12 Things: Being a (New) Blogger

The once small community of blogging has matured with the dynamic growth of social media. We have fashion bloggers, gossip/ celebrity bloggers, craft bloggers, and like myself, body image bloggers (just to name a few). There are some perks, disadvantages, ups and downs to being a blogger, here's a peek (solely from my perspective):

www.curvaceousboutique.com

• It was freezing when I stepped out to take these pics, the wind nearly knocked me over, my hair was blowing everywhere, and my feet were numb. But I still had to sell "Spring is approaching!" ... it's a part of the duty. 

• I have "friends" and supporters who reside all over the world, in places I've never even been! It's amazing networking and communicating with you all. Moreso than trying to connect with strangers in the real world. 

• The whole concept of blogging is extremely time-consuming, especially for fashion/ image bloggers who constantly have to engage in photo sessions. 

• I do NOT have anyone designated to do my hair, makeup, or photograph me. I do that ALL by myself, along with the sorting through the 200 pictures, picking 3 good shots, editing the color, and THEN posting it to my social media outlets. 

• I am not famous, rich, nor wealthy. Like you, i'm trying hard to get there. Don't be misled.  Patience, consistency, faith, and hard labor. 

• People swipe your pictures sometimes. People will start tagging you into Catfish scenarios. You'll see yourself posted in Hate Forums. I don't even have a Pinterest but my pics are all over the site. Watermarks are your friend, they lead people back to the original source.

• It seems that bigger, more established bloggers don't notice you, until (without acknowledgement) they recreate what you just did #AboutAWeekAgo ...

• Yes. These clothes were complimentary. I don't always get to pick exactly what I want, I don't always adore what i'm given, they're not always exactly my style.. I always make it work, though. I'll always tell you the truth about the fit, quality, and customer service. 

• More than anything, i'm consistently asked about what's UNDERNEATH the clothes i'm reviewing. Yes, it's still pretty awkward. No I don't waist train. 

• There's a pretty thin line between business and personal. I'll definitely live without the penis pics in my DM & the inquiries unrelated to body image & FATshion.

•  When discussing my life and my past, it's personal. And it's real. Don't expect me to be the role model, because the only promise I can make is i'm going to be me. Sometimes it's uplifting and inspiring, sometimes it's profane and petty. All the time it's genuine.

• Once you get on your (blogging) feet, it's overwhelming. You're tracking and receiving packages almost daily, seeking opportunity, designating your EARLY (day off ) Saturday mornings to photoshoots, and answering e-mails all day. But, if this what you love, it's not a burden, but a blessing ... and it's worth the struggle every time. 

Sincerely, 

Queen Charisma