• about
    • meet kelly
    • media & press
  • blog
  • events
  • resources
  • services
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Lipstick & Ink®

Career, Wellness & Empowerment

  • career & business
    • corporate 9-5
    • solopreneurship
    • Shine On Series
  • mind body & soul
    • mental health
    • wellness
    • beauty
  • life
    • life lately
    • life changes
    • finances
  • realtalk
    • thoughts
  • travel

Our Engagement Story

November 1, 2018 by Kelly Nash 4 Comments

Who doesn’t love a good engagement story, am I right? Three years ago today, Adam proposed to me. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. Isn’t it crazy how some memories are so vivid? Anyways, in celebration of our engagement-versary, I thought Adam and I would recount how that day went for the both of us…

Kelly and Adam smile happily after the proposal.

MY STORY

I had totally been one of those girlfriends. The girlfriend that kept pestering her boyfriend when they were going to get engaged. After all, I had a plan all mapped out for my life: what year I wanted to get engaged, what year I wanted to get married and so forth. I knew a proposal was all about the element of surprise, but not knowing when Adam was going to do it drove me nuts!

Every time there was a big event happening, I thought Adam was going to propose. Weeks turned to months of holidays, birthdays, milestone events and I was getting anxious. In mid-October 2015, knowing that I like to plan my weekends far in advance, Adam asked me if I was free on Sunday, November 1st to have dinner with his co-worker and his new girlfriend. I was, so we made the plans and I marked it on my calendar.

The day before, Adam let me know we were going to dinner in Lincoln Park and that we should “probably dress a little nice” because his co-worker, Kevin, dresses really nice. Okay, I thought.

That Sunday morning, November 1st, I decided to go shopping. My nail polish was chipping so I figured I’d go get my nails done that day too. Well, turns out I shopped too long and didn’t have time to get my nails done because Adam said we were leaving our apartment at 3pm. 3pm!? For dinner!? I didn’t understand. But, Adam said he wanted to walk around Lincoln Park with Kevin and his girlfriend before dinner since it was such a nice day. It really was – it was mid-60s and sunny – the perfect fall day.

I thought it was a little suspicious so I started texting my family and closest friends. I was like, “Is this the day!?” Then I started getting frantic because I didn’t know what to wear. I asked Adam what I should wear and asked if I could wear jeans and he said no. I was so sad because those are my staple! I nervously started looking for another outfit that would look nice. Once I picked it out and figured it would do, I looked down at my nails. The horror! I wanted to make sure they looked good – just in case. I quickly painted them myself right before we left.

As my nails were drying in our Uber, I asked Adam where we were meeting Kevin. He said we were going to head to the lily pond in Lincoln Park. I thought that was a strange location to meet so my heart started to flutter. Maybe today is really the day, I thought. But then I started second-guessing everything and told myself not to get my hopes up (like I had every other time). My family and friends were blowing up my phone and Adam was busy texting Kevin (or so I thought).

Once we got to the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond, Adam said that Kevin was running late so we should go inside and just walk around instead of waiting outside. I thought it was a little weird, but I went along with it. As we were walking, Adam led me down a few steps near the pond and told me to take my sunglasses off. Well, I never take my sunglasses off when it’s sunny so I immediately asked why I needed to. He told me just to do it and that’s when I knew.

Adam on his knee and proposing to Kelly.

He said everything I had always hoped he would say and got down on his knee and pulled the ring out of his sock! He asked me to marry him and I said yes. At that moment, I noticed a photographer across the pond snapping pictures and asked Adam if he hired someone. He told me yes, which shocked me the most since he told me he’d never do that! I was so happy to have that special moment captured. We spent the next hour taking pictures and then we called all of our family and closest friends. It really was the most perfect day.

Kelly and Adam sit on rocks smiling.

ADAM’S STORY

I had known for a long time the exact spot where I wanted to propose to Kelly. We had visited the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond at Lincoln Park in Chicago numerous times. Every time we went, I always said to myself that it would be the spot. I had always wanted to throw Kelly off by suggesting I wouldn’t do the proposal in public or ever get a photographer and made her think it would be inside our condo.

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond in Lincoln Park.

Unbeknownst to Kelly, I had secretly arranged to have a photographer to shoot the big moment when I got down on one knee and then take some photos of us in celebration mode. About a week before the big day, I scoped out different spots at the lily pond, keeping in mind it had to be a good vantage point for the photographer. I found the perfect spot and prayed no one would be in that exact spot when we arrived on the big day.

I told Kelly we would be going out with my coworker Kevin and his girlfriend for dinner in Lincoln Park. I figured we could either go to the park in the morning/early afternoon before dinner in our workout gear or right before dinner all dressed up. Knowing I got a photographer, I erred on the side of caution of having Kelly get a little upset that she wasn’t dressed up for the photos. Timing wasn’t going to be perfect, due to the sun setting so early that late in fall, but whatever, I thought.

That weekend was Halloween weekend and on Halloween, it was around 50 degrees and rainy all day. Kelly always says that I have amazing luck and luck was upon me on November 1st, 2015, the day I was going to ask Kelly to marry me. It was a perfect 65 degree temperature and sunny. Looking back on it now, it really was the last nice day in the fall for Chicago.

Since the sun was setting that day a little bit after 4:30 pm, I needed to get there at 3pm. Typical Kelly was running really late and I couldn’t act too unusual to ask her to hurry up without being too suspicious. In the taxi, I definitely had some butterflies in my stomach. I also mischievously put the photographer, Tracy, as my co-worker Kevin in my phone in case Kelly asked who I was madly texting on the way ha!

We ended up getting to the lily pond about 25 minutes late. Whoops. I called Tracy, disguised as Kevin, and she was all set. We walked to the spot and there was a couple sitting 15 feet away from the designated spot I so carefully chose, but I said to myself “eh, screw it, here goes nothing.” I got down on one knee and asked my best friend to marry me.

Kelly and Adam hold hands, showcasing her engagement ring.

She said yes (of course)! She was hugging me and crying when she noticed Tracy taking photos out of the corner of her eye and laughing said “you got a photographer?!” thus earning me a lifetime of brownie points 🙂

Kelly crying after being proposed to.

We called her parents first, even though they knew I was going to ask her. I had asked for their permission a couple weeks beforehand. Then, we surprised my parents with the big news. I took Kelly out to celebrate for dinner afterward where we had a proper celebration. What a great day! Pink lipstick stain

 

Kelly, Founder of Lipstick & Ink
Kelly Nash

Kelly Nash is a Chicago-based writer, speaker, career advisor, and founder of Lipstick & Ink®. In addition, she works full-time in technology as a Success Manager at Salesforce and has over 10 years of digital marketing experience. Kelly has been featured in Thrive Global, International Association of Women, General Assembly, Salesforce, SheFactor, and Six Degrees Society. She is also in the process of writing her first book.

You might also enjoy...

2020 Reflections: A Year We’ll Never Forget
Life Lately: Volume 10 – The BookKelly writing her book.
Life Lately: Volume 9 – The Power of the PivotKelly walks down the street in Charleston, SC
Setting Goals + 5 Ways You Can Stick To ThemPen and paper are critical when setting goals.
25 Things You May Not Know About Me
5 Steps to Achieve Your Goals5 individuals fist bump over a desk full of computers and wires.
Your Shrinking Friend Circle and Why It’s OkayFriends gather together over a glass of wine but losing those friends could be imminent.
Confession: 10 Reasons I’m Scared To Be a MomKelly sits on stairs and reflects what it means to be scared to become a mom.
13 Lessons I Learned to Live a Life of FulfillmentKelly stands in front of a black and white butterfly mural
6 Life Lessons I Learned in 2018Kelly looks down and smiles.
9 Realizations I Had My First Year of BloggingKelly smiles thinking back on her first year of blogging.
How We Manage Our FinancesWallet, cup of coffee and a keyboard sit on a desktop.

Filed Under: life, life changes Tagged With: life, life changes, meet kelly

About Kelly Nash

Kelly Nash is a Chicago-based writer, speaker, career advisor, and founder of Lipstick & Ink®. In addition, she works full-time in technology as a Success Manager at Salesforce and has over 10 years of digital marketing experience. Kelly has been featured in Thrive Global, International Association of Women, General Assembly, Salesforce, SheFactor, and Six Degrees Society. She is also in the process of writing her first book.

Previous Post Saugatuck, Michigan: A Blissful Weekend Getaway
Next Post Maui Must Do’s

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    November 2, 2018 at 8:32 am

    How I so remember that day. Good thing you did your nails before you left. Kudos to Adam for a wonderful proposal.

    Reply
    • Kelly Nash says

      November 4, 2018 at 7:11 pm

      You got that right! He did a great job with the proposal!

      Reply
  2. Jenna Meier says

    December 1, 2018 at 7:45 am

    Nothing like getting teary-eyed on this beautiful December 1st morning! 🙂 Still so incredibly happy for the two of you and cannot wait to see what you accomplish together in the years to come!

    Reply
    • Kelly Nash says

      December 2, 2018 at 8:17 pm

      Aww, Jenna!! Thank you so much! So appreciate the kind words 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

HI THERE!

Kelly, Founder of Lipstick & Ink

Welcome to Lipstick & Ink®, your home for everything career, wellness and #realtalk inspired. I’m Kelly, a Chicago-based advertising tech professional, career advisor, writer, speaker, events host, and goal getter.

Whether we’re discussing career advancement, the job search or keeping our mental health in check, I encourage you to own your power and make your mark - one lipstick stain at a time.

Follow L&I

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

STAY IN TOUCH

Join the L&I e-mail list and get exclusive access to announcements, resources & special offers before anyone else!

currently trending

  • Kelly & Adam stand in front of the Judson Heath Colonial Inn. Saugatuck, Michigan: A Blissful Weekend Getaway
  • Ladies dressed up for the roaring 20s party A Roaring Goodbye to Our 20s
  • Sarah Kohrt lays on her stomach on a boat dock Featuring Sarah Kohrt: Entrepreneurial Creative & National Guard First Lieutenant
  • Kelly sits by the fire and Christmas tree. 7 Reasons Why Christmas is My Favorite Holiday
  • Kelly writing in her notebook smiling, focusing on her career and promotion. 6 Tips to Help You Land That Promotion

Tags

beauty routine blogging burnout business career career advancement corporate job events feel better finances giving back goal-getters goals goal setting impact job interview job search life life changes life lately meet kelly mental health negotiating networking partnerships personal brand personal branding personal thoughts promotion realtalk reflections resources resume resume tips shine on shine on series sick side hustle solopreneurship travel volunteering wellness women who inspire work life balance workplace

LISTEN IN

The Sixth Degree Podcast

The SheFactor Podcast

SheFactor Podcast

lipstickandink

Kelly💋 Career Advisor & Writer
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙇𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙇𝙞𝙥𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙠 & 𝙄𝙣𝙠 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣? When I started L&I three years ago, I wanted to be intentional about the branding and what it stood for. After careful thought, L&I was born along with a clear, intentional message and call to action for all women who interact with the brand: 𝘖𝘸𝘯 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 & 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬.
⠀
ʟɪᴘꜱᴛɪᴄᴋ - 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 💄⠀
There is power in wearing lipstick. A woman wearing lipstick embodies self-confidence and empowerment. She’s the woman who looks at herself in the mirror and thinks, I am powerful. She’s the woman who stands out in a crowd. She’s the woman who knows she can do anything she sets her mind to. With just a few swipes of her favorite color, she feels invigorated and ready to own her power and take on the world.
⠀
ɪɴᴋ - 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 🖊⠀
There is power in a woman’s words and how she puts them to action. Thinking about what she wants out of life and putting it pen to paper creates vision and clarity. By writing in ink, she commits to making what she wants a reality. For a woman in pursuit of her goals and dreams is determined to make her mark.
⠀
𝗟𝗶𝗽𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸 & 𝗜𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀💋
"𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙄'𝙢 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜." "𝙈𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛." "𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙛-𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚." "𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙪𝙗 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙮."
⠀⠀
These are some of the reasons women hold back in promoting themselves in the workplace. 𝗜 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻. Going from a small company to Salesforce seven years ago changed that all for me though. I was a small fish in a VERY big pond (and that's when we were under 20,000 employees - now we've surpassed over 50,000!).
⠀
I quickly realized that 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. I had to share my wins. I had to manage up to manager and send the positive feedback I received from my clients and other employees. I had to showcase the value I brought to my clients, to my team, and to the company. 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛-𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.
⠀
Here's the tea, friends. 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴. It's showcasing your 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲. It's delivering facts. It's sharing your learnings so you can help others. 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆. In today’s corporate world, going to work, doing your job and hoping you get the recognition you deserve isn’t going to cut it anymore. If you want to advance in your career, get promoted and nab raises, you need to speak up and share your wins.
⠀
If you're not promoting yourself, ask yourself why. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠?💋
Do you 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬? I recently joined a webinar by @insideoutincubator about the 𝟭𝟬 "𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀" 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘀 & 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆:
⠀
☞ Rule 1: 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 - You doubt what you know & assume others know more than you.⠀
☞ Rule 2: 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 - You think you don't deserve to be in the spotlight or don't want others to think you're bragging.⠀
☞ Rule 3: 𝐈'𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐨 𝐗 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 - You fear being "found out" or don't contribute until you feel you have ALL the answers.⠀
☞ Rule 4: 𝐈 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐈 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐭 - Even after you've been hired or promoted, you feel you have to go above and beyond, saying yes to everything, afraid to say no.⠀
☞ Rule 5: 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 - Reaching out to specific people (i.e. leaders) will make you seem self-serving so you connect only with people you feel safe with.⠀
☞ Rule 6: 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐨-𝐃𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲 - You get stuck in reactive mode and don't give yourself time to work on more of the forward-looking strategic projects.⠀
☞ Rule 7: 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞'𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 - You don't want to rub anyone the wrong way and constantly worry about other's feelings.⠀
☞ Rule 8: 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐔𝐠𝐥𝐲 - You make yourself small and defer to others to dictate your path.⠀
☞ Rule 9: 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐲 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫 - You believe you have to be productive 100% of the time and beat yourself up when you're not feeling your best.⠀
☞ Rule 10: 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 - You take on everything and think you have to solve everyone's problems & say sorry way too often.
⠀
Which resonate with you? Some of these I've overcome the last few years, but it’s a kick in the butt reminder that there are a few (3, 4, 6, 10) I still struggle with & want to break! Which do you want to break?💋
[𝙽𝙴𝚆 𝙱𝙻𝙾𝙶 𝙿𝙾𝚂𝚃] 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥. While certainly an overused term, it’s definitely not overrated. Personal branding is more important than ever as it helps you to 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧, 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮, 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧. Regardless if you work in the corporate world or consider yourself an entrepreneur (or both!), knowing and cultivating your personal brand is essential.
⠀
Because here’s the thing – you already have a personal brand, whether you realize it or not. 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱. However, understanding the power of your brand can be difficult and requires self-awareness, intention, and action.
⠀
If you’re unsure or curious about how to get started with building and boosting your brand, I've developed a 5 step formula to do just that! You can read more about these 5 steps and your best path forward in L&I's newest blog post, found via the link in my bio!💋
3 years ago today, I pressed “Publish” on Lips 3 years ago today, I pressed “Publish” on Lipstick & Ink. Even though it was only a blog at the time, I was terrified to put myself out there. I worried about what people would think about me, wondered if my site was good enough, and questioned if what I was writing would even resonate or help others.
⠀
At the same time, it was exhilarating and freeing. I was finally writing again, something that had been a passion of mine since I was a kid. I was in my purpose, sharing my knowledge of how I had grown my career and guiding women on how they could do the same. And most of all, I was pushing myself out of my comfort zone, facing fears I had avoided for years.
⠀
Since February 22, 2018, I have grown more than I thought possible. From my blog to expanding to events to speaking to advising clients to writing my first book, I continue to find ways to grow L&I and make an impact. And I can feel in my bones this is only the beginning.

Through these last 3 years, if I could share one piece of advice as to what I’ve learned , it’s this: OWN YOUR POWER. Own the power of yours that’s generated from within, not outside of yourself. Your authentic power. Don’t give your power away. Don’t allow the thoughts of others to get in your way. Don’t compare yourself to others and wonder how you will measure up. Don’t hold back on what you want to do because you are concerned about how others are going to feel about it.
⠀
There is always a choice to make in terms of whether you decide to own your power or give it away. And these days, I choose my power. I choose me. My hope is that you too honor who you are and choose yourself. Because when you choose yourself, you set yourself free💋
We live in a world of 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 We live in a world of 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 - and let's be honest, we have gotten reaaal accustomed to it. So much so, that we may be easily disappointed when something doesn't immediately go our way - including when it comes to our careers. Whether it's seeking a promotion or landing a job at your dream company, we need to remember that it may take longer than we like or anticipate.
⠀
Most of the time, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒍𝒚. This is why it's critical to ᴘʟᴀɴᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴇᴅ early on to begin preparing to reach your next career goal. For example:⠀
🌱 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Start making an effort to connect with your manager periodically to discuss your career growth. Voice that you are aiming for a promotion. Show to him/her that you take your professional development seriously by discussing your goals and ways you can start taking on additional responsibilities. Try and start taking on the work of the role above yours. Keep a track record of your accomplishments and feedback (L&I has a free template FYI under Resources in my bio!).⠀
🌱 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆: Research the company and learn about their mission, corporate values, and their offerings. Take their available certifications if available to put on your resume. Reach out and build relationships over time with people that currently work there to understand the culture and to let them know you are interested in working for their company. Get your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile professionally reviewed. Tailor your resume and yes, even your cover letter for the job you ultimately apply for.
⠀
Both of these scenarios 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. But don't let that discourage you. What's something you're looking to accomplish in your career in the next 6 months? Don't delay - it's never too early to start preparing. Plant the seed now and watch yourself grow these next few months. Soon enough, after some hard work and patience, those 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 will come🌷💋
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

COPYRIGHT © 2021. Emma Theme by Lovely Confetti · DMCA.com Protection Status

Lipstick & Ink uses cookies to improve your overall reading experience. We'll assume you're okay with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Disclosure & Privacy Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT