There are a lot of things I don’t do.
I don’t do morning workouts, I don’t do Crocs, and I don’t post on Mondays.
And yet here I am, posting on a Monday. But for a really good reason.
My friend Maya contacted me last month with the brilliant idea to get a bunch of bloggers talking about getting real. #RealBloggerBeauty, she called it. Whether it was sharing a personal story or talking about what inspires you, the goal was to lift the blogger’s veil and let our readers in, while also supporting our fellow bloggers in arms. And we’d all do it on the same day– today, June 16th– and spread the word.
So what inspires me?
Recently, it’s been getting to know the women behind the blogs I follow. When I first started LSR, it was a nice little creative outlet. An open journal; a catalog of outfits and trends as I interpreted them. But I blogged in a bubble. I didn’t realize bloggers talked to each other (this seems naive– it was). I thought we all just sort of dumped content on the web to be consumed by the nameless, faceless Public. And the whole time, there was an entire community out there I was missing out on.
I met a few local girls who had been blogging longer than I, and that changed everything. All of the sudden there were events to attend and new people to meet. It was exhilarating and eye-opening. So many new faces, so many stories.
Here was a built-in support group I had been completely neglecting. A group of girls who not only knew the struggle of a botched outfit shoot (“I swear, that dress was flattering in the store…”), but who could relate to the pressures of a consistent editorial schedule while balancing a regular social life and full-time 9 to 5 gig. A network of shared experiences, and I was just blindly stumbling along cobbling together outfits in my closet.
There’s a yin to the yang, of course. While most of the girls I’ve met thus far have been nothing short of lovely, there have been a few less-than-stellars. Girls who step on other girls to claw their way to the next sponsored post; bloggers who believe themselves better (for whatever reason) and act accordingly. I don’t really get the ego; in the end: we’re all people who take pictures of ourselves (or our food, or our DIY projects, etc.) and post ’em on the Internet. As much as I love to blog (and shop, let’s get real), we’re not curing diseases or saving the world (maybe just saving people from Crocs, but that’s beside the point). There’s no need for negativity; we should all be there for each other.
Support is what’s important. The tagline for Maya’s Real Blogger Beauty campaign is: “Because the secret of success is support.”
It’s so true.
You can’t do it alone. The support is what gets you through everything from writer’s block to a particularly bloated week of outfit shooting. It keeps you fresh, keeps you sharp. Keeps you from deleting your WordPress account when your tagging system goes awry and all your content jumbles into Blog Soup.
You get by with a little help from your friends, as the saying goes. I’m learning this, more and more. And these fellow bloggers, these girls all across the country and world, become your friends. Or they should, if you’re doing it right.
What this post really is: a thank you to those I have forged friendships with. Those girls shoot me a fun email out of the blue, who follow me on twitter despite the fact I frequently scream about college basketball, who take my photography-ignorant ass DSLR shopping, who hit up a hotel bar with me until the wee hours of the morning throwing back glasses of wine and reminiscing about the glory days of Jonathan Taylor Thomas, etc. Finding you all has made the past year so much more fulfilling than it would’ve been if I were on my own, blogging in a little Kansas City vacuum.
You inspire me. Your blogs make me want to be better, to keep learning, to keep reaching. You all bring something interesting and worthwhile to the blogging table; girls who are doing for themselves and all that jazz. I love it. It’s beyond rad. So this is my little love song for you.
There are a ton of blogs participating in the #RealBloggerBeauty campaign. Check ’em out by visiting the link up over at Charmingly Styled.
Happy Monday, dolls!
This is so cool, Ashley. I love how direct you are! You’re a great blogger and this is a worthy campaign to take part in. 🙂
Very well said!
So very true. It’s so important to connect with other bloggers. Support definitely being the main reason but it’s also cool to chat around with likeminded individuals who understand the trials and tribulations of blogging, like HTML problems and social media stuff that other friends and family have no idea with what your talking about!
SDMxx
http://www.daringcoco.com
Absolutely agree! We all have this shared experience in blogging, even though we’re completely different people living different lives in different corners of the world. It’s cool to be able to really connect. Thanks for stopping by, babe! 🙂
I think it’s awesome you have made so many friends in a the blogging world- I didn’t even know that world existed, like I’ve said! It’s so cool you’ve really found your niche. Keep up the great work!
It’s so important to support each other in general- women don’t do this enough! I love that you’re calling it like you see it and calling out those for being “less-than-stellar.” That’s AWESOME!
Yes. Yes, yes, yes. I am so damn honored to be your friend, A.White.
Thanks, baaaaabe! 🙂
I’m so glad you took the time to write this (on a Monday, no less!). Because for one thing, you’re more than just a picture-taker-post-it-on-the-internetter. You’re a great writer, and this was a great piece. I too thought blogging meant I’d be interacting with “readers” – and mostly, they are silent an don’t give you much feedback. It’s other bloggers that support you and connect with you and make this fun and worthwhile. (And oh? You’ve met the “better than you” crowd too?” Sorry to hear that! We’ve crossed paths as well and I can only say UGH.)
Gina — On the Daily Express
Thank you so much, Gina! I have been so surprised with how connected I feel to some of my other blogger pals- we all understand each other! And to those who can’t keep it real, they can keep on walking. 😉 Thanks for taking the time to swing by, babe!
I love that you’re getting real! The real blogger beauty is a really cool concept- I like the idea of everyone sharing a personal story or your message. Yours is of course empowering and to the point- what I love about you and your blog!
Great post, Ashley!
What an inspiring message!
This is awesome! I have a few blogger buds I’ve met in real life, but most live too far away. However, through e-mails and comments it feels like they are close to me.
Totally- they feel like your people, even though you’ve never met in “real life.” (What’s that, anyway?) I happy to count you as one of ’em, Rachel!
I’m so happy I met you! 🙂 You’re as real as they get and I thank you for that.
26 and Not Counting
Love ya, babes! 🙂
What a great post. I know that I’m still stuck in the blogger bubble; there isn’t much of a blogging community where I live. I often see blogger meetup recap posts and feel little pangs of jealousy while feeling so happy that the community is out there somewhere. I’m glad you are making the most of it =)
I hear you, Inge! No worries- you can break out of that blogger bubble anytime! Grab a friend and get out there. 🙂
You’re awesome, Ashley! And as real as they come- like Jess said! 🙂
COOL post! I love this!
Love this Ash, boy have I met some of these ladies but thankfully there are cool and real bloggers like yourself that make this so much more enjoyable for me. xoxo
YOU FEEL ME, I know. Bloggers (and people) who aren’t real, aren’t worth it. Happy to count you a friend! 🙂
I’m so happy to have found your blog through my own little blogging journey!! Love everything you put out and so happy for all the inspiration that you provide me with!
This is so sweet, Biana! You’re a doll. 🙂 Glad we’re blogger pals!
What a great thing to be part of- you girls are inspiring!
This is so awesome!
I TOOK YOU DSLR SHOPPING AM I COOL? No but for real, you are one of the reasons I made it through the last semester, why I’m making it now. Thank you so, so, so much.
You are actually the COOLEST. I love you and am so glad we’re friends! You’re this bright ray of super blunt + sarcastic sunshine and it’s my favorite thing ever. 🙂
I love this post!
Your blog has always been amazing, and had such awesome reader engagement, but support is always important. And support from people with like minds and interests, who understand the amount of work you put into this blog can only continue to make you and this blog better!
Mothafuckin’ GIGGLECHAMP. 🙂 Thanks, Brina. You’re amazing and I love you!
Awesome post! I love this idea. Blog friends are the best. And I totally agree about success is through support (also, the Beatles mention was perfection and I will be singing that the rest of the day…) Now, I just wish that I could be the one knocking back wine with you until the wee hours… I personally feel we need to organize a grand meet up someday with lots of bloggers 🙂
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
i’m really enjoying reading everyone’s posts for the #realbloggerbeauty campaign. i love how differently everyone interpreted it and how they’re sharing their stories! i’ve been lucky to only meet great girls through blogging – i hope you continue to meet only nice ones as well 🙂
Maya was awesome to bring us all together- it’s been a fun project to participate in. And important! We gotta support each other. 🙂
if you did wear crocs i might have something to say about that. but the blogging community has brought me some of my closest friends and for that i am very very thankful!
I would fully expect you to check me if you spotted me in Crocs, haha! 🙂
I loved this, Ashley it was so perfect for some Monday morning inspiration. Everything you said was so true. We will not succeed without each others support & there is no need to act higher or better than anyone! Ahh, you said so many perfect things.
http://www.lavishingg.com
xx
Glad to give you a little Monday inspiration boost, haha! 🙂
I’m so happy to have you as a blogging pal!
I think this is so true! I have never understood why some people feel the need to be negative and put others down. I know putting things out there on the internet opens us up to criticism, but I have never understood why people feel the need to do so. In general, though, the blogging community is so positive!
http://www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com
Totally doesn’t make sense, right? The web is a big place; there’s room for everyone. Do your thing and enjoy it. Thanks so much for coming through, Darcy!
I love this! Such a great idea for posting. 🙂 I have some great friends who blog and they are great support, but I definitely wish I had friends who blog and live near me. I have yet to meet bloggers from my city. It’s also been so fun to meet all the people I’m slowly getting to know via the interwebs. I think that has to be part of the reason you blog, the community, otherwise it would become so overwhelming! Great post. 🙂
http://howtomakehome.blogspot.com
I love that we can all link up together via blogging even if we live miles and miles apart. Thanks for swinging through, babe!
So glad you’re in my town, my vacuum, my circle, and our newly budding friendship. It is about real life and I love that you are genuine! Climbing one another to the top of what? The next sponsorship? Ha…. there is plenty to go around! Some girls just don’t get it, but so glad you do! xo
Aww, that’s so sweet, Lisa! I feel the same way about you!
I LOVED this! It’s so true that we should be supporting each other! That’s what it’s all about. I’m so glad that we have connected 🙂
xo,
Angela
Same girl, same! So happy to have met you! 🙂
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your post and the concept behind Real Beauty. Women should have each others back and truly connect in friendships beyond just surface level! I am so happy to hear that you have found that with bloggers as well 🙂 You have the kindest personality and it shines through not only on the outside with gorgeous outfits, but on the inside with your beautiful words!
Tori
FashionBlingGirlyThings
Thanks so much, doll! We’re all in this together, right? 🙂
What an awesome post Ashley! Love this concept and I love how open, honest and sweet you are! I want you to know I appreciate all your support with Fashionably Living too!
Xo,
Rachel Ashley
http://fashionablyliving.com
Aw, you’re so sweet, Rachel! Love having you stop by the blog! 🙂
You nailed this post! Love the bloggers that are supportive and encouraging :). xo
Thanks so much, Katie!
:raises a pretend glass of wine: Hear, hear! I’ve met so many wonderful bloggers… and I never ever thought it was going to be an added bonus of blogging!
Same here, girl! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
There is nothing like loyal support among bloggers without that there would be no community.
Amen, sister!
Awesome post Ashley, glad you found some blogging friends and feel apart of a community now. It’s been nice reading your posts. I just recently discovered that a past comment you left me was marked as spam on my wordpress account, but I changed that lol thank you for coming by and for your comment(s). Rachel xo http://garaytreasures.wordpress.com/2014/06/16/floral-print/
Thanks, doll! You know, I’ve been noticing a lot of my comments on other WordPress blogs aren’t showing up- I wonder if they’re all getting marked as spam?! Keep in touch. 🙂
Oh my gosh, we love this so much. There’s nothing better than the amazing blogger community we find no matter where we look!
xx 365hangers
Love it, Ashley! I can relate on so many levels. Good to know in a few years I’ll have someone to share a some Metamucil martinis with. 🙂
So agree, for as many awesome bloggers I’ve met (like yourself!) there’s so many yucky ones who are doing it for the wrong reasons. I feel like you can spot em’ from a mile away. so glad you are one of the gems <3
I am glad we have met through blogging! I am glad at how many genuine bloggers are out there. But yes, I have met a few that are just wanted to get to the “next level” of blogging. Cheers to creating a bigger blog community 🙂
xoxo,
Aisha
You are so kick ass girlfriend, and I agree 100% 🙂 I am so lucky to know you and you inspire me on the daily. Keep being your amazing spunky self (and kick those cat claw ladies to the curb!)
Its so true and very cool. Amen to this!
Kisses,
B
Personal Style Blog
great post! great words) success!
mary-tur.ru
This is such an amazing idea, the blogger community is such an amazing support system and the women behind the blogs are such amazing and talented women it’s incredible! 🙂 Very inspirational!
I am so glad that I have been able to get to know you a little bit over the last few months! You are such a fun person and your style is killer!!! I totally agree with you, having a support system of other bloggers has been an amazing thing to gain by writing my blog. I think that might be one of the coolest things ever! 🙂 Hope to see you soon at one of our get-togethers!
Thanks so much, Jana. That’s so sweet of you to say! Definitely appreciate the opportunity to get to know real, legit, down-to-earth blogger babes. 🙂
You go girl!! Way to tell it like it is! I’m SO happy that we met. You’re so right that we should all be supportive of one another and nice. We’re just doing this blogging thing as a creative outlet and to meet nice people. Why does everything always turn into a competition? Thank you for being the awesome, supportive, beautiful lady you are! Oh, and next time we hang out, I have a funny story for you that is kind of related to this:)
I think everything you said rings true, both inside the blogosphere and out. Life is so much more content when you have a strong support group, instead of competition. Thank you for your story, and see you out in the blogging world!
I’m so glad you wrote this. So much of this rings true with me. I also didn’t realize what a great blogger community exists out there when I started. I’m just now starting to meet fellow bloggers in Atlanta, and it has been amazing to find a group that totally understands some of the things you talked about above. This definitely encourages me to reach out more! Thanks for posting!
Nicole
Ashley what a beautiful, happy, raw post. Yours is one of the blogs I follow religiously. Not only you are super stylish, you are such a cool girl all-around. If we lived close, we would be buddies for sure. =))) I appreciate our E-Mails too and that we have gotten to know each-other a bit more through that. When I changed blog URLs I will never forget that you E-Mailed me because you cared. It is so true what you said about us blogging from different corners of the world, yet connecting through the same thing: our blogs. So I totally don’t understand the ones who think they are such big shit, because like you said in essence we all do the same thing. =)
And I really wanted to participate and link up in this #RealBloggerBeauty link-up but the 16th of June dateline totally slipped up from my mind. I am a super busy Mom after all, besides holding up a daily blog. Is it too late to write something in this regards and link up?
Hugs and Love <3 Ada.
I love this post. As a new kid on the blogging block, I’ve been so amazed by the support, positive feedback and genuine nice girls out there! I count you as one of them! I love your blog and your style (and your aversion for crocks)! Thanks so much for sharing.
And how cool would it be if I didn’t spell crocs wrong? Really cool.