How a Stay-at-Home Mom Built a Six-Figure Home Decor Blog

Introduction

In 2018, Jenna Campbell launched Lantern Lane Designs from her dining room table while caring for three young kids. She treated the blog like a business even though she’d never coded a site before. Her goal was clear: share home decor ideas that any budget could handle. Within two years, she hit Mediavine’s 50,000 monthly session requirement—earning her first reliable ad checks.

Finding Her Focus

At first, Jenna zeroed in on elaborate DIY projects. The response was lukewarm, and she quickly broadened her scope to affordable decor hacks. This pivot aligned with her skills and readers’ needs. She balanced fresh ideas with clear how-to steps, snapping her own photos and offering cost breakdowns. Her content became more relatable—and shared widely.

Manual Pinterest Strategy

Instead of auto-schedulers, Jenna manually pinned her posts following a system taught in Carly Campbell’s Pinterest course. She tested pin designs, titles, and timing, then tracked performance. Over months, Pinterest accounted for 70% of her traffic. That hands-on method let her respond quickly when trends shifted.

Balancing SEO and Authentic Voice

Jenna used KeySearch for keyword ideas but never let SEO dictate her tone. She timed seasonal topics—like spring porch makeovers—months ahead so pins could gain traction. Although organic search still drives 30% of her sessions, her focus remains on clear, reader-friendly writing.

Monetization and Growth

Acceptance into Mediavine marked Jenna’s steady income source. Last year brought her largest paycheck yet—proof that consistent posting and site speed improvements pay off. Today, Lantern Lane Designs generates around $98,750 per year: 90% from display ads and 10% from affiliate links on Amazon and LTK.

Challenges and Lessons

From tech glitches to slow months, Jenna faced doubts. She rebuilt her email list after losing 4,000 contacts, and found that owning audience data is crucial. She keeps learning, networks with fellow bloggers, and stays flexible. Her advice: if you hit a roadblock, adjust your approach instead of abandoning ship.

Photography and Branding

High-quality visuals set Lantern Lane Designs apart. Jenna upgraded to a Canon EOS 6D Mark II and uses Lightroom for editing. She styles vignettes—tools and fabrics in hand—and favors straight, well-lit shots. Clear images build trust and encourage shares.

Final Thoughts

Jenna Campbell’s path shows that a clear focus on reader needs, consistent content, and hands-on promotion can turn a blog into a profitable business. It took years, adjustments, and a willingness to learn new skills—but today Lantern Lane Designs stands as proof that a passionate blogger can reach a six-figure income.