In all reality, the blogging community can either be super supportive or horribly competitive. I have to admit that when I first started blogging, I felt really intimidated, I compared myself to influencers and constantly felt like I was such a wannabe (lol). Trust me when I say it can be really hard to find yourself part of an active community of bloggers who truly want to help support you in any way, along the way. For the longest time, I felt so alone in this blog world to figure things out, but honestly, the support was there all along! I always knew of this community of bloggers called Style Collective and after finally giving it a try, I found myself surrounded by some of the most eclectic and supportive creators. If you don't know what this community is about, in simple terms, it's a whole group of fashion and lifestyle bloggers that make magic together by networking and supporting one another in many ways. Just recently, I attended my first Style Collective Meet Up and it was everything I thought it would be and MORE. I had the opportunity to meet new bloggers, catch up with bloggers I already knew and chit chat all about our lives, struggles and success. The atmosphere was so empowering and if there's something that pulls my heartstrings, it's women supporting other women.
The Location
We came together at one of Orange County's most fascinating restaurant's, Mesa. I've been to Mesa a few times before and REALLY love the atmosphere there. It's lounge-like set up is so inviting and the cocktails and music are just the cherry on top. Our reserved section was decorated with super cute and dainty floral arrangements made by Shawna Henrie of Bleudog Floral, who mind you, is a superwoman and is also the photographer behind Bleudog Fotography. Shawna snapped photos of our event all night and really did us a favor of not having to worry about taking care of our own creative, so BIG thank you! As for our meals, we selected food from shrimp to pizza to salads and other items of that nature and wait...was I the only one who tried it all?! Aside from yummy food, we had cocktails of our choice and enjoyed a few Eleanor Rigby's that were passed out to sip on. While the menu is great, I especially love the architecture and how every corner of the restaurant is so share-worthy. I mean, when you enter, you already want to snap a photo of the entrance and the lantern walls. Then when you're inside, you want to snap a photo of the bar sitting in the middle of the restaurant as well as the super cute patio. It's definitely a must see if you live in the Orange County area you guys, everything about this place is just perfect!
The Sponsors
This evening couldn't have been received with any more gratitude without the help of our sponsors. We all walked away with a huge swag bag full of products for us to try and lucky me, I even walked away with a pair of shoes I won in a raffle. Honestly, digging through the bag was such a moment of awe for me. I couldn't believe how many awesome brands contributed their items for us to try! I felt like a little kid on Christmas day going through everything and I can truly say I loved every single piece. There were definitely some items in our bag that I already don't know how to live without and have totally started working on product review posts haha. In the meantime while I get to every product, just to give you a round up of our amazing sponsors, check out the list below along with each sponsor's social network handles.
Mesa | @mesalounge
Bleudog Fotography | @bleudogfotography
Bleudog Floral | @bleudogfloral
The Songbird Collection | @thesongbirdco
Middle Sister Wines | @middlesisterwines
Guilty Soles | @guiltysoles
Spa Gregories | @spagregories
S.S. Chokers | @s.s.chokers
Rodan & Fields | @augustbabe25
Alina Jo | @arlinajo
Jade J | @jadejtech
Benev | @benevskincare
Oh So Cali Clothing | @ohsocaliclothing
Shea Moisture | @sheamoisture
Nubian Heritage | @nubianheritage
Boric Body | @borikabody
Leven Rose | @levenrosebeauty
LahVa | @lahva
Travertine | @travertinespacollection
Pure | @kathleena31
Bella Sol Med Spa | @bellasol_medspa
Fresh Brothers | @freshbrothers
Amazing Lash Studio | @amazinglashstudiorsm
Halo Top | @halotopcreamery
What a Night
After this meet up, I'm truly so excited for our next event and my personal future with Style Collective! The accumulation of every detail made it so special and our coordinator, Debbie of To Thine Own Style Be True, did such a magnificent job of getting us all together. This leaves me absolutely no doubt that I joined the most perfect community for myself and my blog's future. Literally since this event, I've seen a few SC sisters at other events and it's all squeals and hugs when we run into each other. Talk about a strong sisterhood of bloggers! If you've even thought about joining, please do look into it! You won't regret learning all about the art of blogging, networking with sisters both local and far and remaining connected with awesome brands who want to work with you. Curious? Join Style Collective!
Okay okay, I'm done for tonight but be sure to check back in for some fun new material involving some product reviews that I talked about earlier!
Xo..Melissa Victoria
Okay okay, I'm done for tonight but be sure to check back in for some fun new material involving some product reviews that I talked about earlier!
Xo..Melissa Victoria
It was a wonderful event! So glad I was able to make it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun night! I was thrilled to be a part of such a great group of women truly supporting each other. You all are gorgeous and I've enjoyed seeing you you my photos. As an Orange County event photographer, its been fun to extend myself to do a few of these blogger get togethers. Way fun!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you joined, and totally feel you on everything you said!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Alina | www.besosalina.com
It looks a really nice experience!!! Kisses from Italy,
ReplyDeleteEni
Eniwhere Fashion
How to create a casual chic outfit
Was so nice to meet everyone! I can't wait for the next meetup! #bossbabes
ReplyDelete