Get ready because BYOB is back and it's better than ever. I am SO EXCITED to relaunch this into a monthly series here on my blog. Before you grab the booze! If you're not familiar with the term "BYOB" - it stands for Be Your Own Boss. I first launched this series on my Youtube channel several years back talking about the digital world, blogging tips, and business strategy. A lot as happened in the past few years of my life. I've grown and expanded my world quite a bit so there's many more topics to share and discuss.
BYOB IS BACK
Whether you're looking to launch a side business or quit your day job, I'm going to share some fundamental tips to help you get there. The great news is you are not alone. Small businesses are BIG, providing 55% of all jobs and 66% of all net new jobs in America since the 1970s. (sba.gov).Instead of looking at the ginormous mountain ahead, along with the doubts and what-ifs, I want you to take this journey step-by-step with me and focus on what is in front of you.Aside from this series living on my blog, I'm excited to extend it out to a few Facebook LIVE events where we can hang out and I can answer all of your dying questions. I recommend you write down all of your questions and save them for these opportunities! The dates on those Facebook LIVE meet ups will always be shared with you ahead of time so don't worry. :)Lastly, more than anything, I want to encourage each of you to interact with this series because I've created it just for YOU, so please don't be shy to share your thoughts, questions and concerns. There's no such thing as a "dumb" question so comment, comment, comment! If you want to connect with me through the hashtag it's #BYOBSazTips across social media.
About Me
Rewind to 2011. I was a junior in college studying Radio, TV, Film and knew for a fact that I wanted to work in television. My vision was set on the fact that I would become a TV host personality. I never for once thought I needed a back up dream. I moved to Los Angeles from Texas to chase this passion and it wasn't long before I quickly realized "I'm not in Kanas anymore!" It was really hard letting go of the only "dream" I knew, but I believed that God had a purpose for my life and I was on the hunt to find it. I wanted to survive in LA and live a comfortable life, and I knew the only way to get there was to reset, refocus and build something that would flourish. Social media (Instagram) was on the rise at this time so I had a feeling something was there, but I didn't know what. What I did know about myself was I've always been a "people person." There's nothing I love more than interacting with others. I remember meeting a group of bloggers at a shopping event and learning so much from these women.I remember meeting a group of bloggers at a shopping event and learning so much from these women. I learned that they were running full-time blogs with decent followings and readership. I was so fascinated and wondered, "How can I get there?" I knew how to blog since I previously interned for a fashion site a few years back in college but this was a different kind of blogging. I had a blog at the time, but it wasn't one that I updated frequently enough. I went home that night and researched for hours. (Fun fact: There wasn't tons of research at this time) Being the visual learner that I am, I found myself getting lost in this blogging world and picking up tips, like how they speak to their audience..etc I felt a little spark inside of me that was ready to ignite.
THE TURNING POINT
Within 6 months of re-focusing my thought process, rebranding my blog, creating content, strategizing my social media, networking in LA, and pulling a few all-nighters - a small business was born. I remember getting my first paid opportunity with Target for $500 (note: This is actually VERY cheap). But at the time this was HUGE for me. Shortly after that, the collaborations with brands just kept coming in. I felt inspired to bring my Radio,T.V, Film credits back to life through the launch of my Youtube channel. I knew how to edit my own videos and interact in front of the camera so I decided to give it a shot. It was a hit - my blog readers loved it and I was able to connect with them on an even more personal level. After 4 successful years of blogging, I wanted to launch a second business. In December 2016, I finally launched my subscription box business called the Bless Box. Since the launch we've sold out every month and we're excited to keep going. Right now we're working on launching our foundation company which is gong to change lives - I know it!I might be 27 years old, but it's exciting to say that I was a pioneer. I paved my own trail in a new category of business as a Digital Influencer. It's been one hell of a journey and I'm just getting started.Cheers to this new series, one that I wouldn't have DREAMED of having when I started my own business. We are going to have so much fun together! Please share your thoughts below and what topics you want me to uncover throughout this series.Love you all!
