I haven’t truly been present on this blog in a long time. Sure there have been posts here and there in the past couple years, but so much has changed in the world and with me. I don’t feel there needs to be little people like me fighting the good fight for body image anymore, there are so many huge leaders that are paving the way. It has been such a relief watching companies accept and cast women of all sizes in campaigns. Took them long enough.
But to be completely honest, I got burnt out. The fashion industry was where I saw myself as early as I can remember. So many people told me it was silly, and not a career. So, I fought for it, many times, worked my ass off to get to fashion week to watch, dreamt about having my own runway shows, tried to climb ladders and be whoever they wanted me to be. And well, it didn’t work.
I landed on my face one too many times. Failures got the best of me, and I ended up working at Wendy’s. No offense, Wendy’s, ILY. This was the lowest I have ever been mentally. I wanted so much to be accepted, admired, and here I was flipping burgers (actually they made me take orders because I was too nice…)
Long story short, I eventually stumbled upon wedding photography. It seemed attainable, I already took photos, went to school for marketing and photography, and I threw myself completely into this industry. Finding out everything I could on how to succeed, photographed as many people as possible to get my portfolio out there and became intoxicated about the potential of being an entrepreneur.
It worked. People liked my story, they liked that I took a chance with photography and threw all of myself into it. I loved it. I loved them. I was able to quit Wendy’s and photograph amazing people. I became obsessed with the industry, weddings, other photographers, etc. Willing to do anything to be the best, worked my ass off to get into gallery shows, dreamt about having my work win awards, and tried to climb ladders and be whoever they wanted me to be. Sound familiar?
I was never in a healthy relationship with my passions. I was willing to change myself, to be whoever I needed to be, to do whatever to be the best. Looking back now it was so obvious, but honestly I am just working this out now.
I still photograph weddings, but I am not obsessed with the industry. People are constantly comparing themselves, hating on others, and complaining about their clients. All of which are not who I am, or who I ever want to be. I love how lost I get in a wedding, how I feel like a part of the family, and documenting all of the love surrounding the day is truly the best job.
Moral of the story? Be your best self. Go with your gut. Listen to your heart. All of that crap is true. 💪🏽
Thoughts? Shoot me an e-mail hello@mandyfierens.com <3
Trailer trashin’ it up.
Once we got out to Patagonia, Arizona I started to feel super inspired to actually get dressed and not wear pj’s all day. Our lifestyle has changed so much since we moved into a camper. With literally no reason to be seen by any other humans, it is hard to actually want to get dressed to take photos for this blog. Which is why I am not always updating it as much.
But I am so excited to announce that I started to make jewelry. I am teaching myself how to silversmith, and I am selling items as I made them here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/theroadtosilver?ref=search_shop_redirect I have never felt more alive, and more like myself. I feel like I have found myself on our journey of living nomadically. We still work a LOT and aren’t exploring every day, but this was merely feet away from where our camper was parked. So, taking a walk between work sessions with views like this makes it all worth it. :)
I have changed so much since starting this blog, and I continue to change. I am going to try to do a better job about writing about these changes and what I am up to, rather than just plugging the brands I am wearing, etc. I want it to be more of a story rather than just pretty pics.
I hope whoever is still reading, enjoys this.
xoxo
(outfit: all thrifted)
Lots of images to share and I am awful about keeping up with it. We are usually parked in the middle of nowhere so my hard drives (that hold all of my outfit photos) aren’t plugged in. Minimal power y’all. But here is a quick outfit post while we were parked at a truck stop in Marfa. I was feeling super inspired once we got to the desert, and my closet isn’t all that big, but I wanted to wear this new top I got at Marshalls.
Hope you guys dig it!
Side note: I have been treating my instagram more and more like a journal of sorts, if you want to keep up with me there I am much more active in talking about daily life, etc.
outfit: all things juju (except boots and socks)
I love supporting bad ass ladies with amazing business ideas. I met Leslie at a Pittsburgh Style Social event long ago, and immediately loved her. When she told me she was working on finding a storefront for her very first store I was so super excited for her! I just had all of the good feels, and knew it would be amazing. She opened Juju months later, and it is amazing. The most gorgeous vintage pieces can be found here, and more!
Not only that but you can also get a tarot reading in her shop! I had my first one with her yesterday, and wow. What an amazing experience! She is so talented, and it definitely gave me some clarity on where I should be going with my career. Such a fun experience, she is amazing. When you are in Pittsburgh next make Juju a stop in your exploration! You won’t be disappointed!
Check her out on facebook & instagram
xoxo
Aerie invited me to be involved in their new campaign of lovin’ the swim you’re in, it’s also about lovin’ the body you’re in. When you post your unretouched swim photos (on instagram and/or twitter) with #AerieREAL, Aerie will donate $1 (up to $30K) to NEDA, a non-profit that supports those affected by eating disorders.
This is near and dear to me, so I was completely thrilled to be involved. So much so that here I am baring myself, in the cold, to promote this awesome campaign. Go on instagram and post a photo of you in your swimwear, and we can support NEDA together!
Love yinz
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