ONE YEAR IN
I announced my move into blogging and social media as my full-time career one year ago today! Y’all, what. a. ride. So many sleepless nights, stressful calls and tear-filled photoshoots have come about over the past 365 days. Oh, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve learned more about myself, the value of time and, more than anything, YOU are the only thing standing in the way of the life that you want.
This year was full of learning. It’s taught me to utilize the resources around me so I can maximize my time in the areas I’m most needed. For instance, y’all see my “quick” try on sessions. What you don’t see? The work that goes into initiating partnerships, selecting products, steaming items, pairing outfits, recording sessions, photos in each outfit, linking every product to a photo… so what seems like a quick session is actually a days worth of work! Operating as a team of one meant that, on these days, I wasn’t able to take on my inbox, applications to campaigns or any of the other work that comes with my career. It made for some pretty late nights! All this to say…
I’ve expanded my team!
Earlier this month, my girl Emily (usually referenced as “Em-a-Lay-Lay” around here) joined as my part-time Marketing Assistant! Thanks to her teaching schedule, she’s able to spend a few hours with me during the summer and really keep me on track! Emily knows my brand, my goals and understands the vision I have before I even say it. There’s nothing like having one of your very best friends by your side, helping grow your small business.
a day as my marketing assistant
1: Prepping try-on’s and photoshoot outfits. It sounds like a luxury to say someone is steaming your clothes, but keep in mind, that’s a huge part of my job. From hanging and steaming outfits to linking everything in my liketoknow.it, Emily has really taken hours of work out of my schedule.
2: All the details. I’m not one for reading the fine print. Emily ensures I’m not overlooking something in all of my agreements that could cause a brand to request us to re-shoot the content. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that time is money. Re-doing something because you overlook important details can kill you on wasting time.
3: Managing my calendar. There’s a lot of deadlines. Almost every campaign I take on requires drafts be submitted to brands prior to going live on my social media. Missing deadlines can result in losing a partnership. Having Em on the team ensures I schedule my photoshoots and have everything needed to create the best content without rushing to meet deadlines.
4: All things organization. I know my strengths. Being organized is not one of them. 😂 Emily, on the other hand, ensures there’s a place and space for everything.
5: Honestly, everything that pops up. She’s a photographer, a hype girl, sounding board and shoulder to cry on when I’m having a moment. Oh, and she’s always up for driving me places because I absolutely hate driving, so that’s probably the biggest selling point.
Okay, I’m gonna wrap this up before getting too in my feels! I am so dang grateful for the successes God has written into my story, for the really hard times along the way, for the growth of my team and for all of the excitement to come. Please let this serve as your reminder: You can do it. It’ll be hard, but it will also be worth it.
Here’s to hoping I always have something exciting to share on this day each year! Send your prayers and positive vibes to my gal Em – she’s dealing with a weirdo of a boss. 
Thank you so much for being here, love y’all!!
