Today we’d like to introduce you to Luci Petlack.
Luci, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The path to becoming a fashion and travel blogger isn’t a straight one for anyone! My story starts when I was earning my Ph.D. in American History from UC Davis – that’s what you expected, right? I decided at the ripe age of 15 that I wanted to be a history college professor. I did my undergrad at Berkeley and went immediately to grad school. I had some short-term doubts about my desire to be a university professor those first few years, but I usually moved past them. In the middle of my 4th year, however, I went on my final research trip only to return emotionally and mentally exhausted – the light at the end of the tunnel seemingly fading away. To handle my stress and depression, I turned to baking. Mom’s chocolate chip cookie recipe will remind you that the world can make sense! The problem was that I needed to bake far more dozens of cookies than my boyfriend and I could eat. Early one Sunday morning, I decided I should try to make a business out of my favorite recipes. In addition to a menu with prices and the business name (Luci’s Morsels), the blog was born. Initially, it was designed to accompany my new side hustle, introducing my food and foodie thoughts with customers. At the end of the first week, however, I was tired of sharing just dessert ideas and opened up the blog to fashion, food, and frivolity – covering all manner of sins!
You won’t be surprised to hear that a few months later, I realized researching and teaching 19th-century race relations wasn’t in my future for long. I had one year left in my program and decided to earn my degree and seek other professional paths. At the time, blogging as a career was just becoming a thing and I decided I would try my hand at it. I had no idea the emotional and financial roller coaster I was getting myself into, but you usually make big leaps of faith in just such a mental state!
In the last 5 years, I’ve added travel and beauty to my site, learning, growing, and adapting to changes in the industry along the way. I love what I do and am so grateful that I can make hobbies into a job, but I’d be remiss not to say there are days when the stress and self-doubt don’t get the best of me. Then, something wonderful usually happens and I’m back in it again!
In addition to blogging, I’ve also done some social media consulting and management for small businesses along the way. About two years ago, I was asked to teaching a blogging class in the new Social Media department at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). I was hesitant to get back into the classroom but decided to give it a go. Two years and seven classes later, I’m happily very involved with the department and enjoy being back in the classroom teaching students who eat up everything social media.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road hasn’t been smooth and I know the future road won’t be smooth either. As a blogger, you’re a small business owner and struggle with the ups and downs just like owning a brick-and-mortar.
There’s so much out there about how teenagers struggle with feelings of inadequacy due to social media. I’m in my 30s and struggle with it too, basing my worth on followers counts, numbers of likes, and seeing fellow content creators sharing a life I wish I could have – real or not!
My advice to other women, especially younger women is not to fight your battles alone. We tend to turn inwards when things get rough. We don’t want to appear uneducated, so we don’t ask questions. And, worst of all, we view others in our respective industries as competition. No matter your profession or need, it’s better to team up than to handle it on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask others out to coffee to connect and chat about the highs and lows of your situation. Don’t get discouraged when you have bad days, rough months, and unknown futures. Winston Churchill’s quote, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” should be the battle cry of all of us in the world trying to make it – whatever making it means to you. If you keep fighting and trying your best, you will find success. Just remember, success may not be just as you pictured!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Luci’s Morsels story. Tell us more about the business.
Luci’s Morsels as a brand looks to share fashion, food, and travel for modern women from an approachable standpoint. Almost all of my outfits include denim; you’ll see recurring pieces in my style; I try to be healthy but don’t hide my love of french fries, and travel is everything. Bloggers of all genres are a dime a dozen, yet I still struggle to find many that have a vibe I love at a price point I can get behind. I find that staying true to myself helps me create authentic content with which others like me can connect.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Surprisingly enough, I don’t listen to podcasts or read many books in my field. My best source of knowledge is my classroom where my 18-25-year-old students give me their honest feedback on what those in my industry do. Of course, I factor in the business side of things, but they’re usually spot on and a good barometer of what’s new, what’s on the way out, and what people really want to see. Since not everybody has a classroom of opinionated 20 years olds on hand, I encourage people to ask friends and family authentically for their thoughts. Chances are these people will be far more helpful than you could ever imagine.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lucismorsels.com
- Email: luci@lucismorsels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucismorsels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucismorsels/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lucismorsels/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
