Tuesday, November 16, 2010

This Makeup Junkie Gets Real...

I don't know if it's the time we're living in but everyone I know is going through something. In the last few weeks, I've heard it all from relationships crapping out, to losing out on job opportunities, to not feeling recognized. Through all this negativity I've witnessed my blogger and Twitter friends, some I've only known for less than a year, swoop in to save the day. Some gestures are big and some are small but nonetheless, these gestures have brought much needed positivity to whatever the situation is. I think it's pretty amazing. 

I really love being apart of a community that I share and have so much in common with. We go about our days, blogging away, not really grasping what we really are to each other. We can be so focused on numbers, beauty reviews, and events that sometimes we forget to take time getting to know the person behind the blog or brand. When we think of the perks of being a popular blogger, we think of free beauty products and exclusive event invites. But the true perks are connecting with other people on-line and in person.

I've always been a pretty positive person and not just because my name is Joy. Like everyone, I've gone through a lot of struggles so to get through life being positive is my only option (plus my son and hubs are so darn hilarious it's hard to stay sad). I always try to help or promote people wherever I can and even when it bites me in the butt, I try not to get jaded. Some may take my niceness as naivety or ass-kissing, but it's genuine. That's just who I am and I'm not going to apologize for it (ironic because I always say "sorry" - guess that's just the Canadian in me eh?). I've had those moments - and I'm sure you have too - when I feel like I've given all I can (especially if you're a parent!) and I just want to say "screw them!". Then it just starts to eat at me, because if you can help someone why wouldn't you? I'm not saying to not be cautious because there are some people that just want to use and abuse you. But if you really want to come out on top, be honest. The same goes for helping others - don't do it to get something in return.

Anyways, I'm going off on a tangent now! With so many social media platforms like Twitter & Facebook, trying to make it as a makeup artist or blogger (or whatever your career is) is a hustle and highly competitive. If you're a new blogger or makeup artist, don't let the growing numbers of either industry scare you off or keep you down. If you are a talented makeup artist and work hard at your craft, you will get noticed and succeed! The same goes for bloggers - try not to worry about numbers or let jealousy take over you (that goes for personal life too). Keep doing what you're doing and the opportunities will come. Write what you're passionate about and do it because you really love it - not because you want free products, to be famous, or go to cool events. What's great about the blogosphere is that each blog(ger) is unique and translates to each person in a different way. You can't win 'em all and not everyone will like you but that's life. The internet universe is pretty roomy so there's lots of space! 

What compelled me to write such a long, sometimes cheesy, maybe overly dramatic post (hey- I can say whatever I want. It's my blog! lol)? When I needed to vent, a few special peeps (you guys know who you are!) brightened my day. A comment that almost brought me to tears (or I'm pms'ing majorly) was when one mentioned that I helped her out this week and she wanted to return the love! My gesture was small I thought, but I never realized how much it meant to her. It's that moment I realized why helping others is worth it! You just never know when you'll change someone's life big or small, so don't forget to check in once in a while and show some love to your fellow bloggers, friends, and family (even when he/she doesn't deserve it! lol). And remember, rise above all the negativity and be the bigger person! And more great advice I got from another special peep - use the negativity as fuel to get where you want in life because that is the best revenge!

At the end of the day, it's not our jobs or our blogs that define who we are. It's how we do it. And I'm done. Thanks for listening! xo

23 comments:

Mila Victoria said...

Thank you for posting this, Joy. All of us go through ups and downs... all the time. I'm not sure if it gets easier dealing with these situations, but I guess you're more hopeful and optimistic that things will be okay - For those trying/utter crappy 'times', I reflect back to past situations/circumstances I was in and how I eventually snapped out of it.

We all just gotta keep supporting each other! Tomorrow's a NEW day!


LOVE YOU!

Naomi said...

Well said. This community has helped stretch my mind in ways that I have never imagined and I always look forward to getting together with my blogger/makeup peeps.

Like you said , it's the little things (good or bad) that help push you forward.

Thanks for the reminder <3

Lena! said...

Ooodles of HUGS your way! You're one of my favourite people!

Arianne said...

Love you Joy! :) Hope you felt better after venting! Always remember that we're here for you. :)

Make-up Junkie said...

@Mila - I miss you and thanks for your comment! You're right - tomorrow is a new day and it's how we go about our day that will make a difference. LOVE you too!! xo

Make-up Junkie said...

@Naomi - aww I love ya girl! It's true - I always look forward to getting together with you ladies. There's no drama and we genuinely just want to hang and talk beauty!

Make-up Junkie said...

@Lena - Hugs to you too! We haven't even met yet but each email or FB comment I feel like I already know you! You're such a warm person - thanks for the love!

Make-up Junkie said...

@Arianne - Thanks lady! Here for you too! xo

Anonymous said...

*hugs*

I've probably had one of the most traumatic year of my life.. But everyone has been so supportive towards me.

:) Glad you've experienced it too..

Rhia @artistrhi.com said...

Awww Joy! You are the sweetest, and deserve the best with all your hard work and your genuine effort in helping others (me included!! thank you.). It will get better...and if most of us think back to when we first started out, it has gotten better and we've accomplished things that we never thought we would. We just have to keep keepin' on, do it for the love and support each other!

Thanks for this post Joy! and for being you and all your help, love! xoxo

Make-up Junkie said...

@lelo - aww hun I know you've had a tough year :( but I know things will start looking up for you! us mamas gotta stick together!!

Make-up Junkie said...

@Rhia - Rhia I heart you! You're always helping me passing on weddings to me and I'm always grateful. I love your blog and seeing your makeup work - you inspire me with your dedication and talents!!

Farah said...

Joy this was such an inspiring post!
I have to say you have been such a significant person and now friend to me and i hope you know that. You are my JoyJoy and a truly amazing person. I probably havent said it enough but I want to thank you for all the advice and support you have given me since we met. You have no idea how much you have helped me.
xo

Webgrrl74 said...

Yay Joy for saying it just as it is. :)

It's a tough slog some days, but it's well worth it in the long run & to still maintain that sense of je ne sais quois! You definitely have IT!

*hugs*
M.

Make-up Junkie said...

@Farah - You're so sweet and I'm glad we've become friends too! I'm always happy to help out another especially when it's reciprocated. You're always so great sending wedding referrals to me so I thank YOU as well! You're so talented and a go-getter - tome that is inspiring!

Make-up Junkie said...

@Webgrrl - *hugs* you're so awesome - thank you for such kind words! one of these days we shall do a shoot together! xo

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Colleen at Forty Something Bride said...

We all go through our ups and downs and get through them. The one thing that I have learned is that if I walk up to the plate with my bat in hand, that life is going to start lobbing the balls at me.

They won't all be good. It's up to me to figure out which ones to pass on and which ones to hit out of the park.

But the bottom line is, if I don't show up at the plate ready to play, I'll never get that home run!

Bat on girl!

Anonymous said...

Thanks alot Joy!! I stumbled upon your blog accidentally one day but I'm young and am pursuing my dream to become a make-up artist and your heart to heart advice about not giving up because of all the competition in the industry was exactly what I needed to hear. I think its important we all stay true to ourselves. Thanks for the motivating advice! I needed to hear it!

Make-up Junkie said...

@Colleen - Thank you for that! I hear ya - you've gotta choose your battles and not sweat the small stuff. I got my bat ready for a home run (or to knock some heads lol)!

Make-up Junkie said...

@Anonymous - You're very welcome and glad you stumbled upon my blog. I believe everything happens for a reason. Keep pursuing your dreams and you will get there!

Jenn @ So Very Fabulous said...

Joy, I'm sorry you're going through a rough time but I find this post so inspiring. The fact that you can stay positive and are so genuine despite all the negativity that can be out there definitely says a lot about your character. Don't let anyone bring you down! *hugs*

Make-up Junkie said...

@SoVeryFabulous - Jenn thanks so much for your sweet words! I'm feeling much better especially thanks to all the support!! I'm glad you were able to be inspired by my post. I just don't want people to get jaded despite all the negativity that is all around. *hugs* to you too!