Why I Blog

Why I Blog

why-i-blog
 
With the new year starting not too long ago, I’ve been reflecting upon the past year’s accomplishments and goals for the future. Just in 2016, I traveled to new places, got a new job, made new friends, and beat Jason countless times in Jeopardy! But one of my most special accomplishments has been this…starting my blog! I must admit, it’s a lot harder than it seems to overcome the inertia and start a passion project. Not only do you have to find the resources to get things going, but also muster the courage to simply put yourself out there. So as I think about my personal goals for 2017, I thought I would share with you a little more about Brown Paper Doll.
 
Like many others, I fell in love with fashion at a very early age. And as I’ve grown, so has my love for all things stylish. As bloggers continued to rise in popularity, I soon found myself following my favorites and finding inspiration for my own wardrobe. *Side note, some of my favorite bloggers over the years include Atlantic to Pacific, Happily Grey, and Cupcakes & Cashmere. I actually remember thinking about starting my very own blog in 2012! I thought…I love fashion, people always complement me on my outfits, I have nice clothes and some high-end pieces… I should go for it! But something always stopped me… I always felt like I was meant to be an admirer and not a creator. Well I guess 2016 was my year to change that perspective.
 
After going through a rough time and feeling an overwhelming amount of negativity, I felt like I needed something to bring back some joy to my life. The idea of a blog sounded appealing once more…but this time it was different. Yes I have nicer clothes now, and I live in New York City, but my perspective and the overwhelming support from the most amazing friends and family were really what pushed me to move forward with my endeavor. I now had support to help me get started with photography, with web coding, with the writing, and to simply lend a listening ear – you all know who you are so thank you! Which brings me to the main idea of this post… why I blog.
 
I started this blog to be cathartic in a sense, express some bottled creativity, and light up a different side of my brain that I don’t necessarily use all the time. I feel the positive energy from spending time on a passion of mine and pursuing a hobby outside of work, cooking dinner, and a bedtime read. But I’m also blogging to silence the part of me that told myself I was a bystander and not a creator, that I didn’t look like the typical blogger who filled my newsfeeds. But I soon realized you don’t have to be or look a certain type of way to go for what you want. This sounds cliché, but diversity is beautiful! And yes, sometimes I still get embarrassed and self-conscious and think I look fat in photos, or I don’t have all the clothes I want, or I’m doing this all for nothing or only a handful of people who follow me – but at least I’m doing it. Time will tell how my style and my blog will continue to evolve, but to those of you reading, thank you! Here’s to following our passions, going out of our comfort zones, and hopefully buying some great new shoes!

23 Comments

  • Whitney V
    January 18, 2017 11:43 pm

    I just want to let you know, that I too am very proud of you. I’m glad that you’ve taken this step towards doing what you love, and also building enough confidence to put yourself out there! Can’t wait to see more of what you post 🙂

    Whitney V

    http://www.tigersinparis.com

    • brownpaperdoll
      January 19, 2017 2:46 pm

      Hi Whitney, Thank you so much for your kind words. I can honestly say it means so much. It took a while to get me here, but I’m loving exploring this passion of mine. Thanks for reading and hope you continue to follow along! Xo

  • Joti
    January 19, 2017 2:56 am

    This sounds so similar to my story!! I’m so happy you took the leap and started blogging! 🙂

    http://www.stylebymemory.com

    • brownpaperdoll
      January 19, 2017 2:47 pm

      Hi Joti, you’re totally right! Speaking with other bloggers, it seems like a lot of people had hesitancy at first. I’m glad we took the leap too! Thanks for reading babe! Xo

  • Kelly & Alex
    January 20, 2017 2:19 am

    This is very similar to our story we had always talked about starting a blog but wasn’t sure if we were cut out for it! Thank you for sharing!

    http://livelycraze.com/your-questions-answered/

    • brownpaperdoll
      January 20, 2017 9:58 pm

      So many people feel the same way. I’m glad we took the plunge! I love your blog as well. Thanks ladies! Xo

  • ellie
    January 20, 2017 2:59 pm

    I wrote a blog post called “Why I blog” back last Summer too! And reading your reasons, it sounds like you’re pretty similar to me. You have such a wonderful blog here, it’s bright, bubbly and with gorgeous styles! I’m so glad that you took that step and created your blog, It is terrifying sometimes, to put yourself out there online like this but you’re doing amazing!

    Ellie
    http://www.scotchandstilettos.com

    • brownpaperdoll
      January 20, 2017 9:59 pm

      Aw thanks Ellie! Your kind words mean to much. Sometimes it’s easy to bet afraid of self-conscious, so I appreciate the positivity! Thanks lady! Xo

  • Bailey
    January 20, 2017 9:43 pm

    Congrats girl! I am so happy you got the courage to start a blog. I totally agree, blogging is a great way to express creativity. Keep up the fabulous work 🙂

    – Bailey | http://www.hotdresshotmess.com

    • brownpaperdoll
      January 20, 2017 10:00 pm

      Thanks Bailey! We gotta let that creativity out somehow girl! Thanks for reading! Xo

  • Kyla
    January 22, 2017 4:25 am

    I have so many similar reasons for blogging! I too needed some joy in my life and a place to express myself creatively! It’s so important to remember the reasons why we started on the days we are feeling uninspired!
    Kyla
    wanderlustkyla.com

    • brownpaperdoll
      January 22, 2017 2:50 pm

      Hey Kyla! Thank you for sharing part of your story as well. It’s always great to know I’m not the only one!! xo, LA

  • The Blonde Diary
    January 23, 2017 11:40 pm

    I can definitely relate to this post! You have an amazing blog. Keep up the good work!

    xoxo,
    Gabi

    • brownpaperdoll
      January 24, 2017 12:32 am

      Thank you so much for reading babe! Your words mean a lot! xo, LA

  • Nikhita
    January 24, 2017 9:20 pm

    I just want you to know that reading this post made me cry because I relate so much. We just started following each other on Instagram and out of curiosity I went to your website and started reading your posts. I’m inspired reading your story because you’re vocalizing what’s in my heart. It’s scary to put yourself online – especially being a woman of color, a minority in America, and that too someone that doesn’t match up to conventional body beauty standards. I am curvy as all hell and it took me years to feel comfortable in my own skin. You rock every look you wear, your clothes are fiyahhh, you are absolutely stunning and you should be so proud of yourself for taking the leap into making a blog! You are an inspiration to brown girls everywhere – I don’t know you but I wish I could hug you. Stay beautiful 🙂 I’m going to start my blog soon too!

    • brownpaperdoll
      January 24, 2017 11:38 pm

      Omg Nikhita! You are so sweet! First of all, I can’t tell you enough how much your comment (and readership) means to me. Some people don’t realize how hard it is to put yourself out there, especially when you sometimes feel you don’t belong. But reading your comment and feeling the positivity makes it all worth it! I hope I can inspire others and add some color to the blogosphere 😉 and I know you will too! I hope one day we meet, but in the meantime I’ll just give you an e-hug! Please tell me as soon as your blog goes live, because I can’t wait to read it beautiful!! Xo

  • Sharon Wu
    January 25, 2017 1:07 am

    Such a great post babe! Always love reading about why other people start blogging 🙂 Your blog is great and I look forward to seeing more! xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com/beauty/2017s-beauty-favorites/

    • brownpaperdoll
      January 25, 2017 3:33 pm

      Hi Sharon, a million thanks for reading! I also love learning how and why people decide to start blogging. I really hope you continue to follow along! Xo

  • Nadia
    January 25, 2017 3:45 pm

    Girl, you’re amazing!! Couldn’t be more proud of you & what you’ve achieved and also for sharing a little insight into why you started blogging/what your blog means to you 🙂 Keep on doing what you do! I love your blog & so happy we got to connect through Kyla’s FB group. Eeekk!! Super happy to have such a lovely blogger friend in my life 🙂
    xox Nadia
    http://www.mielandmint.com

    • brownpaperdoll
      January 26, 2017 5:31 pm

      Thanks Nadia! This means so much to me! The support I’ve received has been overwhelming and so inspiring! I really appreciate you and am so glad that we’ve become friends too! Being a part of a community of such badass blogger chicks has been one of my favorite parts of starting this endeavor! Thanks for following along on my journey! Xo

  • Ariel
    January 25, 2017 10:38 pm

    I love this!! Blogging is what you want it to be!! You look amazing all the time and i love your site!! I am so glad you started a blog. I was (and still am) so nervous, but it is a ton of fun too!! and so brave. Keep it up!!

  • Ariel
    January 25, 2017 10:38 pm

    I love this!! Blogging is what you want it to be!! You look amazing all the time and i love your site!! I am so glad you started a blog. I was (and still am) so nervous, but it is a ton of fun too!! and so brave. Keep it up!!

    • brownpaperdoll
      January 26, 2017 6:31 pm

      Aw thank you Ariel! I really appreciate you saying that! It is nerve-wracking to get started, but I’m glad we both took the leap! I can’t wait to see what you post next love! Xo

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