Shop My Look: Cargo Pants // Striped Top // Striped Top // Striped Top // Loafers // Jacket // Jacket // Necklace
You guys, Basically Bronwyn has officially been up and running for exactly one year- so CRAZY! When I first started, my blog was a fun hobby; a place where I could share my love for fashion and beauty, my travels with Justin, and my life in general. It's obviously still all of those things, but there's a lot (like A LOT) more to it now than there was at the beginning. Today, I thought it would be fun to share with you the ins and outs of what I've learned in my first year of blogging- the good and sometimes the not so good.
From a Hobby to Business Mindset
What many people don't realize about blogs is that it can essentially be a business/brand. Let's be honest, I'm still VERY new to the game, but wouldn't it be amazing if this could become my full-time job?? I think so! I still have quite a ways to go before that could even be a possibility, but I'm willing to put in the work to see how far I can go. Something else people might not realize is how much work actually goes into one single blog post. Looking back, I definitely didn't realize what all I was signing up for when I first started. From planning and prepping, to photo shoots and editing, writing the post, finding and linking products, sharing across all social media platforms, and keeping up with engagement through those posts- it takes MANY hours for just one single blog post. That doesn't include responding to emails, connecting/negotiating with brands and companies to collaborate with, and creating and uploading posts on Instagram daily! The good news is, I truly love doing it all, but that doesn't mean it's always easy.
Finding My Niche and Staying True to Myself
One of the biggest challenges of being a new blogger is NOT comparing yourselves to other bloggers! There are so many beautiful and talented ladies that I've come to know through the blogging world, and it has been so difficult to not compare my work to theirs. Whether it's comparing numbers (likes/comments on a picture), their photography, personal style, how many followers they have, and basically anything else you could possibly compare, it really took a toll on my own work. Not only was it frustrating and discouraging, but it was exhausting. There came a point where I just had to tell myself that I have my own unique qualities- I offer something different that they might not. I had to learn to be comfortable and confident with what I had to offer and ultimately just be true to myself!
It Doesn't Happen Overnight
For as much as I've grown as a blogger over the past year, I'm still a little fish in a big pond. As badly as I'd love to "hit it big," I know that success and accomplishing goals doesn't happen instantly; it's going to take time and a lot of hard work to get to where I want to be. Luckily, I've been given various opportunities to work with a handful of companies and brands over the past year, and am so thankful for each one along the way. Each collaboration and sponsorship is just one step closer to reaching the goals I've set for myself. Speaking of being thankful, I could NOT have done this without Justin. Besides being my AMAZING photographer, he's also had to put up with my phone being attached my hand for the past year, several (sev-er-al) meltdowns of frustration, and the person I can bounce all of my ideas off of- even if it's about what heels to where with what outfit ;) He's there when I need the pep-talk of all pep-talks, and he's there to celebrate all of the accomplishments made along the way.
Most importantly, I can't thank ALL OF YOU enough for supporting me this year. I'm truly overwhelmed with the love and amazing feedback I've received from all of my subscribers and followers I've gained. Without you guys, this would really just be a sad and very public diary! Haha! So thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me an audience to write to and share with. I hope there are more big and exciting things to come, and I will share it on the blog along the way, of course! :)
XoXo
P.S. I've linked my outfit details above and below (just click on the product image and it will take you to the retailer). Unfortunately, my striped tank is not available online, so I've linked similar styles for you! If you're interested in purchasing it in the store, it's the Who What Wear collection from Target :) Leave me a comment if you have any questions about sizing!
