FRIYAY! It’s a very exciting day for us over here, Oh Darling Blog is officially one year old! It’s kind of insane to think we started this crazy journey of ours a year ago!!
If we were to look back a year ago, we would have never thought we would be where we are today. To be completely honest with you, we might have thought we would be way further along than we are! This whole post is going to be honest & raw. The ups and downs blogging brings, the lessons it’s taught us, and the amazing people it’s brought into our lives. This journey of ours has been insanely crazy & we’re here to share just that with ya today. FYI, this post is extremely long with a lot of words, but we promise it’s a lot of good words!
Lydia’s Thoughts
Blogging has allowed me to learn / teach myself so much. It has only been a year and I’ve grown so much as a person! I’ve been able to step out of my comfort zone and do something I love. Something I never thought I would be doing, but that I truly love doing!! We’ve made some of the greatest friends & that’s one of the many reasons I truly believe this is where I am meant to be in my life right now. The people who only raise you up and cheer you on. Who love you for who you are, no matter your flaws and mistakes.
But oh man, along with joy it’s brought a lot of days of wanting to quit, days of feeling so stressed out, days of crying and thinking why am I doing this, and days of just comparing yourself to everyone else and not seeing the good in anything. It’s freaking hard!! Walking into this journey, we didn’t think it would be easy, but we didn’t think this much work went into it. TRUTH, no one tells you just how much work goes into this!
Okay, I’m going to wrap up my thoughts by ending with this! I want every single one of you to hear and know that even though it can be very difficult, that should NEVER stop you from following your dreams! Who even knows if this is truly my dream because I have millions, but at this point in my life I couldn’t see it any other way. To most people my age, I’m probably crazy! I didn’t go to college right out of high school, I’m not going to college right now, and who knows if I’ll ever go. But I don’t regret that and I don’t regret anything I am doing right now. I may not be making any money and I don’t have any plans for my future, but that doesn’t worry me because I know I’ll figure it out. I’m not concerned and have never been! I’m okay with doing things differently than what society has been drilling into our heads.. especially where I grew up! I believe that my path I’m going down is meant to be and what I am doing is what I should be doing right now. The tools I’m learning and the friendships I have made, I KNOW are slowly but surely leading me down the path to my next journey and to my end goal of true happiness.
Katie’s Thoughts
Let me second Lydia by stating again that blogging is hard, especially for me. If it wasn’t for Lydia I would have given up on this dream. Regrettably so, but none the less I would have! I grew up without computers, and yes even the internet! Yep, I’m old. Blogging is technical; you have to know what SEO is, how to edit photos, how to create a website, so on and so forth. Thanks to Lydia she is good at all of this and if she doesn’t know how to do it, she figures it out. I am so grateful for her determination, her drive to always improve our pictures, our site. She truly has made Oh Darling Blog what it is today.
We created Oh Darling Blog because we love blogs, fashion, and we wanted to share our love with the world. We want to inspire others and lift them up. Not only do we want to connect with others but our dream is to make this our livelihood. So we continue pushing forward through a lot of ups and downs. This is a tough business to be in and no matter how hard you try, you do compare yourself to others. You compare their numbers, their picture quality, their engagement, and it can suck you in to feeling like something is wrong with you. We have to continually remind ourselves that “perfection” is just a false ideal. Nobody is perfect, NOBODY! One of my favorite things about this amazing, but crazy path that we are on, is that it has taught us to just enjoy each day and each lesson learned. It is a fantastic journey and we are so grateful!!!
Inspiration
One thing that really encourages us to keep doing what we are doing is receiving those sweet messages saying how we are inspiring them, how they love our concept, or to just keep up our hard work! They truly make our day & make us keep going even when feeling down. It’s amazing how they can come at the perfect time to just raise ya up a little.
One of those messages lead us to reading something that couldn’t be more TRUE and more REAL. If you are to take anything away from this post and know how it truly feels to be doing what we’re doing just read this:
“Sometimes I just have to laugh at the complete roller coaster of emotions that come with being self-employed. One day I’m all “Man, I GOT this. I seriously know what I am doing & I am killing it!!” Fast forward about twelve hours later and I’m all “Holy cow, what on earth am I doing?! I am going to go bankrupt, lose everything & be the biggest failure in the history of being self-employed!!” I really truly believe it never will matter how successful you are, you will always have the highs & lows when you’re your own boss.
The challenge isn’t necessarily in finding a way to only have highs (pretty darn sure that’s impossible), it’s finding a way to truly celebrate both. To understand and be grateful for how BOTH can shape & mold us.” – Melissa Smith
Tips, Tips, and More Tips
Growth is slow
We didn’t walk into this thinking it would be easy to grow, but once again didn’t think it would be this HARD to grow! It takes time and we’ve really had to work hard on being okay with that.
Just Remember: everyone has their own journey, has their own group of followers, and has their own way of doing things!
It’s not easy
It’s not easy at all.. like at all! That should never stop you from quitting, though!
Just Know: as time goes on, you’ll get more into the swing of things and figure out what works best for you.
Network
Everyone’s always told us to network and we didn’t really understand why that was so important. Networking just seems like a really professional word that’s difficult!
Just Know: it’s not a scary word and it’s as easy as messaging others, supporting others, joining groups, and just reaching out.
Believe you can
Even through those tough days, those days of you just not feeling good enough.. always believe in yourself and believe you can!
Just Remember: we are all stronger than we truly know.
Don’t let the numbers stop you
We’re really guilty of comparing others numbers to our own. We don’t have a big following AT ALL, but once again it takes time and everyone grows at their own pace.
Just Know: numbers should NEVER stop you, they’re literally just numbers at the end of the day. We know it’s easier said than done, but numbers should never knock your self-worth and never define you!
Join groups
we’ve slowly started joining groups on facebook & it’s been really helpful. Everyone is there to support others and to help each other out. Which is KEY!
Just Remember: this is a business and there are a lot of people who aren’t going to be the nicest, so finding people who love and support you for who you are is beneficial and good for the soul.
Support others
we love supporting others! We comment back to each person who comments on our photos and we make sure to interact with them on their personal account.
Just Remember: it’s important to let others now that you care and you’re here for more than just the likes & comments. Supporting others has lead us to make such great friends + it just makes you feel good!
Try NOT to compare
another thing that is easier said than done. This has been brought up a lot and can be very annoying. But it truly is something that most people do!
Just Know: know your self-worth and know you’re worthy of love. We all have flaws and not one person’s life is perfect! If you’re getting sucked into feeling this way, just take a break and focus on all the good in your life.
Don’t expect things in return
being nice doesn’t mean you’ll get things in return. When supporting, commenting, and raising others up.. that doesn’t mean you’ll get the response you want!
Just Know: what you’re doing to support others is amazing
Don’t be afraid of someone telling you no
people are scared of the word no, but that should never stop you.
Just Know: don’t be afraid to reach out to others or even companies! It’s okay if they say no because for those 10 no’s you’ll get that one yes that could change your life.
It’s going to cost a lot to get where you may want to be
we’ve spent more money than we probably want to know we’ve spent, but a lot of times following your dreams can do that. We’re very fortunate & grateful that we are able to provide for a passion of ours
Just Remember: it may not be cheap or free to follow your dreams, but it doesn’t have to be crazy expensive. Budget, figure out how much you’re able to spend, and become creative!
Figure out what’s really stressing you out and find a solution
There have been a few things we decided to get help on that’s really helped us with not feeling so stressed out and overwhelmed.
Just Remember: you can’t do everything! It’s okay to ask for help and to take breaks when needed.
Comment
comment, comment, comment.. words mean so much!
Just Remember: let people know how you love their posts, how amazing they are doing, or just some words of encouragement. Most people want feedback and to know others are reading!
Raise each other up
most importantly, raise others up! Show your love and send some love!
Just Remember: reach out to others besides just your friends. Let the people who are supporting you know how much you appreciate it. Give advice, just let others know you are there for them.. engage!
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Congrats on the anniversary!! I haven’t been seriously doing it for a year yet, but I can relate to what you say about how it’s hard, stressful, and many people don’t understand it can be a job. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much girl! It can be very hard, but also so rewarding! xo!
Happy blogiversary!! Love your pants and how you styled them!!
XOXO
Cathy
Thanks so much girl, so sweet of you! xoxo!
Congratulations to you two! One year anni is so special and a day i will forever carry with me. Hope today is extra special + eat an extra piece of cake for me xoxox
Thanks so much girl & thank you for all the continued love and support! It really is so special. Now we really need some cake 😉 xo!
Happy 1 year anniversary!! Y’all are the cutest and I love following along on your journey 😘 these pictures are too cute of you guys!!! Enjoy the milestone. ✨
Thank you so much for the sweet words! It truly means so much to us & we’re SO glad to have you following along this journey with us! thank ya thank ya!! xoxo
I just love you both so much! You guys have done so much in one year, more than many people do in 5 years. You are faithful and determined and thats how I know you guys are going to make it. You both are so supportive and it never goes unnoticed. I can not think of the St. Louis blogging community without thinking about you two first. I am constantly inspired by you, so job well done and cheers to year one down and many more prosperous years to go!!
Kaitlin, we love you so much!! We honestly don’t have enough words to explain how grateful we are for you & for all your continued love and support. You are the reason we keep doing this! Words of encouragement and so much love keeps us motivated through all the tough days. Thank you for always inspiring us and cheering us on. We’re so glad to call you a friend! xoxo!
Congratulations!! I love these mother daughter pics. You all have a special relationship. So excited and happy for you. You should be proud for all you have accomplished in 1 year. All the highs and lows make for a challenging and worthwhile journey I know but clearly you all have the passion and determination. Thanks for all you have taugh me and so happy to have met you both. Cheers!! 🎉
Thanks so much Sarah!! You’re the sweetest and we’re SO glad to have met you! Always love seeing ya girl. Love you, xo!
CONGRATS on a great first year! So exciting!
Thanks so much girl!!
you ladies are fab! congrats on year 1!
xo!
Shelby
Aw, thank ya so much Shelby! So sweet, xo!
Congrats on the anniversary! You both did such an amazing job!
Belle | http://www.OneAwesomeMomma.com
Aw, thank you so much!! xo!
Congrats on an AMAZING first year!!! I’m so glad I know y’all now so I can brag about knowing you personally when y’all become huge blogger celebrities!! Not even kidding! You are both so inspiring and I absolutely can’t wait to see what year 2 has in store for you!! Hope you ralize just how great you both are at what you do. I now first hand how mentally challenging it can be, but I’m tellin ya, WE see something GREAT in you both, so keep going and be confident that the growth will come!
Love to you both!
– Mary
http://www.MissMaryPowers.com
You’re just the best Mary and we mean it each time we tell ya!! Thank you for all of the sweet words & encouragement! It truly means more than you’ll ever know and we’re so glad to have you by our side & to call you a friend. We’re definitely all in this together!
Love you girl! xoxox!
GIRLS! Yesssss! This is so spot on. Blogging can be a real challenge and there have been plenty of days where I wanted to give up. You are doing great!
Lydia | ChicAndModish.com
Thanks so much Lydia! So sweet of you & thank you for the words of encouragement! xoxo
Happy one year ladies!!! Loving everything about this post and it’s all so true! It’s not as easy as people think but worth it! I know you ladies will continue to grow and make it to the “top”
Xo – lindsay
Thanks so much Lindsay!! We’re so grateful for both of your kind words and support always & so glad to call you friends! xoxo!
Happy one year anniversary! And yes, totally agree with everything you said, blogging is hard, but I do it because I love it! I have this passion inside me and its just so much fun to write and share 😘😘
Thanks so much girl! It’s super hard, but we do it because we love it as well. It is so much fun & we love being able to share with others. xoxo!
So many congrats babes!!!! You’re hard work shows- y’all are killing it. LOVE both your looks! Hugs, Kait
Aw, thank ya so so much! Such a sweet comment, it truly means so much to us! xoxo!
Love this post, congrats ladies!!! You guys are amazing and I love these denim jackets!
Kileen
cute & little
Thanks so much girly, it truly means so much to us!! We’ve been wearing these denim jackets non stop!
Congrats on a Year Blogging! That is such an exciting accomplishment! I love all of your tips! So many that I have experienced during my journey too! It is okay to be told no! It is going to cost a lot of money but it’s your dream! It isn’t going to be easy! Thank you so much for this beautiful post.
http://www.withlovefromkimberly.com
Thanks so much Kimberly, it truly means so much to us! Thank you for all the kind words, love & encouragement! xoxo!
Congrats girls! And definitely worth a big celebration!! 🎉 So true that anyone outside of this world doesn’t understand how HARD or TIME-CONSUMING this is. I know we didn’t lol!! Love your words and love your insta stories—you encouraged people to comment on blogs so here I am doing just that! That’s because of you!😘
Thanks so much girls, you are both so sweet! It truly means so much to us for all your love & support. We’re so thankful to have you two girls support us and be on this crazy journey of ours. xoxo!
Happy Anniversary babe! To many more years of adventure 🙂
Thank you so much! Means so much!
Love this post! We need this kind of tips and encouragements! Love your pictures too!!
Aw, thank you so much! It truly means so so much to us! Such sweet words. xoxo!
Congratulations! That is so exciting!
Thanks so much!
I seriously love everything about this post. Major congratulations to you two on one year of sheer brilliance and beauty! I can’t wait to see what the next year and beyond have in store for you!
Aw, thanks SO much Stephanie! Your words truly mean so much & we’re so glad to have found your blog! thanks again girl.. xoxo!
Thats so amazing to hear, happy one year anniversary gals!
I just celebrated my 5 year anniversary blogging, it felt so mental!
Lucy Jane | Infinity of Fashion
Thanks so much girl! Yay, congrats on your 5 year anniversary for blogging! So so exciting! xoxo
Happy 1 year anniversary girls! Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much Nataly! xo!
Happy Blogiversary!! That’s so exciting! I can’t wait to see more from you guys!
Thanks so much girl, so sweet! We can’t thank you enough for the love. xoxo!
Happy bloggerversary! Can’t wait to see where this year takes y’all.
Thanks so much Greta! It means so much to us! xoxox
Congrats on your one year anniversary! We share the same one 🙂 Mine is three years and I can still identify with a lot of these. I was nowhere near where you guys were within one year, but let me know just tell you that each year gets better and better. Can’t see what lies ahead for you two!
Liz
Thank you and congrats on blogging for 3 years!! We can’t thank ya enough for the words of encouragement & love. It truly means so much. xo!
Congrats on your anniversary!! I love your matching denim jackets and how you both styled them!! Love all your tips, they are still so true after years of blogging!
xo, Laura
Thanks so much Laura! We have seriously been so obsessed with these denim jackets! Your support & love means so much to us. xox!
Wow… ONE YEAR!!!! What an amazing accomplishment! Numbers are not everything, and I love that you were honest about that. You two ladies truly are such a joy to follow. You are doing amazing work, and I’m so excited to watch you grow in the years to come!
Thank ya so much Liz! We are seriously so glad to call you a friend & to have you following along with us on this crazy journey of ours. So so thankful for all your kinds words and support. Love ya girl, xx!
Wow what a great story, so proud of you guys, congrats ladies.
Thanks so much girl, your words mean so much to us! xoxo!
Congrats on one year!!!!! Love all of the tips. Blogging is not always easy, but the smallest wins are so rewarding.
xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
Thanks so much Angelle! We can’t thank you enough for your kind words. It’s hard, but all worth it. xo!
I love your mention of all of the emotions you go throrugh when you are self employed. It is so true. I am normally a very confident person, but blogging has really put me outside of my comfort zone. Some days I feel like my content is so great and I am really proud of what I’m creating. Other days I wonder why I can’t create the content that I want, and I’m not achiving my true potential. But at the end of the day I really do love this so thanks for sharing this post!
Thanks so much for the sweet comment Cristina! It truly means so so much to us. We totally know what you mean, it’s such a roller coaster of emotions. But like you said, at the end of the day it’s worth it because we’re all doing something we love. xoxo!
I just came across your account on Instagram and congratulate you on your hard work and your first anniversary! I just started my own fashion/travel blog last month, so I truly am a ‘baby blogger’ 🙂 and appreciate hearing from someone who’s a little further down this path than me! I have 3 grown daughters who are involved with my blog, too – modeling, taking pics, etc. and we are having fun figuring it out together – so I especially appreciate your mother-daughter concept! I’d love for you to visit my blog – http://www.memyselfandfinds.com And, I wish you much success in Year 2 of your journey!
Thank you so much for this sweet message Sue!! Seriously, such kind words that we truly appreciate. That’s so exciting to hear that you just started blogging.. we can’t wait to check out your blog 🙂 Thanks again for leaving a comment. You’ve got this girl and we love that your following your dreams. xo!
You guys are amazing. So proud of you ladies. 💕
Aw, thank you Hannah! But girl, you’re amazing! Love ya, xoxo