It was about this time last year that I realized how influential my hair journey had become to so many women. On Instagram, many people wanted to know what I was using in my hair or how exactly I styled my hair. Before I knew it, my community was growing in numbers as my Curls were featured on various Natural Hair Accounts. It wasn't too long after that the products were being sent to me for review from companies. It was a dream come true and my husband was over the moon, LOL. But, his happiness didn't last long once he saw that despite the boxes and boxes of products that kept arriving, I continued to purchase products using my own money. Believe me, there's a method to the madness!
When a company sends products for review, it's real work. Please don't mistake this as me complaining because this is definitely a job I love but nonetheless it requires work. There are quality pictures that need to be taken, blog posts that need to be written and social media marketing that needs to be done. Not to mention, it needs to be done in a timely fashion. If you're given an assignment at work, it's usually expected that your assignment is completed within a reasonable amount of time... Not 6 months later! LOL. The same goes for Bloggers. Sometimes the brand providing the product even has their own schedule on which they need things done by. This is just a little insight behind all those free products.
Sometimes I just want to try a new brand or a new product without any pressure and in my own time. I know I'm not the only one who purchases products and months later still has yet to use them. That's me all day! If it's something I've been eyeing and it goes on sale, it's getting bought. Even if I can't fit it into my "Product Testing Schedule" for another few months. I'm able to take my sweet ole' time and there is no stress or pressure. Not to mention, I don't necessarily "need" to review the product either. One of the reasons I began Blogging about my Natural Hair was because I enjoyed everything from shopping new products to discussing those products with fellow Curlies. Seeing what worked for someone else or was considered trash was fun and insightful! I still find enjoyment in this type of interaction. Having a good mix of products I purchase on my own and products sent to me for review is important. I want my reviews to remain balanced, fair and genuine. This is something that will never change unless I'm out on the streets and can't afford to buy anything. LOL. In which case, I wouldn't have an address to have products sent for review anyways. Lastly (but most importantly), I want to support those brands who have amazing products! There have been quite a few times where I was sent a product that I fell in love with. Miss Jessie's Multicultural Curls, Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker, Lottabody 5-in-1 Miracle Creme and Amla Legend Rejuvenating Oil just to name a few. Every single one of these products (plus more) I've purchased on my own once I ran out!
I am certainly one of the smaller Bloggers out there (watch out, that won't be the case for long!) so I have no idea where the major Bloggers even find the space to store all the products they receive. It's super hard justifying spending money on items that you can get for free but I believe it's worth it. Maintaining the integrity of MyCandiShoppe will always be a top priority for me! How do you guys feel about all the product spotlights and reviews happening these days? Do you find them helpful and resourceful in making product purchases? Let's chat below.... XOXOMCS
OMG! I loved this post, my exact sentiments and a true look at the behind the scenes of being a Blogger. I can't wait to meet you at the Naturalista Hair Show
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