HAPPY NEW YEAR! & 2014 RECAP
First, I’d like to wish you all a very happy new year! I am super excited to see what 2015 brings. It’s all about dreaming bigger and better.
2014 was quite the turbulent year. Earlier through the year I suffered from a burnout and was SO close to closing my blog, which I had been running since 2011. It took over two long months worth of a break to really recharge and get back to it.
Without the support of my family, best friend and close friends, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and for that, I am grateful. I wasn’t too keen on Instagram at first, seeing that it was a waste of time, but I wasn’t aware it would later become one of the best decisions I’d ever made.
I launched my Instagram account during the summer, and since then I’ve reached over 1,000 followers and had incredible opportunities to work with brands, including the prestigious Victorinox – and for that, I am grateful.
When looking back, the best memories come from the moments I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried different and new things. I began styling and illustrating menswear, and in spite of the of fact that it could be challenging sometimes, it’s always exciting.
I might not have a huge following on Instagram, but I am aware of every single person who constantly supports me and comes back to see my work. I wouldn’t be motivated to continue and improve otherwise.
One of the other things I started doing differently in 2014 is illustrating some of idols and fashion inspirations. I was always against doing fan art – but I didn’t realize it could actually be fun and help others be aware of my art.
In November I stepped out of my shell and attended the third edition of Cairo’s Fashion Festival. I was behind a lens and got to cover the event as press, and that post remains one of the most popular to this day. I made such great memories and even met a Lebanese fashion designer.
To close the year on a good note, me and my best friend won in a competition and had the opportunity to meet and be styled by fashion blogger Hadia Ghaleb – and it’s definitely one the best memories I’ve made.
Finally, thanks to my Instagram account and you guys, I gained recognition from major names in the industry and from people I admire and am inspired by, including fashion bloggers Chiara Ferragni, Aimee Song and Negin Mirsalehi, to fashion designer Meskita and Fossil – and best of all – one of my idols and favorite fashion designers Matthew Williamson! Truly the icing on top of an amazing year. For all that and more, I am grateful.
Thank you God for all these opportunities and for having a better plan than I had for myself, and you guys for your constant support. Always dream big and don’t let the noise around you be a burden. Here’s to an incredible new year! :)
