I cannot believe I’m typing the words that my blog has been live for TWO YEARS! What started out as me simply wanting to share how to shop on a budget, lots of ambition and ideas has turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! On October 15th, 2018 I published my very first blog post on how to style a dress five ways with no clue what I was doing…photos taken in my mom’s backyard with full on sunlight, unflattering poses, weird facial expressions, haha the list goes on but everyone starts somewhere! Now here I am two years later and I’ve been able to work with the country’s top fashion and beauty brands, made friendships to last a lifetime, all while doing what I love…shopping of course!

WHAT I’VE LEARNED ABOUT MYSELF

I quickly learned that blogging and networking go hand in hand. That was a struggle for me because I am one of the most introverted and shy people you will ever meet. I had a local blogger reach out to have lunch one day and I was so nervous! I went and we hit it off and I’ve since then met several local bloggers and it’s made me come out of my shell A LOT! I also feel like I lacked confidence and had low self esteem, but being able to put myself out and my life out there for everyone to see, taking photos in public places, and meeting with other bloggers has helped with that so much.

I’ve also learned that I can be quite the business woman! I have no business background or degree but when you enter into negotiations and contracts with brands, you have to learn real quick how to negotiate and read contracts.

Third and very important…I found that I’m pretty good at time management and getting things done in a short amount of time. I’ve been doing this for two years, while working a full time job the entire time and taking care of my family and a six month stint of moving in my grandmother and caring for her. But I believe being consistent has been key to me growing and being successful. Currently, I’m working 4 days a week and cramming all content creating into 3 days!

WHAT’S THE LAST TWO YEARS BEEN LIKE?

It wasn’t until about 18 months in before I started to get brand deals and making a decent income. But that didn’t come without days of hard work and research and consistency. What people don’t tell you about blogging is that it never shuts off. It doesn’t stop until you make an effort to stop which I have yet to take a lengthy break. There’s engagement to do, emails to answer, brands to pitch, photoshoots to plan…it’s a constant hustle but if you want to be successful, you MUST put in the work. I put a lot of pressure on myself (sometimes unnecessarily) for things to be perfect. It’s hard, hard work. I will go to multiple locations in the same outfit to get “that shot.” There’s a lot of planning involved with outfits and sales and blogs and honestly it’s a little overwhelming at times, especially with my day job but it’s all worth it to me.

I have made the best friends with girls that I’ve never met face to face. Women that I can share my victories and struggles with and just chat about every day stuff. Can’t wait for the day that we can meet but I’m so happy to have met these sweet ladies and made lifelong friendships.

I’m still learning every day because the world of social media is ever changing. I love the community that I’ve built and I’m so happy when I receive a message of something that I’ve shared that someone has purchased and loved or a DM of an Instagram tip that’s helped someone. Thank you all so much for being here and helping make The Thrifty Blonde what it is today!

XOXO

Lauren