Making Moves.

Social Media is a struggle + why I joined Substack

What you’ll find in this newsletter:

• Why I joined Substack

• What you can expect from my Substack: Thoughts from the Shelf

Why Substack, why now?

When I first created my Instagram page, I loved writing lengthy reviews and snapping a few photos of my beauty products. This was well before the time where Instagram decided to copy Tik Tok. Shifting completely to reels, Instagram forced us to condense photos accompanied by lengthy written reviews into 10 seconds of video footage, ideally with click bait [and forced enthusiasm] to please the algorithm. I really miss writing, and the additional context you can provide when reviewing products or discussing skin concerns in detail. Writing is something I’ve always loved and enjoyed. And to be completely honest, it’s nice to have a platform, where I don’t have to worry if my hair, makeup or nails are done to shoot a video.

I have really struggled over the last year deciding where I want my second home to land. What I mean by that is— Instagram is my primary platform and that won’t change— but I’m sure many of you know that as a creator, it’s not exactly a smart business move to put all of your eggs in one basket. If Instagram deletes my page randomly one day *POOF* there goes my business. Tik Tok is far too much of a time suck, and lacks the community feel that I love about Instagram. The people and comments on there are absolutely *unhinged.* And I just genuinely do not have the bandwidth to create a long-form video content every week for YouTube— I have a far greater appreciation for YouTubers because OMG it takes days to create one video. I’ve been hesitating to try and start another platform, because I’m not always great at following through on something once I get bored (yay ADHD!) —like when I started a separate IG page for my book reviews?? LOL

Substack’s app is like a far more enhanced and community driven version of Bloglovin meets a newsletter, with a feed like twitter, a chat feature like discord, but the community aspect of Instagram or Youtube. I love how the feed allows you can keep track of all of your favorite creators. The chat feature allows you to engage with the creator, but also other people in their community— with no additional need for a separate app to chat, or use a Facebook group. It’s truly become one of my favorite platforms outside of Instagram.

I love the intimate community aspect of Substack.

Picture this: the Sephora sale is coming up, and you want a specific recommendation. I can share my take, and others can chime in too! Or, you’re having a skincare crisis and can ask for help in the chat. I really want the content on my Substack to be community driven— with your content requests and skincare questions.

So here is what you can expect.

• Every Tuesday, I will send out my Thoughts from the Shelf— it will be delivered to your inbox, or you use the app to read.

Tuesday’s Thoughts from the Shelf will include what I’m up to behind the scenes. I would really like to share more about my personal life here— how I’m feeling, what I’m doing, + more. This space feels like a much smaller, safer space to do that! I will be sharing updates on what I’m reading, eating, watching, wearing, beauty + skincare I am loving or not. I really want to keep Tuesday’s content short and to the point.

• An important part of this Substack is going to be diving more in depth into YOUR skincare questions and concerns. Once you subscribe, you’ll get an email with a chance to ask questions or submit a content request in a google form that will help guide my future posts. I *think* I am going to send out a skincare question, or product review/round up every Thursday.

• You can also expect a few weekly posts a year around major beauty events- like the Sephora Sale! With round ups of my favorite products.

• Instagram isn’t going anywhere! This is an extension of that, with more nuance, more detail, and even more community.

What do you want to see in the newsletter?

Let me know in the comments what you’d like to see! Subscribe. Join the chat. Do all of the things. I cannot wait to talk with you!

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