Better Know A Blogger: Silvia Siantar of Poisepolish
Via her blog Poisepolish, Silvia Siantar has found herself an online portal into the fashion world. Not only does the 19-year-old Singapore resident blog regularly about trends, shows and her own personal style, but she also runs an online shop showcasing her own designs. Describing herself as an "aspiring fashion entrepreneur," Siantar launched the blog in 2010, only to expand into retail and design with her label Poise24. A look at her blog's animated header and the red soles of her shoes should give any reader a hint as to where her fashion tastes lie, but read below to find out her favorite brands, the roots of her blog and her future ambitions.
You do a mix of personal style, show reviews and bits and pieces from elsewhere in the fashion world. How would you describe your blog?
Silvia Siantar: My blog is basically a medium to communicate my fashion inspirations to my readers, hoping to lead them to discover the sensibility in fashion, better knowledge of the world of fashion from a more approachable perspective. Because let's say not everyone is fashion forward, not everyone can decide what looks best for themselves, I'm here to guide them as much as I can.
What led to you starting your blog?
I wanted to major in fashion, but my parents weren't supportive of that. Then I thought blogging would be a no-fuss way to start doing something related to fashion at that time.
How did you pick the name?
My sister and I came up with several words to describe my characteristics and fashion preference, and then I liked the word poise and polish thus I combined them, poisepolish.
How would you describe your readership?
I have a lot of returning visitors. Having loyal readers is the best thing a blogger can expect. I value everyone that have time to read my articles, comment, follow and reply my tweets. It's such an honor to become a role model for people around my age who lives in both Singapore and Indonesia.
What are your favorite brands?
Christian Louboutin and Lanvin.
You also run an online shop — how did you decide to launch that?
I graduated from university within two years, I thought launching a clothing line [would] need the longest time to establish a strong brand. Why not start soon? Then after one year preparing everything, I was ready to launch two months after I finished my course.
How do you select what merchandise you'll have available?
I look to trends every season, and translate it to something wearable, and what I would wear myself. Also because we are very new, I have limited supplies of fabric and materials, I try hard to provide the best quality in a high-street price. The merchandise I sell these past two months have been selling fast, mainly because a lot of them are produced in a very limited number of pieces. But thank god the response [has been] so overwhelming.
What are your ambitions with Poise24? Would you like to eventual expand outside of Singapore and Indonesia?
Yes, of course. I'm working to expand the production, to keep up with the demand. Then I will concentrate on our marketing efforts. I hope everything will turn great.
What opportunities have come you way through the blog?
I would say being invited to events and meet international designers, models and celebrities in person. Besides, getting to know people who works in fashion and working with them allows me to discover a lot of valuable experience I would never learn in a fashion school.
What are your ambitions outside of the blog?
I wanted to fly around the world and sit front row at exclusive fashion shows at one point in my life. Maybe when I'm older and successful I want to document my journey towards becoming a fashion entrepreneur and write a book to inspire people out there to reach their dreams.
What do you do when you're not blogging?
I like to buy shoes. But most of the time I'm concentrating on my label Poise24. I have so many things to do for a short period of time.
What are three posts from your archives from the beginning to now that new readers should view?
1. Substance abuse problem: expensive footwear
2. Singapore flyer's pink makeover
3. Introducing: Poise24
