I seriously think my entourage is getting tired of my conversations about all the negativity surrounding sponsored posts. However, this is a topic I want to be opened about with you. I'm sure most of you are aware of how "fashion bloggers" or "influencers" or "content creator" make a living. Getting free products or clothes do not unfortunately pay the bills. Am I right? Usually they are financially compensated for collaborations with brands and this is nothing new. It has been going for years. However, now that the law requires that you mention #sponsored, the integrity of the content creator is always questioned. It kind of makes me really sad or even upset sometimes. When you go through sponsored content on Instagram for example, the engagement is somewhat always lower than average. Also, some of them are not so joyful and are a flagrant proof of the lack of trust towards content creators.

" oh it's a sponsored post, she is doing it for the money ... is she sincere ? "

So let me share my feelings with you on that matter. Creating content that is unique and represents ME is a true bliss. This is a passion and I am more than thankful for all the opportunities blogging has allowed me to have. Blessings that I don't take for granted. To be honest with you, it took me years to start receiving financial compensation. Until now, a considerable portion of my posts are NOT sponsored and that is totally ok with me. This did not start with making money as the end goal. I had a full time job and blogging was my safe haven at the end of the day. Being an entrepreneur and a creative is hard work, really hard work and not always glamourous.

Brands also like to work with bloggers/content creators/story tellers etc ... because the truth is, the blogger nowadays woman (or a man of course ), like you, like me ... your neighbour, your bestie. She is attainable and relatable. And that my friends, is powerful and has a lot more influence than an ad on television with the biggest celebrities. Yes it's publicity for the companies; but I genuinely never question the integrity and the honesty of my favourite bloggers. I'd like so many more people to do the same. There is no doubt that they are bloggers out there who do things for the paper. Although, I also think you can easily see through them.

When I am approached or even when I am the one contacting brands for sponsorships, I always put my own branding first and there must be an organic fit. It has to make sense for Petite + Bold readers, I want YOU to be interested, to learn from a collaboration, to be inspired. I collaborate with brands I sincerely love and that I would spend my own money on. Not everyone has this mindset and it is unfortunately feeding this negativity.

I hope that by sharing this post, you guys will have a wider perspective and clearer insights on sponsored posts. Mostly, always try to go from the TRUST standpoint. Personally, the last thing I want is to lose my readers' trust. Authenticity first. Authenticity matters.

WEARING

Top: ANTHROPOLOGIE

Jeans: SCHOEN BY YU also available HERE in Canada

Pumps: L'INTERVALLE ( SIMILAR )

Bag: COACH

Lip: YSL ROUGE PUR COUTURE IN 401

Bracelets: SORTILÈGES

[show_shopthepost_widget id="2685564"]** The winner of my last Insta Stories mini giveaway is ... Joyce Lucile congrats. Check your inbox for an e-mail from me darling!