By 
What perfect timing to be writing my first blog entry back to blogging on Valentine’s day. Ever since I started this blog, in March of 2009, right after I got eliminated from the competitive reality show on MTV called Paris Hilton’s My New BFF, my life changed. The way I viewed myself now became the way I thought people would want to view me. Now ten years later, I am still living that life and I’ve realized that my last ten years flew right past me.
Six months ago, I fell into a depression. I didn’t really know it was a depression until I realized that I would go to sleep sad, and still wake up sad. I didn’t want to wake up anymore, and didn’t want to look glamorous everyday. WIth my job as an influencer, I felt that I had the responsibility to be the best beauty and lifestyle blogger, entrepreneur, designer, health and fitness guru, and CEO. I was living the life that I’ve always dreamt of having, and STILL until this day I am so grateful that I am in this position. But I felt burnt out and was extremely sad and was unsure why.
My weekly spray tanner Amber came over one day and introduced me to podcasts. That’s when I stumbled upon Gary Vee’s podcast. He inspires me everyday to work hard towards my business goals.
Last night I got back from my fourth New York Fashion Week. I was invited by some of the top fashion brands to sit front row in their shows, be photographed, and was invited to some of the most exclusive events and parties. It was epic.
But I think what changed this February’s NYFW trip was receiving guidance from someone who I’ve been listening to for the past six months, Gary Vaynerchuk.
How crazy does this universe work, honestly!
A month ago a friend of mine asked me for some clothes as she was just starting in the entertainment industry. I packed three bags of clothes for her and was waiting for her in my car while listening to Gary’s podcast. His Vayner Media team and Gary DMed me on instagram to be a part of his influencer community! I couldn’t believe it and thought it was fake, but then I realized it was Gary Vee’s verified account.
During my trip I got to visit the Vayner Media headquarters and toured the huge 500-employee office space filled with hard working people working on the biggest advertising campaigns.
I spoke with Justin Novello and Rachel Richter in the Vayner Media team about my 10-year history of a reality tv star turned entrepreneur journey. They gave me amazing advice about how I can expand my business, and suggested creative ideas to do more with my following and platforms. I left Vayner Media feeling more inspired than ever to create and keep going on this journey. They also invited me to meet Gary that evening.
When I got home to my hotel, I broke into tears. I was so happy and felt so much appreciation that I am alive at a time where the Internet gave me a career that I love so much. But at the same time, I felt so emotional that I was letting my business run me, as I was neglecting my personal happiness, for the love of creating content and being at the most relevant places all the time.
That night, I met THE @GaryVee. While I had 1000 cool entrepreneurial questions about growing my business to ask him, I didn’t even ask one.
For some reason I said, “Hey, I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I feel like my life is passing by me, and I don’t know if it’s worth it to always be cool.” He said to me, “Happiness is the key. Don’t have FOMO about stuff. You’re going to be really upset if you don’t go and work on being happy.”
Instead of giving me advice about working harder to make more money, he told me to work on my happiness, because that is more important. And THAT is the greatest entrepreneurial advice I’ve ever received 🙂 Thank you Gary, I’m so happy that I met you! You inspire me everyday!
I am taking that advice now, until forever. And this Valentine’s Day, I am not going to worry so much about what cool outfit to post, or what fire makeup look I have to create, but I am going to do what makes ME happy. And my work will speak for itself. I love you guys so much and thank you for following me for ten plus years. Here’s to 10 more years of happiness and more!
XOXO Arika
