Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Sanders.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am originally from Washington State, I recently moved to Dallas for graduate school to pursue my Masters in Psychology. Shortly after starting my first semester, I realized that even though I had a passion for learning about psychology, I didn’t necessarily have luck when I was looking for jobs. I realized that I had a stronger passion for fashion and beauty. I began to crave having a job within that field. (Though, I am 100% going to finish my degree, because I am not a quitter and it will be beneficial for the future, no matter what field I end up in!)
Thinking back prior to moving down here, I never really thought about blogging or being an “influencer”. It seemed like something that I couldn’t even consider being because it’s not the typical route. I am a planner, I have always planned the next steps of my life but here I am following my plan and I’m not fully enjoying it. So, I thought, why not me? SO many others are blogging and simply just sharing the things they love with others, why not do the same? and then boom, there’s the birth of my blog!
At first, it was definitely just a hobby. Sharing my favorite beauty products, maybe a post about my outfit of the day, definitely just felt like a glorified social media post. Then, I found the Dallas Girl Gang (https://www.dallasgirlgang.com), they host TONS of different networking events where I was able to meet other bloggers. They also had so many different opportunities for me to be an “influencer” for them, whether I was helping out by modeling for a product photoshoot or by sharing about their upcoming events. After being a part of something bigger than myself and meeting other like-minded women I felt on top of the world! This new confidence changed everything about my online presence. I began to treat my blog less like a hobby and more like a side hustle.
Shortly after I was confident enough to pitch to brands and to my surprise, they loved me! I was honestly so shocked! Me? Normal girl Leah Sanders was working with brands?? I had so much fun creating content for different collaborations! and now brands are even coming to me first! THEY are pitching their products to ME?? I am not Instagram famous, I don’t have a huge following so I never thought that brands would want me. I am so grateful for this. Nothing happens overnight and being a blogger has SO much work behind the scenes but I am loving this side hustle of mine. 🙂
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I don’t have a big blogging budget so I am very limited with the tools and resources that I am able to use. This means that I have a lot of figuring it out myself and learning through trial and error! There have been plenty of long nights where I just want to scream at my computer and give up but I am so happy that I pushed through.
Being a blogger also comes a lot of self-confidence issues. Every blogger (every person in the world really) has had moments of comparing themselves to others online. My advice for this is that you simply can’t compare yourself. Obviously, it’s easier said than done, but you need to find a way that works for you. Whenever I catch myself comparing, I personally remind myself of where I started, how far I have come. And how hard I have work. Every life is different, every person is different, but you are you and that in itself is amazing. “You are the only you there is and ever will be.” – You are a Badass: Jen Sincero
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
The community that I have joined is amazing. Not only do I have support from fellow bloggers but I have so many others who have expressed their support for my blog or Instagram! Simply knowing that I am helping people find the best products or making their day with a post is what makes me proud.
Through my Instagram platform, I was also introduced to Arbonne and have recently become an independent consultant. I never in a million years would have thought about this but I am so happy that my life has brought me here! I am so proud that I have the ability to help others change their lives!
I wouldn’t really say there is something specific that sets me apart from others. We all have our own personalities and branding styles that makes us different from one another!
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
For networking specifically in Dallas, I would check out Dallas Girl Gang! Like I said earlier, they have so many networking events. There are also many communities on facebook for specific niches, some host events and others are just for the support online! The biggest piece of advice I can give is don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. People are so much more accepting than you think they are! I have met plenty of people that say their DMs are open to anyone, this is how I feel too! A friendship or networking opportunity is literally just a message away. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: http://leahrae.co/
- Email: leah@leahrae.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleahphant
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahrae.co
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/eleahphant
- Other: leahsanders.arbonne.com
Image Credit:
All photos are taken by Leah or her wonderful boyfriend, Aaron.
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