To my dearest:
How’s everyone doing? This month is a very special month to me! And my pup, Ningo is here to be a special guest and say “HELLO”! He’s a little confused and wondering what’s with the whole get up… Is there a party going on? And will there be food? That’s his question. Haha!
Well everyone, there’s no party or food, but there is a celebration! WHY? BECAUSE it has officially been a year since my relaunch!!! The first blog post after relaunch was posted April 3, 2017. (Yes, I’m a few weeks behind to celebrate… but hey! Better late than never!)
It’s such a mile stone for me. When I first started blogging, I dove in head first and started from scratch. I was definitely “serious” about it, as I devoted FULL TIME into it! But, I always had “commitment issues” with jobs. I lose interest quickly and rarely had any job or career that I was passionate about. I always did wonder if I can persist with it. And here I am now, at this mile stone and I’m happy to say, the fire is NOT burning out! I’m more interested in this career than I ever was.
Blogging has been a fun and exciting journey for me. I met so many amazing people and it’s such a wonderful platform for me, as an oversharer, to just share my thoughts and ideas. It’s definitely something I love to do. And I’d like to share a little bit about my journey blogging this year with you all.
I started planning for the relaunch of this blog, in February 2017 and spent two months doing research on what blogging is and how to get into it. I then spent a month preparing materials for launch and building the website. Then, officially launched in April.
When I first began, I worked over 80 hours weekly on the blog. This was from – outfit planning, shooting, content creating, writing, material planning, editing, writing pitches and more. It was just everything and it got overwhelming. I remember when I double tapped so much on instagram that I had anxiety at night falling asleep and I just wanted to engage and do all like backs. I also remember, typing so much on the laptop that I got carpal tunnel on my wrist. Yeah it was pretty crazy. Till this day, my wrists are still not one hundred percent. So blogging is definitely not just all about the glitz and I’m totally down for revealing that.
Eventually, I knew I couldn’t hold onto it that tight, or I’ll burn out. I didn’t want to burn out from something I loved, so I took a step back so that I can be less anxious. But, even so, blog life takes most of my time. I’m still up at 5AM finishing edits and engagement to the wonderful blogger community and my amazing followers are 24/7. My hours are unconventional, my job is nontraditional, but I live for it. Most of all, I enjoy it and love it.
A little more sneak peek into my blogger year. I do get paid projects here and there, but most of the time, I just get freebies. Some of you may think, “Wow that’s amazing! Freebies!” But the freebies actually go back to being able to make new content and keeping the blog fresh. Plus, I can’t live on just free things. I can’t pay my bills with items I was gifted. Especially, since I blog full time, oh boy has finances been tough. I won’t lie, it’s been a tough year. And while blogging looks glitzy, a whole ton of money is poured into it.
I definitely invest money into my blog and social media to make good content. That’s something I’ve been doing and I’m constantly trying to make the best content possible for you all. The clothes I wear? I probably spend on average $200 a month to refresh my wardrobe. And the hotels and travels I do? I pay for out of pocket. While, there is some collaboration involved, most of the time, it’s just a “collab” and it’s not paid work. I pay for everything out of my own pocket – this includes flight and hotels. Why? Because I want to be able to make new content and experience things first hand in order to share my genuine experience.
So, this year, blogging full time has made my financial situation tough. Especially, as I am expanding on the traveling segment, it’s definitely been even more so. However, I’m balancing things and earning money in other jobs part time to fund this blog and invest into it!
Time and relationships has been a big investment in my blog this year. Even Ningo is always caught waiting around for me. He’s always looking at me like, “Mama… are we done yet?” And I have to assure him I’ll be done in another, say 30 minutes? Haha. Poor little thing. I’ve had little to no time for family and friends for a while. Thankfully, the support has been terrific. Everyone has been so uplifting and understanding. I’m truly blessed. However, I am looking to balance everything more for the upcoming year.
Being a blogger for a year, I’ve definitely seen both the good and the bad of the industry. From planning shoots months in advance, leaving my food cold, eating melted ice cream, to attending front row in Fashion Shows, getting exclusive invites, networking with great people, oh you name it. There’s always two sides of the coin. And well. Frankly, I choose to embrace it. And there’s nothing to hide. I take the good with the bad.
That basically sums up my experience as a blogger for this year! No secrets, simply laid out. I’m looking forward to years to come with you all! And I’d love to network with you all more! In the future, I hope to include Ningo more in my blog posts, and he looks excited for it too! I would love to include my kitty, Luna too, but she’s to diva queen to have her photos taken. Bummer.
But yes! This upcoming year will be exciting, focusing more on not only fashion and beauty, but travel as well! I’m still exploring my niche, so I hope you all will choose to stay and go through this journey with me and see where it takes me! Can’t wait to grow with you all and become a better version of myself!
Thank you again for following along the adventures thus far! Have a great weekend, lovelies!
Instagram | FB | Twitter | Pinterest | G+
For reference, I am 5 feet 2 inches. I typically wear XS/S or 0-4 for apparel and 6.5-7.5 for shoes.
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This post is not sponsored.
Earrings, courtesy of AURATE NY
Chocolates, courtesy of L.A BURDICK
Candle, courtesy of DIPTYQUE.
What an incredible journey! One year down many more to go! Congratulations! xo – Kam
Happy anniversary! You have done a great job and I’m sure will continue on for years to come!
You are doing awesome on your blog! Congratulations on one year with your blog! 🙂
This is adorable! Congratulations!!! What a fun way to celebrate. Good Luck!!!
Congrats on the 1 year anniversary. I can’t believe you started your blog working on it full time. How gutsy. Oh, and your doggie is so cute!
Congratulations on your 1 year BLOGVERSARY! Exciting! I agree that blogging is an incredible journey and I am so happy that I embarked on this journey as well… BUT it definitely doesn’t pay the bills. For some it does but I haven’t gotten there yet. Enjoy the ride and the experience. I’m glad that you have found your passion and purpose. I write about that a lot and it’s very important.
Congrats on your first guest. Best wishes for great success
Awww yay! What an exciting journey! Blogging is so rewarding isn’t it! Happy Anniversary!
Congratulations it’s a big milestone!
What an achievement ! Congrats on such a monumental milestone !
Happy 1 year! There definitely are highs and lows I can certainly relate! I too started my blog recently (October 2017) to be exact and it is so much work! I love it though and I’m sad I didn’t do it any sooner. Regardless, you are doing an awesome job just know that!
http://www.manicuresandcocktails.net
Congrats! I love your photos! Blogging can be so rewarding.
Congrats on your blog anniversary! I didn’t do anything special for mine but I should have !! This photo shoot is super cute ❤️❤️
As new blogger, I loved reading your post. I know the first year is bumpy but it sounds like you’ve had a great one! I hope you continue to see success.
I have heard the first year is the toughest year in a blogger’s life. Once you pass it, you are safe. You have not only proven so but also become an inspiration for us. And…. yes, congrats.
Author
Yes! It’s definitely been tough! But persistence is key! Thank you so much!
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! It’s definitely worth the celebration. My dogs, Crumpy, Cinderella and Cheesecake would like to say hi to Ningo.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone!! All the Best for your continued success
Have a happy blogaversary!
Sounds like a big milestone!
Author
Hi Virginia,
It definitely is! Thanks for dropping by!
What a great thing for you! 1 year is huge. Congratulations!
Congratulations love! Blogging is definitely not all glitz and glam. It’s hard work and takes determination. I wish you the best on your blog journey!
Congrats with the relaunch and the year celebration! Keep at it and you will have your two year celebration soon. 🙂
Congratulations Dear! You are inspiring others!
Wow. Time indeed flies so fast. Congrats on your blogversary dear! Wishing you more blogging years. Say hi to your adorable pooch for me!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Author
Thank you so much Jess! Definitely will!!!
Happy first blog anniversary. Keep going strong and you will make more and more as you go. ItsI my 7th year this September.
Congratulations! 1 year! That’s such a great accomplishment! Keep doing amazing things!
Author
Thank you Jocelyn!
Happy Anniversary. Congrats! Many people give up within a few months. You stuck it out. Keep up the good work.
Happy one year blog anniversary!! Blogging full time is very brave decision. Good luck for more in your blog year!!
Hey babe, congratulations on your one year anniversary! Soon it’s going to be my turn as well. Really love how you spend the time and deco it with balloons for the celebration. Cheers to more years ahead 😍
Author
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for dropping by! I hope you have a wonderful one year as well!!! Cheers!
Happy anniversary girl! 1 Year down and many more years in the life of blogging to go. Congratulations again!
Congratulations on your one year completion…I know this will be a great blogging journey with so many years to come.
Happy Anniversary…a year is exciting…here’s to many more!! I love your pictures too!
You are doing awesome. One year down many more to go! Congratulations!
That is AMAZING! crongeatulations ! Here’s to all the happiness your blog can bring you :):) no joke about the good and the bad 😆
Congratulations Ophelia and Happy 1st Anniversary! Cheers to more blogging years and wishing you more paid projects.
Author
Hello Peachy,
Thanks so much! The struggle has been real! Appreciate the kind wishes!
I really appreciate the insight on how you have blogged full time over the last year. I can definitely relate to the free products not paying the bills thing. I give you credit for being able to do this full time and still managing to support yourself while paying out of pocket.
Congrats, well done and happy blog birthday! Hope the next year goes well. Love the pics with the doggy!
Congrats on making it a full year after your relaunch! I can totally relate to the carpal tunnel and double tapping too much on Insta!
Author
Hi Marcie,
You know it! Haha! Definitely gets tough!
Wow congratulations on your anniversary!! I appreciate how open and honest you were in this post about your struggles, especially financially. I work full time and I do blogging on the side, but would love to make it my full time career at some point! It’s nice to hear the journey of fellow bloggers! I hope you have fun celebrating this major accomplishment!
Author
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement! I definitely agree! Had tons of fun!
Congratulations on your one year! It sounds like it has been a challenging yet fulfilling year!
Author
Hello Emily!
It definitely has been!
Congratulations on your blogiversary! All the best for a succesful and fun second year!
Congratulations and happy birthday blog! I love the colors you chose for the theme of your blogversary. Classy!
Congratulations on your blog anniversary! All the best for success!
Congratulations! That’s a wonderful milestone, I hope you have many more celebrations ahead of you!
Author
Hi Katherine! Thank you so much!
This is amazing! Congratulations!!! I wish you all the best.
Congratulations on your first year. I hope next year is even more successful for you. PS Your doggie is adorable!!
Author
Hi Joleen. Thank you!!! Ningo gives a big kiss to you!
That is so cute! Congratulations on reaching the one year! Love all your decor girl
Congratulations dear! Been following you on IG for some time now and I can vouch for the work you put into your blog. You definitely achieved a lot during the year of your blogging and it’s worth celebrating! I know you will achieve more!
Author
Aw thank you Steph! You’re so sweet. I really appreciate the support!!!
First of all, thank you for your transparency. You are amazing and the journey you shared gives me hope. Happy blogversay. Wishing you a life time of success.