There will always, always be ways to improve and changes to make; that is what being human entails. We almost never get it all right and who would want to?
One element I mull over often is blogging and where it has taken me and where it will lead.
Blogging is not really blogging anymore. Digital publishing and words such as “tastemaker” and “influencer” have replaced the old format and are the descriptions that now define a once smaller and more intimate space.
My website has changed dramatically over the years and I like to think of the space as my digital home; a place where we share thoughts and inspire each other to reach greater heights. Yes, nowadays there are sponsors and advertisers and commercial elements but for me the core purpose of “blogging” has never changed.
Blogging is my way of connecting with like-minded women every day about subjects that interest us and affect our lives on many levels. The topics we address are light and frothy, we don’t get down into the nitty gritty; that’s not my job and never has been. Economics, religion and politics are much better left to those who are more knowledgeable and can write with proper authority.
When I started blogging, seven years ago, the community was tight-knit; it was smaller.
We visited each others blogs, left comments and formed “virtual” relationships. Many still exist and we have remained in touch and formed long lasting friendships, others have slipped by the wayside as lives changed and interests diverged.
Blogging was a hobby and considered so; blogging is no longer a hobby and for some it has become big business. Creative energy is contagious and if fostered can lead to amazing opportunities. I have been so delighted to watch my blogging “mates” go from strength to strength. Some have written books, created online courses or product lines.
Those of us who continue to write each day have progressed with the current mood and introduced new features and designs to our websites. My love affair still remains firm and steadfast with France; my content connects through fashion, beauty and lifestyle. I write less about my life in France and I am sorry if you miss those stories but statistics (apparently they don’t fib) tell me you prefer our thoughtful chats, the fashion styling and beauty recommendations.
The one consistent feature about blogging, about the digital platform is the flow; a website is never static. Readers come and go, dip in and out, which is the natural order of business.
Bloggers, are entertainers in our infinite internet world and need to evolve; it would be dull if we didn’t.
I can see the future here.
I want to produce more content each day. I want to write at length; I have so many ideas and thoughts to get down. It is important to keep abreast of current trends but most of all I want us to inspire and motivate each other. Women are the most extraordinary resources for each other and our resourcefulness is something we should make the most of.
I see the French Essence blog as a new kind of digital magazine and a destination to discover and share more about your interests; whether it be fashion, beauty, lifestyle issues or France. I want to introduce new writers, new on-going features but at the same time I want to hold on to what we have together.
The way I feel about my readers and my fellow bloggers is difficult to express.
You have changed my life and in the most remarkable way. To say I love my “job” is an understatement and I wake up every day and go to sleep each night dreaming of a greater digital environment for you to enjoy. I am deeply honoured when you spend time here because competition is fierce and time is precious. Every comment, your emails and each sign up means the world. How fortunate I am to be working in a dynamic space at this stage and age; I never take my good fortune for granted and am indebted to each and every one of you for making it happen.
How lucky I am to work with bright young things every day.
My team is small but they manage a great deal of the visual beauty you see here. So much thought and expertise goes into the backend of a site such as this; I am learning more and more but I can’t handle it on my own; there aren’t enough hours in the day.
Next year I want to expand and add to our creative team. I want to introduce extra content, different features and oversee that. I have big plans and am full of ideas. It will happen; I am a believer.
I always want to hear your thoughts and to know whether we are travelling down the same path; I feel we are very much in sympatico, xv.
image vintage vogue cover
