Dear Erin

photo by Danielle Moss for The Everygirl

The LCY archives are all-too familiar with your name. It's probably popped up here more times than I've mentioned any other blog, brand, or business (with the exception of J.Crew). And I know I've told you this in person, but today is another one of those "Is this real life?" moments, so I want to say again and explain to my readers...  (even though they've probably heard this before)...

Elements of Style was that blog for me. The blog I'd open up every morning as I sat under fluorescence in my grey cubicle with my usual bagel and latte waiting for the work day to begin. I was 22, out of school, didn't have a clue what direction to go in, and was just going through the motions, trying to figure it out, hoping inspiration would strike. Elements of Style introduced me to the world of blogging and got me hooked on this online universe. And you, Erin, are that person. The mentor and inspiration - even though you may not have known it (despite my daily commenting on your site) - who showed me what was possible if you had the talent, drive, work ethic, and sense of humor to give it a go. See I thought I had those things, at least I hoped I did, but I didn't have any connections to get my foot in the door and I've always kind of sucked when it comes to in-person networking. (I've never been a fan of emailing people asking for something after meeting once over cocktails.) But you exemplified what was possible from starting a blog. You built a brand and business in a field you love, and you're one of the main reasons for why I started LCY three years ago. Had I not, who knows where I'd be today. So for that, I thank you.

It's kind of surreal that today - the site I co-founded, The Everygirl - is where you decided to unveil a tour of your office space (and next week - your home!). I know your readers and design aficionados around the globe (myself included!) have been wanting to see inside your studio space and apartment, and Danielle and I are so excited you chose our site to feature it. Not to mention the fact that you opened your doors and those of all four of your studiomates' office spaces to us to share with Everygirl readers. And for that, thank you.


And I'm not sure you remember, but a few months into blogging - this is going back to December 2009 - I decided to do a guest post series around the holidays. Something silly as a means of trying to get some new readers and get to know other bloggers better. I reached out to you on a limb and couldn't believe you wrote back and agreed. I'm pretty certain my mom and sister can tell you the excitement they heard over the phone when I told them you'd be on my blog. I emailed you again when I did a series about "the movie of your life," knowing that like myself, you're a bit of a movie fan and again, you agreed. And when I asked if you'd help spread the word about The Everygirl when we launched back in February, once again, you kindly agreed. The thing is, I am sure you get emails and comments from readers all the time, and I know for a fact how busy you are with your design business, blog, events, meetings, and new business ventures. So while I'm not entirely sure why you've taken the time throughout the years to be supportive and kind and a friend to me - a reader from Chicago - I want to say to you, Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

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And to all of the bloggers, entrepreneurs, designers, businesswomen (and men), who I've met and befriended over the past three years,
Thank you for including me in this wonderful world. This online community where journalism meets personal diaries meets design meets networking. Where we support one another and people are generally nice and supportive instead of competitive and spiteful. The past three years have gone so so fast, and I can't wait to see what the next three have in store.

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And to everyone else on this site right now,
Thank you. I wouldn't be doing any of the things I'm doing if it weren't for you signing on to read what I have to write day in and day out - no matter how short, or irrelevant, or rambling, or random it may be... Thank you for being patient during these past few months of intermittent posting and understanding that life is quite overwhelming with a full-time job, freelance work, The Everygirl, LCY, and trying to maintain some semblance of a personal life. Thank you to those who have emailed me saying I've inspired you in one way or another. Those messages mean more to me than you can ever know, and they've become the driving force behind my work and The Everygirl. Thank you to the friends from high school who send the occasional Facebook message saying they're a fan of the sites. It's truly an honor any of you take the time to read and visit LCY and The Everygirl.

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So yeah. Sorry for the sap fast this morning. As I said, I'm having one of those "is this real life?" moments that's really got me to think and reflect on how this has all come to pass. And I just wanted to say, well... thanks.

- Alaina

Do you any of you have a blog or mentor you'd like to share or thank today? I'd love to know what or who inspires all of you.