The Gilded Bellini Turns Two! | Reflecting on 2 Years
It's The Gilded Bellini's 2nd birthday! Wow, I can't believe it has been two years already.
For the last two years, I've produced content each week for this blog. It's kind of crazy to think about! What started out as a hobby in the very beginning has blossomed into something a whole lot more: a business, a media outlet and my passion.
In last year's reflection on one year, I said that The Gilded Bellini was therapeutic to me and I still feel that way. Don't get me wrong, running a website and maintaining a brand is a TON of work and you can never really ever take a break. But when it's something you love, it never feels like you're really working.
The last year has definitely been a different kind of learning process than with year one. I have a better grasp on developing and maintaining my brand. Opportunities that have come my way have paved routes for me that are helping to shape my career and expand The Gilded Bellini. It's for sure no longer a hobby, but probably one of my biggest accomplishments and what I am most proud of. I am honored to be a part of the entrepreneurial space within the digital world. Even the TV world now, too! I feel most like "me" when I am delved into all things content creating and feel really grateful to have a creative outlet that plain and simply, gives me a better quality of life.
The Gilded Bellini has been something that I take more seriously now more than ever. I don't really remember what life was like without having this outlet and the freedom to constantly create and execute any visions I have, meet new people and get to do things I have always dreamed of doing... To this day I still can't believe I was on a show with Gordon Ramsay and hosted my own segment on FOX 5!!! If you told me a few years ago back in college that any of this was going to happen, I definitely wouldn't have believed it. But, it didn't just happen out of luck. It was extreme hard work and dedication, and I say that wholeheartedly. Any opportunity that has come to fruition has been a direct result of that.
It is a great feeling being able to combine everything I love into one entity that people can connect to. I am so grateful for all of the people that have come into my life that I've made a connection with. It wouldn't have been possible without having The Gilded Bellini as the liaison!
I wanted to give a huge thank you to everyone who has supported my vision and work, and a thank you for all the people that have followed along and been interested in The Gilded Bellini's content over the past two years. It means the world to me and I couldn't imagine The Gilded Bellini without your continued love and support!
HIGHLIGHTS
Some of my favorite highlights of the second year of The Gilded Bellini have been:
- Being featured on The F Word FOX with Gordon Ramsay
- Hosting a holiday segment on FOX 5 San Diego
- Being in a commercial for Skin It
- Being chosen to speak at the BevNet Live Panel as a Food & Cocktail Expert
- Interviewing Shay Mitchell of Pretty Little Liars
- Interviewing Amanda Palomino from FOX's Hell's Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay
- Attending the 2017 VMAs
- Brunched with Maggiano's in honor of their partnership with Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles and campaign, Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish
- Traveling home to NYC (for the first time in 2 years!) and making it a complete first time business trip, connecting with brands and restaurants on my own out there for a whole week
- Creating solid friendships with other people that I crossed passed with through the world of blogging
- Being able to connect with the talented people behind LA and San Diego's best restaurants
A BIG THANK YOU...
The Gilded Bellini's success would have never come this far without the support of my close friends, family and new friends I have made along the way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has read any of my posts, watched my videos, engaged with any content I have put out into the world.. If we've met this past year in person, exchanged a few words on social media, or even just said an "Oh, I think I know you!" to one another in passing, I am grateful to have connected with you. I started this blog to be able to have a platform to bring people together that goes beyond just brunch. But hey, brunch is a great way to start! And the fact that it has been the foundation for so many new relationships, collaborations and growth within blogging community/entertainment industry/hospitality realm has been such a blessing. Brunch is part of our culture, and I am so happy to be able to honor this fun lifestyle in a way most of us can relate to... at least I try my best to! My goal of all The Gilded Bellini content is for you to have a true experience and an escape, whether it's through writing, video or imagery. Thank you for all of your support since day one. I hope that you continue to join me on this gilded journey... and I look forward to another incredible year with you! Cheers!
Photography by: Rebecca Gnasso
