Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Ryan.
Lindsay, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
From sharing my favorite places and adventures in my adopted hometown of San Diego, to first dipping my toe in the style blogging world, to gushing about my first born — I’ve launched a number of various blog ventures since moving to America’s Finest City in 2005. Having always been a writer in some capacity, it took being awarded the opportunity to cover Fashion Week San Diego in 2015 for NBC 7, to really make a commitment to myself to be intentional about this passion. This assignment confirmed my true desire to pursue writing as more than just a hobby.
Shortly after completing that coverage, Affordably Accessorized made its debut and I was thrilled to be scouting and sharing the best in wallet-friendly accessory finds. I was able to reconnect with many friends in the San Diego Style Bloggers (that I had made before having kids and taking a blogging break), and also create so many meaningful new relationships with fellow writers and influencers.
While I absolutely adored cultivating an online community around shoes and scarves, bags and baubles, I started to feel an internal tugging in late-2017. I knew that I couldn’t fully share my story without including my personal faith and cornerstone of my identity — especially as I grappled with navigating life after losing my father and marriage. Thus, Accessorized Alleluia was born earlier this year, and I feel so much more “at home.” Connecting with women and moms on our common journey of stylishly embracing our calling, is just what I’m meant to be doing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Having three children while trying to work full-time and blog on the side, has definitely been a challenge. My world was really rocked with my first, chock full of tons of anxiety. Learning to be a “working mom” is hands-down the hardest thing I’ve done in my adult life.
Many of the local bloggers and entrepreneurs I know are just starting down the path of raising young children. I wish I could sit down with each one of them and say, it IS hard! Give yourself grace! Just breathe. It does get easier but, when you’re smack dab in the middle of infant / toddler chaos, that’s hard to imagine.
The more recent struggle I’ve experienced is the race to “keep up.” Social media has turned into a numbers game (which is even harder with the algorithm changes), but I’m really encouraged to see so many experts advising influencers to foster the readers they do have, and to engage at whatever level your presence is at.
I would advise a younger version of myself to just “stay in your lane,” being yourself and sharing the unique gifts and perspective you bring to the world (without worrying what everyone else is doing or has going on!).
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Accessorized Alleluia – what should we know?
My blog and social tagline is “Tales of a modern-day mom trying to glorify Jesus, love her kids well and stylishly embrace life.”
I would hope that those who know me would consider me down-to-earth and a real person. That sounds kind of strange, but there’s a lot of superficiality in the influencer space. I’ve seen it and felt so minimized by it, so it’s my personal mission to be approachable and show up as me. Crazed mom, accessory addict. very imperfect Christian — they all apply!
I have a lot of friends and readers reach out for advice on jewelry or with enthusiasm for one of my latest spottings. That really touches me. In a world that’s falling apart, style accents probably seem really trivial, but a pair of statement earrings can also bring us a lot of joy and make life much more fun.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Put yourself out there and be kind. Opportunities show up much more often when you’ve made yourself available, and people are infinitely more willing to help someone who’s genuinely nice to them. Say YES – you might be surprised where it takes you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AccessorizedAlleluia.com
- Email: lindsay@accessorizedalleluia.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/accessorizedalleluia
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/accessorizedalleluia
Image Credit:
Shannon O’Connor Photography, Shyla Marie Photography, Kelly Turla Photography
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