What I Wore: Full Time Fashion Blogger

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Coat: Express | Sweatshirt: River Island | Pencil Skirt: Similar | Mules: Just Fab | Ring: Kendra Scott | Lipstick: MAC Cosmetics

Glamazons,

I remember when I decided to start blogging full time. It was theee most terrifying moment of my career to date (right next to this one). My friend Christina and I discussed it for months, trying to save up just enough money, line up freelance gigs, and pray until our voices were hoarse. Rent in NYC is not cheap and though my blog was starting to bring in a nice steady flow of money, I just wasn’t confident that I could live off of it. Everyone I know has a steady job. What was I thinking quitting mine during a recession to live off of a passion project?!

I was so wrapped up in the illusion of “security” at my day job, and nothing’s LESS secure than blogging, a new industry, and a company Glamazon Andrea and I built ourselves. But I soon learned what I thought was secure really wasn’t.

I got laid off and it felt like all the work I put into growing that company (a company that was NOT my own) was for naught. I took it as a sign to jump off the ledge into full-time blogging: time to sink or swim!

The one thing that has sustained me, my life jacket so to speak, is faith. In the first few months, I’d work nonstop, follow up with people for my checks, and just pray to God I’d have the money to pay my rent. I always did. Every single month.

Even though some companies didn’t pay me (on time or AT ALL) for my work, and others needed to be convinced that bloggers even deserved pay (sideeye), I still had enough to survive. And thrive.

I’ve been able to make more money than I ever have before, now that there’s no set salary, there’s no cap on how much I can make. And there are so many different ways to monetize a blog (more on this later). No more begging for a raise. No more feeling crushed and unappreciated when I’m told ‘No’ for the third year in a row. It’s so rewarding to actually see my work pay off.

There are times when I second guess myself like when I get slighted at Fashion Week or when my freelance workload gets too overwhelming, and I wonder if I should just search for a full-time gig at a publication. But when I think about the current state of the publishing industry (with even more layoffs coming this holiday season) and the pressure to sacrifice your dreams for the benefit of someone else’s, I know I made the right decision…for me.

Maybe if the right full-time gig comes along, I’ll venture back into the work world but it’s a beautiful thing to have the option and to do it on my own terms. And there’s nothing like being able to make my own schedule. I’ve managed to make the time to grow this blog, pursue quite a few of my dreams (like writing here), and to travel.

Jumping out on a limb to be a “full time fashion blogger” is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. And I can’t believe I almost let fear prevent me from doing it.

I know people wince and snicker when they hear the term “full time fashion blogger” but for me, it represents finding the courage and strength to follow my dreams. Being a full time fashion blogger has enhanced my life and built my confidence in myself and faith in God in so many ways. It’s a title I wear with pride.

Kisses,

Glamazon Jessica

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12 Comments

  1. November 4, 2014 / 1:26 pm

    This message right here, though: I got laid off and it felt like all the work I put into growing that company (a company that was NOT my own) was for naught.

    YASS. I love this post and this sweatshirt! I need one!

    • November 4, 2014 / 8:32 pm

      Girl! When I tell you that layoff was a blessing in disguise. I thought it was a ‘failure’ but it made way for so many great opportunities! So glad you love the post and the sweatshirt. <3 <3

  2. November 5, 2014 / 9:57 am

    Awesome write-up! I know that laid off struggle all too well. Good for you for exercising your faith and doing what you love. We need more role models like you in the world!

  3. Toya T
    November 5, 2014 / 5:47 pm

    As my mummy always says:”every disappointment is a blessing in disguise.” Love your story.

  4. November 5, 2014 / 7:28 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing. LOVING THOSE SHOES. I’m trying to not let fear hold me back from blogging too. I appreciate your transparency. I wish you more success!

  5. Latisha Dreamgirl Kearney
    November 6, 2014 / 2:03 pm

    Confirmation that I made the right choice as well… Only thing we should fear is dying and not fulfilling our fullest potential at least you took a leap and found you could fly then not to have leaped at all and you would have never known… I love you cousin always have and always will be my inspiration!

  6. melissabeauty
    November 9, 2014 / 9:34 am

    As some one who experienced that struggle life with you I’m so happy and proud of your journey, you are a trail blazer to this Industry and the best is yet to come! !!

  7. November 13, 2014 / 2:50 pm

    OMG Jessica! You have me wanting to take the leap even more. Beautifully and honestly written.

  8. November 14, 2014 / 11:31 am

    This post is everything! I love it! And so happy I was there to witness it all come to fruition <3