GRACE AND GLITZ is ONE yall.  I can’t believe it, but we have made it through the one year hump.  (This post is lonnnnnng overdue, since the one year mark was actually in March, but it’s all good) A year ago, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue my passion of being a blogger.  I was extremely nervous about starting Grace and Glitz and was very unsure of it.  But, with much prayer I finally launched my blog.  Today, I’m sharing a few things that I’ve learned throughout the year that might also be helpful if you’re a blogger, or really if you’re trying to pursue your passions.

I’ll be very honest.  Blogging is not always an easy task. Actually, it isn’t easy at all.  Most people are under the impression that bloggers just take a bunch of pictures of themselves and post those pictures on their website (that’s what I thought). This is actually not completely the case. I’ve learned that blogging takes a lot of work.  I don’t want to discourage anyone from starting a blog, but I just want to be honest and let you know that it is hard and time consuming.  It also costs money.  When starting a blog, I didn’t realize just how much time it took to create quality content. You’re constantly trying to be creative and thinking of interesting ways to stand out, while sharing your content. That’s not always easy. It can be hard trying to find inspiration for posts, or also remaining consistent. Once you think of content, you have to create the content and also share visuals.  Photoshoots and editing the photos can take a lot of time (if you’re a perfectionist like me). Not only do you have to spend time creating great content for your blog, but also for your social media accounts.  But, I’m a firm believer in putting in that work for the things that I desire the most.

Along with the time that it takes to create and edit content, blogging can also be somewhat of an investment. Before blogging I didn’t realize  that I’d have to pay for certain things (a domain, photographers, website host, clothes, camera, editing tools, camera equipment, etc.).  Just like the saying goes “You have to spend money to make money.” This is definitely true.  If you want to create quality content and potentially receive awesome collaborations, then it should be expected that you’ll drop a coin or two for your blog. You don’t have to go breaking the bank, but I don’t think it’s realistic to expect to be a blogger and not spend a little money.

Although blogging is somewhat time consuming, and can cost a coin or two; I don’t regret it at all.  I’ve learned so much about myself and my voice over this past year.  Through blogging, I’ve learned that I can use my platform to share more than beauty.  I’ve realized that while I’m talented at makeup, I also have real life experiences to share. I’ve always been a pretty private person; never sharing too much, but through my blogging journey, I’ve learned that sharing is truly caring. I’ve learned that being open and honest with myself and through my blogs has caused me to be more relatable.  I’ve been able to not only free my mind of the things that I’m constantly thinking of, but I’ve also been able to connect with others.  Blogging has allowed me to create a space to empower people.  Whether it’s through my beauty or lifestyle posts; I’ve been able to show others that we are all alike, and that I too face the same struggles and difficulties at times. I’ve been able to use my voice to share my faith, and also inspire others, which is the biggest accomplishment to me thus far.

Being a blogger has taught me a lot of things, but one of the most important is that it really does take a village to be successful.  I didn’t realize it at first, but I actually need my blogging community more than I thought.  I’ve discovered that it is much better to collaborate, than to compete.  I need to be surrounded by other bloggers and influencers. Sometimes, friends and family don’t understand the blogging/influencer life, so it’s great that I’ve been able to connect with other bloggers who are super supportive. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge just by simply reaching out to other bloggers, networking with influencers at events, or even meeting for brunch/coffee.  It’s been great to know that I’m not alone and that there are others who can relate.

As I reflect on my blogging journey I’ll share this last thing.  Great things take time. Sometimes, I get frustrated, because I haven’t reached certain goals that I’ve set for myself, but I am learning that patience and perseverance are equally important. While I must be patient and wait on God’s timing; I also should not give up and throw in the towel.  Success will definitely not happen overnight, but we have to continue to push through even when we want to give up.  There’s been plenty of times when I wanted to quit, but I had to remind myself of why I started in the first place.

My blogging journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s definitely been rewarding.  I want to thank you all for continuing to show your support.  It truly means so much to me.  When people come up to me and talk about my blog.  When I get messages about posts that have helped others.  The likes, messages, and comments on my blog posts and Instagram.  It means so much more than you know.  It also gives me fuel to keep going, and reminds me that I am doing the right thing.  I love you all so much and look forward to growing on this journey called life with you.  I hope you all have a blessed week.

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