Friday, August 10, 2012

The Peak of Très Chic Turns 1!

YAY!!!  It's a very special weekend.  The Peak of Très Chic turns 1 tomorrow! 


I can't believe it's nearly been 365 days since I first clicked "publish" on this intial post.
Looking back through my first few months, I cringe a bit.  Photos are mis-sized, I'm a little too verbose, and I pretty much talked to myself to begin with.  But you know what?  This blog was my haven (actually, it still is!) and was an escape from a time of dissatisfaction in the path my life was taking.  At the time, I was working 8-6 most days with a 45 minute commute both ways.  The worst part?  I hated my job.  I felt like a failure, because I had worked really hard in undergrad so I could get a "good" job that paid well and had good benefits.  That part had been accomplished, but what about the fulfillment part?  I felt completely lost.  If you had told me that in a year I'd be in school for interior design and working at an interior design firm, I would never have believed you.


My blog is so special to me because it has been a way for me to connect with other likeminded individuals who share the same interests.  Bloggers tend to be of the passionate, kind breed (for the most part), and it's been fun to expand my network of friends.  It has also been a way for me to develop my aesthetic over time and discover what truly gets me excited every day.  I decided to compile the lessons I've learned over the past year and share them with you, in case you are new to blogging or are contemplating whether to start a blog yourself...
1.) People respond most to original content.  They like to see the projects you have been working on, pictures of a room that inspires you, etc.- as long as it's in your voice.  Don't just repost what every other blog finds interesting- stick with what resonates with you.  Before you hit "publish", think to yourself- "Would I want to read this?"

2.) Find other blogs that fit within your particular niche.  Comment with meaningful thoughts on their post.  This will help inspire you and will help you get your name out there.  But never use comments as a way to solely promote your blog- it's rude!

3.) In order to post regularly, you have to be passionate about your topic.  There's no way on earth I'd be able to wake up each day and post if I wasn't passionate about interior design, fashion, entertaining and the other topics I explore.

4.)  It's good to find a balance between posting about your personal life and keeping the focus on your business/passions. Do people really want to know what you are doing every single day?  Probably not (unless your Kelly Wearstler).  But having a voice and sharing a bit in to your personal life will help readers connect with you.

5.) Be kind, always!  You never accomplish anything with negativity.

Well... that's all I've got lovelies.  Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me or sent kind words to me over the past year.  I've been so blessed to meet some incredible people!  I can't wait for year 2.... ;)


XOXO, Sam!

{Images via here, here, and here}

31 comments:

  1. Happy Blog Birthday Sam!!! I've absolutely loved getting to know you and your blog this past year. Here's to many more birthdays!

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  2. I didn't realize you had been around for one year only!! OMG! I thought you had been doing this for a few years at least. Well many, many congratulations. I love coming here. I get inspired, am entertained and I learn a lot. So thank you! I know blogging everyday is a lot of work and you make it seem so effortless and easy. Thanks for your tips too.

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  3. Happy birthday to one of my favorite blogs

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  4. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ONE OF MY FAVORITES! So glad you started blogging Sam! xoxox

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  5. Happy One Year Sam!! So fun to see you finding and LIVING your passion! xo

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  6. Happy one year anniversary! Thanks for sharing the tips. I am just diving into the blogging world and learning as much as I can. I hope to make lots of blogger friends because I'd agree with you that most bloggers are very passionate. Thanks again Sam!

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  7. Happy Blogiversary, Sam! I've loved reading along with you! Cheers to many more years!

    xoxo, Emily
    www.mainstreetchic.blogspot.com

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  8. Happy blog birthday Sam! Love your blog and I love your tips! :)

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  9. Happy Blogiversary, Sam! It's amazing to see how far you've come- such an inspiration. xx

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  10. This is fabulous Sam! Happy blog Birthday! It's crazy to see how things change in just a year! And I'm so happy that your last 365 days have lead you to exactly where you want to be! Xo

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  11. Happy blogiversary! I love reading your blog!

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  12. Happy Birthday to The Peak of Tres Chic!! Here is to many more years xox

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  13. Congratulations! I'm a new reader but I'm really enjoying your fabulous blog! Can't wait to read more.

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  14. Happy blogiversary darling! You deserve every success!

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  15. Hi Sam!
    First of all, congratulation with your one year anniversary :)

    Thank you for your sweet comment over at "my place", it really made my day! And I am happy you found me, cause then I found you. I am following you back now, and I really look forward to see what else you come up with.

    I also want to say thank you for sharing such great tips about blogging!

    xx Marie

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  16. Congratulations on a year! I only recently found your blog, but I've enjoyed it a lot so far :) Best wishes for year 2!

    Alyssa @ http://ruffleandcurl.blogspot.com

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  17. Happy 1 year, The Peak of Tres Chic!! Congrats Sam on a wonderful year of blogging. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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  18. Congratulations!!! It is amazing to see what you have accomplished in only a year. Very inspiring. I'm just a few months in but I really appreciate your advice and it is important for me to promote my values and the real reason I started blogging. All the best for the upcoming years.

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  19. Happy 1 year Birthday! Wonderful post!

    Cheers!

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  20. Congratulations on your first year! You have very great tips listed here so I thank you for sharing them!

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  21. Awww, Happy Birthday, blog. You're so sweet and I wish you continued blogging success. Hope you'll be treating your blog to some cake. :)

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  22. Congratulations and Happy 1 year birthday!

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  23. Congrats girl! You have had a terrific year. Your story is truly inspiring. You make me want to work harder and go after my dreams. :)

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  24. a year is a huge accomplishment! Your suggestions for blogging are so true! I've been at this for about 8 months (since Jan 2012). I found your blog via Pawleys Island Posh and I'm your newest follower!

    Congrats on a year!

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  25. congratulations and happy blog birthday! Your blog is quickly becoming a favorite (and i read a lot of them).

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  26. Congratulations! You've achieved so much in just one year!

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