Sometimes, you have to face the fact that things change... and it's really an awkward feeling. In my case, House Of Jeffers has strayed away from my original plan when I started blogging almost 5 years ago.
When I created the blog, I was working as a copywriter for Barneys New York. My day in and day out was consumed by fashion, which motivated me to create my own space on the Internet where I could share my personal style. Also a major factor in my life, and still to this day, is/was my love for England. I owe it to my husband for bringing this influence into my life - bringing his culture in to my life. I was so in awe with the UK and the stylish women of London who wore heavy black eyeliner and a nude lip like no other. They still look gorgeous, and I'm still jealous that I haven't nailed down the look. The name "House Of Jeffers" was truly inspired by royal houses of England - taking part of my last name and using it to create my own royal "house" filled with a fabulous wardrobe that I loved.
Fast forward 4 years later, and much has changed in my life. Focuses have shifted beyond the blog. Obviously, the biggest of which was the birth of my sons. Before them, my blog was the thing I nurtured in my spare time. And England was the place I turned to for motivation in my blog. It was the niche I created for myself. It was my thing as a blogger... or so I thought.
But it seems as though the part of me that loves England didn't fully translate well with my audience. And I've kind of had a good idea that that was the case for at least a year now. I was holding on to this idea of being a NJ blogger with a UK point of view because honestly, I was scared that I wouldn't know what to do with my blog. Being from New Jersey, I thought that wasn't interesting enough because let's face it - the state gets a bad reputation. I was worried that I would just be a blogger with nothing to contribute. But let's face it: When do I
really talk about England? When was the last time I incorporated a hint of UK-inspired anything in to my outfits or let alone, my blog content? It's probably been at least 2 years...
About two weeks ago, I joined Periscope on a whim (you can find me at House Of Jeffers). I didn't know what I was going to do being on it, but the first day I signed up, I did my first awkward broadcast of talking to random strangers who were watching. One of which was Mister Newton (hey buddy!). While I might have stumbled over my words, and didn't have much to say in the 10 minutes I scoped, I managed to find other people on the platform offering invaluable information on growing a business, connecting with your audience, and being more business-oriented when it comes to my reach as a blog. I've know since started scoping on a daily basis about blogging, fashion and being a mom.
As a result of joining Periscope, I basically had my ass kicked by Hilary Rushford of Dean Street Society, Zach Spuckler and Nicole "Soprah" Walters. Watching their scopes on various topics relating to entrepreneurship and expanding my reach, I started to put things in perspective with my blog and what I was actually doing on it. The reality is: I am doing some things wrong. I was complacent with my blog. And I was scared out of my mind because this meant I had to change House Of Jeffers.
Hot off of attending Periscope Church, my newest social media place of worship, I asked one of my dearest and most honest friends:
Me: "What do think my blog is about? I know I have this whole UK thing, but I feel like I can't do anything with it."
Her: " I don't get England from your blog at all."
I was relieved. I needed someone else to confirm what I was thinking. She pressed on:
Her: "When I tell people about your blog, I tell them how you dress head to toe in clothing that looks expensive, but it's not. That you always have one thing on that is a little more high end than the rest, but your entire outfit looks like it cost more than what you spent."
Honestly, I never thought of my blog like this. But she was right. She works with me everyday, and sees what I wear to work, which isn't much different than my outfit posts on my blog. I started to get really excited about this because I felt like there was an opportunity to start over on House Of Jeffers - with real intent that is relatable to other people.
That's it! Relatable style. House Of Jeffers is about creating relatable style for women who don't have a loaded bank account with money to burn. Because I sure as hell don't. I just know how to fake it with my clothing.
So there it is. A new change:
House Of Jeffers is all about bringing relatable style to you. I will show you how you can be fashionable on a budget and still look like you spent $200 on your outfit, when I only spent $70. I'll mix the relatable, economical with the high-end obtainable bag you've been drooling over... then tell you how to get it on the cheap and cheerful. Oh, and I'm still talking about being a new mom on here - that will never change.
I am so happy to share my new direction with all of my readers. I truly feel like this is the direction I should have been taking a long time ago, but was too afraid to do so. I am so motivated to make House Of Jeffers my best ever, and I'm actively taking steps to improve as much as I can. A new design is on the horizon, too!
If you've been a longtime reader, or are new to my blog, I just wanted to say how grateful I am for your patience with me as I get back into blogging. Being a mother is my number one priority, and that calls for me to put my family first. But, the free time I do get I cherish, and I still love House Of Jeffers. I'm doing my best to be the best blogger I can be, so I can bring you the best content. And so I thank you for all the support you've shown me. I hope you'll continue to stick around and see how it all pans out.
All my admiration,
Jen
