10 Things I Learned at The Create + Cultivate Dallas Conference

As most of you know (if you follow me on Snapchat or Insta), I spent my weekend in Dallas to attend the Create + Cultivate Conference.

Photo c/o: Jessica Bordner

Ok, so you went to a blogging conference. WTF did you learn? How to take better selfies?

Actually, tbh, yes. But, that is most certainly not all I learned.

10 Things I learned at The Create + Cultivate Dallas Conference

1. I can be an extrovert if I try. Really hard.
I constantly struggle with my introvert-isms. I don’t like to call it a character flaw, but it is definitely something I have to be conscious of. Small talk, for me, takes SO MUCH EFFORT. I’d rather run two miles than have to talk to people about random bs. I’ve always been that way. And I’ve found that it’s gotten worse over the past several years. But this weekend, y’all…it was a different story! Despite having to give myself a few pep talks in the bathroom, I was pretty fcking proud of my efforts. I reached out to other women who were sitting alone. I exchanged numerous business cards. I met so many incredible people. And all because I got the hell out of my comfort zone.

2. I really like macaroons.
This is a minute detail. But very important, nonetheless. Ya’ll know me and my desserts. I haven’t actually tasted a macaroon since London…because I thought I hated them. I was SO wrong. Macaroons, if made correctly, are to die for. The conference had a complete Macaroon Bar (thanks to ShopStyle). So, you can just imagine my level of (hidden) excitement. 🙂

Photo c/o: Pretty In The Pines

3. There are so many incredible womanpreneurs in this world. 
I wish I could have recorded some of the conversations I had with these women just so I could share them with all of you. Every attendee I met had a cool story. Not one woman was boring. Or basic. The conference was full of bad bitches. (Always remember: If you’re not the baddest bitch in the room, you’re in the right room!)

4. I got into blogging at a prime time.
After countless conversations, and listening to the panels, it’s obvious brands are gravitating toward bloggers. Celebrities are out. Bloggers are in. Think about it — If you were to see an ad about a product, are you going to use said product just because Kylie Jenner “uses” it? No. But you ARE going to use a product you’ve read about me using. Because you trust me. You read my blog for a reason. And brands are starting to recognize this.

5. There is PLENTY of room for success in the blogosphere. 
I have had so many women, over the past couple of months, ask me about starting a blog.

“Is it really worth it?”

If you’re willing to be broke as a joke for a long while, and can put up with countless hours of grueling web work…then, hell yes it’s worth it. It’s not easy. And blogging just to be a blogger is 100% pointless. You will fail. Unless you have a clear sense of direction, and a passion for what you’re writing, don’t waste your time. But to those of you who do have a direction and a passion — there is plenty of room for you! 🙂

6. Staying true to yourself, and your personal brand, is crucial.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received a box of freebies that have had absolutely NOTHING to do with what I’m trying to accomplish with Fit is Chic. I couldn’t give two shits less about some of stuff I’m sent. But I try it, and I always post my honest opinion about it. Honestly, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of getting free stuff; brands know how to make you feel reeeeally special. But here’s the thing — If it has nothing to do with my vision of Fit is Chic, that’s not fair to you (my readers). So rest assured, from here on out, any brand collab you see on this site will be 100% true to FiC. (And please do not take this the wrong way. I have not been feeding you bullshit for the past 2 years. I’m simply ellaborating on what I learned from the panelists.) 

7. All bloggers started from the bottom. Even the big ones.
It was nothing short of empowering to hear all of my favorite bloggers openly admit they were not perfect. They all started somewhere. Most of them even laughed about their first blog post. The women I look up to and respect were sitting around laughing at themselves. #humble #goals

Starting from left to right: Sophia Rivka Rossi of Hello Giggles, Mary Seng of Happily Grey, Lauryn Evarts of The Skinny Confidential, Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam, and Camille Styles. And moderated by Vanessa Flaherty of Digital Brand Architects. 

8. The most successful bloggers are the kindest.
There is a DIRECT correlation between good, kind people and success. If you’re a shit, people are not going to like you. They are not going to trust you. And they are not going to read your words with an open heart. They may look at your pictures, they may follow you, but they will not genuinely support you in your business efforts. I have a blogger scale. 0 is for the bloggers just starting out. 1 is for the bloggers who are beginning to grow a substantial following. (I would be a 1.) 2 is for the bloggers who are big, but not everyone knows who they are just yet. And 3 is for the boss bitches (pictured above). The 3s in this world have made it by being true, and being vulnerable. They’ve helped others along the way. And more specifically, they’ve helped me. So, thank you 3s for proving kind is still in.

That’s me. On The Skinny Confidential‘s Snapchat story. Yes, I died. But y’all…she is THE kindest human I’ve ever met. 

9. So much time and effort goes into a great Instagram feed.
The first workshop of the day was an hour and 15 minutes on how to get the perfect Instagram shot. Not just selfies and ish. Like, the type of Instas that have millions of followers. My mind was blown. If you’re interested, let me know, and I’ll do a post dedicated to Insta tricks! 🙂

Photo c/o: Hello Big Idea

10. I have a niche.
Every successful blogger (the 3s, if you will) has a niche. Happily Grey does the monotone, grey look like nobody’s business. Gal Meets Glam works her classic, feminine style into every shot. Cara Loren has her hair. And her glowing skin. Fit is Chic… Well, let’s just say Fit is Chic has found her niche. And I can’t wait to continue to develop it with all of you along the way! 😉

Are you interested in starting a blog? I couldn’t recommend The Create + Cultivate Conferences any higher.

Photo c/o: Dress Your Guests

As always, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to answer any further questions!

Stay fit, sweet friends! Xo