Blogging: 15 Years of Sharing What I Love

Friday, April 9, 2021 Philippines


BLOGGING: 15 YEARS OF SHARING WHAT I LOVE

I can vividly remember those times that I was pestering my sister to teach me how to create a blog. She first introduced me to Blogspot back in 2005 and it was in the same year that I created my blog called All About Beauty 101.

For years I actively searched for reviews on products targeted for my skin tone or at least similar to my shade, but it seems that my searching always ended up futile.

The lack of information and relatable reviews prompted me to create my blog.

I feel like I should share my experiences to others so that they will be able to see how products actually look on Filipino skin. To offer and give them access to honest product reviews before buying an item. I wanted to be that person that they could rely on before purchasing makeups or skincare products.

However in the year 2005, I was still a busy nursing college student preparing for my licensure examination. A regular student with limited budget who unfortunately was not able to buy as much makeup products as I wanted to. In the end, I was not able to post product reviews regularly.

As years passed, I found myself at the lowest point of my life career wise around 2013.

I knew I needed an outlet, an escape, a happy place of my own.

I remembered that I have a blogsite waiting for me to write on. My rediscovery of my passion for beauty products inspired me to rekindle and visit my blog site. After thinking hard about it, I went public that I am the owner of All About Beauty 101 and started writing regularly, and I knew that I made the right decision.

15 years later, I am still here, alive and kicking if I may so myself. The journey was full of experiences. Overhauling, tweaking, editing, learning, adjusting, evolving, every decision made with my readers in mind.

My Blogging Station

My blog, All About Beauty 101 initially focused on anything related to beauty: cosmetics, skincare products, and even beauty services. I am particularly detailed on my reviews, making sure I reveal even the ingredients, weight of the product, how it looks on me, swatches of each product that I use and some before and after photos. Name it and you can find it in my blog. To make it easier and more user friendly for my readers, I categorized items according to brand and type of product or service.

As the years went by, I made friends both online and in real life. Some wanted to know more things other than beauty products, so I started expanding my blog. I decided to share experiences about my travels, food and dishes to try, restaurants that I find worthy of dining in, gadgets that I deem useful, and even as simple as sharing my day's event. Though my blog is not focused on 100% beauty nowadays, I do not like the idea of rebranding the name because my passion will always be about beauty - so I maintained the name as it is.

Internet greatly evolved as the years went by, social media became a big thing as more people had more access online. It gave birth to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, then YouTube. I welcomed this change and made an account for all of these platforms transitioning from a shy person to a very open and extrovert person.

Nowadays, bloggers and vloggers are also being called an influencer because we can enable and "influence" others through our points of view.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, most audience shifted to video preference for instant fun and gratification thus the rise of YouTube and TikTok. Most influencers who stayed at home during the lockdown of Covid-19 pandemic maximized the use of TikTok. For someone already old in this industry, call me old school but I admit that I am more comfortable in writing. Still, I try to adapt because I also believe that in order to grow - we must accept changes and learn new things.

Most importantly, I do blogging, vlogging, influencing not because I want to keep up with the generation nowadays but because I still want to do my sole purpose - to raise awareness and be someone that others could rely on when it comes to reviews. This is what makes me happy and contented.

I am grateful that I am able to be myself through my platform. My online friends keep me motivated to share more of my experiences and knowledge. I want to encourage everyone to be vocal, expressive with your thoughts and opinions, stay interested in what life has to offer, and to never lose your sense of wonderment.

Everyone deserves to be heard, you can start by either writing or doing videos. There are so many platforms that you can choose right now to be an influencer. Find that comfortable niche to start with... and when you are ready, explore more. Be an influencer. Go for it, spread your wings, be yourself and enjoy!

Remember, you do not have to be perfect, you just need to be genuine.

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