*photos by jana laurene
Seven years ago I started this blog. It was my mom who asked me to start it since I was in college at the time working on my art degree and she wanted to see what I was creating. I posted really sporadically for years, never intending for the blog to even go anywhere, until one day it did. It was after my first baby was born, I wasn’t working, and I was searching for myself — what to do with all this time during nap time?? I loved art, but I never felt very creative with it and that frustrated me to no end.
One day in late 2011 I came back to my sewing machine after ten years and something just felt so right and exciting about it. I definitely wasn’t good at sewing (having only taking a couple of years of sewing classes when I was little), and I had several years of tried and failed projects as I re-learned how to sew and taught myself to create patterns and garments, but sewing, and blogging about sewing, and then combining it with style just felt like me. And doing it on the side as a mom fit so well.
In 2013 I decided to really start putting effort into my blog, and in 2014 it really began to grow and I began to do it mostly full time (which means mom all day, blog all night), and that’s how things currently run.
When I look back at the timeline, I realize what a huge part my family has played in the progression of this blog and me finding myself. Until I had children I was just going through the motions of college and jobs, all the while searching for myself and for my future. Having children changed my perspective on time and opportunities and potential for myself, and I sometimes wonder if I would have ever discovered this life if it weren’t for them. My family is far and away my greatest joy and passion, and being a mom and wife is more amazing and fulfilling than I ever could have dreamed of, but I also love having this job on the side to fulfill a completely different side of me. Having them support and help me through it is the cherry on top.
Clinique challenged me in their #FaceForward campaign to look at my accomplishments, the journey to getting there, and what my goals for the future are, and I love doing that because it gives me satisfaction as I look back and motivation as I look forward. This blog has come a long way in seven years, but also has a lot more potential packed into it that I’m just itching to discover.
I’ve spent the last year working on a huge project that’s being announced later this week (make sure you check back on Friday!!), I want to see my designs in stores someday, I dream of writing a book, I want to travel the world with my family…there are so many goals I have for my future and I love watching them come true as I face forward and proactively make them happen, and bit by bit discover these passions and dreams.
this post was created in partnership with Clinique
I’ve discovered your blog this year and i can tell you this is my favourite one !! I’m so impressed by your creations ! You are gorgeous inside and ouside ! Thank you so much for your blog! Kisses from France ! Mathilde http://chouquetteetbiscotto.blogspot.fr/
I love everything about that skirt – the colour is absolutely perfect! It’s awesome you were able to do something you love while raising a family – good luck in with your future endeavors 🙂
Emmett – Hippie Lace
what an amazing story!! i would love to blog full time sometime!!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Merrick I have to say first of all that your outfit is so simple and soooooo pretty – the photographs are heavenly and make you look even more beautiful!
I loved reading about your blogging journey – I too blog full time now and have just celebrated my 4th blogiversary. I totally get where you’re coming from with your thoughts on your opportunities and potential. Blogging has been a big life-changer (and saver!) for me, and it’s wonderful to hear similar stories from others. Congrats on where you’ve got to, the hard work and late nights do pay off as I’m sure you’ll agree!!
Catherine x
notdressedaslamb.com
I swear I’ve seen your stuff in stores. You’re setting trends that later appear in stores. Your maternity dress with Foster I saw at Target a year later. But it would be awesome to have your name on the label.
These images are gorgeous, and that skirt is to die for!
I’m so excited to see your big announcement on Friday! I’ve been waiting to see what you and Leanne have been working on for ages, and I hope that’s what you’re announcing!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Congratulation, Merrick! I love your blog, you are my idol. Thanks.
Vik
vikruhatara.blogspot.hu
I hope it’s the project you’ve been working on with Leanne!
Hi Merrick,
your blog is really the only blog that I visit so regularly. I always can’t wait to see what you have made or what your styling tips are.
I don’t know if you have receive or see my e-mail but there I wrote that my motivation for my blog was going down,
I didn’t know what to do, but now when I read your post it totally gives me new inspiration!!!
You’ve really made a great job with this blog, congratulations!!!! And I am very curious what you’re big announcement will be.
greetings from Belgium
Leila
http://chicdujour.weebly.com
I love this post. I actually don’t follow along any more, but I randomly came to your blog today. I used to follow you when you posted your art and even for a while when you started to doing fashion posts. Your blog has definitely changed a lot over the years. I am glad that you are happy and seem to like where your blog is now. It is nice to read an actual post by you.
Such a sweet and inspiring post!! Can’t wait to hear your big news!
I have no doubt you will do all those things 🙂 These photos are gorgeous, by the way!
~Sarah of Sarah’s Real Life
Love the sunset photos! Whenever I read your blog and see your tutorials, you make it look so easy…great job, I know you’ll do what you set your mind to!
Excited to see where your blog goes!
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