ONE YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY!

On April 27th 2018 I published my very FIRST Instagram post and the following week I created this blog, queencitytrends.com. What started off as a hobby is now my job and I am so grateful for this opportunity to share what I love.

I don’t share this with a lot of people but I did start a fashion blog about 5 years ago but didn’t tell ANYONE! I was embarrassed and not sure what others would think (I know that sounds awful) so I just kept it to myself. In fact, around the same time I recorded a short youtube video sharing my outfit details and published it but immediately took it down the next day. After I quit my corporate retail job, I’ve had many friends tell me that I should start blogging and share my fashion finds on Instagram or Youtube but I just wasn’t ready at that time, even though this was something that had been on my mind.

The morning of April 27th last year, I was group texting my sister-in-laws pictures of the Hunter collection that launched in Target and they said that I should be a personal shopper or start a blog. A few hours later, I picked up my phone and created my first Instagram post. I’m so glad that I took a leap of faith and pursued this opportunity to share what I love with others. Although I’ve seen a tremendous amount of success as an “influencer” I will say it definitely wasn’t all smooth sailing. I spent (and still spend) countless hours (until midnight/1am) working on content. Honestly, if it wasn’t for my extremely loving and supportive photographer (aka husband!), I probably would have quit half way through.

Fun Facts (based on a few questions that I received from you all a few weeks back when I asked you to submit them to me….thank you!):

1. What was your very first collaboration? I received my first collaboration with a company called FabKids. They sell monthly subscription package of kids clothing. It was fun to get my kids dressed up and involved but it was NOT easy! I don’t know how mommy lifestyle bloggers do this! It’s hard enough to film myself but to get two other little humans dressed and play a part is not easy 🙂
2. Do you interact with other bloggers often? Yes. I connected with a few bloggers about a month into blogging and we all became pretty close. We chat almost daily and have a very supportive relationship. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet and develop strong relationships with local bloggers here in Charlotte.
3. What as your first big time partnership? My first “big” collab/sponsorship was with Vici Dolls. I was beyond shocked and excited when they reached out to me and it’s still one of my favorite places to shop!
4. Do you get paid for everything you post? No. I post a combination of sponsored AND not sponsored posts otherwise my feed would honestly look like a QVC Ad. And I only collaborate with brands I believe in. At the end of the day, I want to share products, clothes, services that are appealing to me. I try my best to focus on clothes that are affordable but occasionally throw in a few investment pieces (shoes, purses…).
5. Does your family support you? My husband is extremely supportive and honestly takes most of my photos. I often prefer him to take it vs. a photographer because he knows exactly what I am looking for. The rest of my family is definitely supportive, but less interested. The people that I’ve connected with through Instagram (bloggers and non-bloggers) are extremeley supportive.
6. Do you want to share more of your kids? I’d love to share my kids more on my feed but it’s hard enough getting myself dressed. My daughter is 7 years old and she honestly doesn’t like being filmed or photographed as much and I don’t push it. My son is 4 and goes to pre-school a few hours a day and we are usually busy running errands/after school activities so there is no time.
7. What has been the most challenging part for you with blogging? The hardest part of blogging was comparing myself to my fellow blogging peers. This is a pretty saturated market and the only way to continue to grow and stay authentic to your brand is to stop the comparing and start collaborating with your peers. There are SO MANY amazing ladies that are kicking butt as fashion, beauty and lifestyle bloggers and I feel nothing but inspired by them.
8. What are some of your future goals? My goals for the coming year is to continue spreading my love and passion for style and beauty. I’d love to partner with national brands in the beauty and fashion industry but also focus on growing my presence here in the Queen City, aka Charlotte! I’ve met so many great people and business here and I’d love to build long lasting partnerships with local businesses.

Tarot Reading: Just recently, I had the opportunity to get my Tarot card reading done with Mariah from Harvest & Moon. Y’all, she is the kindest, sweetest person and although we never met in person, I could feel her positive and uplifting energy when she speaks. Our session was focused primarily on my blog and what short term and long terms goals that I need to work on BUT also focused on the balance between family and career. I left my corporate job to become a SAHM and now I have this not-so-part-time job and I often feel like I neglect my family and the decision I made to stay at home. Mariah provided me with much needed clarity on those questions but also gave me clear and concrete advice on how to overcome those feelings. If you are going through something in your life (good or bad) and you need some clarity, I highly recommend reaching out to her. She is professional, knowledgeable, and I could listen to her talk for hours (her voice is beautiful)! Lastly, I just want to thank you all for continuing to support and follow me on this journey!