Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Murphy.
Hi Stacy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story starts in Washington, DC. My husband and I moved there for my job back in 2012. I had done my internship in DC and was thrilled to now be calling it home. We lived on the Hill, Capitol Hill that is, and spent our weekends exploring the neighborhood and the city as a whole. Friends and colleagues would always ask for recommendations on where to eat, what museums to visit, etc. but I also started getting asked where did I shop and how did I curate my style.
At that point, Haute on the Hill was born. It was a simple little blog that honestly came to fruition because I was tired of retyping the same recommendations over and over – the blog was a really efficient way to share information. My blog offered the opportunity to network and meet stylish, brilliant women in DC that eventually became my close circle of girlfriends and gave me a sense of community. Haute on the Hill was a passion project and a creative outlet.
Fast forward to 2018, I now have four years old twins and we decide to move back to Texas to be closer to family. We decided on the far west edge of Austin near a town called Dripping Springs, known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country”. At that point, Haute on the Hill became Haute in the Hill Country – same style, new hill.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly has not been smooth! I’m self-taught and this is not a full-time gig. Haute in the Hill Country is something I do in my free time, which there is not much of. I work full time as a National Sales Manager for a Global Manufacturer. The twins are now five and busy little bees. My husband and I do the best we can to make time for ourselves and our marriage outside of work and family. It’s not a balance, it’s a juggling act.
The worst phrase that ever was coined for women was ‘having it all’ – none of us have it all, not at once. Every day is a trade off for what is the priority in that moment in time. I’m often writing after the twins go to bed or before they get up for school in the morning because those are my only hours available for this passion project of mine. I love it, so to me, the early mornings and late nights are worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The intent behind Haute in the Hill Country is to share the best local finds in the Hill Country and support local business. I offer my influencer services to all local businesses pro-bono, I do not charge rates to support those in my community.
You’ll see my personal style, interior design tips, and travel summaries on the blog as well but the majority of Haute in the Hill Country is Hill Country content. Collaborating with local businesses is meaningful work that is a unique way for me to give back to my community. I love meeting these owners and hearing how their dream came to life.
Small businesses have gone through an extraordinary struggle over the past 18 months, if a post or share can help drive foot traffic to keep them afloat then I am very glad to do the work.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I believe social media and blogging is constantly evolving and not necessarily for the better. Because it is a hobby and not my main source of income, I very rarely monetize my platform. I wouldn’t ever want my blog to be my main source of income. I have no judgment to those who have chosen that career path – it’s just not for me.
I am extremely particular about who I am willing to contract with for posts. If I haven’t spent my own money on it, you better believe I won’t even consider getting paid to promote it. I feel like social is overly saturated with people selling and it’s just not fun or inspiring. Authenticity is the currency of influencers, and I hope my readers know I do not and would not sell out my name or personal brand for something I do not believe in.
Contact Info:
- Email: stacy@hauteinthehillcountry.com
- Website: hauteinthehillcountry.com
- Instagram: @hauteinthehillcountry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hauteinthehillcountry
Image Credits
Photo of Family – Gypsy Pearl Studio
