How to Start a Blog: My Journey

LearnMarketing
Written By Abagail Pumphrey

Before Think Creative Collective was born there was simply, Think Creative, ran solely by Abagail. She knew the role that blogging could play in the success of her business so she was intentional from the get-go. Coming into 2016 we have over 180+ amazing blog posts loaded up in our archives.  Here's a look way back from day one of this blog and how Abagail began her journey.

Many of you may know the beginning of my story, but in case you missed it, let me back up, way up. I am the bi-product of two engineering parents. They mean the world to me, but I remember the first time I told my mom I wanted to go to art school; she physically laughed out loud. Since then the laughter has ceased and they are two of the most supportive parents I could ever hope for.

After the shock and awe wore off, the real work began. Not many people go from wanting to be a bariatric surgeon to a designer, but to each their own. (So before you Google what the heck I mean, they do gastric bypass and other surgeries to help the clinically obese.)

School didn’t come as easy as it did to some of my classmates. Sure, I got good grades, but I worked my butt off to get where I did. I couldn’t draw…. AT ALL!! Still not my strong suit, but hey, I got through it.

When school ended, I had the same, shock and horror that most 20-somethings have when they are about to walk across that stage. I knew I wanted to HAVE A JOB! So what did I do, beg my current employer (where I was an intern) to keep me on full time. And I couldn’t be more thankful that he did! At that first job, like many do I learned SO MUCH. I learned all about production, printing, color, how long it actually takes to finish a project, easy clients, hard clients, etc. I can honestly say if it weren’t for my first professional gig I would be nowhere near where I am today.

Fast forward, I worked in higher education, corporate and start-up. I moved, married, bought a house, got a dog and now…. WHAT?! I hit a wall. Sure I am living the American Dream and climbing the corporate ladder. To date, I have worked for many industries and types of clients, but something is still missing.

Purpose

I started adding my life up and 1 + 1 just wouldn’t ever equal 2. My faith filled me up. My spouse and family filled me up. Volunteering countless hours to the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri filled me up. But work just keeps falling flat.

Feeling frustrated and empty, I started scrambling. I would read everything I could get my hands on (online mostly) about starting your own business, working from home, blogging and more. Shark Tank no longer became a show I watched, but a weekly escape into the world of entrepreneurs, go-getters and inventors.

I wanted nothing more than to be a part of this club. So, Think Creative was born. After months of reading, day-dreaming and researching the day has finally come that I get to reveal what’s next for me.

A Blog and a Business

I have been listening to “Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose” by Tony Hsieh (C.E.O. of Zappos). In the first part of his book he talks about his childhood, college and his first “real” job. Tony defines one of his largest struggles with the corporate world as the disconnect between people. He was tired of working “for” people and instead wanted to work “with” them. This is exactly my frustration.

I enjoy getting to know my clients, knowing their background, their successes and frustrations. In a cube, it is hard to meet these needs. So this is my drop-ditch effort to be back “with” people.

Think Creative is a place where innovation and business come together. Running a small company myself, I realize there really isn’t a place to draw the line between what I do and how I live. This is a blog and business that doesn’t just talk about ways to improve your work, but also life. I aim to inspire, encourage, and inform you along the way in your creative journey. Think Creative is an online resource for small business owners, entrepreneurs, creatives and bloggers that shares thoughts and advice to excite, empower and motivate you to pave the way to achieving your goals.

Content that is Relevant

Well that sounds well and good, but what does that mean exactly? It means I don’t want to bore you! I want to talk about things that can help you personally, professional and occasionally just make you smile. Curious what I mean more specifically? I thought so… here are some of my main blog categories to start:

  • Business Fast Forward

  • Marketing Game Plan

  • Brand Connection

  • Social Media Simplified

  • Design Works

  • Kansas City Center Stage

  • Home Made

Ok, ok, still not convinced? I have some awesome stories coming up, including:

Now do you understand why I am so excited? Comment below and let me know what you are most looking forward to? Perhaps an idea for a blog post you can’t live without? Interested in being a guest on my blog – let me know!

Abagail Pumphrey http://simplyhomekc.com
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