Today officially marks one year since I launched this little piece of the internet. Truthfully, it feels a lot longer than a year since I launched Lipstick & Ink, as I can’t quite remember what my life was like before it. Isn’t that crazy? I can still remember the anxiety and eagerness I felt taking Lipstick & Ink off of maintenance mode and publishing my first blog posts. I wondered who would come to my site, what they would think, and if they’d take me seriously. I was both terrified and excited. 

When I created and launched Lipstick & Ink, I envisioned it solely as a passion project. It was a way for me to get back into writing and share my thoughts, with the hope to help like-minded female professionals. I figured I’d write here and there and it’d be something purposeful I did on the side while working full-time. Little did I know a year later, I would be posting consistently, {attempting} to stay relevant on social, obtaining brand partnerships, planning and hosting events, and writing my first book. 

As I look back on this last year, I recognize where I am and am still a little baffled. I’ve accomplished more than I ever thought I could have. I usually don’t stop to really appreciate my accomplishments (something I’m working on), but I am making myself do it today. I am so dang glad that I followed my passions and built Lipstick & Ink into something that I am proud of, and that it can help encourage women and add value to their lives. I am also beyond grateful to have met so many incredible people and to have learned so much this year – more than I thought possible.

It’s hard to explain, but everything that’s led me where I am today has felt a little like fate. I feel like everything that has happened has happened for a reason and that there’s this greater purpose attached to what I am doing. I know it sounds a little corny, but I keep following that feeling and it consistently leads me to something greater each and every time. I follow this gut feeling and doors continue to open and I keep meeting more people which leads to more opportunities. I know now that this is the path I was always meant to take and while I don’t quite know where this path is taking me, I do know I have all the right people alongside me to help guide me.

One of those people is you. This last year wouldn’t have been possible without you. Whether you joined the Lipstick & Ink community on day one or you’re joining today, I want to thank you for your support. Thank you for coming to my site and reading my posts. Thank you for following along with me and getting to know me on social media. Thank you for engaging and providing me feedback – both positive and constructive. Thank you for spending your nights with me and attending my events. Thank you for encouraging me to keep going when I wasn’t so sure myself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

In the spirit of Lipstick & Ink’s 1st birthday, I thought it would be fun to share some top highlights and stats from the last year. Here’s to another great year ahead! 

Top Accomplishments From the Last Year:

• Launched February 22, 2018 with over 250 people coming to the site where they viewed over 1K pages
• Featured on VoyageChicago and Windy City Blogger Collective in Spring 2018
• Acquired my first brand partnership with SmileBrilliant (truly the best at-home teeth whitening treatment)!
• Joined Windy City Blogger Collective & Chicagogrammers groups in Chicago, which led to many new friendships
• Attended over 20 events in Chicago which led to even more friendships
• Hosted my first ‘Making Your Mark’ event in August 2018
• Started the process to get Lipstick & Ink officially a registered trademark – we’re almost done!! I am so excited to get this completed!
• Successfully pitched and partnered with a brand/product I am obsessed with – Tiesta Tea – while also landing a year-long partnership for 2019
• Hosted the main panel at Cliquish’s “Life’s A Pitch” event in January 2019
• Started getting coached by Emily Merrell, CEO & Founder of Six Degrees Society in January 2019
• Started writing my first book
• Celebrated Lipstick & Ink’s first founding anniversary and first birthday!

Lipstick & Ink’s Stats:

• Over 10,300 individuals visited Lipstick & Ink since launch
  • 79% Female, 21% Male
  • 87% U.S. based, 4% U.K. based, 2% France based
  • 53% 25-34, 19% 35-44
• Recorded 13,250 sessions
• Nearly 21,500 pages viewed

Lipstick & Ink’s Most Viewed Posts From the Last Year:

1. Why We’re Waiting to Have Children
2. 6 Things to Do When You’re Unhappy With Your Job
3. 5 Lessons Learned from Going to Therapy
4. Your Shrinking Friend Circle & Why It’s Okay
5. 6 Ways to Manage Negative Thoughts

My Favorite Posts From the Last Year:

• 6 Tips to Help You Land That Promotion
• 3 Reasons Why to Overcome Your Fear of Failure
• 30 Things I Learned Before Turning 30
• 6 Life Lessons I Learned in 2018
• 9 Ways to Find Your Happiness
• 4 Tips to Slow Down & Appreciate Life

Kelly Nash

Kelly Nash is a Chicago-based writer, career coach, speaker and founder of Lipstick & Ink®. She also works full-time in technology as a Role Strategy and Employee Engagement Manager at Salesforce and has over 12 years of digital marketing experience. Kelly has been featured in Thrive Global, Chicago Tribune, International Association of Women, General Assembly, Salesforce, and SheFactor. She’s fueled by black coffee, sunshine, a good ink pen, and a bold lip.