By 
I have been so out of touch lately. I am usually an ardent reader of fashion and celebrity blogs. My favourite and number one source of gossip being the Daily Mail. They publish the pettiest crap which naturally I find very entertaining. But I’ve been so out of it lately that I wasn’t even aware Kim had a baby boy. Geez. I feel so uncool and out of touch hahaha.
So imagine my utter surprise and disappointment when I checked one of my all time favourite fashion blogs yesterday evening, only to find out she was closing down her website. I shed real tears I kid you not.
If anyone asked me what I aspired my blog to be in a few years I always said Red Carpet fashion Awards. Catherine Kallon is always on the money with her critique. She always has full details on where to get what. She worked around the clock. Her blog was spot on and not your average fashion blog. She styled herself like an EDITOR (which is what I am striving for). She got invited to the most coveted parties and events. It’s so sad that she’ll be closing down her blog. She and Claire Sulmers of Fashion Bomb Daily are the two black women I looked up to in this fashion blogging business. Linda Ikeji is another lady who has influenced so many start-ups due to to the fact that her blog made her a billionaire.
I don’t know her reasons for signing off permanently, but it just made me realise Blogging is not all bread and butter. IT IS ONE TOUGH MOTHERFUCKER.
People say to me sometimes, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe you got a free dress. I am starting my blog TODAY! All I have to do take a few pictures of myself every day and people will follow me…’
And I’m like, OOOKAY.
I check back on them in a couple months to see how the blog is doing and they’re all, ‘No one’s even commenting on my blog and I work so many late hours. It’s on hold for now…’
WELP.
Nothing is ever peanuts.
Blogging is no cake especially when you have a full time job. I update posts on my way to work. Try to write on my break. Get up an earlier to schedule posts…
I wasn’t even doing OOTD posts when I started off. I only introduced my personal style about 2 years down the line after debating with myself for a long time.
Blogging takes a lot out of you. Sometimes, I can’t even come up with a bloody outfit title L
And it’s not just my time I’m using up now on my blog. It’s my husband’s too. We can only do photoshoots on days when he and I both are free.
And you know how boyfriends/husbands feel about blogging…
I won’t even go into the social media aspect of it. The part where you constantly feel like, why can’t I be as perfect as her? Why is her life so GOALS?
Goals. A word I hate BTW.
You must have heard about Essena O’Neill’s story. She quit Instagram after achieving over 500K followers.
Whatever your hardship with blogging, always remember to put yourself first.
Like I said, I don’t know why Catherine is closing down her site, but I commend her for making that decision.
It must have been SUPER TOUGH.
But at the end of the day. We come first. Blogging can be toxic. And sometimes we’re just a whole lot better off without it.
Was blogging what you expected? How do you handle the pressure?
May the forces be with our blogs. x
OUTFIT: SheIn pink coat (c/o), Saint Laurent 105 heels. Asos peplum top
Jey
January 8, 2016I had the same pressure when I use to have my fashion blog. It’s just too overwhelming and I felt I wasn’t doing it for myself anymore. It took the fun out blogging. So I recently started a new blog with a more personal and lifestyle approach, which is also more on alignment to who I am and not because I believe others would like it. You have to put yourself first indeed , but don’t go overboard and don’t remove the fun out of it. When you’re having fun blogging, success will come, whether that success is defined financially or something else. Keep going girl and great post! xo, Jey
tolawrites
January 8, 2016This is not the part to laugh but allow me to smile.
What people consider to be success might not be all what you want. Sometimes, happiness is all that matters and one of the part to happiness is self discovery.
Most times, what we see is nothing when compared to what goes on. That’s why we keep wondering why some decisions are being taken when all seem to be well.
Art Becomes You
January 8, 2016it’s true. Things are never as they seem. sadly the new world of social media is more visually deceiving than ever now. It’s always best to cut our coats according to our size . Thanks for stopping 🙂
Toyinwithfashion
January 8, 2016Damn blogging is so not easy!! I make posts in the train going to school…shuffling time between studying and coming up with posts. but like you said, ill be putting myself first!
Love your outfit, stunning as usual!”
Toyinwithfashion.com
Art Becomes You
January 8, 2016Thanks Lovely Toyin. I am constantly updating through the WP app. I so need a life lol
Toyinwithfashion
January 8, 2016Damn blogging is so not easy!! I make posts in the train going to school…shuffling time between studying and coming up with posts. but like you said, ill be putting myself first!
Love your outfit, stunning as usual!
Toyinwithfashion.com
adventuremeetsdesigner
January 8, 2016your post is so on point, first off, I didn’t even realise Kim had a baby till few days ago, haha.
Blogging does take a wholeee lot of time, working full time and having to live other parts of your life as well. the only thing that keeps me going at the end of the day, is remembering why I started (my online fashion and travel diary/album), if not its so easy to quit.!
http://adventuremeetsdesigner.blogspot.co.uk/
No Rule, Just Style
January 8, 2016First and foremost, your outfit and color combination is beyond perfection. It’s AKA with a twist. Reminds me of spring too!
I think we all can agree that blogging is like having another job. It’s not easy, and unless it’s a fulltime paying gig, can truly take it’s toll on you. If you’ve noticed, I’ve been slacking myself (reposts). I was sick, but I also took two weeks off from blogging/social media. I’ll be back with new posts soon.
Whatever you decide (keep the blog or not), happiness should never be sacrificed. Hope you have a fabulous weekend love!
Xx
Abrielle
Mojisola Obazuaye
January 8, 2016You look well Lydie. Love your heels, they are very nice.
I do believe that there is time for everything under heaven, for the ones who have decided to take a break or close their blogs, may be it is the time or season in their lives for them to do so. I wish them the very best.
For the ones who says nobody is commenting on their blogs. It is always best to do things because we are passionate and not because we want to get free clothes. Even when we do not make money or get free clothes, our passion drives us to keep going. Glad you mentioned Linda, for a long time, she didn’t make money but her passion drove her. Persistence and hard work was another for her. Recently, myself and my client company worked with the Linda Ikeji blog, they have rules, they have standards etc. I will stop there. Confidential!
A starter blog or blogger shouldn’t compare themselves to an established blog! Every one has to pay their dues.
Lastly, for starters, it is best to drive your traffic slowly but consistently.
It is not all about the number of comments that is left on the blog that matters. Stats don’t lie. With stats, you know the amount of people who visit your blog and from where. Even though comments on a blog is good, your stats can never lie.
A lot of blog posts may receive a lot of likes without the people liking the post physically coming to the blog. They could like a post on their WP feeds without going to the blog at all. I hope people know this.
A lot of bloggers visit other people’s blog when they themselves publish or put out of a post. It is almost like visit mine, I will visit yours. That is another thing people are getting wrong. Other bloggers are not truly your audience. They are busy and looking for who would visit or read their blogs.
The people who love what you do are your audience and if they like what you do, they will come back all the time. It is about building “your own brand” by yourself.
Having other bloggers stop by is a plus though. Knowing other bloggers is also a good way of having strong support and building relationships. Love my TRUE blogger friends and I know them too.
It is always best to trust our own journey like Iman said.
Finally, Maya Angelou says………..You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.
Have a great weekend Lydie and God bless.
Kisses, Mojisola.
http://www.mojintouch.com
**Sorry, this seem like an epistle. In the past year, I learnt so much from working with many start ups. Hopefully, I will have the chance to share more in the future.
semisweettooth
January 8, 2016SO TRUE!! Blogging is a tough business, but I’ve started picturing it like a dance. The easier we make it look, the tougher it actually is.
xo, Jessica
http://www.semisweettooth.com
Lora by Lora
January 8, 2016So true blogging is not easy. Every time I feel like quitting. I take a break.
Lovely outfit. Have a lovely weekend. xx
dleonalife
January 9, 2016What is learning right I redefining what success is to me and what makes me happiest the most. Blogging I I beans but it fun for me and when it stops being that for an extended period, I’d probably stop.
On a lighter note, hot pink us . Gorgeous colour on you, I want your shoes and coat. Xx
http://www.dleonalife.blogspot.com.
Filomena Mairosse
January 9, 2016Blogging was definitely a lot more work than I had anticipated. My respect for bloggers grew exponentially this past year when I too decided to try my hand at it. Just the task of putting out content consistently is such a hard feat! I do agree with everyone who said you should blog because you love the process of blogging and not just the possible rewards you might get from it. I also feel like there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting the fame and fortune as long as you remember to take care of yourself at all times. No job, even one as enjoyable as blogging, is worth sacrificing your mental and physical health for.
Scott Mitchell
January 9, 2016Wow, those colors, hair and shoes!! Awesome Lydie! Great writeup too!
Art Becomes You
January 9, 2016Hey Scottie! You probably hate people calling you that though…hahahaha! thank you and happy new year :)x
moonstone34
January 10, 2016Lovely jacket, the colour is beautiful on you. Gorgeous look!
You’ve summed it up perfectly Lydia, blogging is no piece of cake! Its a lot of work and a big time commitment but I think if one is doing it because they truly have a passion for it, then thats all that matters. Once it stops being something we enjoy thats when it’s time to start.
I wish I could devote 100% of my time to blogging but that’s not the case right now, so I try to be as consistent as possible for me. I won’t lie I get frustrated sometimes but at the end of the day I love fashion and thats what keeps me blogging 🙂
xo, Jackie
stylemydreams.com
Bookie
January 11, 2016I smile every time I see a post from you, I love your style so much Lydie, see how the pinks balance out the green <3.
Yes, may the forces be with our blogs.
Blogging can be so stressful from picking out title for a post, to taking "bloggable" pictures to having interesting content to constantly having social media presence and ensuring work & personal life doesn't interfere with "blog-o-sphere".
It's a piece of cake to start a blog but it isn't to continue the blog.
At the end of the day like you said, we should always put ourselves first no matter what.
DJS & STYLE
January 12, 2016You spoke nothing but the truth! Great post and outfit!
erica neh
January 12, 2016its stressful, but its ok Lydia…see it as changing the fashion life of people for the better. coz actually. sometyms i find ma self goin bk to ur old post 2 hv an inspiration on sth 2 wear! lol.
My Fashion S/ash Life
January 15, 2016Its freezing in Berlin so seeing you rock these pastel colours lifts my spirits! And now back to the topic at hand, as P Square sang E No Easy Eh….as much as I love blogging, its a Bitch, that is if you want to do it as more than a hobby. its hard to balance it with your personal and work life and everyday a new blog seems to pop up which makes the market that much harder to succeed in. I guess drive and faith sees you through….
Art Becomes You
January 15, 2016Girl these pastels are all I’ve got to hang on to. It’s below freezing point now Hahahaha. Hang in there love. Blogging is a bitch really. And it only gets tougher the more seriously you take it????
Sade
January 16, 2016For a newbie, blogging is really no joke. I spend hours sitting behind the computer reading, searching, and what not. Very interesting, fulfilling but frustrating sometimes.
I have to say I started blogging because of my love for fashion. I love to read magazines and I felt like I needed to pour all that into an avenue where I will be able to share knowledge gained with interested folks. At first I was bothered no one is paying attention. Then I had to remind myself that the blog is really for me. I just want to pour what I have inside of me out somewhere.
When I came across your blog, I was like oh boy! LOL! I can’t touch that. Through yours I found Moji’s. From Moji I found Dana’s, e.t.c. Yesterday I found http://www.shinebythree.com. Superb blog! I keep discovering other blogs daily for inspiration and I’m loving it. All of you have inspired me one way or the other. I am a humble learner.
I really appreciate Moji’s comment. She said exactly what I needed to hear and confirmed my inner thoughts. About a month ago, I doubted if the blogging journey is really what I’m supposed to do at the moment. Content, no problem. Taking pictures, a major task!!! Posting within a reasonable time frame, a major challenge. Honestly I almost gave up. Just like you, my husband (#1 fan) takes mine. Coming across inspiring posts like this gives me a pat on the back and the push that I need.
I have told myself that the blog is for me to have fun not to make a fortune. If the fortune comes so be it. There shall be no regrets if I have to call it quits. Outside work, I really don’t do much except spend time with family. Outside those two, I spend my time doing anything fashion related and part of that is blogging.
Nice outfit! Styling is fabulous. I love the 5th picture. It’s so editorial.
deefordana
January 21, 2016Gorgeous color combo! You look stunning! I love the peplum top and those hot shoes ♥
Art Becomes You
January 21, 2016Thank you DEE!
Yaa Lia
March 12, 2016Ha, I always wondered if other bloggers had 35 versions of their post before they hit the schedule/publish button. I am constantly updating and writing on the go for posts too. Don’t get me started on outfit shoots and planning and editing. I could go on….it takes a load of time and effort.
The pressure to make your blog into something is getting to me and I’m just taking it as it comes. You can only push yourself as far as you can
Great post and great read..
Liza | http://www.yaalia.com