This morning I was thinking about where I’m taking Styling Curvy in 2017 and I started reflecting on how 2016 was for my little business with heart, man it’s been good. Bloody good. Who could have imagined that when I started Styling Curvy (almost 3 years ago) that could be reaching thousands of online friends each week, collaboarating with amazing labels here and overseas and everything in between. Here’s what the ‘in between’ looked like…
The start to the year was a fairly quiet one, which is always nice as it frees me up to spend time with family. When February arrived it was all action stations when I was invited to be an ambassador for The Longest Table campaign for The Hospital research Foundation, this is my volunteer role and one that fills my heart with joy.
There were photo shoots, radio interviews, TV ads, appearances and then hosting the Gala dinner…phew. It was worth it though as the campaign raised over $2oo ooo and we opened the doors to two Under Our Roof homes for country cancer patients.
March saw my first ever overseas trip…at 44! The huz and I headed to Bali to do ALL the things and we loved it!
In April I hit the road for five days with the Mercer Supercycle team as a support driver, over fifty guys and gals riding 1000 kilometers to raise money for better outcomes for cancer patients. I’m not gonna lie, while the riders filled my heart with joy it was challenging being away from home and on the road with lots of different personalities. Everyone wants to be a leader…or right…am I right? 🙂
After two big campaigns in my volunteer role I took a little break and focused on Styling Curvy, and boy did that focus pay off!
Blogging is a funny thing, it’s a gig that you can do for fun OR you can monetise it and turn it into a business. My blog has always had an element of business but this year I decided that because I love it so much and can’t imagine doing anything else that I would turn it into my full time business. I cleared some ‘blocks’ I had around money and ‘self worth’ and jumped in feet first.
Guess what happened? I started attracting wonderful opportunities.
I said ‘yes’ to what filled me with joy or challenged me and ‘no’ to everything else. Suddenly I was doing professional modelling shoots (yes, plural), became an ambassador for Swankstore Kaftans, collaborated with Willow shoes from New Zealand and teamed up with loads of amazing brands. I also got my kit off again and again shooting lingerie and cossies …of course 🙂
There was travel too, three trips to Queensland, two to Melbourne and one to Sydney. Phew! I also had the opportunity to drive around in not one but two great cars, not for long but it was fun while it lasted 🙂 Blogger connections when I travel interstate are so much fun, read more HERE
I appeared on the TV show Adelady, walked a (local) red carpet and did plenty of public speaking around cancer and body confidence.
I started back doing workshops (even taking one to Brisbane) and have a few planned for 2017, in fact there’s lots of exciting stuff planned for 2017. I’m going to launch and e-course plus I’m exploring a few other big things for Styling Curvy. For those of you who loved my private group ‘Body Loving Babes’, stay tuned, something similar is coming. There’s also new labels lined up to collaborate with (you will love them) and a few other things in the pipeline.
It sounds exciting and glamorous, and it is but it’s also been scary and challenging. Just a few short years ago I couldn’t do anything on a computer but check facebook and send an email and these days I’m doing ALL the tech stuff! There’s even going to be regular emails in your inbox (sign up here) from January. I’m invoicing, chasing down late payments (like a pitbull), negotiating contracts, wheeling and dealing for discounts for YOU and much , much more 🙂 Some days ALL the balls are in the air!
One of my most exciting (and proudest) achievements this year was winning two blogging awards. Yup, this chick who didn’t even have a primary school sports day ribbon won ‘Best Lifestyle Blog’ PLUS ‘Best Blog” for the Bupa blog awards 2016 (read more HERE). I was up against some mighty fine bloggers, some who have been blooging waaaaay longer than me but I did it!. The best bit of winning the awards was I couldn’t wait to tell all of you. You see, you’re my people…my community and sharing with you all is what I do, and what I love.
This Styling Curvy Community has heart. You’re a stylish bunch, caring, funny, thoughtful and just fun to wake up to each day. There’s been a few dicks but they’re not part of the community…agitators that can get stuffed. You guys, you make each day exciting and different, you make me challenge myself again and again and you are just a damn fine bunch of top chicks. I want to thank you for that.
Cheers to 2016, it’s been ace and I can’t wait to see what 2017 has to bring.
What’s been your highlights for 2016? Have you loved being a part of the Styling Curvy Community?
What do you love seeing/reading about most? Tell me all the things 🙂
Til next time,
Jen x
Vicky says
December 23, 2016 at 10:22 amMerry Christmas Jen, you’re an inspiration xxoo
Jenni says
December 23, 2016 at 10:24 amOh thankyou Vicky 🙂
Merry Christmas to you too x
lINDA says
December 23, 2016 at 10:47 amI have only started following you this year after I noticed a friend was following you and I was instantly hooked. I think I read every post that you had posted and all of your blog in any spare time that I had. After about six months I noticed a few other people that had blogs and I started to follow them but I always came back to you. I realised after a while why I always came back to you and it was because you are always so real and down to earth, in my words you were just more my cup of tea. You always made me smile, cry or laugh and that is a great gift. I hope that your 2017 is filled with all the great things that life offers XX.
Jenni says
December 23, 2016 at 11:08 amOh i like tea and I’m pleased I’m ‘your cup of tea’. Thanks for reading and being a part of this wonderful community x
ela says
December 23, 2016 at 10:51 amThank you for being positive and honest, I have loved reading your blog and posts. My greatest achievement has been completing my grad dip in Secondary Teaching (Home Economics), while have a toddler and my husband working so hard so I could do it. So I am forever grateful.
Jenni says
December 23, 2016 at 11:09 amCongratulations Ela, home economics was always my favourite subject. X
Natalie says
December 23, 2016 at 10:52 amHi Jen
Love your honesty and ability to be very humble in all you do. A lot of bloggers don’t connect like you due to not being real! You have that! Well done to a successful 2016! Plus your a funny chic and I love when you snort when you laugh.
Jenni says
December 23, 2016 at 11:11 amOh thankyou Natalie ❤ the snort laugh had and always will be a part of me x
Jenni says
December 23, 2016 at 11:11 amOh thankyou Natalie ❤ the snort laugh has and always will be a part of me x
Katicia says
December 23, 2016 at 11:09 amI love seeing your latest read arrive and tuning in to Live at 5. I dont have much confidence or self worth but you are helping me think differently about myself. I hope to attend a workshop next year.
I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas Season.
Huge Hugs xxx
Jenni says
December 23, 2016 at 11:25 amKatica I just love doing live video!
Not living that your confidence is low but I hope I can help you with that.
Merry Christmas x
debra says
December 23, 2016 at 11:12 am<3 Merry Christmas Jen
Jenni says
December 23, 2016 at 11:15 amThankyou and to you Debra x
Kirsten and co says
December 23, 2016 at 11:22 amCongrats on an action packed, amazing year! Have a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous 2017 x
Jenni says
December 23, 2016 at 11:37 amThanks Kirsten, it’s been truly wonderful. Merry Christmas gorgeous x
Cheekie says
December 23, 2016 at 2:30 pmI’ve loved all you do esp the style tips and brands you endorse…I am just hoping you are coming to Melbourne in 2017 to host or run a workshop and then join me for some bubbles!
Merry Christmas and wishing you continued success and good health.
JANe Magor says
December 23, 2016 at 2:36 pmLove everything about your page and love you!!. Love that you open your heart to us, your honest, your kind, your funny, you have compassion, and you are a human being… I look forward to seeing what 2017 brings. I’ve had many highlights, surprise holiday to Queensland, Celebrated 20 years of marriage.. I become Assistant Sales Manager at work, Got recognised for star of the month at work and celebrated 5 years of service. On the down side we are going through Cancer in the family which has more bad days than good. It’s been a tough few weeks lots of tears, and anger but we as a family stay strong together…
Merry Christmas Jen and a safe 2017. xxx
merilyn says
December 23, 2016 at 5:14 pmgood on you jen! … you are amazing!
you’ve worked hard and put yourself out there! … you deserve the accolades hun!
I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a healthy and happy 2017!
much love m:)X
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
December 23, 2016 at 5:17 pmYay you! You’ve had the most amazing year, here’s hoping 2017 is amazing PLUS! Love your work, lady! Here’s hoping your holidays are full of happy and that you get to eat, drink and make lots of merry! xx
Jennifer says
December 23, 2016 at 7:09 pmAlways look forward to reading your blog , your an inspiration Jen, wow what a year you’ve had. You go girl! Enjoy your Chrissy with the Fam & I so look forward to next years Curvy blogs .
Emma-Jane says
December 23, 2016 at 7:35 pmYou’ve inspired me to feel comfortable in my own skin and also to start my own blog. Thanks for your authenticity. All the best in 2017!
Donna says
December 23, 2016 at 8:39 pmAs I have said before you are such an inspiration. I do suffer from depression mainly over my body. You make me happy. You are so amazing after everything you have been through, you have the ability not to dwell on your issues. I am so glad I Found your blog and I love your live posts but unfortunately I only get to see them a couple of hours later. I hope 2017 will be everything you want it to be. Have a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year. Enjoy spending time with your family. X
Angela says
December 23, 2016 at 10:46 pmHi Jen – my daughter laughs when I buy something you have inspired me to try – coz we have exactly the same body shape – I say stylin curvy rocked this the other day!! So thanks for being my ‘try this’ chick. Good luck for 2017 and beyond – well done to you !! You rock girlfriend ?⭐️
Kirrily Burton says
December 24, 2016 at 9:23 amA wonderful wrap up post to an amazing year, Jen. Co granulation son your success, I have really enjoyed watching and being a tiny part of your community this year, and look forward to seeing what you pull out of the hat next year.
Much love,
Kirrily
Barb ovesen says
December 24, 2016 at 2:33 pmJen …reach for the stars in 2017!!! We all have your back!!! Love you girl, you make my day!!! Merry Blessed Christmas!!!!!??????
Maggie ObSt says
December 27, 2016 at 12:01 pmHi Jen, what a wonderful year you have had. Love the photo of you in Bali,and the one in your magic black top and bottoms(jeans) I think! Have just found time to read your blog,love keeping up with you. Trust you had a lovely Christmas and are resting up for 2017. Cheers and love. Maggiexx