by Solange Lopes | Jul 15, 2018 | Career
Welcome to our career, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and fashion weekly news roundup! Think of it as your online watercooler/work gossip station/coffee break spot for now…Want to add anything to our list? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
- Summer is perfect for summer reads! Business Insider shares 17 books Barack Obama thinks everyone should read this summer;
- Are you a job seeker with disabilities? Glassdoor explains how job seekers with disabilities can improve their job prospects;
- Recruiter lists 8 benefits that actually stink;
- Are you starting a business? Forbes unveils the complete 35-step guide for entrepreneurs building their businesses;
- Ellevate Network lists five tips to for building mindful eating into your busy day;
- The Personal Branding Blog explains how to get back in gear post-maternity leave;
- Looking for a good online job? Recruiting Blogs shares 7 useful tips to find a good online job and become successful;
- Introvert alert! The Muse reveals a few tips on how introverts can make friends at work (according to fellow introverts);
- Faced with divorce? Ellevate Network tips you off on the financial essentials;
- The Corporate Sister shares 10 best subscription boxes every woman should try;
- Want to figure out what fruits or vegetables are in season? Lifehacker recommends this app.
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jul 9, 2018 | Working Mom & Woman Tips
As busy working women, it can be a challenge to find the time and energy to shop for the right products for us. Taking a trip to the store when you’re struggling with your to-do list or getting the kids from school can be nearly impossible at all times. Hence, monthly subscription boxes to ease the shopping process.
The principle is simple. You basically pay a monthly fee, which allows you to sample products without having to commit to the full price at retail. You also don’t have to leave the privacy of your home to get the best items fitted to your lifestyle, at your convenience. While there’s always the risk that you may order something that doesn’t fit you, or looks different than advertised, the overall positives outweigh the cons.
After marriage, kids and career, my days of leisurely shopping and comparing prices as I strolled through malls and boutiques were definitely over. I frankly had no desire to drag my babies to stores filled with people. Neither did I want to spend extra time looking for what I needed. That’s how I fell in love with subscription boxes. Plus the fact that you kinda get a surprise every single month in your mailbox…
Here are my 10 favorite subscription boxes for working women:
- Sparkle, Hustle & Grow
If you’re a female entrepreneur, or have a side hustle, the Sparkle, Hustle & Growmonthly box is for you! Every month, you get four to six items, including fun and chic accessories, desk supplies, as well as books to help you be more productive at work. You also get access to powerful online resources along with being automatically added to their Facebook group.
- ShoeDazzle
I admit, I’m shoe-obsessed! While parenting and the need for more conscious budgeting has slowed my shoe habit down over time, I’m still very much into beautiful yet practical footwork. ShoeDazzlehas been my go-to for shoes for quite a while now. The principle is simple. For a monthly membership fee of $39.99, you get to pick a pair of your favorite footwear among the selection offered every 30 days. Pretty convenient and a nice treat for shoe-lovers like myself!
The website also offers a selection of apparel, accessories and bags to choose from as well. As a monthly subscriber or VIP member, you also save on the prices of items you choose to purchase.
- JustFab
JustFab is similar to ShoeDazzle, as it works on a monthly membership basis as well. In the same way, you get your own personalized shopping boutique along with VIP credits to allow you to purchase the items of your choice.
Similarly, it offers apparel, accessories and bags. One additional common feature is your ability to “skip the month”, or elect not to pay the monthly fee and purchase a new item during the month of your choice.
- Fabletics
Fableticsis the athletic alter ego to Just Fab created by Kate Hudson. It works on the same monthly membership system. However, this is all about athletic wear for women and offers plus-size options as well.
- Adore Me
Adore Me offers affordable quality lingerie on a monthly membership basis as well. The principle is also pretty simple. You take a quiz to assess your lingerie needs, and get matched with various options personalized for you.
As a member, you get to pick a lingerie set of your choice every month. Your 6thmonth is at no cost to you, and exchanges as well as shipping are also free.
- Curlbox
Calling all curly girls! Founded by entrepreneur and thought leader Myleik Teele, Curlbox’s goal is to help curly girls find the best products for their naural hair, one monthly box at a time. For $20 a month, curly girls get to try various products from established brands. All you have to do is get on the list.
- Home Made Luxe
If you’re into crafts and are a Pinterest addict, then Home Made Luxeis right up your alley. This monthly craft subscription box delivers your favorite Pinterest-worthy craft projects right to your doorstep. You’ll get all the supplies you need to create outstanding home décor projects, plus a small bonus craft for you to enjoy.
- Birchbox
If you’ve ever searched for the right mascara or night cream for weeks on end, then you know that finding the right beauty product can be a challenge. EnterBirchbox! For $10 a month, you get your own personalized mix of skincare, fragrance, hair and makeup samples delivered right to you.
- CauseBox
If you love to spend your money towards good causes, you will love CauseBox! This monthly subscription box is filled with seasonal items produced by companies to empower women, be socially conscious, and create jobs. It’s a great way to get nice products, but also give back!
- Scentbird
For the woman who loves to smell good, this monthly subscription box offers 30 days worth of brand names perfumes. For $14.95 a month, you can pick a new scent every single month through Scentbird.
Bonus:
MMLafleur
Take the work out of your workwear!MMLafleursends you a professional wardrobe that will not only fit you to a T, but also fits your style. However, this is not a subscription service. You can simply order your style Bento box whenever you’d like.
What are your favorite monthly subscription boxes for women?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Jul 9, 2018 | Start Your Business
You’ve made up your mind, and have decided that you’re ready to start a side hustle. Maybe you need the extra money, or you’re itching for something new to do. Whatever the case is, you’ve made the decision to pick a side hustle. Now the question is: “What side hustle is right for you?”
In the current “gig economy” we live in, everyone seems to have a side hustle. From the financial analyst giving cardio classes at the local gym, to the lawyer creating artful paint works on the side, many of your friends and family members may already have one. However, as you get ready to embark on this new adventure and pick a side gig for yourself, you should be careful to choose one that suits your schedule, personality and abilities.
It’s one thing to have a side hustle. It’s another one to have a side gig that strengthens you, empowers you, and makes you some extra money. When I picked my own side hustle, it was based on what really motivates, inspires and empowers me personally. I did not want to invest any extra time, resources and energy on yet another to-do on my already busy list of activities.
If you’re wondering which side hustle is right for you, here are a few pointers you may want to consider:
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Identify your why
After all, this is an additional commitment you’re adding to your already busy schedule. Even if it’s just a side activity, it will require your time and resources. This is why it’s so important to make sure that your motives are aligned with who you are and what you are trying to accomplish.
Are you doing this just for the extra money? Or are you looking at the future and seeing a potential business opportunity? Is this to apply some of your dormant talents and skills? Or are you envisioning to bring your entire family on board some day? Is your motivation to create a freer lifestyle for yourself and your family? Or is it about creating spare income to go back to school or pursue another goal?
The point is, you must spend some time getting clear on your “why”. It will allow you to better define your side hustle and increase your commitment level. Additionally, your “why” will also be there to keep you going on those days that you feel like giving up.
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Start with your passions
Begin with passion. As much as you may want to be realistic, and maybe re-purpose some of your acquired skills, I find that passions make for the best side hustles. You already have to be practical in many areas of your life, starting with your day job. Why not pick a side hustle that taps into the skills, talents and passions you don’t get to explore at work?
Make a list of all the activities you enjoy doing. As a matter of fact, go a step further and list those you wouldn’t mind doing for free. This will give you a clear indication as to what you’re really passionate about. When you’re able to take money out of the equation, then you tru get clearer about what you love and…what you don’t.
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Check your schedule
Time is of the essence, and any side hustle requires extra time. If you schedule is already packed, you may have to re-consider what kind of side hustle you could fit in, and how you can re-arrange your time to do so. As such, checking your schedule is one of the most crucial steps to undertake.
Take an honest look at what you already have to do on your daily schedule. Assess how much free time you currently have on your schedule. Additionally, determine what you can let go of and replace with a side hustle of your choice.
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Narrow down your niche
Even after listing all the things and activities you enjoy doing, even those you wouldn’t mind doing for free, you may still have too much to choose from. As a matter of fact, you may now be more overwhelmed than when you first started. It’s normal. Many, if not most of us, have many interests and even passions we’d love to explore.
The next logical step is to narrow down your niche. This is a very personal process that requires you to look deep within, and explore which activity on your list would bring you the most fulfillment and would also have the post potential of developing well. You must also take into account the time that it would require, as compared to what your schedule would realistically allow.
It may take you a few days to come up with the right answer for you. However, I find that the more time you give yourself at this stage, the better equipped you will be to truly pick the best side hustle for you.
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Adjust your mindset
Devoting extra time and energy to a side hustle will also require a mindset shift. Do yourself a favor and adjust your mindset as you pick the right side hustle for you. Ask yourself questions such as:
“Am I mentally, emotionally and spiritually ready to pursue a side hustle?”
“Will a side hustle make me happier or overwhelm me?”
“Can I withstand the pressure of having a side gig?’
“Is this something I welcome in my life or do I feel resistance towards it?”
These personal inquiries will help you assess how you feel about integrating a side hustle into your life. They will also help you adjust your mindset from one of apprehension and maybe resistance, to one of acceptance and even excitement. This mindset shift will also serve you in the long run as you face obstacles and challenges running a successful side gig and business.
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Be open to experimenting
Picking the right side hustle for you is not a foolproof process. It may actually require a few tries before you find what really gets you going in terms of side gig. Be open to experimenting with a couple of ideas, if you haven’t successfully narrowed down your niche yet.
It takes some time to find out what you actually love doing. While you may have numerous passions and likes, experimenting with them may actually allow you to eliminate some and keep others. I experimented with freelancing, and writing in various capacities, before setting my heart on blogging and book writing. However, it took a few unsuccessful tries to figure out the right formula for me. Be patient with yourself as you go through this process.
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Learn from your mistakes
In the same way, be open to learning from your mistakes as you pick the right side hustle for you. Your process is very much unique. While it may take someone else about five minutes to settle on their perfect side gig, you may take longer to decide. As a matter of fact, you may start by picking the wrong side hustle, or have to adjust the side gig of your dreams to fir your personality and lifestyle.
In any case, look at the mistakes that may occur as you choose your side gig as stepping stones rather than obstacles. The more you can learn from them, the closer you may be getting to uncovering your ideal side gig.
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Enjoy the process
Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Even if this is about making extra money to pay your student loans or get out of debt, it is still a process that can allow you to learn a lot about yourself. Enjoy the process of exploring something new, learning, and growing as well! Remember, if it doesn’t bring you joy, then you may have to re-consider!
Now your turn: How did you pick the right side hustle for you?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Jul 6, 2018 | Working Mom & Woman Tips
When you’re a busy working woman, cooking healthy and delicious meals can be a challenge. Between running out of work to get home on time, remembering to defrost the meat or fish, and simply having enough time to shop for the right ingredients, it can be downright mission impossible.
As a working woman and mom of two who does not have any particular cooking talent, I know it all too well. However, there are great meal kits now available that can help make weeknights, and even weekend, meals a breeze.
Here are 10 of my favorite meal kits, perfect for the busy working woman in you:
5 dollar meal plan
$5 Meal Plan: For just $5 a month (yes, $5 a month), you can save on weeknight meals. You basically get delicious meal plans with meals costing about $2 a piece. The best part? You get a free 14-day free trial.
Hello Fresh
HelloFresh: You can get pre-measured ingredients to make delicious and healthy recipes right at your door every single week. All you have to do is pick your recipe, order and cook!
Blue Apron
Blue Apron: Get all the ingredients you need, already prepped and measured, to create delicious, chef-worthy recipes at your doorstep. You won’t have to suffer through the same boring weeknights recipes again.
Take Out Kit
TakeOut Kit:Scared that your meal kit will expire before you’ve had a chance to prepare it? These meal kits offer a 2-month self life and can be transported all around the world.
Gobble
Gobble: Ever wondered how you could make dinner in 15 minutes, minus the hassle and last-minute aggravation? Gobble is a cooking service that allows you to choose your meals from their diverse weekly menus. The chefs at Gobble will do all the heavy lifting, that is chopping, measuring and prepping all the ingredients. Your fresh 15-minute dinner kit will then be sent to your doorstep in a refrigerated box, and voila!
Platejoy
Platejoy: If you’ve ever wanted personalized meal plans and healthy, time-saving recipes to fit your busy working woman lifestyle, this is it! Based on advanced lifestyle quiz, custom meal plans are made for you. You can either have the necessary list of ingredients sent to you via phone or delivered to you for more convenience.
Sun Basket
Sun Basket: If you’ve been looking for a healthy meal kit service that uses organic ingredients, then you’ve found it.SunBasket will help you save money, time and energy, while cooking healthier. It also accommodates Paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian, Lean & Clean, and family plans.
Sakara Nutrition
Sakara nutrition: This service delivers plant-based nutrition as meals, supplements and snacks. Their mission is to use food as medicine through the power of plant-based eating.
Marley Spoon
Marley Spoon: Want to enjoy seasonal ingredients and some delicious Martha Stewart-approved recipes? You can order and let your tastebuds dance every time you receive your prepped meal package.
Home Chef
Home Chef: Want a healthy and delicious meal cooked at home? Give it 30 minutes from your doorstep to a fully-cooked dinner with Home Chef.
What other meal kits would you recommend?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Jul 3, 2018 | Career
Being a mompreneur comes with its challenges. Combining the pressures of running a successful business with that of raising kids can seem impossible for many. You never quite sign off of being a mom. When you’re an entrepreneur, clocking out of your business is rarely an option as well. When you add to it the fact that many, if not most moms, have an abbreviated schedule in the summer as kids are out of school, it can even be more challenging. And then, can we talk about the hear, shining sun and lack of motivation as the weather warms up as well?
As a mompreneur myself, I’ve found myself slipping away from my business responsibilities in the summertime. Between organizing kids’ activities, beach days, cookouts and other fun distractions, keeping up with my business responsibilities has been tough. The pressures of enjoying the great weather with the kids, or simply relaxing, were way too great to ignore.
So how do you manage your business effectively in the summer as a mompreneur? How do you still work smart while being present with your family and taking the time to relax? After many weeks of teetering on the edge of complete inactivity and frantic multi-tasking, here are a few pointers I learnt from experience and other mompreneurs about managing our businesses in the summer:
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Change your mindset
I’ve found it necessary to change my mindset in the summer in order to be productive and present with my family. Instead of an “I can do it all” type of mindset, I’ve willfully switched to an “I can do it well” one.
What this means is that instead of trying to fit in as much as possible in my schedule, I focus on quality. It also means that I’m taking on fewer projects in the summer, and reduce my client workload on purpose. This allows me to spend more time with family, but also to allocate more quality time to my activities, whether professional or personal.
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Automate as much as you can
Automation is any mompreneur’s friend. Remembering to return a client call or pay the mortgage can seem like yet another chore, unless it’s automatically scheduled. Since you’ll have less time to spend on work and other responsibilities, make sure to take your precautions and schedule as much as you can in advance.
For me, it means automating most of my bills, setting auto-responder sequences in my business and automatically scheduling my social media posts. In addition to giving me peace of mind, it also allows me to still be effective in less time yet with as much, if not more impact.
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Set reminders
There are a lot of competing priorities when you’re a mompreneur. You may just not have the bandwidth and energy to remember them all. This is why setting reminders for yourself is not just good planning, it’s necessary to keep your business running as smoothly as possible!
I set daily, weekly and monthly reminders of important meetings, events and deliverables to ensure they don’t slip my mind. Additionally, the brain space I can save by doing this is better used cleaning up the mess the kids make.
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Target priorities
In the summer more than ever, setting priorities in your business is key. Not everything is going to get done, and that’s ok. This is when you must start thinking in terms of your desired impact and results.
What are the clients that are important for you to service? Which projects are top of mind? Wat tasks are most instrumental and can yield the biggest results in the shortest amount of time?
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Take care of yourself
While summer is the proverbial relaxation time, it’s easy to get drowned in a myriad of activities as well, especially as a mompreneur. Faced with an irregular kids’ schedule, lack of motivation and business demands, it can be tempting to overwork yourself to get it all done.
Instead, you should invest some time in your favorite self-care activities. For those of you who like me don’t get much of a summer, enjoy the outdoors and take the opportunity to wind down.
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Pick your devils
In other terms, pick your distractions. There are many distractions out there in the summer, especially with kids. Avoiding them all is nearly impossible. Pick the ones that will not ruin your entire productivity or prevent you from having fruitful family time.
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Enjoy the process!
Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Summertime is a wonderful time to make family memories, so take it easy on yourself, be compassionate with yourself and have fun!
Now your turn: How do you manage your business in the summer as a mompreneur?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
