the greatest challenges you’ve come across with your blogging career? What have you done to overcome those challenges?

In the beginning of my blogging career I just wanted to to be able to share with others. I lost focus of that along the way. The biggest challenge has been being able to recognize that and get back on track of why I started blogging in the first place. It’s not about the money (althought it’s nice), but more about being able to write from my heart and only when inspiration hits. I’ve decided to scale back on the “jobs” I take and only work with those who are positive and appreciate the hard work that bloggers do. This is a personal decision I made that might affect my “career,” but being happy means more to me than anything else.

Do you ever get blogger burn out? If so, how do you work through those stressful times in your career? What do you do to refresh and continue to press on?

Yes, I am human and I do get blogger burn out. In fact, I just went through this. I was just so tired. I even thought about not blogging for a few months. I knew that was impossible, so instead I took a weekend off of the computer and went on a mini-vacation. I took my blogger break and came back when I felt I had something to say. I also have my amazing friends who are always there to listen and offer advice.

How do you manage your time while you balance several blogs and a successful Latina blog directory as you travel across the nation from conferences to gigs?

I don’t know. LOL. I’m not the greatest at time management, which is why I spend many hours a day on the computer. In fact, I had just enlisted the help of my brother-in-law, but he was offered a job, so now I have to find someone else. It’s not easy, but I love what I do-which makes it all worth it.

Your work has taken you across the nation (across the world while in the military) and back- which city has had the most impact on you? Why? Would you go there again on your own as a tourist?

Wow…this is a tough question. I love to travel and have seen a lot of places. If I had to choose a place state-side, it would have to be New York City. I love the vibe and pace of the city. If I could find a job, I’d probably move there. But, until then, I will continue to visit. Internationally, it would have to be Italy. There’s just something about this country; it’s very romantic and passionate. I dream of owning a home in the countryside one day. A place where my husband and I can retire.

You do a great service for women with curves in the world of fashion through your blog Curves and Chaos. What drives your fashion spirit?

I grew up in the days of hand-me-downs and thrift stores. Unfortunately, it wasn’t cool back then, like it is now. I just wanted new and trendy clothes like everyone else. Today, that doesn’t matter to me. What I love the most about fashion is its ability to transform. There are no limits and you can be as creative and individual as you want. Fashion is what you deem beautiful, and what I believe enhances your curves.

Building self esteem seems to be your key focus throughout your work- what other areas of helping others are you also passionate about?

This is along the lines of self-esteem, but body and fat acceptance is something I have recently become passionate about. I get very frustrated with the media’s perception of beauty and the influence it has on us. Just because we don’t look like the airbrushed models in the magazines, doesn’t mean we’re ugly. I admit I am still a work-in-progress myself, but I want to be able to teach others to love themselves. Once we accept ourselves for who we are, it will show others and reflect onto them. It’s all about loving the body you’re in.

I had the pleasure of attending your fabulous Discovering Mas luncheon in Los Angeles last year, are you planning to do it again this year?

At this time, the luncheon is postponed, but there is something in the early stages of planning. Something, I’ve been thinking about doing for a while. I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.

What other projects have you worked on that help improve the lives of other women?

A project/blog that I just started is LatinasInspire.com. It’s a blog that profiles and interviews inspirational Latinas. It’s what I call a non-profit blog, aimed at empowering and motivating Latinas. I don’t want it to be about anything but every day Latinas that have a story to tell. Whether they think they do or not.

Share: Have you met Monique on or offline? How has she inspired you?

Catalina Juarez is the mom blogger behind the endearing blog Greenery In Mommyhood. Readers are treated to humorous, heartwarming stories of family life while incorporating support for a greener living. The unique combination of the two subjects offer readers an organic approach of how they too can embrace a green life.

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