UncategorizedHow Haven Changed it All July 9, 2014 I’m headed off to Haven 2014 tomorrow and can’t believe a year has passed since I was last there. I just had to take a minute and reflect on Haven 2013 and what it’s done for me this year because it really did change it all. I remember about a year and a half ago doing research on blog growth and the business of blogging and I kept finding that when you can, you should really go to a conference. I signed up for Haven 2013 through a major God thing, which you can read about here. But I went into it having no clue what to expect. I did a recap of what it meant to me and what I learned right after I got home. I talked about the amazing bloggers I met and connected with. I left that week feeling so inspired and ready to tackle this thing. What’s really amazing, though, is to look back one year later and really see how things have changed in my blogging world and how it all started with Haven. In that recap post, I already knew that Haven had been huge for me. But I didn’t know the half of it. Just to give you an idea, when I attended Haven last year, I was Lindsay from Life of Splendor, a personal blog that I started and was considering taking to a more professional level. I had this dream for a styling blog and brand called The White Buffalo. I went into Haven with that vague dream, having no clue what that would really look like. At Haven, I connected with so many bloggers, but a few stand out in particular when it comes to my brand. Lindsay from Makely Home had been through a similar brand change, which I didn’t even know about when I approached her at the first night meet-and-greet. Quickly, I spilled out my dreams to her and her reaction blew me away. She fell in love with my ideas and my new name, was so supportive, and told me to do it now. I had several other interactions like that with Ashley of The Handmade Home, Jesse of Scout & Nimble, and Anneke of This, That, & Life. They all were so supportive and said DO IT. I came home determined to define this dream and nail down my brand (which I’m still figuring out, by the way). Less than two months later, The White Buffalo was born and I published my first post in my new online home. From there, it was a whirlwind. I became a contributor on The Handmade Home and Makely Home, which started with connecting with them at Haven. From connections I made, Blogger Stylin’ Home Tours took off for fall and blew up even more at Christmas! I still can’t get over what this series did for my blog and connections with others and it will be coming back, by the way! I first connected with The Home Depot at Haven, which led to me participating in this year’s Patio Style Challenge! I had the best time working with them and am thrilled to be working with them more in the future. I learned how to blog for business, which has led to me staying at home and blogging full-time beginning this summer. I still can’t believe I can type those words! I met and grew quickly close to so many amazing ladies that I now talk to nearly every day. I’ve learned so much from them and love having a circle who understands what I do every day. We can bounce ideas off of each other, commiserate over the unfortunate things in blogging and life, and just be there for one another. What a year. When I went into Haven last year, I was terrified. I knew one person who I had only met online. I was scared to talk to “big bloggers” and brands. Haven showed me that I mattered. It showed me that I am talented in my own way and that I can do this. I learned that success comes from laying a brick every single day, not from one big break. Thank you for that, Ana White. I learned that as a believer, my only goal with the blog should be to glorify God. After a great talk with Emily A. Clark, I began praying the prayer she told me she’d prayed so many times, “Bless it or take it away.” I’ve prayed that so often this year. It’s told me what opportunities to take and when I need to let go of something. Having that perspective finally gave me the freedom to be me because I realized I’m not doing this for anyone but God and myself. If we’re proud of what I’m doing, then that’s success. Haven really did change it all. As I’m going into Haven this year, I know more of what to expect. I know how the conference will run. I’m looking forward to meeting and reconnecting with many online friends. And I’m going in with more confidence. I know a bit more about blogging, but more importantly, a bit more about who I am and what I want my blog to be. But there’s still a sense of the unexpected. I could never have imagined what Haven would do last year and I know there will be things learned this year that will lead me in places I can’t imagine right now. It’s so exciting, even though the unknown can be a bit scary. I’m ready to go, though. Bring it on, Haven! I hope to meet many of you there! Follow along on Instagram for conference updates and I’ll be sharing about my experience when I return!
Katie says July 9, 2014 at 11:58 am Wow, thanks for this! I have wondered about going to a conference and haven’t yet taken that step. It’s almost unbelievable to hear how far you’ve come in a year! Your authenticity and transparency are inspiring! And attending a conference just moved way up on my list of goals! Have fun 🙂 Reply
Kayla @ KR Dixon Designs says July 9, 2014 at 12:50 pm It has been so fun to watch your blog grow over the past year! What a difference a year can really do! I’m really hoping to attend in 2015 when I don’t have a newborn to attend to. 🙂 Reply
Lindsay says July 10, 2014 at 10:31 am Girl, newborn 100% trumps Haven. I love Haven, but babies are a whole different ball game! Who knows if I’ll be able to go next year. Better enjoy this year! Reply
Emily @ Table + Hearth says July 9, 2014 at 12:53 pm I too, thank you for this! My little blog is just a few months old but I absolutely love it and have plans of growing it as much as I can and would love to meet other bloggers at a conference some day. Sounds like so much fun! Maybe Haven 2015 for me 🙂 Reply
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says July 9, 2014 at 3:35 pm I have loved watching your blog transform and have adapted some of your style for my own blog. I always look forward to your posts and would love to attend the next Haven. It would be great to meet so many of you. Enjoy and I can’t wait to hear all about it. Reply
Lindsay says July 10, 2014 at 10:30 am Thanks Marty! Maybe Haven 2015?? I’d love to meet you too 🙂 And thanks for your sweet words about my blog and style! Reply
Baileywife @ Irishman Acres says July 9, 2014 at 5:48 pm I have thoughtfully loved watching your blog grow this year, I remember that first email you sent me saying that you were also a teacher, but was hoping to blog full time soon. I am also praying hard for knowledge and strength to get my blog growing or lead me in a different direction if that is what HIS plans are. (the NOT-Knowing is both exciting and terrifying!) Have fun, going to Haven would be a dream!! ~Kim Reply
Anneke at This, That and Life says July 9, 2014 at 11:01 pm I just don’t even know what to say or where to begin……. Who you are and what you are doing is absolutely AMAZING and I am so proud of you!!! I am praying that as you venture into blogging full-time that God will bless it and give you clarity and direction and absolute JOY in it all! Words can’t describe how thankful I am that we met last year – this post just makes me want to cry that I couldn’t be there this year though! 🙁 All I can say is….GIRL’S TRIP! 😀 Have a blast and hug everyone like crazy for me!!! Reply
Lindsay says July 10, 2014 at 10:29 am Anneke, you dont’ even know how sad I am you won’t be there 🙁 Reply
Kelly Goldman says July 10, 2014 at 6:13 am Gosh, I can’t wait to meet you. Such a good prayer- bless it or take it away! Today is going to be awesome!! Reply
Bex Stark says July 10, 2014 at 10:39 am Thank you for this (and congrats on you baby!!). there is a similar conference near me in September, but I just thought my blog was too small and too young for me to go. After hearing what Haven did for you I think I’m going to take the plunge and just do it this year. Reply
Sherri says July 10, 2014 at 7:20 pm It’s not just happenstance that Haven and the women there inspired you. It’s God’s providence. He connected you to the right people because He guides us like that. He also knew that you would glorify Him, and certainly in the blogging world and the world in general that is not always the case. The Lord also knows that now you can be an encourager to other ladies at the event who are just starting out… You are one of my favorite blogs . You have a fresh style with a bohemian flair and an authenticity in your spirit that are very appealing. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Reply
Lindsay says July 14, 2014 at 11:28 am Thanks so much, Sherri! I’m so glad that you’re here! And you’re right, God was definitely in it! I have no doubt of that. I was so affirmed of that again this year! About to post about the experience. Reply
Bethany @ Dwellings by DeVore says July 14, 2014 at 7:19 am You have accomplished so much this year! I’m so thankful I had the chance to go to Haven this year. I had no idea how much of an impact it would make. I’m feeling so motivated and ready to get going! I’m so glad I finally got to meet you too! Reply
Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says July 14, 2014 at 9:16 am I keep thinking about going but chicken out 😀 Your story is inspiring me to take that step. Thank you! Reply
Lindsay says July 14, 2014 at 11:14 am Shelley, you have to go! It’s amazing and so much will come out of it for you 🙂 Just learning how to promote and what to do makes a huge difference. Reply
Jessica says July 22, 2014 at 6:03 pm I am so glad to have met you last year and to have had a great talk with you this year. 🙂 We WILL be talking soon- count on that! I will be emailing you. But mostly I’m commenting because a) I’m SO EXCITED about seeing more blogger stylin’ home tours. I love that series, and b) because you are such an inspiration to me with how you’ve grown this year. God has worked through you and your blog and I know people are touched by you on the daily. Hope you’re feeling good and that baby buffalo is doing SO well! xoxo Reply
Jillian @ JST Design says September 25, 2014 at 1:48 pm Thanks for all the great information, it is very inspiring to know a bit more about the conference and how it changed your blog. I hope to meet you there next year! Reply
Michelle says July 16, 2015 at 12:47 pm I’ve been discerning whether or not to start a blog. Praying a lot. Love the reminder that it is ultimately about pleasing Him with my life. That takes so much pressure off, doesn’t it? 🙂 Reply
Lindsay says July 17, 2015 at 10:29 am Yes, it does, Michelle! It’s hard to always remember that in the face of it, but I always remind myself of that. At the end of it all, that’s the ONLY thing that will remain! Hope you start one 🙂 Reply