frequently asked questions

LION IN THE WILD

Where did the name Lion in the Wild come from?

It's simple really. Every part of my name – Kiara Michelle King – has a completely unrelated connection to the classic 90s film, The Lion King. Kiara is Simba's daughter, Michelle is the actress that plays Kiara and King is self-explanatory. Oh, and I've been told I have a lion's mane, which is kinda' cool.

When did you start Lion in the Wild?

I started penning Lion in the Wild in December 2011, just after I graduated from university. I had deferred from my Honours Degree and was working full-time, which left me needing a creative outlet.

Where DO YOU GET INSPIRATION FOR YOUR BLOG POSTS?

Everywhere, anywhere and nowhere. Lion in the Wild is a personal platform, so its content is inspired by my own everyday life, experiences and surroundings. I continue to find inspiration in travel, books and magazines, brands and products, and throughout the online space, including from my fellow bloggers.

personal

Where are you from?

I was born and bred in sunny Perth, Western Australia, and even though I find myself constantly travelling, I still call Perth home. What can I say? You can't beat the beaches on the West Coast!

What are your New Years resolutions?

You can read about my New Years Resolutions for 2018 here.

WhAT IS YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE?

While I always have the best intentions to sweat it out regularly (oops - 😳), I prefer to live an active lifestyle instead, which usually involves walking everywhere, going hiking, forcing Brad to dance with me, skateboarding and snowboarding (whenever I find myself at the snow!).

HOW LONG HAVE YOU SNOWBOARDED FOR?

When I was 16-years-old I had my first snowboarding lesson on a family holiday to New Zealand (thanks Mum and Dad!) and fell head-over-heels (literally 😂) for the sport. Since then, I've saved every penny to travel to the snow as much as possible, 'cause the stuff is a little sparse in Perth (AKA. non-existent).

STYLE

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.

Although my style has changed a lot since the beginning of Lion in the Wild, it will always be four things; feminine, edgy, laid-back and comfortable (well, most of the time).

DO YOU PREFER TO SHOP ONLINE OR IN-STORE?

Definitely online. From my couch. While watching Netflix. In my pyjamas. You can't do that in the shops, can you? It's easy, it's convenient and it's comfortable. 😏😄

WhAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE STORES TO SHOP?

Do I have to choose just a few? My go-to online stores include Revolve, ASOS, The Iconic, Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, Glassons, Free People, Fashion BNKR, Mecca.com, Sephora and Priceline.

WHat ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS AND BRANDS?

My wardrobe is filled with brands like Acne Studios, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Givenchy, Lack of Color, CLUSE, Zara, ASOS, C/Meo Collective, The Fifth Label, Keepsake, Lovers + Friends, GRLFRND and L'academie.

BEAUTY

IS YOUR HAIR COLOUR NATURAL?

I'm a natural redhead, but I get balayage put through the ends around once a year.

WHAT HAIRDRESSER DO YOU GO TO?

My Perth-based hairdresser is the amazing Taliya, owner of Harper Hair Studio in Subiaco. I couldn't recommend them enough!

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR LONG HAIR SO HEALTHY?

I spilled all my haircare secrets here.

WHAT FAKE TAN DO YOU USE?

I swear by the tanning mousse from Bondi Sands, Loving Tan, Rimmel London and St. Tropez (who also do an amazing Bronzing Face Sheet Mask!).

TRAVEL

HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO TRAVEL SO OFTEN?

We're so incredibly fortunate to experience so much of this beautiful world, and while that began by saving every single penny when I was a student (it taught me so much about managing money), nowadays we're able to do so more often by partnering with brands across tourism, fashion and beauty to create content together.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL DESTINATION?

It's a toss-up between Japan and New Zealand in the winter months. Every time I travel to either, they just feel like home. I can't explain the feeling, but it has me going back time and time again.

WhAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL DESTINATION?

As a West Australian, I have a soft spot for the Margaret River Region in the South West, which is known for its world-class beaches and surf breaks, wineries and fresh produce, and beautiful landscapes.

WHAT IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?

Everywhere! I've been dreaming of travelling to the Maldives, Scandinavia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the USA for a long time now, but that's just a few. I would also love to see more of my own country, Australia, particularly North West WA, Tasmania, the Great Ocean Road, the Blue Mountains, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the list goes on!

CAREER

WHAT DID YOU STUDY AT UNIVERSITY?

I have a BA Design (Creative Advertising Design) from Curtin University.

WOULD YOU GO BACK AND FURTHER YOUR EDUCATION?

Never say never! I'd really love to find the time to complete a Masters Degree in Online Communications or Business Administration in the future.

IS BLOGGING YOUR FULL-TIME JOB?

Lion in the Wild is my full-time gig right now and I'm loving every moment of it!

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR?

Running and growing a small business has been full of 'pinch-me' moments. From featuring in a national TVC with Garnier Micellar Water, to a campaign with Chandon and Vogue Australia, to being a CLUSE Ambassador, the past year has been pretty spectacular. I was also invited back to my university as an 'accomplished and inspiring' alumni, and have travelled across Australia and the world with some of my favourite brands.

If you have any questions, ask away here.