Dear Bloggers

Dear Bloggers, old and new,

Welcome to my world. I've been here for the last 8 years and I've got some pretty valuable advice to give that will help you get by in this world, whether you are here for the money or simply for the purpose of sharing with everyone what makes your heart sing, be it food, makeup, travel, or fashion.

A lot have changed. Before, Blogging was purely out of passion and harder to put up because everything came from our pockets. People only saw us as hobbyists, not as serious communicators. But there were only a few of us then and I'd like to thank that situation and time for being on my side because I got to where I am today. Some say I made it, some say I haven't quite yet, but what's important is I'm still here and doing what I love. After some time, this is just all that matters.

Now, Blogging is King and it's easier now more than ever to get noticed and to turn a situation and hobby into something lucrative. I'm glad that the new ones now won't have to endure being looked down on just because you are "only a blogger." Digital is now and is it is your time now. Be proud of what you do, especially if you do it for the right reasons.

It is easy to be blinded by the glitz and glamour, and the perks that come with this profession. But as you go on, I hope that you won't forget why this all started for you. I hope you started with a passion and go on with a purpose.

I am a firm believer that things should be started with a passion and we are all here to look after each other. That said, begin telling the story of something that you are passionate about and sustain it with a purpose. I started the blog because I love makeup. And now, what sustains my journey is the fact that I am helping a lot of women appreciate their beauty, especially those with morena and dark skin. You do not have to know right away what your purpose in this field is; but when you start with your passion, you will be thoroughly guided and will eventually be led to that purpose.

As you change your life through blogging, I hope you change the lives of others too.

There will be a lot of ups and downs, I'm telling you. From being an online endorser, to being sent to different countries, to laying low, to being seen as a threat, to not being invited to events that I was once invited a lot to, to being criticized for pursuing another industry and not just staying as a Blogger, to being dubbed as a has been, to being seen as just the good ol' The Beauty Junkee, and to rising again, I've seen, heard, and experienced it all.

When you find yourself in these situations, always remember these things:

Loot bags and event invites do not define who you are and what you can do as a Blogger. Do not let a status set by others extinguish that fire in you.

You are smart, amazing, beautiful, talented, but there will always be someone who is smarter, more amazing, more beautiful, and more talented than you. And you cannot do anything about that. What you can only do is control your thoughts about these things and work with what you have. Eventually, you will be the person who is MORE than others. Never stop learning and improving.

You have a voice. And you don't need a brand or event to tell you that you don't.

Heed this adage: The only person that you should compare yourself with is the one in front of the mirror.

The secret to staying inspired and to continuous creation is to always think how you can contribute to the betterment of society.

Professionalism trumps talent. Best if you have both.

At some point, your profession has to evolve and it should always be for the greater good. Learn when to leave and when to stay. This is your journey and don't let anyone tell you to stay safe. The most successful people never stayed safe.

You will have your time. And when that time comes, savor it; make the most out of it; love it; be grateful for it. And when your turn in that spotlight ends, leave gracefully and with a smile; usher others wholeheartedly into that spotlight. There are other spotlights for you to fill in anyway. Always.

Listen to what others say, but take them with a grain of salt, always. You shouldn't give a damn when someone pities you for not being invited to nice events or if you don't receive nice press kits; you should give a damn when you have drifted far from your passion and purpose and when things don't feel right for you anymore.

To the new ones, I hope you fill this industry with passion and purpose; To the popular ones, you have been granted a gift and I hope you use it to inspire not only professionalism and excellence, but care and compassion as well.

To the old ones, just stay and guide the new ones. Times may be different for you now and maybe some of you might wish that you started today because blogging has become more lucrative now than ever, but don't let this dilute your passion and push you to resort to ways that will put you back in the spotlight. Popularity is good - and so is wisdom. You are still important.

Take it from me. And take all of these into consideration and blogging will survive and thrive.

After 8 years, I've come home. I've evolved. And I still continue evolving. And I can't wait to see where blogging will be taken to in the next years.

Yours truly,

The Beauty Junkee