If you caught my life update post, you will know that Rob & I are currently in the process of buying a house! (read all about it here) I've been trying to be as present as possible during this time because it's all just so good!
In my life update post, I mentioned that I'm not sure what's in store for my blog, but more lifestyle content is definitely around the corner. I am also considering rebranding, which is something that I've been thinking about for the past few months; however, that won't happen for another few months or so because I really have to nail it all down.
Before Rob & I buying a house was even a thought in our heads, I started to write this very post about finding your voice in the blogging world. I've been feeling different about it lately; not in a bad way, but in a way that I want to provide more value to you as a reader. It seems that timing always matters, and everything comes together how it should, so keep reading to see what's been on my heart lately!
I want to start by saying I absolutely love blogging. I am so thankful that I get to spend my time doing something that I TRULY love. I've always been one to say, "I want to live my life doing something that makes me genuinely happy. I don't want to spend my days working and not feel fulfilled when I come home." Well, I can say that I am living that dream right now. I get to share my favorite beauty products, style outfits, and create content based on what’s going on in my life at the moment, all to inspire you babes and impact your lives in a positive way. There's honestly nothing else I would rather be doing.
But...
Social media can be rough. It's beyond saturated with bloggers and influencers creating content, curating cohesive feeds, sharing the latest in fashion & beauty, showing off their cute little families and beautiful homes etc. etc. For the most part, we all have the same end goal. And I think that causes everything to blend after a while. When we're all trying to do the same thing, it can be a challenge to find your voice.
I've been blogging for 2.5 years (which isn't long compared to many of the seasoned bloggers out there). It's so crazy to see how much my blog has changed and evolved in such a short amount of time. It's also crazy to think that it's still growing and coming into it's own.
When I first started, my photos were straight from my iPhone, barely edited, and I had no idea what affiliate programs were. I was starting this creative journey and even though I didn't know where it would lead, it felt so good to be going after a dream. Now, I've stepped up my photo game, I work with affiliate programs and brands who I genuinely believe in. I always share what feels right in my heart because I'm continuing to chase this dream and I want show you guys the truest version of myself throughout this journey.
But now there's pressure because I'm also trying to run a business. And it can be so scary at times. What if one thing is out of place in a picture? What if I skip a day of posting? How did she gain so many followers in a week and I’m still at the same number? I've worked so hard to gain so much and feeling like it could all go down the drain because of self imposed pressure regarding social media is just ridiculous.
There's so much more to life than the perfect little squares on Instagram. There's so much more to life than spending time on social media feeling like you have to interact with x amount of people in your niche to stay relevant, or post at x time to make sure your photo is going to be seen by as many people as possible. There's so.much.more. to life than finding the perfect outfit or having the best curling wand out there. (*I’m not saying these things don’t matter, because from a business perspective they totally do, BUT it’s so important to not let it all consume you.)
We're all on our own, unique journey. Everything happens when it's supposed to happen. You cannot compare yourself to the girl next to you because you don't know her journey. So if it takes me 3 years to figure out how I like to edit my photos and curate my feed, then it takes me 3 years and that's okay. If I skip a day of posting because I'm busy and want to be present for the people I'm with then that's okay too. If I start to change my focus because of what's going on in my life at the moment, that's perfectly fine.
What matters is what's in your heart. Take that leap of faith; jump into whatever it is that your heart is telling you to do; start sharing. That's how you find your voice + provide value to those around you.
So, I'm going to focus on sharing my heart and finding my voice because I feel like there’s so much more value in that. Of course I want you to come here for style inspiration and beauty reviews, that's the foundation of my blog. But, I also want you come here for lifestyle content that you can truly relate to. I want this to be a place where you come & leave feeling inspired to be the best version of yourself.
Whether you've been following from the beginning, or today is your first day here, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for following my journey and watching my blog evolve and continue to grow. It means so much to me and I honestly wouldn't have been able to turn my blog into a business without you! Whether it's commenting on my blog posts, shopping through my links, liking my photos on Instagram, or replying to my Instagram stories, every last bit means so much to me! I love interacting with you babes and I will continue to share content that inspires you to be true to yourself and live your best life!
Here's to more style & beauty content, and to introducing more lifestyle content! I'm so excited for what's to come & I hope you are too!
♡ xo