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Top: Alice & Wonder (similar) | Jeans: Shopbop | Shoes: Target | Handbag: Chanel (similar) | Sunglasses: Illesteva | Lip: NARS

Last week was a busy one and I was especially excited for Wednesday. As much as Wednesday is a ‘day off’ from being a dentist it is most certainly not an actual day off from work. Blogging is a blast and far more exciting than my usual day at the dental office but it’s still a lot of work.

I often think with celebrities, famous bloggers or anyone who is self-employed, there is an idea that it’s all just fun and games. Although working from home or blogging for yourself has advantages, it’s also a huge responsibility. Bloggers normally own their own company under an LLC, pay their own taxes and do all the work themselves. Whether it’s social media, shooting photos, editing or working on contracts it all takes time. Lots of it.

Trying to blog 5 days a week and keep up with my normal work schedule has been challenging to say the least and I now understand why so many bloggers eventually go full time. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. I also understand that with all the uncertainty a self-made business can create, it’s hard to take that leap of faith. I think at some point I will know when the time is right and once I do take that leap I hope to see what Lows to Luxe can really become.

Although I’m not ready to leave my day job, I do think it’s important for people to realize social media isn’t real. A lot of time and energy goes into creating a seemingly ‘effortless’ style and life. I often have people refer to my blog as something of little value, or that they could easily achieve if they just ‘had enough time’.

I have grown to resent the fact that people assume blogging is easy and this business magically runs itself. Like any successful company it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Just think about it—there are millions of blogs out there, but how many are actually successful?

Last week was a prime example, I had to shoot a lookbook for an online retailer and was on set by 8am. After shooting 10 looks I had to write posts, answer emails, edit photos and finish contracts. I then went straight to a brand dinner at 6pm, which was fun and delicious, but left early because I was so tired from the day. While I was completely exhausted, all anyone sees is my pretty lunch, an edited outfit photo and a beautifully hosted dinner in the West Loop.

Let me be straight, I am in no way complaining about this life. The enjoyment I get from blogging far outweighs the negatives, but it’s also not easy. I am lucky to have met so many amazing women through this endeavor that help me navigate the waters and give such sound advice. I think being transparent about the blogging world is a great way to start the conversation and remove the misconceptions I frequently hear.

What misconceptions do you have about bloggers that you would like answered? I am happy to share any insight!