Today, I am here to address the #1 question I get. A lot of you have been asking me this question, and I know some of you probably have been wondering. What made me want to start a blog ?
This post is long, may be all over the place, but will be filled with real and honest answers. If you’re ready for it, then dive in!
I started my blog for a number of reasons. It is not something I thought of out of thin air, and it was an idea I was toying with for a while, but never implemented.
Ever since I was younger I enjoyed being in front of the camera in some shape or form. I used to force my cousins to put on shows that I would choreograph and film on my Grammy’s camera (sorry guys), I did musical theater (god knows why because I cannot sing at all), I went to a modeling and acting school where I had a two year contract and took classes, and I freelance modeled until 2016. I guess I kind of missed “modeling”. Now, I am not saying I have this natural ability in front of the camera because you can asked my friends, and they will beg to differ. I take hundreds of shots to get a handful of good ones. But it was definitely something I missed and enjoyed. Being an influencer allows me to be back in front of the camera, all while giving me the opportunity to bring great content to you all!
Another reason I started my blog was because I saw a need for affordable fashion. I love all the bloggers I follow, but I cannot drop $70 on a top. And when I do, it is because I used a gift card (like for my cute Lilly Pulitzer top featured here). If I do pay out of pocket for an expensive top, I typically try to hide the fact I spent that much haha.
I have always gotten compliments on my clothes from my friends, and I always seemed to be the go-to when they needed new places to shop. I wanted to extend that and bring it to a wider audience, and help others achieve their fashion goals! That is why I try to focus on affordable fashion and shopping small when I can!
The last and main reason I started my blog was because I knew it was the right timing, and I had the time to do so.
Look, I am not perfect. I struggle in many aspects of my life. I suffer from anxiety, just as an example. I wanted to be able to share my imperfections with the hopes it could help someone else.
I had left my previous employer before Christmas. I had gotten in trouble at my previous job for online shopping too much (are we really surprised?) and for being on my phone. I was in this stage where I really hated my job and I didn’t even care anymore. I knew I was over qualified for what I was doing, so I would hit my quota then be on my phone. I was intrigued with blogging and LIKEtoKNOW.it and would spend hours reading posts and finding new bloggers to follow. During this time, I was a completely different person because of all these medications I was on. It literally changed who I was. So I was a brat and got myself written up for online shopping at work. I came in late the next day after that and didn’t tell anyone, because I felt frustrated. I knew this job wasn’t for me. I was honestly debating on never going back, but I did.
Well, I got myself into a meeting with HR because of that. They were worried about how this medication was effecting me, and my how I felt about the role I was in as a whole. They asked me what it would take for things to turn around. My response, was at that point nothing. After that, we all decided I would never truly find happiness in that role and it was in my best interest if I parted ways. So, they let me go. Although it was a mutual decision, I basically got fired. That was definitely a learning experience for me. This is where it all turned around for the best.
With this new found free time on my hands, I needed something to keep me busy while I was interviewing and searching for new jobs. I knew this was my chance. My blog could not have come at a better time.
I have never been someone who knew what they wanted to do “when they grew up”. I never had the desire to be a teacher, doctor or lawyer. I never felt like I was gravitating toward any path in school. I chose Advertising as my major because I thought it sounded cool and it gave me some interest. It was always very frustrating for me to never do anything with my degree. I always felt so lost when it came to my career path.
I feel like a disappointment sometimes. It sucks to be 28 years old and to feel so lost. It’s difficult watching all your friends have these amazing careers, traveling to exotic places and buying homes.
I do work full-time and blog as a hobby. And don’t get me wrong, I love my current job right now and I work for a great corporate company. But when it comes to the topics of lifestyle and fashion it just comes naturally. My degree gets to be put to use too! Blogging is the only thing I really enjoy whole-heartedly, and it has given me a purpose.
I started my blog to build what I hope is my brand, Smile Darling Blog. My ultimate goal if the stars align, is to be able to blog full-time one day. I see this down the road when I have kids.
They say you should never start a blog to make money. And I 100% agree. They say it takes at least 3 years for a blog to start making any sort of income. I can absolutely see that. I don’t blog to make money, because I literally make pocket change. If the opportunity presents itself, then great! If not, I can at least be at peace knowing I did find my purpose through all my wandering.
So, there you have! If you’re still with me, you’re an angel! I truly value my readers and everyone who makes this blog possible!
If you are wondering about my blog name, check out my post on why I named my blog “Smile Darling”!
Xx Court