@JoelECarlson – Hello everybody and welcome to Twitterview today, and our guest will be @beautybets. Time to look pretty! :)

@BeautyBets – I’m putting on my lipstick!

Q – #1    So let begin @beautybets, where did you grow up, and what were some of the steps you took to get you where you are today?

A:    I grew up in North Oaks, attended Mounds View HS, then left to attend Wake Forest in NC.

I started my career at a fashion mag in London, then came back to MN to be a buyer for Target.

I also did a stint at Aveda, which is what sparked my passion for beauty/wellness.

I joined @MNMOmag as the lifestyle editor 3.5 years ago, and have been writing ever since!

Q – #2    So are you still with @MNMOmag, and what is @beautybets?

A:    I moved to a freelance role for @MNMOmag so I could focus on beauty/wellness writing, including the blog.

beautybets.com is about providing smart, well-written beauty news, candid product reviews, and expert tips/tricks.

When I looked at the beauty blogging landscape, I saw a lack of professional sites. They weren’t blogs I would read!

I’m also building a personal brand as a beauty expert. It’s in my blood, and I could talk about it 24-hrs a day.

Q – #3    What are 2-3 current topics you’ve covered, and what’s the “hottest” haircut style for women right now?

A:    Hot topics: detox/cleanses, dry shampoo, shellack manicures. Am I speaking in tongues?!

Long hair is always in, big messy updos are all the rage, and bangs are still big.

Q – #4     Lets shift gears, how many blog posts a week do you average, and how is Social Media helping you with your brand?

A:    I blog daily M-F. It’s far more work than I anticipated, but planning the blog calendar like a magazine helps.

Social media has been crucial for drawing readers. FB & Twitter are my #3 and #4 traffic drivers.

Twitter has helped me attract a 60% readership outside the TC. It’s not a “local” blog, so I need to reach wide.

I knew very little about social media before I started blogging. @socialnicole is my coach!

I also use twitter to build relationships with brands, experts, and other beauty bloggers. More efficient than email!

Q – #5    @SocialNicole is a good coach! So who are 5-15 people/org’s that you follow in which you benefit from their Tweets?

A:    For beauty/trends: @glambr @cutblog @dailyintel @BeautyBlitz @DailyMakeover @StyleListSays

To stay connected to food/style/biz: @derushaj @minnpost @heavytable @alishops @dbrauer @forbes @fastcompany

I also write a food blog for @MNMOmag so the local dining scene is always on the brain!

Q – #6    Lets then go to your FAVS – Favorite: reatuarant(s), offline store(s), hair salon(s), summer activity and color?

A:    112 Eatery + the lounge at King & I Thai; too many stores to choose just one; Evolution salon in LynLake, and green.

I shopped for a living @MNMOmag, which made me appreciate our amazing local retailers all the more.

Forgot summer activity! Going to my family’s cabins in Grand Marais and Big Sky, MT and hiking up a storm.

Q – #7     are you thoughts on the local food/cart offerings, and what do you see as the next food trend?

A:    It’s about darn time! Street food should be followed by $5 brow threading on the corner, like in NYC!

Oh man, more slow food, fresh food, local food, asking where our food comes from. More from @leezukor!

Fine dining is being redefined. I dread formal meals, and I think most people secretly do as well!

Q – #8    You ARE a good resource! If you could invite any 1 person (dead/alive) for dinner, who would you ask and why?

A:    Easy. My father-in-law, who passed away 3 years ago from cancer. An hour with him would center me for an entire year.

Q – #9    That’s touching. :)  To end today, what advice or mantra would you like to share with everybody?

A:    Mantra: Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never. -Winston Churchill

Advice: Never wear glitter. Never, never, never, never.

@JoelECarlson – Whew!!! I’m glad you commented on not wearing glitter. :) Have a great day @beautybets, and thanks for sharing your thoughts!

@BeautyBets – Thank Joel & Co! It was fun.