Hi there, my dear readers — it has been a minute hasn’t it? First off, I wanted to say thank you for your AMAZING feedback on the reader survey. I loved being able to connect with you in that way – I miss the comment section, if I’m being honest! And also I wanted to wake up from my holiday coma to say I’m still here! I’m alive and I haven’t abandoned you. I’ve just been enjoying days off — like actual days off — where I think about anything but creating content. Content creation has been a constant part of my livelihood for so long that it has seeped into all parts of my brain; it takes real effort to stop doing it. For instance, I noticed that I snapped holiday moments on my phone for myself, and not perfectly poised for the internet; for my own memory, not an algorithm. That’s not to shame my past self and/or career choice and definitely not to shame anyone who also creates content online, instead I just discovered how nice it is to be analog every once in a while.
So I’ve been reading all of your comments and ideas, feedback and honestly just so many kind notes and thoughts of encouragement. Sometimes I hate that we don’t actually know each other in real life, I feel like we’d be great friends. It seems like we love and hate things all the same. With that said, I am letting everything you guys suggested sink in while trying to balance how to move forward with the feedback given and what I’d personally like to do with KE next year. I think taking some time right now is helping me heal some of my very real burn-out and really try to figure out where I’m at in all of this. The burn out this year has been especially hard for me and honestly before the reader survey I was pretty close to walking away after 14 years. I’ve lost myself in the ever-changing industry and to be honest, I’d like to find myself again. I’m pretty tired jumping through every new hoop to please an algorithm, and instead I’d like to just create content for you and for me. I am trying so hard not to be melodramatic so if I’m being brief that’s why. I also don’t have all my thoughts compiled just yet — they’re still coming to me, so I’m trying to tread lightly with my dramatic phrasings.
All that to say, thank you for being here for the last 14 years. That’s so hard for me to believe. Thank you for seeing a human instead of a content creator, even though sometimes I default to the latter out of habit and ease. I want to give you the best content I can in 2024, so I’m going to use these two weeks of school break to really lay low online and spend time with family, take some long walks and generally be nice to myself. And I hope for you the same.
I will do a few after Christmas sale round ups in the next few days and compile some general ‘best of’ posts but I’m hoping to see you in the new year with some new ideas. Thank you again, my internet friends. I am nothing but grateful for you.
18 Responses
Since you said you like comments, long time reader, first time commenter here! You’re one of my favorite blog reads, and yes, i do like a longer-form blog read INSTEAD of instagram. And your writing style might be my favorite. You’re a cool friend i wish i had in real life, and i love seeing someone post who’s very close to my BODY SHAPE. I selfishly hope you stay, but i also can identify With burnout, so i hope you do what’s right for you and your family 🙂
I can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store for kendi everyday (and you, but is that my business, really? 🙃). I have enjoyed reading your blog for *almost* It’s entire existence! Your personality jumps off the “page”. It’s like a friend is telling me about her day (and outfit, of course). Enjoy your break. Well earned. Happy 2024!
I so get this.been feeling the same which is why i sometimes DISAPPEAR Online. Here’s to more of what makes you genuinely smile. I cant keep up w the ALGORITHM either. We are not built to do so😉
GO KENDI! I love reading and hope you find the energy you need.
I have enjoyed your content for years and am sure ill continue to do so, in whatever form it takes! I just want to say that as a small BUSINESs owner and CREATIVE ive felt similar angst over the years and its always before a fulfilling creative breakthrough that gets me closer to my authentic self. Im wishing that for you in 2024!
I feel like we habe been friends for 14 years! My husband bought me a pair of boots on our first christmas together (12 years ago!) because I had pointed them out on your blog. We have forever Referred to them as “kendi boots”. 🙂
Hi sweetie! Just want you to know that even if I don’t send you comments, I still think everything you do is wonderful.
Love this…and the content you creaTe! Your blog is one of the first i found and i still check back for updates. ❤️
So glad this season has been restful for you! Learning how to take a break is so valuable. Big kendi fan… reading for probably 12 years?! I don’t Have IG or any socials (gasp, what a bad MILLENNIAL i am), so i’m glad you’re still blogging!
I am obsessed with this whole look. This one outfit is my entire winter inspiration board!
Hoping you find peace. you.
I’m in favor of pa ying a month fee for Conte. I have Noticed more folks Doing that
Kendi, I’ve been reading your blog on and off since like 2010 and was even an original participant in the 30 for 30. Please don’t quit!
Hey Kendi- your blog is the only blog i actually follow. Your writing style and sense of humor are what i love most about it, and then the fashion and tips! You seem like a genuine, loving person. Beautiful inside and out! Maybe monthly capsules only would be a way to take a break. Also- i love buying your clothes! 😀
Love your blog and work – will happily continue to read it! honestly mostly off social now, so i super enjoy your posts here!
I’ve been following FOR A LONG TIME — excited to see whatever you come up with! As we change, i feel like the content also must change – and that’s ok! Authenticity and vulnerability is so appreciated in this algorythmic world. 🙂
I appreciate you for saying this! You are right — I can get in my own head so much, so thanks for re-affirming. Humans gotta change 🙂
Here’s to a rejuvenating break and a fresh start in the new year with new ideas and creativity. Looking forward to what you have in store for 2024!