Hi friends!
Hold on to your seats because this is a long one! haha!
Lately, I have been on this whole “let’s dye my hair blonde / ombre'” kick. It’s actually very funny because I usually don’t like to dye my hair any other color besides black with streaks of brown to add some dimension. I’ve had red hair, blonde/highlight, and full brown hair in the past and let me tell you something – I looked terrible! LOL. Instagram can be a very powerful and manipulative space, so while scrolling through my feed and seeing SO many gorgeous blonde and ombre’ colored hair, i’ve been so tempted to go against what feels right for me. I texted one of my girlfriends telling her I wanted to dye my hair and she said “why? you should stick to dark black hair and that could be your niche. Everyone on Instagram has Ombre’ hair”. Don’t get me wrong, we both LOVE colored hair, but I heard what she was saying and I got the message! I should be who I am and stick to what I love and not get caught up with trying to be like every one else. This does not just go for hair color, but overall! Instagram is not the perfect life we all portray. Instead of trying to be like other people, we should own who we are and what we have.
Sometimes, when I am shopping or going through my older clothes, I will ask myself “can I link this on LIKE.to.KNOW.it?” and lately, that has been so frustrating to me! I shouldn’t not buy a shirt or wear an older piece because I can’t “sell” it with LIKE.to.KNOW.it. I created Pieces of Emerald as a space where women can go to and feel inspired, not a place where they feel that they’re always being “sold” something. So yes, I do receive a small commission on things that are purchased through my affiliate links and I am so appreciative that you all use my links and support Pieces of Emerald and my family. I will continue to share sales and deals with you all because who doesn’t love a good sale? but, I just don’t want to bombard you with constant sale pitches. I want to create fun pictures with my family and I hope that you enjoy the time that we put in to get one good shot (out of 500, but who is counting, LOL). I lost myself in this whole Instagram world of trying to be like other girls and having the similar sale pitching captions and that just doesn’t fit who I really am. If you know me outside of Pieces of Emerald then you’ll know that I love sharing beauty tips and sales while using coupons to get the best deal. I also love helping the next mama out with sleep training her baby or coming up with activities for their toddler. I like to share ideas and talk. I talk a lot – LOL!
With that said, in the next couple of weeks www.piecesofemerald.com will be getting a makeover on my SHOP page (you may have already noticed that I added more shopping categories). I will be basically using non affiliate links (no commission) and affiliate links (commission earned). I want you all to come to my blog when you want to learn more about something (motherhood tips, beauty tips, current fashion trends), shop any sales, smile, laugh, or even just to say hi! I will continue to create content that is fun for my family and enjoyable for you all as well, without the pressure of making a sale. If sales and landing partnership comes with my fun content then that is even better, but selling will not be my main focus. I am using both links non affiliate and affiliate because I am not a sales person, I am a creator.
Back to where we started this blog post – I will keep my dark hair and own it. It is who I am and maybe thats why you’re following me – because you, too, have dark hair and want hair inspo ideas. Stop trying to change who we are to fit the next person’s image. If we all just own who we are and make a brand of what we have to offer then this can lead to so much more success and happiness.
(this is Rori’s attempt at “PEACE OUT” lol!)
Thanks for sharing this!! I completely agree with you! I often start comparing myself to all the pretty and skinny girls on IG and start to feel terrible about myself. It’s really hard not to. Sometimes I gotta just remind myself that I am happy the way I am and that I’m Awesome! Hahahah. This post is so reall though! -Sam
Hi Sam! Thank you for reading! When I first wrote this post I wasn’t certain if it made sense or if I should even post it because it was so random lol, but it was on my chest! I’m glad you were able to relate and sometimes we need this reminder! Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment ❤️
You’re not alone. Although I’m just starting out, I can totally relate with everything. Instagram can really influence you to be someone you’re not. I look at other popular influencers and wish I could be like them, which is not who I am. I have to keep reminding myself to stay true and be authentic even if it’s not the best version of myself. Surely I know I do not want to be selling everything and anything to my viewers. You’re doing an amazing job at this and remember while we are wishing to someone else, others are wishing to be us.
thank you for taking the time to read and comment! Isn’t it funny how life works?! Being authentic is so hard at times, especially when surrounded by so many others that may seem to be doing better. But, yes – stay true to who we are is the best way to succeed!
It’s like you’re inside my head! 😂 Great post and I can relate on every level (even down to the black hair)
Thank you for taking the time to read and COMMENT! Isn’t it crazy?!?! I debated the entire time if I should even hit “publish” but I’m so glad I did because I received so much feedback and also, I know I’m not alone! So funny about the hair, but SO true!