WELCOME TO STYLISHNATONYA, I’M BECOMING MY OWN EDITOR

I am finally here in this space again. Sitting down and writing my first blog post on my new self-hosted home. Now, some of you may remember my old blog JustNatonya. That’s still a part of my story but we’re turning to a new page.

JustNatonya was the place where I learned so much in terms of blogging. Everything from connecting with other bloggers and partnering with brands to understanding monetizing content and developing my own photography skills.

just so you know, StylishNatonya is the same person as JustNatonya but this blog is more polished, more intentional, more layered and more me.

I was able to write about some of my favorite topics under the umbrellas of fashion, beauty, lifestyle and tips for content creation. While I’m not continuing with the JustNatonya blog, it’s still available online. I’m touched by how much the blog has reached various people all over the world and I’m excited to see how far it will continue to connect with others.

A New Chapter

I never intended to start a new blog from JustNatonya, this was all unplanned. After the hacking of my old Instagram account JustNatonya in 2022, I started rethinking about my purpose with content creation. I’ll be honest, losing that account was indeed frustrating. I felt lost and had no clue what to do. It even made me want to give up on being a blogger.

I couldn’t, no matter how much I felt defeated. Ultimately, I knew I couldn’t give up.

Guess what? That issue turned into an experience, which led to a revelation. I was meant to have more; something bigger and even better. I began building not only a new blog concept or but a stronger mindset. I renewed my mind and re-established my faith. With my faith in God, I knew He would not let me down. I could feel him pulling me back to writing and creating something new.

Realizing I Don’t Need to Fit in the Algorithm Anymore

As I embarked down this new journey, I wanted to make content for me and not necessarily outside factors. Yes, it’s about what the brands want and the audience’s likes or needs but I needed to prioritize my feelings. What I think about my own work matters too.

I’m talking about eliminating the need to optimize, monetize and turn every moment into content. I understand a content creator’s job is to create, connect and importantly, sell. Overall, it’s an empowering way to entrepreneurship and becoming your own boss, which is FANTASTIC.

But…y’all, the burnout is real.

You never want what’s meant to be fun to start feeling like a job.

While my JustNatonya blog was an up and down rollercoaster, I believe I was ready to get off that ride a long time ago. The experience was rewarding and certainly had its benefits. But in hindsight, I believe I was losing my passion. I just didn’t know it. After a while, creating content started to feel more like an obligation than something from the heart.

Now, I want to make content again without the pressure to make content.

Can I shop at the mall and buy products from stores that’s not listed on affiliate platforms? I don’t always want to photograph every experience and document it on Instagram. Not all the time am I thinking about following trends, vanity metrics, going viral and learning new ways to beat the algorithm. The forefront of mind is not always focused on how to hook an audience with this reel or the immediacy to post a piece of content before it’s old. I don’t want to always go to places looking for the most Instagrammable backdrop or feel the need to sell a new shirt I recently purchased.

I want to get back to that place where creating content was based on passion and not sales. Starting over with my StylishNatonya blog has allowed room for me to make my own rules again. This time without the pressure.

Instagram Isn’t a Blog & That’s Ok

So I tried the concept of using Instagram as my blogging platform…let’s just say it’s not for me. I appreciate Instagram because it’s one of the places where I’m connecting and rebuilding my audience. It’s also an excellent place to be visually creative and expressive.

However, it will NEVER replace traditional blogging for me.

I missed long-form writing. I missed being able to tell a story with my experience. The thing for me is once you post on Instagram, that’s it, you’re done. Even if you’re saving images or resharing, it’s rarely revisited, at least for me. Having my own website gives me the chance to create evergreen content with the potential to continue its reach forever. Plus, it’s mine. I own it. We don’t own social media. But you own your website.

What is StylishNatonya?!

Guess what? It’s my own little digital magazine! StylishNatonya is my platform to share all things fashion, beauty, lifestyle, soulful living, self-care, positivity, new adventures and Dallas discoveries. It’s my place where I show you how to have everyday luxury by romanticizing the little things in between and making the most of what you have. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Style Inspiration
  • Curvy & Midsize
  • Body Positivity
  • Style Guides
• Beauty Conversations
  • Sensitive Skin Discoveries
  • Natural Hair Journey & Tips
  • Makeup
  • Nails
• Dallas Moments
• Tasty Bites
• Wellness
• Creator Life
• Think Pieces

At the core of everything, I’m focusing on the philosophy of embracing and romanticizing the little things along the way. The journey is sometimes more important than the destination. It’s about making every moment count. No more rushing and panicking to get things done. It’s time to slow down and literally smell the flowers along the road to success.

I’m choosing to make the most of what I have even in the smallest ways:

• Having coffee on the patio table
• Staring at the beautiful blue sky
• Walking outside in the grass barefoot
• Making my plate of food look pretty
• Not rushing conversations with others
• Choosing to listen better
• Taking an afternoon nap
• Escaping into books
• Dressing up more even if it’s to lounge around the house
• Wearing most of the clothes in my closet
• Going to the movies alone
• Buying myself flowers for no special occasion
• Feeling ok to lounge in my pajamas sometimes
• Doing nothing but relaxing because that’s productive too

It’s all about romanticizing the ordinary and that’s the energy I want to carry in the daily things I do, so everyday feels special. I even created a wearable reminder to slow down, literally smell the flowers & never miss life’s beauty.

You can find more wearable and romantic stylish pieces, which actually accompanies my monthly magazine on my bonfire store The Soulful Romantic Edit.

Becoming My Own Editor

I must say, this blog feels very special to me because I always dreamed of working for a magazine company. I’ve always been fascinated by the way a magazine comes together. I wanted to be a part of the creative process in writing features, storytelling, setting the mood, the photography, building layouts, marketing and all the other details that go into the editorial experience.

Understanding Rejection is A New Direction.

After graduating from college, applying to various jobs and being rejected 55 times…yes, 55 times in one year, I realized maybe I was meant to create my own magazine.

I mean why not right? I get to decide the stories, curate the mood, take my own photos, build a content calendar and develop a strategy. I get to do everything a magazine does. How fun would it be to build this from scratch? I’ll never know until I try.

not just a rebrand, it’s self-discovery

This blog is a fresh start, a new beginning and an opportunity for me to have my own digital magazine. I get to build something that’s me. Don’t get me wrong, one day I still see myself working for a professional digital magazine. In the meantime, I believe God gave me this idea for a reason and I plan to give my best to this platform. I’m committed to building a foundation and growing StylishNatonya.

Welcome to My Little Corner

Y’all are finally here, so welcome to StylishNatonya! My very own digital magazine in the form of a blog filled with editorial pieces and mood board vibes with a slight diary essence.

I’m so happy to get back to long-form writing. No more worrying about trends, strategizing to beat the algorithm, or complicating my content creation journey.

Thank you all for being here. I’m so excited to see and read what y’all think!

Remember, it’s ok if things don’t work out as planned. It’s ok if you need to find new directions on your road map. Sometimes the new route is a gateway to lead you down a path for a greater destination.

MY LINKS

SUBSTACK | LTK | SHOPMY | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | CHIRPYEST | AMAZON

THE SOULFUL ROMANTIC EDIT