The more you grow and immerse yourself in the blogger world, the more opportunities will start coming your way. It usually starts with free product followed by amazing event invites and maybe eventually an all expenses paid vacation to Japan. It’s really easy to get caught up in it all, but a sense of superiority or an inflated ego doesn’t look good on anyone. It’s important to remember your roots and the fact that we’re all just regular people with an exciting career path at the end of the day.

How To Stay Grounded:

1. Remember How You Started
   “Remember how you started” is actually one of my all-time favorite quotes. It’s about looking back to your humble beginnings and seeing how far you’ve come. By reminiscing about the start of your blogging career, you’ll be reminded how everyone starts from somewhere.

2. Think About All The People and Brands That Helped You Along The Way
   No one makes it big completely on their own. Did a friend ever hook you up with an event invite? Did a brand ever pitch such an incredible proposal that you finally had the money to upgrade your camera equipment? Be thankful and give credit where credit is due.

3. Keep Your Ego In Check
   I’ve come across quite a few bloggers who give off a super distasteful vibe of self-importance, as if breaking 100,000 followers or getting an assistant puts them in a new social class. Having tons of followers does not make you G-d’s gift to the world. Remember that.

4. Spend Some Time With Non-Bloggers
   Most of the people I hang out with these days are bloggers. They are some of my closest friends and it feels good to have people to talk to who experience the same type of work issues and brand opportunities. Sometimes it’s important to get out of the blogger bubble though and participate in conversations that don’t revolve around brand partnerships and Instagram followers.

5. Surround Yourself With Good People
   Bloggers or not, find friends who bring you up and don’t feed into the “Better Than Thou” mindset.

6. Recognize How Blessed You Are
   Just because you worked hard to get where you are doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thankful for how far you’ve come.

7. Give Back
   Being charitable not only does good for the world, but keeps you in a kind state of mind.

8. Find Meaning In Your Work.
   Fashion blogging can be a pretty superficial career. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with that, but if you find yourself going down the rabbit hole of inflated egos and unchecked greed, take a step back and try to find a larger purpose. Use your voice and audience for the greater good.

9. Voice Your Concerns To A Friend Or Family Member
   If you’re nervous about losing yourself in this industry, talk it out with someone you trust. Ask them to help keep you in check if you start losing touch with reality.

10. Take A Break
    The pressures of this industry could eat you alive, so if you feel like it’s taking a toll on your mental health and ability to see life’s true priorities, close your computer, shut off your phone, and take a break.

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN:
Black Feather Trim Dress: Saks Off 5th (c/o)
Long Blush Pink Coat: Oh Polly (c/o)
Black Belt: ASOS
Black Box Clutch: The Daily Edited (c/o)
Black Tights: Hue
Black Booties: M4D3 Shoes (c/o)

xx Esther