Something I'm Obsessed With: Starting a Newsletter
It only took me three years!
I couldn’t start this newsletter without a proper introduction, especially since Something I’m Obsessed With has been years in the making. Back in 2020, I wanted to call it “Weirdly and Randomly,” two words I’d been using way too much (ex: “I’m weirdly very into astrology right now”). I even spent time designing a logo — before scrapping the idea entirely. Then, this past summer, I finally wrote a first draft, added photos and links, and…abandoned that newsletter, too.
My impostor syndrome was getting the best of me — didn’t everyone have one of these things? — and in this case, I struggled to define success. I couldn’t imagine being happy if only three people subscribed (plus, out of my husband, my mom, and my dad, I know only one of them regularly checks their email).
For the past few years, I’ve felt burnt out and it took serious work to string together a few sentences for an article. But after quitting my full-time job, letting the brain fog clear, and now, taking on a few part-time positions (check out my latest for StyleCaster!), I find myself wanting to write again, and not just about shopping and style.
Freelancing can be lonely, and more than that, my really good story ideas have nowhere to live. It’s hard to sell my micro-obsessions to the masses (I’m not sure if a roundup of my favorite Love Island stars will be a traffic hit) and I’ve been ghosted or rejected by publications more times than I can count. When I worked full-time, I almost had more freedom to publish whatever I wanted. Now, if I can even get a response (and that’s a very big IF), it’s usually “Sorry, the budget is full! Can you pitch this later?” or “We’re just focusing on [XYZ] at the moment.”
Recently, I was told that, for some part-time gigs (yes, part-time!!), I might have to sign a non-compete, meaning I couldn’t write about specific topics for other sites. In the back of my mind, I wondered if that included my newsletter. And then I remembered: my newsletter didn’t actually exist.
But I wanted it to. I really, really did. So, I made my little promo video and decided to just launch it. (Or maybe I procrastinated with that, too, kept rescheduling said promo video, and it accidentally published before I felt “ready.” No need to get into specifics!)
Each week, Something I’m Obsessed With will focus on a specific topic — a sort of spiral into my latest hyper-fixation and what’s been on my mind as of late. You might get something in the pop culture realm, like what the cast of Lost has been up to in recent years or a list of books that got me out of my reading slump. I also might share what it’s like flying on Norse Airlines or something pet-related, inspired by Poppy. Additionally, I’d like some space to talk about personal (but relatable) things going on in my life, all of which feel too long for an Instagram caption and too vulnerable for TikTok.
Sure, I’ll probably write about fashion, beauty, and shopping, too, but in a non-curated, non-SEO-friendly way. It’ll be more about the random stuff I’m into at the moment, like finding a super specific, pink Santa sweater that says “Don’t Stop Believin’” and why I think Ryan Reynolds’ wardrobe is better than my own.
I plan to switch it up every time, but I don’t want this to be a diary or a new version of my 2012 blog, A Side of Awkward (RIP). I want to write stories that resonate with people and teach them something — even if that something is everything you should know about Molly Mae from Love Island (yes, that is my favorite show).
Anyway, stay tuned for my *real* first newsletter next Tuesday. (And thank you to my three subscribers! I know you didn’t actually sign up — I just added you myself.)
A Cute Cookbook:
My friend Ashley promised she would subscribe to this newsletter and even offered to contribute (erm, at least she did at one point) so I’m giving her a shoutout! She co-wrote this cookbook full of fun, easy recipes and a fascinating story. It’s a great gift, too!
A Holiday Pop-Up:
I was served an ad for this pink holiday pop-up bar in NYC and immediately sent it to my friend Kimmie. Yes, it’s kind of basic and essentially one big photo opp, but I’m into it. Our tickets have been purchased and we are going on Thursday!
A TikTok Trend:
“Susi Pesto” stitches are slowly dying down, but whenever I see one, I don’t skip it! ICYMI, this TikTok trend took off months ago after an influencer made a video saying “Call me crazy if you want, but I’ve never liked store-bought pesto..” It inspired people to share stories of actual crazy sh*t that happened to them. I’ve watched videos on cheating, finding lost family members, health scares, haunted houses, etc., and come across a new one every day. You might feel like your life is boring after watching a few!