GTT: Why I Quit My Job To Become A Blogger

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Olay. The opinions and text are all mine.

It’s crazy to think Hello Gorgeous launched over five years ago. We’re getting ready to celebrate my YouTube Channel’s five-year anniversary as well. As I look back over the past five years, I remember so many things. I see the long hours spent shooting, filming, planning, researching and writing. I remember meetings, conference calls, hours spent on set working on various projects. There are visions of so much makeup, clothes and shoes. But mostly I recall how much I’ve grown by stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Picture it (in my best Sophia Petrillo voice): Akron, OH, 1980’s. A 4 or 5-year-old little girl sitting at a vanity, playing with makeup. That little girl? It’s me. That vanity table? It’s my aunt’s. You see, my love for makeup and hair began before I even started preschool. That love turned into a passion, which only grew right along with me. I was the crazy girl in high school cutting my girlfriend’s hair, when there was no reason why I should ever even think I would be qualified to do so. As a young teenager, I worked at a Glamour Shots-esque business on the weekends doing hair and makeup. I would makeover anyone who would let me get my hands on them. I was completely self-taught and would try anything from applying false lashes to threading to coloring hair. There wasn’t anything beauty related that I wouldn’t try.

I always had a passion for beauty. I knew it was the field I wanted to be in, but I didn’t know how to make that a reality. It took encouragement from some friends and a move across the country before I could find the courage to really give blogging a go. If you’d like an in-depth look into my blogging story, then check out this blog post.

So, how did I find the courage to make the leap from Corporate America into the blogging world? I decided to throw all caution to the wind, step out of my comfort zone, and chase my dreams. Making the decision to do what I love was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Because my first love has always been beauty, I found a way to turn that love into a career. It didn’t happen overnight. Actually, it didn’t even happen that first year. But after a ton of hard work, long hours and stresses I don’t even remember now, it all turned around for me and I knew that I was doing exactly what I was created to do: to help other women feel their most gorgeous, both inside and out.

Being a business owner has been the most rewarding career I’ve had yet. I work more hours than ever (and I worked three jobs in college!) but I enjoy every minute. Because I became a blogger, I’m able to work from home and travel with Matt when he books different roles. I’m my own boss, so I get to make my own schedule… But what I actually mean is MacKenlee gets to make my schedule, lol! Being a mom, flexibility is so important and Hello Gorgeous allows me to put my family first. Matt has been my support and teammate since day one. Without him, I never would’ve taken this giant leap of faith into the blogging world.

It’s often said that when you turn your passion into your career, you’ll never work a day again in your life. It’s so true. I wake up each morning, excited to open my email. I love creating new content that other women enjoy watching, reading and listening to. I’m so blessed to have this amazing community to share my life with.

I’ve teamed up with Olay on their Fearless to Face Anything campaign to share my story with you. As always, if I encourage even one of my Gorgeous Girls, then I count my work as successful. Please share with me below about a time that you stepped outside of your comfort zone. Maybe you’re in a situation now that you’re afraid to make the first steps towards a new beginning? Girl, I’ve been there. Or perhaps you’re at a crossroads in your life? You’re not alone. Please feel free to share below!