On Speaking at Blogher 15
*edited cause Nellie reminded me to toot my own horn….*
I was going to try to give a recap of my experience at BlogHer 15 last weekend.
But I could never quite get the words quite right to describe everything that went down last weekend.
It was a whirlwind.
One minute I was nervously getting on a plane in a latte soaked dress( don’t ask), and the next I was sitting in front of a room full of people who were waiting for ME to tell THEM :How to be a Better Instagrammer.
And then, it was over and I was getting My Voice of the Year Award in the Eyecandy Category.
Then it was back to reconnecting with friends, making new ones, and learning new things.
I remember last year, I felt let down by BlogHer. I thought maybe it was because I wasn’t there for the whole conference or maybe conferences had outgrown their usefulness to me. I felt..uninspired, and just blah.
But this year, even though I only sat in on 1/2 of a session( Friday morning after my arrival, I needed a nap more than I needed that session) I feel like I got so much more out of the conference.
Maybe it was because there were more one on one moments with a few brands and with a few new friends.
Maybe it was because there were a few moments that fed my soul.
Maybe it was because I had time to take it all in.
Maybe it was because I felt…useful, like my purpose had been found.
I think that after a few conferences where I felt like I was getting nothing out of it, it was time for me to give back. I’ve been amassing all of this knowledge on a subject that I love and it was a privilege to be able to share it!
The comments and the thank you’s and the RT’s and the tagging on Instagram since the conference has been so heartwarming and has driven home to me that I’m going in the right direction.
Honestly, I kind of feel like this conference was sort of turning point for me and Everyday Eyecandy.
Because I’m going to be honest. I had begun to wonder if my heart was in it anymore. Whether or not I wanted to continue on this merry-go-round of the BUSINESS of blogging.
The ever-present NOISE of Blogging was stealing my joy.
But during my session, as my nervousness faded away, I realized I was ENJOYING myself. I was helping, I was teaching, and someone was having a lightbulb moment because of something I was saying.
I needed that acknowledgement.
I needed to know that what I was saying mattered.
There is something about the energy of a conference such as BlogHer that just fuels creativity and ideas. And I’ve been so inspired!
I’m excited for what comes next!
So happy your class was a success, I had no doubt that it would be! This conference was totally different for me as well. For different reasons. But easily 1000x better of an experience than last year. You did great! You didn’t even mention your VOTY!
Sometimes we need to be reminded that what we are doing is actually making a difference. I am glad you got such Love at BlogHer this year. we all need affirmation. I have been to your blog every day this week so trust me, you are doing something right.
What an amazing opportunity for you and for those that you helped through your expertise. I’ve been wanting to learn how to be a better Instagrammer and I”m so bummed I missed BlogHer15. Keep up with the great job, and keep reminding yourself that you do make a difference, especially with small bloggers like myself who needs the mentoring.
So many people got their lives at BlogHer. I saw firsthand the way you helped other bloggers (and me!) become better Instagrammers. Thank you for sharing your expertise, and congratulations on being recognized for your awesomeness.
I went to BlogHer ’09 when I was first beginning for one day and I had a blast. I had planned to return when it was in Chicago, but my gbaby was due at the same time so I could go. Seems like the conference has changed a lot, but I’m glad you got your groove back!
I didn’t hear the usual chatter that I normally hear with Blogher this year but I know you did an awesome job and I thank you because even though I wasn’t there I have learned a lot about my instgram and your tips have helped me grow.
First off congrats on being selected to speak and honored at Blogher. I’m not following you on Instagram so I’m off to remedy that right now. It’s so inspiring to see bloggers succeed and I really like that Blogher gave bloggers that we all know, follow and love a chance to show off their expertise. I am excited about learning about Instagram from you. I’ve always had a joy of photography but I’m not really good at it so finding this post is perfect.
LaShawn this is so amazing. I love that you were able to silence the noise a bit and hear the impact of what you’ve done. I am so sad that we did not have a chance to connect but I am sure I will see you soon – perhaps at the next one 🙂 Congratulations!!
I’m so happy for you and so proud of you. Glad you found new inspiration at the conference.
What an amazing experience to be able to get to speak at Blog Her! I bet you did an amazing job at it as well. I was not able to attend blog her this year but have in past years.
I’m glad you found the joy! I am having a period of questioning what I am doing lately. Blogging is such a roller coaster and you are constantly questioning why your goals are and why you aren’t reaching them. Blogging can be exhausting! Clearly you know your stuff and people are loving it! Keep up the great work, you are an inspiration!
I have never been to a blogger conference. BlogHer sounds like a really fun event and I would love to attend this some day soon. There is so much to learn from these conferences and it would be nice to meet other bloggers, too.
So glad you could relax and enjoy! I have heard heaps about blogger conferences and all the information that can help make for a better blog! The friendships that develop are truly unique! I might have to try my first one and congrats on being able to speak to a crowd!
Congratulations! I didn’t get to attend your session, but I’m glad to hear it went well. I talked to another blogger who went and she said she picked up some useful IG tips.
I have been wanting to write my own post about the conference,, but like you said it’s a whirlwind. I’m not sure where to start!
” Maybe it was because I felt…useful, like my purpose had been found.” I think THAT says it all. It always feels like a warm hug to be acknowledged. Here’s to redefining your purpose and spirit!
What an honor to speak at that conference! I’m headed over to stalk your Instagram because I’m sure I could learn from you!!
Congratulations on your success! I’d love to attend BlogHer, but it’s a bit of a hike from Denmark. Will you be sharing the tips you gave at the conference? I’d love to read what you have to say : -)
Congratulations! I hope to attend Blogher next year.
Omg that’s awesome! Congratulations. I’m sure bigger and better things will come.
I am glad that you got a chance to share your knowledge. To teach can be such a blessing for the teacher. They can learn a lot too. Congrats on such a big accomplishment.
CONGRATS on your award and for speaking at BlogHer! That is so exciting, nothing like feeling your purpose come to life 🙂
Congrats LaShawn! I’m so excited for you and I totally feel you about having purpose. There’s no better feeling 🙂
This was my first year at BlogHer and I found inspiration in a lot of ways. Some what to do and some what not to do. I didn’t make it time for your Instagram talk but I’m glad I got to stop by and say hey! Congratulations on a successful conference!
You better toot your own horn. Speaking in public is a great feat. Not everybody can do it.
Awesome! Good for you. glad it went well. hope to make it to that conference at some point.
I myself am not sure how long I would continue blogging. I do enjoy writing my thoughts out and being invited to events to promote some brands. However, doing it as a business is a different story. Attending a conference would really help you be more inspired.
Congratulations! Speaking at a conference like BlogHer is a huge accomplishment and you totally deserved it. Now I’ll be scouring your site for Instagram and iPhone photography tips because I’m an iPhone girl and always looking to step up my IG game.