When I started this blog back in 2009 it was because I loved to make AND share. Interpersonal communication, sharing ideas and inspirations is a big part of my identity and my blog has become a natural extension of that. When I first started this blog I remember very clearly many people discouraging me, “Don’t waste your time…” they said “Blogging is dead.” But I kept at it, not because I ever thought I could make a living doing this–but because I just really enjoyed it — from writing to photography, styling, designing and even creating the product round-up layouts, and then sharing it — I love it all. The pace of blogging also really suits me. I love the quick rhythm of producing new content every day. I’m never bored — there’s always something to think about, some concept to hone, some idea to test out.
When I first met some of my closest blogging buddies back in 2009, it was because I was bummed I wasn’t attending Alt Summit. I ended up hosting a little open pot-luck / gathering at my then studio for people who were as bummed as me to not be attending. It was my first time meeting other design bloggers in real life and many would go on to become some of my closest friends and creative collaborators like Dabito, Satsuki, Victoria, Jessica, Joy and Jen.
Six years and a whole lot of hustling later, I’m still typing away on this blog, and still loving every minute of sharing my wild style with you all. And lately I feel like I’m crossing many milestones, not least of which, I’m speaking at Alt Summit in January. It feels really good to see my hard work paying off, but what I’m most excited about is paying it forward. When I felt discouraged, when no one visited the blog, when I woke up at 5:30AM to get a blog post out before my 9-5 and still there were no comments, I could turn to Dabito, Satsuki, Victoria, Jessica, Joy and Jen for advice, to leave comments, to give me the blog love I needed. This support network was crucial to this trajectory to blogging success.
At Alt this January I’ll be given a mic and 45 minutes to pay it forward. I want those 45 minutes to be as informative and inspiring as possible. I want to be as open and as supportive as my friends were (and still are!) of me and my creative projects. So I open up the floor to you and I ask: What should I speak about at Alt? What would be the most helpful topic to you to propel you forward and inspire you to achieve your creative goals and dreams? Would you like to hear about how I’m making my wildest dreams come true by growing the Jungalow into a lifestyle brand? Would you like to hear about how to get a book published? Would you like to hear how I’ve used Pinterest and Instagram to define my style? Would you like to hear about how to make money blogging and get real numbers and ideas??
I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on this. See you at Alt, friends! (And for those who can’t make it, maybe I should host another pot luck afterwards, huh?)
So much love for you, J. Watching you grow over these past six years has been incredible (not to mention inspiring) and I can’t wait to see what else you’ll do. I’m so grateful for that evening and the lifelong friendships it has created. x
Yes, girl, all of the above! And thank you for continuing to share your unique style and vision. So many blogs have the exact same “look” and it’s sort of soul crushing. I love your unique style, your openness and the way you write.
I am a big fan and I tell everyone I can about The Jungalow. :)
Awww thank you Jen! That is so, so nice to hear <3
I love your style and outlook on creativity. I wish I could hear you speak at Alt. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself on your blog. You’re an inspiration.
Thanks for your kind words Joanna! I’m pretty sure that they make the lectures available online after the event, so hopefully you can watch after. xx J
Hi Justina! Congratulations, first of all, on speaking at the summit (!) and on all that you’ve achieved- big props! I’m most interested in learning how you used Pinterest and Instagram to define your style. And how you made a business ($) from something that you loved doing…because I don’t know where I would begin. How do you juggle a full-time job while trying to switch gears? Thanks again!
Thanks so much! This is super helpful!!
Justina, I am thrilled for you that you’ll be a guest speaker, MAJORLY BUMMED for myself that I will probably not be there. If I could hear you speak, I would want to hear something that I could hear only from you. I know that you are a start at Pinterest/IG and making money at blogging, but can also find others who have spoken and written about that. Again, I would be super interested to hear you talk about expanding your brand and publishing, but what I think you can offer that no one else I know has is a specific brand of authenticity. I get a sense from you that you are down to earth and genuine and that you’re not ashamed to be vulnerable with people, even when a large part of your business is publicizing your daily life. I know of many bloggers who are also genuine and don’t play the “famous bloggers game”, but I feel like you have a measure of humility (almost as if you don’t think you’ve “made it” yet, which you most certainly have) that continues to make your work and your presence amazing and. You’re not coasting on previous successes and it’s like you’re constantly surprised that people love your work. THAT attitude is what I want to know how to have. Perhaps phrased as a more practical business topic, how do you balance going after what you want and not overwhelming your life with ambition? Being confident but not arrogant? Are there any examples of when you didn’t get something because you didn’t believe in your own worth?
Thank you so much for this, Karissa, it’s enormously helpful. I will definitely keep these thoughts in mind as I’m crafting my talk. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share these ideas with me! If I come up with any good thoughts on the matter, I’ll be sure to share them here on the blog as well. xxx
I’ve been with you since the beginning. At the time I had just discovered blogs and the online creative community (I was an old school artist resisting technology) You were such an incredibly fresh and original voice in the world of beige. I was, and am super energized by your inspiring and off beat blog. It’s great to know there are like minded folks out there and I ADORE seeing your latest creative projects. I’m sure anything you decide to speak about will be amazing. Wish I could be there to hear it.
xx-Andrea
Oh mon dieu! I am reading your post and I am feeling just like you were feeling in 2009. I just started my own blog about vegan food and interior/diy design (pleaaase have a look! : http://www.ladyandmint.com) and people are still asking me why I am doing this… It is hard to always stay confident with your goal, even when there is no comment for a specific post. I would loooove to learn more about how you make the Jungalow a lifestyle brand and what you did to be able to live with your MAGNIFICENT blog!
Thanks,
L&M.
http://www.ladyandmint.com
I appreciate you for posting this! I am a new mama and now juggling a full time real estate career. I have been diving into my creative side including my love for photography and design. At times I ask myself, should I be doing this? I need to worry about my career, my son, and making enough money to support our little family. I found your instagram and blog, and I feel extremely inspired to let my creative side shine, express myself, and see what unfolds over the next years with no attachment. You are a beautiful soul. Please keep sharing your gifts with our world.