This is an exclusive Kalon Queens feature highlighting one of my favorite influencers, Christine Kong. We’ve interacted with each other digitally for about a year now, and she’s been a huge inspiration in shaping my influencer career and online brand. Christine has garnered an impressive and loyal following of over 100K followers in her 5 years of blogging, and has worked with many luxury and reputable brands in the fashion and lifestyle spaces. Join me in welcoming Christine to learn about her journey in developing Daily Kongfidence while inspiring so many women to be confident, fashionable, and trendy!
I love the name of your brand, Daily Kongfidence, it’s beautiful! How did you come up with it and what inspired you to start your blog?
Daily Kongfidence is a play on my last name, Kong. When I started my blog, I knew I wanted to share a message about being confident. Growing up, we all face insecurities and self doubt. I didn’t grow into my own confidence until I went to college. Having children of my own (and two girls for that matter), I felt it was important to spread confidence through fashion, beauty, food, and more.
I was actually inspired to start my blog to show that moms could still be confident, fashionable and trendy after having kids. My husband, on the other hand, didn’t want me to put our children on social media which I completely respect. So what started out as a venture to show that moms are hip and trendy, ended up becoming just a personal blog about me.
Can you tell us a bit about your background, and how you became interested in sharing about fashion and lifestyle?
My background is completely different than what you see on social media. I graduated UCLA with a business degree and a minor in accounting. I did consulting for several years for Fortune 500 companies in distress, bankruptcy and turnarounds. I always knew I wanted to do something more creative though. Growing up I was always passionate about fashion, needing the latest 7 for All Mankind jeans or those platform sneakers. I was wearing statement earrings in 6th grade! After having my kids and finding myself at home with some free time, I decided to launch my blog.
Have you always known what you wanted to pursue?
If you’re asking if I knew I wanted to be a blogger and expected this even four years ago when I started, definitely not. But I have the personality to go after the things I want and go at them at 110%. It’s all or nothing with me. SO when I started this journey, I didn’t expect it to become a full fledged business, but I definitely put in my time, posting three times a day, networking, pitching myself, etc. The way I saw it, if I was spending 6 hours a day on it, I might as well turn it into something.
Where are you based and do you see yourself there long term?
I am based in Orange County, CA and yes, I am here for the long term. Orange County is a suburb in Southern CA, close enough to LA, but an ideal place to raise my family.
What has your influencer journey been like? Tell us about some of the connections you’ve made and brand you’ve gotten to work with.
It’s been incredible! The best part of this entire journey is working with brands and building relationships with other bloggers, mentors, and companies I never even imagined. The most amazing feeling is when I brand I have been using for a while reaches out to me to work together. I mean…. I still pinch myself at times when these opportunities arise. I’ve worked with big brands like La Mer, Laura Mercier, Pantene, Olay, Nars, Charlotte Tilbury, Nordstrom, Maje, to hotels like Fairmont, Ritz Carlton, Rosewood, to smaller brands just starting out to help spread awareness like Skinesque, Rael Beauty, Tata Harper, and more.
Also, bloggers I’ve met through this journey have become friends. We support each other and share ideas and even do collaborations to help each other out.
How do you balance influencer life with motherhood?
Ohhh this is a tough one. Balance is something I’ve struggled with from the very beginning. It’s hard, especially when you are trying to create something for yourself and you spend so much time and effort in it. I’ve had instances of darkness where I wanted to quit and give it up, questioning myself, what I was doing, everything. But I am so glad I didn’t! To balance, I try and post and mostly be on the phone when my kids are at school. I take weekends off for the most part so that I can be fully present with my family and their activities. I am more picky about the events I go to so that I am not missing bedtimes and nighttime cuddles. Can we have it all? Honestly, no. But you can prioritize what’s important and make sacrifices here and there and still have 90% – 95%.
Who do you look up to?
I know this is a cliche, but I look up to my mother. She is one tough cookie who has sacrificed so much and gone through breast cancer, a brain tumor, caretaker to my father who passed away from cancer, caretaker to my 102 year old grandma now, and someone who is not only a survivor, but one that does it with kindness, generosity, and love. She is one incredible person and I am blessed to have her as a role model.
You are known for inspiring women to be confident in their choices and in who they are no matter what they wear. What advice would you give your teenage self? And can you share some advice for those nervous in this area?
I would tell my teenage self not to care so much what others think of you. We all get caught up in what others think and what others are doing. However, by doing so, we lose sight of what we are trying to achieve and end up being the same as everyone else. We each have our own talents and uniqueness that needs to be shared.
What does women’s empowerment mean to you? And how can we support one another better?
Empowerment to me means supporting other women. If we viewed others doing the same thing as sisters, not competitors, we would all win by supporting and encouraging each other. I’ve personally been able to grow more and learn more with the help of others and in turn I like to do the same. I am very open with sharing what has worked for me and also providing contacts when I can. By helping each other, we rise together.
What are qualities that you look for in partnership with a brand?
Authenticity. The best partnerships are ones that are genuine. I love working with brands in which I was already using their products or wearing their clothes. I also think it’s important when a brand allows you to use their products before you make a decision on whether to work with them or not. As Influencers, we owe it to our followers to share honest reviews and recommendations based on what we love.
How would you describe your style?
My style has actually changed quite a bit since I first started blogging. If you go to my first posts, I was wearing lots of heels. These days I am all about comfort but making it chic. I love anything high waisted, puff sleeve, and monochrome.
What are some of your favorite pieces to invest in? And why?
Chanel bag because it’s a classic. One you can pass down to your kids or one you can resell for as much as you purchased it for or more. Cartier love bracelet. Goes up in value and you can’t take it off by yourself so you get the most wear out of it.
How do you take care of yourself? What’s your favorite self-care practice?
Self-care is such a hot topic and one that everyone needs to practice. For me, I try to get in a workout at least three times a week. It helps me not only feel better about myself and sets the tone for eating better too, but it gives me a break to do something solely just for me. I also love skincare, as you know, so even doing a mask for 10-15 minutes is a great way to practice self-care.
Proudest moment to date?
Hands down my kids.
What has been some of the most challenging aspects of starting and growing your personal brand and blog?
Balance. Balance is something I struggle with all the time because I feel like I could always be doing more. It’s taken me a long time to figure it out and learn to say no when I can’t and set priorities. Also learning to ask for help when you don’t know how to do something. I started this blindly as a hobby and have learned a lot along the way. Without networking, reaching out to other bloggers and brands, there is no way I could have gotten to this point.
What are 3 must have fashion pieces that you think every woman should invest in?
Blazer, black or nude pumps, and a Chanel bag.
Fun Facts:
- Current book you’re reading: embarrassed to say none
- Hobby: online shopping
- Favorite podcast and/or blog: How I Built This podcast
- Role model(s): My mom, definitely
- Favorite vacation destination: Paris and Oahu
- How can people find you:
- Website: http://dailykongfidence.com/
- Email: christine@dailykongfidence.com
- Instagram: @dailykongfidence
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Daily-Kongfidence
Interviewed by Katie Lam. // Email Katie @ katie@kalonsf.com if you’d like to be featured next!
I loved doing this with you and am so inspired by you as well. So happy we connected on Instagram and you are truly killing it. I see your dedication, hard work, persistence, and success. You are AMAZING girl!
xoxo,
Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
I think I need to go shopping with Christine. I love her sense of style…and it seems like her blog turned out great…it’s something about herself for herself, something moms tend to put to the side often. Good for her.
It was really fun to hear from Christine! I love that her blog is based on confidence and helping women embrace that. So relatable! As a business owner and blogger I can also connect with her on how hard balance can be. There is always more to do, so the work never feels done. It is great to see women who put in the work and are succeeding at sharing their message with others online!
You go girl! You are gorgeous and so are all your clothes. I love each and every piece they fit you perfectly.
Great feature!
I see Christine’s style has evolved a lot, she’s always been super stylish, just more feminine these days.
You two rock!
Well done Katie💖
What a lovely post. I love the clothing & the inspiration behind it. I hope Christine continues on her journey and continues to make gorgeous clothing.
Another inspiring feature! I love the women empowerment that is going on here. We should always stick together and motivate each other.
I enjoyed the interview, very different to the usual dull text as you included some amazing photos alongside. You have a good flowing style and I look forward to the next one.
It is always fascinating to see the behind the scenes inside look. I love her style and her message.
The light green dress she is wearing on the walkway is amazing. And her story and family are also amazing and inspirational.
You are great! The super style is inspiring od others, I really love to read that you have touched the women empowerment, and the inspiration behind the basic elements of women empowerment.
Very inspiring post. Continue sharing good content. 🙂
This is such an inspiring interview! The name of the blog is fantastic, so clever!
This is a great interview. I love hearing some of what people have to say. Also, her styles are absolutely lovely.
What a lovely post. I love the style of the clothes and the story behind it. I hope Christine continues on her journey and continues to make stunning clothing!
Great interview. Someone to I would like to follow too.