The Most Amazing Blogger You’ll Ever Know Just Arrived

The Most Amazing Blogger You’ll Ever Know Just Arrived

Lisa Tant is sort of a big deal in the fashion industry. She’s a former publishing goddess, who later crossed over into what truly is the dark side, corporate retail, and has since, in just a matter of weeks, left all that behind to become the most interesting blogger in Canada.

Don’t believe me? Read her Letter to My 18 Year Old Self.

Now, I don’t know Lisa well. We are just acquaintances. Thanks to social media, which has afforded me a sort of pretext to go up and say hi to her at events, I’ve come to really respect her as a person. She is just SO nice. Not like those other stone-cold editors who don’t treat even their own staff like human beings, let alone bloggers – which I have to say is so refreshing. And admirable.

Believe me, this post isn’t meant to be a sycophant’s embarrassing attempt to make a friend (well, sort of) – it really is just because I feel so friggin inspired right now and just jazzed in general to see Lisa Tant plunge head-first into the blogosphere. I feel this way because I’ve been blogging since 2009 here in Toronto. Not to toot my own horn, but in not quitting, sticking up for bloggers, crusading, fighting; pushing my way into being taken seriously by brands, designers, PR girls, and editors; always taking it to the next level; working night and day for years without any income, I inadvertently, just by virtue of never giving up, helped pave an amazing blogging industry here in Toronto, along with many other talented bloggers who didn’t give up. So, to have someone like Lisa Tant become a full-time blogger is a proud moment for all bloggers, everywhere.

I mean, I’m sure she’s doing other amazing stuff, too. We all are. Nowadays, the sky is the limit.

That’s why I’m so moved by Lisa Tant’s blog posts. She’s coming to the blogosphere, like many of us did, for adventure. Blogging saved my life. I risked everything for this moment: when blogging becomes a viable next step for someone as successful, and reputable, as Lisa Tant. Someone who probably has hundreds of other more conventionally lucrative offers at her fingertips. Instead, she chose to be her own boss and take a risk.

Sure, there are some people who see blogging as just an industry and approach it as all business. And of course, there is a staggering business side to it – thankfully – but most bloggers would do well to find equilibrium. You can’t just be cheesy and gimmicky all the time. You need to offer something of real value to your readers. They’ll understand that every once in a while you’re going to be collaborating with brands and sometimes you won’t have tons of control over the content (or your life, as per some of the contracts I’ve seen, but have refused to sign). But for the majority, blogging is like being on a rollercoaster thrill ride. It’s not just ups and downs and loop-dee-loops. You get fucking derailed and crash, sometimes. Sometimes, you need to figure out how to grow back limbs. Not to scare you, Lisa, but if you like that kind of shit, you’re gonna love this next chapter of your life.

To wake up and write whatever your heart desires, and reach thousands of people. To connect with all of you. That’s why, I really believe, Lisa Tant is blogging. To share her world with all of us. Her voice is authentic. She’s smart, funny and has had the craziest experiences; she is a storyteller.

I was just so inspired by her that I had to share this with all of you. Fellow bloggers and readers, we all need to welcome Lisa Tant with open arms and support her in her blogging endeavours. If you don’t see this as a milestone for our industry, you might as well still be wearing Giannini’s Gucci.

Welcome to the dark side, Lisa, we’re so happy to have you!

Cover image by Tara West, via www.lisatant.com 

3 Comments

  1. March 21, 2017 / 9:39 pm

    I know that I’ve thanked you before in person and on social media but I am ashamed that I didn’t leave a comment here. I was reading your wonderful site and, ooops, found myself here. I’m so grateful for your kind welcome. The blogger community is so warm and friendly – bit of a change from what I became used to in the hyper-competitive publishing world. And yes, guilty as charged. I’m so inspired by what you (and Alex) do, and thankful for YOUR advice and warmth to me. lisa xo

    • Justine Iaboni
      March 28, 2017 / 2:48 pm

      It was so great to see you last night and reading this made my day! You never know how it feels until you walk a mile in someone else’s shoes – as the years go by I begin to realize that it’s better to just be nice to everyone and lift other people up. So, I’m glad you feel the love and positivity I’m sending your way. Happy to have you back in TO!

      xoxo J

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