2018 was a Helluva Year

In less than 24 hours it will be a brand spanking New Year ladies and the few gentleman that read this here blog. I can’t tell you how excited I am about that. 2018 has been one of the best years of my entire life. I feel as though I have really grown as a woman and as an entrepreneur. I was a better daughter, a better sister, a better friend, a better blogger and most importantly a better human being this year. My only resolution for 2019 is to be even better. Now that may sound like I’m just tooting my own horn and by all means I am. That’s another great thing I honed in on in 2018: It’s ok to big up yourself. If you can’t do it for yourself, how do you expect someone else to do it for you? Yes, Kendrick drilled us into being humble but that by no means, means being meek. Celebrate your big wins, your small wins and all your victories in between. Life is entirely to short not to do so of your own volition.

I started the year off by publishing the 4th Issue of Fashion Steele Magazine: The Travel and Wellness Issue. It was my most read issue and it was a testament to my own sanity that it was actually published on time. I’m pretty sure I did irreparable damage to my corneas from staring at my computer screen so hard for a month straight putting it all together. I also invested in a new website layout from Pipdig. I spent the entire month of February showcasing Black Fashion Designers and Business Owners from Christopher John Rogers to Fe Noel. Might I add, that was the poorest month of my blogging career but definitely worth it.  Early Spring was all about sharing information. I dropped 3 new Pitch Templates: How to Get Sponsorship, Pitching for Travel and How to Pull/Borrow Clothes from Brands and Designers. I also published my Instastories Pro eBook, which was a best seller of mine in 2018 and recently dropped the So You Wanna Be a Blogger ebook as well.  For all those who love my signature Havana Twists, I made a video all about them. My first hair video for my Youtube Channel.

Over the Spring and Summer I really got into my bag with writing. I started a new Essays Section on Fashion Steele NYC and filled it with personal stories: Dating Travesties in New York City, Crying at Work, What Being Laid Off Taught Me about Being a Full-Time Blogger, Dating a Muslim Man While I’m Christian, Being a Token Black Girl in the Blogger Industry, Having a Mr. Big Relationship and Starting From the Bottom (my most read post of the year). I’m really proud of all these articles and for sure hit my writing stride this year. I talked a lot about money this year which is something I think more people should do especially the black community. I reported on How I Spend my Money in New York City in 1 Weeks Time as well as How I made 3K in a Week using Instagram. I also shared my shopping hacks to show how you can actually make money while shopping which blew a few minds. In addition to that I blogged a lot about blogging. I broke down exactly how I allocated my time while working a full time 9-5 job and blogging. People are always asking how I balanced the two and a look at that post will show you just how I did it. 

Photography by Rose Lazard || Edited by Monroe Steele

On Monroe: Missguided Fringe Dress | Marco De Vincenzo Velvet Braided Sandals | Eugenia Kim Hat | Black Leather Jacket

On Kéla: The Stylish Edit Dress | DVF Vest get similar Here | Christian Louboutin Heels

On Vic: Frame Suit | Public Desire Shoes | Sucre Couture Chocker | Sassy Jones Earrings | Faux Fur Coat

GET THE LOOKS

In addition to writing my lil heart out this year I was lucky to do a ton of traveling. For my birthday and to attend a friends wedding, I went back to Mexico and spent a week in Tulum. I vlogged the entire experience and it was one of the more emotional vlogs I’ve ever done. This summer I took a quick weekend jaunt back to the most beautiful place on earth, Bermuda. I documented the party filled weekend and reported on everything to do and see in Bermuda. Last but not least, I headed back to Paris for Paris Fashion Week. It was so much fun and I had an amazing time as always. Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world. There’s so much to do and see and I vlogged the entire week. I think I hit my stride with vlogging as well. Definitely looking forward to doing a lot more vlogging in 2019. 

The most life altering thing to happen in 2018 was definitely becoming a Full-Time Blogger. I’ve been at it for the past 2 months and I’m already so in love with it. It’s not easy. It’s a steady grind daily and often times I feel like I can’t take a break or the opportunities won’t come. Thank goodness for prayer, faith and manifestation. Those things help keep those negative thoughts from occupying my mind. I also have a ton of amazing friends like these two ladies, Kéla and Vic who help guide me in the world of being an entrepreneur. Collaboration over competition all 2019. Whew…so that’s about it ladies and gents. Thank you so much for rocking out with me all 2018 and being down for the ride with all my antics here in this space. I appreciate your support. If you haven’t already go ahead and subscribe to Fashion Steele NYC biweekly newsletter for exclusive content. Yall just wait…cause 2019 will be the best year yet.

Happy New Year Beloveds!

xx

Monroe