Let’s Cruise Down Memory Lane

My final project for my Fashion Fundaments class is a very open ended one. My professor simply gave us two questions to answer: How would you describe the fashion industry? How do you see yourself in the industry? She also gave us the freedom to answer these questions in whichever way we choose, whether that be in a short video, blog post, paper, or drawing. I obviously decided this would be the most fitting.

Aside from my anniversary posts, I couldn’t even tell you the last time I took a trip down blogging memory lane. Before we hop in, let’s start with a little refresher. I started my blog, StyledbyMcKenz, on January 1, 2016 with a strong desire to figure out which career path I should pursue. At the time, I was infatuated with the idea of photography, writing, fashion, and makeup. I so badly wanted to see where my true passion and talent lied, to discover something that would last me a lifetime.

January 2016 // January 2017 // January 2018 // January 2019

And so, I launched my blog. Fashion was my favorite thing at the time but I still dabbled into makeup, faith, and my personal life— similar to what I discuss nowadays. I didn’t know what I was doing when I began but I figured it out along the way. Tons of trial and error. Tons of tears. Tons of moments where I questioned what I was doing and why. The first year was hard but it was rewarding as all get out. I worked my butt off, posting a minimum of four times a week. I kept up with a schedule, engaged with others, and shared my real, honest, vulnerable feelings with the internet each and every day.

January 2016 // January 2017 // January 2018

And suddenly one year turned into two, two into three, and now three into four. Followers came, views skyrocketed, and brand deals piled up. It started slowly and then turned into what felt like all at once. Suddenly my hobby, my little corner of the internet, exploded into so much more. A blog, a brand, a business.

July 2016 // July 2017 // July 2018 // July 2019

Although my blog is based predominantly on fashion, it is so much more than that. Fashion is so much more than the outfit you choose and the clothing in your closet. For me, and so many other influencers out there, this is our life. What was once just my escape has turned into my entire life. My brand consumes me, in every possible way. It is the first thing I think about in the morning and the last thing I think about at night.

October 2016 // October 2017 // October 2018 // October 2019

If you asked me to describe the fashion industry to you four years ago I would’ve told you it was the most glamorous thing you could imagine, 24/7. If you asked me now I would say that couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, I get to dress in pretty clothes and pose for photos in the latest designs. But the fashion industry is grueling, demanding and challenging. You must be willing to make sacrifices. You must learn that privacy is slim and that your emotions are meant to be captured in all lights. You must recognize that there are people out there working ridiculous hours to sew your $10 garment. You must accept that there is no off button— you are the career that never sleeps. You must be okay with leaving your comfort zone; good things happen in your comfort zone, but great things happen out of it. You will be pushed to your limits and you must get used to it.

April 2019

But I will not lie, there are moments when my job feels exactly as I envisioned the fashion industry to be four years ago— glamorous, magical, luxurious. Moments where I get to dress up in fancy designer gowns, and twirl around for the camera, smiling ear to ear. Moments where I realize I am so in love with what I’ve built for myself that I could cry. Moments where I realize the leap of faith I took changed my life.

January 2016 // January 2017 // January 2018

And so, if you asked me today, how do you see yourself in the industry, instead of little ole McKenzie, I would answer this: I see myself doing exactly what I started almost four years ago. Sharing— the good, the bad, and everything in between. The widest smiles and the hardest tears. Writing– the same way I always have. The only way I know how to organize my thoughts. Photographing— the staged moments and the spontaneous. Ten outfits in one day or the candid’s with the people I love most. Styling— the craziest outfits you’ve ever seen and the classics that will take you through the years.

December 2016 // December 2017 // December 2018

Blogging— that’s where I see myself four years ago and it’s where I see myself four years from now. I see myself chasing my dreams; running a magazine, building my platform, working for someone else and yet working for myself. Landing deals, traveling at the expense of others, meeting followers, sharing my passion and choosing the road less traveled because I know it will take me far greater places than settling for something that brings me no joy. I see myself in four years, looking back at this post, the way Professor Copeland hopes us to do and see all the miles I’ve traveled— appreciating them while recognizing I’ve still got a long way to go.

So, if you are reading this; thank you. You’ve changed not only my perspective on the fashion industry but you’ve changed me, in the best way I could have ever possibly imagined.

With love, McKenz