You Can Sit With Me — Love Nothing More

Let’s help each other build community and a sense of belonging.

In 2011, I had the privilege of being selected by Tumblr to attend New York Fashion Week with a group of incredible bloggers. I didn’t know how it happened or why, but I wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Of course I went. The bloggers who were there were (and in some cases still are) really significant in this space. I was just some girl with a tripod and a remote taking her own pictures in Pittsburgh. I was totally making things up as I went along. When I got there and I was surrounded by some of the most stylish and creative and knowledgable people I’d ever met, I felt like such an imposter. And while experiencing NYFW like that remains one of the most important things I’ve ever earned for myself, I spent most of the time there questioning myself and my worth rather than deeply enjoying every single moment.

I held myself back. I could have made amazing connections and learned from these powerhouse women and men. Instead I retreated, feeling embarrassed and unsure of who I was. To this day, one of my biggest regrets is letting self-doubt lead me around New York by the nose.

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When I returned to blogging after a few years away, I promised myself that I would do things differently. Not just in the way I approached my blog, but in how I would approach the community. I remember the first event I attended was a Valentine’s Day affair hosted by the ladies from Style Social Pittsburgh. I knew one person at the event. And after she and I spoke and she moved along, I was on my own. My nerves were standing on end but I knew I needed to do things differently than before. I walked up to someone who also seemed to be alone and wondering what to do with herself and I said, “Hi, I’m Terra McBride!” It was all we needed to strike up a meaningful conversation and make a new acquaintance.

It’s been nearly four years since that night and I’ve had the pleasure of attending many Pittsburgh fashion events since then. I’ve met so many incredible people. They’ve shared their passions with me. We’ve discussed how we can move forward together. I was delighted to realize that when I embraced this community, it embraced me right back. Being open to the opportunities offered to me, truly open, has made this whole experience much more fulfilling.

I’m sharing this because I have heard some of my new friends share the same self-doubt I had (let’s be honest, still have) as they find their place in this community. I want anyone out there who is feeling like an imposter or out of place, not just in fashion blogging but wherever you are staking your ground, to know you have a place here and you belong.

Beware - Hugs and encouragement flow easily with me. So if that sounds good to you, let’s get to know each other. You can totally sit with me.