May 7, 2018
"My shoes - My business" - interview with blogger 2legs2long
One of the most mysterious figures in the blogosphere – Joanna from the blog 2legs2long – decided to reveal some of her secrets to us. We talked to her about what she does, how she turned her insecurities into strengths, and where the idea for her "faceless" image came from. If you're curious about Joanna's approach to blogging, her professional work, and the care of her legs, which are her trademark – we invite you to read the interview!
Hi Joanna! First of all, we'd like to ask how the idea for your blog came about – it's very original and makes you stand out among other bloggers who usually show their faces. You prove that you can still remain maximally anonymous and gather a large community around you. How do you do it?
I matured into blogging and was encouraged to do so for quite a long time, almost half a year after my Instagram account appeared. That was a very spontaneous decision of mine. I came home after a difficult day at work. I was thoroughly fed up with everything. I didn't want to talk to anyone, but thoughts were swirling in my head. I needed to express myself in a different way. I thought then that I should be totally independent in life, perhaps set up a secluded studio in a loft and start designing shoes for women with long legs, like mine ;-). Instead, I decided to show them first – I took the first photo, posted it online, and hearts popped up like crazy. I thought then, "Oh my God! These people are really there!"
I don't show my face because I believe that what is not fully revealed is always more interesting. A woman in beautiful lingerie is much more sensual than a completely naked one... isn't she? My approach to professional matters also plays a part in this.
I was strongly encouraged by my loved ones to blog and be active online, due to my firm stance on various issues and a somewhat "sharp" tongue. However, I still write more politely than I am capable of and don't use 100% of my abilities on the blog.
On your blog, you reveal that you are a "high-level" manager. How do you reconcile these two professions? We mean blogging and being a boss in a corporation – do you have trouble combining both roles?
In everyday life, I don't think about it. I am myself; at work, I am primarily a leader, and I am 2legs2long because I enjoy it. I have my own opinion and I stick to it. I don't go around telling everyone I have a blog because, in fact, I don't consider myself a professional blogger. But if what I write helps even one person, then I'm happy that my way of expressing a thought has worked and there are at least two of us now :). If someone from work stumbles upon my profile or blog and recognizes me, they still have to gather the courage to ask about it ;-) – and not everyone asks.
The only problem is that I always have too little time. On the other hand, because of this, I don't write rubbish every other day just because I "should" publish something.
Let's return for a moment to "faceless" blogging. You show that it's possible and you achieve success in this area. However, there are certainly difficulties you have to face. Is this actually the case, and what obstacles does anonymity present to you – for example, when collaborating with brands or in contacts with your community?
Difficulties? Of course! There are in every area of life. My biggest difficulty is that I am often perceived as a "fetishist." Here, I can refer to one of my posts, "So you think you know me," in which I discuss this. If someone reading my texts or looking at my photos has a problem with them, I encourage them not to return to me – I hold no grudge and I won't miss them.
In my professional life, I represent a specific brand that has trusted me, and I give my all to ensure appropriate quality. In the world of social media, inviting me to collaborate without knowing my face is a challenge. It takes some time to get to know me, but superficiality often prevails. There isn't yet a "product for everyone" in the world, and 2legs2long is not one either.
Your legs are your trademark – on your blog, you write that you've only recently started to appreciate them and your tall height. Did you ever have insecurities about this? If so, how did you change your mindset and transform theoretical body flaws into assets? Also, tell us how you care for your legs – do you use any special skincare or exercises?
When I was a child, I dreamed of being tall and becoming a model. I had the physique, but those were different times, different difficulties, a different kind of uniqueness. But that's not what I'm talking about. I didn't become a model, but I was taller than everyone else, stood at the blackboard with the silly belief that teachers were afraid of me, always stood at the back in class photos, and sat in the last row. Later, my bosses felt uncomfortable in my presence, and, strangely, I felt like I was to blame. When your well-being depends on the general public, you start to think you have some kind of disability. It's only when you seriously start building your personal brand that your uniqueness becomes your great asset. You just have to play it well. "My shoes - My business," that text was an extraordinary experience for me :). Girls started writing to me, changing their habits, gaining courage, and rejecting societal expectations of false modesty in favor of their own happiness. A bottomless pit of a topic :). I will definitely return to it on the blog because, thanks to them, I know it's worth it.
The basis of my leg care is anti-embolism stockings, which I wear for at least 10 hours a day. Mom, Dad, thank you for the genes :), because luckily we're only talking about prevention, not treatment. I have muscular legs and I try to give them exercise 2-3 times a week. Once a month I try to treat myself to a massage or another spa treatment. And currently, on the advice of my reader Marta, who is a cosmetologist, I moisturize my skin with baby products.
Given your work, you must pay great attention to business attire – what are your tips for making such outfits comfortable despite rigid rules (such as having to wear tights on hot days or blouses covering shoulders)?
It's true, until recently, in my industry, dress codes were very strict. Currently, I can allow myself more freedom, but my classic habits are still very strong. I like to dress comfortably, although allegedly in fashion, if something is "comfortable" then we certainly don't look good ;-). Fortunately, I really like tights, and on hot days I switch them for stockings.
When it comes to business attire, I believe that classics are always in style. A well-tailored white shirt, with a row of densely sewn buttons, an perfectly fitted pencil skirt, heels, and you're done. A good shoe emphasizes character, and here I like to go wild with colors. I mainly wear Polish brands, I love dresses.
Joanna - finally, we wanted to ask you about your plans for future travels - will you choose Italy again this time? If so, why would you like to return there? What captivated you about this country and what places would you still like to explore?
Hmmmmmm, Italy :). My immediate plans include the Lazio and Campania regions. If you reveal the location of your tights production, maybe I'll visit them? Dolce far niente is probably the best answer to my motivation. We're also thinking about Iceland, but that's only at the end of the holidays.
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