Here’s to 2014

I can’t believe that Red Clay Soul is in it’s fifth year.  I started this blog way back in 2009 as a hobby, with no idea of the direction it would go.  While I think most would categorize this as a men’s fashion blog, I really enjoy all the other elements that have taken root in the posts.  I really enjoy and appreciate all the things that we talk about on Red Clay Soul.  While the content is mine and mine alone, I feel like we have a great community of like-minded folks that enjoy the same things.  I can’t tell you how much I enjoy reading the comments, emails, tweets, and Facebook posts.  I believe that I have the best readers in the world.

There is one element of being a blogger that really took me by surprise: the exposure to some absolutely great people.  Without Red Clay Soul, I would have never met Emmie and Ansley from Southern Proper – two of the sweetest, most genuine ladies I know.  Sid and Martin are trusted friends and mentors who I can turn to for help for anything.  Will and TJ are guys that I speak with almost daily about much more than Onward Reserve, including wedding plans and examining backswings.  Gregg’s taste in music is almost as good as his khakis.  Maury, John, and Keith have made Birmingham cool again, and I enjoy visiting whenever I can.  William is a dude that certainly abides.

Beyond the industry folks, the other bloggers that I have met provide support and encouragement to keep me doing what I’m doing.  Caroline is so talented that I have a feeling we’ll all be saying “I knew her back when…”.  Michael’s ACL is the standard-bearer.  Ryan and Nick keep a great pulse on what’s new.  LAS started Sartorially Inc about the same time RCS started (remember the Bean Boot Project?), and even though our careers have taken us in different directions, his perspective and candor is an inspiration.  Jess always provides and honest female perspective that is refreshing in this industry.  Trip, even though he doesn’t blog anymore, is a great friend that is always up for a debate on anything under the sun.

Moving into the fifth year is a bit of a milestone.  I had no idea that Red Clay Soul had these sort of legs.  I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the direction of the blog.  By no means am I tired of it, or think it has worn out it’s welcome.  As my dad told me at an early age: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.  So that’s what I’m going to do.  Red Clay Soul will stay the course.  Some of the verticals may expand, and some the content may be deeper, but the content will still center on what you have come to know and read.  One thing I’d like to do is focus a little more on the written content.  Expect some deeper posts, more opinionated content, and more dialogue with you.  I want Red Clay Soul to be a resource and a place of enjoyment for all readers.

So cheers to all of you!  Without you none of this would be possible…not just your readership, but your encouragement, and your friendship.

All the Best,

JRS