Common Branding Mistakes Small Businesses Make

Sep 14, 2023

In our series Selfmade U, we’ll tackle the most common questions and pain points that come up for business owners with tips and tricks from Selfmade, a virtual business coaching program, founded by Brit + Co founder Brit Morin and sponsored by Office Depot OfficeMax. We’ll hear from Selfmade members and business coaches on what it takes to run a successful business and make it as an entrepreneur.

Creating a unique brand identity can help you stand out from your competitors and keep your target audience coming back for more when done right. “This identity includes the brand logo and color scheme but it’s also your messaging and the overall experience your customers have with your business. How do you want them to feel?,” says Selfmade coach Bex Moxley in her Branding 101 workshop.

When Selfmade member Amber Bogen was pregnant with her daughter, she found the selection of books for Black children limiting. “I wanted to build her a library full of books where she would feel loved, and seen, and empowered, and represented,” she says. “Unfortunately, I felt like I kept hitting a brick wall. There were some but I felt like there should be more.”

That set her on the path to write her first story, an affirmation poem that her daughter started to sing along with her. “She would light up when I would say the little poem to her. And it was just a cute little moment between us.”

Nearly 8 years and six books later, Amber has entered a new phase of her independent boutique children’s book publishing company that celebrates Black joy. “I am on this journey of formalizing everything and getting a professional brand aesthetic, website and all of those things ready to take it to the next level.”

Amber recently received an Office Depot OfficeMax scholarship to Selfmade, where she earned the top prize in the pitch competition and was able to hone in on her branding and reach new customers.

“Selfmade has truly been amazing for me,” says Amber. “When I joined I was just in the beginning stages of thinking about doing a complete rebrand. The coaches and other members in the community have helped me navigate that space.”

When Amber decided to officially trademark her business, she decided to rebrand the name to Little Bogen Books. “As a new entrepreneur, I understand now that I really want to make sure that I create my own lane in terms of my branding. This was more of a passion project before, and when I began the process of trademarking my publishing house, I ran into an issue.” Still, she says, her customer base connected with her brand aesthetic and the emotion she was trying to convey in her branding. “I'm going to stay true to a lot of that but just with a different name.”

Small business owners often make branding mistakes that can hinder their growth and success. Here are common branding mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: They lack a brand strategy: Before jumping into the branding aspect of your business, it’s important to know who your target audience is, what your unique selling proposition is, and what your brand values are. “I’ve been in business for a few years now, so I’ve been able to learn about my customer and what she needs,” says Amber. “In my line of business, I have two customers: the buyer who is the parent or adult and then I have the user who is the child, so I have to appeal to both audiences.” Take the time to develop a brand strategy that keeps your audience in mind.

Mistake #2: They ignore the customer experience: Branding is not just about logos and marketing materials. Pay attention to every touchpoint, from the first interaction to customer support post-purchase, so that you can make sure that your brand promises align with the actual customer experience. Neglecting to focus on the customer journey and failing to deliver a positive experience can actually hurt your brand.

Mistake #3: They lack consistency: You want to make sure your messaging, visuals, and tone are consistent across platforms. Look at the overall look and feel: from logos to colors to fonts to brand voice to make sure your marketing sounds like it’s coming from the same brand. If branding and marketing isn’t your strength, consider hiring a freelancer to help you create a consistent look and feel.

Mistake #4: They overlook brand storytelling: Stories can make a powerful impact on how people connect with your brand. Sharing your brand’s story, values, and mission can create an emotional connection with your customers and help you build a strong brand identity.

Mistake #5: They copy competitors: Small business owners can fall into the trap of imitating their competitor’s branding strategies. You want to stay informed about industry trends, but copying can make your brand appear unoriginal. Strive for authenticity and find unique ways to stand out in the market.

Mistake #5: They don’t evolve with the market: “Even if you think that your branding is pretty nailed down, it’s always good to review your branding because things change all the time,” says coach Moxley. “Business changes, society changes, our audience changes. We need to adapt and adjust as times go on.”

Amber says she frequently surveys her audience in email and on social media to understand what topics and trends they’re interested in. “I ask questions about their children’s experiences at school and their conversations at home to help inform my books,” says Amber. “I love keeping my audience engaged with behind the scenes content or asking them to vote on a cover design.”

Pitching her publishing company in the Selfmade pitch competition gave Amber the validation and confidence she needed to keep moving forward. “Having a really good opening statement is really important to spark the attention of the judges and the audience,” she says. And that she did, earning a $5000 grant from Office Depot OfficeMax to help propel her business forward.

“I got new office furniture and because I’m in the middle of a rebrand, I’m going to use the money to create retractable banners and marketing materials for my vending spaces,” she says. “Selfmade has helped to catapult my business even in just a short period of time.”

To learn more about growing your business, sign up for the !

Illustrated by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

Branding takes a creative approach to connecting with your target audience. Office Depot OfficeMax can help you organize & save time with a suite of business services & solutions to help you accomplish more – from signs, posters & banners to get your business noticed to marketing materials to help bring your brand vision to life.

Run A Business In California? This Free Loan Tool Can Help You Grow

CA Small Business Loan Match

business loans

Are you a small business owner looking for a good loan to grow your business? California Small Business Loan Match makes it easier to find the right loan for you. Loan Match pre-vets mission-driven lenders and matches you with the best lender for your business, at no-cost. Get started in less than 10 minutes with a brief pre-application and no credit check required!

Loan Match is powered by IBank, a state government agency that helps to promote healthier economies and improve quality of life in California communities. All lenders are enrolled in IBank’s Loan Guarantee Program, which helps bridge the gap between responsible lenders and small businesses.

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Wondering if you're eligible? Any business operating in the state of California, with 1 to 750 employees, is eligible. You just need to be a business entity (Sole Proprietor, LLC, Cooperative, Corporation, Partnership, S-Corporation, or Not-For-Profit), and operate in an eligible industry according to the 2022 NAICS codes (read: a legit business).

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Fill out a short pre-application questionnaire that takes just minutes to complete. No credit check required!

Step 2: Based on your eligibility, they’ll match you with lenders who fit your needs.

Step 3: Review details about each lender, select the one you like, and they’ll connect you with them.

Step 4: The lender will reach out within three business days to complete the application process. (You’ll also get their contact info so you can follow up directly.)

Most California Small Business Loan Match lenders are certified as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which means they offer competitive rates but specialize in helping borrowers who don’t meet the rigid lending criteria of traditional banks — for example, small businesses that have a lower credit score, a prior defaulted loan, or no up-front collateral. CDFIs specialize in helping people in lower-income communities too, and offer a much more flexible and affordable repayment plan than online lenders or Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) loans.

Check them out to help you grow your business, meeting our mission to help you succeed! Good luck!

Hero photo by Amina Filkins

George And Amal Clooney's Courtship Included...Letters From His Dog?

George and Amal Clooney are one of the celebrity couples I’d personally be upset over if they ever break up. Like...my heart just wouldn’t be able to handle it because their love story is one for the books — not to mention all the power couple fashion moments we'd miss out on!

I was introduced to George Clooney’s work via Quentin Tarantino’s movieFrom Dusk ‘Til Dawn (thanks, dad) and have always found him to be a force of nature, but I didn’t take him for the ‘settling down’ type. Imagine my surprise when the man who once claimed he’d never get married eventually found himself smitten with Amal Alamuddin, an intelligent Human Rights Lawyer.

Since their fateful first meeting at George’s home years ago, the two have gone on to get married, have children, and even established the Clooney Foundation for Justice together. If you can’t get enough of their relationship either, here’s a full timeline of their love story!

George and Amal Clooney's Full Relationship Timeline

Image via Andrew Goodman/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night

July 2013: George And Amal Clooney’s First Introduction

In 2018, George sat down with David Letterman on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction to recount various moments from his life, including when he first met Amal. He remembers being at home at Lake Como when one of his friends asked if they could bring a plus one with them.

To make things even wilder, his own agent let him know his bachelor days would soon be over. “I got a call from my agent who called and said, ‘I met this woman who’s coming to your house who you’re gonna marry,’” he said.

Once he met Amal and began talking to her, it was apparent they had chemistry that resulted in them exchanging emails. George told The Hollywood Reporter, “I thought she was beautiful, and I thought she was funny and obviously smart…Then she sent some pictures from when she was here, and we were writing each other, emailing, talking, mostly about what was going on in each other’s lives, and over a period of time it became clear we were more than just friends.”

I’m being dramatic, but I think this dispels the idea that it’s impossible to find love if you don’t leave home.

Image via Cindy Ord/Getty Images

October 2013: George and Amal Have Their First Date

George also told The Hollywood Reporter about how their first official date came to be. He was in London overseeing the music for Monuments Men and decided to invite Amal for a visit. “Then we went for dinner…and when we came out, there were 50 paparazzi there. But she handled it like a champ. And pretty quickly, things escalated once I was in London,” he said

While they dated and got to know each other, they told CBS that they wrote each other letters. While they described that courtship, Amal added that some of the letters George wrote to her came from...his dog? Talk about bringing someone into your inner world! TBH, I'm more than here for it — let your sweet, goofy flag fly, George!

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner

April 2014: George and Amal Get Engaged

I always say there’s no denying when you’ve fallen in love with someone, and that couldn’t be more true for George and Amal Clooney who got engaged after six months of dating. Seriously, the way George proposed is something out of a romantic fairytale because he planned it. Not only that, but he cooked for her and sent her on a short scavenger hunt — except she didn’t know she was supposed to be looking for a ring.

He revealed even more details about the moment during his interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I did all the stuff, got down on my knee and did all the things you’re supposed to do. I had a playlist with my Rosemary [Clooney] songs on it, and I was waiting for this song, ‘Why Shouldn’t I,’” he said.

Needless to say, Amal happily accepted his proposal! Ironically,I’m starting to realize there’s not always a set timeline for people to get engaged or married after dating. Some people only date for a few months while others date for years before deciding to get married. It’s all very personal.

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI

September 2014: George And Amal Clooney Get Married

It wouldn’t be right if the couple didn’t get married in Italy, the country where they first met. Of course they were free to get married wherever they wanted, but leave it to the Clooneys to keep the romance going.

People reported the lovely couple wed at the Aman Canal Grande resort and guests like Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and John Krasinski were in attendance.

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images

January 2015: George and Amal Grace the Red Carpet Together

For the first time ever, George and Amal Clooney made an appearance on the red carpet at the beginning of 2015. They attended the Golden Globes together where George received the famed lifetime achievement award.

Towards the end of his speech, George praised Amal in only a way that a man truly in love with his wife could. He said, "You make every single day — every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday — feel as special as tonight..."

Image via Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images

Late 2016: George and Amal Found the Clooney Foundation for Justice

By 2016, George and Amal Clooney decided to found the Clooney Foundation for Justice — an organization that aims to shed light around social injustices found across the globe. They've prioritized spending their own money to help those in need without a second thought and have even donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Image via Clemens Bilan/Getty Images

February 2017: PEOPLE confirms George and Amal are expecting twins

Almost three years after getting married, a source close to George and Amal Clooney revealed the two were expecting a baby together. They told People, "They’re all very happy," referring to the couple's family.

George later revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he was shocked when he discovered the couple would actually become parents to twins. He recalled their experience in the ultrasound room. "He goes, 'Well, there's one.' And I said, 'Great.' And then he goes, 'And there's the second one.' And I was like, 'What?' We just sat there, staring at that piece of paper they give you, and I kept thinking there was a mistake," he said of the exchange between the doctor and the couple.

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

June 2017: George and Amal Clooney Welcome Their Twins

People also reported the birth of George and Amal Clooney's twins — Alexander and Ella — during the summer of 2017. "This morning Amal and George welcomed Ella and Alexander Clooney into their lives. Ella, Alexander and Amal are all healthy, happy and doing fine. George is sedated and should recover in a few days," they revealed in lighthearted joint statement.

September 2017: George and Amal Clooney Make Their First Appearance After Becoming Parents

Later that year, George and Amal Clooney graced the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival in support of George's film Suburbicon. George — an ever dapper gentleman — wore a classic black tuxedo while Amal wore a lilac Versace gown.

Image via Gareth Fuller - WPA Pool/Getty Images

May 2018: George and Amal attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding

Things were quiet for the couple until the spring of 2018. They attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's highly publicized wedding. They were just a few of the celebrities that were seen in the crowd.

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

February 2022: George and Amal accept the Catalyst Award together

A couple of years later, George and Amal Clooney were the proud recipients of the joint Catalyst Award from the Elevate Prize Foundation. The amazing work they'd been doing in connection with the Clooney Foundation for Justice hadn't gone unnoticed and they were praised for their amazing philanthropic work.

While accepting the award, George gave a moving speech about their foundation's purpose. "One of the Elevate Prize Foundation's core values is human safety and freedom...Our goal at the foundation is to free the innocent and punish the guilty. I think we're both inspired by the young people out there challenging injustice in their communities, a new generation that won't accept the status quo," he said.

Image via Joe Maher/Getty Images

September 2022: George and Amal attend London premiere of Ticket to Paradise

The couple then attended the London premiere of Ticket to Paradise where they looked refreshed and glowy. This is my attempt to be appropriate, but they truly looked smoking h-o-t!This time George wore a three-piece suit while Amal stunned in beautiful slip dress.

Image via Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

October 17, 2022: George and Amal attend Ticket to Paradise Los Angeles premiere

They then attended the L.A. premiere of Ticket to Paradise where George looked debonair in a grey suit. Amal wore a gorgeous Alexander McQueen number that was an appropriate nod to the film's paradise theme.

Image via Mike Coppola/Getty Images

December 3, 2022: George and Amal Attend The Kennedy Center Honors

George and Amal Clooney attended the Kennedy Center Honors where he, along with honorees, received a nod for lifetime achievements. They were a picture of perfection on the red carpet, especially Amal. She dazzled in a lovely Valentino gown that looked amazing on her frame.

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

August 31, 2023: The Couple Attend The DVF Awards in Venice

While attending the DVF Awards in Venice, Amal received the DVF Leadership Award. During her acceptance speech, Amal thanked George for being by her side. People reports she said, "Venice is the place where almost nine years ago we were married. I just wanted to say, you, my love, like this city, take my breath away, and you make our lives magical. It is sometimes hard to believe you exist, so thank you for being the brightest light in my life.”

September 28, 2023: George and Amal host The Albies

Before the end of 2023, People reported George and Amal Clooney hosted their foundation's second annual Albies at the New York Public Library to continue highlighting the importance of securing human rights for all.

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Header image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

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Pamela Anderson Adds Celebrity Author To Her Resume With New Cookbook

People love to say "curiosity killed the cat" without mentioning that "satisfaction brought it back" — hence my love for celebrity books and memoirs. Apart from their superstar status, celebs are still humans who have other interests and lives outside of what's made them famous. Celebs are oftentimes placed on a pedestal, so reading their memoirs, novels, and otherwise helps humanize them. If you want a better picture of your fave celebs, here are the 36 best celebrity memoirs and books you can add to your bookshelves today.

Celebrity Memoirs

The Woman in Meby Britney Spears

The Woman in Me peels back all of the mysterious layers of Britney Spears but this time, her recollections are in her voice. She introduces us to her rocky childhood, acquiring fame and so much more in this moving memoir. It's Britney like we've never read about her before.

Willby Will Smith

Instead of letting the media continue speculating about his life, Will Smith also penned a moving memoir. From his days growing up in a sometimes volatile household to securing the title of one of the biggest superstars, Smith points out the cracks in his foundation.

Worthyby Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith is on a mission to reclaim her narrative with Worthy. Her recollection of her upbringing and various experiences leading up to being in the spotlight are eloquently penned in a way only she's capable of.

Thicker Than Waterby Kerry Washington

When an event prompts her parents to unearth a secret they never intended to tell her, Kerry Washington begins recounting her life from childhood trauma to discovering the acting world. Throughout the book, Washington takes readers on a journey that helps her answer a question she's always asked herself — will she get the answers?

We're Going to Need More Wineby Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union's prolific retelling of her life's stories are both hilarious, agonizing and heartfelt at the same time. Each page feels like you're sitting across from an old friend, drinking wine and catching up on life. Throughout We're Going to Need More Wine, Union introduces us to moments she's doubted herself, experienced sexual assault, and even talks about her first marriage. It's a must-read.

Love, Pamelaby Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson is finally getting her flowers — as she deserves — and it's beautiful to witness. Instead of letting everyone else tell her story in order to fit their narrative, she dives into who she really is in Love, Pamela. She also weaves in poetry she's written

Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Storiesby Kelly Ripa

I grew up watching Live With Regis and Kelly so I was excited to dive into Kelly Ripa's Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories. She takes her notable on-air personality and pours it into each page whether she's recounting motherhood or things she's experienced in her career.

Paris: The Memoirby Paris Hilton

If you grew up saying, "That's hot," every five minutes, then you were probably bit by the Paris bug. Made famous by her rich girl persona, she was able to market herself and carve a lane apart from the Hilton name. But her book Paris: The Memoir paints a different picture than the public came to know. In her own words, she describes who she truly is, the struggles she's faced and the beautiful life she is creating for her family now.

Finding Meby Viola Davis

Reading Viola Davis' Finding Me tore my soul open and lovingly put it back together again. It's a memoir that details her traumatic childhood and the things she's had to face in Hollywood. At the same time, tales of love and resilience are weaved throughout Finding Me that readers will be able to see that she did in fact find herself.

Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Upby Selma Blair

Actress Selma Blair takes readers behind the scenes as she remembers her upbringing that was shaped by being labeled a mean baby. She pulls back the layers of herself in Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up and relates them to the woman she is today.

I'm Glad My Mom Diedby Jennette McCurdy

At first glance, Jennette McCurdy's I'm Glad My Mom Died immediately catches your eye and makes you exasperatedly ask "What?" But once you begin reading about McCurdy's fraught and toxic relationship with her mother, you realize the title is just one complicated peek at everything she's endured.

Scrappy Little Nobodyby Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick's impeccable timing in movies is all attributed to who she is off-screen. In Scrappy Little Nobody, she details going to school while still pursuing an acting career and various awkward moments she's had. It's a fun read when you're looking for a boost of dopamine and a little second-hand embarrassment.

You Should Sit Down For This: A Memoir About Life, Wine, and Cookiesby Tamera Mowry-Housley

Watching Sister, Sister was like a rite of passage for me, so it makes sense that reading a book by one of the Mowry twins brought a smile to my face.You Should Sit Down For This: A Memoir About Life, Wine, and Cookies is a mix of memories, her favorite snacks, and nuggets of wisdom written by Tamera Mowry-Housley.

The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were Thereby Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey

Calling all The Office fans! Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey wrote a book that details the beautiful friendship they built as a result of this classic TV series. They detail key moments from the set of The Office and all the inner workings of mom life in The Office BFFS: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There.

Born to Runby Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen is a *legend* in the music industry with a more than a memorable career. In Born to Run, he gives a readers a peek into his life leading up to the musician he became and everything that's shaped his life thus far, leaning into his innate storytelling ability and painting a poetic picture of life on the road to fame.

Bossypantsby Tina Fey

Tina Fey's longstanding comedic career has taken her from SNL all the way to the big screen but it's all a part of the dream she had as a little girl. Bossypants takes a look at Fey's life as she recalls various moments from her past and present.

Yes Pleaseby Amy Poehler

Before her own long stint on SNL, Amy Poehler appeared on Comedy Central and has ultimately created a career that's filled with her memorable comedic timing and goofy persona. She brings that same energy to Yes Please, and it'll remind readers why they fell in love with her in the first place.

Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Upby Naya Rivera

The late and ever-lovely Naya Rivera may have captured hearts during her time on Glee, and her book Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up is sure to keep them. It details all the things she's learn to apologize for, and what she chose to be unapologetic about.

Open Bookby Jessica Simpson

Singer-turned-entrepreneur Jessica Simpson is known for hits like "With You" and "I Belong To Me" but she's also an author. Written in 2020, Open Book cracks open the parts of Simpson's life she's kept hidden from view.

Greenlightsby Matthew McConaughey

Confession — I immediately fell in love with Matthew McConaughey's southern drawl when I watched The Wedding Planner in 2001. Ever since the first moment he appeared onscreen, my young mind added him to my list of favorite actors. Reading Greenlights was a ride I wasn't ready to get off because it dared to expose every crevice of McConaughey's life in a way he's learned to make peace with. It reads like a masterclass in accepting every moment of life and I can't recommend it enough!

Pageboy: A Memoirby Elliot Page

Despite a stellar performance in Juno, Elliot Page couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't living in his full truth — and then it happened. After a memorable moment of PDA, Elliot knew it was time for him to start making changes. Pageboy: A Memoir peels back all of the layers that covered Elliot — some doused with harm — to unveil who he really is.

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci's incredible career as an actor allowed us to learn more about his equally impressive chef skills. After releasing The Tucci Cookbook and The Tucci Table: Cooking With Family and Friends, Stanley Tucci shared his memoir Taste: My Life Through Food with fans in 2021. It details his Italian-American background — the origin of his love for food — and the beautiful ways his life has revolved around cooking ever since.

My Name is Barbaraby Barbra Streisand

Simply put, Barbara Streisand is a living legend. Her career is as expansive as it impressive, and we love that. For the first time, she's telling her own story in My Name Is Barbara. From the streets of Brooklyn, NY to the big stage, Barbara's life is riddled with highs and lows that have shaped who she is today.

Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestonesby Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton's unforgettable style is well-known and has transcended generations. In Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, she dives into when she fell in love with fashion and how she's made sure it's evident throughout her career.

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop (Available September 17, 2024)

From her role in Dirty Dancing to playing the memorable grandmother in Gilmore Girls, Kelly Bishop's career has been full of highlights and she's ready to talk about it in her upcoming memoir The Third Gilmore Girl. Readers will learn more about the experiences that have shaped her — from marriage to career choices — and the way she chooses to move through life with optimism in sight.

Celebrity Cookbooks

Whiskey in a Teacupby Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is the kind of actress (and person) I wanna sit down and reminisce on growing up in the south with. Since we can't have a face-to-face conversation, reading Whiskey in a Teacup is the next best thing. She talks about everything from having a book club to making the best southern biscuits ever.

Cooking from the Spirit: Easy, Delicious , and Joyful Plant-Based Inspirationsby Tabitha Brown

Known as the internet's vegan auntie, Tabitha Brown is the epitome of joy and making vegan food look absolutely delicious. For all the people who wish they could taste the recipes she shares with us on Instagram, Cooking from the Spirit: Easy, Delicious, and Joyful Plant-Based Inspirations is a great alternative.

Rebel Homemaker: Food, Family, Lifeby Drew Barrymore

Hollywood's darling Drew Barrymore brings readers into her home and kitchen where she shares tasty recipes, photos and more in Rebel Homemaker: Food, Family, Life.

Cravings: All Togetherby Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen has proven she's more than R&B singer John Legend's wife with her modeling career and larger-than-life internet presence, but she's also a *skilled* cook. With Cravings: All Together, Teigen shares her favorite comfort food recipes that she turns to time and time again.

Whole New You: How Real Food Transforms Your Life for a Healthier, More Gorgeous Youby Tia Mowry

I personally love this cookbook written by Tia Mowry because she shares how learning about the root of her painful period cramps — caused by her struggle with endometriosis — led her to start making healthier food choices. It's filled with recipes that helped me transform my own cycles and create yummy meals that I still rely on today.

I Love You: Recipes from the Heart by Pamela Anderson

After releasing her heartfelt memoir, Pamela Anderson's ready to share her yummy recipes with the world! I Love You: Recipes from the Heart will be a real treat because she's diving into what can be best described as comfort meals. People shared a portion of her press release that talks about why this cookbook means everything to her. She said, "This book has been a labor of love — from my heart, spilling out to the universe...with all my favorite things from my life of food and whimsy...inspired by my travels but mostly from the island I grew up on, a rainforest that deserves all the glory."

Our mouths are already watering!

Celebrity Children's Books

Big Words for Little Peopleby Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis has graced the big screen for decades, but she's since added celebrated children's author to her resume. Big Words for Little People helps young kids embrace bigger words even when they look intimidating.

Busy Bettyby Reese Witherspoon

Instead of writing another memoir or cookbook, Reese Witherspoon penned a tale about a little girl who has big energy with a personality to match. Perhaps the sweetest thing about Busy Betty is that our titular character is being celebrated for these things, even while learning to relate to the world around her.

Sweet Child O' Mineby Guns N' Roses

This children's book is all about Maya and Natalia Rose's adventures being surrounded by love and music. It's a beautiful depiction of the song by rock band Guns N' Roses that your little ones will request nightly.

The First Notes: The Story of DO, RE, MIby Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton

Julie Andrews and her talented daughter Emma Walton Hamilton share a love of helping young children appreciate the beauty of music. In The First Notes: The Story of DO, RE, MI, they introduce readers to Italian monk Guido. He's the reason why the musical scale exists together although he was initially ridiculed for his discovery.

Sulweby Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong'o's Sulwe is an amazing children's book about accepting the beauty of who we are instead of longing to look or be like others. It's a great addition to your little one's library as you work on affirming them.

The One and Only Sparkellaby Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum penned this hilarious and sweet tale of The One and Only Sparkella to celebrate the relationship a dad has with his young daughter. When Ella is discouraged because of her classmates' response to her colorful personality and style, her dad helps her embrace who she is so she's able to walk into school as the sparkly gem she is!

Which celebrity books and memoirs are you going to read this weekend? Let us know in the comments!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead images via Amazon.

This post has been updated.

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Desperate For Long Nails? How To Finally Make Your Nails Grow Faster

Nails breaking constantly? Wishing you didn't have to rely on tips at the salon? Desperate for that long nail look? You’re not alone. Despite it being used as an annoying and vapid phrase women would say in TV shows, breaking a nail is very painful and can ruin a (usually expensive) manicure. But don’t fret — we’ve rounded up five simple ways to get your nails to grow longer and stronger.

What causes weak fingernails?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

But first, what causes unhealthy, brittle, breakable nails? A lot of factors that may not instantly come to mind. According to WebMD, these factors can contribute to weak nails:

Aging: As we get older, our nails get thinner and can crack or peel.
Harsh nail products: Both nail polish and nail polish remover can have strong chemicals that can damage and dry out your nails, leading them to break.
Wet nails: Consistently have your hands in water, maybe doing the dishes or bathtime for the kids? This could be drying out your nails.
Underlying health issues: Vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and many other health issues could be the cause of nails breaking.

How can I strengthen my nails?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Dealing with some of these factors? While we can’t help you with the underlying health issues (please see a doctor if you think you may be dealing with something!), there are many easy things you can do to improve your nails and encourage growth.

Cuticle oil
Biotin
Diet
Nail protection
Avoid picking and peeling

Here's why each factor is important, plus how you can go about successfully achieving them.

Find a Cuticle Oil

You may only use cuticle oil when your manicurist applies it, but that doesn't have to be the case. Cuticle oils are an inexpensive and easy way to promote nail health and growth by keeping your nails hydrated. Cosmetically, cuticle oils encourage longer-lasting manis and leave your nails looking shiny and polished. But they do much more below the surface: cuticle oils create a healthier environment that allows strong growth for your nails.

Interested in adding cuticle oil to your beauty routine? Check our a few of my faves:

Photo via Cora Pursley/Dupe

Explore Biotin

Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that helps our bodies turn food into energy. It’s also one of the top recommended supplements for hair and nail growth, and for good reason. Many scientists say a daily biotin supplement can improve nail strength in as little as a few weeks.

“Since it is water soluble, biotin (or vitamin B7) can’t be stored in the body and must be acquired from diet or through supplementation,” shared Rachel Kilroy, Director of Product Innovation at Solaray, the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness. Solaray has developed a new supplement that provides biotin in a unique way.

“Solaray’s Timed Release Biotin strategically supports nail health with a powerful 5,000 mcg of this important nutrient, delivering half of the biotin rapidly and the other half gradually over a period of up to 8 hours for sustained support,” Kilroy continued. “With consistent use, this vegan formula—lab verified for purity and potency—can provide comprehensive support for longer, stronger nails.”

Supplements not your thing? Biotin can be found naturally in many foods, like cooked eggs, whole grains, soy and other beans, nuts and nut butters, salmon, mushrooms, and cauliflower.

Photo via Daniella Cappellari/Dupe

Eat A Nail Friendly Diet

Nails require a balanced, healthy diet for proper growth and strength. According to Medical News Today, making small tweaks to your diet can make a big impact on your nails. Adding in nutrients like more iron or calcium in your diet will have your nails growing long and strong.

Dieticians recommend a colorful diet for nail growth consisting of colorful fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meat, avocado, sweet potato, and whole grains.

Photo via Sash Gabriel/Dupe

Protect Your Nails While Wet

Constantly doing dishes, managing bath time, gardening, or swimming? The water may be the cause of your breakage.

Your nails are like sponges, constantly expanding and contracting when water goes in or out of the nail cells. This can strain your nails, causing them to weaken, peel, and then break.

When possible, grab a pair of rubber gloves to wear while cleaning to protect your nails from the water and make sure to fully dry your nails after they’re in water. Hand creams are also a win for your nails after water exposure.

Avoid Picking, Peeling or Biting

Bad habits that are addicting. While peeling off your gel manicure can be so satisfying, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your nails. Same with constantly picking or biting your nails. As someone who used to constantly bite her nails down, I can assure you my nails are much healthier and stronger after kicking that habit.

Want to quit that habit? Try a nail bite deterrent, like this one from ella+mia or this one from LONDONTOWN and watch your nails grow before your eyes.

Looking for more beauty tips and inspo? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter for more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Laura Walt/Dupe

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Yulin Kuang’s Debut Novel “How To End A Love Story” Is Summer's Hottest Book Club Pick

I've got a thing for Reese Witherspoon's book club which is why I couldn't wait to get my hands on Yulin Kuang's debut novel How to End a Love Story. Chosen as Reese's Book Club's May Pick, it features a romance that almost shouldn't make sense. I mean, when's the last time you realized you trauma bonded with someone? Except Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's character arcs as well as the entire plot of How to End a Love Story doesn't even feel like that.

Instead, Yulin uncannily peels back the layers of what it means to be a layered human being who happens to be carrying trauma, talent, success, imposter syndrome, and burning desire in their hearts. Even that doesn't scratch the surface of who Helen and Grant are. Trying to capture their essence feels like I'm stumbling over my words which points to how great this novel is and that means Yulin's goal has been accomplished.

Though she loves perfectly executed rom-coms and is fortunate to be working on them in the filmmaking space, she doesn't consider How to End a Love Story as one. "...I was searching for something more aligned with the Brontë sensibility of romance in the writing of this book. Less warmth and charm, more id-level storytelling and unchecked carnal desire," she explains.

Yulin Kuang's Journey To "How To End A Love Story"

Image via Zach Wallnau

Some people seem to be born knowing they're destined to right, but some of us stumble into it and realize, "Hey, I'm pretty good at this." For Yulin, her journey to her debut novel How to End a Love Story takes the latter route. Her first dream, you make ask? To be an Olympic figure skater.

"...that didn't pan out so I turned to storytelling," Yulin admits. That pivot led her to set her sights on becoming an author as she began honing her creative writing skills via your classic marble composition notebooks. If you're still wondering if she kept some of them, the answer is yes!

The screenwriter and author then found herself drawn to other aspects of writing and film. She says, "I eventually fell in love with screenwriting and directing while in undergrad at Carnegie Mellon, and I spent my first decade post-grad concentrating on my filmmaking career."

Yulin Kuang's Approach To Filmmaking

It's a reason why her hard work and the stars aligned for her to adapt Emily Henry's Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

When I ask what helps her approach the book-to-film trajectory, she credits writing fan fiction. This feels similar to Christina Lauren's own experience, further proving that fan fiction deserves the utmost praise for helping some of the best literary and film minds who ultimately birth what I could only describe as masterpieces.

Yulin says, "Fan fiction is where I first learned you could play with characters originated by someone else to discover what you’d make them do in your own version." Although it would be easy for anyone to snap their fingers and have their first pitches accepted by everyone, she learned to lean on what writing fan fiction taught her.

"Early in my career, I would pitch on book-to-film adaptations and I’d be like, 'Change nothing, just shoot the book!' And I wouldn’t get those jobs, because I didn’t have a clear “take” and because you can’t actually just shoot a book – adaptation is an art form unto itself. So onceI started approaching adaptation with more of a fan fiction mindset – 'What is my take on these characters and this world?' – that helped me approach the book-to-screen trajectory more successfully," she proudly says.

However, this doesn't mean she never questioned if she could still find ways to create new ideas. "...in 2021, at a time when everything else I was working on was an adaptation, I found myself wondering if I had anything original left within me," she remembers.

It's natural for creatives to experience moments of doubt, but Yulin has been able to turn the tide and discover untapped ideas in her mind. Just don't expect her to set her own expectations about any adaptations she's working on.

She says, "Know that I am an avid reader of romance and a frequent consumer of this genre across mediums, and I will be bringing everything I know going into these adaptations. But more specifically to Beach Read, which I have more creative ownership over as the writer/director."

How Yulin Kuang Relates To Her Main Characters In "How To End A Love Story"

And since How to End a Love Story is truly Yulin's own creative body of work, it makes sense that main characters Helen and Grant have pieces of her personality as well as her characteristics.

"I gave Helen all my hopes and insecurities from high school and gave her the alternate universe path where I had pursued publishing instead of Hollywood. I examined what might have happened if I’d grown into certain qualities I’ve actively tried to grow away from," she says of Helen Zhang.

Right away, readers get the sense that Helen is a whip-smart and hardworking, but her penchant for being cautious about her success also peeks through. Though she's written highly successful YA (read: young adult) novels, Helen waits with bated breath for the moment people will call her bluff. She's relatable because many of us wonder if we're simply cosplaying as versions of ourselves who've reached any level of success.

On the other hand, there's Grant Shepard. He's seemingly this cool, calm, and collected screenwriter who has a complicated past with Helen. Yulin says, "I gave Grant a lot of the qualities I’m proud of and/or have coveted as a working screenwriter, and I certainly relate to many of his thoughts on screenwriting and the current state of our industry."

The more the reader learns about Helen and Grant, the more it becomes obvious that there's more to them than meets the eye. Sure, they are complicated...but who isn't?

"At their core, Helen and Grant are just two kids from Jersey trying to make it in Hollywood, and of course I relate deeply to that," she says.

Yulin Kuang's View Of Rom-Coms

Based on Yulin's genuine interest in romance novels and the fact she's well-versed in adapting them, she knows what it takes to make rom-coms flourish. Her first take? "Romantic tension is key to any romance – I always need to know why our couple can’t be together now. The second that tension is gone, so is audience interest," she points out.

This explains why we can't get enough of reading books about it, listening to albums dedicated to it, or watching films that depict all levels of romance. Still, there are some people who approach the genre with a side eye.

"There seems to be a natural human suspicion of things that make us feel too good – like, 'That can’t possibly be good for us, that’s just candy!' I wonder if it’s something evolutionary at work," she says before doubling down. "You can’t argue with the fact that people absolutely fucking love rom-coms, and I will die on the hill that a well-earned happily ever after is both harder to achieve and more narratively satisfying when it’s pulled off successfully."

She's the type of writer who really appreciates a big kiss that's handled correctly onscreen, but she's also not afraid to "groan every time it's fumbled." But, she knows everyone still won't see romance the way she and so many others view it, but she doesn't really care.

"Ultimately, I don’t concern myself too much with changing minds that don’t want to be changed.There are enough smart people who recognize the power and value of rom-coms, and I’d rather spend my precious time creating art to surprise and delight the people with good taste."

Need I say that this is yet another reason why How to End a Love Story works so well?

How Yulin Kuang Wishes The World Would Celebrate AAPI Month

As much as she's vocal about screenwriting and rom-coms, Yulin also has thoughts about the way society-at-large talks about BIPOC creative artists. "There’s a real, 'This is important, eat your vegetables,' vibe to things. And while that might be true, it’s not the most appealing way to market or discover art," she says.

She admits this could be due to how many diversity-in-film panels she's attended. As a Black woman, the conversations I see every year during Black History Month seem to have a certain "Let's check this box so everyone can be happy" vibe, so I can imagine attending panels about diversity and inclusion can start to sound repetitive after awhile.

Yulin doesn't hold back when she says, "I’m a little jaded when people ask me diversity questions at this point. I don’t want to attract the kind of readers who are only showing up to be supportive of my Asian-ness. It’s a bit like showing up to a date where someone says, 'I’m so excited that you’re Asian!!!'" This is an analogy I can so get behind because it makes a lot of sense!

It's one thing to have representation, but I like to think it's always obvious when people are approaching the conversation in a way that 'others' BIPOC people. We're literally not asking for a trophy, but more so an acknowledgement that we shouldn't be excluded from conversations, spaces, and careers or treated differently.

This sentiment is shared by Yulin who says, "That’s the thing about me that I didn’t do on purpose, and while I’m glad you’re excited, I hope there are things that I did do on purpose that you find exciting, too" and feels there is a way to be a genuine ally.

"...support AAPI creatives by all means, and perhaps begin by celebrating us as individual artists even after the designated month ends. And where applicable, talk about our work like it’s candy, not vegetables. I’d rather be irresistible than important," she states.

Take a page from Yulin Kuang's book and pick up a copy of How to End a Love Story today! You won't regret it!

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