Today marks 10 years of Simply Audree Kate. Wow.
Ten years ago I had just finished my freshman year of college at Arizona State University, and on a whim I started a blog as a digital resume and styling portfolio. I never expected to use the blog beyond a line on my resume for fashion internships. Fashion blogs and bloggers were far and few between at this time and I never considered it to be my career, but I am so grateful, thankful and excited to be where I am today. Over the past decade you have watched me grow up, graduate college, start my career, move from Arizona to New York City, create businesses, grow a team and slowly transition into doing content and Simply Audree Kate full-time in 2022.
Whether you have been here since Day One or you’re brand new here, thank you! I never in my wildest dreams imagined I could do this as a career and I am so honored for every single one of you here today.
Once I started the blog, I realized how much I loved creating content and writing posts. I loved talking about personal style, the science behind putting together an outfit and sharing my own looks. It also slowly morphed into a personal diary of going through college, moving across the country and breaking into the fashion industry. Simply Audree Kate was my creative outlet, my safe space and I became the fashion industry big sister I wish I had in high school or college.
My mission since the beginning has been to help real women find joy in getting dressed, discover their personal style and celebrate their body and themselves.
I grew up with severe body insecurities and I struggled with eating disorders and body dysmorphia most of my teen years. I never really felt like I saw girls like me in magazines or on TV, but clothing became an escape for me and helped me feel more confident. My outfits were a form of self expression, made me appear more confident than I was but also helped me hide any insecurities I had about my body. This made me realize I wanted to work as a fashion stylist, and ultimately have my blog so I could help women like me and change the industry. I wanted to help women find joy in getting dressed, feel empowered in what they’re wearing and celebrate their bodies versus hiding in them.
The blog was, and still is so much more than just pretty outfits and shopping links. It’s a safe place for women of all shapes, sizes, personal styles, interests and lifestyles to join together, escape, learn and play dress up together. I hope I can teach you something, inspire you, relate to you and help you see how beautiful and special you are. My mission has not wavered the past decade and with each year, I am more passionate about connecting with women and being their friend, personal stylist and safe space.
I still have a hard time grasping the past decade of my life. In 2012 I was 19 years old, a completely broke college student with no fashion experience, connections and little idea of how I was going to make my dreams a reality. I didn’t expect the blog to make it past Year Two, anyone besides my mom or sister to read my blog entries, or to ever make a cent from it. I started curating my closet from the thrift store and would try to get as many things as possible for under $10 and then sew / convert items into wearable garments.
A lot has changed but I am so proud of 19 year old Audree who knew somewhere deep in her gut to start this blog—to create content to teach women (only my mom and sister at the time) how to put together outfits, how to sew, and how to covert shorts you thrifted for 25 cents to look brand new and trendy (see blog post here).
I have a feeling that the next decade is going to be even better than the first and I cannot wait to take you along for the journey. Thank you for all of your love and support the past decade. I am so happy you’re here and cheers to the next 10 years!
xo Audree
2012 – “COLOR BLOCKING 101” BLOG POST
2017 – “HAPPY 5 YEARS!” BLOG POST