September 15, 2017, we started this journey as All Things Melanin.
We didn't know what to expect, who would support us, or even if people would like us. However, we knew that we wanted to encourage women to live their best life on their terms, in their own way. It's hard to believe that it's almost been an entire year since we started this journey. So much has changed and occured. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to say thank you to each and every person who has supported us, loved on us, and rocked with us since day one.
As always, we're going to keep it 100 and honest as we reflect on this year.This past year,we've allowed ourselves to be vulnerable and to put our truth, ideas, and craft out. It can be scary when you don't know how people will take you or react to you. But know that when you're called to do something, it will begin to fall into place. We've been tested too many times to count, but each time we have been met with a reward that is both fulfilling and satifying.
When you do something you love, it doesn't feel like work. Your passion fuels you and if you're consistent, it will pay off. This past year, we've learned a few things.
1. Do it scared.
No matter if you're scared out of your mind, do it anyway. You may find that it isn't as scary as you think.
2. Build a tribe and network.
Surround yourself with people who are better than you in your field. People that will pour into and mentor you. Those who hold you accountable, love on you, support you, root for you, and just have your back. Your tribe matters and will help you on your journey.
3. Keep going and figure it out as you go.
We don't have all the answers, and don't pretend to. We've made mistakes and will continue to. You never know until you actually do it. Take the mistakes, learn from them, and keep pushing. You are building an empire and the lessons learned along the way are building a foundation and the character that people are looking at.
4. The people will come, just do you.
When you're authentic, you will grow and manifest what you want. Just do you and be you. Those who are watching are telling someone how bomb you are. You'll attract what you put out.
5. Trust God and run off of your faith.
This journey has been a faith walk. There have been times where we've been down, discouraged, and overwhelmed. Times where we didn't have the answers or know how to do something, but by faith, we did it. And by faith, God has kept us, guided us, opened doors, exposed us to people, and told us to keep going.
So much can happen in a year. To think that we came up with All Things Melanin and launched within 3 months. We didn't tell anyone but our parents. We prayed on it and stepped out on faith. We felt and still feel like this is bigger than us. It's been an amazing year. We've grown, added other things to our platform such as more video, the #GoGetter Series, and The All Things Melanin Podcast, all within a year!
We have so much more planned and that we want to do. We were reminded to stop and celebrate our now, what we've done, how far we've come, and what we've accomplished. Honestly, we didn't know what our blog would look like a year later, but we're thrilled we did it. We're happy we stepped out on faith and did it.
To you, we want to say thank you. Thank you for supporting us, for sharing our content, for loving us, for subscribing, and for rocking with us.We read every comment and email and feel so much gratitude to you. You are the reason we do what we do. You inspire us, and we want you to know from the bottom of our hearts how humbeld and overwhelmed with emotion we are. YOU are the reason we do what we do, and will continue to do what we do. We love inspring, motivating, and encouraging you along with interacting with you.
From the bottom of our hearts, we love you and thank you!!! There's more to come and we pray you continue to rock with us.
With love,
Erica & Shelby