2 Year Bloggiversary — Justbriyourself

What a Journey!

Hey loves. If you’re reading this, that means it’s August 1st, which means it’s my: *pause for dramatic affect* 2 YEAR BLOGGIVERSARY! That’s right. On this day, 2 years ago I launched Justbriyourself.com. It started on a completely different web forum, and had totally different dynamics. There weren’t many stylish looks, not because I didn’t have style, but I wasn’t set on sharing how I look!

The Beginning

My blogging started off as really being a therapeutic activity for me. I had just changed so many aspects of my life. I knew I was striving to be a better Brianna, but I was honestly terrified! I was fresh out of a 4 year relationship, a new student away from home, and newly natural with my hair. I had been praying God would help me grow long before I decided to make some changes. Before I knew it, boom. All my comfort was swept from underneath my feet! Blogging helped me transform. I didn’t know letting go of what wasn’t serving my life purpose, and focusing on what was, would change my life so drastically for the better! But, boy am I proud of myself on this Wednesday! I’m so thrilled to have shared my journey thus far, and to have been blessed to impact so many of you.

Although I started in 2016, blogging had been on my heart for a couple years prior. I made a good 5-6 websites at wee hours of the morning, then convinced myself no one would care, and deleted them ALL. Even after spending hours typing entries up. But, I’m not ashamed to say I didn’t start off with half of the confidence I have now. I’m not ashamed to say that, it simply wasn’t my time to start impacting back then, the way I am now!

The Middle

I would love to totally lie through my teeth, and tell you this entire journey has been perfect, and I haven’t had bumps in the road, BUT as you can imagine, that hasn’t been the case. Throughout my journey, I’ve met great people, I’ve worked with brands, and I’ve even taken my entrepreneurship to the next level with launching a t-shirt line last fall. I also professionally wrote for a local online blog, but eventually stopped because my heart wasn’t in it. You live and you learn.

We live in a day and age, where we hop online, get in comparison mode, and become oblivious to how dope we are! I see and hear so many people mention that they feel their "running out of time." Which is awful, because you can never run out of time when it comes t whats for YOU. Purpose doesn't have an expiration date!

However, this year has been the hardest emotionally! I’ve found myself in a place of frustration multiple times with all the logistics of social media and being an influencer. The algorithms, numbers, and status have sent me in a frenzy more times than I’d like to admit, but I’m kicking those fears to the curb. I’m standing my ground when brands want me to do an entire campaign for free. I’ve invested in my brand, I take pride in every post I share, and I appreciate every single supporter I have! Over these 2 years, I’ve discovered so much about myself. I’ve grown beyond what I ever had planned for me at this age and time. 19 year old Bri would be incredibly proud. She is. I am.

I’ve learned it’s not about who doesn’t like or support you, but all about who does!

Currently

So, what’s next for me? Justbriyourself? I’m extremely excited about the remainder of this year! I plan on using the remaining months of 2018, to build and plan for a mind blowing 2019! I will still be posting weekly, working with brands, and encouraging. But, my focus is on starting a second brand, that is dear to my heart, in January!

I just want to say thank you to each and every one of you, new or old. It’s recognized and appreciated beyond what you know. If you have a desire on your heart, I challenge you to go after it full throttle! Don’t rush it, don’t doubt it, but DO START and be bold. Even if that means just brainstorming on notebook paper. I’m moved to know I can only get better. I can only reach more awesome humans, and become more creative. I can’t wait to share all I’m working on for 2019! Happy 2 Year Bloggiversary to me, and cheers to many more!