You are an amazing community. Over the years, I’ve seen so many bloggers realize their dreams and achieve incredible goals. Eight years ago, we bloggers were just a bunch of misfits on their computers, and can now be counted among the established fashion elite.
It’s been an incredible ride, being part of a movement, exploring a new medium (the web) and creating a culture where everyone has a voice. We may take it for granted now, but eight years ago, would we be seeing a conversation questioning what it means to “look good” in a crop top happening on a mass scale? That may seem like a small thing, but it doesn’t stand alone. Bloggers have changed the fashion industry in ways traditional media never could.
That said, in my own personal life, blogging about my own personal style had become uninteresting. Well, to put it in better words, I wasn’t feeling like I could add anything to the conversation that others weren’t doing much better. The truth was, I love having a “boring” life, which doesn’t bode well for the internet, unless you all want to hang out with me on the sofa every day and watch whatever’s on Netflix.
I quietly stopped my personal blog, The Coveted, in 2012. I then focused on IFB and Eat, Sleep, Denim, and tried to revive my original blog, but just couldn’t do it.
Like life does for most people, my life changed. I moved back to my favorite city, San Francisco. Had a baby, which changes my perspective on life. Then I landed a book deal to write about how to monetize a blog. I was speaking at a conference and met with an author who said I could “really do well” with my book. She suggested that I do a 25 city book tour and hold workshops all around the country.
That’s when it hit me.
My heart wasn’t IN blogging anymore. While I had been able to make enough money to keep the community going, IFB would never become what it COULD be, because i just didn’t have the vision, or the energy, or the money to realize its potential. By keeping IFB, I wasn’t doing anyone any good, not me, and certainly not you. IFB is a unique community and it really does need to exist. In a world where everyone is compartmentalized, and there are no rules, it is nice to have a place where people can check in, and meet others who are on the same journey.
I wasn’t actively looking to sell IFB, but it came up in a conversation with Billy Evans who has since partnered with Jason Glaspey, Kim Toomey and Katie Koteen. They had the vision and resources to grow IFB into the thriving community I had always wanted. They were also eager and open to suggestions as to who could take over for me and run the day-to-day and were thrilled when I recommended my dear (and very talented) friend, Kristen Philipkoski.
It was just one of those things: The planets had aligned in a way that I could leave and feel like IFB was in good hands. As it turns out, that saying, “when one door closes, another one opens” is totally true. I’ve since launched a new business, not in fashion, or blogging… and it would not have been possible were it not for all thing things I’ve learned here at IFB.
Thank you for everything. I mean it. Thank you.
Jennine
P.S. If you ever want to see what I’m up to, check out my new gig at MrsPeasy.com.
Wishing you all the best! IFB has been good to me and my blog. Thank you for creating it 8 years ago!
Jenine, it’s really sad to see you go. You’re one of the best internet personalities I truly enjoy following. You’re genuine, smart and savvy and to be honest, I knew at first you don’t belong solely to fashion; you exude something else, something more. Reading your letter nonetheless makes us feel like you’re indeed in better hands. Good luck on the new venture and cheers!
http://lilmissbianca.blogspot.com/
O waoh! I’ll miss you Jennine.
Wishing you all the best as you move on to the next chapter. Nothing but good things are in store for sure. Thank you for your contribution and know that you will be missed!
Looking forward to see how IFB will grow.
I remember when I first found my name on your curated Twitter list of fashion bloggers, created before NYFW A/W 2010. Though I wasn’t a fashion blogger before then, I decided to jump in the best way I knew how — by featuring everyone else’s fashion and style — once the shock of being on your list wore off.
Since then, I’ve covered fashion for my own blog (which, like yours, came to an end a couple of years ago) and a couple of local online publications (one of which I still write for today), followed by a jump into covering the automotive industry, where I still am today.
Thank you so much for not only adding my name to your list, but for also creating and fostering a community where I could learn as much as I wanted about fashion blogging, while also meeting with fellow bloggers. It was also wonderful to have met you and a few other bloggers I only knew online in-person at the IFBCon during NYFW A/W 2011.
May you continue to have a wonderful journey. Big hugs from Seattle.
Jennine, i know you will do well in whatever you do. Thank you for your leadership. Now let me head on over to MrsPeasy
I have to commend you and many other bloggers who know when it’s time to just let go. I know it isn’t easy to do. Thanks for making IFB the powerhouse that it is. Wishing you all the best, Jennine.
This was so well said. One of the things I admire most of leaders and successful people is their ability to hand off a project when they see they can no longer dedicate to its growth, innovation and change. What a huge compliment to the rest of your team. Congratulations and best of luck with your new adventures (as boring as they may be!!).
I’m very sad to see you go, as I’ve been a member for so many years and have learned so much from the site. At the same time, I’m so happy for you to embark on a new journey. Change is both scary and exciting, and I think it speaks volumes for the founder of such a useful site dedicated to blogging to bow out so gracefully and truly reflect on it all. I also truly appreciate your decision on allowing IFB to continue to prosper! Wishing you all the best!
All the best from us in Germany – great to see the support you have given to the blogging community!
Dear Jennine,
a big THANK YOU for founding this awesome community and dedicating years of your time and energy to it! IFB does so much for us bloggers!
I`m sad to read you`re leaving but on the other hand I`m happy for you for finding something else that suits you better these days.
Very best wishes for your new venture. I hope we can stay in touch somehow.
Xoxo, Jenny Helmich / DressCodeHighFashion.com
Best wishes, Jennine! I am so pleased how things have worked out for you, and I am always a firm believer in doors closing so new ones can open. Hoping for much success with your new venture.
Wishing you all the very best Jennine … in my early days of blogging from Australia, IFB was such an inspiration and resource to me. I’m so grateful for all that I learned via this site.
Best honor
All the best for you