3.25.2010

Life Decisions.

I haven't really filled you in on some of the crazy decisions I've made lately, but I figure now is as good a time as any if I'm ever going to tell you: Last week I quit my job.

It was a really great job where I made a ridiculous amount of money in a very short amount of time, but the problem is it was unfullfilling. There was a lot of food and wine knowledge I was expected to keep up with but couldn't because my mind was always on doing what I love: taking pictures, styling, selling clothes, etc.
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I made the bold and risky decision to quit and follow my dreams. It's one of those things where life is going to be a struggle to keep up, but it won't matter because I'll be doing what I love. Just before I made the final move, my friend Cally told me about a stylist job/internship that was opening up temporarily at her job. She works for a film group in town who's responsible for shooting local commercials and movies, and the stylist for the group is pregnant and about to go on maternity leave. It's a temporary job (if I even get it), but it was another one of those opportunities that made me realize I was in the wrong field. Restaurants are good money, but they take hinder you from progressing in the areas you love most.
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In just a few weeks I'll be (re)opening a shop and bringing you pretty vintage clothes on a regular basis all while getting to do lots of styling and photographs until I find some other stylist job here in town. By the way, where would you guys like to see me sell? Etsy? Ebay?

Another offer that I got just after I quit (when I needed it most) was a chance to sell ad space in the sidebar of my blog. I had considered allowing sponsors to advertise before but really didn't think my blog was big enough to matter. I guess I was wrong though. I have a couple sponsors coming to the blog in just a few weeks, and I even set up a sponsor sheet in case anyone else is interested too!
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I've always thought about sponsoring other peoples blogs just to get my name out there but was always too shy to email them to ask about rates in fear that I wouldn't be able to afford what they wanted. For that reason, I listed all my add prices on the sheet. Even if you don't have a shop or business and just want to get your blog name out there, I'd love to have you on my team!

So sorry to spill my life on you guys, just thought I should fill you in on some of the major decisions happening with me. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it!

41 comments:

Lindsay Jean said...

Oh my gosh Starr, congratulations and good luck!

Of COURSE your bog matters - there is so much love for you on the internet! Sponsors are a great idea.

As soon as I get my art website up and running, I'll totally jump on board as one of your advertisers.

Again, good luck! You did what lots of people dream of doing - quit your job and started a life! I'm so proud of you!

Ana said...

Good luck!! I'm so happy for you that you had the courage to quit and follow your dreams! I'm still waiting for mine...

Unknown said...

Oh well done you!

Do whatever makes the happiest, and this most certainly seems it.

What a beautiful shop you're going to have xoxo

amanda said...

yay!!! so excited for you! sometimes i forget how fortunate i am that i am able to do what i love and still pay the bills and stuff. i can't wait for you to open your store to see all the beautiful clothes you find and style. way to go. you are going to be an inspiration to so many people because you are doing the hard thing, getting out of a well-paying but unrewarding job. sometimes money can hinder more than help us realize our dreams. anyway, all that to say congratulations on following your dream and i can't wait to see how it goes!!

Rosie said...

Awesome lady! I'm glad to see your blog growing and thriving. Its definitely one of my faves out there!

BaronessVonVintage said...

Oh, good for you. SO excited for you! I did a similar thing last year and have not regretted my decision for a minute. I'm also going to sponsor you....

Stacey said...

Oooooo. Exciting times.

Go with Etsy.

Amanda said...

Starr, this is really amazing! Even if I don't know you in real life (sad!) I believe you are going to excel at this stuff. Just from seeing your photos and the ones you take of your friends, you are super talented! I hope lots of good things come your way!

Pure Harte said...

Hi

I read your blog all the time and love it. What a brave move to quit your job. I did a similar thing a while back, I have just set up my own little etsy store.

It scary when you first leave the security of a job and even though my pennies are few I wouldn't go back.

Good luck with everything and I will definitely be in touch about advertising.

Chloe said...

Good for you, good for you, good for you. I also recently went on hiatus from my job to do the same. Doing what you love is important; and I think if you have a big enough passion for it, you'll be "successful" no matter what! :)

Anonymous said...

Good for you Starr!! I wish you all the luck dear! I'm sure you'll do great things, you have a great eye for fashion and are very creative!

Sell on etsy! For some reason I think it's better. Ebay is a pain in the you know what with the bidding and whatnot. I cannot wait for you to open the shop. I will definitely be buying something from you! ^.^

Amanda said...

Congratulations on insisting on a fulfilling career and on broadening the scope of your blog. Good luck with both endeavors!

Ollie Otson said...

Congrats on taking a step towards what you want! It takes guts, but I'm sure you'll do fine.

Sponsorship sounds great! I'll probably be contacting you when I redo my shop.

Maria Confer said...

OH, that's so wonderful Starr! I think pursuing your dreams is always the best thing to do. I wish you the best of luck and I know you'll achieve wonderful things.

Lulu Letty

Breathless Ms. Seberg said...

So many people go through life doing something that they hate, or is simply not fulfilling, because they're scared of what would happen if they took a chance at doing something they're passionate about and it "fails". Well, I mean, you can't really fail, though, can you? So, congratulations! You're doing such a good thing for yourself and you'll have a lot of cheerleaders and supporters!

xoxo,

Ms. Seberg

Cat said...

Bravo for you for following your heart. You know there is a saying out there: Do what you love and the $ with follow...with your passion and love, this is going to apply to you, I just know it!

Melanie's Randomness said...

Sometimes you gotta do what will make you happy! I wish the best of luck getting that styling job, having a connection already in somewhere is always a plus! Good luck with the sponsoring too dear!! We'll all be rooting for ya!! =)

Mel said...

What a bold move, Starr! I always admire those who follow their dreams because even though I believe in following my dreams, I think reality and laziness get the better of me :( But good luck on your new career path, you know we bloggers absolutely support you! I can't wait to check out your shop!

Leah Brunner said...

good luck! it sounds like you made a good decision! it's always better to do something you love :)

MOUSEVOX VINTAGE said...

Congratulations, Starr! I'm so proud of you. As far as selling vintage on eBay or Etsy, as someone who does both I recommended going with Etsy over ebay. The fees are much, much lower. If I were just starting out and had not built a regular customer base on ebay over the past few years, this is what I would do now. Hope this helps! xo.

fashionist__ahead said...

wow..
amazing dress...
:)

Diana said...

I admire you for doing this! It's a risk, that's true, but I think following your dreams is always the right decision even if it means living on a small budget for some time! Good luck with your shop too :)
I'm also for etsy - if you want to sell mainly vintage.

http://thegirloverboard.tumblr.com

M. said...

wow girl, thats some big changes but I'm so excited for you! Styling is what I want to do tooooo! Good luck getting that temporary job that sounds like it could be really fun! You'll find something and love it, I'm sure.
If I had money or a job right now I'd totally sponsor you, but good luck!

lovelove, M.

eithlinn said...

Congratulations on your decision to follow your dreams! I hope everything goes well!I have always thought you should work in fashion.

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Most people don't have the guts to leave jobs they hate. I can't wait until you open up a shop, you always have the best vintage. An etsy store would be great! By the way, your blog is amazing, it's the first one I check every day. Your photos and outfits are so beautiful. You've actually inspired me to start my own blog this summer (when I have free time) Good luck with the new job!

Emma Fick said...

You go girl! Seriously, congratulations; you did something risky but worth it. It's so important to do what you love. I can't wait to see all the places you go, and I know you'll go far. I've said it before and I'll say it again: you have a real gift.

francesca said...

often the riskiest decisions in life are the best ones! all the luck in the world with everything, it's so wonderful to hear stories of when people follow their heart- it truly is what makes the world go round :) ♥

Marta Castellanos said...

I think you have been very brave! And I think too that you take a great choice, you have to follow your dreams, do what you like and...It´s not necessary I say it, but you do it really really well!
Hope you are lucky in all your business and of course you now I trust in you for buying vintage!xoxo

www.meencantamiropa.blogspot.com

Victoria / Justice Pirate said...

So that all sounds like it took a lot of hard thinking and I am sure that you will do whatever you can to enjoy your decision!!! hehe. I'd love to sponser you if I had something worth putting up to sponser!! I would love you to do the etsy stuff rather than ebay. it is just easier!

Meggstatus said...

This sounds like a turning point in your life, and it's very admirable that you are following your dreams.

I wish you the best of luck and will keep my fingers crossed for you to get the internship!

Kristin said...

Girl, good for you!!!! You are such a strong and admiral person!

This post actually helped put me at peace with something today. I was in a similar situation regarding sponsorship. I never thought much about it, but a few people/companies I want to work with contacted me. I decided to go ahead and start accepting select sponsorships, but for some reason I feel strange....like I shouldn't be or something!! The fact that so many reputable bloggers accept and believe that sponsorships are a positive thing is so reassuring. In the past I have felt like there were so many haters regarding sponsorship for blogs!

guildedsecret. said...

congratulations on your new life changes! i’m certain there is a ton of uncertainty about your future, but i know that your creative mind will find something more in line with your passions and talents.

xo.
princesspolitico.blogspot.com

Nico said...

aww that's amazing! it's always better to follow your dreams in the end.

i'm really looking forward to your shop...i'd say go with etsy.

:)

Marie said...

Best wishes for your fresh start! You're very talented and have a lot to share.

Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge

moonshinejunkyard said...

you have such a gorgeous style and i just want to say thank you for your sensitivity and perception regarding the ad sheet. i have totally felt like you, having NO IDEA what a sponsorship would entail. i love that you offer your services, or you and your boyfriend, with styling the website too. i feel like that is SUCH a useful thing to offer and i like how down-to-earth you are about your services. if i can grow my vintage clothing shop a little i would love to take advantage of these possibilities. because unfortunately i know very little about web design although i do love selling vintage clothes! your blog and your personal journey is super inspiring and you seem to be a truly lovely human being.

Ashlee said...

life is too short to live with regret.

follow your dreams.

p.s.
i'm so glad your package made it to you safely.

Diane said...

I admire and respect you so much for following your dreams and going for what you love to do most. We're with you every step of the way!

Avalonne Hall said...

Etsy etsy etsy all the way! :) Congrats! I can't wait to see what you'll be selling! Good luck with everything, Starr!

CrystaL* said...

You won't regret this! I got laid off from a job I was going to quite to follow my dreams and every day has been amazing. There are the hard moments but when you are doing what you love and have the freedom it makes life just that much sweeter!

Can't wait to see your vintage goodies :)

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Kelly Lauren said...

Sponsorships are awesome and I think you should get an etsy! I think I would LOVE your shop.

you go girl!