Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Regan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nicole. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
If you would have told me five years ago that my blog would change my life, I’d call you crazy!
While working in the finance industry right out of college, I found myself at a crossroads with my career. So I started a blog. We all need some creativity in our lives and the insurance industry wasn’t cutting it!
So, I documented all the fun places I’d go with my boyfriend {who I luckily got to marry!}. People would replicate the same date ideas and it grew from there. You can say the content is quite different now. But over several years, it’s lead to opportunities with dream brands and I even started my own social media company! I now work full time for myself.
After living in the city for ten years, I now reside in the charming town of Elmhurst, with my husband, Sean and little pup, Larry.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh man. Absolutely not! I’ve wanted to quit 4593023029343 times. I’ve had killer months and terrible months. I ask myself all the time why I’m doing this! When it comes down to it, I love it and it’s the number one reason I’ve stuck with it after all these years.
Here was my most recent struggle and how I overcame it.
Now, that you know the background of Cedar & Rush, to say it’s gone through some changes is an understatement. From date ideas to restaurant reviews, to fashion, to career advice… talk about all over the place! It got to the point where I couldn’t answer the question “So what’s Cedar & Rush about?” I’d fumble my words, hesitate, etc. I knew I needed to change.
So, I dedicated some time to soul searching and taking note of things that got me excited. From there, I edited down what Cedar & Rush is about {style and entertaining!} and how it differentiates from other blogs. It’s hands down THE BEST thing I’ve ever done. I did this just a few months ago and the results surprised me. The brands that reach out to me have completely changed, the opportunities are in line with my vision {before they were all over the place} and I can now tell people in confidence what my blog is about!
This is best practice for business and wish I would have drilled this down years ago!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Cedar & Rush story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m so happy you asked!
Cedar & Rush is the only Chicago blog that reveals surprisingly accessible ways to showcase YOU.
I give my readers all kinds of details and tricks that will set them apart.
For years, style has had this reputation for being solely about fashion. Now, it’s so much more! Style doesn’t just begin and end with your outfit; it extends to your home and how you entertain. Being stylish is feeling confident in your own skin, putting your best foot forward and leaving a lasting impression.
I’ve always believed subtle touches can make a BIG difference in expressing yourself. How you tie your scarf, arrange a cheese board, wrap a gift and treat others are what make you memorable long after the party is over. It is how you get the job, get noticed, and bring excitement to the table.
One thing I can say, I’m very proud of is that I’ve NEVER bought a single follower. I decided a long time ago to take the slower path {even though people have blown past me in ten folds!}. It’s very hard but it’s something I truly believe in.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Often times, the worst things in life bring us the best opportunities.
I’ve never shared this before, but my first “blogging” experience was when my mom was fighting breast cancer and going through chemo. To keep everyone in the know, my mom asked me to keep everyone “abreast” {haha get it?!} by updating everyone through a cancer blog/newsletter.
To be honest, I didn’t want to do it at first (it was a tough time for our family!). But then, I really got into it. I’d try to make it funny with puns and little stories. It got to a point where people would tell us all the time how much they looked forward to the updates.
It was this experience that put the idea in my head to start a blog.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.cedarandrush.com/
- Email: nicole@cedarandrush.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolearegan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedarandrush/
Image Credit:
Styling by Cindy Nelson, Candle/Sunhat/Coffee table/Farmers Market photos: Photography by Paige Babilla Photography {https://www.instagram.com/paigebabilla/}, Photography by Arin Kleinman of Happily Inspired {https://www.happilyinspired.com/}
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
