I’ve got some super exciting news to share with you guys today but I first off have to start out by saying THANK YOU.
I know I thank you guys a lot, but honestly, this little blog would be nothing without you guys stopping in, reading and shopping my links. It just wouldn’t.
When I started this blog, it was mostly because of travel itineraries. Since Bryan & I travel quite frequently, people would always message me asking for travel tips and guides for certain cities. I would keep a notepad on my phone with every place we visited, top places to eat in that certain city and things to do, so that when someone messaged me for details, I could just send them the note on my phone.
After a year of doing that, I thought to myself, “how awesome would it be if I had a little spot on the internet to put these notes out there so that anyone could hop on at anytime and look up travel guides and travel tips themselves?!”
About a month later, Ashleydonielle.com was created.
After I created this little spot for my travel guides on the web, I started getting asked questions about what I was wearing on my trips. So I started linking my outfits. Then people started shopping my links. WHAT?! People were actually shopping things that I recommended? So crazy yet so fun!
I couldn’t get over the fact that people REALLY wanted to know where I got certain pieces in my wardrobe. I’ve always LOVED fashion and shopping and what I came to find out was that a lot of people wanted to be stylish, look put together and on trend, but they needed help.
Not everyone likes to shop or knows where to start….I get it. Well, I LOVE it and with a lot of hard work, I’ve been able to consistently grow Ashleydonielle.com and actually create a business doing EXACTLY what I love to do.
Shopping. Styling. Sharing.
I know what you are thinking….get to the news already!
Well, as of last week, I have decided not to return to my full time job as registered nurse, but instead go full time with Ashleydonielle.com & my Stella & Dot business all while staying home with my sweet girl.
I feel SO incredibly fortunate that I have this option…..getting to stay home with my baby AND do something I love to do everyday is really a dream come true.
To be honest, before I left on maternity leave, I was running quite thin. I currently have a team of over 50 Stella & Dot stylists and at the time I was starting to work with multiple brands a week for the blog. Negotiating contracts, having deadlines, shooting 4-5 looks a week, hosting trunk shows with family and friends a couple times a month for Stella & Dot and then working three 12 hour shifts at the hospital….it was a lot. I went part time in November (two 12 hour shifts a week) but I still found myself blogging away, answering emails and finishing up contracted deadlines on my lunch break.
I knew that throwing a cute little baby into the mix, something was going to have to give and I REALLY didn’t want it to be something I had worked so hard to grow and something that I loved doing SO much.
I’ve absolutely loved being a nurse for the past 9 years and I most definitely will still keep my license active and might go per diem at some point to keep my skills up to date (heck I didn’t go through the hell of nursing school for nothing!) but for now, I’m gonna follow my heart (and gut) and go full throttle into this hobby turned business!
I remember hearing a quote over a year ago that really stuck with me….”To be truly happy in your career, find something you REALLY love to do and figure out a way to make money doing it”.
I feel like I’ve done just that and as nervous and scared as I am to take this on full time, I’m super excited for what’s ahead!
Being home with sweet Eloise for the past 4 months and being able to run both my businesses full time has been a dream come true for me. I’m getting the best of both worlds and I could not be more grateful. Being able to do something I absolutely love to do everyday is what I’ve worked so hard to achieve and thanks to you guys, this is my new everyday reality.
(**Cue the happy tears**)
So THANK YOU again for everything.
For your support.
For trusting my style.
For shopping my links & posts.
For reading along.
For every comment and like.
FOR EVERYTHING.
You guys are just the best!
Cheers to change and to a new road ahead…..I can’t wait to see what’s in store!
**OUTFIT DETAILS**
Striped Top (Fits true to size – I’m in a US 4)
Skirt (Fits true to size)
Sandals (I sized up a 1/2 size)
Lipstick (In shade “The Queen”)
P.S. I can’t finish this post without thanking my A-mazing hubby Bryan….talk about a supportive guy. He’s never once questioned my goals or crazy ideas but instead offers to help. I seriously married UP!
*** Big thanks to Vanessa Christina Photography for these shots ***
Congrats!! Staying home with my boys was my biggest desire and it is worth EVERYTHING!!
Girlfriend! Congratulations!! I am so happy for you! It's been so fun to watch you as you crush your goals! Cheers!
Congrats great news for you! Had know idea you had a full time job too, where did you even find the time! You never miss a beat. Can’t wait for more links to shop!
Ashley!!! I’m going to miss you girl, but I’m so happy for you and your journey. Love, Lauren
Congrats friend! Couldn't be happier for you!
Congratulations, Ashley!! Your blog is so inspiring to me! I’ve been a SAHM for 5 years and also left my corporate job when I got pregnant with my second. I keep meaning to look at my blog like a business (after 8 years of hobby blogging!), so your post is giving me all the motivated feels! Will keep reading & supporting you girl!
So happy for you. My father has had multiple, successful careers in his life. I’m certain it will be similar for me! Everything you dream is possible ������And your baby girl will certainly be happy to be your side-kick! Xo, Genny