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Over on Instagram, #fridayintroductions are a big thing. It’s Friday and it made me realize that I’ve never actually done an introduction post here on my blog at all! *gasp*!
Sometimes it’s nice to know more about the person whose blog posts you read, so I thought it would be a good idea to do this post so you can get a closer look at me, my family, and my blog, along with answering some questions I get a lot!
Let’s dive in!
THE BASICS
We’re starting out real simple here, but my name is Carolyn!
I’m 24 years old and I’m a wife, mom, and Christian. I’ve lived in the midwest my whole life, with Iowa being where I’ve lived the longest and where I currently am now.
I’ve always had big dreams of going to LA to work in fashion, but over time I’ve come to appreciate the homeliness and let’s be real, low cost of living, that the midwest offers haha.
I’m half black, with my Dad being from Barbados. Same place as where Rihanna is from to give you some reference haha! I still have family in Barbados and I’ve visited them twice, but I so wish I could go more.
I’m the youngest of 6 (5 girls, 1 boy), but also have 4 step-siblings. Growing up, I was both public schooled and homeschooled. People always ask which I prefer, but there were things I liked about both!
I don’t do things your traditional way (as you’ve probably already figured out), but I skipped the whole “college experience” and got my marketing degree online instead to save money. I purposefully decided to just get my Associates, as I like being “halfway there” if I ever decide to get my Bachelors.
I hold the most likely unpopular opinion that college does not equal job and don’t go to college just to say you did and especially without a real plan, because you’ll just end up with lots of debt and nowhere to go from there. This is not saying try to be a lawyer or a doctor, etc. without a degree. If that makes sense. Like I said, not your traditional girl 😉
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and loved finding ways to be creative and make some money. It was only a matter of time before I found blogging!
THE STORY BEHIND MY CHIC OBSESSION
I’ve always loved fashion, modeling, art, photography, being creative, and writing. Whether I was actually good at it or not, who cares!
My mother was
I actually didn’t start my blog with “My Chic Obsession”. I started “Spoonful of Sparkles” in 2014. That name kinda makes me cringe now haha. I didn’t even have my own domain, and I’m pretty sure I only had a handful of readers haha. But that blog was just for fun and I loved having a way to document style and photography.
It wasn’t until around 2016 and after some very weird and awkward job experiences, that I decided I was done working for other people and wanted to do something I loved.
I had started a photography business, but it felt like just one piece of the puzzle. I loved taking pictures, but I wasn’t able to do fashion, modeling, or writing.
That’s when I decided to pick up my blog again and be more consistent. Though I wasn’t making much money in the beginning, I loved what I was doing and to me, that was better than making money while still dreading waking up, knowing I’d have to go to my day job.
I gotta say that I love blogging and I’m really happy with where it is now. If I’m being honest, at times I never thought I’d be happy in a job since I had so many bad experiences.
I also worried (worry) about what people think of me and I was afraid of being called a flake or not being taken seriously just because I do things way differently than most people.
All that being said, it’s a relief to be here now. I love working for myself, on my own terms, and combining so many of my favorite things.
It truly is a journey. So many ups and downs. I’m still learning, but that’s what makes it fun. At the end of the
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH MY CHIC OBSESSION
If you’ve been around for a while, then you know that I love French fashion, neutrals, maximizing your wardrobe, and being chic. It’s hard to predict the future sometimes, but those are things you can bet will always be around!
At the end of the day I want the foundation of my blog to be a place that is helpful, whether that’s giving you a new outfit idea, inspiration on what to buy, cute ways to style your hair, photos that make you want to book a trip ASAP, or even new thoughts about how to wear a piece that’s already in your closet.
I want you to leave this corner of the internet better and inspired!
I’ve been adding more categories lately such as beauty and travel. I’ve always loved travel and I’m so excited to share that with you. My love of fashion and chic translates over to travel by packing tips, great places to stay, what to wear, beautiful places to visit, and ideas on what to do.
Along with beauty and travel, I love home decor too, though I haven’t updated that category in a while. We bought a pretty outdated house when we were 21. Some people go out and drink? We go out and buy houses haha!
I can only imagine that these categories (fashion, beauty, travel, home, life) will just grow with time!
Here’s another question I get asked a lot- Are you going to be a mommy blogger??
The answer is sorta 😉 My child is obviously a huge part of my life, but if I’m being honest, posts like “The 5 Best Baby Monitors” or “What to do if Your Baby Gets a Rash” just do not excite me as much as much as “5 Perfect Mommy and Me Outfits” or “Top Destinations that Both Parents and Kids Can Enjoy”.
I love taking pictures with Will now and experiencing new blog adventures with him, and I can see that growing as he himself grows, but it will probably just look a little different than the norm 🙂 Hey, that’s my thing though, right??
Not that I don’t want to please if mommy blogging is what you want, but I’m afraid my lack of enthusiasm will be obvious and there are people that can do that way better. But chic mom style? Fun family vacays? Boo, I got you!
MARRIED LIFE
If you haven’t gathered by now, I’m married, and my husband’s name is Titus. You rarely ever see him because he’s usually behind the camera and he hates attention! Blog match made in heaven, right?? Ha!
We’re coming up on 5 years of marriage this August! So yes, if you’re trying to do the math real quick, that means we got married at 19 & 20! We’re doing a Europe trip next month to celebrate early and I’m so excited!
I’ll try to do the short story on our story though. Despite both being from Iowa, we met at a church family summer camp in Missouri when we were 15 & 16 years old. We liked each other right away and despite living in different towns, decided to “date”. Well, the distance really gets you when you can’t drive haha and I called it off, to Titus’ chagrin.
He became my best friend and
Well, I was right. The 9 years that I’ve known him have been the best 9 years of my life. Without trying to sound too cheesy, I honestly can’t imagine my life without him nor do I ever want to. I mean, he spoils me and makes me feel like a princess every day…who could say no that?? 😉
BEHIND THE HUSBAND
Some quick things to know about Titus! He’s a Chicago Bears fan through and through and is a super chill and laid back guy. I mean, he has to be if he’s married to me! 😉
He’s not into fashion AT ALL, which makes for a funny pairing, but he so graciously helps me with my blog 😉
He has his Bachelors in business and works full time at Prudential Retirement. He says he could retire there, but if he had to choose any dream job it would be working for the NFL, namely the Chicago Bears!
He was homeschooled as well and comes from a family of 8. So yes, we both came from big families!
OUR FAMILY
We have a sweet little boy named William Jackson, but we just call him Will. Well, by sweet I mean stubborn, strong-willed, dramatic, and feisty. Haha all joking aside, he’s the cutest little guy. Though I may be biased.
He’s going to be 1 in May and I just can’t believe that! If you’re interested in reading more about our kiddo, you can find our pregnancy announcement here, our pregnancy updates here, his birth story here, and some of his monthly updates here.
Though I love my boy to pieces, I’ll admit, motherhood did not and does not come super easy for me. Neither of us can imagine having a big family, especially like what we came from. No concrete plans for #2 right now!
RANDOM FACTS
Whew, almost done! Are you still here? I applaud you! We’re going to end on some random and hopefully fun facts!
- I’m a lifestyle model signed with an agency in Wisconsin. I just do it every once in a while but have had fun modeling for companies like Groupon, Remington, Fiskars, and more!
- One day I would love to live in a french country cottage with a secret garden! I’m trying to grow one now and people keep asking me where it is…while they’re staring at it. Well, you’re looking right at it people! As you can tell it’s not going so well haha.
- I’d call myself a work from home mom and I love having different gigs and jobs. Besides blogging and modeling, I also do some social media for my mall.
- Titus jokes that I can’t have hobbies because I turn everything I like into a job. Which is kinda true I have to say haha. But I like reading and watching tv shows to unwind. Can’t make a job out of that! Or can you? Hmm…brb
- I love all kinds of dancing and years ago I took an adult beginner ballet class. The teacher said I had promise but let’s be real, I wasn’t going anywhere with that. Woulda coulda shoulda.
- I always have these random ideas of jobs and projects I could start! Right now I’m currently on
being a travel photographer or a photographer for other bloggers. Or an editorial photographer. I’m really tapping into my love of photography at the moment!
I hope I didn’t bore you too much and I hope you got to know me just a little bit better too!
Now I want to get to know you! Do we have anything in common? Do you think I’m totally crazy about some things? Go ahead and put it in the comments. I can take it 😉
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