Hey friends! Long time no *blog* post. I believe the last time I’ve ever published something here was in April, when I was still enrolled in a course where updating this website was mandatory. With that said, I wanted to break my 4 month long hiatus with a reflection on my journey as an aspiring content creator.

I may have mentioned in an earlier post here and on my Instagram that having some sort of platform or blog has been a long time dream of mine. I started my first blog on a free WordPress domain at 10, ran a lifestyle and aesthetics Instagram page at 11, and launched my first online business at 16.

However, imposter syndrome and self doubt would always get the best of me and I’d find myself deactivating or deserting an account, website, or venture I’ve built typically after a couple of months. As I’ve made my way throughout university and have done some more reflecting on the kind of life I want to create for myself, the desire of building a personal brand seemed to resonate deeply with me.

So, this past spring semester, when I was obliged to create a personal blog for my digital publishing class at school, Life With Ainah was born at the end of January 2023.

Upon its conception, I knew I wanted Life With Ainah to revolve around three main interests I have: wellness, lifestyle, and beauty. While I use this website to record and share longer-form content, I am more active on my Instagram and TikTok where I share shorter-form content on these three subject interests.

I knew that I wanted to see this personal brand I have created for myself grow, no matter how silly I felt for trying to become an “influencer” or “creator,” as cringe-inducing these terms can be. As cliché as it sounds, I knew that I wanted to build this personal brand because I simply love creating content and cultivating community with likeminded individuals.

So… here’s a look back at the past 7 months of building this brand, and some highlights I’ve had along the way.

In March, I was invited to shoot a campaign with one of my all time favourite women-owned brands, STIL Classics. I got to go into their studio and chat about what it means for me to be a woman in 2023 as well as share some of my favourite products from their brand. It was such a fun day, and after years of admiring their brand on social media, I still can’t believe I got to work with them in this capacity.

In April, I started landing my first gifted collaborations. To date, I am completely humbled and grateful to say that I have worked with 21 brands since then. It is so surreal to be receiving products from companies I love and getting to make content around them.

In May, I landed my first paid collaboration with a skincare brand that aligns deeply with my core values. I recently saw some of my content on their social media and it brought the biggest smile to my face.

Last month, I got to meet one of my online friends who is also a content creator and female entrepreneur. We got waffles downtown and it felt so surreal meeting someone in the industry I have looked up to for a while now.

And last but not least, last week, I made a trip down to the US to pick up some PR packages. It feels insane that I not only have had a number of packages come to my door, but that I now have a P.O. box in a different country!

I say all this not to brag, but just as a testimony that dreams do come true. I can’t believe that all of this has just happened in the past 7 months after years of wandering around in the digital space. I am so excited to see what the rest of the year has in store, and I truly hope to share more of my story in the content I share.

I truly believe everything I have received in my journey as a content creator has all been a gift from God. I truly want to use my platform in a way that spreads kindness, love, and joy and displays the gospel. I believe that this is just the start of what I have to offer here at Life With Ainah and I’m so excited to continue to share more content!

With care & joy,

Ainah