The Highs & Lows of 2016

As the other 10 million bloggers do at the end of every year, I too, will be sharing my highs and lows of 2016. The difference is that usually, these blog posts go along the lines of something like “I learned a lot in 2016…” or “My blog taught me so much this year…”. This post isn’t going to be anything like that.

In fact, to be honest, I don’t feel like much has changed in terms of what I want, where I see myself in 5 years, and my plan to get there. I do feel like the way I get there will change and I’m excited to experience that with you guys and teach you more tricks of the trade.

But for now, let’s go over some highs… and very personal lows of 2016.

the highs

moved to nyc

Moving to NYC has been on my bucket list since I was 8. In my Limited Too diary, I wrote that I would have a house in the Hamptons and a condo in NYC. Well, I’m only missing both of those things but I am working in NYC so that has to count for something!

On a serious note, NYC really is the concrete jungle where dreams are made of. You can make anything happen for yourself here. I quit my job, moved to NYC, and got 2 job offers in less than 2 months. Hustle goes far here.

NYC isn’t for everyone and that’s ok but it was my dream and to say I have accomplished that in 2016 is pretty incredible and definitely a highlight.

Disclaimer: I actually believe you can make anything happen for yourself no matter where you are but making it happen in NYC is the icing on the cake, in my opinion. 

attended first fashion events

Going to your first fashion event is everything you think it’s going to be: superficial, inspiring, and fabulous. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel like a fish out of water. I will say, though, the fashion world isn’t entirely superficial and if you stick it out long enough you’ll gravitate toward those who feel the same way you do, just like I did, which makes going to these events a ton of fun.

became a contributor to zanita.com

Becoming a part of the Zanita Studio team has changed my life completely, blogging and otherwise. Zanita is one of those down-to-earth, like-minded bloggers I was talking about above. And I am extremely lucky to be a part of her team.

Zanita Studio has allowed me to connect with people from all over the world which was something that NAB lacked on its own. And I LOVE chatting and sharing ideas with every single person. You guys are all so sweet and make me feel way more important that I actually am, so thank you!

(P.s. If you want to learn how to write for another blog/website read THIS post.)

traveled out of the country for the first time

Going to Costa Rica was such a cool experience. Though it wasn’t my first pick, (it was Patricio’s because he loves to surf), I’m glad I went. I’m also glad I got to experience my first time going out of the country with my twin soul. Traveling with someone you love really makes all the difference, mainly because they can take your photos, hehe.

In all seriousness, I pushed myself physically (we hiked 6 miles up a mountain in 90-degree weather) and mentally (I HATE flying), so that was both satisfying and terrifying. In order to grow you have to push yourself and do things that scare you.

(If you want more of my Costa Rica adventures check out THIS post.)

hit 5k followers on Instagram

Anyone who tells you they don’t care about likes or followers is lying. Even the most humble bloggers feel special when they hit a certain milestone or get likes.

I read an article somewhere that confirmed humans are tied psychologically to social media acceptance and we feel happy when we see those little hearts pop up on Instagram. Crazy, right?

Anyway, 5K on Instagram was my first goal, because I felt it was attainable and it made reaching 10K seem even more attainable. If I can do it, seriously anyone can.

(HERE are my tips for growing your following.)

was featured on forbes

If you saw my Snapchat rant about Kim Kardashian, then being featured on Forbes as one of my 2016 highlights will make so much sense…

Anyway, after what was supposed to be a project for my day job, somehow turned into an interview about NAB which ended up on Forbes! And I’m forever grateful that it did.

Being featured on Forbes, especially for a woman, is a huge accomplishment and though I shared the spotlight with other side hustlers, it feels damn good to be included in the same publication that honors #girlboss Kim K for her savvy biz skills!

(Catch the full article HERE.)

the lows

instagram changed its algorithm

… again, and again, and again! People stopped seeing your pictures and engagement dropped, but there’s no use complaining about it. You just have to accept it and adjust accordingly and that’s exactly what I’m doing (… and sharing with you on Snapchat!).

still blogging as a side hustle

If you’re reading this and you’re still a side hustler, I’m right there with you! It’s not ideal and I know I said I wasn’t going to say I learned a lot from 2016 but, I really did. After all if you’re not learning you’re not growing and that’s no fun for anyone.

I learned about you, my readers. I learned about why spam commenting is NOT effective. And I learned how I can improve on what I already do, which will take me from side hustler to full-time hustler.

stress levels are high

Since we’re being honest, I’ve never been more stressed and anxious in my entire life. My skin is breaking out and I get ulcers (canker sores) in my mouth every week. If you follow me on Snap (un: notanothrblonde) I’m sure you’ve heard me complain about them.

I think part of it comes from being a woman in a competitive, comparative world… and just holding myself to super high standards and then punishing myself when I don’t meet my goals.

I’m the most critical person of my work. Nothing is ever good enough which is a blessing and a curse.

The blogging industry is extremely hard on you mentally and physically as well. You’re constantly striving to be better, waking up earlier, going to bed later, and maintaining a full-time job, household responsibilities, and relationships. And with all that comes stress.

lost my pop-pop

This is the first time I’m publicly announcing that I lost my Pop-pop this year. To outsiders, someone losing a grandparent may not seem like a big deal – they’re old, they lived a long life, it happens. For whatever reason, people downplay the death of older people, but I think death is tragic no matter what the circumstances.

Anyway, when my Pop-pop passed my entire world crashed. My relationship with my Pop-pop wasn’t like most, I spent the majority of my time with him as a child and we continued to build that bond into my college years. He snuck me McDonald’s, taught me about nature, introduced me to music, laughed at my jokes, and spoiled me rotten. I was the apple of his eye and he was mine.

He and my mom are my best friends so to lose 1/3 of our trio was devastating. Thinking about it now makes me cry.

In his later years, my Pop-pop always asked me if I had a good job and now, since I started blogging, I can finally say I’m doing what I love and helping others to do the same. I wish I could have shared more of him on here because I know you would have loved him just like I did.

whats next?

Honestly, I have no idea. You can plan all you want but sometimes, things don’t always go as planned. Assuming things do go as planned, this is what’s in store for 2017…

Videos

I’m ironing the kinks out right now and trying to hone in on exactly where I want to go with these ideas I have, so I don’t want to say anything as of yet. But trust me, the videos for NAB in 2017 are going to be HUGE and I can’t wait to take you all with me. Live, planned, guests, we’re going to have it all so stay tuned!

Giveaways

I recently did my very first (totally disorganized) giveaway using the hashtag #brittsbirthday, and I got great feedback so in 2017 we’re going to be doing a lot more of those. In case you missed it be sure to turn on post notifications on Instagram and follow me on Snapchat (un: notanothrblonde) because those are the two places most of the giveaways are going to happen.

Hi-res photos

I’m not a fan of talking about what one lacks but I do think it’s something you should have on your radar because improvement is a catalyst for growth. And one thing that NAB lacks is super hi-res images.

After being in NYC for a while I’ve acquired a few amazing photographer friends (unlike my boyfriend Patricio) so it will be nice to incorporate better images for you… and me!

More guides

I’m in the process of updating and revamping ALL my eGuides (check them out HERE). And based on feedback from you guys I have a ton of new stuff coming, including a total transformation of Build Your Own Style Blog.

BYOSB will be broken down into 3-5 mini guides so you can get the section that makes sense for you and your blog. Because the mini guides will be smaller and more focussed, they’ll be cheaper too, yay! #blogginonabudget

 

That’s a little taste of what I have in store for 2017. And like I said, you can plan all you want but sometimes the Universe has something even better planned. Cheers to that!

What are your plans for 2017? 

xx

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