Hey everyone! Since first announcing that I would be going full-time with my blog, I’ve been doing a lot of self-reflection and re-evaluating my why, purpose, and mission of my blog.
With my 2 year Blogiversary just around the corner, it felt like the perfect time to create a post for all my readers to understand just what Kindly Unspoken is, why I started this blog in the first place, and what to expect next from me as I move forward with blogging.
Blogging- My Why, Purpose, and Mission
Why I Started A Blog
It all started back in the fall of 2015 upon completing my Master’s Degree in Managerial Communications & Marketing and realizing that I hadn’t really taken my passions anywhere.
I’ve always been a highly creative individual who has a love for writing, beauty, and fashion, but I had never really stepped out of my comfort zone in pursuing anything with it. I used to spend countless hours reading blogs, watching youtube videos, and swooning over all the pretty images on Pinterest, wishing I could one day have my own creative space on the internet.
Call it self-doubt, but for the longest time I basically had this ridiculous mentality that I wasn’t worthy of putting myself out there. I kept letting fear of being judged stand in the way of pursuing my dreams, and it was super frustrating to say the least.
Until one day, one of my marketing professors basically told me that I had an incredible gift of words and told me that I needed to put my talent and creativity to good use. And I guess that’s what you could call my sort-of “ah-ha” moment and I realized I needed to quit letting self-doubt and fear get in the way of going after what I loved. And that’s when I created Kindly Unspoken.
What Is Kindly Unspoken?
Kindly Unspoken is a beauty/lifestyle blog featuring my love for affordable beauty and fashion, words of encouragement, and my crazy, amazing life as a wife and mother of two.
On Kindly Unspoken, you’ll find practical beauty tips, honest reviews and easy makeup tutorials, cute and affordable fashion inspiration and styling tips, and uplifting, honest, and 100% real posts about life.
My Purpose/Mission
One of the main reasons I felt compelled to start a blog in the first place is because I wanted to inspire the everyday woman to feel beautiful and have confidence. In a society that constantly tries to tear you down and tell you you’re not good enough, I want to help build you up and tell you that you most definitely ARE good enough!
- Related- Learning to Show Yourself Grace
No matter what I post on my blog my intent is to always encourage others to believe in themselves and to remember that a little kindness goes a long way. You never know when a simple smile or compliment just might make another person’s day.
What To Expect Next
Moving forward, I’ve decided to really narrow my focus to beauty, fashion, and encouragement. I have a lot of fresh ideas on these topics and I’m excited to more wholly focus my efforts and bring you some great content! I’m also going to be updating/revamping the blog a little, so you might start to notice some small changes in the look and feel of my blog over the next few months. It’ll be awesome, promise! 🙂
Easy & Practical Beauty– I’m all about simple, no-fuss beauty solutions, which is why I really enjoy sharing my favorite beauty products and honest reviews. I also really, really love doing makeup and I plan to start sharing more makeup tutorials and tips that will help you look and feel your best!
Affordable Fashion + Budget Shopping– This is an area I’ve yet to fully unleash on the blog and I’m SUPER stoked about it! For years I’ve kind of been known as the budget fashionista in my family, and I want to share my best tips and tricks with you all! You can expect to start seeing more outfit posts as well as posts on how to find the best deals in your favorite stores!
Encouragement + Family– I really enjoy writing raw, heartfelt posts on the blog about living life to the fullest and sharing my personal stories and experiences with you. One topic I specifically have yet to speak out about is bullying, but it’s a topic that really hits home with me and I personally have a lot to say about it. You can also look forward to more posts on motherhood, struggles with perfectionism, and posts on finding confidence.
Recipes– And in case you haven’t noticed, I also have a passion for baking so you can expect to see a delicious recipe from me every now and then. I know this doesn’t really fit into beauty, fashion, or encouragement, but it brings me joy and if anyone has a problem with chocolate chip cookies like these, then honestly we can’t be friends anyway. 😉
What I Ask Of You
As a reader of Kindly Unspoken, I simply ask that you always share your honest feedback with me and know that I truly appreciate each and every comment, message, and e-mail I receive from you. I don’t want you to ever feel like you can’t reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns you have, and it makes my day hearing from you! You can contact me over here or shoot me a message to cara@kindlyunspoken.com.
I also ask that if you love a post on my blog or social pages, feel free to give it a share or send it to someone else who might enjoy it! Us bloggers love to have our content shared, so by all means share away!
Last but certainly not least, if you truly love my blog, I’d invite you to sign up for my newsletter! I send out a short encouragement e-mail every week along with budget-friendly beauty and fashion finds, and a recap of my most recent posts.
I also plan to start sending out some goodies and printables this fall and holiday season exclusive for my e-mail subscribers, so be sure and sign up over here if you don’t want to miss out!
While I don’t feel like the mission of my blog has ever changed, I’ve learned a lot over the past two years and I can honestly say that I feel more confident today in the direction I’ve decided to take with my blog moving forward. I’m so thankful for each and every blog reader and I’m looking forward to working hard and giving this blog my all.
Whether you’re a veteran reader of Kindly Unspoken or you’re brand new around these parts, I hope this post has helped you gain a greater understanding of my blog’s purpose and I hope you’ll continue to be a part of this amazing community that inspires you to live beautifully, enjoy the little things, and remember that above all, kindness matters.
As always, thanks for stopping by!- Cara
Easy and practical beauty. I love it.
I started my blog in a similar way, I was looking for a creative outlet and spent years (seriously, years) telling myself I wasn’t good enough. I’m happy we both got started!
Thanks Laura! So glad to hear we both went out of our comfort zones! 🙂
That was beautifully written! Love that 🙂
Do you do income reports, at all?
Thanks Rebekah! As of right now I don’t do income reports, but might eventually.
I am so happy for you and can’t wait to see what’s to come! I always love what you share here and your words of encouragement are so refreshing. Wishing you all the best in this next venture <3 Sierra,
Beautifully Candid
Thanks Sierra! I appreciate your sweet comment! 🙂
YAY for more encouragement!!! You’re such a good writer, so I lovelovelove those posts, Cara!
Coming Up Roses
Thanks Erica! That means a lot! 🙂
I think it is awesome your professor gave you that feedback- people never know how much the things they say really matters and makes a difference! I love the direction/feel you’re going with going forward. I think it is going to be great and it is great to know as a reader what your goals are!
Exactly! That’s why I’m always encouraging others to be kind wherever they are, because you truly don’t realize the impact you have on others. And thank-you so much! 🙂
Congratulations and what a beautiful blog and sentiment! I can relate, because one of my blogs is actually called Words of Encouragement, with the same mission or vision as you mentioned, regarding family and encouragement in general. In fact, I started that blog to honor my Dad, who passed away in 2002, but who always had a great gift of encouragement.
Thank-you so much! Aw that’s so incredible! So sorry for your loss, but what a way to honor your Dad. 🙂
I’m not sure how I missed your announcement that you were blogging full-time, but I am SO excited for you! Even though I stopped blogging part-time to go back to work (simply to get myself out of the house) I LOVED blogging full-time and can’t wait until I can do it again. I did a post similar to this last year, where I sat down and wrote out exactly what the mission of HTC was and what I wanted my readers to know about my purpose in blogging. It was so clarifying for me and I love it when other bloggers do it – it gives me a better sense of who they are as a person! I love your heart and can’t wait to see what you do with Kindly Unspoken!
Aw thanks Chelsie! I agree, it’s good when bloggers share their why and their focus with their audiences. I’m excited to see where this all takes me and I know you’re going to continue to do great things with HTC as well!
So excited to see where you go next! I love all of your make up tips and tricks and want to see more tutorials!
Thanks Sarah! Get ready because I’m gonna be sharing some fun halloween looks soon! 🙂
I just adore u and your blog sweet lady! Happy blogiversary!!!!
Thanks so much Julie! 🙂
It’s so important to take time every once in awhile to refocus on the mission. I love that you wrote about it.
Thanks Heather! It can be easy sometimes to shift away from your focus if you aren’t mindful of it.
I just love you!! You’ve inspired me to sit down and write out my “why” as well!
Aw thanks! Love you too girl! It’s good to remember your why!
This all sounds great! I am so happy for you! That you get to make something you love, a full time job. I wish you the best of luck and can’t wait to see what’s to come!
Thanks so much Tanya! I’m truly excited to see what’s ahead and so happy to have met such awesome people like yourself through the process! 🙂
Happy Blogiversary! I would definitely love to see more affordable and budget friendly fashion choices, that’s right up my alley 😉
Thanks Bre! I’m excited to start incorporating it, as I’m definitely a budget fashionista! 😉
I LOVE your blog, girl! You are SO gorgeous and uplifting and I’ve never come across a post I didn’t totally love.
Aw thanks so much Taylor! You’re the sweetest! 🙂
Happy blogiversary! I just finished my 2 years too 🙂 Great feeling. I am excited to see what is coming up next for you, I love budget shopping of any kind!
Thank-you! And congrats to you as well! I always love a good deal. 🙂
Love the mission you described here, I feel like that is the perfect reason to get in to blogging!
Thanks Brittany! 🙂
I love that you set a why for your blog. I’m always trying to remember my why when I write, and having reason make its so much more fun!
Thanks Elizabeth! It helps you stay on track for sure, as it can sometimes be easy to lose sight of your why.
This is such a genuine and creative post. I love it! Not many bloggers actually share with their audience why they blog and what they want their audience to gain from reading their writing. It’s a great idea to do something like this. It helps me learn more about you from a perspective of being the person behind the blog and your hopes for it. Great post!
xx
The Felicia Renee | a minimalist lifestyle & beauty blog
Thanks Felicia! I personally wish more bloggers would share their why. As you said, I think it really helps connect your readers to you as a person. 🙂
Happy 2nd Year Blogiversary! Congratulations on going full-time!
Thanks Mary! It’s been a crazy, unforgettable journey so far! 🙂
I love your new pictures! I’m so excited for you and this next adventure on the horizon. It’s neat because although it’s nothing “new” in a sense, it is still a huge new part of your daily life, and I love you being able to devote all your attention to something you love so much. I enjoyed reading more about your mission and purpose!
Thanks Jennifer! So glad to have met you along this journey and I’m always so appreciative of all your sweet comments. 🙂
Congrats on taking your blog full time! What an achievement. <3
Thank-you! I’m excited to see what’s next, and so glad I get to do what I love. 🙂
Congrats on two years! That’s great you’re going full time – it sounds like you’ll be focusing on some awesome topics.
Thank-you! I’m excited to see what’s ahead!
Love that you’re sharing your purpose and mission. As a full-time blogger, it’s nice to be reminded to think of the “why” behind blogging. Love that you’re following your passions and dreams! <3
Thank-you Kristen! It’s so important to always remember the why and keep your goals fresh in mind. 🙂
I love your purpose/mission! It can be so tough to be a woman sometimes! I love women who try to build other women up and inspire them!
Thanks Vicki! It truly is nice when you can build a community of women supporting other women, instead of trying to tear them down. 🙂
Happy 2 year blogiversary! My blog turns 1 at of this month and I am very inspired by this post. I hope to stay passionate like you…
Thanks Jolene! It’s a lot of hard work, but well worth it if you’re doing what you love! 🙂
Giving you a high five on another year behind you & a great year ahead of you blogging away <3
Thanks girl! It’s crazy how time flies!
I’ve only just stumbled on your blog, but I’ll definitely be coming back! I also think it’s so important as bloggers to remember why we’re blogging personally. I can’t wait to come back and see more!
Thanks Taylor! So glad to have you here! 🙂
Happy Anniversary. I am so very happy to have found your blog. I love your encouraging words. Can’t wait to see your makeup tutorials.
Thanks Marie! So glad to have you following along with me! 🙂
I always love your fashion posts so I can’t wait to see more! Also, such pretty pictures!
Thanks Marette! I hope to start sharing more of those now that I’ll have more photography time! 🙂
Happy blogiversary sweet friend! So glad you created this space <3
Green Fashionista
Thanks Kate! It’s so hard to believe November makes two years! Where does the time go?!
I am glad you decided to finally start your blog. I always know when I come to your page I am going to see beautiful things and read encouraging words. Happy two years!!
Aw thanks Nadine! It’s so crazy that it’s almost been 2 years now!
I just recently found your blog (and am loving it) and that’s so exciting and brave that you’re going to do this full time!! Can’t wait to read more great things – I’m especially excited for budget-friendly fashion!!!
Thanks Kelly! So glad you found my blog! And yes, I’m all about budget-friendly fashion girl! 😉
I love the blog topics and I’m definitely looking forward to ideas for some easy/healthy recipes. Congrats on your (almost) blogiversary! I hope the move is going/went well. 🙂
Thanks Erin! It’s soo crazy right now with getting things packed up, but we’re set to move in next Friday! 🙂
I have been following your blog from the beginning. You just really touched me with all of your different post and your two boys are adorable.
Aw thanks Candy! Appreciate you following along. 🙂
New to your blog and loved learning a bit about you!
Thanks Julia! Glad to have you here!
I love that you followed your passion and you are going to use your blog to talk about real topics that help people, like bullying! Keep it up, your blog is beautiful!
Thank-you Shannon! 🙂 Sometimes those hard topics are the very thing people need to hear more encouragement about.
I love that you want to inspire women! Thats such a wonderful thing!
Thanks Neely. We all need it from time to time. 😉
Today I woke up overwhelmed and frustrated. Yours was the first blog I clicked on this morning. Everything happens for a reason because this was exactly what I needed. This post helped me refocus and remember my WHY.
Thank you for knowing what I needed.
Aw, I’m so glad it was helpful to you! It can be easy to lose sight of our why in blogging, but it’s oh so important! 🙂
Love this it’s always so awesone to. stop and realize why we are blogging anyway.
Thank-you! I couldn’t agree more!
This is my first time here on your blog. I love the concept, and I love how you laid out your purpose and mission. It’s inspiring me to write something similar for my blog even if I don’t share it, because I think it helps you focus and stay upbeat and consistent. I’ve done something similar in the past, but its been a while so I probably need to update it and make sure I’m still on track.
Happy two year blogiversary, by the way! That’s an exciting milestone ?
Thanks so much and glad you stopped by, Jordan! I think it’s good to remind yourself of your why from time to time. 🙂
My blog is a year and a half old. I think it is always good to know where you are heading and stopping every once in a while to reevaluate. Good job on setting your goals.
Absolutely agree, Victoria! We all need those reminders to stay motivated. Thank-you!
I’m so happy you took that leap and started your blog because I love the ray of sunshine you bring to my day. Speaking out about difficult topics can be hard, but it’s so good to share something and help people. I’m so excited for you and what’s to come with your blog, I’ll be here cheering you along 🙂
Aw, you’re seriously the sweetest, Emelia! Thank-you so much!
I loved getting to learn a little more about you and your blog! I think it’s always good to ask yourself these questions throughout your blogging career to stay on track with your goals. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it, Lecy! I absolutely agree- it’s important to be reminded of the why. 🙂
I am so proud of you! I think this is exactly what you needed for your life and I hope that you find so much joy in it and I’m sure your boys will be happy! Win, win!
Thank-you so much! I’m excited to keep moving forward with it and I’m glad I have amazing blogging friends out there like you, Andrea! 🙂
Happy early two year Blogiversary! My blog turned four this summer and I still can’t believe all of the joy and amazing opportunities blogging has brought me. I really love the blogging community.
Thank-you! Congrats to you as well! 4 years is amazing!