Lizzie in Lace is TEN!!!
Exactly one month ago, my namesake website, Lizzie in Lace, celebrated one decade in the blogosphere!! I’ve been looking forward to this day for a really long time. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d make it this far (but of course, I don’t give up easily lol). Ten years always seems like the distant future when really it’s not as far away as we realize.
Today, I’m taking a virtual journey into the last ten years of Lizzie in Lace! A lot has changed since that very first post but so much has stayed the same. Thank you for being a huge part of the process!!
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One Decade of Lizzie in Lace: My 10 Year Blog Anniversary
Each year, I go on an internal journey through all of
my previous anniversary posts along with my
my very first post, reflecting on how I felt when writing each one (see them here see them here: year
nine,
eight,
seven,
six,
five,
four,
three,
two and
one). For some posts, I shared lessons learned throughout this journey and in others, I dug a little deeper sharing a part of myself with each word.
My favorite posts are when I just find time to organically write my heart out (after all – that it the beauty of this journey and what my blog is at it’s core). When I started, I didn’t know what it meant to “find your voice” in the blogging space. But I guess it just means to be authentically you, which I always have been. So I just write – what I think, what I feel and everything in between. No, I’m not a scholar, but I am real, raw and honest, always.
I’m here today because I took a risk. I had no idea what in the world I was doing lol! I just knew that there was a deeper purpose behind the inner calling I felt so I led with my heart, soul and passion to create what you see here (and trust me, there have been some growing pains haha! Remember my secret blog? LOL!). I am proof that you don’t have to have the knowledge or connections to chase your dreams… you just have to get started.
Throughout this journey, some years have been more challenging than others and that was the case for this year, unfortunately. However, as I look back on my journey, I can see the most growth during these pivotal years. I know it’s for my benefit and I’m always grateful for it <3 I know that the next coming years will be that much better because of what I’ve gone through over the last year.
It’s also for this reason, that it’s taken me a month to write this post. Life has been more chaotic than normal but I still wanted to celebrate with a special post because this is truly my biggest milestone to date. And perhaps when the weather cooperates, I’ll celebrate with an ultra girly, pink picnic hehe! 😉
Last year’s
post was probably one of the most special that I’ve ever written as I embarked on my decade long journey as a blogger. I shared pivotal moments over the years such as my first time going to NYFW (my lifelong dream!), launching various product lines, sharing my story to millions, navigating an ever-changing social media space, and reminiscing on many of the large life moments that changed me for the better (both personally and professionally). Everything I said in that post still rings true to this day and sums up what I feel in this moment so please give it a read if you’d like a deeper look into my journey.
For this post, I wanted to, instead, write a love letter to you, my dearest friend and biggest supporter. Without you, this journey would not have been possible.
A Love Letter to YOU <3
Comparing my life from ten years ago to my life today is wildly different. At my core, I’m still the same sweet girl that I’ve always been… but I’m also a completely different person.
When I started in 2015, I was completely broken. I was a people pleaser with incredibly low self-esteem and couldn’t see my true value. I sought validation from others because I didn’t feel whole. I was made fun of for the way I looked and dressed and was told by so many people (including family) that my dreams would never come true. I wanted so badly to just feel accepted by others. Even when I started my blog and Instagram account, people didn’t understand or support what I was doing (some still don’t).
However, the difference now is that I know my worth and my value, not matter what others think or say. I’ve gained confidence and strength that I never had before. Things happened for me that I never thought possible all because I started to truly believe in myself. Starting this journey has completely changed my life in so many ways, for the better.
I started as a creative outlet and as one last chance to chase my fashion dream, after going through so many obstacles. Honestly, I never thought anyone would see my blog or even care. I just wanted to help others to feel confident in themselves, to feel beautiful as they were, and to unapologetically be true to who they are. Though this, I’ve become the person I needed all those years ago.
Although I started as way to help others, you all have helped me in return – in more ways than you even know. When I felt alone and like I didn’t belong anywhere, we created a community of sweet, confident and loving girly-girls (and girly guys) that continue to support and cherish one another. When I needed motivation to push through some of the hardest parts of this journey, you were there to cheer me on. And when I was desperate for encouragement during some of my lowest points, you were there with big hugs and words of encouragement.
You all have supported me through various stages of this creation and my heart is full of so much gratitude. I truly wouldn’t be living my dream without you and I want you to know how thankful I am everyday for you. Thank you for believing in me and showing me that anything is possible. I can only hope that this has inspired you to chase your own dreams and to be who you truly are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything <3
I’m not sure where the next decade of Lizzie of Lace will take me but if there’s anything I’ve learned from this experience so far, it’s to be open to anything. This process has made my less of a control freak and more open to opportunities that I never imagined for myself. Thank you for joining me on this adventure <3 I can’t wait to see where the next ten years leads us!
I love you all so much and I’m forever grateful for the gift you’ve given me <3
xo
Lizzie
Happy Blog Anniversary Lizzie!!
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
Thank you so much Jennifer!! <3
Happy blog anniversary, im actually new to your blog but i love it so much.
Thank you so much, gorgeous!! I appreciate you <3 You made my day!!
Happy Blog Anniversary Liz! You look stunning in this princess dress.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much Kathrine!! I appreciate it <3 I've been saving it for this occasion lol!!
I've loved following you over the years and you are such an inspiration. Doing things that are scary like this does make us grow.
You are amazing and sending you a big virtual hug,
XOXO
Jodie
Thank you so much Jodie!! As are you!! I've loved seeing you grow – you are doing amazing!! So true!! Sending you the same <3
Happy Blog Anniversary 🎉, and Congratulations on ten years! What an amazing achievement
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Thank you so much Julia!! I can't believe it's been that long (and for you too!!)
Absolutely incredible! Happy 10 years! You have come so far and done so much!
Aww thank you so much Laura!! I appreciate that more than you know <3
Congratulations on a decade of Lizzie in Lace! You should be so proud of everything you've achieved!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you so much Emma!! I appreciate it <3 You've been blogging forever too!! It must be around the same amount of time 🙂
You look like a princess! 💗 Happy 10 years. I have been blogging for 10 years as well! 🙌 Cheers! 🥂
http://www.fashionradi.com
Thank you so much, lovely!! Congrats on ten years!! It's such a huge accomplishment <3 Cheers to many more for the both of us!!
Congrats Lizzie <3
Your pink world always makes me smile
https://alleygirl.com
Aww thank you so much, girlie!! <3 You made my day!!
Like a princess!
Aww thank you so much!! <3
Congratulations!! Getting started is the hardest part. Hard work does pay off. Your blog is beautiful.
nerline germain
Thank you so much, Nerline! That's so true!! I appreciate you saying that <3
So much gorgeousness in these photos, my Gosh! That dress is a dream! Happy decade of blogging! <3
http://www.couture-case.com/
Thank you so much, Jelena!! So sweet of you to say <3 I appreciate it!!