Behind the Blog: Robb Restyle Beginnings

Today I’m teaming up with some fabulous bloggers to share a little behind-the-scenes look at our blogs.

This is something new for Robb Restyle. We love to give you details about a DIY project we completed, but we rarely mention the process of getting it to the blog so you can read all about it.

This is going to be fun!

Hang with us on the last Thursday of each month as we share a different topic.

January: Blog Beginnings

First of all, HELLO! Thank you for stopping by.

If you are new here just CLICK HERE to read more about who we are and what we do!

Let’s begin…

Why do we blog?

We started this blog to tell a story of two makers who were delighted to share their tips, picks and goods with family, friends and eventually other customers.

We make stuff. We paint stuff. We collect stuff. We love to DIY projects in our old house. We have a very pure reason for blogging and only post things we truly love. I read somewhere that authenticity is something you would do even if no one is watching. With or without this blog we would still be making things, upcycling projects, DIY-ing our home, and being creative.

So, since we were makers (and collectors of vintage) before we were bloggers, the stuff we make helps drive both our content and our creativity. Here are a few things we’ve taken to market or sold in our Etsy shop.

Just a sculptor molds a lump of clay into a work of art, this blog acts as our canvas for painting a picture of the artful furniture transformations we create, the vintage goods we curate, as well as the details on how we decorate  and renovate our home.

Our home (and our shop) is our place to express ourselves. This blog is our place to share it with you.

How has our blog changed?

Oh my. In some ways we’ve changed a lot. See some really old posts here and here and here.

And styling? I had no idea it was a thing. This next picture makes me laugh so hard. I didn’t even move the kitty litter out of the picture. Over the years I got a little help from this conference as well as this book. And most of all, I read gobs and gobs of blogs.

When you start blogging it kinda feels like you are talking to no one and everyone at the same time. Yes, you are putting it out there for everyone to see. But, then again, is anyone even going to see it?

In the beginning I struggled sharing. I didn’t know what to share, how much to share, or who I was sharing it with… well, except for my mom, my Aunt Pat, and my BFF Lisa, whom I believe were my only three readers for a long, long time.

I used to be timid with my words. But once I learned to put down my guard (a little) and simply be myself, the words came much easier. I could share a story like I was texting my BFF or calling my mom. The blog became me. My project. My story. My words. My view. My pictures.

(Note: I use “we” a lot in the blog because Robb Restyle truly is the endeavors of “us”. However, the words you read here are mine. Corey doesn’t write posts but he’s very much a part of every project – even when he disagrees – like when I painted my front door.  ha!)

Oh, and I learned how to use daylight instead of a flash and invested in a good DSLR camera. Good Camera = Good Pictures, no matter what your photography skills are. Seriously.

On the other hand, our passion for DIY, curating vintage or repurposing unique projects hasn’t changed one bit. You might say this blog has strengthened it.

I’m a blogger”

I used to feel kinda silly saying the words out loud to someone. But I am really proud of this site and the projects and Corey and I create together.

What are the benefits of blogging?

Tangible benefits? Sure, there are a few. I could talk to you about affiliate marketing and the small pocket change we make on linked products. We’ve also received free products from brands in exchange for honest opinions, which is both fun and exciting. It’s also a great way to promote our online shop.

But my husband and I have day jobs, so this blog isn’t an income stream for us. Don’t get me wrong, the perks are nice but we didn’t start the blog purely to make money. Thank God for that. LOL.

I can tell you, however, about another benefit… People! Just like our shop (read more here) this blog has connected us to so many great people. From the comments on our posts, to the people we meet at blog events, to the brands we’re lucky enough to work with – it is the human connection that we didn’t predict and yet gain so much from. I can’t imagine life before it, nor without it. It’s so refreshing to meet like-minded creatives who share your passion for… well, sharing!

You know it’s funny, because when Corey and I met we didn’t have houses of our own. Sure, we were both creative and interested in all things old, but we had no idea what was brewing in our relationship. And of course, we had no inkling of Robb Restyle – our love for this home, a hobby turned into a creative business, and especially not a blog. 🙂

When I think about all the things Corey and I love to do (and would do anyway, with or without a blog or shop) I am so very grateful. Robb Restyle has allowed us to take it a step further by sharing our goods at markets and online shops as well as through our blog – and it makes my heart full.

Are you thinking of starting a blog or are you just getting started yourself?

Just do it! Seriously, what are you waiting for?

There are tons of free resources, ideas and conversations to help you get started. Read other blogs – lots of them! Don’t be afraid to start… and remember to just be yourself. Share your story, something you care about, or even something you made!

Today you are You,
That is truer than true.
There is no one alive
who is YOUER than You.”
– Dr. Seuss

Thanks again for visiting!

And, don’t forget to visit the other blogs in the Behind the Blog series!

Twin Stripe

The Natural Home School

Arts & Crackers

Moms & Crafters

Smart Girls DIY

Cheers!

*This post may contain some affiliate links for your convenience. Robb Restyle may receive a commission, but you won’t pay a penny more. Thanks for supporting our flea market addiction.*