Welcome! Today’s bookstagram feature is Hayley/@hayleysolano. She’s got a bright and beautiful aesthetic that will bring some romance into your life.
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Why did you start your Bookstagram:
This is such an interesting question because I never intended on creating a Bookstagram account! My Instagram page is an extension of my blog, An Enchanted Life, which celebrates all things whimsical and romantic with an emphasis on storytelling. As I began sharing content centered around storytelling, particularly beloved classic tales, visitors naturally began classifying my page as a Bookstagram account. It has been so wonderful to be welcomed into such an inspiring community!
Where are you from:
I’m from Orange County, California.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world:
I hope that when people come upon my Instagram page, they feel enchanted and inspired. The underlying sentiment amongst my content is that you don’t need to live in a castle or wear tulle dresses everyday (although that would be lovely!) to live an authentically enchanted life – the kind of life our favorite literary heroes and celebrated authors inspire us to live.
Fun Fact about you:
Because I was a teenager in the early 2000s, I thoroughly enjoy early 2000s pop culture – it makes me nostalgic!
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
I adore @storybookstyle, @forget_me_not_originals, and @galletas.libros
image via @hayleysolano
Favorite Books and Authors:
There are countless beautiful lessons to be learned from children’s literature. The Secret Garden and Heidi are two of my favorite books. Not only are they magical stories, but I find it powerful that the inspiration within their pages is cultivated by children. I read Heidi for the first time as an adult earlier this year and was taken by how admirable Heidi is at only five years old.
I love authors not only for their stories, but the intent behind them as well. Frances Hodgson Burnett sent an inspiring message about Magic and how to create it. L. Frank Baum wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as a “modernized fairy tale in which the wonderment and joy are retained and the heartaches and nightmares are left out.” They are two of my favorites!
Fictional Crush:
My fictional crush actually isn’t a character in a book, but he is an avid reader – Jess from Gilmore Girls!
image via @hayleysolano
TBR List:
As most storybook lovers would say, there are SO many books I can’t wait to dive into. It has been several years since I’ve read A Little Princess so I am planning to read that one soon. With autumn just around the corner, I’m finally going to read Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. I look forward to watching the movie every fall!
What’s Your Special Approach to Content:
When creating content, I always consider how I hope someone feels when they see my posts. Building content around an emotion you hope to evoke provides a solid foundation for achieving cohesiveness – not just visually but in terms of your underlying message as well.
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
Cheerful, whimsical, and romantic!
How often do you post:
It depends on the week and time of year. If there is special news to share (e.g. a new film adaptation of The Secret Garden was recently released), I post a little more frequently. It’s usually around 3-4 times a week.
image via @hayleysolano
What does your Bookstagram mean to you:
It’s really special because it is a means to connect with kindred spirits all around the world. We have such fun celebrating our favorite stories together.
Favorite Bookstore:
Growing up, I’d visit a local independent bookstore called A Whale of a Tale – it was a delightful children’s bookshoppe. If fictional bookstores count, I would love to spend an afternoon at The Shop Around the Corner from ‘You’ve Got Mail.’
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books:
Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast!’
Author to take a selfie with:
Marjorie Hart! She wrote Summer at Tiffany, a first account of her experience as one of the first women to ever work the floor at Tiffany & Co the summer of 1945.
image via @hayleysolano
Favorite book cover:
Such a difficult question! Discovering beautiful editions is one of my favorite joys – it’s like a treasure hunt. I’m going to have to go with the Pride & Prejudice cookbook. It includes teatime recipes inspired by the story plus the full text.
Book you have claimed to have read that you didn’t:
The bookstagram community and my blog readers are like friends to me – I’m always honest with them ❤️That being said, some may assume that I’ve read every single book on my shelves which I haven’t yet. I like to reserve a portion for future reads!
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer:
I feel as though this community found me rather than me finding it. I don’t think there’s been (or may ever be) a moment that signifies “making it.” Just having the opportunity to exchange inspiration with a community of friends is such a gift!
image via @hayleysolano
Favorite fandoms:
The kindred community of Anne of Green Gables fans is always lovely.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Share stories that have touched your heart and given you inspiring worlds to get lost in. Be thoughtful, authentic, and have fun!
Additional bookishness:
For more bookish fun, I’d love to welcome book lovers to join The Enchanted Book Club, a celebration of storytelling, inspiring authors, and cherished literature! Each month we read a different book and discuss the magic within its pages. There’s currently about 2000 members – we’d love to have more friends join us! Click here to join.
