Cosmopolitan

How did you get started?

I was always one of those "go get 'em" kids. I wasn't great at school. All I wanted was to be done and old enough to start a career in media. Luckily, my parents understood my creative side and when I didn't make the university cut my mother said, "This is the best thing that has ever happened to you." And actually, it was! I applied for a job at Channel 9 Melbourne, got a job working in a small television commercial division and loved it!

During my time at Channel 9, my cousin, Kylie Minogue, was heading out on a world tour.

I applied for a production position with her team, knowing the likelihood was slim, but I was hungry to get out and do some serious work. One day, I got a call from her manager. He asked if I had ever sewn, and I told him, "No, but I could give it a try!" He offered me a job at the bottom of the chain as a wardrobe assistant. I couldn't believe it -  me, a little 19-year-old Aussie, was about to travel the world!

So a month later I packed my suitcase, took a flight, landed in London, and headed straight to Elstree Studios to begin rehearsals. Frank Strachan, the head of wardrobe, asked me to fit 10 dancers with elastics on their shoes. I had no idea what I was doing, I just did it. I think that was and still is the thing employers notice most about me, I just get in and do it - I'm not precious, if something needs to be done, I will do it.

After the tour, I moved to London and got a job as a personal assistant to Girls Aloud. I began working in film and TV making lots of cups and tea and coffee until I wangled my way up to working as a shooter/researcher. My final job in London was with Hamish Hamilton, a world renowned director who has directed the Oscars and the Super Bowl Half Time Special.

How did you land the job at Perez Hilton?

I met Perez in 2009 when I was working on an American Music Tour as a Video Blogger, making daily content/updating social media platforms. Perez came to see the show in San Francisco - I don't get star struck but this man blows my mind. He started his business at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf using their free internet, and created one of the world's most successful blogs all by himself. So when I met him, I was shaking, because that's the kind of person that really impresses me.

Afterwards I emailed him about the possibility of coming to work for him as a Social Media Content Producer - and the rest I guess is history.

What's he like?

Perez is seriously one of the hardest working people you will ever meet. He is caring and passionate about his product and he's always full of new ideas. Believe me, there is never a dull moment!

The hours he puts in to ensure the blog is the best it can be are inspiring. He is also a fantastic boss in that he that truly cares about me and the work that I am doing.  I feel very fortunate to be in this position.

We've seen how Perez can change a celebrity's career (like Lady Gaga) - is there anyone on the rise that we should be watching?

Yes! He is a very influential man indeed. You should be keeping an eye out for Kat Graham, the star of the Vampire Diaries and Honey 2. She is also an amazing singer and dancer and has big things coming in 2012. Remember, you heard it here first!

What's your day-to-day schedule?

I am in the office at 7am every morning checking hundreds of emails (literally) before beginning to cut my first piece of content for the day, usually either an interview or acoustic performance.

My first shoot is at 11am -  probably a celebrity interview or an acoustic performance. Acoustic performances are my favourite because it's just me and the artist. It's very personal and because I shoot two cameras and do all of the sound, it's an intimate experience.

After that it's more editing/emails/booking interviews before another shoot at 2pm, usually with a fitperez.com Hollywood Trainer, or a cocoperez.com Fashion Expert.

Who's the nicest celebrity you've met so far?

Honestly, I have to give props to my fellow Aussies - Guy Sebastian is a super nice dude!

But if I had to pick one, the nicest celeb I have ever met would have to be Adele. We had booked her into do an acoustic performance right before 21 was about to drop. I had a location for the shoot all set up and right before she started to play the gardeners decided to mow the lawns next door. I had to scramble but I found a roof top overlooking the Hollywood sign. She totally rolled with it, and she and her band did such a great acoustic performance out in the hot LA sun! It turned out amazingly and came out right as the single hit it big. It was definitely a highlight of my career.

What's the relationship like between celebrity blogs and celebrities?

It all depends on the celebrity and the people running the blog. If a celebrity is cool and open and hip with making good content available to their fans, then it can be a great relationship that benefits both sides. If not, then it won't be.

Do most celebrities personally look after their social media channels?

Yes! You would be surprised to know that they do. Social media has enabled celebrities for the first time to really shape their career in part by listening to their fans - and so the ones that get it love connecting with their fans - making content and posting pictures. And they can use that response to help determine their next step.

Perez is one of the biggest sites around the world - why do you think blogging is so important these days?

Blogging is so important to everyone - everyone has a potential brand. It's a great tool to let customers know you mean business. With a blog, there is potential for bigger and better sales opportunities. In addition, a good blog will help you get great webpage ranks, meaning that your blog will show up when potential customers search for you online. That way, they are more likely to click on your blog and get their information about you directly from you.

Any advice for bloggers trying to get their name out there and make a career?

My biggest advice is this: if you are feeling as though your blog isn't getting mentioned enough, look at similar blogs and find blogs you can contribute to. If you write about fitness, reach out to top fitness blogs and offer your skills as a writer, contributor, expert. This will enable you to have a distribution platform and means more eyes will go back to your blog if they like what you have to say.