September 1, 2019

Why I Started Blogging & How It Changed My life



Since I have gotten a lot of questions about why I started a blog, here goes!
Let’s start where every good story begins…

As a person who studied Computer Science, I was introduced to several opportunities in different industries. At that point in my life, I had a choice to be in a good company and I probably have a stable job with stable income today. As we all know every single company nowadays needs programmers. Endless possibilities as they may say, but I did not pursue it. My reason? I knew it from the start that the corporate world is not for me. All I ever wanted in my life is to work at home or anywhere I want to and be my own Boss. I really love freedom, excitement and adventures!

As my own boss, I can make my own schedule, start working at anytime of the day, travel whenever or wherever I want to, and get all the freedom that I want and I deserve in my life.

In 2008, I became a freelance writer in an American online magazine. It eventually helped me make some cash, more than sufficient for a freelancer. That’s why when the website closed down, I had enough money to launch  my very first online clothing line called Pink Fashion at Palladium - New World Hotel, a luxury 5-star hotel in Makati on 2012.

 

Back then, the idea of becoming a full time blogger never crossed my mind. I just thought that the stuff I was reading online are articles written by freelancers on a website. I didn't even know I was reading blogs. The term "Blogs" was not yet well known at that time. In 2011, I was looking for a creative outlet for myself and searched for ideas in Google. That’s was the time I discovered blogging and the creation of itjulieann.com was happened.

I do blogging not just for the reasons of receiving free stuff (which is always a misconception), get paid without nothing and just to have a nice life. My blogging story is different. Throughout my life, finding creative outlets has been my ultimate goal. When I was a kid I was constantly craft paper to make designs or barbie doll clothes. Then I remember rewriting the story of my favorite cartoon series "Peter Pan" at the back of my notebook. When I was in high school, I started writing poems in my journal (which still hidden in my cabinet still until now). In college, I opted to join in drama class and even won the "Best Actress" award in a competition with other schools. Now, I realized that creativity is embedded into my life and it is really important for my sanity and overall well being. I live to create. And thankfully blogging helps me to do it in an easier way and every single day.

Blogging allows me to write down my thoughts, express my feelings through photography, share my art with the world, and develop the kind of creativity I have and want to achieve. Blogging has given me a safe place to experiment, reflect, and process my thoughts and feelings. There are so many mediums when it comes to blogging. From photo editings, blog post and content creations, to photoshoot ideas... I have so many options to be creative every day.

Honestly, one of the best choices I ever made in my life is to start this career. I did not actually start this with the thought of it becoming my full-time job. In fact, I did not even know know it could be a full-time job especially because my income was not so good back then. I just didn't care because in the first place, money was not the main reason why I started it. Then, I stated meeting new people around the Metro and learned different creative perspectives and inspirations from them. It started locally, until I realized I was already connecting with other artists and bloggers across the globe. I found this woven network of people that connects on and off lines, and they're incredible people from different walks of life. Different backgrounds, different talents and different perspectives - collaborating and creating amazing things together.

   



Years later, I realized the incredible potential it has. I fell inlove with the creative process and how much my readers mean to me. I didn’t know it would lead me to form amazing friendships, travel to new places, exclusive event invites, collaborations, become brand ambassadors and do the modeling stuff or to be interviewed on the radio and television.       

  

  

  

 

Now in 2019, I can say with great pride that I have been full-time blogging since 2010. It has been full of ups and downs, incredible opportunities and many difficult lessons but I wouldn't change a damn thing. I adore my job and this ever growing business that I have created for myself. It is how I always hope my blog comes across; it is how I wish to be remembered.

As this blog continues to grow and evolve, I just want to thank everyone who’s supported me and been along for the ride! I can’t wait to share the next chapter with you guys!


UPDATE: As of September 21, my blog was listed to "Top 30 Philippines Lifestyle Bloggers to Follow" according to www.feedspot.com.
You can check it here --> https://blog.feedspot.com/philippines_lifestyle_bloggers/


Buy my product

72 comments

  1. all the best julie n keep on blogging!👍👍👍

    ReplyDelete
  2. It was so interesting to read about your blogging journey, how you started it and how you see it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ¡Hola Julie Ann!
    Me parece una estupenda iniciativa empresarial libre y adaptada a tu ritmo de vida y no tu vida al ritmo de la empresa.
    Te deseo mucha suerte y agradezco tu amable comentario en mi blog.
    Un saludo muy cordial y feliz inicio de semana y mes!

    ReplyDelete
  4. A wonderful journey!
    I learned something from here, keep blogging!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. You're story is amazing! Blogging can be useful for many things!!

    https://julesonthemoon.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. That's awesome you have been a full time blogger for 9 years.

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi, very interesting post, it's perfect to be your boss, kisses.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Replies
    1. hi babe, can't find your name on my follower's list. you can check it again. thanks.

      Delete
  9. Very interesting post, thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. It's wonderful that you find joy in blogging:) Regards:**

    ReplyDelete
  11. I agree so many great benefits of being your own boss <3

    www.fashionradi.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi! Thanks for the comment and yes I started following you, hope you follow me back.
    Very nice post and congrats, hope that continues to go great to you and your blog!
    Kiss!
    In Beautyland

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi babe, thank you so much. It' a great pleasure knowing you I'm following you know, also. :)

      Delete
  13. Being your own boss must be wonderful ♥
    I follow you ♥
    xoxo
    http://ysiakova.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  14. what a beautiful picture!
    great post!
    luxhairshop.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. That is so great and well written ☺

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you so much for sharing your blogging journey. I really enjoy when blogger speak or wrote about their begings and where are they today. I'm so happy to see how successful you are. Your photos and posts are amazing.

    New Post - http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2019/09/glamglow-thirstymud-hydrating-treatment_5.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read my blogging journey. I hope you have a lovely day!

      Delete
  17. I read this post with pleasure.
    XoXo

    You are welcome to visit my websites:
    DailyProductz.Com
    DhakaCoaching.Com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Blogging can open up so many doors! I love your story!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love reading about your blogging journey! Blogging definitely gives you so many opportunities!

    Jill - Doused in Pink

    ReplyDelete
  20. This thourougly inspired me today...
    https://www.stylebasket.in

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your blogging adventure sounds like a dream, with so much creativity put in it! And an online clothing line, that just sounds purely amazing, thank you for inspiring us <3

    LackaDaisy

    ReplyDelete
  22. Grazie per la tua visita, tornerò presto a trovarti ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  23. Your journey is incredible! THanks for sharing it with us :)

    Shoot for the stars | ☆ ☆ ☆ | Facebook page | ☆ ☆ ☆ | Instagram

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow... Cool! Congrats.

    I started blogging this year and I finally found what I want. I hope that I can be a great blogger like you.

    ReplyDelete
  25. That's beautiful, thanks for sharing your story ^^
    xx

    Freak Muffin Blog

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wooow Congrats!
    Very interesting post
    Thanks!
    Xoxo ♡

    ReplyDelete
  27. It is always a pleasure to read your posts, keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks a lot :D

    super interesting my friend

    NEW OUTFIT POST | ... ABOUT BEING BACK.
    InstagramFacebook Official PageMiguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me :D

    ReplyDelete
  29. Very good recap, so great post

    Kisses
    www.pimentadeacucar.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I also love reading why people start a blog - and your story was no exception! keep doing what you love :)

    xo, allie
    www.champagne-tuesdays.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. So nice to read the history behind your blog and blogging! I hope you have many more happy years of blogging ahead! :)

    Hope that you are having a lovely weekend :)

    Away From Blue

    ReplyDelete
  32. Of course I would love to follow each other:) Have a nice weekend:**

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sounds yu really did the choice of your life becoming a blogger!
    Wishing you all the best, dear!
    XO
    S
    https://www.evierlindastayhealthy.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Aw you're such a boss ass lady. Totally killing this blogging life! May you have many more successful blogging years.

    https://lifewithmins.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  35. I've been blogging for so long now, it definitely changed my life!
    I've followed you, I would love if you followed me back :)

    http://purflefox.blogspot.pt

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi babe, thanks for following me. i followed back also.

      Delete
  36. Being a full time blogger takes gut. I wish you well in this endeavor.

    Alisha Blog

    ReplyDelete
  37. Being a full time blogger is really a big decision and I wish you all thew best.

    Bernie,
    The Style Fanatic

    ReplyDelete
  38. What a beautiful story you must surely be the inspiration of many people. I loved your blog I'm already following
    A kiss.

    www.jessicamourablog.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. hi babe. i also followed your beautiful blog. :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Blogging is one of the most phenomenal creations that has come with the internet.
    Leland West Insurance

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow, very inspiring story. <3 I'm glad you started blogging, it's nice to read your posts. <3
    I follow you now, hope you could do the same. <3
    Have a nice weekend! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello babe, thank you for reading my blogging journey and thank you for following my blog. I followed back also. :)

      Delete
  42. Yeah, it changes a lot our life ❤

    ReplyDelete
  43. Awesome on your blogging! I enjoy blogging. I've been also doing it for long now.

    ReplyDelete
  44. A very interesting story. Best regards and I wish you many successes for you :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Very interesting to read this, and you are quite lucky. The majority of bloggers do not make money on their blogs and either have to work of have husbands. And WOW making enough money from freelance writing to launch your business? Not in the States. Freelance writing does not pay the rent here.

    Allie of
    wwww.allienyc.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Congrats on nine great blogging years! I love that you are still getting so much enjoyment from blogging :-)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Love this post, so great. Congrats!!!!

    Kisses
    www.pimentadeacucar.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. This is interesting. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  49. This sounds interesting. Keep on rocking!

    ReplyDelete
  50. This sounds interesting. Keep on rocking!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Definitely love these photos, best wishes on your blogging journey.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Good for you - I've been blogging since 2008, but only in a non-making money way. Thanks for visiting - I hope I see you again.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Happy to read your journey as a blogger. This gets me inspired to start blogging again.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I really liked this post, and it's really interesting to read about your experiences.

    Fleursstormingphoenix.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete