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Why I Re-branded My Fashion Blog + My HUGE 2018 Blog Goal

Welcome to my brand new blog, Sunshine Style! I am so ready to dive right into 2018 and pumped about the new direction I am heading with my blog. It’s also a bit scary and nerve-wracking at the same time. Re-branding my blog was one of the best decisions I made in 2017 and I’m here to tell you why!

yellow ruffle jcrew skirt

The Back Story Behind My Previous Blog Name

My old blog name was called Katie’s Kronicles. It was a fashion/lifestyle blog that focused on daily style, pieces of my life and a few random categories like room decor, recipes, faith, personal, and travel. So many random categories!

There were so many different directions I was trying to go. I had no real set goals or long term vision. Besides that, I was not seeing much growth and about 80% of my traffic was from people in my hometown. My most popular posts were ones that had nothing to do with fashion. While this is not bad, and I love everyone who reads my blog, I wanted my reach to be broader and to focus mainly on style and fashion.

Plus, I started the blog years ago in college when I thought creating a lifestyle blog was what you were supposed to do. For years I wrote about me, myself and I, then posted pretty photos of cute clothes and excepted a huge explosion of growth. My blog gave no real value to you, my readers.

For months, I felt disconnected with my blog, especially the name and was unsure what I needed to do for growth. I was not happy with the direction and had what felt like a mid-life blog crisis. Ever have those days? The one’s where you question who you are, what your doing and your purpose on this earth? I had two options, quit or push through and change it up.

why i rebranded my blog + 2018 goal

Why Starting a New Job and Breaking Up with My Boyfriend Helped Me

In August of 2017, I started a new job as a first year fashion/culinary teacher. Everyone tells you the first year of teaching is the hardest and their 100% right. It’s just plain hard.

During this time I became disappointed at God for what I felt was His miss-direction in my life. This led to major bitterness. The first three months, I truly hated my job. I wanted nothing more than to work full-time on my blog. Instead of working toward my dream and goal of transforming my blog, I was now professionally babysitting middle schoolers all day long with 0 time to dedicate to my biggest passion. True thoughts right there.

In the midst of this, my boyfriend unexpectedly broke up with me. Go figure. Tough season, lets make it tougher. Although both were brutally hard, this meant I had more extra time on my hands. Instead of focusing on the negatives of a breakup and tough job, I looked for the positives. Those date nights turned into blogging nights. My job became a place for growth, a way to brush up on my sewing skills, save money and ultimately push me into the direction I wanted to go.

Why I rebranded my fashion blog

The next four months were tough in terms of growth, stretching and strengthening but it also gave me ample time to self reflect and to be reminded of my purpose and passions in life.

Coincidentally, around this exact time, I dropped my 50mm lens on the ground and it jammed the focus. At the time, I did not have enough savings to buy a new lens. This meant no taking photos, which meant no new blog content.

Pretty sure God knew what He was doing because I was stuck in what felt like this dry dessert land. What’s a girl to do? I got back to the roots of God’s purpose for my life and figured out if/why I wanted to continue blogging.

why I rebranded my fashion blog

What I Did to Re-Brand My Fashion Blog

Now onto the good stuff! Once I got over my mid life blog crisis and decided I most definitely wanted to continue blogging, the first step was to go back to the beginning. I spent months digging deep and truly getting to the roots as to why I started this blog in the first place. What really helped me change the direction of my blog was Sheila from In Search of Sheila. She kindly reached out and gave me a free blog audit (perfect timing might I add) and ways to help my growth.

Her audit spoke of what I was doing well on my blog and what I could improve. The #1 thing I was missing was a strong mission statement. I spent any extra free time I had digging deep finding my personal values, writing goals, vision planning, and envisioning what I hoped my blog would turn into.

Anything that is worthwhile takes time and dedication. Realistically, I spent 4 months re-branding my blog. I work as teacher full-time, so I dedicated time to work on my blog when I could. 5 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes after work or 30 minutes on the weekend. I prioritized my time wisely.  I’m so glad I spent the time planning it out instead of trying to jump right into it.

why I rebranded my fashion blog

First, I created a personal life purpose, a blog and brand mission statement, wrote down my values, created my target reader, updated my blog for easy use, updated my about me and wrote a disclaimer policy. Not only did I focus on the website portion, I started to visualize it as a business. Second, I built a blog expenses spreadsheet, started an email newsletter and did everything necessary to prep for future success.

Once I had that all mapped out on paper, I spent a weekend typing it into a PowerPoint and then printed it out and pasted it onto a foam poster board. Now every time I write a post or need to reference who my target reader is or my mission statement, I just keep my board next to me! It’s super convenient and comes in handy.

Also, I split up all of my notes, papers and printouts into two separate binders. One for the business side and the other for my brand/mission. This way, I can refer to each binder when I need to.

If I’m going to eventually turn this blog into a full-time job I need to treat it like the business I desire it to be. Ever heard of dress for the job you want, not the job you have? It’s a little something like that!

Sunshine Style Blog, Brand and Personal Mission Statements

Why do I have a personal life purpose on my blog board? Since I refer to my board often, I use it as a reminder to remember my life purpose daily. The brand mission is solely for me to keep pushing towards what I envision for Sunshine Style in the future. The brand and blog mission statement are based of off my personal life purpose and all three tie together.

My Blog Mission: An online source for helpful and awesome style advice. We help women find their inner confidence so they can shine brightly in their everyday lives while looking stylish.

All three help me to make sure that my faith is ultimately the most important aspect. If I ever divert from this direction, they help me to steer back onto the right path. Of course, as I grow and my blog grows these may change overtime.

yellow jcrew ruffle skirt

Outfit Details

LOFT Lace Top // Ruffle J.Crew Skirt // Yellow Bow Backless Loafer (budget friendly options here, here and here) // Straw Bag

 

What You Can Expect for 2018

Phew, that was a long one. If you made it this far I am so excited to finally share what you can expect from my fashion blog for 2018. I am all about you, my awesome readers. My biggest heart is to share my style expertise with women to help them feel and look stylish.

This year I am planning to share only valuable information that you can directly apply and use. For this space, I want more than pretty photos of cute clothes. How boring, right? I want you, my readers to come here for all your fashion related questions and to create an open community where we grow, learn and step out of our comfort zones together.

  • Way more fashion content
  • How To’s
  • Looks for Less
  • Monthly Email Newsletter!
  • Style Guides and tons of tips!
  • Spring/Summer Basic or Capsule Wardrobe
  • Freebies to help you grow your personal style
  • blogging/business tips (includes Instagram growth, photography tips and how I started my fashion blog)

My One HUGE 2018 Blog Goal

  1. To turn Sunshine Style into an intentional and profitable business.

Turning Sunshine Style into a full-time gig is what I am 100% most passionate about and my second biggest dream at the moment. It’s a dream I am going to make a reality. I have faith, confidence and hope (Hebrews 11:1) that Sunshine Style will become a profitable business in the future.

My first biggest dream is to start my own clothing line. I want to empower women who have survived sex-trafficking by teaching them sewing skills and to give them fulfilling jobs as seamstresses. And, I hope to use this blog as leverage to get to that goal!

Thanks for following along on the journey and I hope you are excited as I am for what 2018 holds for my blog! FTo follow along on my journey, I created a Sunshine Style Newsletter exclusively for my readers! When you Sign Up, you can expect to get new weekly blog posts, how to’s, the best sales, and freebies to help you grow your personal style! SIGN UP below to get sunny style advice straight to your inbox!

SIGN UP for the NEW Sunshine Style Newsletter!

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32 Comments

  • Reply
    Loren
    January 7, 2018 at 7:40 pm

    Love it! So excited to see where this rebranding takes you with your blog!

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 8, 2018 at 1:39 am

      Loren! Thanks so much girl! I’m excited to! =) =).

  • Reply
    Brooke Butler
    January 7, 2018 at 8:40 pm

    I love how you created goals and a mission statement for your blog – I think I’ll have to try that!

    xo, brooke
    http://www.livethepreplife.com

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 8, 2018 at 1:41 am

      I never understood the importance of a mission statement until Sheila gave me a little push! Now I don’t know how I started a blog without one. I would 100% recommend taking plenty of time to figure out your mission statement or even a personal mission in general. It’s so helpful in the long run.

  • Reply
    Ione Nadine
    January 7, 2018 at 10:28 pm

    I love this blog post! What a great writeup on rebranding and beginning the new year off the ground running. Looking forward to reading more in the future 🙂

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 8, 2018 at 1:43 am

      Thanks Nadine!!! It did end up working out perfectly time wise for the new year! Awesome! Let me know if there’s anything you’d love fashion or style advice on!

  • Reply
    Amanda @ Anchored to Sunshine
    January 8, 2018 at 3:22 pm

    What an amazing journey and an inspiration! Can’t wait to see all that you do with this new brand.

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 9, 2018 at 2:50 am

      Thanks Amanda!!! Me to, I’m excited! =)

  • Reply
    Kristen from Pugs & Pearls
    January 8, 2018 at 10:18 pm

    Woohoo! I think a blog audit is a great idea, and maybe we should all do a personal audit too. Everyone should know what their life mission is!
    Can’t wait to see more!

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 9, 2018 at 2:51 am

      Right, a personal audit sounds the best way to re-start or move into a new adventure. I’m excited to dig deeper and really get even more clarity on my life mission and God’s direction in my life! I feel I’ve only brushed the surface! So much out there!

  • Reply
    Elizabeth
    January 9, 2018 at 4:17 am

    YAY! Yay! I’m so proud of you!

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 9, 2018 at 2:23 pm

      Thanks Beth!! Can’t wait to see what it brings. I’m excited!

  • Reply
    Hannah
    January 11, 2018 at 2:18 am

    I love the color you have chosen! It brings such cheerfulness to your site!

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 13, 2018 at 12:01 am

      Thank you Hannah!!! =) =) That makes me so happy to hear!

  • Reply
    Shannon Mahaney
    January 11, 2018 at 5:40 pm

    Congratulations on the re-brand. The site looks amazing! Sometimes we need those fresh starts to revive us.

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 13, 2018 at 12:03 am

      I appreciate the kind words Shannon! Yesss to fresh starts. That’s been what I have been telling my students this first week back at school. Giving them a fresh start has been great for them personally!

  • Reply
    Aubry
    January 11, 2018 at 6:47 pm

    Way to go, girl! I love the new ‘sunshine’ theme with all the yellow. When I clicked over to your site, it instantly made me happy! I’m so excited to follow along this year.

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 13, 2018 at 12:04 am

      Meee to Aubry! What, that makes me so excited. I’m glad it made you happy the moment you clicked on it! Yay! I can’t wait either!

  • Reply
    Jenna Condon
    January 12, 2018 at 3:23 am

    I love how much yellow you incorporated into your outfit! 🙂 New fave color.

    http://abeautifulheart07.blogspot.com/

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 13, 2018 at 12:05 am

      Yay to yellow! It is so fun to mix and match. Thank you Jenna!

  • Reply
    Ione Nadine
    January 13, 2018 at 3:46 am

    This is a great post! Inspirational for anyone really wanting to reflect and focus on their direction and the future. Love the bright color of your blog, you totally shine through! Looking forward to more! 🙂

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 13, 2018 at 10:35 pm

      So glad it’s a place that brings brightness and cheer!!! =) Thanks girl! Can’t wait for you to follow along!

  • Reply
    Sheila Joy
    January 15, 2018 at 1:42 am

    YAY!! I’m so excited for you Katie and I loved working with you! I love how you added a personal life purpose to your blog board. I think it’s important for bloggers to own a blog that aligns with their lifestyle and LIFE mission, not just their blog mission!

    Can’t wait for all the great content that you have planned. I’m excited for the capsule wardrobe posts 🙂

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 15, 2018 at 11:16 pm

      Girl thanks for sharing my blog post on your FB page! Means a ton! I am really grateful for all of your help. =) The board is so helpful! It’s something I want to keep sharing with other bloggers this year, because it’s so easy when you see it all layed out. You should see the trial capsule wardrobe coming around summer time when I’m off of school!

  • Reply
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    Teresa
    January 15, 2018 at 6:56 pm

    I really enjoyed your post on rebranding. I am rebranding also. It helped me feel better about what I am doing!

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      January 15, 2018 at 11:17 pm

      Thank you Teresa! Glad it helped! As odd as it is, the longer I spent time on it, the more I felt at peace and pleased with what I was creating! Going slow and letting things grow little by little (as Lara Casey says) is what really helped me the most!

  • Reply
    b.stella
    June 27, 2018 at 6:38 pm

    This is awesome. Stumbled upon it by sheer coincidence and the sunshinyness caught my eye (a fellow Floridian!). Love your positive viewpoint on trekking forward despite the stumbling blocks. Thanks for that inspiration!!

    • Reply
      Sunshine Style
      July 3, 2018 at 6:40 am

      Thanks girl!!! It was a tough season but I truly am grateful for everything I experienced. So glad you found my blog! May I ask how you randomly found it?

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