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“And then there’s the blog. I’m not going to pretend like I don’t have aspirations for it. I love this little space of mine and I love being a part of the blogging world. I do not anticipate blogging ever becoming a full-time gig, but food props can get expensive so the pocket change I make from ads helps to pay for those. I do, however see it as a platform to many different opportunities that will hopefully present themselves along my journey. I do NOT blog for the money. Blogging is my release, it’s what I look forward to at the end of the day and has connected me to unbelievably inspiring and talented friends around the world. I could not be more grateful to every single one of you who shows up here everyday. ” -December 2013 from “If Not Now, When?”
This quote was written 8 months ago but quite honestly it feels like I wrote it in a different century. I had just quit my steady full-time job as a research assistant, had lined up a part-time gig working for a start-up snack company called Kewaza and was hoping the fill in the blanks with whatever life planned to throw at me. Emphasis on “hope”. It did not occur to me that blogging could ever become a full-time job. I made marginal income from ads (we’re talking less than $5 a day) that made it impossible to ever live off of it unless I found a way to turn THM into a profitable business.
I definitely enjoyed working with Kewaza and learned a lot about the food industry in a very short period of time. I also learned that I am not interested in selling a physical product, a concept I had toyed with for a little while (Maven’s Bakery died a quick death…sorry!). At the same time I came to realize that blogging was how I wanted to spend my free-time. So instead of looking for another part-time job which might bring in more steady income, I decided to treat blogging like one. I set up a content calendar, I researched ways to improve my social media and audience reach and eventually started to see some success. So much so that I no longer had time to commit to Kewaza and I decided to bite the bullet and take on THM as a full-time job.
And yes, I was and still am terrified.
In many ways my story is unfolding alongside this blog. This is pretty evident in the number of times my “About Me” page has changed (I wish I had saved the older versions!). I want a place where I can chronicle this journey and have you guys be along for the ride. After all, THM would be nothing without you! I also hope that my own leap of faith can inspire you to take the plunge in your own life whether it be in turning your blog into a business or in an entirely different industry.
I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined that I would one day be running my own business, let alone that business being my blog. I knew from the day I started blogging that I had found my passion. I discovered a creative side to myself which I never knew existed. I found something that challenged me but didn’t discourage me and eventually I found myself a job I love.
Those of you who know me from outside the blogging world are almost always shocked by what I do. There’s the fact that I don’t have the most conventional job on the market, and then there’s the whole “Davs I thought you were a psych major who planned to go to medical school and knows nothing about business”? So did I.
It’s true, I’ve never taken a business course in my life. I have no experience with starting a business nor did I expect I ever would, but here I am running a successful (albeit small!) business. If I’ve learned anything in my very short time blogging “professionally” it’s that if you feel passionate about something you are unstoppable. I have and I am certain I will continue to make mistakes. But I learn from them and try to do better the next time.
So far so good.
You go woman!!! I’m all about living passionately. Ever watch the movie Office Space? I imagine that so many people live their lives that like, robots at their jobs where they spend most of their days, passion-less and just kind of waiting for life to bite them in the ass and bring something amazing their way. The time is now! 🙂 I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and have started to head down that path with health coaching, writing & blogging. My hubby just quit his full-time to start a business, so I think that as a couple we’re both entrepreneur- driven and crazed 🙂
Nothing more thrilling and exciting that taking life by the balls (or energy bites LOL) and just going for it! Cannot wait to see where life takes ya 🙂
I’m so, so happy for you! I’d love to see how you made the switch (financially speaking)!
Sounds good! Thanks for your feedback 🙂
Isn’t that incredible? That’s the beautiful part of blogging the stories within your blog posts – you can look back. I’m where you were eight months ago, like, I can SO relate to everything you wrote. Major props to you Davida! It is so exciting that you found something you love and want to do and it can actually earn you an income and be a business. I cannot wait to see what your blog posts look like in 8 months … it is gonna be good! 🙂
It’s funny cause I feel the same way about you! As soon as I found your blog I knew you were going to be huge! You have SUCH a bright future ahead and I’m honoured I get to be a part of it!
Girl, I’m so happy for you that you’re finally living your dream! You probably don’t need me to tell you this, but I’ve always LOVED your blog. Can’t wait to see what you’re doing next!
Like you, I never EVER in a million years would have thought that I’d be a food blogger. I just always knew that I loved food! Here’s to being birds of the same feather!
Lisa! You are such a sweetheart! Huge cheers! I feel so lucky to have the BEST co-workers 🙂
This is such a lovely read. I must say, how you right is always always genuine and you can tell it’s from the heart. This along with your fab recipes, has gotten you far my friend. Continue what you’re doing! We all are loving it!! Happy I found you online. You’re an inspiring blogger Miss Davida the Canadian blogger 🙂
My dream career is to own a restaurant or food company. DEFINITELY want to work for myself. Just started to make some $$$ off the blog…like you very little in the beginning haha. Hopefully with hard work it will increase!
YOU my dear are incredible! I can SO see you owning a resto or food company. Can’t wait to see how your chef school unfolds! Keep at it, lovely and can’t wait to follow your journey 🙂
This is so amazing to me, and I would love to hear it ALL! I think those that can make this blogging thing work for a full time gig are fantastic. Way to work it girl, your blog has evolved SO much.
YAY for full time blogging and just being your awesome self!!!! Keep it up, don’t lose faith and if you ever have a moment of doubt just turn to this amazing community for support. we got ya 🙂
Congrats! That’s so awesome! I would totally be interested in how you make a living from blogging.
Sounds good Em! Will hopefully have some helpful info coming soon 🙂 Hope all is well with you and the babe. So soon!!!
Congratulations on making your blog your full-time job!! I think that is so AWESOME!! I would love blogging & would love to make money off my blog, but I am only making a measly few bucks with ads. I just don’t know how to go about it… plus, when I’m in school it kinda cuts way back on my time commitment. Would love to hear more on how you make money! 🙂
Sounds good Karey! Will be following up soon. Don’t let the numbers discourage you though. Keep at it and it will pay-off!
You’re my inspiration!! I hope one day I can be a full-time blogger just like you. xoxo I’ll be thinking about you listening to your man Drake on my run tomorrow morning. xoxoxox
Would be nothing without my besties 🙂 Seriously, you are the best friend and sound-board a girl could ask for! Stalking you was the best decision I ever made lol