Happy 5th Anniversary, Doll Up Mari!!!

From that point until now, there are many things that have changed. I learned and grew so much in photography and videography. I’m still not good at these things today, but compared to 2013, I made a big leap. Being a blogger is the ultimate entrepreneurial exercise, and from that point until now, I learned so much about how PR works and how this industry works. I used to be clueless over how press releases work, concepts of quid pro quo, and basically, everything. I didn’t take up journalism in college, and I also didn’t work for the press, which is why I slowly learned how press and media work in action by myself. 

Even though I didn’t ask for it, I’ve witnessed a lot about the evils of people with the abuse I have gone through. A lot of things were eye-opening to a naive me. Years ago, I used to be hungry for each and every opportunity. I wanted this, that, this, that, without really thinking about what the implications would be for me in the long run. I have experienced a fair share of abuse throughout the years from some unscrupulous brands, that I have learned to keep an eye on things more. Back then, I used to pray for each and every door to open. But now, when I pray, I always pray that if a door will lead to bad, then keep it shut forever. Although people expect me to have learned my worth from all the abuse and to value myself more, I don’t really think that way. I learned the hard way from various work experiences that no matter how much worth you have, to the wrong or abusive people, it’s still not enough. It’s important to spend more time on the people who see your worth and to cease wasting time on the people who don’t. That’s something that really comes up to mind when people ask me what I’ve learned or how I’ve changed. 

But of course, some things don’t change. It’s been 5 years of having a rookie mindset and I intend to continue to do so. In my whole life, it was my grit and guts that got me to places, and will take me to more places in the future. 

Finally, to those who are wondering, I chose to take this kind of photo last night because it’s what’s real. In reality, to shoot that much beauty products and flatlays over the years, it’s very messy. I mean I do tidy up and organize and then reorganize. But when I shoot things, it really gets messy. I work late nights, spend countless of hours editing things, and I often don’t have a sense of time. The lights are hot, which is why I’m just in whatever clothes I have on, and usually without makeup, because I’ll sweat and get dirty anyways. My legs and back always hurt because of all the bending and squatting I do when shooting things. It’s the exact opposite of glamorous. 

The biggest irony perhaps is that it’s actually really unglamorous to be a beauty blogger. No one really tells you that behind all the cutesy flatlays and makeup shots. But obviously, of course, I wouldn’t have stayed around for this long if I don’t love what I do.