Corrine StokoeSix years ago I took a little leap into the world of blogging. When I started I had NO IDEA what it would turn into, how it would affect my life and my family's, but gosh am I GRATEFUL that I stepped into the unknown and had the courage to show up to my first blogging event, print my first round of business cards (even though I felt kind of like a fraud — a business? Who was I kidding!) and keep finding deals and typing here day after day.
I recorded some thoughts after 6 years and shared our ultimate strategy for success here in the blog post below, but first I wanted to say THANK YOU with several giveaways that you'll see pop up in this post all week long. Check back each day because we're going to keep giving away something new every day this week until Friday when we (pinch me!) release another custom PMD and PMD Clean Pro with a half off code just in time for Mother's Day.
Mint Arrow 6 Year Anniversary Giveaway: Amazon Mint Arrow 6 Year Anniversary Giveaway: PMD Mint Arrow 6 Year Anniversary Giveaway: Tubby Todd Mint Arrow 6 Year Anniversary Giveaway: ElemisFor the first couple years as a blogger, I kept questioning whether what I was doing was actually what God wanted me to do. I had grown up with the dream of being a stay-at-home mom, cooking beautiful meals and cheering from the sidelines at sports or dance or whatever my kids chose and man oh man was I unprepared for that first phase of motherhood when it was lonely and dark and I faced what felt like endless days of postpartum depression. Blogging pulled me out of that darkness. It gave me something to be excited about during naptime and early mornings and after the baby was in bed. It put a little spring in my step when I found a sale I was thrilled to share with my 10 friends who were reading at the time, and this gave me a place to share instead of texting everyone like I had been doing.
Tote bag
Nude strappy heels
A couple years into my blogging career, I heard someone share the potential impact for good a room full of “influencers” could have if they would share their testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The lives we could all touch was in the millions. At that moment it all came together for me. I KNEW why God had given me this platform, and I knew it was to share goodness. It was to share my knowledge of a Savior and to share things that would help people. Not just help people find a bargain on designer jeans, but help them find more light in their lives. As soon as that clarity came, everything felt more right than it ever had and I wanted to follow that path no matter what the cost.
Following the path of talking about things that some people don't want to hear has for sure caused us to grow a little slower, be a little less popular, but I believe with all my heart that the ONLY reason we've been able to see so much success in our business is because of our willingness to share things like our testimonies of Jesus Christ, our story of finding hope and healing from addiction through the 12-steps of recovery, and now even being able to share the hearts of those who are willing to open up on our podcast Mint Arrow Messages. The podcast has been the thing we keep feeling more strongly about than anything else we're doing with our business and at this point, all I care about is doing what feels right.
We use that north star of “what feels right” to make all our decisions. Who we hire on our team, what projects we say yes or no to, how we balance our work and family life, what we share (and don't – there are some things we still keep inside!), even where we live and how we spend our time.
We try our best to acknowledge God in all the blessings we have because really we believe that ALL the good things we have come from Him. We give a portion of what we earn each month to those in need, we read scriptures and pray and above all just try to give our will to God and just listen to whatever He wants us to do. And that, my friends, is how we've found the life beyond what either Neil or I would have dreamed of for ourselves as far as success and happiness and joy. It has been through following Christ, asking what God wants us to do, and listening for the answers and trying our best to move our feet in that direction, that we've done anything resembling success.
I'm so thankful for Him. Thankful for you guys for being OUR PEOPLE. For reading and sharing and clicking links and leaving comments and being kind and loving and supportive. There is so so so much good left in this world and I'm so thankful to have an opportunity to spread a little more light from my corner to yours.
I’m an email subscriber, found you through social media years ago.
Congrats on your blogging anniversary. I’m not sure how I stumbled onto your blog, probably through instagram.
Found you via other influencers. I dont remember who tho bc it’s been a few years!
Found you on Instagram!
What an accomplishment! I’m less than a year in and realizing how hard this is. To make it 6 years and reach your level of success is so inspiring. Keep up the great work!
I found you through an article about LDS influencers on Instagram. 😊
I feel like I have been following you for so long I don’t remember how I came across your blog
I found you IG when you first started sharing post of great deals.
I wish I could remember how I found your blog but I honestly do not remember. Congratulations on your anniversary of your blog. I do enjoy it.
One of my close friends recommended I follow you because of your great Anthro deals and your uplifting messages of faith.
I don’t even remember anymore how I found your blog
Hey girl!! I’ve been reading your amazing posts for maybe 6 months! I found you through another influencer who gave you a shout out once for your willingness to talk about your faith in Jesus Christ. I’m so glad she gave you a shout out because I have loved your posts.
You are so inspiring thank you so much for everything you share especially the light
Instagram!
I found your blog through Facebook a while back. Like listening to your Instagram stories because it’s refreshing to hear you speak. You are inspiring and such a positive person.
I found you on Instagram last year! I love your posts and stories and your blog!
I initially found you when looking up baby registration information and have loved and followed since!
Hello! I found you through a post about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and I’ve been following you for close to 6 years now!!!! Congratulations on 6 awesome years, and thank you for all of your hard work!!!
Corrine, I’ve been following you since day one and cheering you on. I started following you because of London and it was fun watching someone I knew grow their blog and share their passion with others. However, once you started sharing your love of Jesus Christ and his gospel was when I started following you for me! Thanks for the love and light you share. It lifts me up and inspires me to do better. Don’t get me wrong, I love the deals, keep them coming, 😉 but I love the light and uplifting messages even more.
I found you on IG, other people I follow kept talking about this amazing @mintarrow and I had to see. They were right! 🙂
Found you through social media! Have bought so many things you have recommended!
Hi! I started following you a couple of years ago when it was a joint giveaway with other Instagram followers and I just enjoyed your content so much.
One of my coworkers reposted your link. I was curious and dove right in. I’ve been following on IG every since. I also LOVE your mom’s blog!
I just love your blog. I found you when I was feeling ultra blah after having my son and you’ve helped me feel like a girl again
My sister told me about this blog 😊
I read an article about you on KSL around Christmas time a couple of years ago, went to your website to check it out, and bought a camera that you recommended! I stayed because of your honesty and your unwavering faith.
Hi!! I found you on IG years ago because of your amazing deal finds! So thankful for you hard work and your love for the Lord and not being ashamed of the gospel! ❤️
I’m so inspired by your courage and that you give all for the Lord, and give the glory all back to Him. So grateful that blogging was what eventually led me to meet you!! XOXO
I found you through my friend Arielle
Congratulations on your Blogiversary!
I’m not finding where to subscribe to your podcast on the iTunes page.
Help please? 😉
Hi! It’s easiest if you pull up the Apple Podcast App on your phone and search and subscribe from there! 🙂 -Kourtney
I found your page I believe from Ashleysfreshfix years ago. I love that you share your faith. It’s inspiring.
Congrats on your accomplishments!
I found you on ig and I’m so happy i did! You haven’t done me wrong yet!
So exciting!! I’ve always wanted to try these products!
I just bought a baseball bat that came today from Amazon.