Our Beginning

Introductions are awkward. Let’s face it- they always have been, and they always will be. In a perfect world, I would be sitting across the table from you at Rochester Brunch House (cliché, I know, but I am a big brunch gal) or my recent obsession Rule 62 Cafe (Best. Iced. Coffee.) where we could exchange stories while sipping a latte. BUT this will do!

In fact, I am dying to talk to literally anyone besides my lovely younger brothers *said with sarcasm* and my incredible parents – as we have all been getting a little stir crazy. It has been months now since the 2020 Corona craziness hit my household, and I’ve had a lot, and I mean a lot, of time to reevaluate and reflect.

About two months ago, I had the miraculous idea to start a blog! It may or may not have been influenced by Rachel Hollis (a true inspiration of mine), or my mom, who has been encouraging me for years to journal about my life. Well, everyone, I have finally put two and two together, and here we are.

As a college student, I knew enough to research and google and research and google anything and everything to get me to where I am in this very moment – my very first post. After looking long and hard for some sort of guideline or rubric for how to write this, I came across the perfect article listing everything I need to cover for my first post. The student in me decided to write this using the article as a guide, and in all honesty, my inner marketing major knows that we, young adults, like big bold headings and skim value when reading and, well, introductions are awkward.

Start Today Journal

WHO AM I?

I am a lifestyle blogger inspiring self-love & growth. I am a 20-year-old Michigan State marketing student (GO GREEN!) who balances school, work, a social life, sleep, and sanity, all with a smile on my face. I am a musician, creator, daughter, sister, friend, girlfriend, mentor, mentee, the list could go on and on. Most importantly, I am passionate leader who wants to make the world a better place, and a little easier for everyone else – one blog post at a time.

Most publicly seen, I am a musician. If you google me (which, number one, you should…and number two, since we are being honest here, I spent a LOT of time working on it)! You’ll see my original songs, covers, music videos, and something I’m most proud of – Music for Myeloma. If you haven’t explored though my site yet, I’ve had the honor of raising over $7,000 for cancer research at Karmanos Cancer Institute through my original songs, documentary, and two fundraisers. I have endless enthusiasm for positively impacting others – another reason why I am here today.

Without this sounding like an interview, or that I’m word vomiting my resume, here are a few of my “coffee stories” for you to get to know me a little better.

In 2019, I was crowned the Romeo Peach Queen of Michigan. Trust me, I had my own stigma of pageants until I sat in one of the most difficult interviews I’ve experienced – I had absolutely no idea what my thoughts were on the “Me Too” movement and children’s use of technology (until I was asked). I can’t convey how truly rewarding it was to be the representative of a community, group, or even yourself. Am I a pageant queen? A Toddlers and Tiara’s star? Absolutely not. Am I afraid to try something new and fail? Of course! Without that mindset, I wouldn’t be here today.

I am a bogey golfer. Yep – you heard me right. I am an average golfer, but I look super cute while doing it! I spent twelve years of my childhood as a gymnast and will always be a gymnast at heart. In fact, my youngest brother picked up the sport, and I gotta take some credit for his success. After several injuries resulting in surgery, I concluded that golf is a little bit safer for my 5’1” body. I took my 25-hour a week work ethic from the gym onto the course and ended my high school golf career in a national tournament in Australia when I was 18. If there were more hours in the day, I would be an above average golfer because I absolutely love to golf! But if I look good and I can play well, that is all that matters.

I am an awful cook. Contrary to most households I’ve seen growing up, my dad does all of the cooking. I am convinced that the ability to whip up an incredibly delicious dish is genetic- so I’ve got whatever genes that came from my mom. I felt the need to share this because if anyone is willing to help a girl out, I am willing to learn.

All jokes aside, I am a leader, goal setter, risk taker, and someone who believes in living your best life. Those are a few ways I would describe myself. I have lived out countless success stories and struggled through pain, heartbreak, and suffering. I am a role model for confidence, positivity and growth, and I strive to be that every single day. It is far from easy, but I am here to document my story, for the betterment of others.

WHY AM I BLOGGING?

As I mentioned earlier, I am easily inspired. During this quarantine, my mom and I were able to attend an online webinar hosted Rachel Hollis, who is, in my eyes, brilliantly spoken and incredibly motivating. During this conference, my mom took a step back and remarked about the lack of representation and motivation from women like me – strong, real, driven, young women who strive to succeed. Women who DO succeed. What I want, is stories from people my age doing things that I do, and that I want to do. As much as I love hearing stories about being a mother and a wife, I’m not there yet. And someone needs to write a survival guide to get there.

My life has been filled with ups and downs. Very high highs and very low lows, as I’m sure you can all relate. I want to share my experiences with you, and how I live my life, in an effort to better yours. Even to reach just ONE more person to inspire to self-love and growth. And for her to know that, as Troy Bolton said, “we’re all in this together,” experiencing the same obstacles life throws at us – you’re not alone.

Photography: Joseph Grieme

WHAT I AM BLOGGING ABOUT?

Life. Motivation. Self-Love. Growth. College lifestyle. Organization. Hacks. Everything! I pride myself on staying driven and positive while taking steps to accomplish my goals, whether I’m focusing on the day-to-day tasks or the long-term effects of starting a blog. I want to tell you what has worked for me and what hasn’t. Everything from how to organize your goals, cute Instagram story ideas, balancing life, DIY dorm room décor, and everything in between.

WHO IS THIS BLOG FOR?

YOU! Hello and welcome, friends😊. Anyone looking to better themselves and get from point A to point B with a little more ease has found a home in this perfectly imperfect community. I am here for you. Writing for you!

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

This is the best part – I am new to this, and so are you. I am eager to know what you think. I am eager to engage with you in any way possible to help grow this community that we are building from the ground up.

1. Subscribe to my newsletter! Tips, inspiration, updates, will be shared with you in order for you to get the most out of our community.

2. Share these posts! As I said before, my goal is for Perfectly Imperfect to reach even ONE person with my message. Help us grow by a simple share.

3. Comment what you like, what questions you have, suggestions of yours, and complaints. This helps me, to help you.

4. Follow and share! My social media is a continuation of this blog, and my journey. I love engaging with you and would love to see your face, so follow me on Instagram!

MY OUR GOALS

I want to create a community of go-getters, goal setters, and dream catchers. I want this blog to be a place where you can learn and grow, just as I am. I want to inspire you to be the best version of yourself and for you to define what it means to be perfectly imperfect – and sometimes it takes a village to get that message across.

I’ve tried to make this introduction as least awkward as possible, and as I’m sure you can tell, I’m pumped to start this blogging journey. I hope that you all are as excited as I am to start this new adventure with me.