We’ve been a huge fan of Capree’s blog, MAIYA, for longer than we can remember so when she signed up for DB and wanted to do an interview, we were over the moon. Read about her curating process, love for Squarespace (yeah girl!), who she’s excited to see at Alt Summit, the robot obsession and much more after the jump!

MAIYA is short for My adventure is your advantage! – what’s the story behind your blog’s name?

I started blogging as a way to keep track of all my Internet adventures; I was finding so much cool stuff, I wanted to share that excitement with everyone I knew! “My Adventure is Your Advantage!” was a clever, tongue twister-y way to express that. Of course, no one can remember it, so now I just go with MAIYA! Heh.

You’ve been blogging since 2007 – how have your blogging habits changed since you first got started?

Oh, they’ve changed a lot! When I first started I didn’t really have a rhythm or a clear vision for MAIYA — I just wrote about whatever, whenever; my content and habits were completely willy-nilly. Now that I’m blogging full-time, for myself and other sites, I’ve had to add some structure (totally a four-letter word in my world) but it’s paid off. I now have posts and post ideas scheduled out in advance; I have an editorial calendar and a rough outline of topics for the year; there are conference calls and Skype meetings with editors and people I’m collaborating with… totally legit stuff. It’s weird! I pinch myself every day.

Can you sum up your process for curating content? With so many amazing finds out there, how do you narrow it down?

For me, the process of curating is all about being authentic: to myself, my voice, and my aesthetic! Once you discover what those things are, it’s easy to find what you truly love, even in a sea of fantastic finds!

Besides writing MAIYA, you write for GrassrootsModern, 2Modern Design Talk, Curbly, and Wantist – any tips for balancing your time between so many blogging gigs?

Lots of caffeine! Also, it helps to define goals and topics for each site. Having a clear understanding of that will help you narrow in on post ideas for each blog and stay on track. I’m also a total to-do list crackhead. There’s nothing too small to go on a to-do list! All those little daily victories can be enough to keep you motivated and feeling productive… even if “put pants on” is left uncrossed more often than not, in my case.

We’re huge fans of MAIYA‘s design (especially the color scheme and simplicity) – did you consult a designer to help or is this your own creation?

Oh, wow, thank you! It’s actually my own creation, though I would love to work with a designer one day. Gotta save my pennies!

Your blog is hosted on Squarespace (one of our personal favs) have you always been an SS girl or did you jump ship from another platform? If so, how has it effected your blog?

I started out on Blogger/Blogspot way back when, but switched to Squarespace about two years ago. I love everything about them. Seriously. Their drag and drop format is miraculous and makes updating anything on my site a piece of cake. If you’re thinking about using Squarespace, OMG, do it!

With such a huge following, what’s the nicest thing a reader has done that’s brightened your day?

I’ve met so many incredible, generous people through blogging. I’ve received hand-written notes of encouragement and appreciation that I cherish; a few readers and friends have sent me robots (!!!); and one even let me crash their apartment for four nights during ICFF last year! I feel pretty blessed to have connected with so many awesome people.

Are there any fun facts your readers don’t know about you?

Ooo, fun facts! My favorite. Let’s see… I am 100% completely terrified of grasshoppers. Like, panic attack terrified. DO NOT SEND ME A BOX OF GRASSHOPPERS. I would probably die.

Robots?

Ha, YES! Robots are the coolest, didn’t you know?? I am obsessed with tin toy robots and have started amassing quite the collection. And yes, they all have names. It’s completely normal.

We’re so jealous that you’re attending the Alt Summit this month – who are you most excited to see speak?

Oh man, Alt Summit totally slayed their speaker lineup this year! I’m super duper excited to see Victoria Smith from SFgirlbybay–I love her unique style and wit!

Top five blogs on your daily reading list?

In no particular order: Design Milk, Plastolux, Desire to Inspire, Black Hockey Jesus, and Modern Sauce.

What do you strive to B?

I strive to be a source of optimism and cheer in this big, mad world! Also? An ambassador for the unabashed use of bright, bold colors and pattern–you can never have too much of that stuff. Never ever.

Thanks Capree!

For more of Capree and her “bright and optimistic side of modernism”, check out MAIYA for daily inspiration. You can also follow her at @capreek.