Living Life In the Public Eye | How My Life Has Changed Since the Launch of The Gilded Bellini
About 2.5 years ago, I launched The Gilded Bellini. I was so excited to create a brand and hone in on my unique niche and share it with the world.
For most of my life, I was a very quiet and shy person with hopes that someday I'd grow out of feeling like I just wanted to blend in most of the time. Not saying I needed to be Kim Kardashian, but just a little self-confidence to be a bit more open with my life, my accomplishments, and the typical ups and downs without feeling like there was too much attention on me. I have definitely gotten through the hurtles of my awkward stages - that's not saying I'm still not awkward because I totally am. But since launching my site I knew I had to get rid of that fear and put what I am passionate about on display because it's the only way to get you and your brand known.
Since becoming a bit of a "public figure" - which, I don't love that title per say because I'm not famous but it's true - I am someone who puts their life and their business out in the open - life is definitely not what it used to be. I get tons of emails at all times, whether it's for business or for people who are reaching out to me for recommendations or want to connect. It's definitely really flattering knowing that I can provide people with a source for not only entertainment, but a place where they can get information maybe they can't get anywhere else. People are genuinely interested in hearing my story and how I reached certain goals in life. They're fascinated by my move across country which is crazy because SO many people do it! I'm definitely not alone on that one.
I've been an entrepreneur at heart - from a young age I'd always come up with random ideas that potentially I had wanted to flourish into a "business" but I also wanted to put myself out there as well and create something that included all of my life: myself included. I've always also been the type that likes to be in front of a camera despite my fear of being the center of attention. When I was in 5th grade I created a video where I was hosting my own travel show on another planet. Growing up I was a competitive baton twirler and almost always had a big audience. Then in college, I despised public speaking and was scared of it, but to be honest I think I'm pretty good at it now. However, weirdly I get freaked about speaking in front of small groups, but not in front of really big ones. Is that normal?
When launching in 2016, never would I have ever imagined even getting the chance to be on a major news network promoting The Gilded Bellini, or even getting Gordon Ramsay to know my name. But it happened! Since then, I still get emails from time to time about people inquiring about both of those two super important milestones in my career.
Even when it comes to creating my brunch review videos, it takes a lot of confidence and also a lot of "cool, calm and collected" moments to put yourself on camera, not only having to be natural, but being aware that I'm putting myself on display for people to talk, make fun of, doubt and ridicule. But I got over that.
People are going to talk no matter what. And putting yourself out there on a digital, or even broadcast platform opens up a whole other level for people to judge, or even on a more positive note, support. I receive an overwhelming amount of encouraging words and uplifting support through people that I don't even really know that well but have followed along during this whole journey.
I don't really remember what life is like before being so public, in a mental sense. I lived a pretty normal life before TGB and I definitely still now, but let's just say my presence is a bit more amplified. Living life in the public eye has opened a lot of doors for me and has also thickened my skin that more, especially in one of the most crazy competitive cities in the world (LA) so I'm grateful and happy this is my path. Honestly couldn't see life any other way!
PS - how adorable is my LBD? Hands down COMFIEST and can be dressed up or down with heels or sneakers: The Too Good to Be True Mini. It's by my Ali & Jay fam. You all will probably be seeing it a million times in my photos because I'm that obsessed ;)
Anyway, thanks for reading and thanks for the support! It's not easy being so open to the world but with some great people by my side, you all make it worth it!
Photography by: Rebecca Gnasso
