Where do you pull inspiration? I’ve been asked Where do you pull inspiration?

I’ve been asked this question a lot recently and I actually made it a topic in my workshop.

Inspiration can come from anywhere.

For me, I love to see what’s going on in other niches outside of my own, such as photography or even menswear.

We’re so consumed by our own feeds or what the algorithm gives us that it’s hard to step outside of our norm with creative enlightenment. 

So if you’re in a pickle and need a change of scenery, take a look at other categories. Everyone has a unique approach or messaging.

Then ask yourself, “how can I make this my own?”
•
•
•
•
•
#orangeoutfit #fashionreel #colorfulfashion #colorstyle #summerfashion2022 #contentcreatortips #nycstreetstyle #nycfashionblogger
⁣How do you view success?⠀ ⠀ To me, it’s s ⁣How do you view success?⠀
⠀
To me, it’s stepping out of my comfort zone and building a life that I once thought was unattainable.⠀
⠀
My wife sent me a podcast this week with @jasminestar and @jennakutcher (two insanely talented entrepreneurs I look up to). The topic was about pivoting. ⠀
⠀
@jennakutcher said something that really stuck with me - it’s not that you need to know where you’re going but what you’re moving away from. ⠀
⠀
Whether you’re just starting out on your side hustle journey, in the process of building it, or at the point of going full time, there will always be moments of pivoting.⠀
⠀
I’ve tried out so many unique side hustles over the last 6 years lol from different forms of YouTube channels to a podcast! Every time something didn’t feel right, I’d let it go and move on to the next. ⠀
⠀
Overnight success is a made up term. Nothing happens overnight or in a month. It takes commitment and trust in yourself. ⠀
⠀
I always say “keep going” to my clients. It took me 6 years to get here (with multiple high and lows in the process).⠀
⠀
So trust the process and enjoy the journey… it’s worth it.⠀
•⠀
•⠀
•⠀
•⠀
•
#parisianvibes #parisianamour #parisianaesthetic #mystylediary #frenchgirlstyle #lesbianstyle #wildsssouls #frenchgirldaily #vintageinspo #lestyleàlafrançaise
100K followers?! Is this real life? A year ago I 100K followers?! Is this real life?

A year ago I was at 16K. 

I launched a new strategy at the beginning of July (I was at 60K) and I said to myself I will get to 70K in 4 weeks - then I ended up at 100K! 

So this was not pure luck, it was strategy. 

Don’t worry (you know I don’t gatekeep!) I will share this strategy soon!

To all my newcomers, I’m so happy you’re here! Here are a few things about me!

1. I’m a social media strategist and thought leader with over 10+ years experience in luxury fashion, beauty, and social media marketing. 

2. Im a member of the LGBTQ+ community and have the most amazing and supportive wife @vicmatthews06 

3. Saved up enough money and left my mentally draining fashion corporate job last April to pursue a dream of becoming my own boss

4. Launched my social media consulting business in June 2021. Since then, I have scaled to workshops and soon to be courses and memberships later this year!

5. I’m here to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, content creators grow their digital presence on social media and create the life they’ve always wanted

6. I live outside of NYC in NJ with my wife and 3 year old pup Nike. we’re finally re-planning our wedding (that was canceled during the pandemic) for summer 2023!

I also offer 1-on-1 services as well and you can find out more details through the link in my bio!

I’m so happy you found my corner of the internet! Get ready to feel inspired and motivated to create!
📸: @megmccstudio 
💄: @spiffysface 
•
•
•
•
•
•
#colorfulfashion #colorfulstyle #lesbianblogger #lgbtqtravelers #gayinfluencer #colorfulmakeup #colorfuleyeshadow #pinterestgirl #orangedress
First try at this classic mirror transition! Which First try at this classic mirror transition! Which vibe is your favorite?

Also, who wants a tutorial on how I created it? If you have a long mirror at home, you can do this!
•
•
•
•
•
#colorfulfashion #colorfulstyle #nycstreetstyle #barbiecore #yellowsuit #barbiestyle
Love creating unique content with my wife 💕 @v Love creating unique content with my wife 💕

@vic.m.photos dusted off her old Polaroid from 2000 and we took it for a spin around NYC’s West Village!

I love her eye for small details. So many things I miss, she stops and takes a photo of it. 

Ever in a creative rut? Spend time with another creative to inspire you ❤️ 
•
•
•
•
•
#polaroids #polaroidcamera #polaroidphotography #contentcreatortips #nycstreetstyle #polaroidoriginals
Another indoor/outdoor transition for you to try! Another indoor/outdoor transition for you to try!

These transitions have become my new go-to! There easy and always have a surprise ending :)

Sometimes it doesn’t have to be complicated and let your surroundings do the work!

Working on a new tutorial this week! Stay tuned xx 
•
•
•
•
•
#contentcreatortips #fashiontransition #clothestransition #colorfulfashion #colorfulstyle #pradashoes #nycstreetstyle #parisianstreetstyle #parisianamour
Which do you prefer - doe or siren? I’ve seen s Which do you prefer - doe or siren?

I’ve seen so many variations using this audio! A lot of “this or that” or “before and after” - they’re all great. 

This sound is currently trending, so think of a comparison scenario that fits within your niche 🙌💕

Need some inspo? Just look at what other creators have posted for this audio!

Makeup details
Eyeliner: @maccosmetics Brushstroke 24hr liner (it’s flawless!)
Foundation: @diorbeauty Forever Skin Glow
Setting powder: @maccosmetics studio fix pressed powder
Bronzer: @anastasiabeverlyhills bronzer palette 
mascara: @milkmakeup rise mascara 
Eyebrows: @anastasiabeverlyhills brow freeze 
Lips: @hudabeauty matte lipstick (shade: Boardroom)
Gloss: @cosmedix_ Lumi crystal liquid gloss
•
•
•
•
•
#beautytrends #beautyreels #makeupreels #makeupreel #makeupbloggers #beautybloggerlife #beautycontent #cateyeliner
More like a Cher Horowitz moment 🛍 I also tol More like a Cher Horowitz moment 🛍 

I also told my wife I’d find a purpose for all our old shopping bags!

📸 & 📹: @megmccstudio 
•
•
•
•
•
#summerfashion2022 #colorfulfashion #colorfulstyle #pastelaesthetic #pinterestgirl #pinterestaesthetic #nycinfluencer #nycfashionblogger #nycstreetstyle
Which outfit do you prefer 💛 or 💜? 

Also I’m so excited that I finally achieved the pole transition! I’ve been wanting to do this for YEARS lol

A lot of folks don’t mention this, but you need an extra hand creating this type of content. 

Full transparency, I had my photographer watch my tripod and made sure it was stable throughout the filming and clothes change. 

So if you want to create this, ask a friend for help! 

Thanks @megmccstudio for the assist!
•
•
•
•
•
#colorfulfashion #colorfulstyle #contentcreatortips #reelsfashion #nycstreetstyle #summerfashion2022 #yellowoutfit
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Ivanka DeKoning

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Culture · May 22, 2019

My Coming Out Story

Everyone has a beautiful coming out story, this is mine.

A fresh New Yorker in her mid-twenties, with a pixie cut, an idiosyncratic sense of style, oh, and identified as straight.

Before I came out, I was in and out of relationships with men. It was difficult and confusing. I always felt something was missing and gave excuses such as, “There’s nothing wrong with me, I’m just dating the wrong guys.” Little did I know, I was barking up the wrong tree.

My entire life I felt an attraction towards women, but I didn’t think it was anything more. I was like, “Oh, she’s like, really beautiful.” Yet, never went beyond that initial thought. Until my best friend, Bethany, texted me one night and said, “lets go to a lesbian bar!” At first, I was a bit apprehensive. New territory…lifestyle…breaking my comfort zone? But I said, “Yeah, sure.” Also, my best friend doesn’t accept no for an answer, so I didn’t have much of a choice!

At the lesbian bar I felt…comfortable. The surroundings fascinated me. For the first time I kind of felt comfortable at a bar and actually was eager to talk to the women.

That was my first experience. It wasn’t long until I began to frequent lesbian bars every week. I felt so comfortable talking to the people there and it unleashed my attraction and encouragement to pursue them and explore.

A Lesbian is Born

When I first kissed a female…I felt it. I was gay. For the first time ever, it FINALLY felt right.

I guess you can say I lived my best gay life soon there after. It was exciting because it felt like dating all over again. I struggled dating men for years, always felt nervous and uncomfortable to go on a date. I just thought I was shy for years.

Now going on dates with women – I couldn’t be more elated. I got the good butterflies and the best feels. Coming out made me feel like my best self. I think it was an easier transition for me, because I knew I was in the right place based on my past experiences.

My Coming Out Story

Coming out to my parents was uplifting and discouraging. I came out to my siblings first, our generation is more understanding and accepting.

As for my father, he guessed it! I didn’t bring home a guy in over five years. One day we went for a run in the hot South Carolina sun and he asked me if I still liked men? (I think he meant jokingly, but also was slightly curious.) I busted into tears, screaming, “I don’t know!” We then stopped running and he gave me the biggest hug. My dad is a doctor and by far, the most nonjudgemental person I have ever known. He said, “It’s OK, science has proven that we cannot fight attraction. There has been countless tests to prove there is nothing wrong with you.”

My dad is a very smart man. He speaks when it’s necessary, and he’s always to the point. I need to hear his response, and it made coming out much easier. All I needed was the simple recognition of understanding, and I got it.

Coming out to my mom. My mom is very warm and loving, but grew up very old-school in a Ukrainian household. Raised to only date Ukrainian men and forbidden to speak english at home. So, it was difficult to figure out when was right to come out to her.

I was at home visiting her and I still couldn’t say it. When I arrived back in NYC I decided I couldn’t wait any longer. I called her and told her I’ve been dating women. Even though she was surprised, she handled it very well. It felt so good coming out to her. We ended our conversation with her saying, “Whatever will be will be.” Her acceptance has grown stronger over the years, and I’m so proud of her. 

I Met the Girl of My Dreams

I met my current life partner, Victoria, at a gay and lesbian bar in NYC called the Cubbyhole. It’s a small, eclectic spot that my friends and I frequent on random nights. Never was a place for me to meet women. However, Bethany convinced me to come out for a drink one Saturday night. There, I met someone. She was literally a breath of fresh air. I never met anyone like her. Her energy, light, and personality was engaging and I immediately fell. HARD. She completed me. 

Victoria and I dated for a year and a half until she proposed. Then after nearly three years from our random Cubbyhole encounter, we got married at City Hall! I can’t imagine my life without her.

Gay Couple Lesbians Gay Wedding My coming out story

Share Your Coming Out Story

I truly enjoy hearing everyone’s coming out story. It’s inspiring and provides a glimpse into someones life and character. You learn so much from someone’s story and I hope mine was helpful for women out there. It took courage and strength, but I was able to remove the guard, and allow myself to explore and experience life from a different lens. Everyday I remind myself that no matter what I’m living my life to the fullest. If I was still the same girl seven years ago, I may not know where I’d be. I know I would not be writing this post, nor managing a blog at all! Coming out was the initial step into my beautiful and grateful life. Since coming out, I’ve grown stronger which empowered a voice and manifested my confidence.

If there was one thing you can take away from my coming out story, is to let go of your guard and live. Live for experiences, learnings, and fascinating people that cross your path. You’ll amaze yourself. 

  • MY COMING OUT STORY
  • MY COMING OUT STORY
  • MY COMING OUT STORY

In: Culture · Tagged: coming out, gay, gay couple, gay fashion, gay girl, gay wedding, lesbian, lesbian fashion, lesbian fashion blogger, lgbtq, my coming out story, queer, Queer culture

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Where do you pull inspiration? I’ve been asked Where do you pull inspiration?

I’ve been asked this question a lot recently and I actually made it a topic in my workshop.

Inspiration can come from anywhere.

For me, I love to see what’s going on in other niches outside of my own, such as photography or even menswear.

We’re so consumed by our own feeds or what the algorithm gives us that it’s hard to step outside of our norm with creative enlightenment. 

So if you’re in a pickle and need a change of scenery, take a look at other categories. Everyone has a unique approach or messaging.

Then ask yourself, “how can I make this my own?”
•
•
•
•
•
#orangeoutfit #fashionreel #colorfulfashion #colorstyle #summerfashion2022 #contentcreatortips #nycstreetstyle #nycfashionblogger
⁣How do you view success?⠀ ⠀ To me, it’s s ⁣How do you view success?⠀
⠀
To me, it’s stepping out of my comfort zone and building a life that I once thought was unattainable.⠀
⠀
My wife sent me a podcast this week with @jasminestar and @jennakutcher (two insanely talented entrepreneurs I look up to). The topic was about pivoting. ⠀
⠀
@jennakutcher said something that really stuck with me - it’s not that you need to know where you’re going but what you’re moving away from. ⠀
⠀
Whether you’re just starting out on your side hustle journey, in the process of building it, or at the point of going full time, there will always be moments of pivoting.⠀
⠀
I’ve tried out so many unique side hustles over the last 6 years lol from different forms of YouTube channels to a podcast! Every time something didn’t feel right, I’d let it go and move on to the next. ⠀
⠀
Overnight success is a made up term. Nothing happens overnight or in a month. It takes commitment and trust in yourself. ⠀
⠀
I always say “keep going” to my clients. It took me 6 years to get here (with multiple high and lows in the process).⠀
⠀
So trust the process and enjoy the journey… it’s worth it.⠀
•⠀
•⠀
•⠀
•⠀
•
#parisianvibes #parisianamour #parisianaesthetic #mystylediary #frenchgirlstyle #lesbianstyle #wildsssouls #frenchgirldaily #vintageinspo #lestyleàlafrançaise
100K followers?! Is this real life? A year ago I 100K followers?! Is this real life?

A year ago I was at 16K. 

I launched a new strategy at the beginning of July (I was at 60K) and I said to myself I will get to 70K in 4 weeks - then I ended up at 100K! 

So this was not pure luck, it was strategy. 

Don’t worry (you know I don’t gatekeep!) I will share this strategy soon!

To all my newcomers, I’m so happy you’re here! Here are a few things about me!

1. I’m a social media strategist and thought leader with over 10+ years experience in luxury fashion, beauty, and social media marketing. 

2. Im a member of the LGBTQ+ community and have the most amazing and supportive wife @vicmatthews06 

3. Saved up enough money and left my mentally draining fashion corporate job last April to pursue a dream of becoming my own boss

4. Launched my social media consulting business in June 2021. Since then, I have scaled to workshops and soon to be courses and memberships later this year!

5. I’m here to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, content creators grow their digital presence on social media and create the life they’ve always wanted

6. I live outside of NYC in NJ with my wife and 3 year old pup Nike. we’re finally re-planning our wedding (that was canceled during the pandemic) for summer 2023!

I also offer 1-on-1 services as well and you can find out more details through the link in my bio!

I’m so happy you found my corner of the internet! Get ready to feel inspired and motivated to create!
📸: @megmccstudio 
💄: @spiffysface 
•
•
•
•
•
•
#colorfulfashion #colorfulstyle #lesbianblogger #lgbtqtravelers #gayinfluencer #colorfulmakeup #colorfuleyeshadow #pinterestgirl #orangedress
First try at this classic mirror transition! Which First try at this classic mirror transition! Which vibe is your favorite?

Also, who wants a tutorial on how I created it? If you have a long mirror at home, you can do this!
•
•
•
•
•
#colorfulfashion #colorfulstyle #nycstreetstyle #barbiecore #yellowsuit #barbiestyle
Love creating unique content with my wife 💕 @v Love creating unique content with my wife 💕

@vic.m.photos dusted off her old Polaroid from 2000 and we took it for a spin around NYC’s West Village!

I love her eye for small details. So many things I miss, she stops and takes a photo of it. 

Ever in a creative rut? Spend time with another creative to inspire you ❤️ 
•
•
•
•
•
#polaroids #polaroidcamera #polaroidphotography #contentcreatortips #nycstreetstyle #polaroidoriginals
Another indoor/outdoor transition for you to try! Another indoor/outdoor transition for you to try!

These transitions have become my new go-to! There easy and always have a surprise ending 🙂

Sometimes it doesn’t have to be complicated and let your surroundings do the work!

Working on a new tutorial this week! Stay tuned xx 
•
•
•
•
•
#contentcreatortips #fashiontransition #clothestransition #colorfulfashion #colorfulstyle #pradashoes #nycstreetstyle #parisianstreetstyle #parisianamour
Which do you prefer - doe or siren? I’ve seen s Which do you prefer - doe or siren?

I’ve seen so many variations using this audio! A lot of “this or that” or “before and after” - they’re all great. 

This sound is currently trending, so think of a comparison scenario that fits within your niche 🙌💕

Need some inspo? Just look at what other creators have posted for this audio!

Makeup details
Eyeliner: @maccosmetics Brushstroke 24hr liner (it’s flawless!)
Foundation: @diorbeauty Forever Skin Glow
Setting powder: @maccosmetics studio fix pressed powder
Bronzer: @anastasiabeverlyhills bronzer palette 
mascara: @milkmakeup rise mascara 
Eyebrows: @anastasiabeverlyhills brow freeze 
Lips: @hudabeauty matte lipstick (shade: Boardroom)
Gloss: @cosmedix_ Lumi crystal liquid gloss
•
•
•
•
•
#beautytrends #beautyreels #makeupreels #makeupreel #makeupbloggers #beautybloggerlife #beautycontent #cateyeliner
More like a Cher Horowitz moment 🛍 I also tol More like a Cher Horowitz moment 🛍 

I also told my wife I’d find a purpose for all our old shopping bags!

📸 & 📹: @megmccstudio 
•
•
•
•
•
#summerfashion2022 #colorfulfashion #colorfulstyle #pastelaesthetic #pinterestgirl #pinterestaesthetic #nycinfluencer #nycfashionblogger #nycstreetstyle
Which outfit do you prefer 💛 or 💜? 

Also I’m so excited that I finally achieved the pole transition! I’ve been wanting to do this for YEARS lol

A lot of folks don’t mention this, but you need an extra hand creating this type of content. 

Full transparency, I had my photographer watch my tripod and made sure it was stable throughout the filming and clothes change. 

So if you want to create this, ask a friend for help! 

Thanks @megmccstudio for the assist!
•
•
•
•
•
#colorfulfashion #colorfulstyle #contentcreatortips #reelsfashion #nycstreetstyle #summerfashion2022 #yellowoutfit
It’s the last day to sign up for the Video Creat It’s the last day to sign up for the Video Creators Workshop!

I’m so nervous to host my first workshop but also excited… but also stressed lol

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to truly transform your video content across @instagram , @tiktok and @youtube!

I feel like everyday I’m perfecting the workshop lol I have so much in store for my students… plus I don’t share this stuff on Insta. It’s too valuable!

Reels and TikTok has changed the game for me and provided me with so many incredible opportunities. 

I’ve worked with 100’s of students to help improve their social media strategy and video content, now I’m prepared to take my program to the next level and launch this workshop!

Link in my bio to learn more and feel free to DM with any questions! 

Shoutout to the talented @meg for this video! 
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•
#parisianstreetstyle #parisianchic #parisianamour #vintageaesthetics #retroaesthetic #beigepalette #nycstreetstyle

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