If you’re reading this, I just wanna say “HEYYYYYYY” and how are you doing? It’s been a little minute since the last time I posted, and I can explain, though it’s no excuse. As a matter of fact, I’ll post another blog really talking about the time off, but for now, let’s celebrate! Kaila with an E is 1 year old!
IT’S MY BLOGIVERSARY
It’s my blogiversay (cue Tony, Toni, Tone). ???! Yes, May 4th, made ONE YEAR since I launched my blog! This has been such a great journey of growth for me and hopefully you too. In celebration of my blogiversary, I thought it would be perfect to highlight my personal growth throughout this journey and cheer on the future moves of kaila with an E. So, let’s throw it back to the beginning.
Why Kaila with an E?
When I first started thinking about starting a blog in May 2018, I was struggling to find a good name that would fit with the lifestyle blog I wanted to create. I spent days writing down different name ideas. Then one morning my mama called me and said your blog should be named, kaila with an E. She told me that she was sleeping and the Lord dropped it into her spirit.
It made sense, “kaila with an E” was the way I always introduced myself to new people. Introductions usually go something like this, “Hey, my name is Ekaila.” People would give me a confused look and say, “Oh, Mikayla?” I would patiently answer, “No. Ekaila” Another confused look. So then I would say, Ekaila. It’s kaila with an E in front of it.” Finally, they’d be like “Oh Ekaila!”, and I would say “yes with a smile” cause I was happy this long interaction about my name was done. Needless to say, when my mom suggested the God-given name, I fell in love with it instantly.
What is Kaila with an E?
Kaila with an E is a lifestyle blog that focuses on personal growth and development through sharing my personal experiences that relate to things I deem the most important in my life which are my family, faith, focus on self-love and care, and fun! From posts like Even If: Trusting God’s Plan or Protecting Your Energy or First TIme in St. Louis, each blog post is a genuine look into my thoughts and experiences as I continue to “Grow through Life.”
Having this blog has really allowed me to learn even more about myself and others as we have gone on this journey of growth together. I have experienced the growing pains of blogging that include both Wins and Losses (Lessons).
Growing Pains
Turning Nothing into Something
When I first started my blog, I had NO IDEA what I was doing at all. I didn’t know anything about creating/designing a website, growing an audience, or using an email marketing service. I just knew I was tired of letting fear stop me from doing what I wanted to do, and I finally just took the leap of faith. I say finally because the day my blog launched was not the day I started my blog.
Moment of Truth: I purchased my domain name and had my logo created a year before I actually launched my blog. I did SOOO much research, including reading tons of posts, watching a bunch of videos, etc. I did so much research that I began to psych myself out and felt like I couldn’t do it. My mama tried to tell me to just do it when I initially bought my website, but I just couldn’t do it.
So many questions filled my head, like what if my blog isn’t good enough? What if no one reads my posts? What if? What if? What if? Too many questions. They literally paralyzed me with fear that I kept delaying things. Finally, I was over it and decided that “better an oops than a what if ” and went for it!
Better an oops than a what if. Share on X
Lack of Consistency
Though I started my blog and began posting content and sharing, I ran into the issue of not being sure of how often I should post as a new blogger. I did not want to post way too much new content and it did not really get any engagement at all, but I did not want to barely post either. Finding that happy balance is still hard for me at times especially since I want to continue to grow my audience.
I had many moments of not knowing what I wanted to write about next, how I wanted to write it, or not feeling the motivation to write at all. But regardless of those down times, I have always come back more determined than ever and challenged myself to continue to keep pushing despite my feelings.
Self-Promotion Ain’t Easy
I don’t know about anyone else, but self-promotion is a major problem for me. I find it difficult to plug myself and really try to put myself out there when it comes to my blog. I know I haven’t always done my best to really promote my blog especially to those I don’t know personally, but I definitely have plans to promote my blog even more. I want to be able to engage with more people and help more people understand the importance of self-care and self-love. My goal is to promote my blog more, so my content can get out to more people without it being lost in the archives.
Aside from some of the Ls as in Lessons I have learned (remember: perspective is a major key), there have been some major Ws (Wins) since I started.
Now That’s Love
From the first blog post I wrote about fear, I have received so much love, encouraging words, and people hitting me up telling me how they related to a post that I wrote. I can’t explain the feeling I get every time someone has told me that they enjoy reading my blog or how they saw themself in a post. I’ll never forget the first time sharing my blog on Snap, this person swiped up and told me that my blog was great and to not give up even when things got tough. Her words have really stuck with me.
Aside from her, other people have dmed me, left comments under the posts, texted me, Snapped me, and verbally told me about my blog. I NEVER take a person’s kind words encouragement, or even constructive criticism for granted. Every word really means a lot to me. All the love I have been shown has really meant so much to me.
I think the biggest confidence booster and tear-jerker in my time of blogging though has been the time Miss. Jackson’s 4th-grade class had an assignment centered around my blog post, Dear Black Girl. To know that there were very diverse kids that were reading my post and gaining something from it really made me realize that I had to keep going. Blogging is worth it even on my off days. Check out this picture from that class. My heart was so full, and I couldn’t thank Miss. Jackson enough! But it’s not only Miss. Jackson or her 4th-grade class that I cannot thank enough!
THANK YOUs
BIG SHOUT OUT to everyone who is reading this and has read, shared, and/or commented on any of my posts, and even subscribed to my blog! Thank you for staying tuned in and really letting me know your thoughts and all. Thank you for riding with me over this year and allowing us to grow together! I am so grateful for this platform that has allowed me to connect with so many genuine people. Trust and believe that this is only the beginning! So much more is coming to the blog, so stay tuned.
If you’re celebrating Kaila with an E turns 1 too, drop a ?? in the comment section! Remember, let’s continue to grow together!
