Three years ago, bored, broke and on benefits, I started Unique Young Mum. It was the beginning of the summer holidays, after a fun filled day, Spud was tucked up in bed whilst I settled down for my usual 'routine'. I'd not been out of work for long, however being out of work and living on benefits means no money for luxuries such as the internet.
Every night, using my Blackberry smartphone, I would connect my laptop to my phone and take advantage of the unlimited internet I got on my smart phone. It wasn't a reliable internet connection, it would run my phone battery down within minutes which meant constantly having my phone on charge, but it was a way to get online.
I used to comp every now and again, having the odd win here and there it was nice to win things I couldn't necessarily afford living on the government. It was through comping that I come across blogs, Becky's blog 'Baby Budgeting' was the first blog I'd ever come across, I'd never even heard of blogging before but something about Becky's blog got me drawn in, and kept me there for most of the night one evening.
There was no planning behind Unique Young Mum, it was something I done instantly on the spot one evening, and the story all started from there. Three years on and I'm writing this post, my 945th post to be precise, what an amazing three years its been.
I started Unique Young Mum as a hobby, I loved writing and informing the world via Facebook about mine and Spud's days, my rants, personal views and opinions, so starting a blog seemed a fantastic way to do all of the things I loved.
What I didn't expect was less than a month after starting Unique Young Mum was companies wanting to work with me! The new mum on the blogging scene, here for no important reason, but just as a hobby. Companies and brands wanted to work with me, the mum from Reading who had a child at the age of 15, another teenage mother although like no other!
I didn't quite know what to do when my first product review arrived on my doorstep, me and Spud both opened the box equally as excited as one another, whilst I couldn't believe we had been asked to try out a product and here it was right before my eyes! Spud was just excited about receiving a new product, never finding amusement and entertainment in the same thing for too long, the blogging experience has been brilliant.
I also didn't expect this blog to become my job, just two months after starting Unique Young Mum, I was able to register as self employed and come off Job Seekers Allowance. It is by far the best job, I've ever ever had, a job I would hate to be without, and a job I could never imagine doing!
I also didn't expect this blog to become my job, just two months after starting Unique Young Mum, I was able to register as self employed and come off Job Seekers Allowance. It is by far the best job, I've ever ever had, a job I would hate to be without, and a job I could never imagine doing!
Three years on, we've reviewed hundreds of items, we've been to various events we wouldn't of attended if I wasn't a blogger, and dined out at lovely restaurants all in return for blog coverage. We also have broadband connection, well we have for the last two and a half years, all due to the blog - Unique Young Mum!
Though Spud see's the fun side to the blogging world, in getting to try out lots of new items, school uniform and fancy children aimed snacks, I see the bigger side to the blogging world, including the blogging community. I've made friends, friends for life I hope, friends I've never met, but friends who I trust my deepest of secrets with.
I've made friendships that I didn't think was possible, always weary of the internet and who you could possibly be talking too, it's something you warn your children about isn't it? Talking to strangers, you don't do it! I however, have spoke to lots of strangers, well once strangers but former bloggers and I'm so glad I have.
Though I don't get to talk to them all as often as I'd like too, there's some I'd like to mention in this post; Chelsea Williams, Andrea Dodd, Hayley McLean, Laura Asbury, Alice Hassall, Louise Smith, Claire Curran, Kerry Neil, Jenna Parrington, Lindy Hamilton, Karen Langridge, Lisa Abomeli, Emma Garrett, Clare Nicholas, Anna Neal, Gemma Chamberlain and Louise Hannah.
You ladies are more than bloggers, but people who I feel I can trust and not just about blogging issues, but real life issues too, pass the tissues issues and more! You're all amazing and I'm glad to have met you all through my blogging journey!
As I celebrate Unique Young Mum's 3rd year, I've of course got to say a massive thank you to my family too, more so my parents and siblings for giving me the support and encouragement right from the very beginning and continuing today. My Spud for being him, never moaning even when it comes to trying a product and it doesn't make the scenes of the blog because he's not liked it, whether food or an item.
Never moaning because if I didn't take enough pictures of him already, I now take hundreds more, for always being my little super star and my right hand man through it all! Together me and you baby got Unique Young Mum to where it is now, through everything you've been through, I'm so so proud of you.
To my nephews for helping me every year with Unique Young Mum's annual Halloween Party, and of course I'll thank the new addition - my niece who joined us last year for her first UYM annual Halloween bash! Also a massive thank you to my nephews for giving me a hand in other product testing too!
To Gareth, who only recently entered my life on a much more personal level, but for all the help you've given me since we've become a couple. You've helped me organise a very messy, well two actually - very messy inboxes! You've helped me get my perfect working corner in order and you've also helped with lots of other behind the scene things too.
To all the brands, companies, PRs and SEOs who have worked with me over the last three years, and who continue to work with me, thank you! Because you giving me the chance to work with you, has led to other companies wanting to work with me. You've put products into mine and Spud's life that we may not have tried without you!
To the companies who've asked us to be ambassadors for them, the privilege I have in these roles are amazing, thank you for asking me and Spud to be part of your special teams!
Last but not least, to my loyal readers, the ones who've been here since day one, the one's who discovered me whilst I was just past the newbie stage, and the ones who only discovered me today. I don't care how long you've been here for, I appreciate each and every single one of you.
If I didn't have readers and visitors, Unique Young Mum wouldn't of got to where it was today. By visiting the blog, leaving a comment, commenting on social media platforms, liking on social media platforms, sharing my content, tweeting me, re-tweeting me and everything else you do - THANK YOU!
But most importantly, thank you for just coming by and checking out Unique Young Mum!
BUT WAIT!!!
No birthday would be a proper birthday without a party would it!? Of course it wouldn't!
Join Unique Young Mum every day in September starting on Tuesday 1st of September for a month full of giveaways! I'm giving away over £1500 worth of products as part of my blogiversary giveaway! To be in with your chance of winning in the competitions, please do make sure you check back daily!
Jada xx
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