Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten DeYoung.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kirsten. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started Diary of a Dirty Blonde in August of 2016 as a way to document the trips I was taking for work. I am a supply chain processes software consultant by day, so I am constantly on the road traveling to warehouses and manufacturing facilities for different clients (sounds glamorous… I know). The good, the bad and the ugly – I’ve been there. For a while, the travel was leaning heavy on the “good” side with destinations like Amsterdam, Germany, Ireland and NY. After getting back from my trips, I knew I had to document everything I did and saw so that if by some chance I ended up going back or someone I knew did, I could easily recall my favorite (and not so favorite) parts. I had always loved following bloggers and a coffee table can only handle so many Shutterfly books, so one Saturday, I decided to take the plunge and created my first ever website – Diaryofadirtyblonde.com.
In my posts, I included information on where I stayed, activities I did and what/where I ate. I got so excited and inspired writing my first posts about Ireland and Germany that I started documenting other trips I had taken as well. Thailand and Singapore are still two of my favorite posts on this day! As I ran out of trips to write about, I decided to venture into other areas such a fashion and lifestyle to keep my new found hobby alive. A few years later, I’m still blogging and still loving it! Starting a blog is one of the best decisions I have ever made. You simply can’t beat the blogging community and amazing opportunities you get presented with! It has also taught me a lot about myself and has grown my confidence level in all areas of life.
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?
I would say my biggest challenge right now is time. Being an observer of the blog world for so long, you take for granted all the hard work and effort that goes into making a post or even taking a simple photo. To be honest, it is a lot harder and more time consuming than I ever imagined. But I believe if you have a true passion for something you will make time for it even when it seems like there is none (which for me mostly ends up being late at night after work). Another one of my biggest challenges was my self-esteem. In the beginning, to say I was self-conscious about my blogging career is an understatement. I would turn bright red if someone saw me taking photos and constantly worried about what people thought about my new found hobby. However, this obstacle has ended up causing me to learn so much about myself. If blogging teaches you one thing it is that you can’t care what other people think – period. It’s nerve-racking putting your life on social media, especially today when people are not afraid to tell you that love and or hate what you’re doing. Blogging is not for the faint of heart – but 100% worth it for those who can accept this “I don’t care” attitude. What I always think about is that most people are afraid to be extraordinary and follow their dreams. Anything worth pursuing will not be easy, but if you can make yourself be in the 1% that tries, you can achieve anything you imagine! In the famous words of my dad, you have to be a doer, not a trier.
We’d love to hear more about Personal Brand – Diary of a Dirty Blonde.
As I said earlier, I work as a supply chain process consultant as my main job, helping companies implement a warehousing system called SAP EWM. By night, I am a lifestyle blogger who loves to curate stories about things I enjoy, including but not limited to travel, fashion and beauty. I like to think what differentiates me from other lifestyle bloggers is the fact that I have a big mix of curated and real-life photos and relatable life scenarios. I am constantly on the road for my job, which means I ask a lot of strangers to take my pictures. They may not be “perfect” according to today’s standards, but they spark joy in me when I see them and I hope they do the same for others. I’m just a regular girl in her mid 20’s who happens to be fortunate enough to travel a lot and have a lot of fun along the way! My wish is to inspire others to also live a stylish well-traveled life.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I have a few blogs that I love to follow for inspiration. Through blogging, I have gotten to know Mina of @Chicagofoodgirl, who is not only the sweetest human ever but she also gives amazing recommendations on where to eat in Chicago. A group of friends who all blog @apinchoflovely, @hauteofftherack, @kathleen_barnes, @mystylediaries are the cutest and is always on fun trips together (serious friend goals). And I can’t forget about my Chicago ladies – @alialistone and @oliviarink are some of my favorites – but there are so many. I also follow a lot of travel blogs to spark my inspiration for future trips @pastelsandpassports, @gypsea_lust and @theblondeaborad. (I wish I could switch lives with this girl – she goes on the most amazing trips!)
Contact Info:
- Website: Diaryofadirtyblonde.com
- Email: diaryofadirtyblonde@gmail.com
- Instagram: @diaryofadirtyblonde
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diary-of-a-Dirty-Blonde-240456439717198/
Image Credit:
Hannah Schweiss, @Hannahschweissphotography, Brenna Rose, @brennarosephoto, Luis, @FocalVision, Amy Helpern, Shelby Holkeboer
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.
