Recently I had the pleasure of attending the first ever Blog Boss Experience hosted by natural hair YouTubber @nae2curly. The workshop included sessions on social media presence by @nae2curly, turning blogging/YouTubing into a business by @jena.utley, photography by @ebethfielder, and budgeting tips. It was held at Grand Circus in Downtown Detroit, a great space with amazing views, for creatives and professionals to collaborate. We were also gifted beauty boxes! Other than providing me with new blogging techniques the event also reinforced my belief in women collectively supporting each other and taking the next step to further yourself. The environment was uplifting and the Blog Boss Experience leaders encouraged attendees to network and exchange information. I left feeling connected to other like-minded women who I can have fruitful business and personal relationships with.
Women supporting women is vital for the collective success of all women. As a black woman, I know when I walk into a professional setting and I see another sista, my heart leaps and I gravitate towards her. I know immediately that we can connect on some level, and our stories have probably been similar. Shared experiences often serve as a bonding agent, but what bonds me with other women more than anything is a common work-ethic, grind, and passion. Knowing another girl is fiercely chasing her goals serves as motivation for me, and opens space for a close sisterhood.
In my blog post about Women’s History Month I talked about the importance of encouraging other women, and that of course still holds true. The love and support I feel when another woman encourages me, compliments me, and recognizes my work is sensational! It’s time to shift from the “Me, myself, and I” mentality to a community mindset that says – if my sister is succeeding, then I am too. There is great power in unity and collective support. Make a concerted effort this week to uplift another woman it can be your mom, best friend, or somebody you don’t even know. Something as simple as sharing her blog post *wink wink*, or as major as collaborating on a project can be beneficial to both of you.
The vision behind the Blog Boss Experience was the teach bloggers and Youtubbers skills of the trade. I found the event through Instagram, but I almost didn't buy a ticket to attend! The tickets were a little pricey (especially for a broke college student) and I was on the fence about going. I had to put myself in check - I will often spend money shopping or getting my nails done, but I was hesitating spending money on something that would provide me with long-term benefits. I encourage you, whatever your path is, to invest in yourself! The spa days, fancy purses, and new jeans will always be there and will benefit someone else’s pockets, but the opportunity to enhance your skills, further your career, and be proactive about your work will take you to the next level. Enroll in the class, apply for the job, write the first draft of your book etc. You will see far more fruit from investing in yourself than you will pumping money into your material desires. I am preaching to myself too! It might mean that you trim your budget for a week, month, or even year; however, it will prove worth it.
Aside from learning about camera angles and flat lays the great takeaways I had from my Blog Boss Experience are - Invest in yourself and invest in your sisters. Whether that investment is as huge as starting your own business or as simple as retweeting a friend’s artwork it will propel all of us forward.
Check out the fabulous women at the first Blog Boss Experience on Instagram at -
@lae_lae11
@helloimraven313
@greaterthanmama
@emeraldgary
@camille_bridges
@amarachiw1
@toitotheworld
@thefitnessjem
@nae2curly
@sammquick
@ebethfielder