Goodbye, NYC & Hey Hi Hello, Austin!
New York, I love you. We've been together for almost eight years. You've shaped me, challenged me, pushed me, and enabled me to make my dreams a reality. I'm saying goodbye for now, as I'm entering a new chapter of my life in the Southwest. But before I go, I want to take a trip down memory lane to share my journey from a small town in Kentucky to the Big Apple and also to not forget the magic that happened here.
My New York journey began in the Fall of 2011. I was studying away for a semester at my school's fashion studio and interning in the bridal fashion industry. I lived in a tiny triple lofted dorm in the New Yorker Hotel, and I met one of my best gals Natalie.
Hot summer nights and a whole lotta Thai food...
I returned to NYC that following summer for another internship. Since I didn't really have the funds, I ended up borrowing $1500 from my Uncle. I shared a small room in Hell's Kitchen with Natalie and slept on a Japanese futon mattress on her floor. I just remember eating A LOT of pad thai that summer, because it was cheap and the large portions lasted me a couple meals. Despite my frugality, I started running out of money after two months, so I put up flyers to walk dogs in our building. It tied me over for a bit, but sadly wasn't enough. So, I left my internship a few weeks early and back to the midwest I went!
Officially makin' NYC my home
I finished up my last semester that fall, graduating a semester early. I landed a job with the same company I interned with that summer and permanently relocated to the city a few months later. April 2013 marked the official start to my life in NYC!
I hustled in the fashion world for several years working in wholesale, traveling a lot for work, moving into design and production, then transitioning into marketing and social media strategy. I spoke a little bit about my time in the 9-5 grind on the Munchin' with Mogul's podcast. Every opportunity was a stepping stone leading me to what I do today. It's funny how life sets you up that way without realizing it in the moment. I used to feel like my experience was too broad, and I didn't specialize in anything. Looking back, now I see my experience has really set me up to run my own business, because I understand it from all angles.
From this point on, most of you know my story... and if you don't you can watch my video on How I Started Blogging. Also, this blog post sums up my timeline fairly well.
Om & a New City // Why Austin?
So, why Austin, Texas? If you follow me on the 'gram, then you probably already know how much I love the city of Austin. I've had my eye on the city for a few years now ever since my mom and I visited, but it was on this trip in 2016 when I was completely sold. Quite simply put, it felt like home. I hadn't felt that way about any other city since NYC, so it was incredibly exciting.
I always knew NYC wasn't forever. I crave s p a c e. Not just physical, but also mental space. I want sunshine, nature, hills to hike, and yes, eventually a home to own. My drive and productivity is all from within, and I don't need the hustle and bustle of a large city to channel it. Austin is the perfect mix of city meets the great outdoors, it's ridiculously dog friendly, and the wellness scene is about to explode. I want to be a part of that.
Another amazing perk: I have extended family nearby in Houston and Dallas. This is probably my favorite part about moving to Texas. I want to see my grandparents, my uncles, my aunts, my cousins, and I want MY MOM, DAD, AND BROTHER, to move here too! HINT HINT... Hey, Mom & Dad. You with me?!
Did you see our Moving Vlog showing behind-the-scenes of our ATX apartment search? Check it out.
Alright, time to do the damn thing.
So, here we are. Our awesome Roadway movers picked up all of our things over the weekend, and Andrew and I head out on May 1st. We are now left in our little studio apartment on the 20th floor overlooking all of Brooklyn with a few suitcases and our pup Luna. It's surreal that we're finally leaving, but to say we're ready to go is an understatement. We can only handle transition-mode for so long.
To all of the beautiful, inspiring, and brilliant people we've befriended over the years:
Thank you. Thank you for sharing your light. Thank you for your love, your support, and your friendship. It's the people that make life so wonderful, not the place. You're always welcome in our new home of Austin, Texas!
You guys, I wish I could tell you all of the things I'm working on for this year. I'm taking this business to the next level, so I can't wait to let you see it all unfold.
Cheers to new beginnings and beyond,