I started blogging back in 2009, with very little knowledge of what I would be getting myself into. My first post was titled “My Love Affair With Mason Jars” & it used a low resolution, pixelated image from my point-and-shoot camera, & was super short with no paragraphs. Let’s just say there was much room for improvement!
I was constantly sharing recipes and craft ideas with friends over email, so I decided I would just start blogging these ideas as a creative outlet and a way to easily share things with others.
Over a thousand posts later, my hobby has turned into a job and I have turned from hobby blogger to influencer, & I love every minute of it! My readers have come along with me, staying with me through thick and thin—from a serious cancer battle to my battle with anxiety—they have been by my side.
I write authentically about my life and all that life brings to me. The subjects change as my interests change, but the underlying theme of the blog is living life simply, purposefully, authentically and slow. I am now passionate about health so included are many ways I pursue health and of course, recipes — some healthy, some not.
Over the years, the blog has become something so very special to me and my family. It was comforting when fighting stage 3B cancer, to know that no matter what would happen to me, my words were in a place where my 3 girls could easily find them and know the things I thought about and am passionate about. It was comforting to know it included them and their memories.
My blog is my recipe binder, my memory keeper, my cancer journal, & a place of accountability that helps me to walk through this life well. Most of all it is a clear example of how I’ve been kept safe throughout this journey of life no matter what has come. A testimony of sorts.
I went from hobby blogger to influencer slowly but surely. It took a couple of years of faithfully writing, sharing and growing as a blogger. My readership steadily grew and so did my skills. I’ve had several posts go viral on Pinterest, like “5 Reasons To Drink Lemon Water in the Morning” & “Cheesy Tortellini Crockpot Soup.” This has helped build my readership which in turn has built my business.
I have worked hard at learning administrative tasks, marketing, basic HTML coding, & photography basics. I continue to grow my ability to share authentically through my words and edit those words for easy reading. I have learned how to use affiliate marketing and influencer marketing, to work with advertising companies & writing the occasional sponsored post.
Going from hobby blogger to influencer has not been easy, but boy has it been rewarding. I get to be my own boss, have a creative outlet that I love, use coffee shops or my home as an office, & have the support of a beautiful community that has grown and stuck with me throughout the years. I am so thankful!
~This has been a sponsored contribution post by TapInfluencer and blogger Amy Bowman of New Nostalgia. For more from Amy, visit her blog.