As I sat down to write an entirely different blog post, it dawned on me that I do a really poor job at sharing when pretty amazing things happen, especially here on the blog. Some times I am so bad at celebrating myself but when I do remember, it's usually just on Instagram. Yet for whatever reason, at this moment I realized I hadn't shared some pretty epic news about the blog — Albie Knows was nominated for an Amara Interior Blog Award in the Best Company Blog category!

What are the Amara Interior Blog Awards?

The AMARA Interior Blog Awards celebrates and engages with the most authoritative and respected bloggers in the interior blogging industry. Believing that bloggers are an integral part of the interior design community, the AMARA Team has worked closely with many of these talented individuals over the years and strive to give back to this vibrant community through the awards.

The Amara IBAs first came across my radar a couple of years ago and while it was new to me, I knew that it was a pretty prestigious accolade. I mean... how dope does “award-nominated” — or even “award WINNING” — blogger sound?! Granted I never came into writing and/or interior design for any kind of praise but recognition is def a nice perk.

When I got the notification that I'd been nominated I was shocked and actually thought I was being spammed!

P.S. I do this often and I'm realizing I need to stop thinking good news in my inbox is a joke because I deserve good things! But moving along...

What is the Best Company Blog category?

When I found out I was nominated — a shock in itself — I definitely didn't expect it to be for the Best Company Blog category...

For the blogs you love to browse from companies with their own products and services, but who also place a strong emphasis on the industry as a whole. The Best Company Blog Award is for those created predominantly for business benefit. Experts in their field, these blogs are engaging, informative and always on brand.

Mind. Completely. Blown.

While I have absolutely no clue who nominated me, to be part of this particular category is truly an honor because that means someone saw Albie the businesswoman, Albie the expert, not just Albie the creator. Again I say...

Mind. Completely. Blown.

Also in the category with me is industry peer Elizabeth Scruggs of Superior Construction & Design, who I got the pleasure of meeting when we were both part of the Spring 2019 High Pointe Market Design Bloggers Tour. But vote for me, k? LOL.

What happens next?

Being nominated is only the first step — "the blogs with the highest votes and judges’ scores combined will go through to this year’s shortlist." Voting started 3 weeks ago, Friday, August 7th, and closes Friday, September 4th. That means I need you to vote for me then tell everyone you know to vote for me.

Also nominated this year are some other dope and familiar faces, like Yellow Brick Home & Simplicity For Designs, both for the Best Creative Skill Blog. Two of my fav Instagram friends, Alisa of A Glass of Bovino and Chelsey of City Chic Decor are also nominated for Best Photography Blog and Best Home Styling Blog respectively.

You can see all the categories and nominees here.

Win or lose, honored & humbled are the only words I can think of to describe this feeling and I am excited to finally have shared this with yall. After you vote for me, come over to Instagram and lemme know so I can give you virtual hugs for supported what I'm doing here.