9 years ago, IreviewUread was launched as a place for me to review the free beauty samples I received.
9 years later, I am not only able to make a career out of this but I am able to fulfil my life-long dream of writing a book as well.
IreviewUread allowed me to reach many heights that I have never imagined and I am thoroughly appreciative of that. I never would have been able to meet many life-long friends or get invited to the exclusive events if I had not taken that step to continue this journey. To think, I once wanted to give this all up at my first hurdle.
I Almost Gave Up
A few months after I launched this blog, I almost retired it because of the immense pressure I place on myself to do better and post more. As I was still studying full time back then, I was unable to cope with those high expectations that I placed on myself.
You see, being a blogger is not just about writing half-assed articles and calling it a day. You still have to market it. Marketing has always been the hard part for me for I was merely depending on social media and commenting on other blogs to succeed.
As years go passed, the internet evolved and those that were once still in primary school in 2012 are overtaking the algorithm with dancing videos. Those of us that were considered bloggers were suddenly thrown into the category of an "influencer".
To this day, I never felt like I was an influencer but the fact is we all are. Regardless of whether you have 10 followers or 10,000 followers, we all influence the people around us in some way. Be it purchasing an item or making a small life decision.
The term "influencer" had been tarnished by various black sheep, from those that are only out to get freebies or those that use it as a power move. It makes the rest of us felt misunderstood when we're categorised with these people.
Does that mean we should give up?
No. Studies found that there are more to an influencer than the number of followers they have. It is the bond they have with their followers and their personalities that makes people stay. Influencer marketing is more than just finding the one with the highest number of followers. Instead, find the one that connects to their audience the most.
Previously, I asked you all what you like about IreviewUread and many of you have commented. In summary, many of you enjoy the honest and detailed reviews of the new beauty products I bring on board. Additionally, it helps with the decision-making process when you are looking for a suitable product to purchase for your skin type.
These comments have not only warmed my soul but it gives me the drive to keep IreviewUread running for years to come. At the same time, I am branching out IreviewUread to be more than just a blog.
Over the years, I've always categorised IreviewUread to be more of a blog than a Youtube Channel but the times have changed. IreviewUread is more than that and I am no longer just a blogger on IreviewUread.
As of last year, I am also the owner of IjournalUsee and Gaming Migraine. I am also a writer, an author and a live streamer. Since I started this blog when I was a teenager, it took me a while to stop thinking of myself as a nobody if I did not have IreviewUread.
That's the scariest question I've for myself, "Who am I without IreviewUread? Who will I be if I did not take this route in life?" When the real question I should be asking myself is, "What else can I do to grow now that I am on this route in life?"
Being an influencer is not just about the documentation of the seemingly flashy life and that's it. It's about improving yourself, expanding your boundaries and spreading the good through your platforms.
Shi Hui
Shi Hui is an author, a content creator and a live streamer. Her blog, IreviewUread, had been crowned Top 40 Lifestyle blogs to follow in Singapore by Best in Singapore, Bumble Scoop and FeedSpot two years in a row. She is also the first-place winner in Fashion Potluck Award Season 2020.
