Hey, everyone! So you want to know more about me and my crazy life? I live in Northern Missouri on the farm my grandparents built with my 16 year old son and all of our wonderful animals. I am a go-getter, a bit hyper, a bit chatty, and very unique. I love to wear my boots and jeans. I thrive when I’m busy and am always going in a million directions.
Giveaway Bandit was created in 2011. Honestly, we didn’t even mean to start a business… call it dumb luck, I dunno. My son, who was at the time 6 years old, wanted to start creating videos on YouTube.
The Perfect Rodeo Weekend Getaway in Mesquite, TX
So, we decided to do a few giveaways and talk about some products he already had. Within a few weeks we had companies contacting us and asking us to work together. And so… this site was born. Our very first brand partnership was Country Bob’s Sauce! I since added The Bandit Lifestyle because we have evolved into so much more than giveaways.
We now create a variety of content on travel, food, home, entertainment, events, and products that are selected for our audience. We’ve created so many great recipes partnering with brands to include their ingredients and products. One of my favorites was these Jalapeño & Bacon Cornmeal Pancakes that we made with Crown Maple Syrup…
And I loved working on the Say Yes to a Me Moment with Yoplait Oui Yogurt.
We partner with brands to bring you content we know you’ll enjoy, share product reviews (like these Lugz boots – you gotta at least look at our great pics) and try to throw in our signature giveaways here and there.
Crazy Comer Cousin Road Trip to Wisconsin
One of our favorite things to do is connect with our audience on our Facebook live videos. It’s so much fun getting to interact with each and every one of you live. We have so much fun doing them in our travels…
Because of this blog I have gotten to do the most amazing things. I’ve traveled to 45 states and gotten paid to do it. I have met celebrities at red carpet events. I’ve attended after parties with Emilia Clark, Anna Kendrick, Sam Elliott, Billy Bob Thornton, Chris Evans, Woody Harrelson, and even hung out with The Muppets and Chewbacca. Yeah, I even got to dance with Ellen. Oh, and then there was that time I got invited to that iRadio party where I got to hang out with Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell. I even got a thank you email from John Stamos after I met him. Gah!
When I look at the list of people and companies I’ve gotten to work with I still can’t believe it. I’ve gotten paid to drive new vehicles, replaced every appliance in my home, partnered with companies like Best Buy, GMC, Kia, HP, Walmart, Target, HyVee, and so many more. I even got asked to create a recipe live, yes live, on the Kansas City local FOX4 news.
The Heart of Rim Country at Strawberry Inn
So many endless possibilities being a blogger and influencer.
I’m not a bragger, really, I’m not… but my point is that I’ve had the opportunity to do once-in-a-lifetime things and meet the most beautiful people. I’ve made some awesome friends along the way. And it’s so completely possible for every one of you. If I can do it, so can you. I love traveling and creating content. I always get asked the same question: how do you get to do what you do?
I kept feeling like I needed to do something more because of that same question. I have now started creating online courses and coaching others to do exactly what I do… blog and become an influencer on social media. It’s so rewarding! I love being able to teach others how they can do this and work from home while making a part-time or full-time income. It’s completely up to them.
It truly is a dream job.
MelanieKampman.com was created to teach you how to blog and/or leverage your social media to make money and review products for companies. These days you don’t even have to have a blog. You can do it all within your social media!
Whether you’re a seasoned blogger, influencer or just getting started, there’s something for all of you! Be sure to check out my blogging and influencer courses and workshops to find one that suits you!
Be sure you’re following us on social and have those notifications turned on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube