Blogging is something I hold so dear to me yet something I hid for years from everyone around me!
I started my first blog in 2010 but NO ONE had a single clue how I spent my nights and weekends until 2015 – when Zanita flew me to NYC. And even then, no one knew why I was going to NYC until after the fact. Til this day, I still feel a slight uneasiness inside when people ask what I do for a living – and I laugh a lot in the thick of explicating myself…
Am I a Writer? Blogger? Photographer? Makeup Artist? All the above?
The more I mull it over, the more I’m realizing that maybe a huge part of my disguise correlates to fear – fear of not being good enough, fear of being criticized, fear of coming off to strong, and fear of obliviously humble-bragging. And really, it’s so stupid – and quite comical actually…like why does any of that even matter? If I’m doing it, I should own it. After all, I honestly believe the outcome was deserving – potentially a stroke of luck – but considering how real my effort and commitment to blogging was before joining #teamZanita full time, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. My other problem is I’m one who tries not to talk too much about what I do because I’d rather let the results speak for me.
However, in an era of oversharing, silence doesn’t work so well. You need to be making noise. People need to know where to find you otherwise you’ll just drown in the copious pool of creatives and creators.
I’m extra familiar with the dreadful connotations associated with tooting your own horn – and none of us want to fall victim to overlooking our skills and talent, but remember, YOU are the ONLY expert on your own story. If you’re not championing yourself, no one else will either.
Your strategy doesn’t have to be self-boasting or “look at me” click-baits. Instead, deliver results. Show me what that looks like. I want to see stellar photographs, wanderlust-inducing travels, industry features, and collaborations – and don’t forget to treat every project and blog post like it’s your first. We all know talk is cheap. Show me the money.
The next time you find yourself tucking that blog (or side hustle) away, remember that there’s no shame in doing something you’re wickedly in love with. No shame in sharing creations you’re wildly passionate about. For what is done in love is done well. Life’s too short to hide.
Wearing H&M dress
