MY TOP TIPS ON BECOMING A GIRL BOSS

Photography by JKG

jkgphotography.co.uk

ADOLSCENT Slogan Tee (alternatives)

MISSGUIDED+ Skinny Jeans (diy'd hem)

ZARA Sheer Dress (alternative)

BOOHOO Choker*

ASOS Monochrome Heeled Sandals

The idea of being a girl boss used to make me squirm with excitement. When I was younger I had no idea how I'd get there, but I knew one day I would...

And here I am.

Although some Negative Nancy's will try and shit on how bloggers make their money & have an overall 'its not a real job' type of attitude. I assure you, I basically work everyday so it is indeed a real job. And a job I fucking love might I add.

Although the term 'girl boss' is predominately meant for women who run or would like to run their own businesses, I actually think its for everyone. Its a mindset and an attitude that I feel all women should adopt. Its about being a go getta, not being scared to chase your dreams & believing whole heartedly in yourself.

So here are my top tips on becoming a girl boss...

Know Your Worth

I hear stories time and time again of bloggers underselling themselves (charging £30 for an Instagram post - wtf) and friends of mine having their job roles changed and tasks increased with no mention from their manager of a pay rise (what a joke).

Know your worth girls, in every aspect of your life. Don't be scared to ask for a pay rise if you've worked your ass off all year and you're still struggling to pay your bills every month. Don't be scared to quit a job that no longer pushes you or enables you to grow. Don't be scared to take yourself more seriously because you want a bad ass career.

You have the potential to be or do anything but you have to believe that you deserve it. You have to fight for what you want because yes, there are other people out there just as good as you, if not better. But remember - they're not you and that is your power.

Have A Plan

I'll never forget the first time I went to my managements offices armed with my 5 year plan and my mood board. Although they asked to meet me, I knew I needed to show them that I was serious about my career.

Having a plan or at least having some set goals allows you to focus and work towards something. Even though I'm definitely a chancer and someone who likes to take risks, I do have a destination in mind and I think thats the reason I can get my ass out of bed in the mornings.

Where do I want to be? What do I want to do? What life do I want?

Putting pen to paper makes things seem much more real & theres nothing more satisfying than ticking things off as the months/years go on.

Believe In Your Hustle

I've said it before and i'll say it again. Self belief can get your places nothing else can. Im not particularly great with taking photos, I find it hard to get my words out at times and I'm not the typical looking blogger, but fucking hell do I believe in myself. A thousand people could tell me I'm gonna fail, but if I know within my heart I'm going to succeed, I will.

Im a very determined and self motivating person and thats because I had a traumatic childhood. I've known for as long as I can remember that I needed to escape the life I was surrounded by, for my own health and because I didn't want my children to go through what I went through.

My biggest piece of advice to anyone no matter what they're doing, or where they're going, is to believe in your hustle. Believe you can and you're half way there. Visualise your success and immerse yourself in the faith that you will be where you need to be. Work hard and tell yourself everyday that you deserve success.

What you think, you become.

Get Enough Rest

A few years ago I was working in a children's home as well as trying to become a full-time blogger - I didn't sleep. Yes, long hours and going days without sleeping eventually paid off (thank fuck) but its not something I would recommend. The content I was producing was SHOCKING, mainly because I couldn't always concentrate so I'd often make spelling mistakes (writing posts at 3am isn't the best idea). I was also moody, ridiculously tired & I just wasn't enjoying myself.

Taking enough breaks during your working day and getting a good solid sleep means your brain and body has more energy to actually be productive. Theres a misconception that less sleep means you're grinding harder, but tbh - it just means you're stupid. Taking care of yourself enables you to be more creative & happier. Taking care of number one is just as important as your career.

Have Five Streams Of Income

Hear me out before you roll your eyes and think 'as if Grace, as if'. Its been said that most millionaires have 5 sources of income - and if you wanna be a millionaire because BITCH I DO, then we've gotta take this seriously lol.

I guess as a blogger its a lot easier to have your hands in different pies. I make my money from advertising, sponsorships, commission and attending events. I also make money from my TV work too.

I know its not all about money but lets be real - we all want to make more and we all want to be able to buy a house, as well as go on holiday numerous times a year and splurge on ASOS whenever we feel like it. I hear ya babes, loud and clear.

A basic retail job or working underneath someone isn't going to get you to 5* girl boss stage. If you suddenly get the sack, what do you have to fall back on? Your CEO is only going to pay you so much because in all honesty, most of the money is for himself. He's got a yacht, multiple properties and a Rolls fucking Royce.

To be a girl boss, you gotta have a girl boss attitude. Theres always extra ways to make money (that could also eventually turn into a business), you've just gotta be creative about it and think outside the box. Here are a few ideas;

• Sell old stuff on eBay.
• Buy vintage things for cheap and sell them for more on Depop.
• Babysit on the weekends.
• Charge for your hobby i.e. doing makeup & cutting hair.
• Sign up to Shop Style Collective (commission based website that anyone can use)
• Take part in online surveys.
• Review apps in return for cash.
• Start a blog. (obv because you have a passion for it, not just to make money)
• Recycle old mobile phones and other tech equipment.
• Get another part time job.
• Car boot sales.
• Rent out your car parking space.
• Rent out your garage.

Be Organised

From a colour co-ordinated calendar to a consistent morning routine - you need to stay on top of things and be organised. My iCAL is my life. It holds my meetings, my appointments, my content and my social activities. Its my life line and my management have access to it too. They can add in my  tasks, my jobs and they can also see what I'm doing and where I am so they don't double book or over work me.

I really recommend having to do lists & little ways that enable you to get things done. I love routines and I tend to stick to them so that my life has some sort of structure. Mondays I do my washing, Tuesdays I tend to have a day full of meetings & Wednesdays is my day to film loads of videos. I cant work in chaos!

Whether you're a blogger working from home, or you're studying at uni - stay organised and have some consistency. If you're in a relaxed environment you're more likely to excel in whatever you're doing.

So thats it. My top tips on becoming a girl boss!