Hello! It’s been so long since I wrote one of these types of posts. So long, in fact, I feel like I should reintroduce myself to you all over again.
Since I started making a living from my blog I feel that I’ve been heavily focused on making it a profitable business and doing what’s right in terms of making it searchable online and growing my social media following. I will put my hands up to the fact that it’s lost that personal touch. Remember those monthly updates that I used to post? – I miss them. I really want to show up more on my blog, get personal and bring back some of the elements of why I started it in the first place – an online journal to document my inspirations, creativity and connect with a group of like-minded people. Don’t get me wrong, I still love creating recipes and talking about wellbeing, but I want to explore different aspects of my experiences, open up more just like the good old days.
There has been so much going on behind the scenes, that I probably need a couple of posts to get it all out. In my personal life, I’m happier than I’ve ever been. We bought our first family home in the Spring and we finally feel settled and ready to put down some solid roots. Interior design and trying to make the house look pretty has taken up a lot of our time, but I love creating a warm joyful space full of things that I love, so indulging this love has been fantastic. My relationship with Alfie is stronger than ever and our little boy who is now 3 years old, is flourishing. Honestly, I content with my life right now and although it’s not perfect and has its struggles I’ve really found my groove and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Right now, I have so much gratitude for my work. I get to connect with so many amazing ladies and support them on their wellness journey’s and run a business that I absolutely adore. I’m so in love with it, that in September I decided to take the leap and embarked on extending my knowledge by becoming a student again. I’m studying with the Integrative Nutrition to become a holistic health coach and even though it may sound dramatic, the course has been life-changing for me. Not only is it a way to expand my knowledge on a topic that brings me so much pleasure, it means that it will enable me to connect with you all and support you on a deeper level, especially when I can officially take on clients. Although, I’m not sure I will use the term health coach because it sounds too medical to me and I don’t really talk about health-related things on the blog, more wellness, balance and living your best life.
I’m currently laying the foundations to build my coaching business, which will include a new website and a potential rebrand. I’ve deliberated about a new name for so long because I feel that I’ve now outgrown Celery and Cupcakes and it’s not a good fit for me anymore. Due to the name, naturally people automatically assume that it’s just a food blog (or catering business), but it’s about so much more than that. Plus, I’ve evolved into a completely different person since I started it 7 years ago. I’m not sure what route I’m going to go down yet, but I will be sharing all on here to keep you updated. Working for yourself is by no means easy, it’s tough, but doing something that I love that also helps me create a life that I want is everything to me.
Over the summer, I’ve made so many new connections because I’ve been more confident in putting myself out there. I have so much appreciation for the amazing ladies in my life who lift me up and support me. I’m an introvert, so making new connections doesn’t come easily to me and I suffer from anxiety about not being good enough, which has held me back so often. However, I set the intention of pushing myself and building a network of wonderful inspiring people and I’m now reaping the benefits. Lunch dates, play dates and a few nights out recently have really done me the world of good and opened up space for more joy and bliss in my life.
Talking about making new connections, my lovely friend Karen who I met through blogging are going into business together. Last month we launched The Mindful Mantra Collective on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and our brand spanking new website will be launching in the new year. We met this week over lunch and discussed where we want to take our business and have so many exciting things planned for 2018. At the moment, we’re planning a retreat, workshops, a podcast and products all to help you harness your inner power to balance your mind, body, and soul. We’re obviously beyond excited about this new venture and cannot start rolling things out next year.
I’ve got a good feeling about 2018 already!
If you would like more guidance on how to live a more balanced life then you can grab my FREE e-book, The Essential Balance Guide here.
You have certainly been busy and it sounds like 2018 is going to be a fantastic year for you! I look forward to reading your updates! 🙂
Thanks Nikki. It all feels a bit overwhelming at times, but it’s all so exciting.
Personally for me I do prefer your older posts which were more personal. I don’t mind a recipe now and again but I prefer more posts about YOU and your life. Otherwise it’d like every other health blog… just my opinion! It’s why I started reading in the first place. And not every blog post needs to solve an issue or be informative – sometimes the best posts are just free-wheeling and interesting vents to the world.
I always welcome your honest feedback Anna, thank you. Your opinion is definitely valued. I always find it hard to strike a balance and it’s something I’ve always struggled with. I definitely want to go old school again with more life updates and personal posts. You’re right, not every post needs to solve a problem and something personal and from the heart can be just as good and even helpful.
It looks like you are on the right path of achieving your goals. Congratulations on opening a new business. However, I think you should still keep this blog because your readers know you already and they will still appreciate getting updates from you as you’ve used them in the past.
Thank you! I still going to keep the blog, but it may undergo a rebrand so it’s more in keeping with me now.
It sounds like you have been very busy and that 2018 is going to be a great year for you. Good luck in your new business is sounds very exciting and look forward to seeing your new website x
Thank you Samantha. All the best for the new year too.
Looks like you have had a busy year so far. All the best for your blog for 2018
Thanks so much!
Becoming a student again is a big step but sounds like a positive one moving into 2018 x
It’s the best decision I ever made and so excited for next year.
I always like reading personal blogs and finding out more about the person behind the posts and it seems like you’ve had a great 2017 x
Me too and I definitely want to get back to that.
Always enjoy your blog posts Jem, and lovely to read so much positivity. You’re very inspiring, and the drive you have to achieve more is fab. I hope that 2018 brings everything you would like, even with the changes and the hard work.
Can’t wait to see what next year has in store for you – and me too! So excited, and more determined than ever. Loved this update!
Exciting times!! I’m sure your new venture will be success, I know your posts here have had a positive impact on me 🙂
I love this. Sounds like a busy year, and 2018 is going to be a busy one too – but you are gonna kick ass and be amazing!!
Thank you Sarah!
Sounds like you’ve had a busy time of it recently and you have an exciting 2018 ahead, I wish you all the luck in the world, especially with your new career as a holistic coach and your business with Karen.
Thanks Sarah! I’m so excited to start launching it all.
Being busy seems to be the norm for us all lately! But bring on a busy and pleasant 2018, eh!
Yes please!!
Sounds like you have a busy year ahead! good luck achieving your business goals
Thanks Melissa.
Wow sounds like you are super busy at the moment! I do prefer personal posts but I also LOVE recipe posts – especially yours. I have recently moved into somewhere new and have my own kitchen so recipes are very welcomed at the moment haha! x
Can’t wait to see what 2018 brings you! It’s so lovely when all the things in our lives fall into place, isn’t it? x