I’d like to start out by saying NOTHING you’re about to read is negative towards Influencers/Bloggers/etc. I simply want to address why I’ve been so silent on social media and what’s next for fASHionately Me. Some of you have reached out during my silence, and that’s why it’s important for me to be honest with you.
When I first started my blog years ago it was for two reasons: I liked helping people create a style that made them feel beautiful and I liked to write. I was excited to share my passion in a way that I felt passionate about.
Insert: Instagram.
Instagram changed the way that bloggers were seen and heard. Bloggers turned into Influencers. Writing turned into curated pictures. Sharing my passion turned into feeling the pressure to gain followers and likes. Instagram became a game of posting at the right time, engaging with Influencer photos so they’d engage back and fighting to not get lost in the now sea of Influencers.
All of this made me feel like my blog was now a task on my “To Do” list. Sadly fASHionately Me became more of a business and less of a joy. On the personal side, I was tired of seeing all of the “perfect” people on Instagram reminding me of everything I lacked or was missing. Instagram has a way of making you feel as though you’re the only single person, you’re the most of out of shape human to ever breath and you’re lazy when you sleep in past 5 AM. Maybe that last one is just because I’m jealous of morning people and desperately trying to be one. The pressure of it all led me to truly hate Instagram.
Insert: Quarantine.
Hear my heart when I say this, everything going on today is awful and incredibly sad, but being in quarantine has revived me. I wish it came another way, but quarantine has given me the break I needed but didn’t know how to get. I was burnt out from work, exhausted, and lacking the desire to pursue any of my passions. Through this time of social distancing I’ve been able to focus on what’s important to me and it’s been liberating.
Insert: My passion.
As I mentioned, Instagram became a place where I was constantly feeling not enough (especially as an influencer). Then one day it just clicked. I realized that everything I thought was a negative about me, is actually what fASHionately Me was built on. I’m not the most stylish, the most fit, or the best cook. I can’t tell you what the new trendy make-up pallet is or how to properly sauté a steak. That’s not me. I’m about making runway trends everyday chic and comfortable. I can tell you how to whip up a quick, healthy, gluten free lunch. I can share with you simple make up tips to update your look. That’s me and that’s okay.
So what’s next? I’m so glad you asked. I’m going to continue sharing what I love, and what’s authentic to me. I’m not trying to be an Influencer that “influences” you to buy, buy, buy. I’m just here to help. To all of you who’ve stayed following me, supporting me, reaching out to me… THANK YOU! You are why I’m doing this, not for the likes on a photo.
