The world is saturated with like-minded style bloggers all dreaming of the success that those who started their websites in 2010 achieved, but we need to stop focusing on them and figure out how to forge our own way. The pioneers of the blogging industry succeeded for two reasons. 1. They were the first bloggers; therefore, there was no competition. 2. They produced quality content, which brought return viewers to their sites and instant popularity.  

By the time I began blogging in 2013, I thought the competition was too strong to ever really make it. Little did I know that now in 2016, the industry is even more cutthroat and crowded. My biggest blogging mistake was not taking advantage of the year when I started. Instead of pushing to create inspiring imagery, I took mediocre photographs using an old point and shoot camera and focused on the writing aspect of blogging before everything else. I should never have been disheartened by the amount of bloggers already succeeding. I should have simply understood that the blogger industry was just beginning and there was definitely room for one more.

I could write pages on all my regrets and all the things I wish I did when I first started blogging, but that would be both a waste of time and pretty boring to read. What I would rather do is pinpoint the most important lesson I learned from my biggest blogging mistake in order to make 2017 my strongest year yet. I can also only hope to steer you from making the same mistake I made of not taking advantage of the NOW.

As opportunity grows and the perks become greater, new bloggers will continue to pop up and join the race for success. That’s out of our control. What we do have control of is utilizing the resources around us in order to grow and stand out from our competition. Collaborate with local photographers, expand your team by inviting friends to contribute, reach out to boutiques that sell unique pieces...

Don’t think about how many other influencers exist. Think about the fact that there are hundreds of companies out there who would be happy to hear from you and thousands more opportunities that haven’t even been discovered yet. Don’t let the fact that smaller bloggers have scored bigger collabs discourage you. Let it inspire you. And just for a second, forget that everyone around you is competition and maybe make a friend or two. Stick together and grow together. There’s enough opportunity for everyone. Just make sure you grab it when it comes.

*Thank you Tobi.com for collaborating on this post. 

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN:
More Time Wine Sweater Dress: Tobi (c/o)
Black Grid Bag: Ivanka Trump (c/o)
Black Over The Knee Boots: Ivanka Trump (c/o)
Aviators: Ray-Ban (c/o)
Ring: Henri Bendel (c/o)

Nails: Allure Day Spa/Lookbooker (c/o)
Photography: Joe McAdam

xx Esther