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    The New Happy Has 500k Instagram Followers—Here’s How the Founder Built a Real Community

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    It’s no secret that social media is flooded with noise and endless content these days. There are a lot of recommendations out there on how to use social media, “hacks” for quickly gaining followers, and constant opinions on the types of content you should and shouldn’t produce. And since we’re inundated with content on a daily basis, it can be particularly challenging to stand out. While this may be true for some, Stephanie Harrison at The New Happy used social media to grow an authentic following and spread a life-changing philosophy.
    The New Happy was founded in 2018 with the simple mission of sharing a new philosophy of happiness. Stephanie has spent over a decade studying happiness from an interdisciplinary perspective, but it wasn’t until mid-2020 that she devoted herself to deeply spreading her mission (and using social media as part of this process). The New Happy Instagram posts are filled with positive, uplifting pieces of advice for a happier life.
    For Stephanie, social media is about more than traditional metrics such as likes and follower counts. In fact, she doesn’t lean into social media metrics as a measure of success. Yet, because of her unique take on using the platform, over 500,000 people are now a part of The New Happy community. I sat down with Stephanie and asked her for her three top tips for intentionally growing a social media following beyond metrics. You won’t find any “get followers quick” schemes or hacks here, but these tips will make sure your follower count… well, counts. 

    Meet the expert
    Stephanie Harrison
    Founder of The New Happy
    An expert in well-being, Stephanie founded The New Happy based on her Masters thesis in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. She has spent the last ten years studying happiness from an interdisciplinary perspective, incorporating perspectives from art, science, philosophy, religious/contemplative studies, and the humanities. Her book, THE NEW HAPPY, is forthcoming from Penguin Random House.

    1. Bring your purpose to your social channels.
    “Start with your greater purpose. A purpose is about being of service to others, and this grounding in your ‘why’ is so important. There’s so much noise out there, with people telling you what you should do and how you should do it. It’s easy to be led astray or veer off course, away from what matters most to you.”
    Stephanie lives and breathes The New Happy’s philosophy and mission across social media. The philosophy is rooted in the idea that happiness comes from serving the world and using the talents and skills that make each person unique. And that collectively, we find purpose and happiness in serving others.
    With that purpose in mind, Stephanie set out to use her social media accounts as a place to offer wisdom, experiences, ideas, friendship, and kindness to others. She knew these were the ways in which she wanted her brand to show up on social media, and at the same time, she had an idea of the ways she didn’t want to be seen.
    “I listed out the core values of The New Happy as a brand, philosophy, and movement, which drove everything I did on social media. Because our philosophy is about service, I saw social media as a place to help others, to make it about their needs and challenges.”
    Spend some time thinking about the purpose of your brand or business and the intended purpose of your social media accounts, too. When you show up on social media living out your purpose and aligning your content to that, it is much more likely to attract people for the long haul.

    2. Build a community, not an audience.
    “One of the key values of The New Happy is community. From the beginning, I decided that I didn’t want to build an audience—I wanted to build a community. That impacted almost every single decision I made as I built the brand on social media.”
    Stephanie worked hard to ensure she orients around The New Happy values across all social media platforms at all times. For example, viewing social media followers as an audience absorbing your content is not uncommon. But one of The New Happy’s values is “community,” so Stephanie considers followers to be community members, not audience members.
    Why does that matter? An audience is a faceless mask that has to do more with how people look at you. Instead, Stephanie cultivated the difference between watching somebody doing something (an audience member) and participating in something (a community member). 
    But it’s more than just thinking about your following as a community, there’s a lot of work that goes into bringing that value to life. For example, The New Happy hosts a community gathering every week where people can share what they need help with. Stephanie designates time to answer as many questions as she can personally but also uses those responses to inform the artwork and tips she creates and shares.
    The New Happy also hosts free challenges inviting community members to work on different elements of well-being. One that’s (ironically) particularly popular is “How to Create a Happier Experience on Social Media.” Other topics include self-compassion, building confidence, finding your strengths, and cultivating gratitude.
    And finally, the podcast features community member stories, creating a space for people to share their voices and experiences.

    3. Don’t let fear hold you back.
    Social media can cause a lot of pressure: Is this visual good enough? Is this caption written well? How will this post look on my feed? What will people say if they don’t agree with what I’m saying? Will people understand my business? Does this offer make sense?
    The pressure we put on ourselves to look a certain way and say things perfectly can be exhausting, and Stephanie reminded me that it’s important to cut through these feelings and simply try. 
    “The idea that you can’t start sharing yourself or ideas unless you have a perfect strategy, content plan, or business offering—it’s just wrong. You have great things to offer, and trying to perfect them will keep you waiting for a very long time. That was something I experienced, and it’s something I see with brands, organizations, and fellow entrepreneurs.”
    You have great things to offer, and trying to perfect them will keep you waiting for a very long time.
    When Stephanie first took her business to social media, she knew her purpose and how to embody her values. She didn’t know how to translate those things in a way that would resonate with a community. But putting her ideas out in the world allowed her to start sharing her messages with others. Overcoming that fear quickly turned into an opportunity to learn from the community and evolve over time.
    “What I wanted to share was The New Happy philosophy. I didn’t know at first what would resonate with people, what questions they had, or how I could best help. But as soon as I got up the courage to start sharing, I also started learning so much. That helped me to find better ways to help and support our community. Starting is really often the hardest part!”
    Don’t be afraid to put yourself, your brand, or your ideas out there. Test and experiment to find what works and commit to growing along the way. 

    5 Ways To Organically Grow Your Social Media Following More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      How This Midwife Created a Judgement-Free Zone on the Internet for Women to Talk Freely About Their Bodies

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      In the age of Instagram, one of the biggest issues people express is a lack of authenticity on the platform; too much curated content and not enough applicable, real-life stuff. And while that can be true, it’s anything but for Ailsa Emmel of Happy Go Curly.On Happy Go Curly, you get your daily dose of style inspiration, but in between that also get something less expected: health education, particularly on vaginal health. What started out as a fashion Instagram has evolved into including insight that Ailsa has experience with from her day job as a Certified Nurse-Midwife, and her weekly Women’s Health Wednesday posts touch everything from birth control to breastfeeding to real talks about lubricant. 
      Curious about how Happy Go Curly came to be and what Ailsa’s plans are for the future? Look no further.

      Name: Ailsa Emmel, Certified Nurse-MidwifeAge: 40s Current Location: Miami, FloridaEducation: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Bachelor’s of Science in Pyschology

      What was your first job and how did you land it?

      [My] first job out of college was easy. I had an NROTC scholarship, so I was commissioned in the United States Navy as an officer. I was a Navy nurse. 

      Tell us a little bit about your career journey. You’re a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)—what inspired you to start your Instagram on top of that?

      I went to college and got a Bachelor’s in Science in Nursing. I became an RN (after taking the credentialing test, of course). I spent four+ years as a commissioned officer and got out to join the reserves. This was during wartime, and it was too hard on my family since my hubby was also on active duty. We had young twins and were worried we would both be sent to war at the same time, so I decided to get out and attend Midwifery school at The University of Miami. 
      I started my Instagram years ago as a fashion account. I wanted to make good use of my closet, and back then styling prompts were a thing. I initially started my account as @emmeltwins. @_happygocurly_ didn’t evolve until late 2018 in my kitchen. I was brainstorming with my girlfriend and daughters. My account was moving away from a private, small account, and I wanted a name that defined me. I wanted people to know a little bit more about me just from seeing my handle. It was still about clothes and everyday life. The true integration of being a CNM coupled with fashion and lifestyle came later.

      What were the beginning stages of @_happygocurly_ like? Was there a moment where you felt like, wow, I’m really doing this?

      HGC truly came to be when we moved to Boston from 2018-2019 for the year (my hubby was doing a fellowship at MIT). I say this because I spent a lot of time exploring and spending time alone. I think it helped me to get to know myself. I fell in love with ME. It was there that a follower recommended I do a Women’s Health Wednesday every week. I was like, ‘No way, I don’t have enough topics to talk about every week,’ but I was wrong! The topics came flooding in, and people were tuning in and asking questions.
      The beginning of @_happygocurly_ was a troubleshoot. I didn’t identify my why; I didn’t know what my purpose was on Instagram. I was so busy looking at what everyone else was posting and not using my voice. It was when I started to use my voice that things started changing. 

      How has @_happygocurly_ evolved since you began it? What would you say your main priority is in choosing your posts?

      HGC has become a safe haven for many—at least that is the atmosphere I want to create and cultivate. Women can come to me and ask and share anything. It is a judgment-free zone as long as you are kind. I want them to embrace their bodies and all that she is capable of. I want them to move their body (exercise of some form), meditate, perform self-care (however that is for them), read (explore different topics and books), and follow different accounts (diversity is key from different body types to ethnicities).
      My main priority is reality. I want people to not seek perfection, but to seek understanding. I want them to know it is OK not to be like everyone else. I want them to explore their differences and embrace them. I know it sounds trite, but I want everyone to recognize their strengths and beauty. I say this because “pulling the curtain” in patient’s rooms, I see and hear their insecurities. I choose my posts based on how I am feeling and if I have something to say or share. I used to think I needed to post every day or twice a day and have found that is much more meaningful when I don’t. So, maybe one day I have a lot to say on my feed, and then other days not so much. I do, however, love stories. I am very active there and share it all. 

      I want people to not seek perfection, but to seek understanding.

      How do you balance  @_happygocurly_ with your CNM career? Do they overlap in any ways?

      Eek. It is definitely a hard balance. I work out of state every three weeks for a week or more. I have to plan (I say this lightly because that is not my forte), and I truly like the more spontaneous posts. When I am working, I like to give my undivided attention and energy to my patients. I find that I miss my Instagram friends so very much. I still pop in and out and always do my #happygocurlywhw
      They do overlap because I do talk about women’s topics on Wednesdays. I dedicate Wednesdays for that reason, but also at any time I may discuss vaginal health. I want women to talk about their bodies freely. I have found that these are the topics they have the most questions about: vaginal dryness, menopause, mothering/parenting, bonding, breastfeeding, labor, and the list goes on and on. 

      What has been the greatest challenge of your Instagram? Your favorite part?

      The greatest challenge has been getting good pics and Instagram-worthy scenery to capture the content. Trying to stay ahead with all the new changes has been defeating at times. While I like to think of myself as dynamic, sometimes the new additions can be daunting and time-consuming. I have been frustrated with my content going away after 24 hours and realized I needed a way to have it be accessible.
      My favorite part is the people for sure. I have made some of my closest friends on Instagram. I love the impact my WHW has made on so many, and when I get messages saying they listened and went to their provider and got a diagnosis or were able to advocate for themselves based on my talks. I think it is normal to question every once in a while if you are making a difference.

      I love the impact my Women’s Health Wednesday has made on so many, and when I get messages saying they listened and went to their provider and got a diagnosis or were able to advocate for themselves based on my talks.

      The past year hasn’t exactly been easy. How do you approach your Instagram when there are such major current events happening?

      I find that I speak my mind. I don’t want to bombard my followers, but I also want them to understand how current events affect me as a BIPOC/Black woman. I share my experiences in relation to BLM. I try to expose them to a different world. I invite them to ask questions. I try to call in my community, rather than call out. I want them to always ask the hard questions in an effort to gain knowledge. 

      I invite them to ask questions. I try to call in my community, rather than call out. I want them to always ask the hard questions in an effort to gain knowledge. 

      What career moment are you most proud of thus far?

      Becoming a CNM. I am so happy it worked out that I get to live my passion. Every time I deliver a baby, I pinch myself. I thank the parents for allowing me to share this moment with them. Living your life’s passion is the greatest high for me. 

      Where do you see yourself next year? Five years from now?

      In the next year: moving to North Carolina. I want to start a blog. I want to create a place where women can find the information they need in case they miss WHW. 
      Five years: Well, my hubby will probably be retiring from the USMC, and we will have to pick a location to live. I have no idea where that may be. Geez, I don’t have any grand plans except to be happy and to keep plugging along. I think I am living exactly what I want and don’t want for much more. That can change quickly—heck, it may change tomorrow. Ask me again next week.

      What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

      To thine ownself be true. This is my mantra. When I start to get lost in the hustle, I remember that if I am not making myself happy, I am no good to anyone else. 

      What advice would you give your 22-year-old self?

      Keep working hard, you’re going to be amazing. Be sure to love you first before you try to give yourself to others. 

      Ailsa Emmel is The Everygirl …

      Go-to coffee order? Grande latte, light foam (I know it defeats the whole point of a latte). Or a Venti black unsweetened iced tea with two Splendas
      Favorite act of self-care? Working out and sweating
      Top song of 2020? Ed Sheeran, Perfect
      Favorite piece in your wardrobe? Denim jacket
      If you could have lunch with any woman, who would you choose and why? Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, and Oprah Winfrey—all inspiring and strong women. They were (and are) tenacious and headstrong yet so caring and helped me stay focused. More

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      in beauty and fashion

      Meet the Powerhouse Public Health Expert Behind Beauty Company BLK + GRN

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      When you add any face mask, deodorant, or body scrub to your BLK + GRN cart, you’re not only buying a top-notch addition to your self-care arsenal—you’re also buying a product that’s non-toxic and made by a Black artisan.Dr. Kristian Edwards, DrPH, the founder of this online marketplace for all-natural beauty and lifestyle products from Black-owned businesses, is on a mission to make living green and shopping Black easier and more transparent. All of BLK + GRN’s products—from makeup to multivitamins to moisturizer—are vetted by Edwards personally, she said, plus aestheticians, dermatologists, makeup artists, and other professionals (since, as anyone who’s explored ‘clean’ beauty knows, just because a concealer or deodorant is made with natural ingredients doesn’t mean it necessarily works).
      Edwards hopes BLK + GRN serves as an educational platform too. Shoppers can get to know the entrepreneurs behind a favorite candle, lipstick, or lotion, and find research-backed information on the benefits of switching to products sans potentially harmful chemicals.
      The idea for BLK + GRN came to Edwards, a professor of public health at George Washington University, after coming across research showing that beauty products marketed to Black women scored lower in potentially harmful ingredients than those aimed at the general public. Because the report found that Black women appear to buy and use more personal care products, this could mean they’re being exposed to more of these potentially dangerous chemicals.

      Source: @blkandgrn

      Edwards felt she had to take action. With the report finding that ingredients in these commonly-found products may be linked to cancer, hormone disruption, allergies, and other serious health conditions, she felt the potential risks were too dire not to. She started by overhauling her own medicine cabinet, seeking to fill it with less harmful products. Around the same time, Edwards read Our Black Year by Maggie Anderson.
      “I was convinced of the importance of Black people, and people in general, supporting Black-owned brands, that every dollar should be a vote,” she said. She combined the two goals, looking for natural products that also came from Black makers.
      After testing boxes and bottles galore of sunscreen and shampoo, discovering lesser-known brands along the way, her mission expanded. “I wanted to create a space to make it easier for people to find them,” she explained. Edwards launched BLK + GRN in 2017.

      Source: @blkandgrn

      What started as a solo operation, with Edwards packing up every order herself from her Maryland home, has grown to a team of six selling more than 90 wares from 71 artisans and counting. Hearing from customers who say ditching toxic products thanks to BLK + GRN has changed their lives keeps Edwards going. So, too, does growing alongside the business owners whose goods the marketplace stocks. “They’ve become family at this point,” she said. 
      As the site has evolved, Edwards said she’s committed as ever to providing information on cosmetics and creators. There’s a BLK + GRN podcast, a blog and resources such as a list of 20 potentially harmful ingredients you won’t see in products on the site (Edwards recommended printing it out and taking it with you if you shop elsewhere). Social media, too, is a way Edwards and her team hope to spread the word on clean beauty. “We always try to talk to customers wherever they will listen,” she said. 
      One such discussion is about the higher prices of natural products. Instead of viewing these products as luxury items, Edwards hopes people see buying better ingredients as an investment in health.

      Source: @blkandgrn

      “What are you worth? What is your value? Is making that choice now better for your health?” she said. “We try not to tell people what to do. We just want them to think about it, we try to get people to have those conversations.” 
      Eventually, Edwards said she’d like to establish relationships with more farmers and suppliers of natural ingredients, so she can connect her artisans more directly to the ingredients they use. 
      She’d also like to start an accelerator program to provide training and capital to Black-owned businesses, which, especially those owned by Black women, are historically underfunded.

      Source: @blkandgrn

      Below, check out some of BLK + GRN’s top-selling products. As Edwards pointed out, just because BLK + GRN’s products are made by Black women, that “doesn’t mean they are specifically for melanated skin. Anyone can use them.”  More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      HGTV’s Breegan Jane on Finding Her Eye and What Success Really Looks Like

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      She flips houses, perfects interiors, manages international real estate projects, stars in one of the most iconic home-improvement shows, writes children’s books, runs a lifestyle blog, and and even has more new projects on the horizon. “Chances are, if it’s artistic, I’ve done it,” says Breegan Jane, the CEO, founder, and owner of Breegan Jane LLC. This renaissance woman had a keen eye for design and visuals starting at a very young age, which led to the most inspiring and eclectic career trajectory that combined her natural talents with her passions. Breegan’s tenacity for taking on new, challenging opportunities and her innate desire to lend a hand to anyone in need make her someone we can truly say that we admire and learn so much from. Ready to meet your new entrepreneurial and creative idol? Keep reading to find out how she juggles it all, what projects she dreams of taking on in the future, and the philosophy that governs all of her work. Trust us, you’ll want to take notes!

      Name: Breegan Jane, CEO/Owner/Founder, Breegan Jane LLCAge: Young!Location: Los Angeles, CAEducation: My path to becoming an interior designer was lined with several educational and entrepreneurial events that made it impossible for me to deny my innate creative passion. I am largely self-taught, though I did attend art school and study the classic courses of study. As my skill and enthusiasm matured, I realized I possessed an unrelenting interest in representing the visual. At 19 I owned a clothing store, and I would spend hours in the middle of the night working on window displays. I should have known at that point that this would all lead to a future in design. Opportunity lined up with talent and career, and a business in the world of interiors was born!

      Let’s start with your background! What was your first job, and how did you land it? 

      I had a modeling career that started at 2 years old. I was required to have a work permit that listed my information and my company, which was Esprit.

      Talk us through your career trajectory from there. What led to you to discovering your passion for interior design?

      It’s interesting, because even as a child model I had an affinity for projects that appeal to the eye. From there I owned my own retail store as a teen, and that transitioned my eye from designing clothes and staging mannequins to designing the interior of my store. That energy continued to develop as I was offered an opportunity to stage luxury yachts in Texas. That led to other opportunities like redesigning an entire plane hangar for a private client, and the career started booming from there.

      Source: @breeganjane

      Growing up, did you always have a keen eye for art and design? How did your creative outlets change and evolve over the years? 

      Yes! I didn’t know interior design was my calling, but as I reflect, visual representation was something I was always drawn to. I tried my hand at several things: designing clothing, web design. I even painted backpacks and sold them at 16. I was always creating something in the middle of the night. Chances are, if it’s artistic, I’ve done it. All of these interests came together in the career I was supposed to have. Design truly allows me to effectively and creatively use my talent in a way that satiates my artistic spirit.

      Your resume is rather impressive (to say the least!), with you having worked on unique spaces like personal music studios, and having managed large international real estate projects. What’s one project that you feel most proud of, and why? 

      I think it would have to be my first residential flip. It was the first time I went out completely on my own in areas of both design and execution. I challenged myself in so many ways. It was the first time I did a tub in shower design, which would later become one of my signatures. When I look back, that project as a whole isn’t my favorite design-wise, because it was at the beginning of my design journey. However, it serves as a reference point for my love of bathroom design and my desire for pushing the envelope. It was a successful endeavor that took a lot of risks and betting on myself. I accomplished that project solely on my own—pregnant with my first child, no less. It’s a great reminder when I’m faced with more challenging things that I can do everything I set my mind to do.

      Chances are, if it’s artistic, I’ve done it. All of these interests came together in the career I was supposed to have. Design truly allows me to effectively and creatively use my talent in a way that satiates my artistic spirit.

      Which one proved to be the biggest challenge to work on? 

      My most challenging projects are the ones that involve clients who are unsure of what they truly want. Often, if a client is in the midst of emotional turmoil and trying to find themselves, they can take a designer on a proverbial winding road to their design destination. That’s not to say that it can’t be amazingly therapeutic to help someone find themselves. However, many clients are seeking answers to their lives through what they want “identity” to be in their homes. If they don’t have a good sense of that, you can get lost in helping them find it. If they’re open to guidance and suggestions, it’s an awesome experience. 
       
      Source: @breeganjane

      OK—so naturally, we have to ask you about your stellar spot on HGTV’s relaunch of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” What an incredible gig! What was the process of landing that like, and how did you manage transitioning from “normal life” design to TV design?

      I feel so honored to be a part of the show. They actually found me! I never imagined I’d get that opportunity, and I was so pleasantly surprised. I’ve always watched and loved that show. The transition was a major one, and in order to do it successfully, I had to lean heavily on my team. I tell people all the time that Breegan Jane LLC isn’t just a singular person, it’s a group of people working to make it all happen. Ultimately it all came down to equipping my team with the tools they needed to get the job done, and entrusting them with more responsibility.
       

      I tell people all the time that Breegan Jane LLC isn’t just a singular person, it’s a group of people working to make it all happen. Ultimately it all came down to equipping my team with the tools they needed to get the job done, and entrusting them with more responsibility.

      Surely, it must have really tugged at your heartstrings to see families emotionally react to coming home and having their entire lives changed with the incredible transformations you and your team made. How did “EMHE” change your perspective on interior design and home renovation? What was the most important lesson you learned being a part of that experience?

      EMHE made me question everything about what can be achieved in design. Watching a house be erected in five days out of pure love and community support was something I never thought would be possible. I learned so much during that experience. It was interesting to hold emotional space for something so much bigger than me. Day after day I was the recipient of so many hugs and so much gratitude actually meant for thousands of people. Watching these beautiful families tell their triumphant stories, knowing my role was to be a lens and function within the storytelling experience that isn’t my own, required me to dig deeply into my own emotional intelligence and empathy. I had to be a vessel for so much good, and I took that very seriously. It all made me want to be better in every way and in everything in life.

      Source: @breeganjane

      Being a designer, real estate developer, children’s book author, lifestyle blogger, small business owner, and (above all else) a mother, you can honestly be considered a modern renaissance woman. How do you balance all of these roles? If it all gets to be overwhelming at times, how do you unwind and disconnect for a bit?

      Balancing all of these aspects lies in the fact that they’re all genuine to who I am and what I care about. To the casual onlooker, these things may seem unrelated or disconnected. But each project I take on honors a part of myself that I believe needs to be expressed. My brand is me. It’s not just a name; it’s who I am. I wrote a book because it was in my heart to do so. I put my all into my business ventures, into giving back, and into motherhood. Taking on so much doesn’t feel burdensome; it feels necessary.
      I unwind with baths. Water feels healing for me. I love spending time in the ocean, but if I can’t do that, I’ll take a swim in the pool. Water helps cleanse the soul, and it’s an amazing practice for me. When there isn’t time for any of those things, I take baths. That time helps reset and refresh me.

      Day after day I was the recipient of so many hugs and so much gratitude actually meant for thousands of people. Watching these beautiful families tell their triumphant stories, knowing my role was to be a lens and function within the storytelling experience that isn’t my own, required me to dig deeply into my own emotional intelligence and empathy. I had to be a vessel for so much good, and I took that very seriously. It all made me want to be better in every way and in everything in life.

      What is a typical day in the life of Breegan Jane like?

      “Typical” doesn’t exist! Every day for me is atypical. I’m always up to something new and challenging, and my days are always a bit surprising. One thing I can guarantee is that they always include motherhood, friendship, and daily check-ins with loved ones more than others might see or expect. I feel very blessed to have a professional team, but I’m also blessed to have an emotionally supportive and loving tribe of friends whom I cherish. My days are incredibly long. I’m a bit of an insomniac, so a 5am-2am day can be typical. Currently, I’m doing a lot of media and content development, but design is always a part of everyday life in some form.

      Source: @breeganjane

      You’ve had such a full and exciting career already, but is there still something you’ve always wanted to work on, but haven’t gotten to yet? What’s a “dream project” you’ve always had on your mind? 

      Hotel design is something I would love the opportunity to do. I love the idea of creating spaces that will be used by a host of people from all walks of life and all corners of the world. When I design a home, it’s usually only going to be viewed and experienced by the owner and their guests. I welcome the challenge of creating “home” for any traveling wanderer in a hotel space.

      Source: @breeganjane

      What main philosophy governs all of the work you do, and any potential new project you decide to take on?

      Honesty, as a philosophy, governs my work. My clients can count on me to always work in excellence and give my absolute best. I lead with my heart, and my reputation reflects that. It’s important to me to always be genuine and to let you know if I don’t believe in something. I think the truth of what you do and how you feel only becomes more apparent as you climb the success ladder. I’ll always do my best. There’s nothing better than that!

      My brand is me. It’s not just a name; it’s who I am. I wrote a book because it was in my heart to do so. I put my all into my business ventures, into giving back, and into motherhood. Taking on so much doesn’t feel burdensome; it feels necessary.

      As a young girl, you would save your own money to help buy gifts and items for children who were less fortunate, which truly goes to show that regardless of our income, we can always give a little bit and lend a hand to those in need. How have your charitable efforts evolved since then, and what role does philanthropy play in your life now?

      I’ve surprised even myself in how involved I’ve been in the anti-FGM project in Kenya. I’ve realized that one of my dreams is to have schools for girls. That’s a lofty feat, but throughout my philanthropic efforts I’ve learned that enormous impact isn’t solely accomplished by enormous efforts. While I’ve helped establish a safe house and education center in Kenya, equally important are the days when my sons and I hand out blankets in Venice, California. The human connection is what it’s all about, and I never want to lose that in my giving back.

      If you could go back in time to give some advice to your 22-year-old self, what would it be? 

      Success and wisdom will come later than you expected, but they will feel more soul-filling than anything you could achieve before you’re 30. At 22, I thought age 27 would see me with 2.5 kids, the career and husband I wanted, and that would be my story! I now realize that my preferred timetable for setting and achieving goals isn’t written in stone. I can dream it, work for it, and trust that it all will develop and materialize in its perfect timing. That doesn’t always align with my initial set of “vision board deadlines,” but it happens as it’s supposed to. That’s what success looks like in my book.

      I now realize that my preferred timetable for setting and achieving goals isn’t written in stone. I can dream it, work for it, and trust that it all will develop and materialize in its perfect timing.

      Source: @breeganjane

      Breegan Jane is The Everygirl…
      What’s at the top of your bucket list? Expanding my brand internationally, which will allow me to chase all the bucket list travel plans I have.
      Late night snack of choice: Definitely Reese’s peanut butter cups!
      If you had a superpower, it would be: I would be the ultimate vessel of light and love who makes people feel seen, loved and appreciated. I’d want my powers to make people feel good about themselves and stand up a little taller.
      Your guilty pleasure book/movie/show: My favorite movie of all time, The Thomas Crowne Affair with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo. I never get tired of watching it.
      Your signature scent: Meadow by SKYLAR. I love that it’s organic, vegan, and cruelty-free, and it smells amazing.
      Top 3 items you must carry at all times: A legal pad, an extra phone charger, and a man wallet (it’s really handy!)
      If you could have lunch with any woman, who would it be and why? It would definitely be Michelle Obama or Oprah. I’d like to ask them both how we could fix this world we’re living in. I’m so convinced one of them has the answer! More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      The Emotional Labor of Being the Only Black Person on Your Team

      by

      What would it feel like to walk into a room and be the only one who looked like you? How comfortable would you feel to be asked your opinion on a marketing ad that lacks diversity and inclusion if you were the only person of color being asked? What would you do if you were frequently asked to participate in conversations where the expectation is that your opinion speaks for all voices from your community? How would it feel to not be able to talk about specific shows, favorite foods, family traditions that are important to your culture because no one around you can relate from personal experience?Welcome to the life of being the only Black person on your team at work.
      Up until about a year ago, I have been the only Black person on my team in most of the professional jobs I have held. These jobs have varied in industries from being a server at several restaurants while in college, pharmaceutical marketing, to athleisure retail store manager, digital marketing coordinator at a small agency, and many more. Each time I started my job, I always had a pit in my stomach because being the only Black person on a team involves a lot of emotional labor that no one really signs up for.
      Growing up, my three older sisters and I were always taught to do our best, as most children were. The difference is, that when my parents said that, they meant: do your best and make sure it’s better than your white peers. For Black people, we have to put in 110 percent to get half the amount of opportunities, rewards, congratulations, or promotions than our white counterparts. For Black people, from the moment you’re in school all the way until you retire, there is very little room for error. The amount of pressure we feel to do everything perfectly so that we look half as good as our white peers to leadership is overwhelming.

      What is it like being Black in the workplace?
      We are proud to be in the professional roles that we have, we are excited about the work that’s in front of us, and we are determined to put our best foot forward and represent our departments and companies well. Unfortunately, there is more to our workday than projects and presentations—when you’re the only Black person on your team (or one of few), your work starts the moment you wake up. 

      When Black people wake up to go to work, we must think about:
      What we’ll wear—because many of us are born with curves, we’ve been shamed for wearing clothing that shows off those curves, whether it’s is a pair of jeans, a maxi dress, or jogger pants.
      How we’ll style our hair—because for years (and even still now), we have been judged for wearing our natural hair and being told it’s unprofessional, “different,” fun, or exotic.
      What makeup we’ll choose—because bold lip colors or eye shadows can look  “unprofessional” on darker skin, and we feel pressure to tone it down.
      How we’ll speak—because we have been shamed for our loud and boisterous laughs, our directness when correcting or addressing leadership, or being told we’re aggressive when what we’re actually doing is just speaking the truth.
      What we’ll eat or bring for lunch—because the looks you’ll get for heating up your mom’s collard greens and chicken from her infamous Sunday family dinners can make us feel like we’re perpetuating a trite stereotype.
      We’re thinking about most of these things before we even leave the house that day. But these things need to be considered each and every day so that we can make sure we’re doing our part to be seen as close to equal as possible as our white counterparts. 

      Source: Retha Ferguson | Pexels

      Tokenism is rampant in workplace culture
      Right now, as Black people in our work environments, we are going through an incredibly difficult time. Many of our companies are choosing to stand for or against the Black Lives Matter movement and many of the executives are pulling us, Black people, into those conversations for our opinions. What white leadership fails to understand about doing this is that it is not our responsibility to teach white people how to do the right thing. If we have been left out of important conversations in the past, it is very telling to just now be added to conversations and to feel like our voices finally want to be heard.
      Many companies are also tasking Black people with leading organizational initiatives to make their company seem more “woke,” diverse, and inclusive. To be clear, many companies are actually moving in the right direction, taking the necessary steps, and appropriately asking Black people if they’d like to be involved or not. On the other hand, there have been countless stories of companies who have gotten these steps wrong and unfortunately, the Black people in those organizations continue to feel the pain and dismissiveness that comes with those actions (or inactions).
      At work, we are often feeling so much societal pressure and are on such high alert that by the end of our days, we are absolutely spent. All day we have had to codeswitch—a term used to describe what people of color do when they leave their cultural language, style, or demeanor at the door to better fit in with their white counterparts. It is stressful and sometimes anxiety-inducing, to be honest. 

      All day we have had to codeswitch, a term used to describe what people of color do when they leave their cultural language, style, or demeanor at the door to better fit in with their white counterparts.

      Recently, I have noticed many companies making a change to their observed holiday calendar by adding in Juneteenth moving forward. This is a great change and a positive step forward, but up until now many Black people have felt like holidays that supported Black people and Black culture have gone unnoticed. I have worked for companies that have not acknowledged Martin Luther King Jr. Day but believe Columbus Day is worthy of recognition. I have never seen a company honor Kwanzaa, and of course as previously mentioned, it wasn’t until June 2020 that any company I worked for acknowledged and recognized Juneteenth.
      This matters. It is important to recognize as an organization that people from all different walks of life, cultures, religious faiths, and backgrounds may work for you or with you. And while I do understand that a company may not be able to grant a day off for every single important holiday in a calendar year, sometimes an acknowledgment email can go a long way to say, “We know this exists, we believe it’s important, and we want our organization to know.”

      Source: @christinajonesphoto

      What can workplaces do to affect change?
      If you are a leader, reach out to your Black employees and employees of color. Ask to meet with them and to listen to not only how they can help your organization, but also to what they need personally and professionally from you and other leaders. Maybe they’d like a resource group where other people of color can meet, create events or fundraisers, or maybe be a mentor. Listen—truly listen—to them, and do your best to implement real change to improve their career path and working environment.
      Do your own research to become more informed on Black history and how it pertains to your company—think about what discriminations or biases might be occurring at work. Promote Black people just as much as you would promote a white worker and put Black people in places of power and pay them what they are worth. When you’re having conversations that impact the company, make sure Black people and people of color are present in the room and are listened to.
      If you are a coworker, speak up when you don’t see a Black person present in the room for important conversations. Voice your opinion when you notice marketing or brand presence lacks diversity and inclusion. Fill out those yearly surveys leadership often sends around and ask about their diversity and inclusion plans. Take the initiative to learn about racism and racial inequality in the workplace. Stay curious about Black history and Black culture and ask questions if you’re truly interested in being informed. 

      Being the only Black person on a team is an emotional role to play. It is great that many companies are waking up and recognizing that they need more diversity in their teams and within leadership. The next time you have a conversation with a Black employee know that there is often way more going on behind the scenes for them than what meets the eye. 

      This article originally ran on The Everymom. More

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      in beauty and fashion

      The Modern Entrepreneur: Lessons in Feminism and Burnout with Tanaïs, the Founder of Hi Wildflower

      by

      As a writer, I am always curious about what makes other writer’s tick — especially those that have written for publications I admire and have a managed to write a book. Interviewing Tanaïs was even more of a highlight because she not only writes, but also runs a small business: Hi Wildflower. Many creatives like Tanaïs […] More