It’s Colour Me Happy’s one year anniversary!
6 months before starting my own blog, I didn’t even know what a blog was! Prior to the weekend I started writing, I had spent a couple days with another designer friend listening to an on-line course about the business of design. One of the modules talked about blogging and how important it was to any designer’s career, so I decided I better get started!
Here are the 6 ways I’ve grown in the last year through writing this blog:
1) I have found a vehicle (this blog) to express myself through writing!
At the time I started writing this blog I was clear I was NOT a writer. If I had to send out a professional letter, it would take me hours to edit and double check it for grammar and spelling. Now 251 posts later, I’m clear I am a writer. I wrote my first post on a Friday afternoon and barely slept the rest of the weekend I was so inspired. I wrote 7 posts that weekend including ‘The Best Trim Colours—NOT Cloud White’ which is still my second most popular post next to ‘White Kitchen Cabinets’.
Something’s Gotta Give Kitchen
2) You can’t force someone to do something they are not naturally inclined to do.
I didn’t understand this concept until I started blogging because in the beginning I thought everyone should have a blog. I was a walking, talking advertisement for blogging. Then when one friend asked how long I spent on my blog every day and learned that it was 2 – 5 hours per day, that was the end of our friendship. So now I limit my blogging obsession to others that understand it.
Something’s Gotta Give; Image from Cote de Texas
And I stopped saying “You too should have a blog”. It would be like being a writer and saying to your friends “You should write a book”. It’s either in you to write a blog or a book or it’s not. And I most certainly do not want people around me to feel diminished in some way because they don’t have a blog.
Erica’s Bedroom/office in Something’s Gotta Give
Does it really take that much time you ask? Yes. Not only is there the actual writing aspect of the posts but then there’s the time that it takes to comment on other blogs, (read my post here about blogging etiquette), responding to emails from my readers, analyzing traffic, keywords and more.
As Gary Vaynerchuk would say, “You want this life? You want the bling bling, the jets, the nice clothes? You have to work. It’s as simple as that. Stop watching &%@* Lost!” (I love that line, sorry about the language :).
Bottom line, I don’t watch TV anymore. Instead I blog. It took me 7 hours on a Sunday to write “How to create a Tablescape” which made it into the Washington Post (for the 4th time) the following week. Was this a chore for me? Did I feel like I was missing out on my weekend? No. I loved every second of it. I was away this weekend, and made a point to cut my weekend short and be home by noon today (Sunday) so I could write this post and I couldn’t wait to get started!
By the way, I started writing this post at 12:30 pm and it is now 4:45 pm and I still have to proof read and set up my links which will take another half an hour (making this a 5 hour post and then I need to spend the rest of the evening responding to emails and commenting) making this an 8 hour blogging day.
Tablescape from Something’s Gotta Give
Is it necessary to be as obsessed as me to have a successful blog? Well it depends on what your definition of a successful blog is. But I think the most important piece about having a blog is that it’s so much better than just a website which is static.
A blog is alive, because it’s updated on a regular basis giving your clients or customers a real sense of your personality. You’ve noticed that, right? It doesn’t take long to ‘get who someone is’ just by reading their blog. Anyone who’s been reading mine certainly gets who I am!
3) My business has grown almost 100% through blogging (and I have never been busier in my entire career).
Early this Spring I emailed BC Home Magazine asking if they would be interested in publishing my work. The editor took a look at my blog, (saw that I could write) and asked if I would write an article for the Alberta Home magazine about Decorating with Yellow. Then she published it again in BC Home the following month. And in the same email back to me said she would be delighted to publish one of my projects in their September issue.
Maria Killam Colour & Design on the Cover
Which is exactly what happened. Click here to read the article. So before you think, “It’s the magazine, she could have got into that without the blog”—maybe—but I only received one design job from it, plus a few colour consults. All the other business I have is from clients that found my blog through google searches!
4) I’ve grown as a designer by discovering my ‘Signature Look’!
Interior by Maria Killam
Now that I know what it is it seems so obvious, however, consider if you spent a year ONLY posting images on a blog that you loved, you too would start to see the pattern to discover for yourself what your look is! Even if you are not a designer but perhaps someone that is about to build your dream home! It’s like creating your very own ‘look book’.
5) I have grown as an Expert in my Field
When I was a new designer, I pretended to know much more than I did. And of course, we all know that being ‘new’ requires some ‘faking it until you make it’. However, then you get to a point where you find out what you are good at and you develop that. Then when you get really good at your specialty, you can make more money doing it because you become the expert.
Image source
As Mary Knackstedt says in her book The Interior Design Business Handbook (a must-read for anyone interested in starting their own design business), “Specialization most often leads to better profit. Specialists know their work; it is easy because they have done it many times. The basics stay the same. You can vary certain facets of the design, but you do not have to relearn 80 percent of the process. This lowers the risk of error and speeds up design production.”
A review of design publications of the past 10 years shows that less-qualified design firms can and did take the market share from ‘better’ firms just because they were very clear in stating that, for example, they only ‘do’ offices, or medical facilities, or restaurants.
For example, I am not a kitchen designer. I would not be the one to give advice on the best footprint for your kitchen. However, I can advise you on your kitchen finishes and whether they are the right colour or undertone to go with the rest of your home. I can decorate your home from the right colour on the walls to drapery and furniture, all the way to the details like a vase with an orchid for your dresser (above).
6) I love to make people happy!
When I first meet someone new, I share The Landmark Forum with them. Just like I did with you in this blog not long after I first started writing it. It is the biggest reason for the life that I have now versus what my life looked like 10 years ago when I started my creative journey.
When I solve a colour or design dilemma for a client or finish decorating their house, it makes them happy! And I love that! One of my favourite comments was from a client not too long ago who said “I’ve always considered myself to be a messy person until you decorated my home! Now because everything has a place and it looks so beautiful, I like to keep it that way”.
If I see that something is missing and I can contribute in some way, I’m quick to jump in and say or do what’s necessary. That’s obviously why I’m always teaching something when I write this blog (even though I didn’t know it was going to look like that in the beginning).
I have met so many other talented designers and bloggers through writing this blog, it’s by reading your blogs that keeps me on the cutting edge of what’s hot and what’s not in the design and colour world! Thank you to all my readers who inspire me daily and encourage me to keep writing with your wonderful comments! I have a special place in my heart for everyone that reads my blog as it is such a huge part of my life!
These are my new glasses (above), what do you think?
xoxo
Maria
If you would like to transform the way you see colour, become a True Colour Expert.
Happiness image from flickr
Related posts:
10 Things every Blogger should Know
Happiness is. . . Having the Career that you Love
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Sunday afternoon and I am reading blogs, how I relate to what you said! and sure it takes time to research for and write a post, then read and comment others but it is always fun, entertaining, educational and rewarding. I love your glasses and you are beautiful always…no need to ask!
Your new glasses are very cute! Is it just me or does anyone else think you look like Diane Keaton?
I want to thank you for all your hours of hard work that you do for your blog. It's my favorite & I get excited every time you have a new post. They are all so informative. I can understand why it has brought you so much business. If I lived closer, I would hire you in a hearbeat.
Please don't ever get tired of writing…I would miss you.
I can't believe how much you have accomplished in just one year. You should be so proud of yourself. Thank you for all of your inspiration and encouragement. I have learned so much from you and I am so grateful. I am glad you are reaping the rewards from your blog.
Thank you for doing what you do! I look forward to reading your blog and newsletter and am a huge fan of yours! Thanks again!
Happy Birthday Colour Me Happy! You are a true inspiration Maria. I love reading your blog and relate so much to EVERYTHING you have to say: Blogging is fun and time consuming and enlightening and giving. Love your new look too.
Thank you, that was wonderful, and congratulations. Who needs TV. Its wonderful how blogs are alive, they grow and add layers. Brief fancies fall away, consistent interests aggregate and leave a recognizable shape. I remember that "not cloud white" post! Painting front door trim at the time! Best wishes, Trish
Many, many congratulations! I appreciate the effort you put into your blog. Your content has a flow and a logic that is comforting. I share your love of all things blog.
A loyal fan,
jane
Happy Anniversary! I can't believe you have only been at it for a year – I can think of so many posts that have had a profound impact on my knowledge base, it seems like you have been it this far longer! I suppose it is the quality of your posts.
It was interesting to read how much time you take to craft your blog. One thing that really resonated – blogging instead of watching tv. I too watch far less tv than I used to, and instead prefer to get my entertainment by either creating posts or checking out the other bloggers out there and seeing what they have to say.
I am looking forward to many more years of wonderful posts!
Happy blogaversary! You've nailed it right on the head when you describe why blogging is so important. You've god incredible info on your site, thanks so much for sharing…and being an inspiration!
Dearest Maria,
if I could only express my feelings as I read your anniversary post…
Firstly: Congratulations and a big hug through the night sky…
Secondly: After discovering your blog as a total blog novice myself in March this year I knew to have found an expert in the field of colours, a field absolutly dear to me, important and essential to me as a painter and designer.
You are just so incredibly logic and have a knowledge about the theory behind it all and a gift to put it into words and to good use!
Everytime I read your blog I learn!
You are the born talented teacher.
Thirdly: You were one of the first people to be kind enough to leave a comment on my blog, something every writer craves: readers!
I am so glad to have come across your blog so early on!(I had no idea you were starting out as well)
You have come a long way, lot's of well deserved attention and may your business grow as your blog lengthens..
Last, but not least:
You look absolutly fabulous with these new glasses: colour and shape are simply perfect!
Thank you and please keep going!
XX
Victoria
Wow that cake looks too good to eat! Congratulations on your one year blogging anniversary! Your Color Me Happy blog is very beautiful and the knowledge you share is so wise, genuine and helpful. I greatly appreciate all the time you put into your posts and look forward to many more! And… your new glasses look fabulous!!!
Congrats on your blogoversary, Maria! I think as we write more and more, we evolve within our blog posts. Since I've been blogging, hits to my website have doubled, from the same time the previous year.
i am fairly new to your blog (a month). i love it. color was always a mystery to me until i read your explanations. i will be a regular. congratulations on your perserverence.
cammie
ps. i love your glasses
Congratulations, MK! One year. Wow! I am truly thrilled for you and your success!
Keep up the fab work and thank you for sharing so much knowledge, perspective, and time with us.
Being independent and self-employed means a lot of time by yourself. It's not like an office environment with co-workers.
Blogosphere is kind of like the water-cooler in the office I don't have! :~D I really enjoy the connection to other people with similar color interests and challenges. I've enjoyed getting to know you thru your blog. (love the new specs!)
You are admired and appreciated.
xoxox,
Lori
boy, can i relate. whoa. i loved that you tube video. I am so psyched right now. when people ask me about blogging – you either have the time to do it right or you will never have a successful blog. it takes time. if you think you can just spend 30 minutes on your blog, forget it. don't bother. congratulations. i loved this.
Happy Blogiversary!
Great post – so much so true! Congratulations on all your successes and I look forward to reading your next years worth of posts.
Happy Anniversary Maria.
It defenitely takes dedication and lots of hardwork to maintain a blog, and you have both.
wishing you many more years of blogging.
Tareq
Congratulations, Maria! I'm pretty new to your blog, but you really have something to say, and I do learn something new every time I visit. Am looking forward to following your blog in the future! 😀
What a beautiful blog. It speaks to me. I am new to the blog world and absolutely love it. I will share your blog with my friends so they will understand me a little better. I am a new follower!
Great post and terrific new glasses! Maria you included that image in # 4 that I adore! You are an inspiration beyond!
PS will watch the video right now.
Happy Anniversary!!!!! Thank you for such a great blog…no matter how busy I am it's the one thing I make sure to check every day.
Love the new glasses 🙂
Many congratulations to you for all you have accomplished!! I always love reading your posts. It has become part of my morning reads that gets my day off to a positive start. You are a talented designer, teacher and blogger. You are able to make a reader feel like she is sitting right there with ya, sharing an intimate conversation. And it is through you blog that I have discovered so many other wonderful bloggers. The amount of inspiration and knowledge I have gained in the short few months in which I discovered you and many others in the blogging world has been immeasurable. Thank you.
What an incredible journey blogging can be! We've had the joy of connecting with so many people through our blogging and aren't as prolific or dedicated as your fabulous blog. Best wishes for an inspiring second year! Your blogs are ones I forward on so frequently! They are fabulous!
Congrats & thank you for feeding my muse.
Love the new glasses.
Once I discovered design blogs, a year ago, I knew, WEBSITES ARE DEAD SITES.
Went to a computer symposium & studied other blogs for months. My blog started Feb. 2009.
Same thing, I'm getting new clients & opportunities. HGTV found me thru my blog. How's that compared to a website???????
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
Maria, you are an inspiration! I could not agree with you more about the self-discovery you've gained through your fantastic blog. And it makes me feel SO much better to learn how much time you spend on it. It shows! I still get stressed out if it takes me more than 2 hours to write a post, but this is a great reminder that good things take time.
And p.s., Love your new glasses.
p.p.s., Happy Anniversary!
The glasses are very cute! This was a great article! Thanks for sharing hard earned knowledge with us! 🙂
Happy Anniversary Maria.
I have learned so much from your blog during this past year. You have created something amazing for all of us.
I'm not only thankful to you for taking the time and care to share your knowledge with us. I am also thankful for your friendship!
I've never met someone who is as clear about her goals as you are. I look forward to watching you achieve them!
xo
Brooke
Wow congrats Maria! You can really tell that you put a lot of time and energy into your blog, and it has paid off! Good job, and I look forward to more informative, fabulous posts in the future!
Maria, I love your honesty. I knew in the beginning you spent a lot of time on posts but I 'assumed' the time you spent on posts got less as you got better at it. In the end, you still spend a lot of time. Posting, commenting etc.
Thank you for not being the skinny, fit person that says it's easy and you can eat anything you want to look that great! However I can imagine the eight hours you spent on Sunday doing this post flew by because you love it blogging.
You have a beautiful well written blog with many fans (including me) and you make it look so effortless.
Glasses are good, by the way.
Before I read your comment I thought, wow, are those attractive glasses. But best of all is your most informative Blog, thanks for all the time you put into it for us.
congratulations & love the new glasses! (you look beautiful as always!)
I think we all love your blog so much because you are so insightful & so frank. You say what you observe & learn & you state it clearly with no tippy-toeing. You're a natural teacher and are so driven we're hoping it rubs off!!! hahaha
anyway, i loved reading this & am so glad to have "met" you this past year. You're one of my inspirations & I never stop learning from you!
xoxo,
lauren
Congratulations Maria, I'll bet the time has just flown by!
Each and every post I've read of yours is informative and inspiring. Keep up the great work!
I love the youtube video. Gary Vaynerchuk is quite inspiring! I think tonight I'll have to turn off the TV 🙂
Thanks again!
What can I say that hasn't already been said before? Love your blog, love your insight, love your sharing. I know I have to spend a lot more time on my blog. I do love researching and writing posts so just need to make it more of a priority.
Maria, finding your blog has probably been the best thing I've done all year. You've helped me start down the path to some kind of design work, and even though I still don't really know what I'm shooting for, I know I'll always learn from you. I guess it also helps that I'm in your Colour Theory class. Thank you for teaching me, in person and otherwise.
Danica
Congrats!!! love your post. looking forward to 250 more!
xo,
cristin
• • Maria, I've said it before on previous posts. You are very talented, professional and by looking at these posts, look how many lives you touch by blogging.
Thank you for providing an amazing design venue for us!!!
By the way . . . glasses are a great design accessory. Sounds like a blog topic to me!!!
What a lovely personal post Maria. And I join with you as someone who adores the transformative qualities of good oolor and paint.
Also, I think your signature look is so lovely — some of my favorite colors in there.
Congrats! Great post! Happy Blogaversary! Looking forward to many more… 😉
Jill
And PS – the glasses look great!
love this post. i decided to have my own blog when i read a fantastic article on financial times about interior design blogs. and, indeed it makes me so much more proactive and inspired as well as excited about this virtual world.
everything looks even more possible to me since i started.
congrats Maria for always bringing to us fantastic "introspection moments" if you know what i mean.
it's funny you posted "something's gotta give" because after i watched this movie for the last time (my 5ht time) i said to myself "exactly Eliana, this is the very right moment. started!" and i did, two months ago.
and another thing i have to share right here right now is, being portuguese (therefore my first language is my poetic portuguese) this helps me a lot to improve my english and above all, express myself through words.
again, thank you Maria for such a fantastic colourful moment.
Happy Blogaversary! Your blog is
Magical, Attractive, Rejuvenating, Insightful, Additive
Kolourful, Inspiring, Luscious, Lighthearted, Amazing Maria!
I really appreciate all the hard work you've put into it and always look forward to reading them!
Great choice of glasses, too!
Debby
I have always felt a blog is just another extension of our personalities. Fabulous blog – fabulous person.. It's that easy.
You are such a natural teacher.. I love that word.. teacher. Such an important role in our world. But I think that is why the passion (to replace Obsession..:-) never dies.. and 2-5 hours in a night flies by..
Keep on teaching Maria.
Vitania
Oh how I love your honesty and dedication and passion to blogging (and what you do!).
I do love reading your blog and I hope your passion continues for a long time…
Congratulations on your 1st anniversary!
Oh, and how cute do you look in your new glasses…
Love your blog & your new glasses – they exude professionalism as well as lots of cutting edge style.
maria
only one year?! you are amazing. this was such a great post i bookmarked it as i will refer to it often.
as a novice blogger there are so many questions swirling in my head. i love to blog but thought i was crazy for spending most of every sunday doing this, my new passion. how refreshing to read about your efforts. well done! and congrats
debra
Maria
Congrats on your first year. This is exciting, you've shown us the Love by opening your arms and sharing through your mind and fingertips. It is difficult at times and you stayed focused. The time spent is well worth it and it shows in the followers comments Good for you you've found your nIche..always a good thing. Glasses are perfectly suited for you.
Bette
Congratulations Maria, I love your blog ! I've only been blogging for 3 months but I found yours at the very beginning and look forward to it every day. You are so awesome, you always show me bloggy love !
Great glasses — I loved that movie to! Happy blog anniversary and thank you for your sweet visit.
Happy Anniversary Maria!
In between all the words we can feel your heart come through and isn't that what a writer hopes to achieve – emotionally reach her readers?
We love what you write, we love what you teach so please keep blogging 'cause we love reading.
The glasses? Très chic! They look beautiful.
Maria – You have a gift and I love that you are using your gift to its full potential. You stand out in the blogging world and always have such informative subjects! Best of all, I know your heart is BIG! Having such a wonderful gift of writing and an amazing giving spirit is what has gotten you this far! Keep up the good work, you are truly blessing so many, me included!
Your comments sure hit home Maria! Sometimes I wonder how one post could possibly take hours to assemble. Hard to explain to someone who doesn't blog isn't it?
However, those hours fly past when you are blogging about your passion. I find when I post about rugs (my passion), the words flow effortlessly. I've always gotten that sense from you as well. When I visit here, I always feel like I'm sitting down and having a personal chat with you.
Congrats on the 1 yr mark, I believe we are the lucky ones to have you here sharing your knowledge with us.
Jane T.
Hi Maria, Tara Dillard directed me to your wonderful blog! Thanks for listing all the suggestions and reasons for blogging, I am a visual artist and have a baby blog (5 weeks old this Satuday;)) and really appreciate any advice I can find! You are right, the more time you invest, the better it will be!
Happy Blogging!
Congratulations on your one-year anniversary. Mine also just passed the one year mark. Your consistency in posting is inspiring. Thanks for all the tips and ideas. I know they will come in handy some day. Blessings!
Reminds me I need a new pair of glasses. Mine are getting old and they are so lose and constantly falling off my head.
Happy’s one year anniversary!
Great new glasses…
I have been to busy to write anything on my blog but always enjoy reading yours, it is amazing!
Have a wonderful and busy week.
Regards, Carol Ann
happy anniversary, Marie! i am so impressed by the care and thought you put into all your posts, and appreciate how much effort they all take.
keep up the good work!
Just recently found your blog and I love it. I really enjoyed this post. It was such an encouragement since I am new to blogging.
Happy anniversary!
happy blogging anniversary darling!
i am really glad that you found something that gives you so much juice. and what you contribute undoubtedly will return tenfold.
the benefits of doing something you love: priceless.
First off, I love the new, chic glasses! They will go with so many different looks…
Second, what a great post. Everything you have said is so incredibly true. My own little blog is still more new and I feel, still in the baby stage of blogs, but I adore it, and love pouring my thoughts and passions into it. More than that, the sharing that happens with others is so valuable and special. Sometimes I wonder why I hadn't started a blog sooner / what I would have done differently if I had — but I realize that this is exactly where I am meant to be.
I am so happy to have connected with you and your blog — you have a fantastic blog. It is a wonderful source for information and inspiration — I always feel like I have learned a little something. Congratulations on the blog birthday — I look forward to many more posts!
Sarah
Congrats on your one-year anniversary. Love that colourful birthday cake in the first picture 🙂
It's great to see how you've grown since I discovered your blog in January. You've left us in your dust!! Your blog is always fun and informative and interesting to read.
I totally relate to the hours you spend blogging. I seem to spend all my time either thinking about posts or writing posts or researching posts or searching the Net for pictures or commenting on other blogs… it's practically a full-time job!!
Kelly
I love your frames Maria, they look perfect on you. When I found the blog world I was so excited and no one I know can relate with me, so I keep it to myself now (sadly) So my Husband knows he has to let me talk about my (fake) blog friends! I love it, and I have learned so much from you in a short time, keep it up!
Tara
Awesome post Maria! I'm so proud of you! You have come so far in such a short time. You are a brilliant designer and writer as well. You deserve to be in those magazines and I think, it's about time you started thinking about writing your very own book! Congratulations on your blog's anniversary! You are an inspiration to us all!
I teach writing–news writing, writing for publication, composition, and this blog will be used in a class to encourage future writers!
Maria, you brought me to tears. I love reading what you have to say.
You are amazing, talented & generous.
and the glasses are totally glam & you.
Hi dear Maria, first, I found a great chair for my living room–wingback in the same tones as couch, comfy, antique-y, newly reupholstered. So now, you can stop spending so much of your day worrying about that 🙂
second, congratulations on a year of blogging. I so understand about growing through it and making contacts that you would never otherwise have. When I took my course on "How to Have an Online Presence" (it's at http://www.consciouswoman.org) we were told that the goal was to get at least 3 comments per post. I don't think there are many blogs on the internet that get as many comments as yours—it is through the stratosphere. A breakthrough blog!
Maria, Love your blog! Not surprised you spend so much time on it. It shows.
Would you share the name of the on-line seminar you watched that inspired you?
Thanks
Sandra Jonas
Maria,
Your blog is fantastic-you deserve all the success it has brought you.
Your passion for what you do shows, and I think its so awesome that you share so much of your knowledge with your fans.
P.S. I'm happy to hear that the hours melt away as you are working on your blog, too. I so very much love writing mine- I only wish I could hire a little elf to catch my typos and proof it for me!
Thanks for this post. I just started a blog about a month ago and I am learning. I am not a writer so I am not forcing myself to try and be one. I started my blog to document our move from Florida to northern Kentucky and also to document decorating our home. I love to decorate and I thought it would be a fun way to talk about it. I just want to have fun and be myself.
I am spending my Sunday morning catching up on some of your wonderful articles. I learn something every time. Thanks so much for sharing.
What a great blog! I only just discovered it but will be back to read more of your wonderful tips.
I've only just recently begun reading blogs and I feel completely inspired. I really appreciate the effort that goes into making this a special place to visit for inspiration, joy, and learning.
Thank you 🙂
Maria, you are the most giving, incredible young woman!! Not one to read many blogs, I spent hours reading you and learning soooo much. You are incrediable. Congratualtions on all your successes. I absolutely love interior decorating and have obviously failed to communicate the "why" factor.
Mama Prettypinktulips
Maria, every time I read your blog, I feel like I grow! So fortunate to have you writing. I can't say thank you enough!