Blogger Spotlight: Amy Welch Loochtan of Coffee Beans & Bobby Pins

Corporate professional by day, full-time blogger by night, Amy of Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins never imagined her blog would become the virtual sensation it is today. In just four years, her blog has become more than just a fun, side hobby. It's now a space for collaboration, inspiration and tips for living fabulously everyday -- something I'm definitely on board with. 

As a company that loves collaboration, (we've worked with Amy to makeover her powder room and add a little sparkle to her home office) we recently sat down to learn a little more about the girl behind one of our favorite blogs. 

Getting to know Amy 

First thing's first, we love CBBP! Was owning your own blog always your career goal?

I never started CBBP with the intention of making money or it becoming so time consuming (which I’m thankful for!). At first, I just wanted to write and wear cute outfits. 😊 After time, it morphed into so much more than that. I am constantly trying to push myself and collaborate with more brands, grow my audience and provide a wide variety of topics for my readers. It’s hard working full time and blogging full time, but I wouldn’t trade this opportunity for anything. I am so thankful it’s become more than what I originally thought it could. 

Where did the inspiration behind your blog name come from?

I was sitting on the couch with my best friend and we kept throwing names out. At the time, I would always fix my hair and my girlfriends'. So the bobby pins part was easy. Then I thought, “well, I love coffee…” Thus, Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins was born. 

You've been collaborating with brands for a while now. Tell us about your favorite brand collaboration and why.

I love the freedom and creativity that WallsNeedLove has offered. I am still obsessed with our half bath makeover and we get so many compliments on it. I’ve also really loved working with brands like Target, Henri Bendel and Sole Society (what girl doesn’t love shoes?).

What are your design choices inspired by?

I am drawn to neutrals, so anything cream and white inspires me. I love perusing Pinterest and looking at home décor of friends and family.  I always buy bright colored things and end up returning them, and so I always ask myself “will I love this tomorrow?” I’ve found I prefer classic/neutral larger pieces and bright/fun
colors as accents so I can mix them up a bit more.

Describe your style in 140 characters or less. 

Where is your favorite place to work on your blog and why?

At the table with my husband working on his computer next to me. Sound so cheesy. We both have offices, but we prefer to sit at the dining table next to one another and “spend” time together. He’s a busy resident and I’m a busy corporate/blogger gal, so we make it work the best we can. We often pour a glass of wine and listen to Frank Sinatra while working. It’s the best. 

Who is your favorite online retailer? 

Clothing: J.Crew or Anthropologie. Décor: PotteryBarn or West Elm

What's the last book you read?

Me Before You. I can’t wait to see it in theaters and cry my eyes out. 

When you're not blogging, you can be found doing what?

Running, walking the dogs, exploring new places to eat, or drinking wine with girlfriends. If it’s sunny and outside, chances are, I’m on a patio somewhere. 

Social network you can't live without?

Instagram, but Snapchat is slowing catching up (IG: @amy_cbandbp / Snap: Welchie24) 

When at Starbucks, you order ____?

Cold: Grande Iced Coffee, black. Hot: Flat white with coconut milk

Amy's Collection