Walking Into 2025 With Renewed Inspiration

When I launched my Substack newsletter, I Thought That Was Cute, it felt like an extension of myself—a place where I could pour my love of style, creativity, and authenticity into a community of like-minded women. But life, as it tends to, had its plans for me. In the past year, I stepped away from writing the newsletter. A lot happened: I launched a new website, found myself in a creative rut I didn't expect, and then moved out of the country. Feeling so disconnected from my creative spark was disheartening for someone who loves inspiring others.

Taking a step back wasn't easy, but it was necessary. Sometimes, the best way to reignite your passion is to let it rest while focusing on other parts of your life. And now, as I walk into 2025, I'm excited to announce that I Thought That Was Cute is back—and it's coming back more substantial, with a clear mission to inspire everyday women to live their best, most stylish lives.

A Creative Reset

The past year gave me space to reflect on what truly matters. Moving out of the country wasn't just a physical relocation but also an emotional and mental shift. I needed to find footing in a new environment, establish routines, and learn to embrace the changes. During that time, I began to notice something: inspiration is everywhere.

I started to feel those creative sparks reigniting. But it wasn't just the external inspiration that shifted my perspective—it was the internal work I was doing. I realized I had been putting too much pressure on myself to be "perfect" and always to create polished and just-right content. In doing so, I'd lost the joy of simply creating. It took my best friend to remind me to use the inspiration around me and, when I'm not feeling it, to share that as well. People relate and want to connect with someone honest and authentic with their creativity.

Now, I'm in a better place—both mentally and creatively. I've rediscovered what drew me to writing and connecting with women in the first place: the belief that style is for everyone and that it's never too late (or too early) to step into your most confident self.

Why I Thought That Was Cute Matters

For me, style has always been about more than clothes. It's a form of self-expression, a way to tell the world who you are without saying a word. It's also a source of empowerment. The right outfit can make you feel like you're ready to take over the world, and that's what I want for every woman who reads this newsletter.

I Thought That Was Cute encourages women of all ages, shapes, and lifestyles to take style risks, embrace their unique tastes, and feel confident in their skin. It's about getting dressed not because you have to but because you want to because it makes you feel beautiful, inspired, and authentic.

It isn't about following trends or fitting into some impossible standard of beauty. It's about showing up for yourself, whether putting on a bold red lip, trying a statement piece, or finally wearing that little black dress you've been saving for a "special occasion." Every day is special if you choose to see it that way.

Building a Community

As I relaunch this newsletter, my goal isn't just to share my thoughts, ideas, and everyday outfits—it's to create a community. I want I Thought That Was Cute to be where women can unite to uplift, share a sense of style, and inspire each other.

When I look around, I see so many women who are holding themselves back. If you follow me on Instagram, you will remember the story of Hope and her jeans. Maybe they're afraid to try something new, worried about what others will think, or stuck in a cycle of self-doubt. I want to change that. I want to build a space where women feel empowered to take risks, where they can share their style journeys, and where we can all celebrate each other's wins—big and small.

But I can't do it alone. This is where you come in.

Join Me in 2025

As we enter a new year, please be part of this journey. If you've ever felt inspired by something you've read here, if you've ever tried a new outfit combo because of something you've seen me wear, or if you're ready to embrace your unique style, I invite you to subscribe to I Thought That Was Cute.

Not only will you get weekly inspiration, how-to guides, and style tips delivered straight to your inbox, but you'll also be part of something bigger: a growing community of women who are here to encourage, uplift, and share their style sense.

And if you know a friend, sister, or coworker who could use extra inspiration in her life, I'd love it if you shared this newsletter with her. The more women we bring into this community, the more we can inspire each other to show up authentically and confidently in the world.

What's Next

In the coming months, you can expect more personal stories, practical style tips, and different women-style muses redefining what it means to live authentically.

Thank you for being here, for reading, subscribing, and sharing. Together, we can make 2025 a year of confidence, creativity, and connection. Let's get dressed, get out, and live our best lives—because we can.

Here's to walking into 2025 with style, purpose, and a renewed sense of self.

xo,

Sparkle Lee