Real Talk | An Update

Prepare yourself for a few hard pivots. Here we go…

I’ve wanted to host an informal series where we can chat about the real sh*t but for years, yes years, but I’ve been stuck on the name. Coffee Talk? Something with the word ‘Corner’ in it? Enough. If there’s anything this rebrand has taught me (more on that later in the post) it’s just do it. Nike was on to something… The name doesn’t have to be perfect. So, welcome to Real Talk. And in true perfectionist form, we’re workshopping the name.

While we’ve been living it up over on instastories, my last blog post was almost an entire year ago. How, what, who, why. I have been so unmotivated. I have been so unmotivated. It’s not that I don’t want to share and continue to build this brand — I’ve just felt lost in this space that I spent countless hours cultivating over the years. It’s infuriating and I haven’t wanted to deal with it. The whole situation was in the way of where I want to be. So…

I’m rebranding. In truth, it’s more of a renaming than a rebranding. I’m working on a post dedicated to the whole story that will go live on launch day but it’s been something I’ve been brainstorming over the past few years. So much so, that I secured handles and the new domain over 3 years ago. Wild. This site will still be home to style tips, beauty tricks, dating advice, business chats, home decor +, and introducing outdoor adventures, finances, etc. I’ve evolved from the 24 year old who launched District Sparkle and it’s time the brand evolve with me.

If you’re new here, I moved to Chicago in July 2020. In 2017, I left DC and set off to Door County where I spent a few years doing the whole finding myself thing and started a business. While my time in Door County was exactly what I needed at the time, it also made it crystal clear that it was time to get back to my true self. And ya girl thrives in a city. So right before the pandemic hit I came up with a plan to move to Chicago by spring. Why would you move out of the middle of nowhere (arguably incredibly safe) to a major city in the middle of a pandemic!? It was essential for the sake of my mental health. And if you’ve ever lived in a small town in the middle of an island, (fine, it’s a peninsula but when the bridges are up one could argue it’s an island) you understand.

Wendell and I are living in Bucktown and loving it. While the neighborhood is exactly what I wanted, the apartment is…lacking. Although, I did want an old school, charming, Chicago-style (long and narrow) apartment. Boy, did I get it. So, we’re actively looking at other rental units and even townhomes for sale in the Bucktown and Lincoln Park area. Yes, I have a kick-ass female realtor but thank you.

I started a book club. In an effort to read at least a book a month, I started a book club last year. With you. Yes, you. We meet once a month on Zoom and sometimes discuss the book but mostly chat with each other. It’s one of my favorite parts of every month. If you’re interested in joining, send me an email or a DM or leave a comment here with your email address.

Living through a pandemic alone is sometimes lonely. It’s also incredibly peaceful and rewarding, depending on the day and the mindset. This is another reason I’ve been so adamant about revamping this inspired space. Thank you for sticking with me. I’m looking forward to new adventures (and new content)!

Here. We. Go.