Happy Anniversary, Afrobellas!
Two years ago, I was exhausted. I’d stayed up all night writing my very first post and trying to learn how to embed a video on my brand new blog. I figured, what were the odds of anyone feeling like I do about Josephine Baker? I came to find out, they were much better than I ever dreamed. When I first started Afrobella, it was such a personal journey that I didn’t expect to have readers or commenters. I didn’t expect anything, beyond simply expressing myself to the world. I didn’t have any idea how rich and wonderful this blog could make my life.
It’s been two fleeting years, and in that time I’ve made so many new friends all over the world. I’ve learned to be less afraid of posting photos of myself online — I AGONIZED over it at first. Now it doesn’t feel like a big deal, sometimes I gotta show you all what works and what doesn’t, right? I’ve been recognized around Miami more times than I can count — it’s always so cool to meet real life bellas. I love it. And because of that, I’m working on some upcoming events. What do you think about that? Would any of you Miami residents like to come to an Afrobella beauty bash sometime?
Through Afrobella, I’ve been featured on NPR a bunch of times — it’s always exciting and always an honor. Because of this blog, I’ve grown more confident as a writer and as a person — the lessons I learned a year ago continue to stand me in excellent stead — even when sometimes I think that I can’t, I CAN. And I will. And I have you all to thank, because you keep me going.
I planned to celebrate this anniversary with more and better writing, but I’ve learned to reserve my energy and not kill myself with too much to do — that way my ideas are always lucid and I can always be proud of what I’ve written. I do plan to write more over the weekend, but I’ve learned that readers will come back if I take a few days off, or stop working on a regular feature, or don’t write about the hot new nailpolish/lipstick/mascara that everyone else is writing about. I’ve learned so much from your comments, input, and e mails. And I have so many plans for Afrobella. I don’t even see it as just a beauty blog anymore — it feels like a movement. And I have so many more ideas and surprises in store. Can’t wait to tell you more about what’s next!
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of interviewing Janelle Monae — she is AWESOME, BTW — and the first thing she said to me almost made me cry. She said “thank you for supporting me so early on in my career. I love what you guys are doing. It’s so positive for natural women like myself.” My heart felt like it was going to burst. Then I explained to Janelle — there’s no “you guys,” it’s just little ol’ me writing my heart out. Although it is just one person writing these posts every day before she goes off to work — it’s all of you readers who make this experience so special. So I just wanna say happy anniversary and send lots of love to all of you beautiful, intelligent afrobellas out there who share your opinions and make this beauty blog the best it can possibly be. I wouldn’t be anywhere without you.
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- Memory Lane | afrobella | August 31, 2008
Happy blog anniversary! Woq, how inspiring it is that you’ve managed to accomplish so much as a blogger in two short years. You’ve built such a wonderful community here. Hope you consider doing something in LA!
Happy Anniversary Bella!!! Right on the heels of my first and i know ur proud of your trini athlete taking silver in the 100m!!! Of course im elated about Usain and Jamaica’s first 100m GOLD world record performance!
ok so im in the Olympic spirit today, have a good one!
Congratulations superBella! I’m so proud of your success and courage to do something completely different! Your site is truly a labor of love and it shows. I’m soo lucky to be able to yell over a cubicle wall to ya – and send you creepy text messages 24-7! And since I’m one inch into a bella transformation of my own, I’m even happier that we’re friends. Love ya, P! Oh, and duhhhh on the Bella events – pass the champagne.
xo
Robin to your calendar Batman
Happy anniversay Afrobella!
You have a wonderful blog and I enjoy reading your posts just like everyone else.
I know you will be blogging for years to come.
Thanks for writing
Happy Bellaversary!
Happy Afroversary, chica! Congratulations on two years of blogging. I love how your blog has something for everyone and you touch on so many subjects from hair to politics to hair politics (LOL) and everything in between. And not only do you blog your behind off, but you’re very supportive of other bloggers, too. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done and will continue to do.
Cheers to you!
Butta
http://www.SoulBounce.com
I’ve been a ready almost since the beginning and can’t believe two years has just flown by! Keep doing what you’re doing!
You’ve been my “friend-in-my-head” for so long, that calling up your blog seems like a conversation with an intelligent, sweet, and fabulous girlfriend.
Congratulations on your success and I wish you more to come in the future. I was recently introduced to your website and have enjoyed what have seen thus far. I am new to blogging and your words give hope if you put in hard work and time results will come. I would attend an event you have in Miami. Keep up the good work, keep on doing what you love and know you are inspiring others out here. I have definitely added you as a link on my site so others can see your work.
http://www.askyandx.blogspot.com
a beauty bash would be awesome!!! your blog has hooked me on new products and inspired me to create my own blog (though it is still a work in progress:) Keep up the good work!
I have never commented on the blog before, though I read it regularly and always enjoy it. But I felt the need to say today – congratulations on your success. I’m not talking in terms of media recognition or anything like that. I’m saying – if your goal was to express yourself, share your views, reach out to your sisters, and touch their hearts, then you have certainly done that. You’re a gifted writer, a dedicated blogger. One of my blogger idols, actually. I wish you as many years online as you wish to bless us readers with. Kudos, kudos, kudos.
Congrats, I have been a regular reader for about a year now. I love your eclectic mix of articles and wish you all the best for the future.
sorry misspelled my blog name.
Happy Anniversary. One of my favorite blogs!!!! Hi to all the beautiful bellas everywhere!!
Congratulations on your two year anniversary!!!
Happy anniversary and congrats! I’m sure the best is yet to come.
Happy Anniversary, Afrobella!!!!
You’ve done so well and your writing is ALWAYS exquisite, inquisitive, unique, colourful and moving.
I believe that there will be many, MANY more Anniversaries to come.
WELL DONE YOU, dear heart, WELL DONE!!!
Much love to you.
Anita
Hey Bella.
I’m days late but not a dollar short. You’re blog is one of the Afrosphere’s most positive and endearing. I love your energy. You’ve always been nothing short of sweet, honest, and personable. Happy Anniversary Bella.
GT
Happpppy bloggiversary!
Happy Anniversary! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and information Afrobella!
Happy Two Years Afrobella!!!
I would fly to Miami to support your event (i’m from the Chi!). I beleive your blog is an inspiration to women everywhere. Thanks Bella!
I enjoy the mix you provide. Most of all I enjoy your spirit of adventure it transcends all the way down the line to me here in London. You have exposed me to music I wouldn’t have listened to had I not heard it here. You have taken a mannered approach to controversial issues. Well done Bella.
I’m soooo late, but Happy Anniversary!!! Love this site.
Haven’t been able to post in the hottest minute, although I still read you (feel you)! what an awesome milestone – Happy 2nd anniversary AFROBELLA!!!! You are such a beautiful spirit and inspiration. I apprecite you sharing your journey and wish you many more years of Afrobella blessings to come!
THANK YOU AFROBELLA!!!! I found your site earlier this year, I don’t know how I came across it though, but I have gone back and read every single blog. Thank you so much! I have had a relaxer since I was 4 yrs old. I’ve been relaxer free for about 5 or 6 yrs now but all that time I’ve worn it straight, flatironed every week. This summer is the very first time in my life, that I can remember, that I’ve worn it naturally and proudly! All thanks to you.
I never wore it out because everyone always had a negative comment. It hwas so bad that I was in tears willing to just cut it all off bcuz I had no idea what to do with it and bcuz everyone made me feel like it wasnt RIGHT. But you taught me ya know what? SCREW Y’ALL!! No I do not have gorgeous flowing beautiful ringlets nor do i hv that luscious perfect oval fro. What I have is a mess of giant supersized big mama do whatvr it wants in any direction it wants fluffiness that sits atop my head. And its gorgeous!! Ya kno how i kno, cuz Afrobella says so! Nah nah nah poo poo to the haters.
I have never done this much experimenting in my life! Btwn you and Motown girl I try all kinds of stuff. Sumdays it works sumdays not so much! But whtvr happens i hold my head up high and bring sexy bk every step of the way! So thank you Afrobella, thk u for my confidence thk u for your wisdom and support and thank you for this beautiful wonderful amazing resource that is afrobella.com. My hair (or should I say crowning glory
and I are forever in your debt. Keep it goin’ bella!
Happy Anniversary. You Rock….
Hey Girl!!
Sorry I am late to the party! Congratulations to you on your SECOND Blogiversary!! I loved meeting you in person and I want you to know that you are as beautiful and kind in person as you have been to me online and in emails! I hope I get to spend more time with you in the future so KEEP DOING YOUR THING! You have a unique voice and you are a very insightful and talented writer.
xoxoxo
Lianne
Extremely interesting writing thanks for sharing