So today is the LAST day of 2011. Yes, I did a few 2011 “round-up” posts, but I’m not going to do one last big huge one. Instead, I’m going to give you a little insight into Every Last Detail (aka ME), how far I’ve come, and what I’m hoping to make happen in 2012. And I’m going to be 100% transparent about it. As I’m sure most of you have gathered, I don’t normally get super personal with my posts, since this IS a professional blog about weddings, BUT I figured that one time a year would be okay. ;)
I’ve been saying that 2010 is the year that I found myself, 2011 is the year I found my voice, and in 2012 I will be heard. I think I realized all of this when someone that I hadn’t seen for about 3 years saw me and told me that I had changed. Of course the first thing that I thought was, well yes, I have gained weight and don’t quite look the same. But he said that I had a glow, a sense of confidence and a poise that I didn’t have 3 years ago. And it really made me think about how far I’ve come, and realize that yes, I have changed, and it’s all thanks to Every Last Detail and all of you!
2011 was amazing to me in all kinds of ways. Mostly, it changed me. I officially became an entrepreneur. ELD relaunched as a prettier, bigger, and better website. I took a huge leap and quit my (awesome) day job and went full-time with Every Last Detail. Traffic grew beautifully. I made great new friends and met some awesome people, both of which would have never been possible without the wedding world. I connected brides with wedding vendors. I did several photo shoots. I shared the work of amazing photographers and inspired brides with awesome details. I became an aunt. I don’t know where I would be today without the wedding industry and Every Last Detail. I can’t even imagine myself without either. In 2011, I grew and changed, and most of all… I found my voice.
Photo by Jason Mize Photography
Now I want to throw a few facts into the mix, since I’m getting more personal in this post than I usually do. In the past few days, I’ve realized something. Every Last Detail IS me. It’s just me running the show here at ELD, and some people might not know that. I say it all the time to myself, while I’m answering emails or drowning in posts to write, ideas to create, things to design. But many blogs have a large team of people, and the truth of the matter is that I don’t. I have one contributor and might be adding another for the new year, but that’s it. I don’t have employees, and I’m the only one who receives and answers emails. You might notice that I rarely say “we” in my posts. If I do, it’s most likely meaning my dog and/or husband and I. ;) It’s because Every Last Detail is ME- the very essence of me, and I intend for it to stay that way.
[SUPER PERSONAL] Often times I catch myself comparing myself to others -bigger, more popular, “blog giants”. But I have to remind myself that that’s what they are- giants- and I don’t necessarily want to be a giant. Sure, I would love the notoriety of being a giant. But I don’t want to lose sight of my mission, which is to inspire and educate brides. I don’t want to sacrifice that mission just for some big numbers. I have to remind myself of this often, because sometimes I get caught up in with others are doing and wonder if I should be doing the same thing.
In the past few days of looking back on 2011 and planning for 2012, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m never going to be like the giants because ELD is ME, and only me. I am indeed a small business, and I intend to stay that way. Sure, I might hire a few people in the future to help out and have some contributors here and there, but I will always be the voice for Every Last Detail. I’m the one handling advertising, post series, shoots, projects, services- everything Every Last Detail. For me, my business is about being personal- having an investment and a relationship with those who invest in me. I say this because I myself always expect that, and when I don’t receive it, I’m sorely disappointed. Which is why I want to stay small- to continue to form relationships with both brides and wedding pros. I realize that I may not become a millionaire doing this, but it’s more important to me that I stay true to myself and my mission to help brides and wedding pros.
My husband and I in DC this December… photo by Stephanie Ascari Photography
Another fact: Every Last Detail is my family’s sole income. My husband is in chiropractor school, and yep, that means he doesn’t have a job. So we live in a not-so-nice 700 square foot house, never go on dates, don’t have cable, and eat a little too much unhealthy (yet cheap) food. (That last one hasn’t been too nice to our bodies in the past year, which is why we’re doing the cliche New Year’s resolution to get back in shape!) But it’s part of life, right? Everyone has to struggle, and yes, most of our fights are about money. Sure, I could go get a “real job” and have guaranteed money every single week, but after being my own boss for almost a year, I don’t think I can ever go back to that. So I bust my butt, annoy ask wedding pros to sign up for ELV, and hope that my wonderful readers (you) will continue to tell people about ELD! I’m telling you all this because I want you to know that I am in no way perfect. Blogging can seem like it’s a cushy job and all rainbows and butterflies, and yes it is indeed amazing, but I’m in no way living a life of high style over here. And don’t feel bad if you’re in the same position… like I said, it’s part of life, right?! ;)
So now that you know my innermost challenges and tribulations, let’s move on, shall we?
Photo by Jessica Lorren Photography
2012 is already shaping up to be a busy year. In 2012, my goal is for Every Last Detail to not only be a blog, but also a resource website. I’m planning for site updates, new features to be added, and even some services to help brides! I’m going to embrace the “stylist” in me and do more inspiration shoots for you all… I’m even traveling to Vegas to do one in February! I’ll be speaking at a wedding pro workshop in January, followed by attending a conference. In February I’m traveling a lot… NYC, DC, and Vegas, all in the span of 2 weeks. I don’t know what I was thinking with all that traveling! And in all honesty, I’ve only gotten as far as March in my planning for 2012… mostly because I have SO much going on in the first 2 months of the year already! Who knows what the rest of the year will bring?! I still have so much more to come for Every Last Detail, and I am so incredibly excited for that. (I’m also incredibly excited for 2 years from now when my husband will be done with school and have a job! Let the countdown begin!)
Okay and now, 2 hours later, I’m pretty personal-posted out, so it’s time for me to wrap up, clean the house, and start figuring out what I’m wearing for New Year’s Eve tonight! I would love if you commented though… with either what you loved about ELD this year, or what you would like to see in the future! :) Thank you for being amazing- I love you all! 2011, you were great, but 2012 will be even better! Happy 2012!!
Lauren
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You truly are an inspiration and hard worker! I’m really looking forward to meeting you in Florida at the workshop!!! Happy New Year!!
Lauren! I’m so proud of you and all your accomplishments! Much love and wishes for many blessings in 2012! Xo
So awesome to read about how far ELD has come and your amazing plans for the future. I’ve been so wowed by your commitment to educating couples- ELD is already such a fantastic resource, and I know that it will just continue to grow. Thank you for sharing this with us- here’s to all the best in 2012!
So nice to read this post! I, too, am trying to start my business while my husband is in school! I know what a struggle it can be, but I think we will both be better in the long run for following our passions! Here’s to 2012 and all the new adventures it will bring! Proud of you!
what a sweet and personal post, i loved reading this! Sometimes it’s nice to see the real people behind the amazing blogs, even their stresses and worries b/c it makes me feel ok when i feel the same way. your blog is so inspiring and fabulous and i love to see your tweets to. thanks for all of the inspiration! Also I do have to say you are lucky to be able to do this as your main job! i still have my day job and all this passion and excitement for wedding planning and styling that I can only do on nights and weekends. I hope this year is good for both of us! Thanks for this great post!!!
I am so honored to have you in my life. I love how we consistently push each other in business and in our personal lives, and that we are honest in our fears and excitement in all that we do. I am so proud of everything you have accomplished in 2011 (AND 2010!), and I know that 2012 is going to be a great year for ELD!
Such a great post! You truly are one of the most amazing, passionate, and beautiful women I know! It has been a huge blessing to my life and business to become friends with you this year! You constantly inspire and push me to grow to be the very best I can be. Continue to let others be others, cause otherwise, we wouldn’t have YOU! :)
So proud of you for writing this post. You have come so far in the last year and I know 2012 has some wonderful things in store for you. Don’t lose sight of who you are. xoxo
Lauren, I know 2012 will be a year of amazing opportunities for your voice to be heard. I’m sure this post was not easy, but it’s a very important step in your progress. Thank you for your authenticity and for sharing your determination to succeed. It has inspired me beyond words. Love you girl…can’t wait to see all your goals materialize! Happy new year! Xoxo!
Lauren this is such a beautiful post. I am so incredibly proud of you for all that you have accomplished this year and for finding your voice. I can’t wait to watch you soar and shout from the rooftops in 2012. You are such an inspiration to me. I am so happy to call you a friend. You are nothing short of amazing! Love you!
Love this Lauren. You are such an inspiration to me! You certainly have grown and changed and ELD is a wonderful representation of that. Happy new year!
Loved the sincerity and authenticity of your post! Sharing your personal side may be scary, but it gives you and your readers more of a connection. You are doing a fantastic job with ELD and I know that you will continue to flourish in 2012. All the best! xo Raquel
I love ELD because it’s YOU, Lauren. It’s your voice, your passion, your heart and soul. I’m so very honored to be a contributor and I’m so very thankful for our friendship, for your mentorship, and for all the amazing people i’ve met through ELD. Here’s to many, many, MANY more amazing things in 2012. xoxo
Lauren, thanks so much for sharing your story! congratulations on all of your many accomplishments. i also decided to take on my business full-time in 2011. i definitely understand the importance of hard word, dedication, and truly loving what you do. You embody all of those elements! You are definitely an inspiration. Happy New Year!! Cheers to you, eld, and your hubby!! XOXO
love your blog lauren! it’s way more personal than those giants. i can’t wait to see what 2012 will bring for you!
Your blog post has inspired me to do just the same. In many ways I have felt myself slipping into trying to do what others are doing and not being myself. Thank you for reminding me what is so incredibly important in this business!!! thank you for being you!
Thank you for sharing personal tidbits about yourself! for those of us that use your website for an updated resource and read religiously, it’s a breath of fresh air to hear how you actually do it “on the inside”. To also share your courage and your journey is a resource all of its own. Thank you!
Lauren – Thank you for sharing your heart – Means a lot. truly adore you., Lady.
And I know for a Fact you are the Best Wedding Planner ever! I have Faith that 2012 is going to be an amazing year!!