You know how sometimes in relationships, you're with someone for so long that things are easy and comfortable. It's great, and everyone's pretty happy but sometimes you need that spark that challenges you and keeps on your toes. Well, over the last six months or so, I've been feeling that way with my blog…
As I approach seven years of blogging next month, I've been feeling a change coming. I didn't know exactly what that change was for a while, but I knew I've felt disconnected from my site. Partially because I'm not in front of my computer quite as much while being a new mom to Ruby, but also because I wasn't posting all of my content anymore.
I have been so lucky to work with an amazing group of contributors over the last few years. And I would not have been able to continue to generate the consistency, quality, or diversity of posts that we've had without the help of Bekka, Bri, Joanna, Nikole, and Liz. They were crucial in maintaining the weekly columns over here over the last few years. But, I've decided that the change I needed is to take it back home and go back to posting all of the content on this blog myself. It's bittersweet because I have grown so fond of my contributors, and they all bring something to this site that I couldn't have done all by myself. Thank you, ladies, it's seriously been an honor working with all of you…
Part of being a business owner often involves growth, hiring employees, delegating out work to others who are better than you in some things and also for when you simply don't have time to do everything yourself. I fully believe that is often necessary for businesses to grow. And at the same time, I also believe in trusting your gut and knowing when you need to take a step back and make things more intimate, even if that means you can't offer as much quantity that way. So with this change, I'll be posting once a day {maybe two on occasion} instead of the typical 2-3 posts per day that I've had for the last few years. This blog will still have the same types of posts and topics that I initially began with and I still love, but as of next week, I'll no longer be working with regular weekly contributors for posts.
I will continue to work with some talented freelancers—a photographer, videographer, illustrator and more—to help capture my ideas and bring you posts and content in new ways. And I have some really fun collaborations that I'm working on which allows me to create more in-depth posts {see more about that in my FAQ's}. It will still be Oh Joy…in some ways going back to how I started, and in some ways moving forward in a new direction.
Finally, I want to take this chance to thank all of you for reading this blog for however long or short you have been. I've always told myself that I'll continue to blog as long it's interesting, fun, and rewarding for me. Connecting with all of you through your comments, emails, and tweets, and the people I've met over the last 7 years is what makes this blog so enjoyable and meaningful. Have a great holiday weekend, and I look forward to sharing this new chapter with you soon… — Joy
{photo by Bonnie Tsang from her Breakfast Series}
Kuddos for making this decision, Joy. It takes a lot of courage to make that kind of change….looking forward to reading what you have for us 🙂
Way to step up your A game, lady! I’m sure the decision to take this on all by yourself was not an easy one but I am so excited for you and I’m looking forward to reading all your posts 🙂
i love this! good luck with the new change, lady! look forward to reading your posts.
This was a fun read and I wish you the best of luck!!! I am also in the middle of big blog changes… I have hired someone to add a custom design to my blog, I’m creating a back-log of new posts, and I just had my first photo shoot today so I can get some fun pics up on the blog, Twitter, etc. Trying to give myself and my blog a burst of energy with the intention of making my blog a priority! What a perfect time for Blog, Inc. to come out, I can’t wait!!! (See you at West Elm, LA in Oct!) Thank you for all the standards you set in the blog world, keep up the good work! xoxo
congrats on making this tough decision! i’m excited to see what you have in store for us!
I’m really excited about this! I love your blog, but honestly, I often skip over the contributor posts/columns. Just not as personal or interesting, and often repetitive if you read their blogs. All that to say, I think this is a smart decision and I look forward to reading something more connected to you. Thanks!
I JUST started reading your blog the other day, so this couldn’t have come at a better time for people like me to get to know what Oh Joy is truly all about. Looking forward to keeping up with your posts!
I admire anyone who is willing to make tough decisions in order to go with what feels right. I look forward to continue to read the next chapter!
I admire anyone who is willing to make tough decisions in order to go with what feels right. I look forward to continue to read the next chapter!
I admire anyone who is willing to make tough decisions in order to go with what feels right. I look forward to continue to read the next chapter!
I admire anyone who is willing to make tough decisions in order to go with what feels right. I look forward to continue to read the next chapter!
I admire anyone who is willing to make tough decisions in order to go with what feels right. I look forward to continue to read the next chapter!
I admire anyone who is willing to make tough decisions in order to go with what feels right. I look forward to continue to read the next chapter!
I admire anyone who is willing to make tough decisions in order to go with what feels right. I look forward to continue to read the next chapter!
I admire anyone who is willing to make tough decisions in order to go with what feels right. I look forward to continue to read the next chapter!
I admire anyone who is willing to make tough decisions in order to go with what feels right. I look forward to continue to read the next chapter!
I admire anyone who is willing to make tough decisions in order to go with what feels right. I look forward to continue to read the next chapter!
You should feel confident in cutting back on how frequently you post! Many times the blogs that post frequently overwhelm me, it’s like my brain can’t comprehend all that content happening so frequently.
And since you’ve had your baby (maybe because I also had a baby at the same time? but it’s more than that…) your personal voice has become much stronger. It feels like you are truly sharing things you are thinking about, worrying about, looking forward to…I think you’re growing into a whole new place!
I’m so happy that you aren’t closing up shop, and I really look forward to this change. You’re fantastic, Joy! Thanks for everything!
I love everything you do so am excited to see more of *you* on the blog. Hooray for new ventures and congrats to seven years of incredible content!! That’s amazing.
Oh how exciting for you–congrats on making this decision and good luck! I look forward to seeing what you will be up to 🙂 Also, quite inspiring reading your very first blog post… I guess sometimes you just have to go for it and see where it takes you. Happy holiday weekend!
I’m looking forward to seeing what you have in store for us, Joy! Sometimes it’s so easy to keep going with the flow, especially after becoming a mom, so good for you for being able to make a change!
Hi Joy – I am a very dedicated Oh Joy reader for about 3 years and have loved seeing how your life in California and with little Ruby has unfolded and i have been inspired in so many ways – thank you! However, I have to say, that I noticed that over the past few months things havent “been the same” and I am looking forward to seeing more content that truly inspires you, even if they are just 1x day! All the best! Nikki
I always love your blog, Joy, and I know that this decision is going to lead to great things! I can’t wait to see all the exciting new content that is going to come from changing things up!
I am excited about the change and new content to come…I totally understand as a new mom myself!
What an interesting twist! I think it’s great you’re trusting your gut. Will be great to hear more from you!
Good news! I love the contributor posts, but your presence in the blog-sphere has been sorely missed. In 2007 I began following along because you had such a strong and interesting voice and such beautiful taste. Lately, we’ve missed your thoughts and personal reflections. Us readers are glad to have you back.
Congrats and good luck on your new venture. I recently started reading your blog, and I’m excited to be a part of the new venture.
-Tara
http://madmaxandfamily.blogspot.com
http://blog.chron.com/madabouttown/
Awwww, brought a smile to my face, Joy. I’ve enjoyed your blog so much. At first I thought you were saying goodbye and my heart fainted (figuratively not literally.) Can’t wait for this new chapter!
Be gangsta!
all the best to you joy! change is hard! i’ve loved reading your blog for the past one year. and i’ve really connected to your blog esp with having a baby about a month after you! your style is fun and you really highlight things i am interested in. i look forward to your daily thoughts and inspirations!
Hi Joy,
I’m glad you will still be doing your regular posts. I always love to see the yummy deserts you find. I’m looking forward to seeing the next chapter in your blog. I’m sure it will be great! And all the best your former contributors, I’m sure they will do great too.
Have a fun long weekend.
Best,
mikky
http://www.todaloos.com
joy-
working with you over the past 2 years has been so wonderful and rewarding. you have taught me so much about dedication, originality and you have always been so supportive of designlovefest. i am excited to watch oh joy transform into a new chapter and i know you will continue to impress your readers with whatever path you take. thank you for giving me the opportunity to guest blog for you, it was one of the best jobs i ever said yes to. i am happy to call you a dear friend because of it too!
get it girl.
love you!
bri
joy,
thanks for being so honest with all of us! i’m glad that the decision wasn’t to stop blogging, because i so love your site! keep up the great work, and i’m sure we will all love the new content you bring…
Joy, I’ve always admired your style, honesty, and dedication. I’ve no doubt that this new direction will bring more of that color and inspiration that we’ve grown to know and love—and best of all, more YOU! xo
Good for you Joy! I always think a re-evaluation means we are in touch with what our gut tells us! xo Teri
Joy, I have had many seasons like this over the years in business where I feel like I need to make a change, but it is hard. Good for you for going with your gut! You’ve made it so far and been so successful because of who YOU are. I look forward to seeing more of you and your voice on the blog. 🙂 This is encouraging to me as I make hard decisions moving forward with my shop and blog, thank you!
three words: you are fabulous.
Joy, There is something incredibly beautiful about the honesty of your words here. It takes serious perspective and a sense of vulnerability to look at your work and make a shift like this. Thanks for your courage in ushering in this new phase and the inspiration it provides us all!
“Courage has a ripple effect. Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver.” – Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection
I know you’ll do it right Joy! I’ve been a long time reader (I was telling to myself lately that your blog is still one of my favorite, I never get bored reading it!) I am quite fond of all the inspirations you and your contributors have shared over the past years, seeing you “grow” as an entrepreneur, a mom, and reading your thoughts along the way…
I am just looking forward to… keep reading Oh Joy!
Have a great week-end!
Christelle
good for you joy! such a courageous move, we’ll all be behind you 110%! xo
Joy, I very much enjoy reading your blog. I’m sorry to deviate from the topic at hand, but I am having a difficult time clicking on your links! I am using a macbook, and was unable to click on any links (read more, comments, links in your post, etc.) in Safari. I tried it in Firefox and was able to click on the “read more” on this entry, but that’s it! I can’t click on any of your links on this page, and when I navigate back to your main page, I cannot click on any links there either. It is the strangest thing!
Oh man, me too. When I first started reading I was holding my breath thinking NONONONONO but relieved to learn what you’ll have in store for us!
This has been a daily click for me since about 2006, so….phew!
Hi Lauren!
So odd! A couple other people have told me that in the last day or so. Its something with Safari and well investigate and see whats happening.
Thank you for letting me know!
Joy
Sent from my iPhone
Good for you, Joy! Looking forward to forthcoming posts and inspiration! Miss ya. xx
can’t wait to see what you have in store for us. 🙂
hope you have a great weekend.
go joy go! everything you do is brilliant, so just more of that for us all to look forward to. sounds good to me!
i second that!
Congrats!! I can’t wait to see what’s in store!
congrats on your decision and good luck with what the future holds for Oh Joy!!
i love the commitment to following your intuition…and I really appreciate your saying it publicly.
GOOD LUCK!
warmly
nat
Yay!! I’m excited about ur motivation to change. Regardless of the frequency of posts, I’m a devoted follower! Love you!! 🙂
That sounds great! I’ve loved your blog for the past year or so that I’ve been reading and I can’t wait to see what you’ll have in store!
P.S. when I saw the serious picture and long post I thought it was going to say you were closing the blog– I don’t know what I would do without my Oh Joy fix!
always loved your blog since oh joy eats! thanks for your hard work. best.
Thanks so much guys for your kind comments! And sorry to scare some of you who thought I was going to close the blog! Look forward to sharing this new phase with you…
xo,
Joy
Looking forward to the new blog. I can see a bit of a design change, though I think the font in the hangers look s abit unpolished (Arial only, it feels like this is supposed to turn into some other fancier font)
I love the new look of your blog… its so cuteee ♥ 😀
Joy, you’re new blog design is simply adorable just like you! I’ve been reading this blog ever since I began my first year of college and it was simply a joy to be able to read it everyday and be inspired in new ways. You’re content is so original and true. Thanks for giving me a reason to be inspired by something beautiful every day!
Thanks so much Abby!
Joy
The embroidered masthead is gorgeous!
Love the change of Oh Joy! So cool!
7 Year Itch, it usually means that it’s time to reflect on the relationship and remember why it is you fell in love to begin with. The movie always puts things in perspective for me. Looking forward to all that is to come. Love ya girl!
I’ve been reading since 2008, and I’ve really enjoyed everything you’ve done in those four years. Looking forward to the next 4 years, too! Glad you’re finding your blogging happy place. It’s a hard thing sometimes to listen to your gut. Kudos!
wow! looks like i’m crashing the party late. 😉
you were one of the first people/blogs that i ‘found’ online, which made me excited about being an entrepreneur. although at the time of discovery, i wasn’t sure what i wanted to do exactly, but knew that i wanted to do something fun, engaging… just like what you were sharing with your readers! (me being one of them.)
it’s been such a pleasure seeing the changes that have been happening both here & in your personal life — you don’t stop inspiring even for a second. i think fall is a good time for change… maybe it’s something in the air that makes us yearn for change. all i know is that no matter what, your go-getter attitude will always continue to share insights that excite those who appreciate all that you share.
looking forward to the ‘new’ oh joy blog! 🙂
all love & excitement for your new adventure,
satsuki
I’m certainly not an expert on blogging (I’ve been reading and writing blogs for about seven years, but not professionally). But I will say that I like to hear when bloggers make this sort of decision. The blogs I check first in my blog reader are the ones with a singular voice. I’m not a fan of multi-writer blogs. For that, I’d frankly rather read a magazine and take it all in in one sitting. I just can’t keep up with so many posts a day! Anyway, I hope the change works well for you!
very excited about the changes! I am looking forward to it! congrats on this decision.
and, I have to ask, what lipstick (or gloss?) do you use? I absolutely adore the pop of pink… and I have been trying to find a good lipstick that doesn’t end up too shear.
I’m pretty sure I’ve been reading your blog since 2007 – possibly 2006 but definitely 2007. It was one of the first blogs I got really excited about, though this may be my first comment ever. I’m really looking forward to your new direction; way to be brave. I always look forward to your… posts that are more reflective (you know what I’m talking about right?). Also: I LOVE your redesign. The cross stich is really beautiful.
I would love to see the new chapter Oh Joy! I am sure you will be able to bring fresh ideas as always.
All the best and I will still be your loyal reader :).
I like this decision. I’ve been a reader for about 3 years and I have to say, I enjoy blogs with one unique voice better than multiple contributors. I look forward to the next chapter of Oh Joy!
Love the new site design!
yeah!!! its so cool!! Joy also inspires me 😀
I’ve enjoyed your blog for years and am excited for the next chapter of Oh Joy! And the new site design is great.
I look forward to this new chapter. If the new design is anything to go by (love the crochet/ embroidered logo!), I’m sure it will be exciting times ahead.
Change is always a good and necessary part of life! Recognizing that you need a change is a major step. Actually changing is a major feat! Gook luck!
Love, Jamie Herzlinger
so excited for you and to see what you come up with next. you’re a G.
Hello Joy!
I’ve been following your blog for about 6 months now and I think this post is the perfect place to leave my first comment! I have been amazed by your beautiful and thoughtfully prepared posts; and, it’s such a delight to visit hear each week.
Way to listen to your heart and be courageous, taking this next step that feels right to you! That’s truly inspiring. I can’t wait to follow you back to your roots! xo
Congratulations on the new site design! I really do appreciate how honest and open you are in your posts, and I’m really looking forward to this new chapter of your blog!
Can’t wait for the next chapter of Oh Joy! I am excited for the return of your voice in every post x
hi Joy! may name is Joy too and I’m from Philippines. I enjoy your blog so much, I read it everyday! I’ve been reading it for almost two years. (This is my first time to put a comment though…) I’m looking forward to your future posts. 🙂 All the best to you and your lovely family 🙂
Joy, For some reason this post just made me tear up a bit. Maybe I’m overly sentimental right now (my BFF just had a baby, I’m doing a big cross-country move in a month), but you continue to inspire me. I am thankful to have people to watch (even those like you I’ve only met a couple times), who continue to take risks, dream, follow their gut, and generally grab life by the horns! It is not just your impeccable taste, but your personality, realness, and “joy” for life that really draw me to your blog! I can’t wait to see the Joy-centric blog posts!
xx
Oh, I thought you were going to shut up shop too! Posting once a day is perfectly adequate I think. I’ve unsubscribed from quite a lot of the big blogs because there is just too much content. Look forward to the new style!
Congratulations on having the courage to listen to and follow through with your instincts–you inspire me to do the same! Oh Joy continually remains in my top 3 favorite blogs. Thank you for always making me notice more details, for always sprinkling my day with more color, and for inevitably making me smile no matter how internally stormy I get. Merci beaucoup!
Yours was one of the first blogs I fell in love with in 2006, and although I’ve loved seeing the posts from contributors, I have missed your voice! Excited for this new chapter, even though I know it will be a lot of work.
I look forward to reading your blog every day and I can’t wait to purchase your new book and maybe seeing you on your book tour. (Austin?)
In light of this development can you speak about your process to consistently create fresh content?
Thanks so much!
-Domenique
Hi Domenique,
Thank you! And yes, see you in Austin! Were going to have a QA portion of the night, so please ask that question..or ask me when you see me! 😉
Joy
Thanks so much Cate! Means a lot! 😉
Joy
ahhh this is so BEAUTIFUL!!! I love it so much! and so excited for all of your incredibly talented personal content. you are such an inspiration and encouragement in the blog world and I am so thankful for your confidence and steps to always better yourself and your work.
excited for this!! good luck
joy–you are amazing and i think this change will be so positive. it’s great with the contributors and it will be great even without them. your voice and your style is so inspirational. the redesign is gorgeous too! love it.
very exciting. As much as I’ll miss your columns I’m looking forward to what changes you make =)
– Sarah
agirlintransit.blogspot.com
Joy,
It has been lovely journey with you and this blog for the last two years. You are truly an inspirational to me in the area of design, entrepreneurial, talent and creativity. I am so happy to have discovered your blog at the ATL design summit in Utah! I have been a fan ever since. 🙂 CONGRATS!
I think this is a great move for you. To be honest, if I see three posts in my Google reader from your site, I only have time to read one. As a blogger myself, I also believe in quality posts, not high quantity. I rather you post once a day and that post be from you and written with passion than post two to three times a day and that post be from someone else and two or three sentences. Business is all about growth and you’re growing in the right direction 🙂
Oh, Joy! I’m so glad you’re doing this. I’ve always loved and admired your blog and aesthetic, and I’ve also enjoyed everything your contributors have contributed. But I’m smitten with this concept of “bringing it back home” and trusting your gut to produce intimate and meaningful content. You will always have me as a reader and fan.
Amazing! Your blog has been my daily read since 2008. Looking forward to seeing what is in store…
How refreshing! I was reading another one of my favorite blogs that uses a lot of contributors and realized I really missed *her* ideas and posts. Where had they gone? I’ve been reading it less ever since. That never really happened with you. Maybe you did a good job at picking contributors that better matched your style. I think letting your readers connect more with you is a good thing – for you and for the readers. Looking forward to it.
love this photo of you, your beautiful new embroidery header and how you always take the time to listen to what feels right – excited for your next adventures! xo
I’ve been an avid fan of Oh Joy! for so many years and trust that whatever new pathways you need to take will be great for both you and your readers. You take good care of us, always. 🙂 Good luck, Joy!
PS~Loving the new site and your embroidered logo is gorgeous!
Looking forward to your new changes! You’ve always been very genuine, and I love reading your “voice”, however frequent or infrequent that may be. Best of luck to you!
You are so talented, and this site has been an inspiration to quite a few of us here 😉 Best Wishes for your future posts!
y’all were/are an awesome team! all the best moving forward, looking forward to the next chapter. 🙂
I like your blog,especially Ruby’s post.Love this photo.
Joy,
I’ve been reading your blog for a while and have really enjoy it, but this new incarnation/design doesn’t quite do it for me. The hanger motif?…feels clunky. The new embroidered header? It just doesn’t brand you in the way I expected and seems to lack a clear focus/identity.
I am glad that you are getting back to yourself and I assume that there will be a time of transition. I agree that less is more and originality/quality over quantity. Good luck.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I actually stopped reading the blog all together because of all the contributors. Love that I can come back now!
I LOVE the embroidered header. You are really an inspiration and Thank You so much for the career path details because it is so rare that women, or anyone, shares that information! Really appreciate that.