Building a successful blog takes passion and dedication. The process doesn't happen overnight, and often great blogs undergo many transformations until they find their niche. We recognize the importance of women creating our own spaces online. These bloggers offer exceptional content in their respective niches.

Now is the time for Black women creatives to start work on their own projects. If Issa Rae's journey from YouTube star to network television showrunner hasn't inspired you already, there are plenty of other Black women to look for motivation. Take for example, Franchesca Ramsey bka Chescaleigh. After years of working diligently on building a social media following, her "Shit White Girls Say...to Black Girls" video earned her multiple television appearances and major media features. Her dedication to doing the work paid off in a major way. We salute her for being truthful to her experience as a Woman of Color. Franchesca graciously answered a few of our questions about her rising career and her future.

For more than five years, Gina McCauley has inspired us by lifting her voice in defense of Black women and girls. Her blog, What About Our Daughters, illuminates news and causes overlooked by mainstream media. 


Championing Black women won't win you any popularity contests as Gina will attest, but she's never backed down from a fight. That, is of course, why the trailblazing founder of the Blogging While Brown conference is called "the Blogmother." 

I love reading what brilliant, black women across the internet publish on their personal blogs. Here's a sampling of the best I came across recently. Be sure to visit and leave comments! - Kim

What came first the chicken or the apathy? // The Feminist Griote

This is America where you are free to openly screw yourself over in the name of waffle fries. This is the only country where a Black man can get a swastika tattooed on his person, and think he is being revolutionary! I am not surprised that many within the queer community see nothing wrong with supporting Chick-Fil-A. As long as long as there is Glee on tv, the President is okay with gay marriage, and we have a prominent Black male artist using both he/she pronouns in his music, we can queue the fat lady. But in actuality there is still work to be done.
Do keep in mind when a company that makes chicken sandwiches chooses to make political donations to anti-gay foundations, make highly charged anti-gay comments, they cease being an apolitical entity. Remember “the personal is always political,” feminism taught me that!

Willow Smith: My Unexpected Shero // Her Soul Inc.

My eleven-year-old self looks up from her journal filled with questions, inhibitions and insecurities and smiles brightly at that example. I was nowhere near confident enough to even think the words, “I’m free to be me,” at eleven. I was awkward and shy and afraid of what anyone would think of my every move. Scared to death of making mistakes and being laughed at. And here Little Miss Willow Smith is, allowing her adolescence to play out for an audience of millions.

As we begin to learn more and more about the harmful effects of chemicals and toxins in the products we use everyday, a switch to a "green" lifestyle seems like the best choice. Many Black women want to embrace green living, but simply don't know where to start. Enter Karama of Savvy Brown. Her blog documents herquest to live a healthier, natural lifestyle on a budget. She talked with us about her blogging journey. 

Finally, it seems Black women bloggers are getting the due respect they deserve. You'll find them in major publications, on national television, at conferences across the country. Their voices reach across platforms. These women show the world breadth of our knowledge with their pointed, thoughtful commentary. This year, we've assembled a brand new list of women of African descent who share their voices online. Thought many of the women maintain their own blogs, some do not. They each use the digital space to facilitate diverse dialogues about our womanhood and our interests.

If you follow the media and American ignorance, you'll think that Haiti was simply a black colony that fought the French, dabbled in black magic, descended into extreme poverty and suffered an earthquake. Growing up in a Haitian family filled with lawyers, doctors, clergy men and entrepreneurs, I always felt frustrated that my homeland always was painted as being this dark land inhabited by barbarians. I knew the truth. I knew that this gorgeous land, filled with people of all shades and ethnic backgrounds, was special and wished that those who slandered us and belittled us for our pride and courage could just get a glimpse of what I and so many others know as the truth.

We're always looking for ways to amplify the voices of Black women. We do it within our community, but there are many more brilliant sistas writing themselves into history. Even if we tried, there's no way For Harriet could showcase all of the incredible bloggers we find.

We asked our readers to submit their best posts from last month, and here are our favorites.

Love Like I've Never Been Heart Before: Blessed Through The Pain - Ari Speaks

Have I been perfect in loving?  No.  But I am still happy that I have loved.  My pastor told me a few years ago, “When you love, you love deeply.”  And he was so right in his observation of me.  In fact, every man I have ever loved, I still love.  Even after and in the midst of all the pain, let downs, and disappointments, I still love.  The scripture really is true, “Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians 13: 8) It really keeps going, even if the relationship does not.  Love keeps going.

Emotional Manipulation is the New Racism - Asis Chronicle

That we had to explain to the Lone White Guy that advocating for the interests of African American students (which was, after all, why we were there) doesn’t make us “exclusionary” nor “reverse racists” in our advocacy made me realize this: As long as we are being bullied or otherwise coerced into advocating alongside others in support of their objectives, we’re the most cooperative and understanding people anyone’s ever come across, and everyone will say so.

But, the second we decide to advocate for dismantling public policies that negatively impact us and the members of our communities, EVERYBODY – white folk, especially – goes all “Can’t we all just get along?” on us.

Who's Lovin' You? - Checkin' Up & Checkin' In With Toni Staton Harris

I can say for certain is that when one gets her own worth, the supernova of peace and choice is unleashed and cannot be contained.  A woman who knows, believes deep down in her heart that she is worthy of greatness looms an unrivaled presence.  A worthy woman who truly loves herself cannot help but be properly loved in return, if one is privileged to be invited and take residence in her space.  A worthy woman doesn’t ask the question Who’s Lovin’ You.   A Worthy woman is the answer.

Rethink Everything - Felicia Pride

The radical act of self-care - Inkblot

Let me say this again, because sometimes we need to hear it more than once – we all deserve care, simply because we exist. That means you. And caring for yourself is one of the most powerful ways you can care for the world around you. 

An Open Letter to My Ex-Lovers - LoveJonesLifestyle

One of you used to make me cry but you didn't know it. My pride wouldn't allow me to display such 'weakness' before you.  That's why I preferred to keep a straight face & let my big mouth & cuss words do it all for me.  It was a smoke screen.  You were so fine to me and all I wanted to do was keep you, but somehow, when I tried to express that, the words would get stalled in my throat. That's why you couldn't grasp what I was saying. I wasn't telling you the whole truth. You went on with your life, doing what you wanted to do & I held a grudge against you for it. For some reason, I actually thought that you could read my mind & know that I wanted us to be together. Some years later, I was able to confess a lot to you and how I felt things went down between us. You confessed your wrongdoings & that was enough for me, but you took it a step further and healed me with your apology. Thank you.

Pryor's Place and The End of Saturday Mornings - Notes From The Brown Mama Underground

Ooh, Child - Read Bean Dreams

Loss and responsibility is not unique to black girls, of course.  The way we must bear it, however, is disproportionately harsher than non-black girls.  The world falls very squarely on far too many of our tiny shoulders.  When your resources are limited, options in the way of assistance are also limited.  By the time we’re women, too many of us have dealt with issues far above our pay grade, and the reaction to us is visceral and unforgiving.  We’re dismissed as broken and angry, and far too few people care to examine what has actually broken or angered us.

We'll do another roundup next month, so get ready to send us your best post from the month of June!

As a kid, I often felt voiceless. I didn't grow up in one of those TV drama homes where we discussed our feelings. I've always been opinionated, but I, like many Black women, was taught to turn emotional affairs inward. Subsequently, I became a great actress and fooled most everyone I encountered for the majority of my life. And then my house of cards came tumbling down during my third year of college.

It was during that time that I founded For Harriet and discovered storytelling saves lives. I don't believe in coincidences. That this forum launched at the time my life fell apart isn't lucky. Put simply: a blog, this blog, saved me.

Author Michele Grant began blogging to promote her published work, but now years later her popular blog Black 'n Bougie has taken on a life of its own. Michele's thriving blog community always dishes the real deal on love, relationships and family. She shares her blogging insights with us below:


Your blog, Black 'n Bougie, is such a fun, honest site. Why did you start it?

I started Black 'n Bougie in 2009 as a platform to showcase my writing. My first book, Heard it all Before was coming out the following winter. I hoped that if I wrote a blog and people liked my style of writing, that would translate into book sales. But then, as I began writing the blog - it became a platform, therapy, and a community.

Tami Winfrey Harris uses her blog, What Tami Said, as a vehicle to share her voice on a variety of topics. With her thoughtful, bold perspective, Tami provides a much needed corrective to dominant discourses about Women of Color.  We love her because meet ever holds back. With each post, she proves writing about your passion is the key to blogging success.


When did you start your blog, "What Tami Says," and what purpose did you hope it would serve on the internet? 

What Tami Said started as a way for me to flex my creative muscles, as well as tackle issues that are important to me. Writing has always been my passion and I have a journalism background. But a few years ago, I found that my daily life wasn't giving me the outlet for creativity that I needed. At the same time, it bothered me that voices like mine--voices of progressive black women--were essentially silenced in the media. Then I stumbled upon Gina McCauley's blog, What About Our Daughters, and I was fascinated by both her voice and activism. I was inspired to begin my own blog. At the time, I'm not sure I had any belief that What Tami Said would serve a purpose for anyone but myself. I never stop being surprised and gratified when I hear that my little corner of the web has had some impact on a reader.

A lot of blogs tend to shift in direction from their original style, yet yours has remained consistent. What do you attribute this consistency to? 

What Tami Said really reflects the things that interest me and that I care about. Race, gender, politics, pop culture, some books and music--those are simply my interests, and blogging has allowed me to deepen my understanding and knowledge in those areas, which I really appreciate.  I suppose my blog has remained consistent, because my interests have remained consistent.


What would you say is the biggest lesson you've learned about yourself, and black women from blogging? 

Black women are awesome. I always knew this, of course. But screw all those media messages. Really. Everyday, through my work on the web, I meet another sister doing something amazing. And not just black women. There are so many women doing great things that go unrecognized both offline, but online, too. For instance, the media isn't giving enough attention to sexist attacks on reproductive freedom in this country--attacks that will hurt marginalized women the most--but there are several women online who are just dogged about shedding light on what we have to lose. That's real work. That's real, important work. And it's being done, in most cases, by women who aren't making money for it. They're using their writing talent and online platforms to report, analyze, make a statement and move people. How can you not admire that? It blows me away.

The biggest benefit of my blogging has been developing friendships with some really smart and cool people--women and men.


Being a black woman who is outspoken on social, political, and economic issues definitely comes with a lot of critique and even attacks. How do you deal with this downside of blogging? 

*knocks wood* So far, I have been spared the attacks often faced by outspoken women, especially online. Not that my blog doesn't attract a troll or two, from time to time, but I think What Tami Said and the other spaces where I contribute tend to be populated by progressive-minded people. When I have written for outlets with readers not well versed in, say, anti-racism, it has been harder. You have to state your case and have confidence in your stance, but also know that some people can't be reached. Some people are resistant to acknowledging their own privilege. Others aren't ready. I'm always down for a PRODUCTIVE debate, but I won't allow myself or my readers to be abused, and I only have so much patience for folks who want to run up in a place just to play the derailing contrarian.


How do you think your blog has helped support the community of black women online? 

I try to be responsive to other bloggers, answering their requests and questions. I try to give a signal boost, through my blog, social media and word of mouth, to black women bloggers doing good work. And I also try to share connections and opportunities. I think that last bit is crucial. A lot of ink has been spilled over the fact that it is tougher for black bloggers to be noticed and tapped for mainstream opportunities. It's true. So, when I get a little shine, I try to throw a little someone else's way. When a cyber sister gets a book deal or an article published, I try to promote it.


How do you see your writing and blog evolving in the next 3-5 years? 

I've been lucky to be able to contribute to other spaces like Racialicious, the Guardian, Clutch magazine and Ms. magazine. Over the coming years, I hope to have more opportunities to write, beyond What Tami Said, on and offline. I am currently working on a book that I hope will be a corrective to the sexist and racist current conversation about black women and marriage. It will include first-person narratives from diverse women, including women who don't wish to marry, women in interracial relationships and queer women--all of whom are usually left out of the "black marriage crisis discussion." What Tami Said will continue to be the centerpiece of my work--the place where I get to be myself and let my metaphorical hair down.



What advice would you give to women who are new to blogging? 

Write about what moves you. It will bring more passion to your work. Readers will be more engaged if you are engaged. Also, be a part of the blogging community. Get to know other bloggers. Contribute to other spaces. Give back. It will be rewarding for your blog and also personally. Lastly, harness the power of social media.

Don't believe the hype. Black women aren't tragically single. Many of us triumphantly partnered. Black Bridal Bliss celebrates the beauty of black love and marriage. The site's creator, Bridgette Bartlett, made it her mission to spread the joy of women descendant of the African Diaspora.

She shares her blogging success story with us.

I started blogging in 2007 as a creative release. The blog was called People.Places.Things and I posted on everything from fashion and travel to hip hop. Although it was strictly recreational. I didn't realize it at the time, but it was preparing me for BlackBridalBliss.com.
I was laid off from my position as Research Chief of Essence.com in November 2009. Although my title was research chief, I basically functioned as the lifestyle editor for the site. While there, I launched the widely popular Wedding Wednesday: Bridal Bliss feature. It was definitely one of the most rewarding parts of the gig. So when I received my pink slip I quickly began planning to launch my own Bridal Bliss site highlighting the nuptials of Black women and five months after leaving Essence.com, BlackBridalBliss.com was born. It sounds so cliche but getting laid off was a blessing in disguise.  


How important is good web design to a blog's success?

"Good" web design is pretty relative. I'm currently in the process of a redesign that will hopefully be complete by mid-May. The design and general aesthetics of BlackBridalBliss.com is extremely important to me because I am a visual person and most women planning their weddings are driven by images. However, I think the content of Triple B has proven to be more important to the success of the site than design. The bridal blog world is a huge one and many of my peers have sites with far more design bells and whistles than I do. However what is unique about Triple B is the connection and dedication to Black women.



Does "black love" exist? What makes it different?

Yes, Black love does exist but I think Indian, Italian, Japanese and Australian love exists, too. My decision to name the site Black Bridal Bliss has given and occasionally still causes some people to pause. The bottom line is this: My site caters to women preparing to get married who are a product of the African Diaspora. She can be American, Canadian (like my former Road to Mrs. blogger, Nadine Mauricette), Caribbean, British, etc. She might be marrying a Black man, a Chinese man or a Swedish woman. My goal is to assist (planning a wedding is a lot of work!) and celebrate Black women who are getting married. When people aren't viewed as human beings, it is challenging -- to say the least -- to view their love as real and true. Black men and women historically have had their love dismissed and discouraged. Just within the last year, the otherwise esteemed publication Psychology Today printed an absurd article about Black women being less attractive than their peers, a Dutch magazine referred to global pop star Rihanna as a niggerb?tch and senator Jim Sensenbrenner made crude comments about the size of U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama’s tush without consequence. And then there are the countless messages in media about Black women, especially professional Black women, being lonely, bitter and angry. All of these factors make Black love different and if nothing else resilient.


How do you find time to blog?

I struggle with this constantly. In addition to maintaining BlackBridalBliss.com, I am a regular freelancer for other publications such as Heart & Soul, PEOPLE and JUICY. I also attempt to have some semblance of a personal life and the latter is increasingly more important to me. At times I succeed at balancing it all and other times I fail. My time management is truly a work in progress. I recently starting working with an intern to assist with some of the administrative Triple B tasks which frees up my time to actually "blog". In addition, I constantly jot down post ideas in my notebook or phone because my ideas are fleeting. I'm also accepting that every blog post doesn't have to be 500 words long -- this is a hard practice to break coming from a print background.


What's the best thing your blog has given you?

Oh wow, I don't think I can narrow it down to one! The top three would be as follows: 1) Women and even men of various ages and economic backgrounds have informed me that Triple B gives them hope in love again because they can actually see themselves in the stories and pictures featured on the site. 2) I've in turn met so many talented people who inspire me! Just this past weekend I attended the shoe launch of a young Black woman in Baltimore who I plan to feature on Triple B; there is a bridal collection in her line. She's also working on her PhD. Tomorrow I'm speaking with a Princeton University student at her request for her senior thesis about African-American brides. Triple B attracts some amazing folks. 3) I get the opportunity to show nearlyweds that having your dream wedding does not have to send you to the poorhouse. There is a misconception that weddings are always debt-inducing (and yes they can be) but they certainly don't have to put couples in the red yet they can still be stylish and memorable.


What advice would you give to new bloggers?

Blog about something that you're truly passionate about; not just topics that you think will give you access to celebrities, events, freebies, etc. When you follow your bliss (no pun intended) the perks will eventually come -- perks you probably weren't even expecting. Do take the time to read blogs of those that have similar content to you but don't let what they do (or don't do) consume you. That is a dangerous road to be on in blogging and in life. You should only compete with yourself.

Visit BlackBridalBliss.com and join the Black Girls Blogging community to connect with other Black women bloggers!

Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista recognized the potential in blogging and seized every opportunity that's come her way. Now she's well on her way to building a new media empire centered around her passion for plus-size fashion.

Marie understands the importance of branding in the crowded online space, and she graciously answered a few questions about how she created her own space.

How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
I have been blogging for three years and a few months now! I started my blog as first an outlet for my findings while in grad school. I knew that blogs were going to be the next best resource or outlet and I used this to show and share all the jewels I found in plus size fashion. It was more of a gathering place of resources!

Do you blog full time? How did you make that transition?
I do, I do blog full time! It started as a side hustle, but then… Interestingly enough, I lost my job on Friday the 13th of March 2009. My blog was just starting to pick up and I was getting my little groove of things. Having a great support system, my friends and family did not let me wallow in my woes. I threw myself into my blog- full speed ahead and have not looked back since!

Your name is very closely associated with your brand. How did you make that decision?
You know, I never really thought about doing otherwise! I knew I wanted people to know this was my baby, my project, my thoughts. From there it had evolved into something else entirely. It’s funny, many people think that Denee is my last name…

How has blogging shifted the fashion world's approach to plus size fashion?
You know what? Blogging and social media both have given the plus size woman a voice to speak up and out about what we want, need, and love about what is available to us. Beyond that, blogging has given the plus size woman an outlet and resource to commune with other like minded Fashionistas!

I feel that through blogging, designers, media, and Fashionistas have a new found approach and respect for the coming together of plus size and fashion. Blogging has helped shed those notions and stereotypes that have oft shrouded the plus size woman. She is confident, bold, daring- all things that for the longest, plus size women were never celebrated to be.
Times are changing!

You've witnessed the explosion of the blogosphere. Is the space getting too crowded? 
Never! I think the diversity brings about newness, diversity, a freshness, and a development of ideas to push fashion further!

Your digital brand has afforded you many offline opportunities. Which have been your favorites? 
Ahh… I have to say that working with Chevy as their Fashion Cruzearati has definitely been a life and game changer for me! This was the first time that I realized the potential of my brand and that really gave me credibility to other brands!

Another moving moment for me is being on the production team of Full Figured Fashion Week which takes place in New York and Los Angeles! (www.fffweek.com) Through the mentorship of Gwen DeVoe, I have had the opportunity to work with and meet some really amazing and innovative women within the plus size fashion community!

What's the best thing your blog has given you?
Freedom to be and do what I want and how I want to. I have been working since the age of 15, playing and adhering to the rules and limitations of others. I think even beyond freedom, it has given me courage to think bigger, dream greater, grow further than I could ever imagine myself to!

I have learned just how strong I am. You know, you never know your own strength until your back is against the wall… this journey as a blogger has afforded me the chance to grow as a woman, friend, advocate, lover, and sister in ways I could have never thought. I am beyond grateful.

Though yours is not a "black blog," how has support from African American women helped you in your bogging life? 
Ohhh… where would I be without them? Seriously, dubbed my Fairy blog mothers, I have had the pleasure and grand opportunity to look to Gwen from FFFWeek.com, Kathryn from The Budget Fashionista, Patrice from Afrobella, Nichelle from StyleMom, and Claire from FashionBomb, all of whom who have selflessly given me advice, direction, insights, and feedback that I honestly know have shaped and developed me to where I am now!

They give me the strength, support and moxie to step out! I think in business and blogging, it definitely takes a village! Because of this, I make sure to humbly pay it forward!

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a blog?
Such an open question… I would have to say to be honest as to why you want to start your blog, find your own voice, do your research, and have fun.  I cannot stress enough to have fun and enjoy your life. While I am a business, have obligations, and responsibilities, I try my darndest to have fun!



Visit The Curvy Fashionista and follow Marie Denee on Twitter.


Join the Black Girls Blogging community to connect with other bloggers and learn how to blog better!

Social media provides Black women opportunities to define who we are and what we hope to become. Black Girls Blogging is a new feature on For Harriet that explores the ways Black women share their voices and build community online.

At first glance, you'll assume My Vicarious Life is a typical fashion blog but Katrice Mines' stirring commentary sets it apart. The Editor-by-day found the perfect balance of the aesthetic and the intellectual. She shares her inspirations and motivations with us below.


What made you decide to start MVL?
I started MVL in 2010 as a space for me to chronicle my self-imposed challenge of getting to know the city – restaurants, boutiques, attractions and everything in between. The challenge was inspired by what felt like constant explaining to people what I enjoy about being single and to prove through my posts that life is what you make it.


You edit a print publication. How has that impacted the way you approach blogging?
My career as an editor helps me to provide a very curated approach to content – choice and presentation. Although MyVicariousLyfe.com is a light and airy lifestyle blog, I take care to offer crisp writing and well-considered posts. And it has also helped me to stay true to my editorial scope, which is very much centered around insight on the things that I love and only what I believe worthy of coverage. When my readers leave MVL, I hope that they feel as if they have had an experience with me.


MVL began with more of a lifestyle focus, but you now seem to focus on fashion. What inspired the shift?
The shift happened organically. I love fashion {and shopping} and so I tend to gravitate more to what gets my attention in that realm. But, my aim this year is to be more diverse with my content. You'll see more commentary, more travel and more of me in my professional life. In short, I'm fighting the "shift" because if you talk to me, you'll actually get so much more. I'll be chatting you up about a World War II documentary or something along those lines.


What's the best thing your blog has given you?
My blog has essentially given me – me. I launched hoping that it would inspire others. MVL has, in fact, inspired me. I have learned to accept my voice and to take myself seriously, and I realize that through my blog, I become more of myself everyday.


What have you learned about yourself through blogging?
Two things: That I am obsessed with excellence and with the opportunity to enliven others. If I learn something, I can't wait to share it. I receive something, I can't wait to share it. I'm trying to live my best life so well that others can't resist doing the same.


In what ways has your blog enabled you to connect with Black women online?
I did a post in October titled, “How Blogs are Bringing Black Women Together,” and it was simply to say thank you to the women who have become a community, of sorts, for me and for us. Blogging has somehow allowed us to take down some of the barriers that we place up out of socialization and to realize that we are not each others enemies. I have connected with so many brilliant women that I now consider my sisterfriends on Twitter and Facebook – and met many of them in person because of our online introductions. So many women that I didn't even know lifted me up when I was just getting started and so unsure of myself and my blog, and that has made all the difference.


What advice would you give to women looking to find their voice online? 
I would say take some time to carefully consider what exactly they want to bring forth and to be authentic -- above all else. Two things that can make establishing yourself difficult in the sea of content is being unsure and trying to be all things to all people. Decide your thesis and stay true.

Visit MyVicariousLyfe.com and follow Katrice on Twitter

Join the Black Girls Blogging community, and learn how to blog better!