Of Value
On cutting the noise and following your intuition.
Hello! Returning from a two month hiatus born out of 1) survival (my husband started a new job and has been travelling 50% of the time) and 2) a major lack of inspiration.
In an amazing turn (?) of events over the last year, moms like myself are on this platform to create community and inspire others. I’m thrilled! I’m also, honestly, a bit overwhelmed by the amount of content out there these days. I truly feel like there is space for everyone and yet I do think it’s very hard to stay true to you with so much noise in the periphery. As a super visual person, I find myself following the shiny thing until I’m 5 clicks in - layers deep on Instagram, traipsing through the Swedish countryside with a stunning 27 year old and her cherub newborn.
The last 2 months off have reminded me (as did this brilliant podcast with Cou Cou Intimates founder Rose Colcord) that cutting the noise, following your intuition, and being disciplined is ultimately what creates value. The kind of value that can’t be replicated because only you can create it.
I’ve been thinking about this plenty and have been deep in creative mode on some personal projects that I’m really excited to share down the line. But, for now, I want to revisit what Blue Jean Baby provides in terms of value. Obviously, this Substack is a creative outlet for me and sure, Substack should be fun, but providing value is what anchors me. And honestly, what began as something inspiring has me feeling a bit like I’m one of many rats running in pack, which I do not enjoy.
One thing I’m confident of though is that my Mom Muse articles are here to stay. I will continue to tweak as I go but I love learning from the women I interview and on the back end of things, I can see you all do too.
So, as I continue to fine-tune BJB’S pov, I thought I’d share the three Substacks that are providing me the most value. I’d love to hear what your top 3 are :)
Most Valuable for Fashion: Olivia Knott
Why? Easy, elegant fashion in a digestible format with contemporary price points.
Most Valuable for Motherhood: Neha Ruch
Why? She is not trying to impress anyone and that comes across so beautifully in everything she writes, especially her notes.
Most Valuable for Finances: Sara Crampton
Why? Financial health but as it relates to fashion and consumption.
See you in the new year (aka September)! x
What I Wrote About This Summer:
Mom Muse: Reva Luft
On phase one dressing, how shoes change everything, and why motherhood made her more experimental with her clothing.
What I'm Into This Month
A monthly edit of everything I bought, almost bought, or can’t stop thinking about.
completely relate to feeling overwhelmed by all the content and also knowing there is room for everyone! i too find that when you consume less, it's easier to stay true to who you are and what value you can add. otherwise it can definitely get clouded.
Thank you for including me in your top 3 Ellen. That means so much to me. Adding value is what I think about most with each send. I don’t want to just create content to tick it off my weekly to-do but make a little difference in how we think about things and maybe even enough to prompt action. Really appreciate your support ❤️