Starting a blog can be rewarding, yet challenging, in so many ways. This is my first post (!) so I’m obviously no expert yet, but I want to share a few of my own personal reasons why now was the right time for me. Hopefully we both learn something from this. Here we go!
Reason 1: I love having a creative outlet
I always knew I’d pursue a career in a “right-brain” field. I never really saw a future for myself in science, mathematics or engineering, so when I got to college, at the time it felt right to enroll in the Communications program. I started out first majoring in Journalism, which after a little soul-searching was switched over to Advertising so that I could eventually end up working in Public Relations. It soon became apparent that the career path I was on did nothing to satisfy a desire I’ve always had, but somehow ended up stifled as I tried to climb the ranks at work – to be creative and produce content that actually matters to me (and hopefully others).
I’ve learned so much from my 3 years in PR, but at the end of the day, working full-time leaves me drained and looking for more. I need to exercise my creativity in ways outside of my traditional professional role or else I will just go crazy! This blog is a way for me to discover my content production style and exercise creativity in a way I never have before.
Reason 2: Being part of a community
It’s a great feeling to be surrounded by like-minded individuals with the same passions and goals. Admittedly, this is something rare for me. I’ve always strived to find “my place” or “my people.” Outside of a handful of best friends and my husband, it’s hard to find people to click with! Especially in such a big city. It’s my hope that blogging opens a door to a community of badass women who know how to empower each other.
Reason 3: Having a voice is important
Growing up, my mom always told me, “Jessie, you have a voice and you WILL be heard.” It wasn’t until I moved away from home that I really started to take this seriously. I was a pretty shy and quiet kid and it wasn’t until I reached a certain age past my early 20s that my confidence seemed to bubble up and shine through. That’s not to say I don’t still struggle with confidence issues – we all do, right?! But speaking up, especially as a woman, is important. And why not share your point-of-view on things you love? I don’t claim to know everything, I just want to have a seat at the table.
Reason 4: I need a side hustle! (Don’t we all?)
Who doesn’t these days, am I right?! What better way to bring in a little extra cash than to produce content about what you love? Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t start my blog to make money. I fully understand that it takes years and years to transition your blog into a lucrative and successful business that hopefully one day turns into a main hustle. I don’t know what the future holds, all I can do is keep hustling and follow the dream until I’m satisfied with where I end up. For now, I’m just here to enjoy the process and see how far I can take it.
Reason 5: There’s never a “right time” to start
We all have bad habits and one of mine, I’m not happy to admit, is procrastination. I mean that in a personal-sense. When it comes to taking the steps to accomplish my personal goals, I’ve noticed a tendency to hold back from what is usually the hardest part – getting started. I’ve wanted to start this blog since I moved to LA – 3 years ago! I have theories about why it took me so long – didn’t know how, drained from work, fear of failure, etc. – but none of that matters. 2019 is officially the year of No More Excuses! I once had the opportunity to sit down with a wise, successful fashion blogger and chat about the industry. Her words of advice never left my mind: “just start.”
Are you thinking about starting a blog or have recently started one? If you were nice enough to read this post, I’d love to hear about your journey so far, and if you have a blog let me know in the comments below so I can check it out!
Xo Jess
