Oh. Em. Gee. I can’t believe I’m about to write this. And no, I’m not preggo or engaged.
drumroll……
As of this Friday, I am leaving the office life to take on a brand spankin’ new career opportunity! Let me give ya some details. Y’all, it has been a long time coming. Ever since graduating college (and even before), I’ve also thought my place was in Corporate America doing some sort of marketing gig. For the past 6+ years, that’s what I’ve done. And I’ve enjoyed it – for the most part. I’m not going to lie, I’ve had some pretty awesome experiences. My first job was at an agency in DC where I worked on accounts like the Army Reserve and Weight Watchers. I then transitioned into the non profit world where I’ve been for the past three and half years offering up social media + digital strategy at Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
In 2012, I started Fashionably Lo as a creative outlet for all things fashion & lifestyle (we do not want to look back at that first post…or do we?). I then teamed up with my blogger bestie Megan to create Adorn Media Group a little over two years ago to follow another passion of mine: becoming a business owner. Over the past few years, I’ve come to realize more of my entrepreneurial spirit and less of my desire to work in Corporate America. I’ve tapped into my creative self more and more each day and to be honest, started feeling extremely limited and even a little suffocated in an office environment. I also realized my love and passion for social media which came pretty naturally in the blog world and started landing a few tiny consulting gigs over the past year or so.
Which all brings me to now. After Brandon’s dad passed away in September, we all did a lot of self reflection. For me, I took a long, hard look at where I was professionally and personally. And to be honest, I felt stuck. Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you that for the past year, I’ve shared my dream/goal of turning Fashionably Lo into a full time career. And I’m almost there…just not yet. So until a few months ago, my plan was to just keep grinding, managing my blog full time while also working a full time 9-5 and supporting our clients at Adorn (and a ton of shit on the side). I was stressed 99.9% of the time and I also wasn’t all that happy It’s going to sound so cliche – but after losing someone, especially someone who evoked this warmth and magic most people don’t possess, you realize just how important it is to kick the negativity and stress out of your life and go after happiness. So that’s what I did. And things honestly started to fall into place.
Over the holidays, I was offered an opportunity to join an amazing company (& family) as a social media contractor. Not only does this position offer me the chance to do something I really love and am constantly learning about each day, but I also have the flexibility to pursue some of my other passions. I’ll be working from home (still full time) and maybe doing some traveling but I am so SO excited about this next step in my professional journey. My long-term (hopefully shorter, long-term) goal is to be able to turn Fashionably Lo into my full time career. And while I’m not there quite yet, I 100% think this new path is the next step in helping me get there.
So, what does this mean for you? Better content. More consistency. New projects. And much more. I would not be able to do any of this without the support of the folks who read my blog, scroll through my Instagram and watch my ridiculous snaps. You guys get very little credit when it comes to the success of bloggers and I hope each and every one of you know how much you mean to me – YOU keep my going towards my goals and that means the most.
Whew. I don’t think I’ve ever written such a lengthy post. But there it is. I’m super pumped and am planning to share some fun updates along the way. And if you have any questions or would want to see any career/blogger/entrepreneur tips here on Fashionably Lo, please let me know!
xo
P.S.
I have to give #FashionablyBae the biggest shout out (even though he probably won’t read this). He has seriously been my biggest cheerleader and I can’t express enough how much he motivated me to take a leap and be more proactive in going after what I wanted. It’s a great reminder that we each have these extremely special people in our lives that we should confide our biggest dreams in so they can help us get there even faster. Love you, B!
Congrats!! I’m currently working as a SMM at an agency in Atlanta. I love working in social media but I’m not too happy with where I am . I received an opportunity the other day to embark on a new career opportunity outside of social media and I’m excited to possibly pursue it . Your blog gave me more confirmation it’s time to step outside my comfort zone & try something new !
This is probably more than you wanted to know ( haha) but I’m so happy for you ! I can’t wait for you to share more of this new experience with us. 🙂
Go for it, girl!! Seriously, there is a huge part of me that is super nervous and unsure but it’s that slight level of being uncomfortable that makes it so exciting!!
So excited for you.
Thanks girl!!!
All the best in your new journey!
Thank you so much!
This so exciting, congrats. Can’t wait to here about your new journey.
Thank you!! I’ll be sharing lots of updates over the next few months I’m sure!
I’m so excited for you friend!! I know you’ll crush it and I can’t wait to see where you take Fashionably Lo!
Thanks so much, Ashley!! Btw, we need to get coffee/drinks soon! How do we live in the same city and I never see your face! <3
This is so awesome! I just got incredibly excited reading this. You are such a girl boss!!! Keep it up gal.
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Ahhh yay!!! Thanks girl!! I get super excited whenever I think about it 🙂
Congratulations! This is super exciting both for you and for us as readers, because it just means more of Fashionable Lo!! xx
Change is so exciting! Congratulations and the best of luck to you!
xoxo, Rachel
http://thetrendytomboy.com
Soooo Happy for you LO! GO GET EM:)
LOVE! so excited for your new journey. The exciting unknown is a whole new adventure so I’m exciting to watch your progress! Congratulations girly!
This is such awesome news! Congratulations!! I love your “ridiculous” snaps 🙂 And it’s such an awesome feeling when you have that special someone who is your number one cheerleader day in and day out!
Any tips on blogger/entrepreneur/career posts would be lovely! I love when bloggers do more than just “blog” if that makes sense
<333
Congratulations!! I just recently left my corporate job to do Loverly Grey full time & took on a part time social media contractor job!! I know this is only the beginning for you and you will kill it!! Congrats again and enjoy every second 🙂
Brittany
http://www.loverlygrey.com
Congratulations! What an exciting opportunity! I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve for the blog!
And I’m looking forward to reading about your future travel adventures 🙂
Taffeta & Tulips
This is awesome! Congrats! I love hearing and seeing people take necessary risks and steps to do what they love! Hopefully I will be there soon. I can’t wait to read updates!
If I’d thought about it, I honestly would have thought your blog and Adorn were your full-time gig because you’re all over the place! To learn you are a 9-5er…OMG, how do you do it?!?!? You must have the energy level of a case of Red Bull!!!!
Anyhoo, congrats on your new endeavor!!!
http://www.keepingupwithcandy.com