I've been a writer for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid my mom would find me making up stories in my room before putting them down on paper; Crayola crayon illustrations to match. I don't know why, but it was always my "thing" and I loved sharing stories and telling stories to anyone who would listen. At one point I seriously thought I was going to be Carrie Bradshaw when I grew up, most days I still do. And if we're pin pointing where the idea of "writing for a living" came from, I'm pretty sure it began with her.
Fast forward twenty something years to when I was a senior in college. I was still writing, still telling stories and on the inside I was scared AF about graduation. I mean I was terrified ya'll and thinking about all the steps I needed to take to set myself up for life post grad had me frozen in place. I literally did not one single thing to prepare.
That semester I had this writing class and sat next to this girl Addison every day. We got to talking, became friends and one day she started telling me about her blog. I'd heard of blogs before; at the time I was so obsessed with Courtney Kerr and how she quit her cushy corporate job to start her blog What Courtney Wore (now Kerrently), so I was intrigued by someone that I know owning one too. I started searching around and became fascinated with this industry and knew right away that it could help me. I desperately needed an outlet; anything to share what I was going through.
The landscape and content of MGC has changed so much in the last 4 years since I started. I could honestly kick myself for not taking it seriously back then but everything really does happen for a reason and I can honestly say that this blog has been one of the biggest joys in my life and I'm just getting started.
Even though most of the time I'm literally making shit up as I go, I do get questions from people who want to start a blog. So I've left some tips below for those of you that are interested.
1. Check Yourself
Now that blogging is a "thing", so many people get into it for the money and the Insta fame. If that's what you want then okay, I'm Gucci with that, just make sure you check yourself and understand why your diving into this pool. Because blogging is HARD. It just is. Coming up with engaging content, shooting and writing that content, building a social media following that's engaging and real....it's not just pretty photos on Instagram. And I've found, like with anything else, if you're in it ONLY for the money and the fame, you usually won't last as long as someone with genuine intentions. So check yourself, then decide to start a blog.
2. Pick A Name and Set Up Your Site
This too is hard, at least it was for me. When I first set out to name my online space I kept coming up with crappy cliche names that I quickly tossed in my "no" pile. I finally gave up the charade and literally stumbled upon this quote:
"She's a mess of gorgeous chaos...you can see it in her eyes..."
And I was like....yup. This is it. Not only did that quote describe my life at the inception of this blog, but it was a description of my personality since birth. I wanted to create this place where I could share and celebrate life; the beautiful moments and the chaotic highs and lows while I learned to make the most of the in between.
But you can honestly name your blog whatever you want, it is after all a reflection of you.
4. Engagement Is King
One of the best things to come out of this blog is all of the friends I've made along the way from all across this country. The community is such a beautiful thing if you dive into it and genuinely interact with everyone. Plus if you're goal is to one day work with brands on campaigns, engagement is king. Especially in a day and age when any Joe shmoe can buy followers on the internet for $20. So be a friend and make some friends!
5. Have Fun
When it's all said and done, the reason I keep coming back to this thing is because I love it. Even if 10 people read My Gorgeous Chaos it is MINE. And it continues to bring me so much joy. Stress sometimes too haha but mostly joy, and that is my why. I want the joy that I feel writing and sharing everyday to inspire you to do something gorgeous in your own life.
As always friends make sure you join me on the gram! FOLLOW ME HERE and I'll see you tomorrow.