I have never been so scared and so excited in my life. Recently I handed in my notice at Real Living magazine so that I can become a freelance writer and stylist. I've never worked as a freelancer and so that goes some way to explain the fear part of the equation. I've always been one of those secure-and-steady-job types. But a funny thing happened on the way to putting this blog together every day - I became inspired myself. I read over and over again about people taking the leap into a brave new world. I read testimonials proclaiming that working for themself was the best decision they'd ever made. I read that you have to trust yourself. Time and time again.
I have loved every minute working at Real Living. It's been a dream job in many respects. But after almost five years I believe that it's time to evolve. When I worry about whether I'm making the right decision, I remind myself that this time last year I had never styled a shoot before in my life. I gave that a chance, and look what happened. Now, I'm putting a portfolio and website together filled with images of my work.
There are some other personal projects that I want to focus on too. Hopefully in months to come I'll be able to reveal more about them.
So what does this mean for Daily Imprint? Well, bigger and better. I will have more time to seek out amazing interviews and to give the design of the site a little more attention. I would really appreciate your feedback on what you love (or don't), and what you would like to see more (or less) of when it comes to the design and content.
You may notice that I've already made some changes. As part of the plan to make improvements I've partnered with some of my favourite brands to sponsor the site. They wouldn't be here if I didn't believe in them, and the journeys they've taken - that is really important to me. Many of them have already been featured on Daily Imprint and so I've provided links to their interviews. If you have a look over them again I'm sure you'll understand why I've chosen to partner with them.
I look forward to hearing your feedback. And for those of you who are interested in contacting me about being a sponsor, click on the image above for a little more info. Alternatively you can contact me natalie[at]nataliewalton.com
Wish me luck!
39 comments:
Congratulations on taking the leap Natalie - your feelings of excitement and being scared witless are very much how I feel right now as I prepare for my little leap. I wish you the best of luck.
Good for you!! and lots of luck and happiness in your next step in your journey!
Best wishes, Irene x
congrats on taking such a big step ~ very exciting :)
i really enjoy your blog ~ especially the interviews.
This is so exciting! Congratulations and GOOD LUCK!
Congratulations Natalie! How exciting!! Yes, take the leap, trust yourself and have a great time :)
Oh gosh
{{{wishing you luck}}}
Such a big leap.... so exciting,,,, don't you just know it's going to be an incredible journey????
xxo
Terri
Congratulations for taking the leap, something which I'm sure many of us who read your blog hope we can do one day with our own little businesses. I am always inspired reading your interviews which show us it can be done! All the very best and I look forward to following your adventure...
All power to you. That's a big leap of faith and I have NO DOUBT you will be brilliant.
Good luck Natalie! I admire you taking the leap and from reading Real Living every month and seeing your work, I'm sure you'll do great :)
Good luck with your new endeavours, I'm sure you will do amazing things.
Sx
WOW! Wishing you all the best as you start this new adventure! Go for that dream, you can do it!
Congrats on taking the jump! Huge fan of your blog. Can't wait to see how it further evolves!
That's great news! Well done on taking the chance! Hope to work with you soon, sam
It will be great! Best of luck! I took the big leap leaving a great design job with a major retailer a little over two years ago, and it was the best decision I ever made for myself. I look forward to hearing about your new adventures. Cheers!
Good luck to you, Natalie! As a fellow freelance writer, the leap of faith is something I am very familiar with. Isn't it exhilarating?
Well done on making such a brave decision. As Mark Twain said: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
Good luck.
Congratulations Natalie! So thrilled for you. I love your amazing work in Real Living so I am sure you will have no issues freelancing. Look forward to hearing more about your exciting new plans. Rachel xx
Congratulations Natalie!
What an exciting step to take.
Sandy K
You don't need luck lovely! you are going to be wonderful! CONGRATULATIONS on this next stage of your life adventure!
Love Love
Sandwich
xoxo
Well, I have been a waiting for this day for quite some time now. May the stars shine down upon your new chapter Natalie x I'm so excited I am throwing stardust at my screen and all of your dreams entire. (BRAVO)
Oh my giddy aunt, how exciting you rock go girrrrrrrl!!!!!!!
No really, rest easy Nat - you are about to amaze and astound yourself.
Best of luck!
xxxxx
Lou
A big P.S
http://public-office.blogspot.com/2010/11/natalie-walton.html
Wow! Congratulations on taking a big step. Undoubtedly not a decision you took lightly however believing in youerself is definitely the first step. I am loving this quote today "We all have dreams. But in order to make our dreams into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self discipline and effort"- Jesse Owens.
Good luck!
Best of luck Natalie!
Aaw wow! That's amazing! Congrats on being so brave and good luck!! Though I don't think you need it - love your blog, and you will do even more great things I'm sure!
much love
http://nataliacreations.blogspot.com/
congratulations Natalie - huge exciting things in store for you no doubt!
Congratulations Natalie - the first step is always the hardest but wow it will be so worth it - I have just made a small leap myself and aspire to do such beautiful styling like you have shown us. Best of luck. Leanne x
thanks everyone for your lovely comments. I'm a bit exhausted just now - have spent a good 6 hours trying to work photoshop. hopefully next year I'll get some design skills too! ... I really appreciate your kind words, though. thank you so much xxx
yay! and boo! it's exciting and sad at the same time - i know there are parts & people you'll miss lots at RL. Bxx
Oh, wow! Congratulations and good luck.
Welcome to the wonderful world of freelancing! You'll love it. It can be scary, but now that you've made "the big leap" you'll be surprised at how things will just start to happen.
I adore your blog and interviews. Would love to see even more behind the scenes of a shoot - you're so talented, I'm sure it would be really inspiring to your 1000's of readers!
Good luck Natalie!
How exciting .... I'm sure you will enjoy freelancing so much, look forward to seeing more of your wonderful work !!!
hi Nat, how fantastic!!!! you are very inspiring, please update us all along the way - you will do amazing things.
ps - I love Frontliners!!!
Love to hear what you think about my blog too - if you get a chance, any advise would be much appreciated.
www.goldchalk.blogspot.com
take care, xxoo
Congratulations! I absolutely love your blog. It has been an inspiration to me, and I can't wait to see what's next.
All the best on your journey! Life is short so we definitely need to do what's in our hearts. And, if it helps, what you have done so far doesn't disappear...it's always there so there's really nothing to be scared about! :-) Tip
Congratulations Natalie - fortune favours the brave! Plus you are very clever, so your future success is in the bag!
H
Good luck! Your bravery and enthusiasm are inspiring. One day, maybe when my three boys are a little older, I can take the same plunge! I've loved your work at Real Living; you will surely grow a hundredfold in creativity. May your ideas and success overflow.
Yay for you and honestly - you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner - seriously!!!! Bet you'll flourish and it'll be an incredible year next year - can't wait to read those interviews and see your styling work.
Oh Natalie - good luck!!!
And thanks for the inspiration, too!
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