Finding bloggers and influencers that speak to who you are, encourage you, and inspire you is so important. No longer should we simply follow people who we think fit into the cookie cutter mold that society wants to force us into – it’s not just about the perfect feed with the blonde-hair blue-eyed family. It’s about relating to people, knowing they are real and honest, and relating to what they are posting.
One such person that I have been following for some time is Cisca de Kock. She has been blogging for some time, and I often find myself popping over to her social media to see what she is posting about and what is happening in her life. Plus, you know I’m a sucker for spreading kindness, and Cisca has this in bucket loads.
This is such a surreal experience to be able to introduce you to her on my little blog, and I am totally freaking out right now! #fangirl
Your name: Cisca de Kock
Blog name: Keeping It Candid
Social media handles: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Website.
3 fun facts about you:
1. If I could win a life time supply of clothing it would be socks! I swear they have superpowers and disappear- I always end up wearing my husband’s socks.
2. If I had to eat one type of food for the rest of my life it would be BILTONG.
3. If I had to be trapped in a movie for a day, it would have to be Clueless.
How would you describe yourself: Honest, Perfectionist, Goal driven
How did you get into blogging:
My Mom passed away when I was 5 months pregnant with Hudson (my first born). I was devastated, and went into a deep and dark depression. When Hudson was born, I sunk even deeper. I had no one to talk to. No one to listen to my motherly fears and I just felt completely lost. I started seeing a Psychiatrist who deals with Post-Partum Depression and she suggested that I try and find an outlet. So one night in September 2017, while pumping milk for Hudson I created my own blog called It’s a Mom’s Life on WordPress. I honestly did not think it would reach anyone, and that was ok. It felt so good to write what was on my mind. From there I created my Instagram page which was first called “Raising Little Hudson” . Hudson was a little eager beaver and my water broke at 36 weeks (It was like a scene out of the movies – I actually wrote a 3 part Birth Story Series) We had to leave him in NICU, one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do, to leave the hospital empty handed. The day we left, the one nurse said “Have fun raising little Hudson” and that’s where the name stemmed from. This September my blog will turn 3 and since then both my blog and IG handles have changed. As my blog and social media handles grew, so too did my interests. I started off just featuring and blogging about local baby boy clothing brands. It became a bit expensive buying new clothing every month. It also became exhausting to take photos of Hudson. I knew it was not something that I wanted to do forever, and that’s when I starting exploring other avenues.
What does your blog feature:
Keeping it Candid is a Lifestyle | Beauty |Travelling and Parenting Blog. I started my blog to create an authentic account of my journey through life. Whether you are a lover of all things luxury: an organic foodie or a reveller in all things local, practical and affordable, Keeping it Candid will keep you up to date with the best in South Africa. I am a firm believer in YOLO and embrace each and every day to the fullest.
What do you want people to feel when they are interacting with you:
I want people to feel comfortable and not feel like they are being judged. Over the years, I have made so many connections with other women. Some of them echoed the exact same feeling I had when I felt alone. My main goal has always been to use this platform and to make women feel that they are not alone and that it is natural to feel the way they do, especially if they are new mothers.
Why do you encourage people to support local:
This current Pandemic has really put things into perspective when it comes to sustaining oneself. A have so much respect for women owned local businesses. At the moment, they need all our help to sustain themselves. So much care goes into creating affordable and great quality products.
Why is family so important to you:
There’s so much I wish I could have shared with my Mom. Her death was so sudden and unexpected, that it still haunts me. The void that she left grows deeper every day, but I know that she would want us to remember her and to celebrate her. She also passed away on my Dad’s birthday, 1 December. Before the boys, December was such a difficult time. Having the boys now, we make it a happy time for them, a time that they will always find special, even if their Gran cannot celebrate with us. I am very fortunate and blessed to have married a man that respects me and treats me as his equal. I am double blessed with two beautiful boys, whom I will instill the values that were passed onto me. I treasure each and every moment that I can spend with my family.
What is one way you feel we can all spread kindness:
There are many, but I want to mention two ways. Always treat others the way that you want to be treated. We also need to practice being quiet more often and to listening to others.
How can people reach out to you to work with you:
They can either make contact through my blog or DM. Alternatively they can email me at : cisca@dekockfamily.com
Quote you live by:
You are the artist of your own life, don’t hand the paintbrush to anyone else
Anything else you want to add:
The number one question I always get asked is: What camera do you use?
I don’t have a fancy camera, I always use my iPhone 8 + to create content. I will always try and think out of the box. Sometimes I take a lot of photos and I will change up the styling, until I am happy with it. Once photos are taken, I select the ones I am happy with and then either edit with my iPhone editing app, VSCO or Lightroom.
Cisca, it was such an honour to be able to feature you on my blog, and it has been an absolute joy to get to know you better. Thank you for your kindness, your messages and just for being you.
Please follow this wonderful woman – you will be a fan from day dot I can promise you!
