Review: Blogger beginnings and beyond!
It’s me, hi, I’m the blogger, it’s me.
Blogger Beginnings/ Backstory
If there is one thing I’ve learned through my years of modeling, it’s you NEVER know who you will meet in your journey. EVER! Heck, life in general. The introvert in me laughs knowing my home is my happy place and I hate to ever leave it, but sometimes it does pay off :) Especially with all of the amazing humans I get to meet along the way.
Two years ago, I flew out to Salt Lake City (SLC) to work a job for a big hotel chain. It wasn’t the best rate and I knew I wasn’t going to profit a lot from doing it, but I’m someone who loves to meet new people, work, and I figured that I could also add some adventure to the trip and make it all worth it. I had never been to SLC and heard it was an outdoor lover’s paradise. I was sold on that idea alone to accept this booking and decided to fly out a day earlier than my fittings/ job to hike and explore the area. The irony of this was that one of the biggest outdoor retail shows was taking place next to my hotel and a lot of the brands were staying there. I had no idea until I checked-in and wondered why there were so many attractive, scruffy, outdoorsy men sauntering around the reception area. I was beginning to think that I lived in the wrong state at that very moment LOL.
I decided to do a more moderate hike on the first day that I arrived (Lake Mary) and then would do a shorter and easier one (Donut Falls) the next morning, as I had my job fittings later that afternoon. MMMMMMM…. DOOOOOONUTS! (Homer Simpson voice) On that second day, I would end up meeting my now good friend, Greg. I remember first crossing paths when we were figuring out how to climb a rock wall with another hiker to see the falls. I saw Greg with a go-pro on his head and all decked out with camera gear. I remember poking fun at him a little about looking like an influencer and that’s when he would confirm that he was one and a blogger too! I thought he was joking with me, but nope! He was the real deal! LOL!
We’d later go onto bs and laugh the entire way back to our cars. We even filmed a little video for his TikTok! Such a fun time. Greg had been in town for the outdoor show and we wouldn’t have time to hang out again, as I’d be working a 15 hour day the next day and would head out of SLC super early the following morning to head home. So, we just ended up exchanging Instagrams and going about our way.
Greg and I would keep in touch and message here and there on the gram. It wasn’t until a few months later where he would send me a message asking if I would be interested in writing for brands on his blog, FatManLittleTrail. He needed a female voice and knew how much I love(d) the great outdoors. I’d argue that is one of the best messages to ever slide into my DM’s. I’d also argue that I sound like a bride-to-be when I say that was the easiest “YES” I’ve ever said in my life LOL!
Blogger Life and Beyond
To be able to test out outdoor gear and write about it is an absolute dream come true! I realize what a blessing it is to do another thing that I love so much, which is combine my love of the great outdoors and writing. Another thing I also love to do is learn. I can humbly say I’m not an expert in gear nor will I ever claim to be, especially the technical aspect. I still have SO much to learn!
The perspective of my outdoor reviews will all be done from a general consumer point of view- the things I love, don’t love, and my overall experience. I will never ever, ever bash a brand if I don’t like something because that just isn’t right and completely unnecessary , but if it isn’t a product I would buy with my own money, it will not be on my blog. Integrity is very important to me. Luckily, Greg allows to me to write and review from a completely honest and authentic place.
Being able to test out products from a plethora of brands and learn more about them has significantly helped me have an overall more positive experience in the great outdoors. The adventure life ain’t a glamorous life, but these outdoor companies are really out here outdoing themselves (and one another!) and elevating the entire experience as a whole. I hope my reviews can give you more insight while you’re out there doing your research and trying to make an informed decision about new gear. If you have any questions about products I’ve tested or would like me to review anything, please feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to help!
Happy Trails! xoxo, Brooke
