Colleen Star Koch of Rowan Coaching is kicking off 2017 with “31 Days of Shout-Outs,” celebrating a person or business she loves each day for the month of January. I LOVE this idea and at Colleen’s encouragement, I’m following suit.
As the month progresses, I’ll be sharing my shout-outs on my Facebook page and updating the list here:
DAY ONE SHOUT-OUT:
Colleen Star Koch! I am SO glad 2016 brought this sparkling unicorn of a human bean into my life (by way of the likewise awesome Melea Seward, but she’s for another day)! Colleen is simply one of those people who you just want to be around. Her background in branding and passion for transforming lives makes her a stellar coach and everyone who works with her is obsessed. If you’re looking for a transformation or clarity, run-don’t-walk to Colleen. I’m honored to call her a friend and I’m so glad she encouraged me to do this!
DAY TWO SHOUT-OUT:
If you’ve ever seen me, you’ve probably noticed that I’m pretty fond of vintage tee shirts. Well, I have Midnight Rider, a CA-based clothing company that specializes in soft, perfectly distressed, graphic, vintage-inspired band tees to thank for my extensive collection. Their scoop-neck boyfriend tees are my favorite; I literally own at least a dozen of them and even have multiples of my absolute favorite style (thankfully, since it’s been discontinued!). They’re all high-quality and made in the USA and therefore they aren’t cheap, but they never go out of style and they have good sales, which is when I usually stock up.
DAY THREE SHOUT-OUT:
I absolutely adore the East Village’s Lovemore & Do Hair Salon. Lindsey Betts has been cutting my hair since I was in college, which, needless to say, is a long, long time. She now cuts my son’s hair and he is so comfortable in her hands the last time we were there he fell asleep mid-chop! The whole team is lovely, talented, and those special kinds of women you want to be your best friends after spending five minutes with them. In a big, impersonal city full of big, impersonal salons, it’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of Lovemore & Do’s intimate, friendly, and very real community.
DAY FOUR SHOUT-OUT:
Miwa Gemini! Miwa and I initially met in prenatal yoga class. Our sons, both (kinda) named after rockstars, were born a few days apart in the same hospital and have been pretty inseparable since. Miwa is an amazing singer/songwriter/musician and I highly recommend checking out her original work on iTunes or her website. She is also working on a very cool 52 (cover) songs in 52 weeks project (check all of them out on her website (http://www.miwagemini.com/news/). I’m honored and touched that she dedicated one of the songs, Carole King’s “Where You Lead,” to me and Waylon, as we sing it together every night. I’m including the link to another of my favorites (BOYS!) along with this post, but seriously—check them all out.
DAY FIVE SHOUT-OUT:
When I saw the impossibly cool wearing the coolest earrings I’d ever seen in an early episode of Girls, I vowed to track them down. When I finally found out they were made by A Peace Treaty, it was too late—they were sold out. But then I discovered APT makes is just as cool. And so began my collection. About a year later, I went to one of their samples sales and lo and behold, there was one last pair of the Jemima earrings… And then they were mine! And they are still my favorite earrings. Everything they make is handmade by artisans, beautiful, and make me feel like a bohemian punk rock goddess. WARNING: Do not check them out until you’re ready to treat(y) yourself!
DAY SIX SHOUT-OUT:
Kelly Wearstler, my design idol. I’m in awe of everything she does. So fearless and bold and chic and (just the right amount of) odd. I visit BG Restaurant and her boutique at Bergdorf Goodman weekly for inspiration. I went on vacation specifically to stay a hotel she designed. I pick paint colors for my home based on her work. I’m just a *wee bit* obsessed… If you like interior design (any kind of design, really), over-the-top luxury, and/or mind-blowing play of color, textures, and scale, check out her books; “Hue” is my absolute favorite. And if you can get your butt to a property she’s designed, DO IT.
DAY SEVEN SHOUT-OUT:
Probably best known as 1 of the 2 Dope Queens, Phoebe Robinson is serious #goals. Her new book, “You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain,” is one of the best I’ve read in a long while. I listened to the audiobook, actually, which was great because she reads it herself (with a little help at one point from John Hodgman, who provides a very funny “white perspective” in a letter to Robinson’s bi-racial niece). Her insights are always poignant, confident, funny, and necessary. If you haven’t read the book yet, DO IT. And if you’re not listening to 2 Dope Queens… WHAT?!? Get. On. It. Phoebe, you are the COOLEST(despite the fact you’re obsessed with U2).
DAY EIGHT SHOUT-OUT:
Artist and tattooer and all-around goddess-among-us, Minka Sicklinger. I’m shouting out to her today specifically since it’s Elvis’s birthday and she did my Elvis-inspired TCB tattoo, but I’ll gladly bow down to her luminosity any day of the week. She also did a gorgeous palm tree on the back of my arm and Doug’s and my matching skulls with hibiscus flowers “Till Death Do Us Part is for Quitters” tattoos. I’d been drooling over everything she does on Instagram for more than a year when I finally snagged an appointment… Then booked another… Then another! She’s a quintessential “cool girl,” but beyond that, she’s lovely, gracious, kind, immensely talented, and a hopeless romantic. I’m honored that she’s made her (permanent) mark on me (in more ways than one)!
DAY NINE SHOUT-OUT:
Vanessa Boer is an artist, stylist, crafter, and maker whose imaginative, playful, and impeccable work has been featured in Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, and Real Simple magazines (to name just a few). It’s also featured on this very page! Even though Vanessa moved to Portland several years back, with the help of Photoshop for planning and Skype for execution, she virtually styled the Loki Loki desk-scape featured as the cover image here and as the homepage of my website. With her super cool partner in life and business, Darren Pasemko, she founded the super cool boutique Scout & Whistle, which features artistic creations like prints, pillows, painted cacti, and the sweetest superlative ribbons you’ve ever seen. Vanessa and I went to high school together and were briefly neighbors in Brooklyn and I am so glad she and her talent have been a part of my life for so long and continue to be so, no matter the distance.
DAY TEN SHOUT-OUT:
Bryn Johnson, who turns 50 today! Bryn is warm, kind, thoughtful, and has the greatest laugh ever. She loves coffee and cats and all things warm a cozy and would be right at home in Stars Hollow. But don’t let her caffeinated sweetness throw you off, she is also one of the smartest and most savvy career coaches there is, backed by her fiercely loyal (and successful, of course!) following. If you’re considering a change of career or just need to make a plan, no matter what your industry or needs, the Brain of Bryn is the best there is.
DAY ELEVEN SHOUT-OUT:
I went to a discussion at Soho House last night called “The Future of Feminism” and Amy Richards, “Professional Feminist,” was on the panel. I have been familiar with a lot of her work but never really knew it was all hers till last night! Richards is the executive producer of the WOMAN series on VICELAND. She is an author, the founder of the Soapbox Foundation, hosts Feminist Camp, writes the Ask Amy column for feminist.com, and is a longtime consultant to Gloria Steinem. She’s the person that “inspiration” was made to be an understatement for.
DAY TWELVE SHOUT-OUT:
Maresa Volante, the Maresa of Sweet Maresa’s, and the co-founder of the best bake shop in NYC, Confectionery (which just happens to be a few doors down East 9th Street from day three’s shout-out, Lovemore & Do!). Maresa makes the most incredibly delicious macarons, cakes, pastries, and cookies I’ve ever had… And they just happen to also be all-natural and vegan. I would list my favorites, but they are far too numerous! Beyond being a superior talent in the kitchen, she is one of the kindest, most generous, and humble business women you’ll ever meet. I am so happy for her continued success and look forward to years and years of bringing her special treats to all of our special occasions and having them make our everyday moments special with their magic.
DAY THIRTEEN SHOUT-OUT:
My trusty developer, Brandon Yanofsky. Brandon is personable, capable, creative, and communicative—all traits you want, but rarely find all together, in a website developer. Not only does he work like a boss and DELIVER on all of my client projects, he takes care of them and their sites long after we’ve launched via his WordPress maintenance service WP Radius. Even if Brandon didn’t build your site, you can hire his team to be your “web guys” and rest easy knowing your site is being backed up, scanned, protected from hackers, and if and when you need any updates, they’re free! So good. So necessary.
DAY FOURTEEN SHOUT-OUT:
Designer, entrepreneur, chef, mother, bicyclist, and all-around inspiration Rebecca Lopez- Howes, along with her lovely partner in business and life, Chris Kim, is the founder of the incredible and inventive vegan butcher shop (yes, you read that right) Monk’s Meats. She literally does a million things (mostly for others) every day and is still kind, calm, funny, and collected at every turn. My family and I have been big fans of Monks since our first bite of their homemade seitan and continue to be amazed by the creativity they put into every recipe and generosity they bring to their relationships with their customers. I am super excited that they will be opening a brick-and-mortar location soon, but maybe even more excited that I’ve come to call Becca and Chris friends. Thank god our kiddos like each other too! Looking forward to lots of wine on the beach next summer… But why wait till then? If you’re in NYC and want to check them out, they’re at Brooklyn Flea all winter and usually at the Pine Box Rock Shop’s Vegan Shop-Ups. You can also order from their website and they’ll hand deliver to your door! I was going to make some recommendations, but everything on the menu is equally stellar.
DAY FIFTEEN SHOUT-OUT:
The Rules Aren’t Real podcast! Colleen Star Koch (day one’s shout-out!) and her co-host Lydia Billings think that rule-breaking can be fun and might also just be the secret to happiness and success. In episode pairs, they tackle a societal “rule” and discuss it in depth one week and then the following week feature an interview with someone breaking that rule. And the blog is full of great resources and links if you want to explore a particular topic more. Their most recent rule, “Being a Mother Means Losing Yourself” is something I think a lot of us can all relate to in one way or another… I was both honored and terrified when they asked me to be their “debunker” interviewee. *Have* I broken that rule? How do I speak about something so personal in such a public platform? I can speak for days about my work, but motherhood? Yikes. But I did it not to pat myself on the back, but to tell my story and share my perspective authentically and unapologetically in the hopes that it can maybe shed light on yet another complex approach to this crazy little thing called life. It was a great experience and these two were so fun to chat with!
If you’re up for it, here’s the link to my interview, but I highly recommend giving them all a listen and subscribing in iTunes too. Three cheers for breaking rules!
DAY SIXTEEN SHOUT-OUT:
One of my resolutions this year is to be more like Adelaide Lancaster. Not only is she brilliant, kind, and a kick-ass business woman, she’s a fantastic conversationalist, and engages with everyone in a respectful, thoughtful, and meaningful way. I first connected with Adelaide when she was running In Good Company Workplaces, a women’s co-working, networking, and education space. The community she created and fostered there was like nothing I’d ever experienced before and, sadly, I’m not sure I’ll find something quite as dynamic again. She currently runs We Stories (along with the equally amazing Laura Horwitz), an organization founded in St. Louis in the wake of Ferguson to encourage white families to take accountability start being part of the solution. We Stories uses children’s literature to frame conversations about race and racism, transforming families and communities, and creating a more inclusive future. Not only am I a HUGE fan of their work, they have inspired me to be a better parent and citizen. Whether you have kids or not, please check out We Stories’ website for more insight and resources. If you’d like to help or you think the work they’re doing is important, please consider supporting their mission. Adelaide’s book, “The Big Enough Company,” written with Amy Abrams, IGC’s cofounder, is something that helped shape my values as an entrepreneur and I still reference it regularly. You can also see Adelaide in the testimonial video located in the footer of this page (my son watched it and said “I like Adelaide,” so how’s that for a review?).
DAY SEVENTEEN SHOUT-OUT:
The one, the only, the inimitable, Michelle Obama on this, the occasion of her 53rd birthday. Her intelligence, generosity of spirit, and grace… She is a role model, style icon, and all-around powerful woman. I will be attending the Women’s March on NYC this Saturday, and her words perfectly capture #WhyIMarch: “You cannot take your freedoms for granted. Just like generations who have come before you, you have to do your part to preserve and protect those freedoms… You need to be preparing yourself to add your voice to our national conversation. You need to prepare yourself to be informed and engaged as a citizen, to serve and to lead, to stand up for our proud American values and to honor them in your daily lives.” We’ve seen and cheered and swept away tears at her beautiful, moving speeches… So for a change of pace, make sure you check out her appearance on Billy On The Street (with special guest star Big Bird). We’ll miss you, FLOTUS!
DAY EIGHTEEN SHOUT-OUT:
I am OBSESSED with the Dear Prudence column and podcast on Slate.com. For realsies. Hang out with me for more than 30 minutes and chances are I’ll mention it in our conversation: “Oh! Did you read the most recent Dear Prudence?” All too often, advice columnists are limited by societal bullshit, but Mallory Ortberg as Dear Prudence gives the most thoughtful feminist, inclusive, progressive, intersectional advice and insight. When caught in a difficult situation, I often ask myself “What Would Dear Prudence Say?” Thanks for always making me think and feel comfortable in my instincts, Prudie!
DAY NINETEEN SHOUT-OUT:
Rockaway Beach Surf Club! Every Saturday, all summer long (and usually well into the fall), we’re here. Even more if we can make it. The food by Tacoway Beach is phenomenal, the beers are cold, the music is great, and they do the best “coco chop!” in the continental United States. Is it summer yet?
DAY TWENTY SHOUT-OUT:
Samantha Bee is the voice we so desperately need right now. She’s smart, funny, wears a blazer like nobody’s business, takes no shit, and is basically everything I could ever want to be(e)! If you’re not watching Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, GET ON IT. Like, now. Watch all the episodes you can. I can wait… Oh, and her autobigraphy, “I Know I Am But What Are You?” is super funny (of course) and also full of surprises… Did you know she used to steal cars? I wish I could be there at the march in Washington tomorrow to see her speak, but I’ll be there in spirit! I’m ALWAYS with you in spirit, Ms. Bee!
DAY TWENTY-ONE SHOUT-OUT:
No brainer for today: EVERYONE WHO MARCHED TODAY IN PERSON OR IN SPIRIT. Thank you!
DAY TWENTY-TWO SHOUT-OUT:
It’s no secret that I’m a HUGE fan of Evi Abeler Photography. Evi is my go-to photographer for absolutely everything not only due to her immense talent, skill, and professionalism, but more than that, she’s one of those rare professionals you can give a couple of notes to, then hands-off trust to do their thing and know it will turn out a gazillion times better than you could have ever imagined. Evi is dedicated to entrepreneurship and in addition to her for-hire photography services and print shop, she teaches classes and offers one-on-one coaching for business owners. She’s the full package, the real deal, and a true artist. I’m honored she’s in my life as a photographer, collaborator, and friend. See her work and discover how you can work with her or purchase her prints. And in addition to the amazing photographic work she does, she’s also a master videographer and has done two videos for me, one for my business (which holds a special place in my heart since it co-stars my dear friend Ann who passed away this past fall) as well as Doug’s and my pregnancy announcement. They were a lot of fun to make and turned out so beautifully (of course)!
DAY TWENTY-THREE SHOUT-OUT:
Carey MacArthur of Carey MacArthur Photography is a photographer and all-around badass whose work is every bit as lovely and full of depth as she is. Carey has shot beautiful work for my clients and has also taken treasured photos of me and my family. I’m a huge fan of her work and simply adore the passionate, professional, and serene woman she is behind the lens and in the world. Not only is Carey a super-duper talented photographer of professional women (and the occasional men), she is also the subject of my latest “I’m a Business, Woman” interview series on the blog. So not only do you get to see me sing her praises here, you can click through to get to know more about her journey, her approach, and check out more of her beautiful work!
DAY TWENTY-FOUR SHOUT-OUT:
My son’s caretakers and teachers. We literally couldn’t do it without you. Baby daycare (from three months to a year), then toddler daycare (one year to two years), and now preschool… You have taught him trust and love and friendship and happiness in ways we never could. You are our family, our support, our rock, and we love you.
One of Waylon’s caretakers at baby daycare is also our babysitter and has known him his entire life. She is as crazy about him as he is about her and we all love her to pieces. On Christmas Day she was in a terrible accident and after several weeks in the hospital is home, but still unable to work. If you have even $5 to spare and would consider making a contribution to her and her family, please comment or DM for Venmo or PayPal information.
If you live in Brooklyn and would like recommendations for day care or preschool or live elsewhere and just want to know more about our experience, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m happy to share.
DAY TWENTY-FIVE SHOUT-OUT:
Jo Latham is full of Texas warmth and Brooklyn cool. She’s got southern hospitality and New York sass. Regardless of where you find her, you’ll agree that her taste for classic, yet unique, fine jewelry is unparalleled. Looking to treat someone (or yourself) this Valentine’s Day? Head on over to http://jolatham.com/ to find the perfect gift. Not sure what to pick? Shoot Jo a message! She’ll help you find the right thing. For real. She’s really that great!
DAY TWENTY-SIX SHOUT-OUT:
Have you been to Superiority Burger yet? Go for the namesake burger, stay for the “new creation,” crunchy potatoes, and mouth-watering gelato and sorbet combinations. It’s so so so so good. (By the way, this is the third shout-out for a business on the south side of East 9th Street between 1st and A. So how about this: have a huge lunch at Superiority Burger, get your hair cut at Lovemore & Do, then treat yourself to a macaron or cookie at Confectionery. Best. Day. Ever.)
DAY TWENTY-SEVEN SHOUT-OUT:
Molly Beane is the delightful founder of the obsession-worthy all-natural skincare and lifestyle brand From Molly, With Love. Molly is one of the most motivated, dedicated, and positive business owners I’ve ever met. Her instincts are scarily perfect and she blows me away pretty much every day with news of some fantastic deal she’s landed or product she’s developed. Her passion and enthusiasm are addictive… And so are her products. So many all-natural products stop at being natural, but Molly’s committed to making things that are as high-quality and effective as they are good for you and the world.
Molly and I are currently working together on the branding of her business and the website’s not ready yet, but you can check out our packaging design and purchase her products on Etsy in the meantime. Shop her stuff now so you can say you were obsessed before everyone else: https://www.etsy.com/shop/frommollywithloveco
DAY TWENTY-EIGHT SHOUT-OUT:
Catbird is one of my favorite boutiques in Brooklyn. It’s super tiny and everything is pretty and sparkly and just the right amount of edgy and cool. It’s one of those rare stores so well done that you can simply send someone there and trust them to get you something lovely: https://www.catbirdnyc.com/
DAY TWENTY-NINE SHOUT-OUT:
Not that I go to the movies too often anymore, but when I do, I try to go to Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg. There are other options for getting food and booze served to you while you watch a movie (hello, Alamo Drafthouse), but Nitehawk is special. It has an art-house vibe that brings me back to the small theaters in my hometown. They have fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and a decent veggie burger. And if you arrive early, you get to see a special montage they create to set the tone for the feature and it’s always really well done. Time for a night out? Check it: http://www.nitehawkcinema.com/
DAY THIRTY SHOUT-OUT:
Laura Allen, aka ThePitchGirl.com, is one of those people who just “gets it.” “It” being that everything you do as a business is a pitch of some kind or another. Your website, a client meeting, speaking engagement, interaction with the press, or time in the infamous “elevator”—these all require custom pitches based on the audience, their needs, and the circumstances of the day. Or, as Laura calls it, “a pitch for every niche.” And while we all really want one all-purpose pitch we can memorize, you know she’s right—you really do need to prepare for each individual circumstance. And that’s why she works with her clients on an on-going basis so they’re always prepared. If you could use a little help with selling yourself or your business, give Laura a call. You’ll be in very good hands and my guess is you’ll love her as much as I do! https://www.thepitchgirl.com/
DAY THIRTY-ONE SHOUT-OUT:
I promised this shout-out back on day one and today, at last, is the day to honor the one, the only, the mighty, Melea Seward. Melea is a writer, content strategist, connector of people, idea generator, agent of change, force of nature, and all-around lovely, funny, and warm human bean. Those who know her follow her every move, sign up for her every class, and do as she says with a cult-like devotion. I have been fortunate to work with her both as her client and she mine, take her classes, collaborate with her on numerous projects, and work with dozens of her clients. Melea was the first one to believe in my potential—before I even believed in it myself. She is 100% responsible for any success I can claim today. Being in her orbit has made me a better business woman, citizen, and friend. For this I am forever grateful and indebted. Everyone needs a little Melea in their life. Trust me. Click through to her website to connect with her EVERYWHERE: http://meleaseward.com/