Getting deep & personal… These last two weeks have weighed heavily on me in both good & bad ways…
I’ve meditated over and over how I would communicate this – and whether or not I should, but as any influencer knows, it only makes sense to be as transparent, honest, and open as possible. Most of you know by now that I began freelance writing for Zanita in early 2015 – and it became such a monumental breakthrough in my life because little did I know she’d become the stepping stone for some unbelievable opportunities. I’ve dreamt so clearly and so precisely about fashion writing and traveling since I was about 15 – and becoming a part of the burgeoning blog industry since 2010. Zanita (& Gustav) essentially became the spur that made what seemed possible only in my imaginations a dream true. A gift deeply appreciated and a debt that can never be repaid.
I’m saying this with regret and bliss… But as we head into October, I’ll be transitioning out of working full-time with Zanita. Your next question might be WHY?! Well, the Influencer Industry is still in its infancy and no one really knows where its headed, so as it evolves and times change (and yes, it changes fast!), so do strategies! I’ve grown quite a bit myself over this period and began to reflect and desire more, exploring the notion of working for myself. So with Azalle still in its early stages, shifts in strategy were bound to happen, meaning it only made sense that we part ways. Not in entirety but in exclusivity. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to maintain a conducive friendship with an ex-lover, then think of my relationship with Zanita Studio & Azalle in that way 🙂
As I redraw my path and watch the road unravel (which has already started so divinely and unexpectedly), I wanted to share a few things that mobilized my growth under Zanita and what I loved most about working for her…
An excellent & supportive mentor
Zanita was always willing to share her expertise and opinion with me even if it meant criticizing me – but she was always so eloquent that I never felt incompetent in my role. As a boss and a mentor, she encouraged me to pursue opportunities with brands and bloggers (knowing before I did) that it would help me grow. If there’s anything I’ve learned in all my years of working, it’s that a wonderful boss wants their employees to succeed! She was no doubt one of those. She also never left me out in a sea of elite bloggers where I felt profoundly displaced… I still remember that time I met BryanBoy during Paris Fashion Week! #goodtimes.
Opportunistic
She isn’t about herself. If there was any trip she could have taken me on, she did – and she spoiled me with food, gifts, and knowledge! Who can say they hung out in Paris and Sydney without spending a dime? Maybe lots of bloggers but surely not me! I participated in a Lord & Taylor campaign with her back in June – that was an experience of a lifetime – and I’ve just been able to do and touch so many things that I know several others would kill to have! #blessedbeyondbelief
WYSIWYG
She is the real deal – what you see is what you get, which I don’t think holds true for many mega-influencers! She’s not afraid to be who she really is – a gorgeous goofball. Many influencers excel at putting up a very specific and curated personality, but how you see Zanita on social media is 100% true to her personality in real life. She was even kind enough to house my brother, his girlfriend, and me at her own apartment! #toogoodtobetrue
She trusted me
In a highly exclusive and competitive industry like fashion and blogging, it’s very normal for high-profile influencers to become protective of their contacts, contracts, rates, et al. I appreciate how transparent Zanita and Gustav were with me at any given time. They gave me full creative control over the content on Zanita Studio and Azalle…it’s still hard to fathom that I wrote every single Azalle course! Plus, she allowed me to work remote regularly – who does that?! Her openness and honesty is something I’ll truly miss. #therealmvp
Let this be a paradigm that it only takes one – one time, one person, or one shot for your dreams to manifest into reality. I’ll be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside someone all-inclusively genuine, kind, comical, and creative like Zanita – and business-minded like Gustav! I say this repeatedly because I feel it so immensely, but NEVER stop believing in the beauty of your dreams.
