I’m back today with a roundup of my takeaways from Haven 2014. This was my second time at Haven and it totally rocked! Thanks so much to my bestie & business partner, Cassie, for making the journey to Atlanta with me and for driving the entire trip!
1) Stripes are *HOT*! Seriously everywhere you looked at Haven beautiful bloggers were sporting striped dresses and tops. Katja captured this phenomenon perfectly in her recap post. Here’s Cassie and I ready for the first night’s party before we realized we were really, really trendy.
2) Instagram is the social media platform of choice. If you wanted to keep up with what was going on at Haven following along on IG was key. Nearly all the sponsors asked that you share photos on Instagram with a side order of specific hashtags. I think we all kind of knew IG is where it’s at but this was big time confirmation.
Here I am being mysterious in the Modern Masters booth. #sexysideeye
3) Blogging might cost you some $$. In the sessions and discussions at Haven it struck me that bloggers are not only investing their time and love but also some serious cash into making their blogs the best they can be. The investments range from slick design and user interface to “prop closets” and video camera drones (yes..I said drones) for those perfect shots. This can seem totally intimidating but I think it’s all about balance and your personal blogging goals. Haven has inspired me to improve my blog but I’m going to start small and keep budget in mind. The blog is called “The Thriftress” after all.
4) Real life vs Blog life. There is a lot of pressure in blogging to get that “magazine worthy” shot each and every time while simultaneously keeping up with social media, SEO, ad optimization, sponsors and more. But we are all mothers, wives etc with BUSY lives and we are constantly cropping out the clutter while feeling inadequate. Frankly that makes me feel tired! I have to admit that I love gorgeous photos but I’m also more inclined to read blogs by authentic people. Keeping it real is relatable and creates a connection to readers. I have sooo much room to grow when it comes to styling, photography and the technical side of blogging but I’m also committed to being Sarah and not a magazine version of myself.
5) Find you tribe! I cannot stress how much forging relationships with other bloggers before Haven can improve your experience! I’m in several blogging Facebook groups and have met a ton of local bloggers in person. The first time I went to Haven was pretty awkward for an introvert like me. I didn’t know many bloggers and I suck at meeting people and small talk. This time around I COULD NOT WAIT to meet up with my blogging buddies and it felt like we already knew each other. I also managed to meet other fantastic, warm and funny bloggers and I look forward to developing friendships with them after Haven. For us introverts the pre-Haven tribe is key. Next time around I’m starting the #HAVENINTROVERTS hashtag so we can find each other and talk…or not. 😉
**BONUS…Haven Mavens know how to par-TAY! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know everyone at Haven! Here is but a sampling of the fantastic people I met!