I've been in a few conversations lately about women not celebrating their successes, and every time I shake my head YES! We worry, agonize and put so much effort working towards a goal and when we finally achieve it....crickets. How do we celebrate? How do we acknowledge the blood, sweat and tears that went in to achieving that goal?

I started blogging in May of 2011, seven and a half years ago. Damn, that's a long time, but honestly it feels like yesterday I had the idea of starting this blog. Years of not being paid, years of people laughing at the word "bloggers", and years of downplaying the work I put in to this on a daily basis. I get that when you look at what a "blogger" does you might think it's all vanity and it doesn't take much effort, but let me tell you you are SO wrong. It's a legitimate business that many bloggers are making six figures doing. It takes project management, marketing, finance, sales, design, photography, writing, and time management skills. I myself do it all for my blog. I don't outsource a thing, except buying the template for this page and some photoshoots.


With all that to say I take this blog seriously, and it's about time I pat myself on the back for the work I've put in to it. A goal of mine has been to speak at large blogger conference, but for years I put off applying because I didn't think I had something unique or valuable to say. My friend and fellow blogger, Jamie, has always encouraged me to apply, and last year I took her advice and applied to speak at Mom 2.0 but didn't make the cut. Other friends of mine did, and I felt disappointment but moved on.

When I found out Mom 2.0 was going to be in Austin this year I knew I had to go! I bought my ticket, but again Jamie came back and encouraged me to apply but this time with her. Jamie and I brainstormed ideas, and finalized on "How & Why You Want To Work with PR Agencies as an Influencer". We both have a lot of experience working with PR agencies, and want to share our knowledge. I pitched Giant Noise, an amazing PR agency located in Austin, to join us on our panel and they were in (VP Jennifer Sinski)! Jamie and I worked on our pitch together, and guess what? WE WERE SELECTED!



I was and am still absolutely elated to be speaking, and am extremely grateful for the opportunity. For those still pushing and working towards your goal, don't give up. It might not happen today, or tomorrow, or ten years from now, but you can be proud of the work you're putting in to it! And when something does happen, no matter how big or small, stop and stand proud in that moment. Celebrate your success! We always rush to the next thing, but maybe for a bit you revel in the moment. Soak it in, write it down, buy yourself something to symbolize it (without breaking the bank), and never forget what it took for you to get there. You did it girl!