Jumping head-long into his next big career move

Can you tell us about how you got started doing what you’re doing now? Was there an ah-ha moment that defined your path?
Jason Loper: I’ve always been a writer at heart. I spent most of my childhood keeping journals and writing stories and (mostly terrible) poetry. I studied English literature in college but then struggled to use my writing skills for a living. Eventually I put down the pen and turned my back on writing completely. Along the way I started making handbags, which soon turned into a small business. It was while marketing my handbag business that I started writing again.

At first I was writing press releases and marketing materials and then eventually I launched a blog associated with the business. Keeping this blog reignited my love of writing and I soon found myself contributing to Apartment Therapy, one of the largest nesting blogs around. As writing took up more of my time and my handbag business started to wane, it became clear blogging was my future. I went on to become an editor at Apartment Therapy, a role that I held for the next two years.

I recently left AT to focus on my own blog – Captain Dapper – and also to explore more writing opportunities. It remains to be seen whether I have the next great American novel in me but I’m willing to give it a try.

What do you love most about what you do?

JL: Whether it’s handcrafting handbags, working on a DIY home project or writing, I love to create. I’ve always been an artist at heart and I bring this creative sensibility to everything I do. When it comes down to it, writing a blog post is the same as handcrafting a bag. Both activities require creativity, discipline and passion.

Who/What inspires you?

JL: I am always inspired by people who follow their passions. There’s a big wide world of people standing by to tell you no, to remind you that the odds are stacked against you and to suggest that you take the easy route. Shutting all of that out to follow a passion point is no easy undertaking. I admire anyone who sticks with their convictions and paves their own path through life.

Has social media changed how you do business? For the better or worse?

JL: I think social media has changed the way everyone does business. Whether it’s using it as a direct line to communicate with our customers or as a way to identify trends, social media has become an integral part of business in the 21^st century. Of course, this is a double-edged sword. It’s unfortunately all too easy to say the wrong thing or anger potential or existing customers. For this reason, every word that gets sent out via social media must be strongly considered.

What advice do you have for others struggling with social media?

JL: My advice is to think of social media as an extension of your brand. Post frequently but keep it related to your brand.

Can you tell us about what frustrates you about your career or the industry you’re in?

JL: Writing can be a very solitary occupation. While it’s easy to reach out to others via social media, real world interactions are becoming less frequent. Sometimes I miss old fashioned coffee dates and working lunches. Then again, for every drawback there is an advantage. Thanks to social media we can connect with people who are a world away.

Tell us about the private Jason – what do you love most about your home/life/family?

JL: My husband and I share many common interests but the number one thing we share right now is a desire to find a small house outside of the city to rehab. We’ve owned our condo in Chicago for seven years and I’m just about tapped out for ways to redecorate it. So while my husband dreams of lying in a hammock and lazing away summer afternoons in his country house, I dream of stripping and rebuilding a kitchen and starting my own vegetable garden.

Tell us more about Jason and what’s on tap for you in 2013.

JL: In addition to building my style blog, Captain Dapper, I am also putting together a book proposal. Fingers crossed that I’ll have a lot more to talk about in 2014!