Thursday, December 31, 2009

Reflections of A Decade


Is it me or did the 2000's just fly by? The last 10 years of my life were indeed some of the most memorable and life changing. A decade ago, I was a young 20 year old trying to find my way in this crazy world. I don't know how many careers I've had in the last ten years, but at least the uncertainty has led me to discover what I really want out of life.

Highlights of a decade: married my best friend, have an incredibly bright and adorable son, met so many people along the way, and still have my family and old friends to lean back on. What more could I ask for?

One of my life-changing highlights has of course been Makeup Junkie. When I first started it, I had no idea where it would lead me or to who I would meet (or the many beauty products I'd be able to try!). I've been so thankful for the many fantastic opportunities I've had and for the many readers I've been able to connect with.

The past year has been a tough one and the reason for my lack of posts. I think along the way, I lost sight of why I started this blog in the first place: to gab about my favourite beauty products and share my beauty tips! After my feature in the March 2009 issue of Lou Lou Magazine, I was so stoked but felt incredible pressure to make it bigger and better. With barely any spare time, I became overwhelmed by it all.

The lesson I've learned in all of this? Do what you love and not worry about what everyone else is doing. I think it's mind-blowing how big the beauty blogger community has become - I'm just happy to be apart of it. To all you amazing beauty bloggers out there - I raise my mascara wands to you all!

Here's to another decade of amazing memories! Have a safe and Happy New Year! Much love! xoxo

My Makeup Junkie Highlights:
Makeup Junkie Featured in Lou Lou Magazine March Issue!
Toronto IMATS
Why I Love Makeup Artist Hung Vanngo!
Makeup Artist Corner: Billy B. Workshop
Up Close and Personal with April Jacob of Pink Beauty Cosmetics
My First Interview with The Powder Group's Michael DeVellis
Great Tips For Makeup Artists
Fall Beauty Trends With Makeup Artist Andrea Claire
The Lipstick Queen Poppy King
Makeup Junkie Top Editor Picks for 2008!
Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008!
My First Toronto Fashion Week
My First "TV" Appearance
These two posts are still the most popular posts on Makeup Junkie:
Makeup 101: How To Apply Eye Shadow For Asian Eyes
Makeup 101: Creating the Perfect Smokey Eye

What have been your favourite highlights of the past decade?

8 comments:

Donna Marie said...

Aw Joy that was so heartfelt and great to read :) My highlight of the decade would be getting married and starting my own little family too! And of course joining the blogging community and sharing my love for makeup with friends like you! Luv ya!

Anonymous said...

"Do what you love and not worry about what everyone else is doing"
well put.
if we relied on people, comments, stats, ranks, you don't last long blogging. Its like anything you do really. If you don't love it, there is only so far you can go before you have a major burnout.
anyway congrats, and happy new year to you too :)

Make-up Junkie said...

@Donna - Love u too! I'm so proud of the amazing things you've done as a blogger and makeup artist!! I have no doubt you'll make all ur dreams come true in 2010. And your lil' family is the cutest ever!!! Happy New Year sweetie!

@rasilla - Happy New Year to you as well. Thank you for your support - you're so right about worrying about stats, ranking blah blah...Have an amazing 2010!!

New Life Neighborhood Centre said...

Hey babe!
Ya you said it all!...last 10 years have been crazy for you!...but you've certainly "done what you luv"...and we, your fans have luved every minute of it! You've grown so much in your career and your ideas. I'm totally waiting to see what 2010 brings to you...or better yet, what YOU will bring to 2010...because I know you always have something new and exciting up your sleeve!
CAN'T WAIT!!!

artist said...

Joy... I always love reading your blog! You are right when you say do what you love and don't worry about what everyone else is doing. I have to remind myself that at times! Know that I and many others enjoy makeup junkie for all of its awesomeness!

Best of luck in 2010. I look forward to reading more... no pressure! Hahaha ;)

Make-up Junkie said...

@Optixfoxx - Aww thank you! Just brushing away a few tears here lol. Seriously, I so appreciate you all! And 2010 will be FANTASTIC!!!

@artist - You're so awesome and so glad that we got to know each other. So proud of all your modeling - you're such a beauty! And keep doing what you love - I know you'll go far!

haha thanks for the no pressure!!

Arianne said...

How did I miss this post? Your blog was one of the first ones I started reading, and what got me hooked! I've only really met a few genuinely sweet people on the Internet and you're definitely one of them. :)

Keep doing what you're doing! You're an inspiration to all of us.

Make-up Junkie said...

@Arianne - Your comment just totally made my day - my week! No matter how many times people screw me over or use me (like at my former job!) I will continue to be genuine. It's unfortunate how people change with more success. :( Thank you for all your support and I still want to meet in person! ;)