Guest blogger Sandy Lo

Dreams, Success & Luck


Some people hear about what I have accomplished at such a young age…how at eighteen, I established StarShine Magazine. By nineteen, I was backstage at concerts and big radio events, gaining praise for my interview questions. At twenty, Nick Lachey snuck me into the premiere of his MTV reality show, where no other journalist was allowed. And Jessica Simpson recognized me in a sea of photographers and waved as if we were old friends.

I have hobnobbed with various celebrities, gotten free drinks, was introduced to new music, and new gossip before anyone else. I say proudly I was the first journalist to confirm Backstreet Boy Nick Carter had his nipples pierced. I never spread rumors, just confirm facts.


I met Taylor Swift before all of the awards and hit songs. I remember thinking the Jonas Brothers were odd little ducks when I interviewed them before anyone knew who they were.


Yes, I have accomplished many things with StarShine Magazine. It has given me the chance to wear many hats: writer, photographer, publicist, creative director. It has made me many friends: both true and terrible.


I’ve been told I’m very lucky, which I am. People (mostly teenage girls) tell me they would love to have my job. I’ve been told I don’t have a “real” job…I’ve also had the door slammed in my face many times. I’m also broke more often than not.


When people envy me, I tell them it’s hard work, and it is. Behind the glamour is weeks of waiting, hours of standing, and usually mere minutes of actual interview time with the hot celebrity you’ve been dreaming about. And it doesn’t end there…you then have to take that five minute interview and turn it into a two page article. And then you have to fidget around with web codes to put up on the site…but you’re still not done…now you have to promote it to the public.


When people brush off what I do as if I were just playing around and because I’m not rich yet, I look at them closely. Are their jobs fulfilling? Are they making their dreams come true? Usually the answer is no.


Now, I have never felt more on the right path. After seven years of hard work with StarShine Magazine, it has brought me to this point. I now have established myself enough as a writer and entertainment insider to follow through with my other dream: becoming a published author.


And here I am…my debut novel “Lost In You” is available now. People all over the world are reading my words. Without my entertainment experience and connections, I don’t think I would have the support and strength to have followed through with publishing this novel.


Am I rich? No, but I am wealthy and fulfilled in an indescribable way. The money will come later, but that was never my concern. I am very fortunate to have a world of opportunities in front of me. Luck only comes around once the dream has been set and the work is willing to be done.