What I’ve Learned in the Four Years I’ve Been Blogging

outfit details: Leah Infinity Necklace ℅ Gilded Arrow Boutique, Casual Vibe Cotton Trench Coat c/o Chicwish , American Eagle T-Shirt, American Eagle Distressed Tomgirl jeans, Similar Cage heels here

Four years ago today I started The Urban Umbrella. I cannot believe that it’s been four years. Back then, I had no idea what my blog was really going to be, what I was going to do with it, or how much I would love it. Now I look back on the first months of my blog (and while I cringe at my terrible grammar & my poor quality photos) I feel so glad that I didn’t let me fear and shyness override my hope to create something for me.

I started my blogging on October 14, 2012 after spending a few months debating whether or not to create it. The summer before, I had just discovered blogs and was absolutely addicted. I so enjoyed reading peoples style, travel, and lifestyle posts. I loved that there was a new avenue for fashion, beauty, and travel that was more relatable and real than the magazines I had once read; And, while scanning through my favourite blogs, I realized that I too wanted to create an online presence for myself. Click through to hear more on my blogging journey (plus a few things I’ve learned along the way!)

Two things I’ve always enjoyed have been fashion and beauty. In high-school and college, I was addicted to flipping through magazines to discover the latest makeup and fashion trends. I loved incorporating pieces into my wardrobe that were unique and figuring out how to make them wearable in my daily style. So, when  I started my blog it just made sense that it would have a focus on style and beauty. In the weeks before my first post, I mulled over blog names. I had known I wanted it to be something Urban, but figuring out the umbrella part took a bit of time. It wasn’t until one typical rainy Raincouver day that it all clicked for me – what fits more with a Vancouver based style blogger than an umbrella?

Over the first few months of my blog the only people who knew I had created it were my family and boyfriend. I was so concerned and worried that people would poke fun of my little online space, and I hated the idea of feeling silly or foolish in front. Lets sum is up these concerns to my horrible anxiety. After a few months, I finally caved and let my friends in on the secret: I had started a blog.

The Urban Umbrella quickly became a place of inspiration for me, and it even made the long days at the office feel a bit more vibrant and light. I’d be at work, working away, but also scheming up new post ideas.I couldn’t help myself. I had one note pad for work, and another to jot down my millions of post ideas. Really what my blog gave me was a bit of a escape from the norm, and allowed me to enjoy being creative again. Since creating my blog in 2012 I have been able to experience such incredible things and meet such beautiful people. I’ve been lucky enough to work with incredible brands, I’ve met wonderful local bloggers and built great friendships.  I’ve been able to re-establish my long-term professional goals. While working in a job I felt so stuck in, my blog brought back the ambition to want and try for more. I don’t know if there is anything more important to feeling truly alive than having ambition and determination, and that’s what this whole blogging world and community brought back to me.

What I’ve Learned from Blogging about Blogging:

Tap into Your Real Experiences…

Invest in Quality Tools Which will Help You…

Never Stop Learning…

Create Realistic Goals…

Stay True to YOU…