The only aspect of my job that I find challenging is dealing with time pressure.

What does the brand The Viennese Girl stand for? 

The brand “The Viennese Girl” embodies the values of independence and personal growth. It represents the belief in standing on one’s own feet and continually seeking knowledge and self-improvement.

Additionally, the brand is dedicated to the pursuit of beauty in life. When visitors come to “The Viennese Girl” website, it aims to serve as an oasis of beauty, captivating them with visually stunning content that elicits a sense of wonder and appreciation.

The blog strives to offer readers something beautiful, useful, interesting, motivating, inspiring, or even humorous, enriching their experience and leaving a lasting impression.

How did you come to the idea of making your own blog?

The idea of creating my own blog came to me organically, as if it was meant to be. There was a strong inner calling urging me to bring this idea to life, and I wholeheartedly believed in its potential. Deep down, I knew that having my own blog would be a transformative experience, one that would enhance my life in meaningful ways. I devoted myself to the project tirelessly, pouring my love and care into it, and watched it grow and flourish.

Part of my motivation for starting the blog was also to find a fulfilling activity to engage in during the cold winter months in Vienna. I wanted something pleasant and rewarding that I could devote my time and energy to.

Ultimately, my blog represents my personal journey. If my experiences, insights, and stories can inspire, motivate, or assist even a single person out there, I consider it a fantastic outcome. The blog serves as a platform where I can share my journey with the hope of making a positive impact on others.

Why did you give this name to your blog?

I chose to name my blog with “The Viennese Girl” because I wanted to establish a connection between myself and my new city. Since I was based in Vienna, it felt natural to incorporate the city’s name into the identity of the blog I was about to create. By embracing this name, I aimed to reflect my affiliation with Vienna and infuse a sense of local identity into my blog’s brand.

Your take on instagram

Instagram has undergone significant changes since its early days in 2013 when I first started using it. Initially, posting photos on the platform brought pure joy, and people were genuinely excited about it. However, the landscape has evolved, and many individuals, myself included, now find Instagram to be more stressful. It seems that this sentiment is shared by many others as well.

That being said, I don’t place the blame solely on Instagram. As a massive business, it is understandable that they aim to maintain control over their platform. This is reflected in the algorithm they employ, which is designed to serve their own interests. While these changes may have created some challenges and frustrations for users, it is important to recognize the complexities involved in running such a large-scale social media platform.

Is it difficult to make a succesful blog?

Creating a successful blog can be a challenging endeavor, especially in today’s saturated digital landscape where numerous blogs already exist. However, this should not discourage individuals from pursuing their blogging aspirations. The key is to remain determined and motivated by one’s own passion and drive. The difficulty or ease of a task should not deter someone from pursuing what they truly desire.

For me personally, the level of difficulty does not dictate my decision to undertake something. If I have a genuine desire to pursue a particular endeavor, I wholeheartedly commit to it regardless of the challenges that may arise.

Have you studied photography?

No, I am a self-taught photographer. I acquired my skills through hands-on experience and learning by doing. It took me several years to develop my photography abilities. Although I always had a desire to learn photography, I initially struggled with knowing where to begin. I didn’t have someone to guide me through the initial steps, so I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and experimentation to hone my craft.

What do you do to improve your photography?

To enhance my photography skills, I avidly observe and study the work of my favorite photographers. I pay close attention to their techniques, compositions, and unique styles, using them as a source of inspiration and learning. Additionally, I find that investing in new photography gear can contribute to my improvement. Trying out new equipment allows me to explore different creative possibilities and expand my technical capabilities. By combining inspiration from established photographers and utilizing the right tools, I continuously strive to enhance and refine my photography skills.

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Q&A PERSONAL 

Why did you come to Austria? 

My decision to come to Austria was not driven by a single reason, but rather a culmination of various factors. At a certain point in my life, I reached a stage where I felt that my current location no longer offered me the fulfillment I sought. I had recently experienced the loss of my beloved pet, and I found myself lacking in meaningful connections as my friends were each pursuing their own paths in life. Each day seemed monotonous and indistinguishable from the next, leaving me craving something more.

With a longstanding curiosity about life abroad, I conceived the idea of going to Vienna for three months to immerse myself in German language courses and improve my proficiency. The idea initially sparked during the Christmas season and gradually solidified over the following months. Eventually, on June 2, 2011, I embarked on my journey, leaving my previous home behind in search of new experiences and personal growth.

 Read my story here.

Do you consider moving to another country?

Currently, I do not have any immediate plans to relocate to another country. However, I maintain an open mindset towards any opportunities that may arise. If there is a substantial and compelling reason to move to another country, I would carefully assess the situation and make informed decisions accordingly. Looking ahead, one of my dreams for the future is to eventually reside on a Greek island. It is a vision that holds great appeal to me, and I hope to see it realised one day.

How were the first years in Vienna?

The initial years in Vienna were quite challenging for me. Looking back, it is daunting to reflect on what I went through during that time. Due to financial constraints, I faced difficulties in securing my own apartment in Vienna. As a result, I had to navigate living in shared accommodations with individuals I didn’t have a prior connection with. Unfortunately, this meant sharing living spaces with people who I didn’t have a genuine interest in or a long-term connection with. This reality of shared apartments can be disheartening and poses its own set of challenges.

I have always disliked the situation of not having my own apartment in Vienna. Sharing living spaces with strangers, who often proved to be incompatible with my lifestyle and interests, was a less than ideal experience. Moreover, the need to relocate every year added further complications and inconveniences to my life. Constantly being on the hunt for a new apartment prevented me from fully focusing on the things that truly mattered to me. It was a disruptive and unsettling period that made it challenging to establish stability and concentrate on my priorities.

What is your motivation? 

My motivation stems from a strong desire to break free from a monotonous and unfulfilling existence. I am driven by the determination to avoid settling for a life that brings me boredom and misery. This serves as a constant reminder to actively create a life that aligns with my values and brings me joy. I am committed to forging a path that allows me to genuinely enjoy the journey, and I can feel myself progressing towards that goal. With each step I take, I am getting closer to the fulfilling life I aspire to lead.

Where do you live now? 

I currently reside in my own modest apartment, which I affectionately refer to as my “shoe box”. Its small size has taught me the essence of minimalism, embracing the concept of owning only a few cherished belongings. In this space, there is no room for unnecessary items; I have carefully curated my possessions to include only what I genuinely need and truly love.

Looking ahead, my next objective is to find a larger apartment that can accommodate my evolving needs. Specifically, I aspire to have an additional room dedicated as a photography studio. This will provide me with a dedicated space to pursue my passion and further develop my skills as a photographer.

On minimalism

I have developed a deep appreciation for the concept of minimalism, thanks to my experience in my small apartment. It has taught me valuable lessons about the significance of owning only a few selected items that truly hold meaning and enhance my life.

Before making a purchase, I now pause and reflect, asking myself essential questions: Is this something I genuinely need? Will it bring value and enrich my life? This mindset has guided me towards investing in quality over quantity.

For example, I prioritize acquiring one timeless, meticulously crafted clothing piece Made in Italy over owning multiple inexpensive polyester garments. By embracing minimalism, I prioritize meaningful possessions that align with my values and provide long-term satisfaction.

On friendships 

 People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime!

Your 3 best decisions in your life

Here are three of the most impactful decisions I have made in my life:

Embracing the opportunity to learn Italian.

Making the bold move to relocate to Vienna.

Creating and launching my travel blog, “The Viennese Girl.”

What are the first things that you do when you wake up?

Upon waking up, my morning routine typically begins by turning on some music to set a positive tone for the day. Following this, I proceed to freshen up by washing my face and brushing my teeth. Opening the windows to let in some fresh air is another essential step in starting my day off on a refreshing note.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I consider myself a night owl through and through. I find myself most productive and inspired during the late hours of the night. It’s not uncommon for me to work diligently in front of my computer until the early hours, even as late as 4 a.m. On the other hand, waking up early is quite a challenge for me, as I thrive best when the moon is high in the sky rather than when the sun rises.

Are you married? Do you want children?

Currently, I am not married. My focus and priority lie in prioritizing my mental well-being over rushing into a marriage or starting a family. Establishing and maintaining healthy human relationships can be challenging in today’s world. However, I do believe that finding the right life partner can be an incredible blessing.

In a fulfilling relationship, I value qualities such as mutual respect, genuine appreciation, honesty, strong emotional connection, support, effective communication, generosity, empathy, commitment, and compatibility. These are the principles I hold dear, and I am unwilling to settle for anything less.

Why do you like traveling and photography so much? 

Traveling has always held a special place in my heart as it initially provided an escape from the monotony of daily life and a way to distance myself from personal challenges. Over time, my passion for travel has evolved, and it has become an integral part of my profession.

Photography, on the other hand, brings me immense joy because it allows me to capture and immortalize the things I find captivating or long for but may not possess in reality. It grants me the illusion of ownership, even when I cannot physically acquire something. If I am unable to purchase an item, I can still capture its essence through the lens of my camera. This creative process brings me fulfillment and a sense of connection to the world around me.

What is your favourite topic of discussion?