At the end of 2017, I started the blog, NotBasicBlonde which unlike other blogs out there at the time, was promoting individuality and being anything but basic. When my blog began, I had found it difficult to connect with other bloggers as this message of self-love and individualism wasn’t such a popular or relatable topic as it’s become today, four years later.
With the times changing, the slogan It’s Ok To Be Different is everywhere, embraced by many due to minorities and changes to society. Embracing not only individuality but by making being different and not having to be basic, becoming the new norm.
Why be a basic bitch when you can stand out and embrace your authenticity by not needing the validation of others or following the herd? Many simply label themself the term “Basic Bitch” to fit in, but I would never. As a blogger, author, podcast host, and model, I’m all about individuality, and never becoming a follower, so I created the brand NotBasicBlonde which has been fittingly named.
Just like the brand’s positive message, I decided to write a book, Cutie the Unicorn about embracing the power of being different, without allowing people to judge you or dull your individual sparkle. A message not just aimed at adults. Knowing the struggles of today’s youth, Cutie the Unicorn: It’s okay to be different, comes from the heart in hopes of helping children struggling with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues relating to the fear of not fitting in. Besides Cutie the Unicorn created exclusively for children, I wanted to help those in need so I chose to donate a portion of book sales to a well-deserved children’s hospital, St. Jude’s.
With over 1M downloads in the first year, my popularly rated celebrity podcast, it’s proof that with enthusiasm and love for your craft, I found my brand taking off. This undeniable energy as well as being authentic and extra has helped me land popular celebrity guests such as Gabby Bernstein, Dean Grazios, Maz Jobrani, Mary Fitzgerald and numerous others.
Related: 5 Things I Learned From My Podcast
Working in the acting industry and spending 15 years as a Russian model catwalking the runways, these experiences pointed me in a new direction. In my current position being a top influencer, my brand is on fire, being more popular than ever. You’ll find that NotBasicBlonde shares tips on fashion, beauty, and wellness, and is found on my podcast, blog, and social media to an ever-growing audience of over half a million. Maintaining the message of being true to yourself, I want everyone to love themselves and never apologize for being unique.
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Once I’ve made my mark as a top influencer, I’ve been in popular demand to partner nationally with well-known brands that fall in my niche including TooFaced, Cartier, PLT, Tarte, Revolve, Steve Madden, and many more. I’m proud to say that I’m living proof that you can shine and succeed by being different and embracing your uniqueness and individuality. Not by luck but with hard work and living the message of my NotBasicBlonde brand, I’ve graciously have become a top-tier influencer. As I began utilizing my formal education with a diploma from Georgia State University with a BBA in Managerial Sciences, I was able to create a successful IT/Project Management career prior to my present role as a full-time blogger and top-notch influencer.
Capitalizing on the message of being true to yourself, I hope to always portray a strong, positive, and authentic image not only condemning being a basic bitch, but instead, setting an example that being different is the new norm while facing the world with a whole lot of sparkle and a proud and unapologetic smile.
