Creative Crushin’: How This Maker Made a Career Out of Candy-Colored Crafting

Anjelika Temple
Nov 29, 2018


How This Maker Built a Career out of Candy-Colored Crafting

If you love bright colors, neon gradients, and rainbow everything, then you’ve probably swooned over one of this maker’s beautifully styled parties, clever DIY projects, gift-worthy Etsy products, or her most recent undertaking, The Fomo Factory. Meet Kara Whitten, the designer and joyful visionary behind Kailo Chic.

Anjelika Temple here, Founding Partner and Chief Creative Officer at Brit + Co, and longtime Insta-fan of @kailochic! :) As part of our epic Holiday Shop in partnership with Etsy, I had the honor of selecting a colorful collection of products by some of our favorite makers, and, obvs, Whitten’s entire line of goods is at the top of that list. You can shop some of my personal faves after we hear a bit more from the maker herself.

For today’s edition of Creative Crushin’, I’m beyond thrilled to be able to share more about Whitten’s creative process, how the need for a cute laptop bag led to a full-fledged design career, and what she’s got on her future to-do list.

Brit + Co: First, the basics. Where are you from? What did you study in college? Where are you based now, family life, etc.

Kara Whitten: I was born in Austin, Texas and grew up in a small town outside the city. But I moved back to Austin for college. I studied and graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering. A far cry from what I do now!

I still live in Austin with my husband and two kids, Madeline, 9, and Parker, 5.

B+C: Did you always know that you wanted to be a professional artist/creative?

KW: I didn’t. I loved math and science in high school and received a scholarship to study engineering in college, which I planned to make my career. But I was also crafty and loved to sew growing up, so the creative gene was there. After college, I had a job for about a week when I realized the chemical research life wasn’t for me. I quit and while unemployed looking for a new job, I started my business, Kailo Chic, which started as a handbag and women’s accessory company in 2005. I found my true passion in creating new things and eventually grew my brand into a DIY blog as well. Now I run my brand as both a DIY blog and a shop where I sell colorful home decor, party goods, and accessories.

B+C: I realize the term is a little outdated, but do you have a day job? Or do you work full-time for yourself?

KW: I don’t have a job outside of Kailo Chic. I actually only worked for about two years at a job in my degree field before quitting to pursue Kailo Chic full time. About a year later, my husband quit his job to help me and we have now both been self-employed for 10+ years.

While I do some freelance photography work or contribute craft project DIYs to other blogs, I consider myself fully self-employed with Kailo Chic.

B+C: What types of day jobs did you have before you were able to focus fully on making things? Tell us about your career path.

KW: I worked for one week as a pharmaceutical researcher and then two years as an air permitting specialist for the Texas Environmental Agency. But for the last 11+ years, I have been selling my designs in my shop, Kailo Chic, and blogging as a content creator.

B+C: What was the turning point like when you realized you could dedicate your time wholly to your artwork? Was it scary taking that chance on yourself?

KW: I partnered with a company back in 2007 to design a line of laptop bags for stores like Staples, Office Max, and Best Buy. Once I had that partnership in place, I felt comfortable pursuing my business full-time. I am lucky that it really was a simple choice for me.

B+C: Why do you love to make things? What’s your north star?

KW: I honestly just like to create something that wasn’t there before. Or to put my own spin on decor and party goods. While I love to shop and am inspired by what is out there on the market, I love being able to create something that is uniquely me and what I love. Which happens to be lots of color and pattern!

B+C: We’re so excited to feature a few of your products in our Brit + Co x Etsy Holiday Shop, and have swooned over your DIY projects via Instagram for years. It seems like you do ALL the creative things! Tell us what all makes up Kailo Chic.

KW: As I mentioned, Kailo Chic began solely as a handbag company. I would sew all the bags and sell them on my website and wholesale to boutiques (this was actually before Etsy!). Once Etsy started, I jumped in and began there selling in 2008. In 2008 I also took over the laptop bag design and production and began to get my laptop bag designs manufactured. I continued like this, selling small bags and accessories that I hand-made and laptop bags that I designed and had sewn for me online and in boutiques. Then in 2015, after being tired of the same thing day after day, I started my blog, A Kailo Chic Life. Here I talked about recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and home decor. I also started my social media accounts in 2015. I was a little behind the times!

Since starting the blog, I have grown my product line to include more home decor, gifts, and party goods. I have also had a few of my pieces picked up by larger retailers like Home Goods and Paper Source. On the blog front, I work with a number of brands to create colorful content both for their social channels and mine as well as for my blog.

I recently jumped on the trend of pop up interactive museums and became the creative director of The Fomo Factory. It is an Austin based interactive museum that is all about nostalgia and childhood. I was able to design and execute all the rooms in the museum, which was both challenging and rewarding at the same time!

B+C: In terms of products, tell us about when you decided to take the leap and start manufacturing things.

KW: I started to manufacture laptop bags because I saw a need in the industry for a fashionable women’s laptop tote. This was back in 2008 when there were only solid red and solid black bags available. But this was something that I couldn’t sew myself, so I needed to work with a manufacturer to get them made.

Since then I have tried getting pillows, confetti cocktail shakers, and felt ball garlands made. But believe it or not, I still hand make most of what I sell! Someday I hope to not have to, but for now, it makes the most sense. That way I can offer a huge selection of items and not have to pay or store inventory that manufacturing would require.

B+C: What advice do you have for artists and designers considering making products and selling them on Etsy?

KW: Just start. You can spend months or years waiting until you have everything perfect for your launch, but the amazing thing about Etsy is that you can set up a shop and start selling in one afternoon. There really shouldn’t be anything barring you from just starting! You will figure out all the details as you go.

B+C: What are your favorite Etsy shops?

KW: I love to get my supplies for crafting on Etsy. I love Gracie and Marie for felt balls, ZipperIsland for colorful zippers, and all the fabric shops that have tons of patterns.

Favorite Quote: Just do it! (is that a quote? Ha!)


Trivia About You: I make an amazing cheesecake!


Go-To Karaoke Song: “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper


Favorite Art Tool: Spray Paint


Late Night Snack: Cereal


Currently Reading:HGTV Magazine


B+C: Your aesthetic is so candy-colored and joyful — how did you hone in on your particular style?

KW: I just do what I love. I have always been drawn to color and unique color combos. So I honestly feel it’s just ingrained in who I am! But I have become more experienced in mixing colors and patterns and styling as I have gotten older. I just think it is a skill like any other. The more I style photos, the better I become and the more cohesive my style becomes.

B+C: When you get creatively blocked or burnt out, how do you reset? Do you have tips you can share?

KW: I do! First thing I need to do to get creative is clean. When I am creating, I tend to make a huge mess, but sometimes that can hinder creativity. So I clean, then I go out and shop. I love looking at store displays for inspiration on DIY projects I can recreate.

B+C: If you could give younger you a piece of advice, what would it be? Or rephrased: If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

KW: To just start. I wish I would have started my business earlier. And to start social media earlier. I think waiting just set me back, growth-wise. But as far as life goes, I keep telling myself to enjoy the now and not constantly look for the next thing. It’s a big life lesson I am still trying to learn.

B+C: What’s next for Kailo Chic?

KW: My dream goal would be to design a collection for nationwide brand. I love to create, but my time to actually make all the things is limited. As is my budget. So to be able to design an amazing and colorful collection with a national audience would be a dream.

But as reality goes, I will still be plugging away and creating new things and products until the big break comes!

We can’t wait to see what Kara makes next. You can follow all things Kailo Chic on Instagram @kailochic and shop for the cutest gifts everrrrr in her Etsy shop. Some of my personal faves are below!

Merry and Bright Wrapping Paper

$13
Buy Now

Confetti Dots Throw Pillow

$25
Buy Now

Mini Cement Succulent Garden

$30
Buy Now

Confetti Cocktail Shaker

$30
Buy Now

Shop more colorful awesomeness in our curated Holiday Shop! We spent hours on Etsy finding the perfect gifts for Y-O-U — and we've got something for everyone on your list.

For more maker inspiration, check out the Creative Crushin' archive and stay tuned for next week's edition. Happy making!

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

25 Confidence-Boosting Quotes by Outrageously Inspiring Women

We love an inspirational quote. The right set of words can guide us through a case of the Mondays (and any day, for that matter). A expertly expressed feeling reminds us that we're all more connected than we think. And who doesn't love reading something that makes you laugh and cry at the same time?

As part of International Women's Day (which we celebrate year-round), we've gathered some of our favorite quotes by a bunch of our favorite women. Scroll through, pin 'em to your motivational boards, and share favorites with any woman in your life who could use a digital pep talk.

Keep the courageous, confident, and creative vibes flowing today, and all days!

Follow us @BritandCo for more quotes to fuel your week!

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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This Mom Designed A Double-Duty Bag With Family Outings In Mind

Office Depot® OfficeMax®
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Mom entrepreneur Diane Le designed a blanket/backpack combo with her family hikes and picnics in mind, but after testing the concept, she found it had broader appeal. Not sure where to start the manufacturing process, she asked for help. Thanks to our partnership with Office Depot OfficeMax, we are sharing Diane's founder story and how she learned through Selfmade that networking gets you everywhere.


B + C: What motivated you to start MiniAlps? What problem are you trying to solve for your customers?

DL: For me, it was a product I really wanted for my own personal use and it just didn't exist. I love spending time outdoors with my family but outdoor blankets are so bulky to carry. I remember going on a day hike with my husband and daughter and I had to carry a backpack on my back with our water, food, diapers, sunscreen and supplies and then I had to carry our picnic blanket on the front and hold my dog's leash all while hiking. It was just too much.

I thought "Why can't an outdoor blanket actually be a carrying bag and it can do double duty by carrying my things as well?" That's when MiniAlps was born.

B + C: How has the company evolved since your initial "aha" moment?

DL: Originally, we were only focusing on moms who really liked multitasking products but after testing the concept, we actually found out that late teens and 20-somethings really loved the idea of a stylish blanket/backpack duo. It was perfect for picnic outdoors, wineries, music festivals or just being on the go.


B + C: What startup challenges have you faced along the way?

DL: We've had two really big challenges. First, neither Sharlene Bisram (my co-founder) nor I had ever launched an apparel or outdoor product, so there was a really big learning curve for us in terms of fabrics and performance. We bought so many fabric samples just to make sure we had the right materials. The second was manufacturing. Manufacturing during COVID times has been tricky. We aren't able to travel to meet manufacturers in person, production times are much longer than normal, and shipping times are very delayed.

B + C: What strategies helped you overcome them?

DL: Networking and asking for help has been the best strategy for us. Whenever we run into a challenge, we've reached out to our networks to just ask "Does anyone know someone who knows XYZ?" and we've met many amazing people that way. I think there was a session in Selfmade that talked about that exactly - that being able to network effectively was one of the best ways to grow a business. I'm a big proponent in paying it forward as well. If there's some help someone is looking for, I'm happy to share any information or potential leads with them.

B + C: What would you say are your top successes so far?

DL: Designing a product I'm really happy with is probably my favorite success so far. We've gone through seven different iterations before landing where we are and I'm pretty proud of what we've created. Our bag is everything we wanted it to be: stylish, minimalist, modern, and incredibly practical.

B + C: How have you approached marketing your brand and raising awareness?

DL: We're a startup so we have very limited marketing funds. It's been a fun challenge to figure out how to build our brand on almost no budget. We use Canva for a lot of our branding materials. For awareness, we are active with promoting to our local community and utilizing social media and social ads to drive traffic to our target market.

B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?

DL: It really does start with mindset. When we had the first course about mindset, I was really confused on why we weren't focusing on more "business" type things first. But as I started building my business, I realized how important it is to be in a positive, winning frame of mind before anything else. It helps you weather all of the ups and downs of startup life.

B + C: Who and what inspires you?

DL: I have so many people in my life that I admire, it's hard to narrow it down! My daughter Camille was born with a rare disease and disability and she inspires me to beat the odds everyday. I also have to shout out to my mentor Sarah Grover, who is just a brilliant marketing and branding guru and Nurit Raich, who has been my incredible coach through a lot of life's challenges. It truly takes a village.

B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?

DL: Just get started! Don't let the fear of failure stop you before you even get started.

B + C: What's next for MiniAlps?

DL: We're opening up for pre-orders on our first production run very shortly! Sign up for more information at minialps.com.

B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot OfficeMax scholarship to Selfmade done to help you grow your business?

DL: It has been so helpful to have the support of Office Depot OfficeMax scholarship! It was only through the scholarship I was able to access all of Selfmade's amazing resources, from the networking to the coaches to the sessions, it's been a combination of motivating, inspiring, and supportive. I couldn't imagine launching MiniAlps without Selfmade.

B + C: How have Office Depot OfficeMax services/products helped you accomplish more in your business?

DL: It's honestly not possible to start a business without the right tools and Office Depot OfficeMax has been my go-to source. Their printing services in particular are fantastic; it's high quality, affordable, and a quick turnaround.

Thank you Diane for sharing your story! You can follow MiniAlps at minialps.com and on Facebook.

Need help bringing your idea to market? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach your customers with confidence. Learn more at Office Depot's Selfmade page.

Want to join the next Selfmade cohort? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.

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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!

Looking for more reading recs? Be sure to check out our storefront for more of our fave books!

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

Lead image via Amazon

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The 20 Best Deals For Up To 80% Off During Amazon's Book Sale

Calling all BookTok, bookstagrammers, and leisurely readers: the Amazon Book Sale has landed! I can barely contain myself because there’s so many great titles — including more than a few picks from Reese Witherspoon’s book club — that Amazon is discounting for it’s special reading crowd.

I know I’ve been stuck on romantasy books for a while (sorry, not sorry!), but there’s so many other great picks you’ll be able to snag on sale. And if you’re a Kindle type of woman, you’re not being left out.

Amazon isn’t leaving any stone unturned with this sale so let’s jump right into what to expect and which books are on sale right now!

When is the Amazon Book Sale?

Image via Amazon

The Amazon Book Sale began May 15 and will end on May 20, so you still have time to add very discounted books to your TBR list!

What should I expect from the Amazon Book Sale?

Image via Amazon

The Amazon Book Sale will feature titles from different genres that you can save up to 50% on. Not only that, but Kindle users can save up to 80% on books! In case you’re wondering, you're not dreaming — this is really, really good.

The best news about the sale is that you can start shopping deals NOW. So, what are you waiting for! Take a peek at our picks!

Are Kindle books included in the Amazon Book Sale?

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Yes! You'll be able to find a plethora of discounted kindle books during the Amazon Book Sale. The best news is that you can access three months of Kindle Unlimitedfor $0!

Shop Book Editors' Picks During the Amazon Sale

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

Alix Summer and Josie Fair quickly become friends after a chance meeting on their birthdays. They seem to have things in common which leads Alix to feature Josie on her podcast. But the closer they get, the more Alix feels conflicted about her new friend.

Before she can piece together her concerns, Josie has found her way into every part of Alix's life and it's only after she disappears that Alix realizes how much danger she's in.

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum

Jen Weinstein and her friend Lauren Parker are ever popular in Salcombe, Fire Island during the summer season. They seem to have a hold on anyone that comes in contact with them, including their husbands. However, there's no denying that grudges have been steadily building over the years due to things unspoken. And Rachel Woolf? Well, she's just there to have a great time even if it's at someone else's expense.

However, who knows more than they're willing to share and who would be so angry that they'd commit a murder?

Weyward by Emilia Hart

Weyward is a moving novel that alternates between various timelines and involves a family's mystical powers.

In the present time of 2019, Kate takes refuge at her great-aunt's cottage that's worlds away from the person she's afraid of. She's not entirely sure, but she can't shake the feeling that there was more to her great-aunt than was outwardly presented.

The timeline of 1619 is then introduced and readers get to know Altha, a woman who's accused of having something to do with a farmer's death. The thing is Altha truly does know magic associated with the world around her, but people are on edge and will do anything to have a witch trial.

Then in 1942, we meet young Violet who feels trapped in more ways than one. She wants nothing more than to live a life that's not confined by hiding behind society's expectations of women. Her only connection to her mother and her past is finding the word 'weyward' in her bedroom, thus setting off a chain of events that lead back to 2019.

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It Ends With Us & It Starts With Us Box Set by Colleen Hoover

For the first time ever, get your hands on the limited edition box set of Colleen Hoover's finest, It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us!

It Ends With Us begins with Lily believing that Ryle couldn't be more perfect for her despite his tendency to be rough around the edges. There's also the fact that he's not 100% open to dating. But, they somehow form a sort of love dance that becomes a romantic relationship. However, this is challenged when her first love Atlas comes back into her life.

It Starts With Us finds Lily and Ryle divorced, but they still communicate on friendly terms. But when Atlas comes into the picture again, Lily doesn't hesitate to let him into her world. It shouldn't feel complicated, but she knows that Atlas is the last man Ryle wants around. The ending is just as shocking, poignant, and beautiful as It Ends With Us.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Still excited that the movie adaptation of Red, White & Royal Blue is getting a sequel that'll premiere on Amazon Prime? Me too, but we'll have to wait for more news to drop about it! Until then, we can revisit our favorite couple by Casey McQuiston's book that's on sale for $15!

House of Ash and Shadow by Leia Stone

Fallon Bane spends a great deal of her life being untouched because of a lethal curse she was born with. Despite her acceptance, she still yearns for intimacy. To make matters worse, her father's own health becomes comprised which leads her to seek out help from a healer fae — Ariyon Madden.

He not only begins helping her, but he always touches her in a way she's never experienced before. Fallon is shocked that she's still ver much alive and things finally seem to look bright for her. That is until Ariyon tells other powerful fae about her.

From there, Fallon learns the truth about who her family is and why her curse exists..

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Young Feyre commits an offense agains the immortal and very powerful fae that sends her to their magical world. Though she's away from a life of poverty and tension, she misses her family.

Still, she resides in the home of the 'beast' who allows her to live in his home — Tamlin. What she quickly realizes is that he's actually one of the powerful faes and that she's not the kind of prisoner she thinks she is. Even more, she begins questioning everything she'd learned about the Fae world because it's not quite like what mortals say it is.

As the hostility between Feyre and Tamlin dies down, an ancient evil continues spreading through his world and it'll be up to Feyre to help stop it.

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The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Anna Fox has agoraphobia so she spends time by herself at home by herself and fills her days with drinking, watching comfort movies, and being a nosy neighbor. That's how she knows a new family — The Russells — have moved across from her.

She continues her usually nosy activities and finds herself witnessing something that seems horribly wrong. As she frantically tries to piece together the mystery of what happened, it becomes clear that the lines of her imagination and reality have become blurred.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Kate Mularkey was never the popular girl until she met her best friend Tully. Their lives are polar opposite, but there's no denying how tight their bond is. Over time we learn that Tully has abandonment issues and looks for anyone — especially men — to love her. Her journey takes her to the big apple where she achieves all the glitz and glamour that life has to offer.

Kate goes on to become a wife and mother, two things she believes she wants, but it becomes clear that she's missing something. That something is what begins to burn a hole in her being and the more she watches her best friend Tully live a successful life, the more she wants that for herself too.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Elena Richardson and Mia Warren go to warn in this moving novel about classism. It dares to ask readers who deserves to be seen as a shining example of a mother as both women eventually face how far they're willing to go to protect those they love.

For Elena, Shaker Heights is all she's ever known. She's married, has four children, and is well-loved in her community. She believes that she's been able to achieve everything she has because she knows how to be the woman who doesn't color outside of the lines.

On the other hand, Mia is an artist who knows all about creating masterpieces with elements that are otherwise seen as messy. She and her daughter Pearl become a little too close to the Richardsons, finding their lives dangerously intertwined with them.

When a custody battle ensues that involves the young daughter of Mia co-worker, she finds herself willing to dismantle the pretty facade of not only Shaker Heights, but Elena as well.

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed (Only 2 Left in Stock)

Cheryl Strayed has spent over 10 years dishing out advice as 'Dear Sugar' has touched people with her columns, podcast Dear Sugars, and Substack. Deciding to compile all of the best things she's ever told people, Cheryl Strayed pieced together Tiny Beautiful Things so that readers around the world won't have to look far for her empathetic wisdom.

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

Georgia Mulcahy is the ultimate people-pleaser and her career is the epitome of it. She'd probably always be that way had it not been for a unexpected career change that sends her packing back home. Begrudgingly, she goes and soon discovers a diary where she once wrote down all of her heart's desires.

This inspires her to start checking things off her life's to-do list so that she can really start living. It's just that Levi Fanning is somehow her unexpected roommate while she's at her parents' home and his offer to help her complete her list feels like something she didn't know she'd encounter.

The more they spend time together, the more Georgie feels like there's more to life than checking off things on a list.

The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict

The Mitford sisters have always been the talk of the town, but nothing is as shocking as when one of the sisters decides she'd rather devote herself to a fascist leader. Another sister decides it's worth following her and this leads people to whisper salacious things about her alleged relationship with Hitler.

As the war between Great Britain and Germany threaten to spill over, their sister Nancy can't help but wonder what her sisters have gotten themselves into. She'll have to decide where her own allegiance lies.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Daphne Bell has always known how long she'll be with a man before moving on to the next one. It's not that she's flighty, but more so that the universe literally tells her what to expect. These little nudges have been in her life for over two decades and it's something she's learned to accept.

However, the universe decides to be cryptic by only clueing her in on the name of the next man she'll spend time with. It's odd because if Jake knew the things she did, there's a chance he could walk away from her forever and that's the last thing Daphne wants.

On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass

Brighton Hills appears to be a picturesque place to live. It's a community that beautifully blends luxurious living with the gorgeous nature that surrounds it and the neighbors always have their eyes on each other.

However, Cora's desire to find out if her husband is having an affair leads her to form a partnership with Paige. She's the one neighbor that Cora knows keeps a watchful eye on what's going on in Brighton Hills after her son died.

The two women work together to discover what Cora's husband is really up to, but what they may stumble across will send a shockwave through Brighton Hills.

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Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalo

The Prince of Envy is struggling to save his demon court in Throne of the Fallen, but he's determined to find a way to do so. He's not afraid of the magic and mysterious people that keep crossing his path because nothing can stop his fierce desire to regain the control he once has.

Things are seemingly no different from Miss Camilla Antonius because she's facing blackmail by someone who literally makes her skin crawl. In order to change her fate, she reluctantly joins forces with The Prince of Envy and thus begins their dangerous journey through the Underworld.

It's the one place that may pull them together in more ways than one.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

Hart spends most of his time patrolling Tanria, but the loneliness does nothing to keep him company. Things couldn't be any different for Mercy though. She's tasked with making sure things are running properly at Birdsall & Son Undertakers and doesn't have time for anyone's foolery.

Ironically, Hart and Mercy both have taken up writing mysterious letters to strangers who have become their friends. The thing is they're not aware they've been communicating with each other.

It's a classic enemies-to-loves fantasy novel that'll make you smile with glee.

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

Molly Gray is the Head Maid at the prestigious Regency Grand Hotel and runs a tight ship that makes sure the hotel maintains a flair that guests have become accustomed to. All is going well until successful author J.D. Grimthorpe suddenly collapses and is pronounced dead.

This lands Detective Stark — someone Molly doesn't exactly get along with — back on the scene as it's realized there's something terribly wrong going on. Anyone could be a suspect, including Molly. It'll be up to her to revisit things she's kept secret — like the trip she took to Grimthorpe's property long ago.

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Emily Henry knows exactly what it takes to write a moving novel that's filled with friendship, laughter, and romance. That's why it's not surprising that Happy Place is well loved by #BookTok and #Bookstagram.

It's all about how a once happy couple — Harriet and Wyn — find themselves embroiled in an interesting ruse so their friends don't suspect something's wrong with them. The fact is that they're no longer together and can barely stand being in the same room anymore.

It would be find if they weren't expected to happily show up to the cottage that's become the yearly hub for them and their friends. Still, they begrudgingly decide to make an appearance.

What's the worst that could happen?

For the first time, you'll be able to read Happy Place on Kindle for $5!

We can't wait to see what you snag during the Amazon Book Sale! Check out our storefront for more reading recs!

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

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This post has been updated.

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