My journey in the blogging world spans over six incredible years, a period during which I’ve only occasionally touched upon the profound reasons and precise methods behind the birth of In My Own Style. Just last week, a significant moment rekindled the vivid memories of this journey as I took another step towards fulfilling a long-held dream: to become a magazine editor. Today, I proudly consider my blog not merely a website, but my very own digital magazine, where I serve as the passionate editor-in-chief, curating content that truly reflects my vision and creative spirit.
To fully grasp the essence of my blogging journey, it’s essential to backtrack and explore the very roots of my creative awakening. My earliest memories of creativity trace back to my grade and high school years. During this formative period, my sole desire was to create, to bring ideas to life with my hands and imagination. However, the educational philosophy of the time largely focused on a singular path: “teach to pass the academic tests.” This rigid structure felt incredibly confining for a mind eager to explore beyond textbooks and formulas.
I found myself struggling to excel within this system, managing to “get by” but never truly flourishing. Even then, I instinctively knew that a different path awaited me, one that resonated more deeply with my innate talents. The rote memorization and logical progressions of mathematics tests were a particular challenge. My mind would wander, my gaze constantly drawn to the vibrant box of crayons in my desk, yearning to transform my plain test paper into something beautiful, something reflective of the artistic inclinations simmering within me. It was a constant battle between what was expected and what my spirit craved.
The true turning point arrived when I entered college. It was there that I truly began to flourish, finally liberated from the constraints of “teaching to the academic test.” The courses I was allowed to pursue directly fueled my long-suppressed passions. Instead of rigid academic frameworks, I delved into subjects that captivated my interest: creativity, style, and fashion. This environment was a breath of fresh air, allowing my natural curiosity and artistic tendencies to thrive. I absorbed knowledge eagerly, recognizing that I was finally on a path meant for me.
College unveiled a profound realization: there was indeed a viable path to making a living through my creativity. It became clear that success didn’t solely hinge on aptitude in chemistry, algebra, or Shakespeare. My unique blend of creative thinking and aesthetic sensibility could be a powerful asset. This newfound clarity instilled a deep sense of purpose and direction, affirming that my unconventional leanings were not a weakness but a strength, a foundation upon which I could build a fulfilling career.
Perhaps the most significant lesson I absorbed during my college years was the understanding that, even amidst thousands of other talented creative students, each of us possessed a singular, unique gift. The key, I learned, was to identify this inherent talent and cultivate the confidence to express it in our own distinct manner. This perspective proved to be a powerful door-opener, guiding me towards a dream job in retail display. In this role, I could immerse myself in making and creating every single day, and remarkably, get paid for doing what I loved. It was an environment that perfectly blended artistic expression with practical application, a true testament to the power of aligning passion with profession.
The genesis of In My Own Style wasn’t a linear path. I recall a previous attempt at blogging two years prior, a venture I called Style in the Making. However, that project was ultimately abandoned to pursue a different creative avenue: crafting handmade jewelry and establishing a dedicated website for it, named Styledi. I poured my energy into building that site from the ground up, a process I found immensely satisfying and for which I felt considerable pride.
Despite the satisfaction, a quiet voice within me persisted, whispering that a blog offered a far broader canvas than merely showcasing handmade jewelry. I yearned for a platform where I could share more – my ideas, my perspectives, my diverse creative projects. It became increasingly clear that a blog was the true destination for my aspirations. Finally, I decided to embrace this calling, taking a leap of faith. With unwavering determination, I closed down the jewelry shop, ready to embark on the exciting new chapter that would become In My Own Style, confident in the belief that this was where my truest creative expression would find its home.
To launch any website, securing a suitable domain name is the crucial first step. My initial inclination was to reclaim Style In the Making, but to my dismay, someone else had already registered it. At that time, I was unaware of the simple wisdom of renewing a domain name for a mere $10 a year to prevent it from lapsing and being claimed by another. This unexpected hurdle meant I had to brainstorm an entirely new identity for my nascent blog before I could move forward with its creation.
This period of domain name searching coincided with a significant life event: my husband, Ed, lost his job. This sudden shift necessitated a complete reprioritization of our lifestyle and finances. Instead of succumbing to despair, we made a conscious pact to remain positive and navigate these challenging waters with resilience, making the absolute best of the hand life had dealt us.
Often, the harsh realities of life can stifle and paralyze one’s imagination. However, for me, the reality of living with Ed’s unemployment had a surprisingly opposite effect. It fueled me, igniting a spark of ingenuity and resourcefulness I hadn’t fully recognized before. I discovered that sometimes, having less can be a powerful catalyst, pushing you to be more inventive, more creative, and more resourceful than you ever thought possible. This period of constraint paradoxically opened up new avenues for innovation within me.
Despite the financial uncertainty, we had already paid for a September vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and we decided to proceed with it. It was just the two of us, newly minted empty-nesters since both of our daughters were off at college. This quiet escape provided the perfect backdrop for introspection and planning. Throughout that trip, I meticulously filled a spiral notebook with countless blog name ideas, literally scribbling pages upon pages of possibilities. I knew that upon our return, registering a domain name would be the very first concrete step towards bringing my blog to life. After much deliberation, I settled on In My Own Style as the name for my blog, a choice driven by two compelling reasons that spoke to the heart of my creative vision.
The first reason for choosing “In My Own Style” harked back to my experience writing my book, Instant Decorating. While immensely proud of the content, I found myself frustrated by the lack of control over its presentation. I had specific ideas for arranging many parts of the book, but the final say on layout and content delivery rested entirely with the editors at Meredith. This experience, though valuable, underscored my yearning for complete creative autonomy. My blog, I resolved, would be the platform where I could do things absolutely “my way,” without compromise or external editorial influence. It would be a space where my vision, aesthetics, and approach could shine unhindered.
The second, equally important reason for naming my blog In My Own Style was to ensure its scope extended far beyond just decorating. While home decor would certainly be a cornerstone, I envisioned a much broader platform. I wanted the name to encompass a diverse array of interests, including lifestyle topics, travel experiences, and all the other facets that contribute to a rich and creative life. This flexibility would allow me to evolve the content organically, sharing anything that genuinely captivated my interest and sparked my creativity. For instance, I was able to transform a concept from my book into a practical blog tutorial, demonstrating Dish Towel Stool Covers, proving the versatile nature of the blog’s content.
From the moment I registered the domain name to the exciting day I published my very first post, approximately two months elapsed. My inaugural post was a simple yet personal sketch I drew of a favorite outfit. It wasn’t directly related to decorating, but it served a crucial purpose: it was something I could easily scan and upload as a practical test. I needed to understand the intricate workings of the blog’s back end, the process of bringing content from creation to the digital sphere, and that magical moment when you press “Publish” and it’s instantly available on the Internet for the entire world to read.
I vividly remember receiving my very first comment, an exhilarating moment of validation. It came from none other than Kim Johnson Gross, the esteemed author of the renowned Chic Simple series of books. This comment was more than just a kind word; it was an epiphany. In that moment, I truly grasped the immense potential reach of a blogger, understanding that my voice and ideas could connect with people far beyond my immediate circle, touching individuals whose work I admired. It was a powerful early indicator of the global community I was joining.
When I dove headfirst into blogging, the concept was still relatively nascent, making it a frontier ripe for exploration. My approach was decidedly hands-on: I learned as I went, embracing the philosophy that action often precedes perfect knowledge. Had I waited to meticulously learn every single technical detail first, I might never have summoned the courage or momentum to start the blog at all. This “learn by doing” mindset proved invaluable, enabling continuous progress.
The learning process became surprisingly effortless because I was wholeheartedly pursuing my passion. I didn’t shy away from asking countless questions, eagerly devouring every piece of information I could find. Crucially, I also had access to an exceptional local resource that proved instrumental in helping me navigate the initial hurdles. I cannot adequately express my gratitude to Jo-Lynne Shane for the incredibly affordable monthly PSMM (Pinterest, Social Media, Marketing) workshops she organized. These workshops were a goldmine of practical knowledge.
Jo-Lynne spearheaded a local Philadelphia area bloggers group, a community where I acquired nearly all the essential technical knowledge required for successful blogging. This included foundational skills in simple HTML, CSS for styling, critical SEO strategies, practical photography techniques, and much more. These sessions demystified the often-intimidating technical side of online publishing. Furthermore, I must credit Tiffany Romano of The SITS Girls, now known as Massive Sway, for their impactful and affordable day conference I attended in 2010. These educational experiences were absolutely invaluable, equipping me with the tools and confidence necessary to transform from a nascent blogger into a successful one.
For any aspiring or new blogger considering starting a platform, attending a dedicated blog conference is an investment that yields immense returns. The online world is in a constant state of flux, with algorithms, best practices, and trends evolving at a rapid pace. These conferences offer unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and staying abreast of the latest industry developments. The insights gained, connections made, and inspiration drawn from such events make attending blogger conferences money exceptionally well spent, providing a vital compass in the ever-changing digital landscape.
My approach to home decorating, as reflected on In My Own Style, often diverges from what might be considered the “conventional way” of doing things. This philosophy stems directly from the profound realization I had in college: that the true nature of our particular genius emerges when we cease striving to conform to others’ models. It’s when we learn to wholeheartedly embrace ourselves, allowing our natural creative channel to open freely, and then confidently forge ahead with our unique way of doing things, whatever that may be. This ethos has become a cornerstone of my blog, encouraging readers to discover and express their own individual style.
A memorable incident from the early days of the blog perfectly illustrates this philosophy. I wrote a post detailing how I used hot glue to secure a loose door handle in a fixed position, a solution born purely out of resourcefulness. Almost immediately, I received a comment that read something like, “You did what? You can’t do that.” That comment, rather than deterring me, became a defining moment. My internal response was clear: “Well… yes I can!”
My unconventional method had worked perfectly fine, proving that the conventional way of approaching a task is not always the only, or even the best, way to achieve a desired outcome. This profound understanding wasn’t new to me; it had been honed over years of working in retail display. In that fast-paced environment, we were often tasked with creating elaborate displays in mere hours, using nothing more than the limited supplies available in the store’s prop room. This scarcity of resources fostered an incredible sense of ingenuity within me, teaching me to be exceptionally resourceful and creative, transforming odds and ends into compelling visuals, often with absolutely zero budget. That foundation prepared me perfectly for the DIY spirit of my blog, where innovative solutions often trump traditional approaches.
For the initial year and a half of the blog’s existence, I continued to maintain my full-time job in retail display. This was a necessity, as I wasn’t yet generating any significant income from blogging. Advertising revenue had just begun to trickle in, but it was nowhere near enough to cover our household bills. This period was marked by intense dedication and considerable sacrifice. I frequently stayed up late into the night, surviving on barely four hours of sleep on weeknights, meticulously balancing my blogging commitments with my demanding 9-to-5 job. It was a grueling schedule, but my passion fueled me forward.
During this time, I also expanded my writing portfolio by contributing a weekly post to another prominent site, Momtastic. This additional work further honed my skills and broadened my reach. Soon after, a significant opportunity arose: Glidden Paint reached out, inviting me to become one of their official bloggers, tasked with writing content for their blog, My Colortopia. This invitation marked a pivotal turning point in my journey, validating my expertise and demonstrating a clear path towards making a living by writing about what I knew best – creativity, style, and home decor.
I was now not only nurturing my own blog but also earning income from others who valued my unique voice and perspective. To manage this burgeoning workload, I often utilized my lunch breaks at work, retreating to my car to write and read without interruption. I voraciously consumed every “Dummies Guide” I could find – on blogging, Photoshop, photography, Twitter, and more. This self-taught approach, born out of necessity and fueled by passion, equipped me with a comprehensive skill set essential for thriving in the digital landscape.
A truly momentous shift occurred when the income generated from my blog began to surpass that of my long-standing 9-to-5 display job. This financial milestone presented a profound decision. After much deliberation, I resolved to take a courageous leap of faith: I decided to quit my secure job and embrace life as a full-time blogger. This was far from an easy choice, as it also meant relinquishing the valuable health care benefits that came with my employment. Out-of-pocket health insurance, as many know, is undeniably expensive. However, with Ed’s unwavering support and enthusiastic endorsement, I bravely stepped away from my job, ready to embark on the exhilarating, albeit uncertain, path of full-time blogging and creative entrepreneurship. This was just the beginning of a transformative chapter…
… stay tuned for Part Two of this inspiring journey! Click here to continue reading: My Blogging Journey Part 2