Hello, my Pretties!
One of my sweet blogger buddies, Krystal of Beauty by Krystal started a new group solely for fellow beauty bloggers. It is a place where we can discuss all our tips and tricks and support each other and help each other grow as bloggers. That place is called Beauty Blogger Headquarters. You can check out the official BBH Welcome HERE.
Every month there will be a new task up on the BBH site for us bloggers to partake in and the task for November is: In the Beginning. If you want to join in this task, check out all the details HERE.
And here is my story...
It's no secret that I have loved makeup since I was a mere child. My mother was an Avon lady and would give me the little lipstick samples to play with. Needless to say, she started my addiction and I thank her for it!
Makeup was always a part of my life but it wasn't until 2010 that it started to become a bigger part of me. Being a stay at home mom at the time, I was home with my daughter and was watching Good Morning America when they announced, "Coming up next, a single mom who makes a living making YouTube videos..." I thought, "really? People can make money off of YouTube?" At this time I had heard of YouTube but wasn't really a fan. I thought it was just a site where people went to waste time and watch videos of people doing ridiculous things. So, I was intrigued. I stuck around to watch. I'm a stay at home mom, not a single mom, but I'd like to know how to make money too!
And who does this "YouTube sensation" turn out to be? None other than Lauren Luke. You all know Lauren? Her YouTube handle is panacea81. I immediately headed to YouTube, created an account and subbed. I have been a fan of hers and of YouTube beauty vloggers ever since. I say that YouTube is like a school for me. I only watch makeup tutorials. When I watch those makeup tutorials, I say I am "researching" or "studying". It's true!
That was late 2010. So, I got inspired to start up a blog myself. I was too shy to attempt to do videos but write, I've always been a writer. It was my first passion. I thought I'd be an author when I grew up. The next Danielle Steele. I made myself a New Year's resolution (and the first one I have ever kept). I would start a blog. So on 1/1/11, I posted my very first blog post. I took a while deciding on a name. Names are important. I decided on Ms. Prettyful Girl because I don't consider myself "beautiful" but pretty, maybe. Sometimes...on occasion... Haha.
Now it is 11/2/12 and I have 294 blog posts and 274 subscribers under my belt. Not much compared to the seasoned bloggers but for me, it is a dream exceeded!
I remember having no subs for a while which was so discouraging. Then the numbers started to climb. Very slowly but that's OK. I'm happy to have all of you follow my blog. It means a lot to see your comments. I love knowing you took time out of your day to come by and see what I had to say. THANK YOU!
As my subscribers started to come, I started to feel more confident about my blog. But, it did take about a year before I started to tell my family about it. My sweet-tart knew, of course, because I tell him everything. He is my number one fan and supporter. I told my sisters first who are into makeup too but not as much as I am. Haha. It was a little embarrassing to tell them at first but they congratulated me. My family and friends have welcomed this part of my life easily. Now they always come to me and tell me that they saw a new beauty item in the store that would be "perfect for your blog". Haha. And, the always come to me for beauty advice too which makes me feel good and accomplished.
My favorite part of blogging is getting to buy new things to "blog about". Haha. I always use that excuse. It works. I love my makeup collection. It has expanded to new heights in the last couple of years. I'm proud of it. But that is also the worst part of blogging. I hate it when I don't have enough money to buy the latest, greatest product everyone is raving about. But then again, that's why my blog is centered around "affordable" makeup. I buy what I can afford. I don't want to go into debt over makeup!
My advice for fellow bloggers or those who want to start a blog is this:
1. Take good, clear photos. I'm not saying go out and buy the best and most expensive camera on the market. I have a regular old point and shoot that we've had for years now. All that matters is that you take photos in well lit areas and don't post blurry photos.
2. Considering that writing was my first love, grammar to me, is very important. Please, please, please, take time to proofread and edit your blog posts before publishing. I cringe every time I see a misspelled word or no punctuation and no capitalization where needed.
3. Be honest. Be kind. Be professional but not stiff. Have fun with it!
4. And most importantly... Enjoy it! Once it becomes just another task to do on your to do list, your blog looses all of it's beauty and magic. As long as you do it for the right reasons and as long as you love it, you will succeed.
So that is my beauty blogger story. I feel that I have the same story as many of you. A lot of us have started our blogs or YouTube channels because we saw someone that inspired us to do so. Now, all I have left to say is, be the inspiration for someone else!
One of my sweet blogger buddies, Krystal of Beauty by Krystal started a new group solely for fellow beauty bloggers. It is a place where we can discuss all our tips and tricks and support each other and help each other grow as bloggers. That place is called Beauty Blogger Headquarters. You can check out the official BBH Welcome HERE.
Every month there will be a new task up on the BBH site for us bloggers to partake in and the task for November is: In the Beginning. If you want to join in this task, check out all the details HERE.
And here is my story...
IN THE BEGINNING
It's no secret that I have loved makeup since I was a mere child. My mother was an Avon lady and would give me the little lipstick samples to play with. Needless to say, she started my addiction and I thank her for it!
Makeup was always a part of my life but it wasn't until 2010 that it started to become a bigger part of me. Being a stay at home mom at the time, I was home with my daughter and was watching Good Morning America when they announced, "Coming up next, a single mom who makes a living making YouTube videos..." I thought, "really? People can make money off of YouTube?" At this time I had heard of YouTube but wasn't really a fan. I thought it was just a site where people went to waste time and watch videos of people doing ridiculous things. So, I was intrigued. I stuck around to watch. I'm a stay at home mom, not a single mom, but I'd like to know how to make money too!
And who does this "YouTube sensation" turn out to be? None other than Lauren Luke. You all know Lauren? Her YouTube handle is panacea81. I immediately headed to YouTube, created an account and subbed. I have been a fan of hers and of YouTube beauty vloggers ever since. I say that YouTube is like a school for me. I only watch makeup tutorials. When I watch those makeup tutorials, I say I am "researching" or "studying". It's true!
That was late 2010. So, I got inspired to start up a blog myself. I was too shy to attempt to do videos but write, I've always been a writer. It was my first passion. I thought I'd be an author when I grew up. The next Danielle Steele. I made myself a New Year's resolution (and the first one I have ever kept). I would start a blog. So on 1/1/11, I posted my very first blog post. I took a while deciding on a name. Names are important. I decided on Ms. Prettyful Girl because I don't consider myself "beautiful" but pretty, maybe. Sometimes...on occasion... Haha.
Now it is 11/2/12 and I have 294 blog posts and 274 subscribers under my belt. Not much compared to the seasoned bloggers but for me, it is a dream exceeded!
I remember having no subs for a while which was so discouraging. Then the numbers started to climb. Very slowly but that's OK. I'm happy to have all of you follow my blog. It means a lot to see your comments. I love knowing you took time out of your day to come by and see what I had to say. THANK YOU!
As my subscribers started to come, I started to feel more confident about my blog. But, it did take about a year before I started to tell my family about it. My sweet-tart knew, of course, because I tell him everything. He is my number one fan and supporter. I told my sisters first who are into makeup too but not as much as I am. Haha. It was a little embarrassing to tell them at first but they congratulated me. My family and friends have welcomed this part of my life easily. Now they always come to me and tell me that they saw a new beauty item in the store that would be "perfect for your blog". Haha. And, the always come to me for beauty advice too which makes me feel good and accomplished.
My favorite part of blogging is getting to buy new things to "blog about". Haha. I always use that excuse. It works. I love my makeup collection. It has expanded to new heights in the last couple of years. I'm proud of it. But that is also the worst part of blogging. I hate it when I don't have enough money to buy the latest, greatest product everyone is raving about. But then again, that's why my blog is centered around "affordable" makeup. I buy what I can afford. I don't want to go into debt over makeup!
My advice for fellow bloggers or those who want to start a blog is this:
1. Take good, clear photos. I'm not saying go out and buy the best and most expensive camera on the market. I have a regular old point and shoot that we've had for years now. All that matters is that you take photos in well lit areas and don't post blurry photos.
2. Considering that writing was my first love, grammar to me, is very important. Please, please, please, take time to proofread and edit your blog posts before publishing. I cringe every time I see a misspelled word or no punctuation and no capitalization where needed.
3. Be honest. Be kind. Be professional but not stiff. Have fun with it!
4. And most importantly... Enjoy it! Once it becomes just another task to do on your to do list, your blog looses all of it's beauty and magic. As long as you do it for the right reasons and as long as you love it, you will succeed.
So that is my beauty blogger story. I feel that I have the same story as many of you. A lot of us have started our blogs or YouTube channels because we saw someone that inspired us to do so. Now, all I have left to say is, be the inspiration for someone else!
Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I really enjoyed it, and I agree, I cringe when I read blogs (or anything) with horrible grammar. It was awesome to read your story. Keep up the great work love. I'm trying to get back to blogging little by little. :)
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks! I'm glad to know I'm not the only stickler for grammar. Haha. I've noticed I hadn't seen much from you but I do hope that you come back. You have a really sweet blog :) And thank you so much for the kind words :) Really means a lot to me.
DeleteNice post! This is an awesome idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I thought it was a really good idea. Are you planning on joining BBH?
DeleteLoved reading this! I have never heard of that youtuber I will have to check her out. I also love your advice for new bloggers great tips!
ReplyDeleteOMG, Amber you should! She started it all for me. LOL. She even has her own line of makeup and makeup brushes...she is living my dream! LOL. Check her out and let me know what you think. She has a cute accent too :)
DeleteI agree with your comment about grammar and spelling! I love your blog title, too--and I do think it's fitting for you! :) Pretty is on the inside, too! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much! When I was younger, I always dreamed of becoming an English teacher. I guess that's why all about grammar and spelling haha. And you are 100% correct, pretty is on the inside too! New way to look at my blog title. Thanks for the new insight!
DeleteI used to watch Panacea all the time, especially when I started to learn more about makeup. I love getting my inspiration through others. I just joined the Beauty Blogger Headquarter as well. Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeletePanacea was the only beauty vlogger I'd watch for a long time. Then I started to branch out. I don't have a lot of time for YT anymore so I've fallen behind. I get inspired by others easily so I hope that I can inspire someone else. Thanks for joining the BBH and I hope that you will keep in touch :)
DeleteGreat post! Thanks for the tips :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! And you're welcome. My tips aren't much but they are basic. I think they will help anyone get started blogging :)
DeleteI must thank you for the efforts you've put in penning this website. I am hoping to view the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own website now ;)
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