It’s official ! Raising Jay & Abel has officially turned one ! I do think it’s a tad bit weird that I am celebrating an anniversary with my blog BUT for me its way more then just a celebration its an accomplishment.
I started my blog with the innocent intention of sharing my thoughts and feelings on the web and the hopes of connecting to other young mothers. Being on Maternity leave, I found myself itching to write and wanting to finally share my “Teen Mom Story”. One year ago, I wrote Teen Mom OG, where I shared the struggles and hardships that I endured becoming a mother at very young age. I was always scared to write my story down because I thought that nobody would want to read it. The mere thought of ridicule and backlash from internet trolls frightened me. However, I eventually mustard up the courage to hit the publish button. The positive feedback I received from people was absolutely amazing.
As time went on, the seed that I had planted started to grow and blossom immensely. I was able to connect with other young moms through my blog and my Instagram page. Connecting on a level that only we could understand.
Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I managed to gain and sustain beautiful friendships with other local and non-local bloggers and even local handmade shops run by these incredible women. Now that’s amazing. I never ever, ever, thought that starting a blog would be so difficult yet so rewarding.
Through-out the year, I was able to learn a few tips from reading and engaging with other bloggers that helped me stay focused on my vision. Using what I learned, I managed to build my blog story and a community of strong and powerful women. Here are my tips that I believe every new blogger should take into consideration when trying to develop their brand.
1. Be Authentic
I will admit, I struggled with this at the beginning. Constantly, comparing and over analyzing numbers. It became exhausting. Through time, I was able to stay true to myself and not change myself for acceptance. I didn’t want to be known as just another mom blogger. I wanted to be true to myself and while sharing my vision of women empowerment. I did just that.
2. Figure out your niche
Now, this took some time for me. I wasn’t taking blogging seriously and actually didn’t start until I launched my new site 6 months ago. eek! In that time, however, I noticed a pattern, and was able to use it to my advantage. My suggestion is to pick 5 things that are important to you and represent you as a person. I would go into further details but I won’t since I’m currently working on something that relates to this. So keep your eyes peeled.
3. Take Risks
I guess you could call me a little bit of a risk taker, especially when it comes to my blog. In order for me to connect with local bloggers and shops, I knew I had to be social and network a whole bunch.. all by my lonesome… dun, dun, dun. I remember my very first networking event. I was scared sh/tless. I literally knew no one. That nervous and anxious feeling eventually faded away as I attended more events. Since then, have been blessed with wonderful friendships and have been able to grow along side gorgeous and powerful women in my community.
4. Know when to Invest
This was one of the greatest tips I was told when I was starting up. Initially, I was on a free blogging platform, using my really beaten up iPhone to take photos and I wasn’t investing my time. I’m not suggesting to spend thousands of dollars on a web designer or buy a DSLR camera right away. I’m asking you to be smart. This could include collaborations, business cards, photography classes or simply putting an hour aside a week to engage with your readers.
BONUS TIP: Find your tribe.
You must, must, MUST, surround yourself with positive and uplifting people. There will be times where you want to give up and throw in the towel and just need a virtual air hug. These people will send your those cute emoticons and positive messages to keep going. They share your vision and your goal which makes you better.
Whichever route you decide to take, you must always remember to stay true yourself.
Thank you for all the amazing shops who sponsored my One Year Blog Anniversary Post.
Earrings & Statement Necklace: Odette & Ophelia
Mama Bear Bar Necklace: Mint & Birch
Shirt & Pullover: The Sweet Life Apparel
Trench & Shoes: Shop Hunnis
Jeans: Tummy Trimmer Denim
Sunglasses: Iweartheheadress & Fellow Earthlings
I have teamed up with Odette & Ophelia, Mint & Birch, The Sweet Life Apparel, and Iweartheheadress to giveaway a grand prize package to one lucky winner!! Click on the link below to be officially entered. Good luck !
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Photography by Simply Sweet Photography by Nomo
Comments
Congratulations Heydy ?? Love reading your blog and thank you once again for this amazing giveaway??
congrats love!! im so proud of you <3
Congrats Heydy and thanks for the chance! What an amazing giveaway!
I like the last picture the most!
Btw thanks for all the blogging tips! It will be very useful moving forward!
Congrats Heydy! I love the pic of you walking hand and hand with your son! <3
Congrats my dear! It’s been a pleasure watching you grow this last year! Here is to many more! Ps… last picture!!!
Congrats mama <3 I'm so proud of how far you've gotten <3 you know how much I look up to you and keep doing what you do! :*
Congratulations on 1 year!! Love your pictures they are all so fun!! My favorite is the last one…you look so happy and carefree!!
Happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary and congrats!!! My fave picture is the one of you and your son holding hands stretched out and he’s looking at you with a big smile…pure joy in those smiles!
Congrats on 1 year!! Love the pic of you and your son you guys are so cute!!!
Congratulations on your first blog anniversary!!! 🙂
Congratulations on your first blog anniversary!!! 🙂 I love the last picture because of the happy smiles on your faces, it’s priceless! 🙂
congrats. i like the last pic.
Congratulations, great post as well
Congrats! The last picture is my favorite!
I love the 4th picture down…I love everything about it…I love your shirt, your son poking out from behind you, the colors, your beauty!
I love the last picture!! Gorgeous location!! & You look amazing. Need that shirt!!!
Congrats on your first year!
Congrats! How exciting! My one year will be this July. I loved your ideas and tips.
Love the point on investing!!! Kudos to you for figuring this out early and acting on it! Congrats on the blogiversary! 🙂
Congratulations!! You are quite successful for one year. Here’s to many more!
hard to pick just one! but I think the last one is my favourite 🙂
I love the last photo of you and your son holding out your arms — He looks so excited for you. What an amazing adventure you’re on! I’m so glad we met in a group last year.