soqweenly 1 Year Anniversary: Why I Decided to Launch A Blog

It’s officially been one year since soqweenly launched!

Leading up to launching my blog I spoke to people who were already in the space to get feedback and I'm glad I did. On the technical side I chose to build my own site on Wix and used GoDaddy to host it. Since I'm not that technical I relied on YouTube for tutorials. Next, I mentally prepared myself because I knew it would require consistency and accountability from me.

I was nervous to launch soqweenly because it is my personal life. I knew it would grow slower because I’m talking about topics people are trying to avoid, but it is inevitable. My vision for soqweenly was to be a resource for those who needed to see someone who looked like them overcome setbacks.

Every day leading up to the launch I talked myself out of never publishing it. I literally asked God to send me a sign because I was torn. All I can say is be careful what you ask for because something happened.

I was finishing up my first post and received a text message March 16, 2019 at 10:28am that just said my name. I responded back and the person shared the devastating news that she lost her sister to domestic violence Friday night.

I was in tears by then because I knew her sister wasn't even 21. I opened my laptop and read my incomplete and unpublished blog post to myself. I picked up my phone and text her the very words I had been writing for weeks. I shared advice I needed to hear May 13, 2016.

Nothing or nobody ever replaces those we lose.

It’s okay to not be okay.

It will be an emotional and mental rollercoaster.

There is no manual to handle lost.

Life as you knew it will never be the same and I was going to be right there with her.

The best thing to do for someone who has experienced lost is to be a resource for them. Leading up to this tragedy we had been working months on landing her a new job. She wasn't even two weeks in that role so we tackled that. I provided steps on who and how to notify her manager because going back to work is the last thing on your mind. Thankfully, she had a supportive and understanding manager.

Then we talked about what was going to happened in her life and utilizing resources. Everyone’s journey will be different, but we will all grieve in one form or the other. Going through that process is very important and it's ongoing.

Remember I said leading up to this day I’d been asking God and my mama to send me a sign that I was on the right path. That was my sign. I finally completed my first post and on March 31, 2019 at 6pm I published my first blog. This year has been filled with many firsts and has taught me so much about life.

To my sweet Taylor Lee you impacted my life that day and answered my prayers on what I should do. You were one of my first hires in Columbus and I thank you for trusting me on your journey. I dedicate this post to you and your sister, Roni, who will forever be in my heart.

I love you all and stay safe,

soqweenly