7 Years of WhatLauraLoves

Back in August, my blog turned 7.

Life was pretty hectic back then so I’ve only really had the chance to truly acknowledge and reflect on such a big milestone now.

I say milestone because in terms of blogging, a relatively new industry, 7 years is a long time.

While I never knew for certain that my blog would become quite such a big part of my life, from the very beginning I knew blogging would take off in the online world and that branding my space on the internet would be important.

WhatLauraLoves was born and has grown into what it is today; a space for me to share my thoughts, style, tips and experiences.  I was just a girl when I started out sharing reviews as my hobby but now I’m a woman who has turned writing about her passion for being the best version of herself into her career, inspiring others to do the same and I couldn’t be prouder of the fact.

This year has been a battle for many reasons but my career has gone from strength to strength as I’ve worked hard on campaigns with big companies and collaborated with brands I’ve only ever dreamed of working with in the past.

Most significantly, I became an ambassador for plus size fashion brand, Yours Clothing, after winning a spot on their Be The Blogger competition.  I cannot begin to describe how much that meant to me as discovering their stores was where my love of dressing my body and shape really began. I talk a lot about this story in this post.  I have some AMAZING things coming up with Yours Clothing in 2018 so watch this space… especially for #TakeThePledge launching on 4th January!

2017 has also been the year that I became a digital ambassador for The Princes Trust; an honour which I hold with such high regard. The Princes Trust work to help disadvantaged children and young adults get the best start in life through building their self esteem, abilities and career prospects.  I’m going to be working more closely with them in 2018, focusing on the North East area which I’m really passionate about.

People often say that bloggers are really lucky to do the job that they do but in a lot of cases, luck doesn’t really come into it; a hell of a lot of hard work and determination does.  In this social media savvy world, it’s hard to stand out and not get caught up in the hype and comparison between one another.

Jealousy can be rife from products and content to collaborations and opportunities and it’s hard to rise above it at times. I felt as though my ship was sinking a couple of years ago and it took a strong and clear mind to pull me out of it.

I discovered that the key to true happiness in my career and life was to not focus on what everyone else was doing but to keep my own vessel ship shape.

In my 7th year of blogging, I learnt even more about the company I keep and the importance of letting the right people in and letting go of the wrong ones. Making sure that those who are in your boat are rowing with you and not drilling holes when you’re not looking is paramount and I feel as though I have the most perfect people around me right now.  Most notably, Mark Dawson who has encouraged and supported my vision for my blog and YouTube channel and has worked with me to bring our ideas to life, Sarah who is the most positive, organised go getter I could ask for in a right hand woman and Rosie and Charlee who have believed in me, supported me and left me to my own creative devices. THANK YOU.

However those that deserve a special thank you are those who have supported me, read my blog, shared, liked and commented over the last seven years.  I certainly wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve had if it hadn’t been for all of you reading, commenting and supporting me.  I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Laura xxx

*Images taken by India Jackson