In case some of you are wondering what the heck a blogiversary is, it’s the anniversary of when someone started their blog. I have actually had a blog for over 5 years, but just decided one year ago today to turn it into a business. To also clarify on turning it into a business, I bought a logo, started getting professional pictures made, and started working hard on monetizing my blog (making money with it). Since I’m always honest with y’all I haven’t started making money with it yet, but I’m on my way there….hopefully. I do have a blog post already on some of the things that go into being an influencer if y’all want to check that out. It is pretty lengthy, but it shows how much work actually goes into this business. I will link it here for y’all.

Anyways, it is so hard to believe that I have been doing this for one year already! It has really flown by! I truly feel like I have grown so much as a blogger and as a person this past year. A lot of that actually has to do with my blogger group, the East TN Boss Babes and an even bigger part has to do with Tabatha. She is the one who reached out to me to attend the first event and become part of the group. When she messaged me on Instagram I had actually been struggling with blogging. I was feeling pretty lost and alone (with blogging), not really knowing what to do, where to start, and not knowing any other bloggers I could reach out to that was going through the same things. Not to be mushy and weird and I don’t really talk about faith much on social media, but I know for a fact that God brought Tabatha in my life for a reason, just like He did the rest of my boss babes! His timing could not have been more perfect.

Blogging and being part of the ETBB has really made me open up and be more social. Before blogging I wouldn’t go to events by myself or go up to people I haven’t met and introduce myself. Now, I’ll go more places and introduce myself to new people. Not going to lie, I still get nervous before and have a little anxiety, but I go for it and that’s all that matters.

Besides the ETBB, I have also been able to connect with other amazing business owners, local businesses, and brands. Erika from Evolve Creative is another one that has made an impact on my blogging journey! She designed my logo, started taking my pictures, and she has also become a great friend! She has really helped me grow more confident in front of the camera. I can tell a huge difference when I take pictures now from when I first started. I was very awkward and didn’t know what to do, but Erika gave me direction and made me feel so comfortable! I still get awkward in front of the camera some, but it’s a lot better i think, haha. It’s also thanks to her I got in contact with Tema Athletics. It’s a woman owned athletic wear company that focuses on body positivity at any size. I love companies that help people, especially women, be more confident and love themself for who/how they are! I’m so grateful that they reached out to me and sent me an outfit. They are some of my favorite leggings! I’ll post them below.

I’ve also been able to experience some awesome local restaurants and a gorgeous event venue. Some of the local restaurants include, Cafe 4 in Knoxville at Market Square, Copper Cellar (the original on the strip), and Hard Knox Pizza in Hardin Valley. The beautiful venue was Dara’s Garden, also in Knoxville. I have a blog post on each one of these places if y’all want to check those out next, I will link them below.

Through the ETBB I have also been lucky enough to connect with a local boutique in Knoxville called My Kind of Lovely. It is in University Commons downtown and they also have another location which is their home store in Madisonville, TN. It is owned by two sweet woman, Katie and Caroline.

Another boutique in Knoxville I love is Lizard Thicket. They have been my most recent collaboration. This is a franchised boutique, but I love their values and what they stand for! It’s in Turkey Creek and everything is so cute and affordable, so definitely go by and check it out! Be sure to tell them I sent you!

I know this post is pretty lengthy, but I think I did pretty good summarizing one whole year. Normally when I explain things or tell a story I go into way too much detail. Anyways, I really hope y’all enjoyed reading more about my blogging journey this far and be sure to keep following along for hopefully more to come! Comment below and let me know what your favorite post of mine has been so far! Also comment what kind of posts you hope to see in the future!