Have you ever heard of people talking about “finding your tribe?” As in, finding other like-minded individuals with common interests and goals, that lift each other up, encourage each other, and come to your rescue? I think it’s safe to say I’ve finally my tribe and I couldn’t be more thrilled! I’ve long had an online network of support in the blogging world, but it’s a completely different thing to have a collection of YOUR PEOPLE at hand’s reach. Last Sunday, I had the fortune of participating with the first official North Florida Influencers meet up! I’m so excited to share with you a few snapshots from that day!
Up until recently, I thought there weren’t any bloggers in the Jacksonville area. Most blogging groups and organizations I had heard of up until this point were based out of either Orlando or Miami. Those are highly populated areas of Florida, so it makes total sense that lots of bloggers and influencer groups are available in those cities. However, Jacksonville is the largest American city geographically, so I had a hunch that I couldn’t possibly be alone!
The lovely Yuri told me about a group of influencers in North Florida, and she forwarded me an email from the gorgeous Amy West. Amy organized the North Florida Influencers that’s how I was introduced to the rest of these wonderful influencers. This was our first “official” meet-up, although I’ve met many of them before at other recent events. We started our evening at Saavy Naturals at Beaches Town Center.
I really wish I could have captured the magical aromas that greeted me right outside their open doors. (Where’s smell-o-vision when you need it, right?). This cute boutique sells all-natural soaps, sugar scrubs, and even hair care. One of my favorite scents was the Oatmeal Almond. The sugar scrub left my hands super soft and hydrated. I purchased a few of the soap bars that spoke to me. Coconut lemongrass, and green tea & lime for Brian. Bulgarian rose, oatmeal almond, and Yuzu & Meyer Lemon for me.
I loved meeting the North Florida Influencers, and each time I see them I learn a little bit more about them. Sasha (@theblondeconfetti) recently walked the catwalk for Dreams Come True (post to come next week). She splits her time between Jacksonville and Orlando, so if you’re from the Orlando area you may have seen her before! Amy just came back from Havana, Cuba and she and I chatted for a bit on many of the tips she included in her latest post. It’s a must-read if you’ve been wanting to go to Cuba!
Blakeley, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Blakeley was one of the first influencers I met in Jacksonville. She writes at This Blonde Life and, true to the name of her blog, her cute little family are all blondes. I’ve met her adorable baby girl several times, and I’ve never met a more well-behaved baby! Blakeley is bubbly and a lot of fun! Can’t wait to spend more time with her. Blakeley – thank you SO much for welcoming me as a new addition to the group! <3
Catalina is a gorgeous Latina of Puerto Rican and Columbian descent and is absolutely hilarious! She has a personality larger than life, and is one of the many talented voices at Jacksonville’s KISS FM, the radio station I frequently listen to. You should go watch her stories on Insta. She will leave you in stitches!
I practiced strutting my stuff in my dress from Francesca’s. I honestly don’t know how fashion bloggers do this all the time, haha. After shopping and clinking at Saavy Naturals, we ventured next door to Jax Surf & Paddle where we learned about their paddleboard lessons and surfing lessons.
There were many cute gift items and beachwear in the shop, including flexible cups perfect for the beach (pictured below). The surfboards make me wish I could do more than just dog paddle (inner city kid problems). Learning how to surf is on my bucket list, so maybe Jax Surf and Paddle will take me on as a student one day (wink wink).
I just love Atlantic Beach Boulevard at sunset. It’s absolutely gorgeous. We ended our evening at Hawkers with a surprise and impromptu birthday bash for three of our fellow influencers.
Amy, Natasha and Yuri all celebrated their birthdays with us, and we enjoyed a toast or two in their honor. We were missing Prissy from the birthday festivities. You’ll see her in this space soon. She’s a beautiful soul and hilarious to boot! Yuri is my partner in crime, and the recent pictures you’ve seen of me have been taken by her. Thank you, Yuri!
I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek of the North Florida Influencers group! There are many more members I haven’t mentioned here, but I hope I have many more opportunities to meet them and introduce them to you! For more behind the scenes from our event, check out my #NFInfluencers highlight on Instagram.
