Image: beautiful thats what you are
When I first started blogging in 2009, I was a biochemistry and psychology student who had been determined to become a neuropsychiatrist for as long as I could remember. I think I made this decision for several reasons. First of all, I genuinely wanted to help people with psychiatric conditions- conditions I’ve learned first-hand that most people don’t understand- by treating them with a discipline more focused on the biology and chemistry behind behavior than psychiatry- what some call a “pseudo-science”- alone. Secondly, I have extremely high standards for myself. For a long time, I believed I had to become a doctor to become anything. When I started to think otherwise, I criticized myself for not living up to my own standards or achieving the goals I had set. The third major factor, I believe, is the environment that I grew up in; not my home life, but the closed-minded rigidity of private school. Sure, I was academically prepared for any college or university, but there was a sour environment filled with unspoken expectations and rules; in many ways, it was understood that there were “suitable” paths to take in life and “unsuitable” paths. Although I read fashion magazines religiously in high school, it didn’t dawn on me until college that fashion could be an actual career.
A vintage Chanel perfume bottle I found on one of my recent antique hunts!
I learned so much about fashion from my early days of blogging and made so many connections with people that I prefer to call them friends: Kimberly from Swoon Worthy, the first follower of my blog, Alisha Trimble, an amazing fashion designer who never forgets about me, Cate Parr of silverridgestudio, who’s a continual inspiration and the artist of my first piece of artwork, Erika Wasser, host of SPACEStv, who always checks up on me and makes me laugh, and Lindsay Boland- blogger/blog designer (she did mine!) of Jennie Called Jane Designs and the Editor-in-Chief of Poppy Magazine who took a chance by making me the Fashion Editor!
Blogging has connected the dots for me: I know I want to continue writing and eventually become a fashion and interior stylist. It has also connected me with like-minded people that inspire me to pursue my dreams and never give up. I’ve grown so much as a person this past year that I’ve left net vignette behind to start this blog: a site that’s more focused, professional, and- at times- personal. I’m also planning to relaunch get a headband soon because I’ve acquired the domain and miss writing about my favorite fashion accessories!
I want to know: Why do you blog?
I FRIGGIN LOVE THIS POST!! Isn’t it funny how ever much you want to force a square peg in a round hole, it’ll always be much happier in a square hole
I have made 2 big career shifts in my life, each step more creative than the last. And I’m on the verge of making a third now with the threat of redundancy looming over me, I have applied for a job as a full time Lifestyle Blog Editor for a really big retail chain in the UK. So far, I’ve been shortlisted so keep your fingers crossed that I get the job 
I love that your journey has taken you to what you really love. Keep in mind that you may find throughout your career that you’re priorities shift and change and that unless you are open to that, you’ll find yourself unhappy if you stay stagnant for too long. Keep inspired, stay creative, look for inspiration everywhere. Creative types need this, it’s like our fuel. I have every confidence you will make quite a success of yourself as you’ve already recognised how important it is to stay true to yourself 
Best of luck to you sweetie xxx
I love you. Haha! You’re so awesome- you’ve truly been encouraging me since day 1. I’m sure you’ll get the job! Let me know where it is and I’ll see if I (or anyone at Poppy) has any contacts. It’s not like you need any help though!
It’s so funny- I spent so much of my life (yes, I say this at 23) actually scheduling time to do one creative thing every day to keep my spirits up. I almost felt stupid when I realized that I could make being creative a career!
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you, but I know you’ll get the job! I want to hear more (aka everything) about it!
P.S. I hope you’re doing well and I love your new blog design!
xoxo
Sorry for all the typos!! I went all crazy and typed quickly on that one! lol xxx
I didn’t even notice because your comment was so sweet!
There is clearly a lot to know about this. I think you made various good points in features also.
Wow- this post really made me reflect on my own path. Kudos to you for realizing what you are MEANT to do rather than follow a path of what is expected.
Can’t wait to look through more of your blog…
Thanks so much, Nicole! I’m really happy that Holly assigned this topic for extra credit in BYW Boot Camp. I think part of what took me so long to figure out my path in life was the fact that I never forced myself to think into it very much. Writing this post was actually really freeing for me, and I feel like I’ll be less afraid to be personal when I write from now on.
It really is true- one of the greatest things about blogging is all the connections and friends you have the opportunity to make. That’s probably what I’m most excited about BYW and want to get out of it the most!
Just popping over from BYW to say hello. Did you know in Barcelona they have a perfume museum, which includes a collection of Chanel bottles through the ages: http://blog.jennifuchs.com/2012/05/30/museu-del-perfum/
Enjoy the rest of the course! Best wishes, Jenni
Oh. My. Gosh. I don’t know what I would do!! I collect strange things: perfume bottles, jewelry boxes, and headbands
Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
I started blogging to keep my family and friends across the country up to date with what I am up to! Ever since I started blogging I have wanted my blog to become more than what it is. My dream is to be the top lifestyle blogger in Canada (but I have just realized this dream as of yesterday!). I came across your blog today on Glitter&Pearls and I am looking forward to reading more of it!
It’s so funny how we can start down a path without even knowing it will ultimately become our dream, isn’t it? Keep at it and I’m sure you’ll reach the top! Plus, now you have a new blogging friend to make the journey with! I look forward to reading your blog as well!
❥ Sara
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