Look details: Romper here, love this similar dress too | Wedges here, love these too; more budget-friendly wedges here| Sunglasses here | Bag here, similar here | Earrings here, just got these fun ones too | Bracelets here, here, and here
Last night, I decided to do a quick Q&A on stories and I absolutely loved reading through and answering your questions! By far, the most asked questions were about marriage (where did you and Scott meet?), babies (when are they coming?! PS- sorry, this isn’t a pregnancy announcement 🙂 ), and about my job as a nurse practitioner.
In case you didn’t know, I went to college and received my Bachelor’s in the Science of Nursing. After graduating, I worked for nearly three years in the hospital setting as a registered nurse. At that point, I decided to go back to school to get my Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree which would allow me to function as a nurse practitioner. I decided to specialize in pediatrics and for the past 3.5 years I have been working in a pediatricians office.
As a full-time nurse practitioner working in an office setting, my work schedule was 4 days per week. I absolutely LOVED my job and schedule- I felt like I was really making a difference in children’s lives and I loved going to work each day. After about a year and a half, I decided that I wanted to look into starting a ‘side hustle.’ I had three days off per week and felt like I could be doing something productive during that time. Funny enough, I actually tried my hand at calligraphy for a bit- I had an Etsy shop and everything! *Side note- a lot of you guys ask if I use a stylus to write cursive on my stories and the answer is no- I just use my finger haha! I have always had good handwriting, so I figured calligraphy would be an obvious choice. After a few months, I realized that I liked calligraphy, but I didn’t love it. It really didn’t make me happy and each time I would sit down to address invitations, etc. I would just get frustrated and not want to finish the project.
It was at this time that I started thinking about blogging (this was Summer 2017). My husband had always told me that he could see me getting into blogging, but I always said “NO”- I could only imagine what my friends/family would think if I started taking pictures of my outfits haha! Even though I thought my husband was bananas, I decided to look into it- Could this really be a side hustle? How does it work? Where would I even start? After a few months of research, I decided to get wayyy out of my comfort zone and create a blog- and that is how Lately with Lex was started!
The blog officially went live in late October 2017- and oh my gosh I was so nervous! Things were definitely slow at first and just like with any other business, there can be quite a bit of finances that have to be put up initially. During this time, I continued to work full-time as a NP- on my days off I would write blog posts, shoot content, reach out to brands, manage my website, etc.
After about 6 months of blogging, I felt like I was receiving enough brand collaborations where I could start working part-time as a NP. I dropped down to three days per week and continued to focus most of my time and energy into blogging.
This past August, I really felt like my blog was taking off and I found myself at a crossroads. I LOVED being both a NP and blogger- I literally had the best of both worlds! I have always felt a calling to help people and both of these professions allowed me to fulfill this calling. With the blogging taking off as a business, I found myself being spread very thin- when I wasn’t at work, I was on my computer/shooting/emailing/signing contracts/organizing content/planning content/updating my website/being an accountant- it was starting to be a lot. I found myself neglecting relationships with friends and family because I was so busy running a business. At night, I would stay up on my phone/computer posting and engaging on social media instead of spending time with my husband. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to do both much longer without losing my sanity, so I decided to drop down another day at the pediatricians office and start working two days per week. I felt confident that I would be able to get everything else done the other five days a week and was excited to be able to find a balance between the two careers.
Over the last few months, things have continued to progress for my blogging business- every month I think things will slow down, but instead I am presented with more and more opportunities- including travel! After the first of the year, Scott and I sat down to really talk about how things were going with me balancing both my NP job and blogging. After a long discussion (and maybe some tears from me haha!), we decided that I would be leaving my job as a NP to focus solely on blogging. I feel so passionately about helping others and I love the connections that I have built over the last year. Although I may not be helping people in the medical sense, I know that I am making a difference in women’s lives by bringing positivity (and a little laughter) into their lives. I truly feel like this was the path that I was meant to be on- and I am so excited!
It has been a really emotional time- did you catch my stories from today- geez. I am such a baby! I went to school for so long to become a NP and I couldn’t believe that I would be leaving. I am nervous to become an entrepreneur and don’t want to let down my husband/family. I am excited about this new opportunity for us and cannot wait to put all my time and energy into my blog! More than anything- I am proud! I never saw myself being in this position and I cannot believe that I have created a business!
Okay… getting back to the Q&A from last night- SO MANY of you asked about me working as a NP and if I was still practicing, so I felt like it was a good time to tell ya’ll what has been going on! Last week was actually my final week at work and it was definitely bittersweet- my coworkers are so kind and have been so supportive of me! I couldn’t have asked for better people to work with! Plus, we had a Chick-fil-A goodbye party…. so yeah, they’re cool. Anddd today marks my official first week as a full-time blogger- exciting and scary all at once!
For those of you who asked if I would be keeping my NP license active- YES! I didn’t go to school for 7 years for nothing! Every year I will have to do some online educational modules for continuing education credit and I will have to pay a fee. I definitely will keep that opportunity open should I ever decide that I want to go back!
Lastly- I know, this has been a long post and I need to wrap it up!- I want to thank each and every single one of you. NONE of this would have been possible without your support and for that I am so eternally grateful. I literally wake up every day so confused why anyone would “follow” me hahaha- like I am just a weirdo who likes beauty products and clothes haha… and Mexican food. You have made my wildest dreams come true and I am so excited to continue growing my blog- and I am so excited to have ya’ll along for the ride! Love you all more than anything! XOXOX
This is so inspiring and i am so glad you posted this. I love following you and you are going to do great things as you move forward as a full time blogger💓
Thank you so much!
Awwwww so happy for you!!!!
Thank you Tasha!
💗💗💗💗💗
Thank you Natalie!
Hi Alexa,
Just wanted to say congrats to you about becoming a full-time Blogger and I know how hard it was for you to leave your job as a nurse practitioner. you’re such an amazing and brave person to do that and I know that you’ll be great at full-time blogging and I love your blog and it makes me happy that you want me happier to find that balance .
If you ever need some help like an assistant or something I don’t live in Tennessee but could help you possibly remotely if you ever need it and I could travel to you please let me know if that is something that we could possibly talk about soon .
Hope you have a great night and thank you for your story and thank you for everything
Kelley
Thank you Kelley! I will certainly reach out if I need any help!
So happy for you!!!
Thank you Alisha!!
I’m so
Happy for you & wish you all the BEST! Always listen to the Lord and follow his direction and you can’t go wrong! I love watching you blog & posts on fashion, hair styles or whatever. I always watch hour insta stories. Take care ❤️ Kris.
Thank you Kris! I appreciate your sweet words and hope you have a wonderful day!
Yay!!! I’m SO happy for you!! I have watched you grow so quickly over the last few months and it’s obvious as to why!! You’re gorgeous, inspirational, funny and a total boss babe! You’re my go-to (& favorite) blogger/IG influencer! 💗 Keep doing what you do boo!!
This is so sweet! You guys are so amazing!!
Hello Alexa! Life has a way of throwing crossroads in every once in a while and unfortunately you have to choose only one way to go. Having said that, because I’m quite a bit older than you are, you begin to learn to have faith in the direction you choose and embrace it. Even if the direction you chose doesn’t work out the way you thought it would, another crossroad will appear eventually. While you’re young, take a leap of faith and believe in yourself. You have already accomplished great things, and I’m sure this next phase of your career will turn out fantastic! Good luck!🍀
Thank you so much Carol!
That is such a sweet story 😊I think you inspire a lot if women out there to go after what they are most passionate about… take some chances and you never know it just might work out 😀. I too am inspired by your looks and fashion sense . I love clothes and beauty as I am in the beauty industry . I thank you for your blogging and look forward to it everyday.
Thank you so much! I am so excited about this new chapter in my life!
I’ve been following you for a little while and had no idea you were a peds NP! You’re a super woman! I think it is super brave and awesome to start blogging full time, wishing you all the best ❤️
Thank you so much!
You are helping others just not in the original sense you thought you were going to. You have been a big influence on me and getting me to start my blog so thank you for helping me :). You are going to do great things with this blog I just know it. Keep smiling bright my friend. Excited to see what the future holds for you.
Thank you so much!
Congrats pretty lady!!!
Thank you sweet friend!
Congrats- I really enjoy following you!
Thank you Annette!!
Congratulations!!! 🤩
Thank you!
Congratulations!!! 🤩
Thank you!
I support you, and your decision. I know, me as a follower, you may think… “Why is she saying she supports me, and my decision “? I do, first, because you are a woman, and I believe we as women should support each other, and build each other up. Secondly, you have a great community of women standing right there with you. You’re also a professional woman. You inspire me, and I’m certain so many others. I wrote you a DM before explaining to you, how you helped me find myself again. Through your blog, your posts, your positivity, your healthy lifestyle, the list goes on and on. Everyday I feel I should be thanking you, for helping me realize that I can still be the stylish girl I’ve always been, but have neglected since I became a mom. As a mom, you put you child/children first. That goes without saying. However, I lost myself in the process. I am eternally grateful that I stumbled upon your page. I follow other bloggers, but you’re my main gal. I know if we lived near each other, we’d probably be great friends. I hope to start my blog, and help inspire other women, like you have me. I don’t know where to start, but being a single mom, this is something I know I could do if I set my mind to it. Ive always wanted to be home for my son before and after school. I love picking him up, and also being a part of his school activities. So, Alexa… thank you for helping me on sad days with positivity, on days I may feel blah, watching your stories and reading your blog give me so much hope. Not to mention, the clothes and makeup you’ve helped me find. God bless you, and your family.
Always your friend,
Kristin
Kristin! Thank you so much for your kind words! Your support means the absolute world to me and I am so thankful to have such an amazing group of women behind me! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Hey girl! Thank you so much for sharing! I quit working for a surgeon to stay home with my son and also to pursue blogging! It’s an adjustment but any life change is! I am sending you so much love and prayer as you make this transition into full time blogging! I will continue to support you in any way that I can! I love all of your content! XO
You are amazing! I love your content! Thank you for being cool and genuine and funny!! Congratulations!! On your new life adventure! 🙂
Thank you Alyssa!
This is so exciting, congratulations!!! Wishing you nothing but the best!
Thank you Addison!
So so happy for you! This is so inspiring!
Thank you Jess!
Omg you are my hero! Congrats on your full time gig! I admire your bravery and hard work. Because we all know how much work it takes to do both and with passion. I would love to pick your brain. I am a administrator for a peds office in CA and I am a new mom to twins! I desperately want to start blogging and be a influencer like you. I have no idea where to start or what to do. I would love some advice and insight. ❤️
Hi Tara! I actually have a full blog post dedicated to my experience when I first started out- just search “blog” and it should pop up!
Congratulations!! You’re doing and will continue to do great things as an entrepreneur! You got this boss-babe🔥🔥🔥
Thank you Erica!
Hi Alexa,
Hi Alexa,
Congratulations and follow your dreams girl! Love what you do and it will never be a job. I started following you a few months ago. Mind you I never “followed” any blogger before. But what kept me coming back to you was your authenticity. People want to connect with someone who is genuine and real. YOU girl! Run with it as long as you can. You can always fall back on your career as a NP.Just wanted to give you a pep talk after seeing you a little emotional on stories. Love your blog! 💞
Thank you so much Heather! I appreciate that!
Congrats Alexa!! You are the first “blogger” that I began following a few months ago. I am an RN and have been also looking for a side hustle. With a recent health scare and some time off work, I have started my blog- BECAUSE OF YOUR INSPIRATION! You are helping others right where you are! Thank you for being so open about your journey! xoxo
I love hearing this! You are just too sweet!