coco+kelley: A WHOLE NEW RUE?

About a month or two ago I felt like things in my life were shifting. I couldn't really explain it (or talk about it) at the time, but today it's official. There comes a time in life where you have to make big decisions. Where you really can't do it all anymore. When you have to focus on not only what's important to you, but what nourishes your soul - whether that's professionally or personally.

So, I told Crystal that at the end of the summer I would be leaving Rue. Lately, I've felt like I've been putting so much energy into it that coco+kelley has been a bit neglected. I have so many ideas for this blog, but not enough time and energy to execute them the way I want to. I also have so many ideas for Rue that never came to fruition because I didn't really have the time there either. What's that saying... Jack of all trades, master of none? I was starting to feel that way.

As it turns out, I wasn't the only one. Anne and Bri have decided that this issue will be their last. I will be staying on as Market Editor through the summer to help Crystal transition to a new team. After that, she and I have discussed me taking on a more advisory role - an idea that appeals to me as a way to still stay involved in the magazine while (hopefully) allowing me to focus more of my energy on coco+keley. We will see.

The bottom line is - whatever happens next, it's gonna be a whole new Rue. Which is exciting, and scary and strange. I love these women intensely. Both bring so much creativity and passion to this magazine, I'm not sure what it will be like without them. However, I have no doubt that Crystal will to her best to rebuild a strong team and that this could be an amazing way for Rue to grow into its third year.

I wish all of them the best of luck, and I know their successes will be many.

*photography by trent bailey

28 comments:

Natasha Fatah28.5.12
Congratulations on making a bold (and scary) decision and good for you for knowing what direction our life has to take now! Best of luck!!

xoxo
~Natasha Fatah~
~Natasha Fatah~
Marie (Mrs. Dalrymple)28.5.12
Wow! That is big news. I love Coco + Kelley (which I read every day) and I'm really looking forward to the new things you're excited about doing on your blog. Best of luck,
Marie
Chedva28.5.12
Wow. Well, talk about being honest (like with the "things I'm afraid to tell you" post), can I take a moment to say how I admire you for being so honest with yourself? It's so easy to take too much on yourself, and I'm glad you're making C+K a top priority because gosh, I love your blog! (and not only bc it's also my initials;))
Congrats on making a decision and the best of luck to both Rue and you. It's certainly going to be interesting... xoxo Chedva
Kessler28.5.12
You all look so adorable! I am loving the colors and the outfits!
Anonymous28.5.12
Looking forward to seeing what you have in store!
Elizabeth28.5.12
Oh wow that's a big move! I love your blog so I'm excited for your decision :). Lets drink to that!
Kiss kiss
Elizabeth.
Eleven Gray28.5.12
Sounds like a great move for you and getting to stay on in an advisory role sounds perfect. Good luck to you and Rue!
vintageluxe28.5.12
Congratulations on being true to yourself. I look forward to seeing the new additions to your blog (daily read!) and wish you all the best!
Glamour Drops28.5.12
Well congatulations for having the clarity of thought, and the bravery, to action out the lightbulb moment of realisation. I did kind of wonder when you managed to sleep. One door closes, so another opens.
Anne @ The City Sage28.5.12
To one of my oldest and bestest blog buddies--so proud of what we've accomplished together, how we've learned and grown. Can't wait to see how we take these experiences and carry them into the next chapters. also. can't wait to spend some quality down time. for realz. xoxo Anne
Kacie - With Love28.5.12
I'm so glad you've made a decision you're happy with. That's so hard to do but I know precisely how you feel. Can't wait to see your new works.

Love,
Kacie
debra@dustjacket28.5.12
You have all done such a great job, congratulations and best of luck in your new ventures!
xxx
Maggie Rose28.5.12
Can't wait to see what is in store for C+K and the new direction for Rue as well. No doubt great things! xo
Becca - Rebecca Atwood Designs28.5.12
I hear you! You can't do it all.
You've done an amazing job with Rue - but I am sure Coco+Kelley will flourish even more with your full attention.
Lisa Mende Design28.5.12
Congrats! I am sure whatever you do will be fabulous! We all have to "edit our lives" from time to time.
La Boheme28.5.12
Best of luck to you! I'm sure whatever you put your energy into, it will be amazing. xoxo
Sensy~Style29.5.12
I read this post in envy as a person struggling to break free off a job i have come to be dissatisfied with. I battle within myself with the usual arguments: financial security vs creative independence. so far the former is ahead.

Congratulations on your bravery and I can only hope to get there someday, soon.
Family Foodie29.5.12
Good for you for following your heart... now doubt, it will be a huge success!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures29.5.12
You 4 are so gorgeous!!! Congrats on the big change!
Merlin29.5.12
Well..."they" say "change is good"...I'm a "creature of habit..." I will miss the old "Rue." Good luck and stay true to your spirit. franki
Katie Hackworth29.5.12
I'll miss your touches to Rue, but I am excited to see where you take coco+kelley... so, congrats on the next chapter!

ps - I think you mean to say "Jack of all trades, master of ALL!"

Hope to catch up soon!
Prippy Handbook29.5.12
I'm excited to see what is next for you and for Rue!
CDS29.5.12
WOW! What an incredibly exciting time for you! I wish you all the best and I look forward to seeing what you do...and what Rue becomes! :) xoxo
raynette29.5.12
Bizarre! I read your first two posts and they both are related to what I am going through at this moment.
1. I am also sick and have made it a point to dive into my teas
2. I find myself spreading myself thin with many projects which results in me not being able to develop most of my "grand" ideas

Your posts are humble and honest and in their own ways very inspirational. Mucho Mahalos!!!!

xo,
raynette tasha
cecilia30.5.12
Cassandra (and Anne), I agree with Chedva -- first, I think your "Things I'm Afraid To Tell You" was probably the most heartfelt one out of all the others who also contributed, and I too admire your honesty to yourself -- I think it's hard to walk away from a successful opportunity, but know that Rue has been so amazing, because of the hard work and talent from of all four of you. Your absence (Anne and Bri's) will surely be missed, but that took guts to leave and prioritze your own life. Congratulations. C+K was one of the first blogs that caught my attention (I've been following along daily for a couple of years)so I too look forward to what's to come.
AcanthusNichole30.5.12
Holy cow! Well I'm sure Rue and us Rue readers will be sorry to see you ladies and your talents go, but it's an exciting change for everyone. Good for you for deciding what is best for you and not being afraid to do it.

I can't wait to see what's to come! Congrats!
Barbara Elza Hirsch1.6.12
As they say, change is good! Good for you all for going with your gut.Just read about your decisions in Cecilia Walker's great blog: http://www.everythingin3s.com/2012/06/01/ei3s-elsewhere-in-3s-water-main-trunk-show-aha-moment-rue-magazine/

Surely more wonderful things will come out of this :-) Wishing all of you the best!
beth4.6.12
congrats on a tough decision! your successes have been numerous and will continue to grow. heart you!

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