I remember in my second year of university when my house mates ‘J’ and ‘N’ would beg me to ‘get on Instagram‘, because and I quote ‘I was forever taking pictures so why not document them’? They had a point but as a ‘self-confessed perfectionist’ I struggled with the idea of ‘putting myself out there’ and facing the condemnation and strong opinions of my peers. You see I was abused as a child by my stepmother and severely bullied throughout my teen years and early adult life, so I had serious issues with self-confidence and accepting who I was, when others clearly had such negative opinions about me. When others would take photos of me, it would fill me with anxiety because all I could see were flaws and I was paranoid that others would notice too. I imagined the hate I would get and it filled me with dread. But then something changed, I got sick and a light bulb went off. For the first time I realized that I shouldn’t give a f**k about what other people thought; instead I would go out there and live out my dreams, no matter what people said about me.
So that summer of 2015, when the tears would flow as freely as the wine my friends would enjoy I began taking charge of my own destiny. I wrote until my fingers were cramping and took photos to document my journey into blogging. But while many of you know how Blogging Changed My Life, I have never really spoken about my ‘Instagram Journey’ and how it taught me to express and harness my own personal brand of creativity. When I started Instagram, I was immediately hooked and yet it took me two years to even reach 10 K on Instagram. Contrary to what people might think, there is more to Instagram than just images and with a very ‘niche aesthetic’ I found it difficult to find who I was as a person. You see when it comes to image construction, choosing photos that represent who you are on Instagram is bloody difficult. When you find it hard to be confident and struggle with ‘showing self-love’ it can mean endless weeks where you find fault with every image taken. It sounds superficial to say, but taking photos used to make me feel so anxious because I was always worried what people may think.
Even today, I find myself comparing who I am as a Blogger and Instagrammer to others. I find fault with every photo taken, sometimes abandon blog post ideas because the photos are not up to my high standards and always wish that I could be this ‘polished, confident woman’ that others present themselves as. But then I realized something and it became the key to ‘unlocking more followers on Instagram’…there is beauty in imperfection and the more that you share with your audience, the more that they can connect with your page. I thought that the day would never come when I hit 10 K on Instagram, but then as if out of nowhere I hit that magic milestone. I felt close to tears, my audience believed in me and then it hit me. When was I going to start believing in myself? When was I going to accept that I am much better than I think? I know that sometimes my insecurities stop me from living out my dreams, I know that sometimes I fall short of my own high expectations but isn’t it about time that I stopped letting my demons control me and listen to the people around me who tell me that I am good?
So yes I’m not perfect, far from it. I am never going to be that Instagrammer with the perfect hair and the flawless skin. Sure my teeth are not straight and I don’t conform to the ideal of a ‘conventional beauty’ but what I lack in conventionality I make up for through my writing. Because despite Instagram being labelled as an ‘image platform’ we can create so many beautiful stories-whether that be through thought provoking captions or the images that we curate- and Instagram can show our audience who we are as visionaries. My readers, my followers, my friends I want to thank you for always believing in me even when I was so hard on myself. Thank you for not abandoning me when I shared my deepest and darkest moments. You have been with me through thick and thin and as the tears fall once again, this time my tears are infused with happiness. We have shared ups and downs; you held my hand when I was at my most depressed and gave me a salve for my wounds when I struggled to overcome my past. You taught me that there is beauty in simplicity and that while words might be the weapons that we need to survive, our photos are what help us tell our stories with courage and honesty.
We have shared deaths and births together, when you were upset, I too felt your pain. We shone a light in the darkness and used that flashlight to carve out a tunnel that would lead to mutual success. When my readers won awards I would champion them and laugh when they laughed. When I saw that someone was struggling I would reach out to them and lend a helping hand. And when there were stories of engagement and finding forever love my heart would swell with joy, because we all deserve a shot at happiness no matter who you are or what age it says on your birth certificate. We might be oceans apart and be from completely different worlds but that doesn’t mean that I can’t appreciate everything that you have done for me. So thank you readers, for not only getting me 10 K followers on Instagram but for believing in me, even when I no longer believed in myself.
Thank You x
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I love instagram its such avisual platform, I have been following your feed for a while now and I love it. Well don3 for reaching a milestone of 10k followers.
Congrats on 10K followers & being transparent about your journey.
It is normal to want love and acceptance especially as a child growing up. Negative messages from family members or school mates can do great damage to one’s self esteem. I am sorry you suffered at the hand of your stepmother. By writing openly about such matters, you are taking a major step towards healing. It may be two steps forward, one step back, on a day-to-day basis, but no matter. You should be proud of yourself.
Congratulations on hitting 10,000 followers, Ana! I don’t have instagram myself but manage accounts for a few clients. That’s a huge milestone and with your engaged following, i’m sure 100,000 is just around the corner 🙂
What a great post Ana. I do love your Instagram feed and pictures and had fun taking photos together when we were in London 🙂 – Well done on 10k THAT IS MASSIVE! I am on 7K so following in your footsteps slowly but surely….and yes it can be hard not to compare but stuff them all! Be YOU! Angela x
First Congratulations for that many followers. Trust me you deserve it.
Second Again Congratulations for proving world.
Third Again Congratulations for not getting affected by negative emotions and conflicts. It does affect but facing it makes it worth.
So I guess Congratulations were in order. hehhe
So glad you have got there, you deserve it. You are a beauty in every sense of the world, inside and out. So very well done!
Well done! I’ve just started on Instagram and am only rocking 100 odd followers so you’ve done amazingly well to get to over 10k!
Congratulations to your 10K – and thanks for being so honest about your own story and your feelings. Looking at all these instagram accounts makes me feel as if everyone had a picture perfect life. So it was really refreshing to read your honest words.
Well done! Congratulations! Wish I could hit the 10k mark too. I’m halfway there… but it’s just so difficult to reach an audience in IG, at least, I’m struggling! xx
Congrtulations on 10k followers, I have to admit I still need to get on board properly with Instagram, but you are right no one is perfect and it is nice to show people that you are not perfect as it does make you more human. You work so hard and really deserve your success x
Congratulations that is such a huge milestone. I enjoy reading your posts, you are such an honest writer.
Yay, that is a big milestone – congrats. You post consistent good content on there, so I am not surprised you hit the mark.
Congrats on 10K, it is so exciting! Instagram has become of of my favorite social platforms, especially for my blog. I love being able to share a sneak peak into my real life, that may not be so pretty and put together as it may look on my blog.
Congratulations! Totally well deserved. Sounds like you’ve come on leaps and bounds with your idea of self-worth. Nobody is perfect and that’s ok. Sending you bucket loads of good vibez. Who knows, maybe in 2018 you’ll reach 20k.
This is so lovely – congratulations on reaching 10K! You really deserve it 🙂
Well done what an achievement especially because Instagram has become such a slow one to grow these days!
Wow, congratulations on 10 thousand!! Instagram is the slowest growing social media platform for me. Needless to say that I don’t spend much time there. Perhaps it would help if I did.
Well done on hitting 10K, amazing achievement. IG has been a real struggle for people over the last 6 months since they changed it all!
Way to go on all of the followers. Instagram is the one social media platform I can’t seem to love yet. I’ve got to check out your links, that looks great on you.
Oh wow that’s great news. Congratulations on reaching 10K on instagram. Ha, I have along way to go to catch up, I’m not even on 1000 lol. It isn’t easy to build up a following on there so you’ve done really well.
Congrats! I still have a way to go there but I’m sure I will be there soon enough.
P.S. your insta is beautiful
Congrats on 10k followers. You are beautiful and a true inspiration to others, I am so glad you were able to break through the abuse and find the self confidence you had all along. Xoxoxo
I love instagram and plan on growing my account more. Well done on gaining 10k followers what a great milestone and achievement.
Congratulations on 10K followers on Instagram! I applaud your story and being open about it.
Congrats on actually having over 12,000 followers. The cheetah and I followed as well….but we are sticklers for the return follow. Since we don’t really do Instagram,you can follow on twitter instead…have a great Monday,Ana.
Congrats on the 10K ! I’m a lover of instagram, but starting to worry that it is just becoming another Facebook with all the sponsored posts and algorithms. It gives me hope when I see someone persevering through it and succeeding 🙂
Congrats on 10k BABE! You are an inspiration for sure! I also deal with the “comparing” journey of being a blogger but I have learned how that can really hold me back from growing. I always appreciate your honesty and your beautiful spirit! Keep posting because I love everything you say in your captions and your photos bring color to my feed! Proud of you!
Congrats on the 10k followers! It is a big milestone and so amazing! You really deserve it! You put a lot of work in your insta and your feed is beautiful!
Oh my gosh, congratulations! What a huge accomplishment! You completely deserve it!
Congratulations on reaching 10,000 Instagram followers. Such an inspiring story about your journey to acquiring self-esteem and confidence. You go girl!
I really wish I could see your Instagram feed, because the way you’ve explained it on your blog it sounds spectacular. Your blog is amazing and I have no doubt that your Instagram is too!
Congratulations on reaching 10 K, I’m still yet to reach 1000 😂😂 xxx
I have always enjoyed your Insta stream. you always have the best backdrops to all your images. I wish the states would have as many murals as your area does. Congrats
Congrats on 10k, girl! It’s very well deserved. I love how you’re overcoming your childhood and teen years and are embracing Instagram as your platform. Your followers love you for who you are, and that’s one of my favorite things about it!
I don’t even think when I post and same with Instagram I just post it out there even if it shows my flaws, because for that moment that little click of a button there was something that made me take that picture whether it’s how nice I think my hair looks to how adorable my kids look. Life isn’t perfect and it’s imperfect pictures that tackle the feelings that you mention x
Well done on getting to 10k on instagram, I have to admit it is one platform I’m not very good at.
Congratulations Ana on a huge achievement. I can only dream of reaching 10k on Instagram. IG is my favourite platform by far and you thoroughly deserve the following!
Congratulations what a fantastic achivement! It is well deserved.
Ahh congratulations Ana!! I hit 10k on Instagram last month and felt the same, it seemed like such a huge milestone to reach and I never thought I’d see it!! Your Instagram is so real and so “YOU” and that’s why you have such a fab following!
Congrats on your huge following! For the record, I’m not on Instagram, but I see all the pictures you post here and you always look so confident to me! I think it’s great you can have strong photos but still be vulnerable in writing.
What an amazing milestone! Well done to you for embracing being you and making your mark.
Congratulations on your accomplishment! 10 k followers are a huge thing!! Also, I think becuase you were honest and open with your followers they stayed!! You look lovely, as always!
I love Instagram. I think its great you have all those followers
Your instagram feed is one of the most beautiful & inspiring accounts I follow! Congratulations on the 10k followers!
Congrats Ana! What a milestone. I was on IG pretty early too. I kept posting pictures of stuff I baked and people kept asking for the recipe. So I guess it’s one of the reasons I have a blog now 🙂
I’ve always admired your determination, Ana! I think it’s amazing that you’re slowly reaching your goals and dreams. You deserve a happy and fulfilled life. Congratulations for reaching 10k!
Aw wow congratulations on reaching 10k followers. What an amazing achievement and very well deserved as you work so hard on it xxx
I appreciate you being transparent and sharing your story. Congratulations on achieving 10k followers and wish you much more success in the coming years.
Congrats! Instagram is one of my favorite social media platforms, it’s the most personal to me.
I personally prefer accounts from people that are real so I’m glad you jumped on. Congratulations on your achievement!
I like Instagram! I don’t have anywhere near 10K followers, but I love putting pictures and quotes on my feed. It’s fun!
Congratulations on reaching the 10K mark on Instagram! That is a HUGE accomplishment. I love that you are real, and you’re not looking to be a fashion clone. You have an awesome vibe that shows through your writing. You are an inspiration to other bloggers from all niches.
Congratulations on 10K followers on Instagram! You truly deserve it…I love your Instagram feed and your blog. As an admirer of your work and commitment, I feel that you will reach your goal soon. Cheers!
Congratulations, Ana! Hard work does pay off! That’s amazing to have 10K followers on Instagram, and I know why. Not only do you have great fashion inspiration, but you are very honest with your feelings and you share it with your readers!
Congrats Ana! 10k is a big milestone on a social media Platform like Instagram that is not easy to navigate! Keep dreaming and believing that anything is possible! 🙂
Congrats to 10k. I am awaiting the day I reach 10k I am only 400ppl away from my goal!
Congratulations on this achievement, Ana! You are true to yourself and you share it with your readers, not only so you inspired people in many ways.
Well done on hitting 10k followers, I’m still sitting around 5.5k and not moving much from there. I think Instagram is a lot harder now than it ever used to be x
I completely agree! Some days I feel like my following is not even growing at all! But don’t worry hun you will get there and thank you for your kind words x
well done on hitting 10k followers, that is a great achievement x
Congratulations on such an epic milestone! Onwards and upwards girl!
My goodness thats such amazing milestone to achieve! Well done you have done so well
OMG well done!!
Huge congrats Ana!!! So nice to see your hard work paying off – your instagram page is gorgeous 🙂
Omg 10,000 followers that is amazing!! Congratulations hun, but I’m not surprised your articles and photos are fab x
I love instagram as a platform as it’s a great way of keeping a photo diary. I must admit I prefer accounts that don’t look so heavily edited. I like the rawness and natural look rather than themes that we seem to be getting all the time now. I do love your feed though and it’s a brilliant achievement to get that many followers. Well done and sometimes the best shots are ones that aren’t perfect! x
HUGEEEEEE congratualtions!! It’s not easy to hit 10k (I know… I’m STILL trying lol).
you so deserve it.
Congratulations on reaching 10k and for sharing your journey which is so inspirational!
Your blog and your Instagram are so authentic that it’s obvious to your followers. You deserve every bit of success you’ve achieved and I’ve loved following your journey!
Congratulations, that is such a huge milestone but you honestly deserve it. Love your content. You’re one of my fave bloggers 🙂
Aw you cutie thank you so much for making me smile! And you have a fabulous blog and deserve all the happiness and success that you can get! x
Congratulations! That is such big an achievement and well deserved.
Congratulations on reaching your landmark followers. We really struggle with Instagram and it just goes to show that your hard work pays off. x
Instagram is such an amazing and fun social media platform. You can build a great following and build some amazing relationships! Congrats on 10K!
Congratulations on this milestone you hit! It’s amazing how we are fighting to be “perfect” on Instagram.. Sometimes even I get this feeling.. Like i’m not good enough for the people out there, and I don’t have a good camera, or a great house to share pictures from… I’m even embarassed that my left eye is smaller than the right one.. It’s hard to just “don’t care” and I’m really happy you’ve reached to that point… I think I need to work on this a bit more…
I love your outlook on life. What you’re doing is so important because not only is it embracing your true self, but inspiring others by helping them see that they too can enjoy life and feel beautiful even if they aren’t a ‘conventional’ beauty. Keep up the amazing work – and the gorgeous outfits!
You’ve done amazingly well building up that following. I really don’t give Instagram the attention it deserves despite being on that platform for years I don’t utilise it enough!
When Instagram first came out I resisted it, not because I didn’t like the idea of it but because I wasn’t feeling the need to join yet another social media platform. Today, I have a totally different opinion. I like being able to scroll through a myriad of pictures and videos and seeing what everyone is up to. I also enjoying sharing my own, though I do wish my organic engagement were a little bit better.
That is such a huge milestone for you! I know how much work that takes. So congratulations to you!
It looks to me like you keep winning the battles you have in your mind. Congratulations for that! And of course for the 10k. Just keep doing what you’re doing.:-) You’re good at it💕
That’s an amazing amount of followers, well done. I love Instagram for the community feel it has. I’ve made some really great friends on there!
Congrats on reaching 10K followers Ana! This is so awesome and am happy for your achievement. It’s very well deserve!.Keep up the good work!
10,000 followers on instagram is quite the accomplishment. I think I have about 30 and they are all people who I know in real life. Congratulations.
Congrats on 10k Instagram followers! It’s refreshing to see how candid you are about your experiences!:)
I’m the worst at making sure I incorporate myself into my feed. I’m better at getting my kiddos in there.
10k is huge, congrats! I am sorry to hear about your childhood experiences, I believe it made you stronger now. You deserve all the achievements and recognition.
Congratulations on hitting 10k followers on Instagram! That is a huge achievement, you deserve all the best!
Well done on hitting 10K that is a great achievement and well deserved too.
Good for you – you’re so inspiring – especially for someone like me who had an alcoholic dad and has mental health problems. I just hit my first 500 followers 🙂
Aw thank you that means a lot. I am sorry to hear about your dad but look how far you have come! You should be very happy and proud of how much you have achieved congratulations x
This is a huge achievement. Congratulations on reaching 10K followers on Instagram! It is inspiring to see how you have spoken about your childhood and your insecurities. I must say that I love your account and the pictures are always perfect. 🙂
Congratulations on hitting 10K! That’s quite an achievement.
Well done on hitting 10k, that is absolutely incredible! You are an inspiration.
Congrats on the 10k! How exciting. I love all the wonderful insights you offer your followers
Congratulations on achieving 10K followers on Instagram and sharing your Instagram journey with us. Very inspiring.
Having such number of followers is indeed such a milestone. Congratulations! So many readers and followers were inspired by you. Hugs and kisses!
Well done on hitting 10k followers on instagram. I have to admit that I have fallen out of love with the platform as I don’t see my friends pics, just sponsored ones 🙁
What a journey yours has been. I got 10k followers too on Instagram but I keep getting bored with it from time to time.
Amazing. I have been on Instagram for about 6 years (since it first started) and haven’t yet found much success so well done in reaching 10k.
You have had quite the Journey so far Ana both on Instagram and your Blog. Its so unusual that we started on both at roughly the same time. You have surpassed me by a long shot and that is testament to your dedication to your craft. You are gaining new confidence as time goes by and are blooming before my very eyes. Very proud of you. xxxxxxxxx
Congratulations on hitting 10K followers, Ana!
Congratulations on reaching 10K followers, that is amazing. Your story is truly insipirational.
Congrats on the 10k milestone. I love Instagram and taking part in sharing threads has helped me grow mine too.
Congrats on the 10k! (Although I think I looked the other day and you’re well over that now haha). I definitely do not have the confidence to post pics of myself on insta! I’ve been thinking about mayyyybe one for a holiday but I definitely couldn’t do it day in and day out. My dog is much cuter, thanks.
Awww .. Ana, this is the sweetest. As someone who has liked and commented on nearly all of your photos, it’s been fun to look back to the time you were just getting started. It’s a true testimony to how far you’ve come, the talent it’s taken to hone your craft, and the dedication you’ve put into your blog and social media channels. Know that we’re all happy you’re here, think you’re all sorts of wonderful and are cheering you on from the sidelines! x
It’s so awesome when we hit these milestones. I am so grateful to have hit this one as well. Such a big sense of accomplishment and glee!
Congrats on reaching 10K! That’s quite a milestone to reach. It’s incredible when social media has such a positive power in people’s lives. xx
Well done – great feed and what an accomplishment
Well done on the following. Following doesnt mean anything as people can be on 5K and earn 3K a month so well done on your personal achievements!
Nice post- interesting- I feel no matter what folliwng you have considering the final aspects of a post, you can achieve anything,I know someone, whom earns 3K month on around 5 K following, so no matter what you’ve explored and experienced in the past, you can achieve goals. ! set them and GO !
XTINEOVES
Your images are so beautifully styled. But your sincerity in your posts keeps me wanting to see what your going to write about next. You absolutely deserve all the success! I’m happy to be part of this journey with you.
Your feed is so inspirational and lively! I appreciate you for always being honest and open about your struggles and successes.
P.S. Congrats on the 10K followers! It’s well deserved.
I love you willingness to be so transparent with your audience. It’s definitely what drew me in and made me follow you on social media. Congrats on the 10K
You deserved to reach that top! x
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aw weldone hun you deserve to have so many followers were all loving your updates and love seeing you shine through the times you share with us
Hi Ana! Your imperfections make you the perfect you. I do think you look incredible always. I think we make it too easy to find the bad parts of ourselves, but really I think your skin looks flawless, I love your smile including your not perfect teeth. And your eyes shine like few things do. But your heart and who you are on the inside always makes me smile. I hope you have the most amazing day today and realize the blessing you have been to me and your other followers.
Instagram is such a great platform and allows you to meet and make new friends far and wide. I love your strength that you have given not just to me, but all your fans worldwide.
I’m sorry that you’ve been through so much at a young age 🙁 You’re absolutely beautiful and I love your blog! I’m happy that you got past your fears and put yourself out there 🙂 Instagram is a lot of fun once you learn how to use it. I can’t believe I wasn’t following you already, but I just did! <3
Congratulations on that milestone! You’re very talented and all your photos look amazing!
Congrats on 10K girl! This outfit is fabulous!
Wow 10K is a huge accomplishment !Congrats your doing amazing. Glad to hear that you have taken hold of you destiny and are making the most of it
10k followers is a brilliant achievement! Well done! I’m sorry to hear you’ve had a tough time in the past. Your photos always look stunning to me, and you always come across so kind and lovely in your blog posts and comments you have left on my own blog. You should be proud 🙂 x
I do compare myself to the others and kind of feel I’m not good enough. There are times when I’m really depressed on for not finding how to grow my audience and find the right target group who would like my pics and ideas. This social media life is a bit of struggling, but still I love to do it.
Congratulations and absolutely well deserved! I checked out your Instagram gallery. It’s as beautiful as your blog!