2017 - 2018
Probably my last post of the year, so I want to wrap it up with this article. Another satisfied 12 months that flew by. I can’t believe I am blogging for over 3 years now already! Each year I see a little growth and I am proud of that. Let’s reflect on 2017 and let’s talk about 2018, while sharing some pictures of the last couple of day!
TRAVEL the world
My first love: Travel. This has been central again this year. With 2-3 trips in a month I have been traveling to 22 places this year. Every trip is work for me, even if it doesn’t look like it, I come back even more exhausted. Yet, I get so much energy and inspiration discovering new places. I go crazy if I don’t have a next destination on the horizon yet.
The best thing during my travels are the inspiring people that I have met and many of them I can call my friends now.
It’s hard to pick my favorite trip, but if I really have to choose I think I will pick my travels with Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong and The Philippines. Pinching myself that seeing the world is my job. Something I will never take for granted, especially going to poor countries like The Philippines, puts everything even more in perspective.
So much more than just FASHION
Happy to attended Fashion Weeks in NYC, Paris and Milan this year. Even this year I can see that my style has slowly evolved. I am pretty open-minded. I let my style be influenced by so many factors, like travels, magazines and the people I hang out with. So this is what I have learned: you can’t do something wrong, as long as you wear it with confidence, you can own any outfit! An outfit says so much about your personality, I am all for playing with this and even inspire others on the way.
I remember a few years ago, when I had my internship at a corporate company. Even within the corporate dress code I made the effort to show up in a cute outfit every single day, instead of switching between 2 suits. That’s just not me. That was also my cue to do something in fashion after I finished my Masters degree.
Basically what I am trying to say is that life is unpredictable (and too short), for the passionate people between us, we should pursuit our happiness. Whether this is your career, a family, starting your own business etc. If you want something, start chasing it! Just begin with first steps and the rest will follow. With your faith and hard work, I am so sure you will achieve!
My PARTNERS
During the year I work with many brands that varies from fashion to life style products. I’ve noticed that I have been pickier this year, with who I want to work with. It’s about integrity too you know. I will never work with a brand that doesn’t fit with Hashtag by Lily.
Although I work with brands here and there, I am even more focused to find long term partners to tie my name with. Partners you will still see in 2018. Schiphol and Babyliss for example are here to stay and I am a proud ambassador for those. Grateful that they believe in me and I hope we can continue creating inspiring stories together.
Dolla dolla bills y'all OFFICE
In November I got my keys to the office called “Dolla Dolla Bills y’all”. I am sharing it with a girlboss squad @celmatique, @girlonkicks & @wayta. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have found them! It’s such an inspiring space for me to be every day, that I even miss it in the weekends! These ladies have become my sisters and we lift each other to a higher level. I am so much more productive while having so much fun. For the first times in years I feel like I have colleagues again. Very supporting ones! We are kicking off the year with a blogger sale, so if you wonder what our office looks like, come hang out with us. There will be snacks and music to swing on ;) More info about this here.
2018
2017 was a good year. Lots of career highlights. So what do I dream of for 2018?
Plenty of dreams to chase actually! To name a few:
- Designing my own item
- Travel to Australia, Hawaii and Iceland (and much much more.. the list in endless)
- Signing a year contract with a big label
- Having an intern/help (creating more awesome content on the blog & Youtube)
- Hiring a manager (I hate negotiating)
- More videos!
- Starting a new business
Thank YOU!
Last but not least. Thank you, each and every one of you who support me with your time, reading my pieces, commenting/liking my posts, sending me DMs. I feel truly blessed to have a small community of positive people like you. But you know I love you :) I wish you the very best in 2018! Let’s make our dreams come true! I will cheers to that ;)
With Love,
Lily
