A change of plans...
After 10+ years of sharing my musings about the latest skincare products, treatments, makeup, fashion must-haves and life-changing household-cleaning paraphernalia, I'm just not feeling it anymore.
Hello, my friends and fellow beauty devotees… Perhaps you’ve noticed that I haven’t posted in a while—and I’m actually a bit surprised that no one has reached out to see if I’m still alive! I was away more than I was home from the end of March through early April, have been extraordinarily busy with work that actually pays, and honestly, I’ve also been completely uninspired to write any IBB posts.
Many of you have been with me for more than 10 years, and I devote a good amount of time (almost) each and every day before my (past) weekly newsletters and (current) daily emails magically appear in your inbox. As my “day job” has evolved from less editorial writing (i.e. FREE products to review) to more behind-the-scenes corporate work, I’ve started to dive deeper into my own pocket and actually buy the skincare and makeup I talk about on my blog. (I’m not guilting you, this has been my choice.)
I’m just going to say it: I’m really disappointed that NONE of you (with the exception of one—you know who you are and I will love you to the end of time) have become paid subscribers. Based on all the post-post texts, follow-up conversations when seeing friends face-to-face even weeks after mentioning a product, and emails from readers who were upset they weren’t getting their IBB (which were all diligently investigated) over the years, I honestly thought I’d have enough paid subscribers to finally transform my hard work into (at least) a small revenue stream.
Just to be clear, this isn’t about you—I am beyond grateful for all of the support, feedback and discussions we’ve had over the years. My attempt to monetize my work really opened my eyes about the systemic undervaluing of writing as a skill and a craft (regardless of the type). Case in point… I have more experience than a vast majority of beauty writers out there thanks to a high-level of science/medical knowledge about the skin, skincare formulations, ingredients, the FDA rules that govern the claims companies can make about their products and SEO (which is why MAJOR skincare conglomerates hire me to write all sorts of consumer-facing copy). If you’re curious about my “real job,” check out my freelance website.
I also have set rates, just like any professional (such as your attorney, electrician, hairstylist or even your dermatologist). Yet, when negotiating with new clients, more often than not, they push back when I tell them what I charge. The best [being facetious here] is when they low-ball me and say, “But you’ll get exposure.” I’m busy AF with 15 active clients, all of my new-client referrals are word-of-mouth, and trust me, exposure doesn’t pay the bills. Even if I was straight out of college or a recently laid-off magazine editor, this still wouldn’t be OK. All writers should be compensated based on their skill set. When a potential client tells me they can outsource their blogs to a copy farm in India for one-tenth of what I charge, I always say, “Go for it, you get what you pay for.” (And it’s true.)
If you’re a free subscriber to any other Substacks, you’ll notice a similar plea about subscription dollars making all of them possible. The most common: “If you value this work and this platform, and find yourself opening my emails, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your contributions make this work possible.”
In retrospect, I probably should have taken a more “business-like” approach to IBB from the get-go. I never wanted to place Google ads on my site because they just look cheesy, and I never had the extra funds to hire someone to handle advertising, PR or marketing on my behalf. I could have done (and could be doing) more with social media, but that shit takes A LOT of time that I simply don’t have. I also spent a solid 3+ years creating, promoting and operating Bronze Buffer (all by myself) by literally working around the clock. I don’t regret one second of it because this experience gave me knowledge that allows me to guide my indie beauty clients today. With that said, I was (and still am) beyond jammed catering to clients, raising a child and running a household. But I still have a monthly income goal that I need to hit to make sure my expenses are covered.
I never saw “blogging” as my path to financial success—I did it because I loved it, and my (albeit small) following kept me going. I was willing to absorb the costs of website hosting, domain registrations, occasional tech support (and more) in exchange for maintaining a platform to share my personal-care musings. Most importantly, I hope my brutal honesty about my personal breast cancer experience prompted you to get a mammogram or shed light on what really goes on once you’re diagnosed. To those who invited me to join you on your own breast-cancer journeys, the karmic “feels” I get knowing that I was there for you are immeasurable. (You know who you are).
My goal has always been to spread the word about the latest and coolest in beauty and wellness, while inserting my personal experience along the way. Sometimes it’s a handheld vacuum that rocks my world, sometimes its about a great makeup find that I want everyone to know about, and sometimes it’s about living with (and life after) breast cancer.
With that, I’ve decided to hang up my full-time IBB hat. I have removed the paywall for all existing content on Substack, and have made all InsiderBeautyBuzz.com content accessible again (but you’ll have to head over to Substack for all new posts since January 31, 2022). Please continue to enjoy the work I have put in over the past 10+ years. Search for an eye cream or more info about why a daily vitamin C serum is so important—or what you absolutely need to know about breast cancer screening.
This doesn’t mean you won’t hear from me from time to time, but I’m taking the pressure of daily posting off myself. I know that so many of you have embraced the fruits of my labor over the past 10 years, but I need to call it in the name of sustainability, sanity and efficient use of my time.
I’ve been in touch with Substack and apparently they have a one-time donation option in the works. When this feature is available, maybe I’ll feel inspired again, and maybe you’ll feel inclined to show your appreciation for my time and labor without committing to a $5 monthly charge on your credit card.
My door is always open (so to speak), and I’d be happy to hear from you and answer any burning beauty questions you may have. Just email me at paige@insiderbeautybuzz.com (because I’m still paying to keep the site and email operational). Until next time…
xoxo,
Paige