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      in lifestyle and culture

      A Branding Expert Shares the Most Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

      by

      Since I started my freelance design business back in 2015 (which feels like three decades ago by now), I’ve created a lot of brands—including logos, submarks, color palettes, typography, icons, and all the jazz that comes with creating a full brand identity. And while I always think it’s worth investing in the look and feel of your brand, sometimes when you’re just starting out, you simply don’t have the capital to hire a brand designer. I know from experience that the first year of your biz—whether it’s full time or a side hustle—can leave you pretty darn broke. To help, I’ve compiled a few strategic tips to help you DIY a brand that feels both elevated and authentic to who you are and what your business is all about. From how to use your fonts to selecting your color palette to setting up a simple yet sophisticated website (with my go-to platform, Squarespace), read on for the frequent branding mistakes I see and how to fix them. 

      Missing your core brand mission
      As a designer (and an Enneagram 4), I’m always conscious of how a brand looks and feels. But I think there’s a general misconception that branding is only about aesthetics when in reality, the best brands communicate something deeper and intrinsic about that company and what it values. Which is why when I start branding projects with my clients, I always have them fill out a questionnaire about their company, both for my benefit and to help them organize their thoughts about the mission, ethics, and meaning behind their brand. 
      Before you start thinking about your own brand’s visuals, take a beat. Grab a clean sheet of paper, open the notes app on your phone, or print out our downloadable worksheet and think about what makes your company or brand special. What do you bring to the table? What is your core mission? Who are your ideal clients and what do they believe in? Having these values outlined beforehand will help you make decisions later on—both about what you want your branding to say to your customers as well as other important decisions you’ll make each day for your business. 

      Forgetting to incorporate your audience 
      Now that you have your business mission and values outlined, you should have an idea of your ideal customer. You want to keep your customer or reader in mind as you’re thinking about your brand visuals. Keep the following things in mind: 
      Make a moodboard 
      Start by creating a board on Pinterest with images that you think reflect your brand and that would resonate with your audience. These don’t have to be logos or brand elements you like (though they can be). Pin anything and everything that catches your eye. Once you have a good amount of images, start reviewing the board and delete anything that no longer makes sense within the context of all the images. You should start to see patterns emerge. Maybe you pinned tons of images with a similar warm color scheme. Or maybe there are handwritten scribbles or elements throughout several of the pins. Note these patterns for elements you’ll use in your brand. 

      Consider color theory 
      Now that you have a moodboard of inspiration imagery, pull out the shades that reoccur. These are typically the shades you’re drawn to—you can see in the snippet of my brand’s moodboard above that I’m drawn to warm beiges, soft muted greens, and faded charcoals.
      Squarespace 7.1 comes with one of my favorite features, which allows you to select your desired color palette within the Design editor and then utilize that color palette throughout your site by selecting the pencil icon and choosing “Colors.” This saves so much time and ensures your shades are consistent throughout your site. 

      Once you have these colors, consider color theory. Which colors match the keywords you associate with your brand? If your brand is all about harmony and trust, try incorporating shades of blue that flow with your moodboard. If you’re more about energy and positivity, try shades of yellow. Refine your shades until you hit on a group that you like (keep it to around seven or less). Make sure you save the specific colors for future use—here’s a great tool on finding the hex code of a color from an image if you don’t have any design software like Photoshop or Illustrator.

      Incorporate your brand copy
      While you’re considering your brand look, it’s also a great time to hone in on a few strategic pieces of copy for your brand. How can you distill your mission down to its purest form? That becomes your tagline. For example, my freelance business is primarily a branding and print shop focused on creating heart-forward design for creatives and small business owners. To communicate that feeling in fewer words with an impactful punch, I distilled that mission down to a simple tagline: Crafting visual love letters. As you fill out our worksheet and think about your audience, jot down a few ideas for a tagline or condensed mission statement you can utilize across your website and branding materials (like business cards, etc.). 

      Equating minimalism with “boring” 
      You know that old Coco Chanel adage that you should take one thing off before you leave the house? Branding is like that. It’s really easy to overdo it, especially if you’re creating it for yourself. Sometimes you might think that more = better, when in reality, a more pared back and minimal design will be easier to nail as a brand newbie. And by minimalism I don’t mean that you have to only use one font or just use black and white as your color scheme. It’s more about letting the simplicity of something speak for itself. So you can still use bright, bold colors or incorporate fun elements like hand-drawn graphics or icons or bright, poppy photography while being more minimal. Some key things to keep in mind as you’re creating your brand look: 
      Keep the number of fonts to three or four 
      A really easy way to overdo it and make a brand look unnecessarily busy or visually confusing is to use too many different fonts that are all competing with each other. When I create brand identities for clients, I usually choose three or four fonts that they will use across their website and brand collateral in the following hierarchy: 
      Heading: This is the font you’ll use for the biggest text on your pages. This is the text you want your viewer to see and read first. You can get funky with your heading fonts because they generally make up a small-ish amount of text. I like to play with display serif fonts (like this) or this is a great place to incorporate script fonts and those with more personality than a standard font like Open Sans or Times New Roman. 
      Subheading: This is the font you’ll use for the smaller text that might live under a heading. You’ll see in the example below that my heading text is my name and the sub-heading text is my title. I usually use san serif fonts for subheadings (fonts without any flourishes on the ends of the letters—like Helvetica, etc.) and frequently do the font in all caps for more impact at a smaller size. 
      Body copy: This is the font you’ll use for any larger paragraphs of text. You want this font to be very easy to read because you don’t want your audience to get confused or navigate away from your site because the body font was too funky to understand. 

      Tagging your text like this on your website also helps with indexing and SEO (win, win)—learn more about that process here! 

      Don’t overcrowd your elements 
      One of my favorite tricks to give non-designers is about negative space. Whenever you’re creating something for your brand, consider the room each element has to “breathe” within the design. Just as you wouldn’t take a photo with the top of someone’s head cut off, you want to leave space around the elements (text, images, logos, etc.) of your design to avoid anything looking or feeling too cramped.  
      One of the reasons while I love Squarespace and frequently recommend it to my clients is because they make it so easy to create balance with negative space. You can add spacer blocks between photos or text to make sure nothing is too tight together or use one of the pre-made Squarespace layouts or templates that have strategic negative space built in. 

      Letting perfectionism get the best of you
      Last but not least, as a recovering perfectionist myself, I think there is such an impulse to wait until everything is “perfect” before you can launch your brand or put your business out into the world. And while I don’t think you should launch before you’ve done a few strategic things, there unfortunately isn’t a magical time when everything is perfect and you feel 100% ready. And that goes for your branding and visuals as well! Even as a brand designer myself, I’ve re-branded a few times over the years, which I think is completely natural and an extension of your business growing and evolving. 
      So don’t be afraid to create something for yourself initially and think you’ll be stuck with that look or visual identity for the rest of time. Start with something simple (I always say you can’t go wrong with simply typing your business name in a really great font—boom, instant beginner logo) that you can build off of in the future. And remember that re-branding also doesn’t have to mean scraping everything and starting from scratch. Sometimes I’ll refresh my own brand by updating the colors slightly or changing around or further customizing my Squarespace template to better reflect where my business is at that moment. Have fun with it and play around, especially at the beginning! There is always room for experimentation and discovery. 

      This post was sponsored by Squarespace, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      If Your Bedroom Is Your Desk, Here’s What to Do…

      by

      If I had a dollar for the number of times I’ve heard the warning, “You shouldn’t work from home in your bed,” I’d have enough money to move out of my cramped studio apartment and look for a more spacious option that would allow me the luxury of the desk/office space I’m missing. I can see where critics are coming from: a bed is a place for sleeping and, in an ideal world, having an out-of-bed workspace can have a positive impact on productivity, sleep, and our mental health. As much as I’m sure we’d all love to have a designated workspace that isn’t our bedroom, sometimes there’s just no getting around it. Whether it be having a small space to work with, attempting to work where kiddos are running around, hiding from a pet who has an affinity for your laptop keys (my cat is the queen of this), or sharing a WFH space with a partner who needs the living room for a conference call, sometimes working in bed might be your only option.
      So, let’s normalize working from home in bed! If working in your sleep space works for you, that’s 100 percent OK and totally doable. Here’s how to make the most of it.

      Separate sleep time from work time
      As tempting as it is to snooze your alarm until 8:28am to make your 8:30am start time, stay snuggled in your blanket burrito, and keep your pajamas on all day, don’t fall into the trap! In the interest of separating sleep time from work time, get up early and partake in a morning routine to get you out of bed and to signal to your brain that it’s time to wake up and seize the day. When you return to your room, transform it into a workspace. Open your blinds to let the light in, make your bed, set up your laptop, change into a designated work-from-home outfit, set your favorite productivity playlist, and get going. 

      Invest in a back pillow to improve posture
      While sitting up in bed is a good alternative to lying flat (which may put one on the fast track to a fatal, accidental nap), it offers little to no back support. These back pillows will help your alignment, assist in improving your posture, and are an absolute must for working from your bed.

      Get a laptop tray
      No desk? No problem. If you don’t already have one, laptop trays are such a game-changer for working in bed. Having a flat surface to rest your laptop, notebook, planner, and coffee is so necessary and serves the function of a desk without the bulkiness.

      Buy non-spill drinkware
      If you’re like me, no workday is complete without multiple cups of coffee, hundreds of milliliters of lemon water, and several glasses of matcha tea. I used to have a very horrible habit of placing my beverages on the corner of my laptop next to the keypad—I know it’s bad, please don’t yell at me! Now I am older, I am wiser, and I bought spill-proof cups with lids that have offered the perfect solution. The idea of past me alone gives me a mini heart-attack and sends shivers down my spine. 

      Add to your extension cord collection
      Unless your bedroom is stacked with outlets, you’re going to need to invest in additional extension cords and outlets to fuel your electronic lifelines. Most bedrooms weren’t designed to be offices and don’t have many/close enough outlets to allow us to have all of our devices charging in cord length distance of our beds. Alas, we shall adapt.

      Schedule breaks to get up and moving
      As with sitting at a desk all day, sitting in your makeshift desk-in-bed situation for prolonged periods can have a detrimental effect on our health. Dr. Jasmine Marcus, PT, DPT, CSCS told Popsugar that getting up and moving “anywhere from every half hour to every two hours” can be beneficial in combatting an otherwise sedentary workday. Schedule deliberate stretch and walk breaks throughout your day to relieve pressure on your spine.and to keep blood and endorphins flowing.

      Having a set nighttime routine
      When your workday ends, clean up your workspace, say “goodbye” to your bedroom for a few hours, and treat yourself to a change of scenery to dissociate from your workday. Just as with a morning routine, perform a night routine of choice to help you wind down and to signal to your mind and body that it’s time for bed. Set the mood for bedtime, dim the lights, get in your coziest PJs, light a calming candle, and do a relaxing activity such as journaling or reading. Try your best not to scroll on IG or TikTok—your eyes and mind deserve a break! More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      5 Changes to Make to Your Finances Before Winter

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      As the weather changes, naturally, so will your budget. The seasons can have an impact on your finances, whether it’s setting aside a little more money for brunch season with your friends in the summer or opening up a whole new savings account for holiday gift-giving in the winter. Preparing for the colder months is more than just about breaking out your old coats and sweaters; your finances also need prepping to plan for the change to your spending, especially if you are rebuilding financially from a tough year. Here are a few ways you can change up your budget to ring in the winter season wisely, without spending your last dollar. 

      1. Reevaluate your budget 
      The spending categories in your budget, which can include household bills, dining out, fixed expenses, and more, can—and most likely will—change and shift with the seasons. From your utilities increasing from being in the house more to preparing for holiday travel, make sure to reevaluate your budget to accommodate the change to your lifestyle this winter. 
      Whether you update your budget on a weekly, monthly, or a paycheck-by-paycheck basis, take time to make any modifications to your spending categories to be prepared for winter spending. Use your favorite budgeting software to update your spending in advance of the winter season. Your extra dollars may need to go toward your shopping budget for gift giving, or toward an increase in household items. Keep your budget flexible to accommodate your winter spending habits.

      2. Save in advance for the holidays 
      As soon as the weather breaks, the holidays are looming right around the corner, which means the season of gift-giving is near. Don’t let your wallet take a hit this winter while trying to gift shop for the holidays; prepare in advance and set aside savings specifically for the holidays. 
      Prepping for the holiday season can be daunting, especially if your budget isn’t prepared for it. Evaluate your finances to see how you can allocate more funds for gifts, holiday travel, decorations, and other celebratory plans. Make a plan to attack the holiday buying season by making a checklist of everyone you plan to shop for, how much you plan to allocate to their gift, and where in your budget your spending is coming from. Put yourself on a timeline for when your spending begins and ends for gift giving this winter, as it is easy to overspend on family and friends for the holidays. 
      Traveling for the holidays to spend time with friends and family can also make a dent in your finances. Budget for travel in advance by taking advantage of any travel deals available and saving up for any expenses associated with your travels, including gas, rentals, hotel stays, and airfare costs. 
      The holidays during the winter are very festive, and decorating your home to match the joy of the season can be costly. Look to use recycled decorations for the holidays instead of purchasing new items, or look for cheaper alternatives at your favorite stores to get your home holiday-ready.

      Source: colorjoy stock

      3. Change up your spending habits 
      Being in your home more during winter will most likely tempt you to order online more, versus dining out and going shopping in your favorite stores. Shift your budget to accommodate how your spending habits will change this winter season. 
      Your budget this winter might include more money allocated toward getting your basic household and beauty items delivered, versus going into the stores to save time and to protect your health ahead of the flu season. Dining out usually slows during the winter, especially now as we’re in the middle of a pandemic, so be prepared to make room in your budget for the change in your dining out habits. You may want to shift money around to accommodate spending more on groceries instead of going out when the temperature drops.
      Shopping and maintaining your winter attire will also require a few extra dollars in your budget. Prepare to spend a little more money on clothing items if you live in a colder climate. Winter clothing is usually a little more costly to buy while in season, so before the cold hits, shop around to prepare for what you might need, like coats, gloves, scarves, and boots. Anticipating what your spending habits may look like as winter approaches will help you shift your budget around proactively for a more realistic look at how winter might change your finances and your lifestyle.  

      4. Plan for an increase in household expenses 
      During the colder months, you’re in the home more than usual, which usually includes using more heat, electricity, and household appliances. Don’t let your utility bills shock you this coming winter season; prepare for an increase in household expenses before it’s time to hibernate during the colder months. 
      The colder the season, the more heat you and your family are likely to use to stay warm inside. Set aside more for household expenses and adjust your budget to make way for higher utility bills and any other expenses related to maintaining your home throughout the winter. Check in with your utility providers to see if they have cost-efficient ways you can save money on your utility bills in the winter, as many have peak savings days they recommend or tips on how you can use less energy throughout the season to lower your bill.
      You may want to make room in your budget for weather-related home maintenance as well, like snow removal or sealing your doors and windows to keep in the heat. Damages to many homes due to winter weather can break your savings, especially if you’re not properly prepared. Make sure you set aside more money in your home budget to make way for any unexpected home expenses the winter might inflict on your home.

      5. Prepare in advance for tax season 
      Time waits for no one, and neither does tax season! If you’re already sweating at the thought of filing taxes next year and feel unprepared, you are not alone. Get ready for tax season this winter by taking a closer look at your finances before the beginning of the new year. 
      Gather up all of your tax documents and receipts from the year so that you don’t miss a beat next year during tax season. This could include any itemizable expenses from working from home, unemployment benefits due to being laid off or furloughed, or relocation expenses that may be reimbursed. 
      Take this winter season to research and find a tax professional or trusted tax software you can use before the end of the year in order to plan your filings early. Get an early look at what your tax liabilities may look like next year, and get ahead of the game!  More

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      in health and weelbeing

      10 Things to Do When You’re Feeling Unproductive

      by

      If you’re lacking motivation or energy these days, it’s not just you. Unfortunately, we don’t have an “on” button, and we can’t be plugged into an outlet. That means that no matter how much our employers expect us to be productive from 9-5, our energy levels and motivation don’t always fall in line with our work calendars. The conversation about women “having it all” somehow fails to mention that sometimes we just don’t want to do any of it. But there are tricks and tips to check in with your body, boost your energy levels, and find that motivation whenever you need it. If it’s an important week or a busy workday and your energy levels missed the memo, here are 10 things to boost productivity and motivation. 
      1. Take a break
      Yes, you do deserve a break, no matter how busy your day is (and you can let your boss know that we said so!). If it feels difficult to get anything done or you’re just feeling low energy overall, don’t force yourself to push through; it’s probably your body’s way of telling you that you need to take a break. Even spending five minutes to organize your space or 10 minutes to go on a quick walk around the block can re-energize you when you’re feeling rundown. Also, make sure you’re taking a (real!) lunch break every single day to do something enjoyable besides eating before you get back to work. If taking breaks still doesn’t feel like a fix, you might be suffering from burnout, whether it’s emotional or work-specific. If possible, take a long weekend to reset and talk to your boss about finding more work-life balance. 

      Source: @crystalinmarie

      2. Get outside
      As humans, we’re meant to be outdoors while the sun is out. Even though that’s not always possible with 9-5 office hours and dropping temperatures, getting your daily dose of sunshine is crucial for energy levels because it can suppress melatonin production and increases alertness. Plus, fresh air feels refreshing AF and will invigorate you when you need an energy push. If you don’t have time to go on a walk or do some outdoor meditation, try eating your meals outside. Bundle up, sip on a hot cup of coffee, and enjoy your breakfast on the patio, or take your lunch break sitting out in your yard or a nearby park. You can also try taking calls while going on a walk or sitting outside instead of at your desk for a Zoom meeting. 

      3. Take a shower
      Besides just extra points for cleanliness and hygiene, taking a shower makes you more alert. I rarely shower in the morning (I’m a bath-at-night kinda girl), but on the days that I do, I feel a huge difference in my energy and productivity. In my opinion, water wakes you up better than a shot of espresso ever could, so if you’re in a bit of a slump, you don’t need a nap or another cup of coffee. Instead, take a quick five-minute shower and watch your motivation increase immediately. If you’re #extra like me, try a “shot” of cold water by decreasing the water temperature at the very end of your shower for 5-10 seconds. The cold water increases alertness and might offer a variety of health benefits as a bonus. 

      4. Turn off your phone
      With endless scrolling on Instagram or entertaining TikToks just a touch of a button away, I don’t know how anyone gets anything done anymore. Smartphone addiction is real, and social media could be severely hurting your productivity. Try turning off your phone, leaving it in another room, or deleting any apps that are sucking up your time. With the phone out of the picture (literally), you won’t be as tempted to check Facebook or scroll through Instagram and might realize it’s easier to get things done when the temptation is removed. Also, try one of these habits to help you spend less time on your phone. 

      Source: @simplytandya

      5. Put on a playlist 
      Sometimes all it takes to get out of a funk is a funky (the good kind) playlist. For me, my “Caffeine” playlist makes me want to get sh*t done; for Social Media Editor Abigail, her “Anti-Anxiety League” playlist helps her feel centered and focused; and for a productivity-boosting playlist that we all love, “The Everygirl Listens: Office Tunes” totally slaps (I hear that’s a thing the cool kids are saying). Whether “Eye of the Tiger” gets you amped to check items off your to-do list or “Confidence” makes you want to conquer the world, the goal of this playlist is to energize and motivate you. Turn on the playlist when you’re feeling a lack of energy and let the gift of Harry Styles or Taylor Swift boost your productivity. 

      6. Check off the to-do list tasks that take less than two minutes to complete
      Long to-do lists can nag at us and make us feel overwhelmed. Your to-do list might feel so daunting or exhausting that you can’t even face it. Instead, start working on all of those tiny little things on your overall to-do list that you’ve been putting off but take less than two minutes. Schedule a doctor’s appointment, answer that email you’ve been meaning to get to, or order a restock of toilet paper from Amazon. You don’t have to complete every single task to improve your mood, so checking the smaller things off will increase motivation and ease overwhelm. For the bigger tasks, just making a plan for tackling them is sufficient to help make them feel less daunting. Decide when you’ll do the task and set a reminder on your phone or a Post-It.

      Source: @waityouneedthis

      7. Get moving 
      Anything that takes you out of your head and back into your body can help with stress, anxiety, and lack of energy. If stress is causing the lack of productivity, movement that focuses on breathing helps center you. Take a break to go through a yoga flow whenever you feel motivation dip, and focus on taking deep breaths with each movement (think “inhale” and “exhale” to stay focused). Breathwork (or breathing exercises) is another powerful tool to destress that you can do anytime. If the lack of productivity is due to overall fatigue or boredom, try a fun workout like going on a jog while listening to a podcast or trying a dance cardio video on Youtube for an immediate fix, and make sure to get to bed earlier that night. 

      8. Set up your environment to make you feel better
      Your environment completely affects the way you feel. Whether you’re in a perpetual funk or just having an off-day, take some time to arrange the aspects of your environment you have control over. For example, clean the kitchen, organize the desk area, put on a playlist (see above!), burn a candle, and turn off phone notifications. Clutter in your space results in clutter in your mind, and too much clutter (in your space and your mind) can make you feel overwhelmed or exhausted. Making simple changes to your workspace or even organizing that junk drawer can transform the way you feel about the rest of your day.

      Source: @_harlowejames

      9. Identify a purpose through visualization 
      Without a doubt, the greatest tool for self-development is our imagination. If you’re lacking productivity, you probably haven’t checked in with your “why” enough. Why are you putting in the effort? Is it to achieve a career milestone, save up enough money to buy a house, or feel fulfilled in your job? Maybe you want to eat healthy foods so you can feel like your best self, or keep the house organized so you can feel relaxed when you’re at home. Once you’ve identified the purpose of being productive, visualize yourself reaching it and how your life would be different. When you visualize achieving the goal instead of just setting it, you’ll automatically feel more motivated to put in the effort. It’s like dangling a carrot right in front of you instead of a far-off goal that doesn’t seem real. 

      10. Be OK with feeling “OK”
      If all else fails, remind yourself that it’s OK to have an off-day (or even an off-week). In fact, productivity naturally ebbs and flows depending on the time of day, sleep quality, and even our menstrual cycles. Are you noticing a lack of productivity, or are you shaming yourself for a lack of productivity? We believe that we’re not supposed to need a break. In reality, it’s not only OK to have an off-day, but it’s necessary. Know that negative feelings, while uncomfortable, are also human. Despite whatever intentions you have or how hard you work, some days are just going to be better than others. Let yourself take it easy, rest, and recover today, and then pick yourself up and choose to find a purpose to get excited about tomorrow. 

      How do you find motivation when you’re feeling unproductive? More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      How to Edit Any Photo With Ease (With Just Your Phone!)

      by

      Since visuals are a huge part of our business, we get a ton of questions about photo editing—from shoots with models to featured article images to posts on Instagram. 
      That’s why we built this online course: to teach you everything from our favorite apps (VSCO, Snapseed, Tezza, and more) to the exact steps we take when brightening, cropping, and editing a photo, all with just a phone. You’re here because you want to better document those day-to-day memories or take better photos for your personal blog, brand, or Instagram—we’ll show you how to make it happen. 
      These days, we don’t think you need fancy equipment or an expensive camera. You can shoot, edit, and post great photos with just your phone, and this course is all about how to make that happen: from tips on setting up your initial shot to the exact edits we make in our favorite apps to removing imperfections and making small, selective edits that make a world of difference.
      Click the link to claim your spot below and hurry, enrollment closes in two weeks!

      How does the course work? 
      We start the course with our best tips and tricks for actually taking your photos. Even though editing can cover a lot of sins when it comes to photos, it always helps to set yourself up for success when shooting. We go over how to create balance in the composition of your shots and our process for taking our fave photos—like outfit flatlays, exterior shots, and interior vignettes. 

      Next, we take you through all the edits we routinely make on our photos—from brightness to contrast to removing imperfections. With guided video tutorials and pro tips from our guest instructors Lauren Taylor and Ali Stone. 

      You’ll learn our favorite apps for making specific edits—like Snapseed and Tezza—as well as the order we make our edits for the best results. Playing with filters is fun, but sometimes you need to overhaul a photo and a filter just won’t cut it. In this course, you’ll learn the separate core elements of photo editing, so you can edit any photo with ease.

      What do I need to take this course? 
      All you need to take the course is a smartphone capable of downloading apps. All the apps we use in the course are either free or less than $2. 

      This course is for you if…

      Meet Your Instructors

      We put together this course with the help of our pro instructors to teach you all the steps you need to style, shoot, and edit your photos with just your smartphone. It’s easier than you think to get the final shot of your dreams. Ready to get started? Let’s do this. 

      As a connoisseur of all things comfy and as an aspiring Princess of Genovia, Lauren is always encouraging women all over the world to love their REAL selves. She loves partnering with brands as a model, ambassador, and speaker that empowers and celebrates ALL women.
      Lauren’s style of photography is bright and clean, beautifully pairing colors and backgrounds for an end result that shines.
      Find Lauren at laurenwtaylor.com, on Instagram at instagram.com/laurenwtaylor, and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/LaurenTaylorYT. 

      Ali is a Chicago-based professional photographer and lifestyle blogger. She fell in love with the art of photography when she found her mom’s old film camera at age 12. She has a BA in photography and has worked as a professional photographer since age 15. At age 21, she launched her blog, Those White Walls, her way of marrying her two loves of fashion and photography.
      Since then, Ali has become an expert in her fields (and a boss at editing on her iPhone) and has created content for brands such as Orbitz, Almay, KLM Airlines, The Peninsula Hotels, Moncler, Stella Artois, and more.
      Follow Ali on Instagram here and find her online at Those White Walls here. 

      How do I claim my spot? 
      Enrollment is open now! You can enroll through this link: 

      After you purchase, you’ll have immediate access to the course and the ability to start learning right away. Remember, the course is completely self-paced, so you can move through it at a rate that works for you.

      Questions? 
      If you have any questions about Mastering Photo Editing on Your Phone or any of our other online courses, leave a comment here or reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help! More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      5 Money Moves to Make When Transitioning Careers

      by

      Changing careers can be a super exciting time, with new role, new colleagues, maybe even a new wardrobe! But with all this excitement, it can be easy to forget about the financial considerations you’ll want to make along the way. To keep your finances climbing alongside that career ladder, below are five money moves you’ll need when making the switch. 
      1. Negotiate your offer
      Just because you’ve been looking for a change, doesn’t mean you should accept your first offer. A 2019 Jobvite study found that 83 percent of those that asked for a raise or increased salary received it. Yet, only 33 percent negotiated for their current position. Don’t be afraid to play those odds!
      Want some tips to negotiate like a boss? To increase your chances of getting a “yes,” make sure to do your research and come prepared. Look to websites like Glassdoor.com to compare the salaries of similar positions, outline your achievements from previous roles, and practice your pitch before going to HR. If you’ve received multiple offers, use them as leverage. This may also be an indicator of which company is willing to invest in you more as an employee over time.
      While you’re in the negotiating mindset, you may also ask whether your employer is willing to help cover some or all of your moving expenses. Depending on how far you’re relocating, this can get pricey quick. Luckily, many employers are prepared to help (but only if you’re willing to ask).

      2. Consider the full package
      If you’re transitioning careers, chances are you’re looking for something new and exciting. Whether it’s the ideal role or starting a business of your own, you’re probably eager to make the switch! But before you accept what may seem like your dream job, make sure to consider the benefits, too. 
      As more companies work to recruit a younger workforce, there may be some new perks available to you that your old employer didn’t offer. Benefits can play a huge role in improving your mental and financial health over time, so make sure to consider their value before deciding your next move. Some of the most sought-after benefits for millennials right now include student loan repayment assistance, pet insurance, and flexible work schedules. You may also be willing to take a pay cut for more paid time off or an increased employer match, for example. 
      Jealous of those unlimited vacation plans? Make a list of the type of benefits that are most important to you, and keep them in mind during your search and negotiations.  

      3. Don’t cash out your old 401(k)
      There are several options you can take when deciding what to do with your old 401(k), but whatever you do, don’t cash it out. Retirement accounts like a 401(k) or 403(b) give you more bang for your buck than a standard investment account by reducing the amount you pay in taxes. If it’s a traditional 401(k) or 403(b), you contribute with pre-tax income, leaving more money in that account to grow. If your employer offers a Roth 401(k), you’ll contribute with post-tax money now, but won’t pay taxes on those contributions or earnings (!) when withdrawing after age 59.5.
      So while cashing out your 401(k) might be tempting, try not to do it. Either keep your 401(k) where it is or roll it over to another tax-advantaged account, such as your new employer’s plan or an individual retirement account (IRA). 

      4. Update your budget and financial plan
      Switching careers often means a change in income, and hopefully a good one! This makes it the perfect time to revisit your budget. Consider how your take-home pay, retirement contributions, and commuting costs may change. Will your cost of living go up or down? If you’re taking a pay cut, you may want to test out your budget in advance of the new job or move to make sure you’ll be comfortable when things get real. 
      Longer-term, you’ll want to think about how your new income will impact your financial goals. Can you reach a savings goal more quickly? Will it help you save for a down payment on your first home? Are there stock options or maybe a pension to consider? 
      Lastly, if your income is flying high, try to resist lifestyle inflation, where you end up spending more just because you can. Consider what you can save or invest in to make your money work harder for you. “More money, more problems,” isn’t really a thing. Having more income is all about options, so choose yours based on your goals and lifestyle. 

      5. Starting your own business? Whip the planner out (and the Excel sheets) 
      If starting your own business or going freelance, you’ll want to create a separate budget and financial plan to account for any investments in the business, income, and expenses. Often, this will be tied to a separate bank account. You should estimate your tax payments and build up a business emergency fund to help prepare for the unexpected. If you’re self-funding your business, you’ll also want to account for this as a line item in your personal budget as well. How much do you plan to invest in your business each month, or over the year? Thinking ahead will help ensure your finances and cash flows stay in CEO-level shape. 
      Being your own boss has a lot of perks, including making your own schedule and vision for your company. The downside is that the safety nets you’ll want to build your empire require some thought (and a good chunk of change). Will you go with a Roth or SEP IRA to save for retirement? What insurances do you need, including health, disability, and liability insurance to protect yourself and your assets? What may seem like an extra or unnecessary expense now is something that could save you thousands in the long run as your own CEO. 
      By taking the time to think ahead when it comes to your finances, you’ll be that much more prepared to knock your new role out of the park. While it may take a little planning, reducing financial stress in your life will keep you focused on the task at hand, so you and your finances can level all the way up.  More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      7 Things to Do for Your Business RN to Save Time and Money Later

      by

      For the first time ever, many of us are sharing a season of life that has necessitated major lifestyle shifts. The months of social distancing have forced many of us to slow down in all sorts of ways, from our social lives to our work. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs are experiencing a slow season, which can often be more stressful than it is relaxing. Some business owners have experienced a lull in operations—or an inability to operate—to an extent they never could have predicted. While nothing about our current circumstances are ideal, there are opportunities to use this slower season of life and business to your advantage.
      From tackling your books to getting your website in order (made easy and painless with our go-to platform, Squarespace), consider these seven things you can do right now that will save you time and money later.

      1. Optimize your web presence 
      As a savvy, modern business owner, you probably have a website already. If you don’t, now is the time! We love Squarespace because it takes all the guesswork out of building and hosting your site. There are no plugins to constantly update or complicated hosting vs. building questions to consider. Everything is included in one easy-to-use platform that can get you up and running in a few hours. 
      Why is having a website important? First and foremost, cultivating a web presence and ensuring customers or readers know where to go to find you is a great resource that will save you the headache of answering the same questions over and over. Secondly, a well-designed website will entice your customers or readers to come back again and again and should save you time and money in the long-run. Today, take a good hard look at your website and ask yourself the following questions: 

      Do you have a F.A.Q. page that answers your customers’ or clients’ most common questions so they don’t need to contact you for basic info?
      Can your visitors easily learn how to contact you, make an appointment, or make a purchase?
      Are your products and services displayed in a clear and easy-to-understand way?
      If needed, is customer support easily accessible?
      Are links to your social media channels and e-mail sign up forms easily found?
      2. Get your finances in order
      We hate to say it, but there’s no time like the present to give your finances a good, close look. It may not be all that tempting to look at your balance sheets right now, but getting your finances in order will make your life so much easier during tax season and throughout the year. First things first, sit down and make sure you’ve received payment for every single dollar you earned to date this year. If you don’t already have a system for tracking incoming and outgoing cash, now is the time to set a system in place. Ideally, you’ll have a system—whether that be through a spreadsheet, accounting software, or working with an accountant—that allows you to easily track what you’ve spent, what money you’re owed, and what the status of any invoices are. Follow up on any overdue payments now and make sure you have a system in place for catching overdue invoices sooner rather than later.
      Next, you’ll want to get a plan for tax season in place. To eliminate any expensive surprises down the road, you’ll want to make sure you have a strong handle on how to pay all of your taxes. Depending on your business structure and how you earn income, this could involve a mix of annual taxes, quarterly taxes, and business taxes. Of course, hiring a professional is always handy, but if you can’t afford an accountant long-term, you can still pay for a consultation or two that can help you get your tax ducks in a row so that you know exactly what you need to pay and when. Squarespace also offers extensions for services like TaxJar and Quickbooks to help you seamlessly keep track of your taxes and accounting needs. 

      3. Network to your advantage
      While more traditional networking methods are less available right now, there’s no reason you can’t network via phone or video chat. Like you, there are other business owners and professionals who have some extra time on their hands and are longing to experience a bit more connection. Set up some informational interviews with professionals you admire and ask if you can pick their brain about your industry, their work, or anything that can help you now or down the line in your business. Learn from their mistakes. If you can afford it, show your gratitude by sending them a gift card to a local coffee shop so they can grab a cup of coffee before your call if they want to!

      4. Hit the books
      When business is slow, it can be very tempting to storm full speed ahead while attempting to drum up new business. There’s nothing wrong with this strategy, but do a gut check and see if it’s really working for you. If you know that no matter how hard you try, business will be slow right now, it’s OK to take a break. Pause, rest, and let your creative juices flow. Now is a great time to invest in education, whether through online courses, informational interviews, or good old fashioned reading. Instead of automatically hiring a consultant, contractor, or employee to tackle the areas you struggle with, start by learning how you can manage them yourself. Squarespace offers online courses that allow you to learn at your own pace with a variety of helpful subjects such as design, email marketing, and SEO.

      The best business owners are ones who really understand all areas of their business, from production to finances to marketing to human resources. Pick a weak spot and learn more about how you can improve. Even if you feel like you have a good understanding of how to manage all areas of your business, you may learn some creative new ideas that can come in handy down the road.
       
      5. Create a killer marketing plan
      You can execute effective marketing on the fly; a quick Facebook post here, a speedy email blast there. But alongside those more impromptu and organic marketing efforts, you should be following a strategic marketing plan. You don’t have to follow a marketing plan word-for-word until the end of time, but it can serve as a strong guide that you can reference when you’re unsure of what move to make next. A good marketing plan should outline your business’s goals for the year, what steps you can take to achieve those goals, and what your marketing budget is. Use slow seasons to create and update your marketing plan and focus your marketing efforts, as staying on a well-planned path can be a big time saver down the road when you find yourself doubting what move to make next.

      6. Load up on content
      Now that you have a marketing plan in place, use some of your downtime to stockpile content. Start with social media. There are dozens upon dozens of great social media scheduling apps on the market that will allow you to upload and schedule posts to publish at a later date. These tools give you the chance to perfect your marketing plans and to review your upcoming content in a way that’s easy to visualize.

      The same goes for email. We love the integrated email campaigns from Squarespace, which pull directly from your site and make designing your emails easy and fast. If you want to send a weekly email newsletter, start writing a month’s worth at once and schedule the newsletters for later dates. You can always tweak them if need be, but scheduling your newsletters early will ensure you don’t let one slip through the cracks once you get busy.
      Don’t forget to finally make the leap and purchase a custom email domain! It’s an inexpensive way to make your business look super professional. Squarespace users can easily customize their email domain name and manage their email through G Suite.

      7. Create streamlined processes
      Operations experts don’t get enough credit in the business world. Sure, the sales department can bring in big numbers and the design team can make everything they touch look stunning, but it’s safe to guess that there is an operations team working hard to keep the show running. For smaller businesses, operations are super important, especially as you grow your business. Use extra time found during slower periods to invest in creating foolproof operations processes. Sit down and think about where in your workflow you experience delays or complications. What steps would stop those struggles from occurring? It’s OK if there are more than a few errors during the trial-and-error phase, as this experimenting will eventually lead you to the right fit for you and your team.
      Creating an easy-to-follow and organized operational process will save both time and money later by simplifying your workflow and eliminating confusion, which will allow you to work faster. Consider tackling how you invoice, assign work to freelancers, or rethink how you create social media content. Start with just one new process and see how it feels, then move onto a new process until your whole business is running like the well oiled machine you always knew it could be.
      One final pro-tip: use Squarespace’s Zapier integration to connect to your go-to task management app and set up automations that can save you tons of time. You know what they say, time is money!

      This post was in partnership with Squarespace, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More