2017: Do what you love
Happy new year everyone! This year I have a few resolutions, to work hard, see the world, and to live a life that I love!
At the end of 2016, I graduated from school and found myself at a crossroads. I've always loved being an influencer and have always wanted to pursue this career. So I made my decision and decided to pursue this full time. I'm not exactly where I want to be... but I'm getting there! I have no regrets and there's nothing else I would rather do.
If you are going through the same thing I was, I hope this helps you out. I guess the question everyone asks themselves in this situation is "do I give up a life of financial security or do I choose to do what I love?" This is the risk in choosing to pursue your passion as a career, whatever that may be. So what is the right thing to do?
Now this depends on you. Some choose a 9-5 job because of the financial security that is gives them. You clock in, clock out, and get to enjoy the free time you have when you're not at work. Others choose to risk the financial security and turn their passions into their profession. Growing up, I've worked multiple jobs. Yes, I'd get a paycheque every two weeks but did that make me happy? No, not really.
I've always known that I wanted to be my own boss. I started my youtube channel when I was in high school and then pursued a business degree in entrepreneurial leadership ( if you know me as MsBeautyinabox then you've been with me a long time haha.) From working part- time jobs as well as having social media outlets as a hobby, I figured out that this is truly what I wanted to do. My part time jobs provided me with the money to support myself but it didn't give me the same satisfaction as uploading a new lookbook or directing shoots. I'm the type of person that needs to create and when I can't I get depressed (I'm sure i'm not the only person who's like this.) I just couldn't be happy in my part time jobs knowing that this is the career that I want for myself. So I quit my jobs, put my business degree on hold, and went to fashion school. During my year at fashion school I got a glimpse of what it was like to work in various sectors of the fashion industry. What was my favourite class? Social media ( lol what a surprise) but drawing and Graphic design were in my top 3. I graduated with a fashion degree and being a digital influencer is still what I chose to do. I decided that I was young and that now was the time to take the risk. I told myself that if I failed then I would still have time to figure out my life before I turned thirty. Unemployed and recently graduated I focused all my energy on my social media platforms. I had the time to make youtube videos again and start this blog (which took me forever). Fast forward a couple months of stress/mental breakdowns and here we are!
Now I just want to address this issue, I didn't start out in this business to make money. I think I speak for a lot many influencers in saying that we need the money so we can continue to do what we love and pursue it full time. It is not to get rich or to be famous, it's to get by. Though I haven't experienced this I've seen others get hated on for having sponsored posts but if you could make a living doing what you loved wouldn't you do it too? Personally, I think as long as you stay authentic and true, there is nothing wrong with sponsored content! I enjoy working with brands/products and creating content for them. I chose this career because it was what I loved to do and what inherently made me happy. I live to create. I love creating content and telling my story. I love to inspire and be inspired.
If I'm being honest with you, it's not easy. It's not easy to put yourself out there but please believe me when I say that it's 100% worth it. A lot of people will doubt you and won't take you seriously. Don't let this discourage you. Believe in yourself. Have confidence in your capabilities and what you do. If you listen to what people say, you won't succeed. Your own success depends on you and the work that you put in. If you put in the work it will pay off in the end, trust me. I took that risk and my dreams are turning into a reality. Since I've graduated i've been given more opportunities that I could ever imagine and was able to travel to New York, Toronto, and the Philippines. I'm not saying I've reached all my goals, but everyone starts somewhere.
I'm not telling you to quit your job or pursue social media as a career. I'm urging you to live a life that you love. Do what makes you happy! If your dream is to travel and see the world ( like me) then do it. Life is short so live it fully. Do what you love, and love what you do.
Now back to the ultimate question... do you give up a life of financial security or take the risk and choose to do what you love?
Sometimes hearing that someone believes in you is what pushes you to pursue your dreams. I wouldn't get to where I am today without all the people who supported me along the way so whatever you decide, I believe in you.
Wishing you all the happiness and success that this world can offer, go out and make this year yo b*tch
Vernice xx
