How To Get More Media Placements, According to a PR Pro

public relations for small brands

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.

Getting journalists and influencers to notice your brand can be a valuable way to gain credibility and get the word out about your business. But how do you shine through a sea of PR (public relations) pitches?

“I believe that the most important approach when it comes to PR is to own your experience and expertise,” says Elayna Fernandez, a single mom of four and founder of The Positive MOM.

Elayna was selected by SUCCESS Magazine as one of the 125 Most Impactful Leaders. Her work has been featured on Forbes, CNN, WSJ, The Huffington Post, Good Morning America, and a slew of local news stations. She’s also a contributing writer to Entrepreneur Magazine.

“Many of us have been conditioned to hide our skills and gifts, and have learned to feel shame around bragging. I always say, ‘it’s not bragging if it’s true.’ It’s important to shift this paradigm and give ourselves permission to be seen. I am grateful to have been featured in so many TV and radio shows, podcasts and publications, because visibility breeds credibility,” says Elayna.

Born and raised in a slum in the Dominican Republic, Elayna uses her powerful story of resilience to inspire other moms to tell their stories and turn them into profit through books, courses and public talks. “When moms have the tools to develop personally and professionally, they create a positive environment for their children, and they can prosper financially,” she says.

Elayna received an Office Depot OfficeMax scholarship to Selfmade to connect with other founders and help grow her business. “I am extremely grateful to Office Depot because I have loved every second of my membership in Selfmade,” she says. “I value the power of community and mentorship, so this is a great fit. Selfmade provides access to tools, resources, and information that women need in our business journey.”

Selfmade coaches help members gain real business experience around branding, marketing and pitching your business. Here are tips for getting journalists and influencers talking and writing about your brand:

Understand your target audience: Who are you trying to reach? Find the outlets that make sense for your audience and concentrate on tailoring your message to them. Create a list of media outlets, journalists, bloggers, and influencers who cover topics related to your brand.

Create a compelling story: This doesn’t have to be your life story but should be unique to you and your brand. “When you tell your story in an authentic way, you can inspire and impact others,” says Elayna. Journalists, whether in traditional media or on social media, are more likely to cover stories that are timely, unique, and relevant to their audience.

Prepare a media kit: This should include a press release (find examples online or freelance this out if you’re not familiar with how they are written), high quality images of your product or service, relevant stats, and a little about you as the founder and what makes your story worth sharing.

Craft a persuasive pitch: A good pitch makes a journalist’s job easier. Write a concise and engaging pitch that outlines your story idea and why it’s relevant to their audience. Avoid sending mass emails; instead, personalize your pitch to each journalist by referencing their previous work. Make sure to include great visuals! Offering a sample of your product or service always helps get your pitch noticed too.

Always follow up: Journalists get hundreds of pitches a week. If you don’t receive a response after a few days, consider sending a polite follow-up email to remind them of your pitch.

Leverage your network: Reach out to existing contacts, colleagues, and industry connections to help make introductions or provide referrals to journalists. Continue building relationships with journalists even when you’re not actively pitching too. Not every pitch will result in a placement but you can continue to refine your approach so that future pitches will.

Elayna was also one of 10 participants in last spring’s Selfmade pitch competition. “The panel of experts offered valuable, honest feedback and it led to greater clarity as to what my next steps should be. As a finalist, I was grateful to receive Office Depot products to make my office environment more pleasant and professional.”

Elayna was able to create a more comfortable workspace that has helped her to be more productive and creative by reducing clutter. “I’ve come to understand that success feels like peace. This peace comes from being true to my values, doing what is aligned with my soul, and prioritizing what matters most to me,” says Elayna.

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

Illustrated by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

Get your brand noticed with the help of Office Depot OfficeMax, which can help you organize & save time with a suite of business services & solutions to help you accomplish more. From signs, posters & banners to marketing materials, Office Depot can help bring your brand vision to life.













May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and what better time than right now to highlight some of our favorite AAPI founders. From artists to creators to designers and beyond, these entrepreneurs are charting their own creative paths and bringing fresh ideas to the world, making it a little brighter, a little more colorful, and a better place for all. Check them out and their brands, and prepare to be inspired!

Giselle Go, Cofounder of DAMDAM

The former editor in chief of Harper's Bazaar Singapore (the youngest to hold the title at just 26) turned skincare entrepreneur is Philippine-born and sought to build a clean skincare brand as an ode to the Japanese culture she loved and respected so deeply. Enter DAMDAM, a brand dedicated to preserving ancient Japanese beauty regimens, such as "osoji" and "mochi had," heritage Japanese beauty ingredients like the Shiso Plant and Komenuka Oil, and a team of partners and vendors that collaborate with the brand by creating hand-crafted atelier and preserve Japanese land through regenerative farming practices. The brand is a 5-star best seller on Sephora and one that's hoping to inspire more people to partake in minimalist routines that place an emphasis on mindfulness.

Yanghee Paik, CEO and co-founder of Rael

“I like to call myself an accidental entrepreneur," says Yanghee Paik, a former Hollywood exec who co-founded Rael feminine care products. "I was looking for new inspiration and ways to make a bigger impact on people’s lives when I met my other co-founders.” Together, they saw an opportunity to bring safe and effective technology of Korean feminine care products to the U.S. market. Rael’s first organic cotton pads launched in 2017 and became #1 best-selling pad on Amazon. All Rael period care products are developed without toxins and are hypoallergenic, soft, and breathable. The packaging is also something you don't mind leaving on your countertop.;)

Dev Heyrana, Fine Artist and Hip Hop Dance Teacher

Heyrana's particular brand of creativity is one-of-a-kind. She manages to be warm, welcoming and woke, with a focus on inclusivity, social justice and motherhood that comes through in every piece of art she creates. Born in The Philippines and immigrated to the U.S. when she was 9 years old, her family comes from the island of Cebu. "I'm a proud Cebuana. My childhood in the Philippines felt like freedom. I had my swimsuit in my backpack for whenever we decided to swim and I biked everywhere." But immigrating wasn't easy as a child. "I witnessed racism towards my family and didn't know how to make sense of it," she told us in our Creative Crushin' series."These events left a mark. I was a quiet kid and observed everything and everyone around me. I think about my grandparents, Lolo Jose and Lola Rita, a lot as I walk through life. When I make decisions. As hard as it feels, you have two choices, do you let it take you down or take it one step at a time forward. I kept going and it really shaped me as to why I am the way I am today."

Trisha Okubo, Founder of Maison Miru

Trisha Okubo (pictured center) started out as a Stanford engineer but always had a passion for fashion, sculpture and architecture. She discovered the magic of making jewelry, intersecting form and function, art and science, order and chaos. "It’s wearable sculpture, a thing of beauty that captures your magic: your experiences and memories of the people you love," she says. "Miru in its native Japanese is evocative of sight. It is a reminder to open your eyes, to see the world in a new way." Maison Miru is launching its limited edition jewelry collection today, in collaboration with Heart of Dinner, a non-profit organization that provides hot meals for the most vulnerable Asian elderly community around Manhattan's Chinatown area, in honor of AAPI Heritage Month. The Heart of Dinner System Kit features three styles curated by Heart of Dinner founders Yin Chang and Moonlynn Tsai (pictured left and right). Made to be waterproof, sweatproof, and life-proof, the kit will include the Classic Heart Nap Earrings, Shooting Star Open Hoops, and Classic Arc Ear Cuff. 20% of the proceeds from the kit will be donated to Heart of Dinner.

Lin Chen, Founder of Pink Moon

A Brit + Co Self Care Award winner, Pink Moon is an online shop where you can find eco self-care, wellness, and lifestyle brands, with more than 30 percent of them being founded by women of color. When launching Pink Moon's in-house collection, Lin made the decision to create it as an open love letter for her Chinese heritage with the launch of a gua sha tool and accompanying face oil. Aromatherapy also plays a big role in Pink Moon's self-care in-house collection with original blends in signature candles, body/hair oils and more. 1% of Pink Moon's revenue goes to a nonprofit of your choice with every purchase.

Fiona Co Chan, Founder of Youthforia

Fiona founded Youthforia from the ground up while living in Hong Kong during the pandemic. An econ major who worked in business development for a software startup, she found that frequent travel to China was hard on her skin. She founded Youthforia, a makeup brand made famous on TikTok, uses plant-based ingredients and functions like skincare you can sleep in!

Rachel and Jiyoon Han, Founders of Bean & Bean Coffee

Not only did this mother daughter duo found Bean & Bean, but they're both certified Q graders (or coffee sommeliers)! The brand first got their start in 2008, after Jiyoon's parents immigrated from South Korea and opened the first ever roastery in Queens, NY. They're focused on ethically-sourced product, supply chain transparency, and Female Equity in Coffee.

Farah Jesani, Founder of One Stripe Chai

A daughter of South Asian immigrants, Farah Jesani started her career in NYC's corporate world. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a business degree and moved to NYC to work in the corporate world. She soon realized that the chai options offered at coffee shops didn't really reflect the bold and flavorful chai she grew up drinking. That's when the seeds for One Stripe Chai were planted...Founded in 2015, One Stripe Chai combines rich, spicy masala chai with black tea for an all natural chai concentrate that even the pickiest chai drinkers will love.

Tina Chow Rudolf, Founder of Strange Bird

Rudolf's fascination with beauty and skincare originates from watching generations of mothers before her. Her grandmother would give her mother facials using egg whites, cucumber, ginger and ginseng — all ingredients from their kitchen. Strange Bird (also her husband's nickname for her) is a plant-based and crystal-charged beauty brand that combines ancient Chinese beauty traditions with high vibrational alchemy to help women create a daily practice that supports their skin goals and their life goals. Products include ingredients such as ginger, ginseng and goji berry in organic blends as well as flower and gem essences such as amethyst, rose quartz and crab apple.

Clara Jung, Founder of Banner Day Interiors

Clara left a career in corporate law to start Banner Day Interiors when she realized that legal research and courtroom appearances didn't satisfy her creative desires. Her creative and comfortable style helps her clients transform ordinary rooms into stylish spaces. Originally from Los Angeles, Clara attended Cal and fell in love with the charm of Berkeley (shortly after graduating, she joined the Peace Corps in Nepal teaching English), where she now lives.

Sravya Adusumilli, founder of Mango People

Chemical engineer turned beauty entrepreneur Sravya Adusumilli was inspired by her South Asian roots when creating the plant-based multi-functional makeup brand beloved by TikTok. She struggled to find a brand that was truly clean and inclusive of all skin-tone shades so she began experimenting and researching Ayurvedic rituals and teachings to utilize powerful plants and pigment-rich fruits, flowers, and herbs to heal the body, mind, and spirit. After five years of intensive research and several iterations later, Mango People was born.

Ming Yi and Ching Yeh Chen, Founders Of Pearl River Mart

Pearl River Mart has two events to celebrate AAPI heritage, including "Not Your China Doll: A Retrospective of Anna May Wong's Trailblazing Career," a new exhibition in their Soho location curated by Katie Gee Salisbury and starting 5/1, and their annual Sunset Celebration in conjunction with Lunar Hard Seltzer and Chelsea Market on 5/17.

Jennifer Tsay, Co-Founder & CEO of Shoott

Jennifer Tsay is a SAG-AFTRA actor whose personal experience with "side hustles" led her to launch a company that puts creatives and freelancers first. Shoott seeks to make professional photography more accessible to everyone with "Insta-worthy" 30-minute outdoor photo sessions that are free to book online and allow customers to pay only for photos they love at $15 per photo or less. In spite of the pandemic, demand for bookings grew and the company is now available in 600 locations across 60+ cities nationwide.

Diane Reade, Founder of MO MI

Diane's mother and grandmother raised her with holistic, naturopathic, aromatherapy and encouraged her to seek wellness beauty rituals. Diane says her Asian heritage inspires her creative process when sourcing plant-based ingredients that have been used for centuries. Her personal care brand MO MI is animal- and planet-friendly and incorporates values from Diane's heritage and from time spent living, working and traveling in Europe and Asia.

Eunice and Sabrina Moyle, Founders Hello!Lucky

Eunice and Sabrina are bi-racial Chinese-white sisters who grew up in Asia and Africa. They founded Hello!Lucky in 2003 as a letterpress greeting card studio with a distinctive humor and style inspired by their Asian and Midwestern roots. Since then, Hello!Lucky has grown to become a design and licensing studio with the mission of delivering joy, creativity, and connection through their products, which include greeting cards, best-selling children's books, and home goods. They are committed to supporting the highest good of their customers and promoting self-awareness and social justice. They published Sloth and Smell the Roses, a children's board book on mindfulness and self-compassion and in 2018 published Be the Change: The Future Is In Your Hands, a DIY book for girls and women about using creativity to inspire community and civic action. Sabrina serves as Board President of @mosaicproject, an Oakland-based youth non-profit that provides immersive, experiential learning in building inclusive, equitable, peaceful communities.You can follow along with Eunice and Sabrina @helloluckycards and @helloluckykids.

Joy Cho, Founder and Creative Director of Oh Joy!

LA-based Joy Cho exploded in the world of licensing with home decor, kids, pet, and furniture collections with brands such as Target, Band-Aid, Calpak, Petco, Keds, and more. She has authored six books and consulted for hundreds of creative businesses around the world. For two years in a row, Joy was named one of Time's 30 Most Influential People on the Internet and has the most followed account on Pinterest with over 14 million followers.

Andrea Xu, Co-founder and CEO, Umamicart

Conceived by Andrea Xu to serve as a one-stop-shop for home cooks, Umamicart, an online market, prioritizes Asian American-led businesses, immigrant-led businesses, and the mom-and-pop suppliers and producers behind consumers' favorite heritage brands, as well as the inspiring Asian American founders that are reinterpreting traditional flavors with new and personal products.

Angela Chau Gray + Ervina Wu, Co-Founders of YINA

YINA is a beauty and wellness brand based in California whose mission is to demystify and enliven Chinese Medicine. Co-founded by Dr. Ervina Wu, a licensed in TCM, the brand features products for skincare, wellness and more.

Vicky Tsai, Founder of Tatcha

One of our favorite Teach Me Something New podcast guests, Tsai's personal skincare routine (equal parts skincare + meditation) is as impressive as it is inspiring. Her customers include celebrities like Meghan Markle and Kim Kardashian who are fans of her Japanese skincare products, which are based in ancient Geisha beauty practices. For Vicky, skincare *is* self care, and we all need to take time for ourselves to wash away the day, and start fresh each morning.

Syama Meagher, Co-Founder of Rendall Co.

Syama Meagher originally planned to launch Rendall Co. as a home goods brand featuring aprons but pivoted to premium face masks at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. The styles were bestsellers and now the brand finally launched its collection of aprons, which feature durable chambray and denim fabrics and professional quality workmanship. We love our Bistro apron!

Hanna Chiou, Co-Founder of Habbi Habbi

Hanna Chiou grew up in the U.S. speaking her parent's native language Mandarin but not reading it. "It's challenging because Chinese is character-based so most books from Asia are intimidating because there are a sea of characters — and speaking doesn't translate to reading," she told us. Habbi Habbi was her answer to accessibility and ease of learning with a set of language books that kids can tap with the simplicity of a translating wand (our kids love theirs!).

Justine Tiu & Adrian Zhang, Co-Founders of The Woobles

We love this online learning platform for crochet. The brand sells beginner crochet kits that have been designed leveraging UX research and customer feedback to push through initial frustrations of learning a DIY art through remote learning.

Kirstie Wang, Founder of A Jar of Pickles

Kirstie Wang started A Jar of Pickles with $200 as a side hobby business that eventually grew multi-6 figures in revenue while she worked full-time jobs in UX design and marketing. She started it as a hobby Etsy shop in college after teaching herself digital design. She recently took the leap and quit her full-time job to grow A Jar of Pickles, pursuing her passion to share what she's learned by coaching other small business owners. You can enroll in her Selfmade course, Organic Social Media Growth, starting on May 25.

Image via Clar Ngai-Howard/Instagram

Clare Ngai, Founder of BONBONWHIMS

Before Clar Ngai launched BONBONWHIMS, she moved to the U.S. at the age of 19 to study journalism. From there, she's been working in the fashion industry for the past 10 years. Her experience with the digital and influencer aspects of fashion have come in handy because BONBONWHIMS speaks to several generations with its Y2K appeal.

It was during the pandemic that she began creating the bones of BONBONWHIMS to fuel her own passion and raise awareness for BIPOC organizations like Stop AAPI Hate.

Since its creation, BONBONWHIMS has been featured on stars like Megan Thee Stallion and Demi Lovato.

We are also big fans of our Selfmade members, including Christine Tong (above), founder of Christine My Linh, Shannon Huang, founder of The Soul Edit, Justine Pon of The Ponnery, Sruti Bharat of FutureMap, Koyun Fan, co-founder of Sticky Rice Sisters, and Poy T. Granati of Summer Space Studio.

To support the fight against anti-Asian racism, visit Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition documenting and addressing anti-Asian discrimination.

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

This post has been updated.

Thanks to Sean Kaufman and Rain Spencer (as well as all the pros behind the camera), the best TV scene of 2023 came out this summer when The Summer I Turned Prettygave us Steven and Taylor (played by Sean and Rain, respectively) dancing to Frank Ocean's cover of "Moon River." I absolutely lost my mind! This series is one of the best teen dramas around, and good news for fans of all things Cousins Beach: we're getting The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3! Here's everything we know about the new TV show— including a look at our convo with lead actress Lola Tung!

When will The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 come out?

Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

Jackie Chung (Laurel) and Sean Kaufman (Steven)

We were hoping to see The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 return in 2024, but thanks to a new post from the official TSITP account, we know the show will drop summer 2025. Okay, TBH that's a total bummer (just because we can't wait to watch!!), but, as the books say, It's Not Summer Without You (er, Belly and her friends).

Lola Tung starred as Euridyce in Hadestown on Broadway until March 17, 2024. During the official press day — which you can watch on TikTok — she told me that while she doesn't know too much about Belly's arc this season, she's just as excited to return to Cousins Beach as we are! "I'm just very excited to be back with everyone and to be able to step back into Belly's shoes, I'm super excited," she says.

Who's going to be in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 cast?

Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah), Lola Tung (Belly), Christopher Briney (Conrad), Sean Kaufman (Steven) in The Summer I Turned Pretty

Considering the third book, We'll Always Have Summer, revolves around Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah, we're expecting The Summer I Turned Pretty cast to include Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, and Gavin Casalegno. We're also hoping to see Sean Kaufman, Rain Spencer, Jackie Chung, and Rachel Blanchard again!

After a variety of cast members were spotted around Wilmington, North Carolina, fans were hoping to see Christopher Briney — and it looks like he has finally arrived! "CONRAD FISHERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR IS HOMEEEEEEEEEEE," one X user says along with an image of Christopher Briney.

Where can I watch The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3?

Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

Christopher Briney (Conrad), Lola Tung (Belly)

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will be available to stream on Prime Video, which is where you can watch season 1 and 2 right now!

Who does Conrad end up with in The Summer I Turned Pretty series?

Image via Prime Video

While we don't know who Conrad will end up with in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3, there is one theory that suggests his reunion with Belly will be better than ever. Lola Tung, Rain Spencer, Gavin Casalegno, and other cast members have been spotted around Wilmington — all except Chris Briney.@julevere wonders if they're filming in chronological order for one specific reason.

"You don't see Conrad for ages in book 3," she says. "What if Jenny [Han] is doing that on purpose so the actual moment in the show where Conrad and Belly see each other for the first time, [in a way] that's going to be the first legitimate time those two actors as...Belly and Conrad will see each other."

Waiting as long as possible for Lola Tung and Chris Briney to see each other means that Belly and Conrad's reunion will be more intense, and bring up all the old emotions (and infinity necklaces) that came up during season 2. If there's one thing this show has taught me, it's that you can only run from your feelings for so long and as a member of #TeamConrad, I'm hoping any reunion between the two brings them together for potential future seasons.

How old are the characters?

Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

Lola Tung (Belly) and Christopher Briney (Conrad)

In season one, Conrad is going to be a freshman in college, while the rest of the characters are still in high school. And at the beginning of season 2, Steven graduates from high school!

How many episodes are in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3?

Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

Lola Tung (Belly), Christopher Briney (Conrad), and Rain Spencer (Taylor)

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will have 10 episodes instead of eight like the previous two seasons!

Where is The Summer I Turned Pretty filmed?

Image via Amazon Studios/Prime Video

Even though The Summer I Turned Pretty is set on the coast of Massachusetts, the show is filming in Wilmington, North Carolina. This city is actually pretty well known in Hollywood — projects like Iron Man 3,One Tree Hill, and Outer Banks have filmed there! As someone who grew up going to Wilmington every single summer, I can promise you it's just as pretty as it looks (and the fair from season 2 is just as fun!!)

Is there a 4th Summer I Turned Pretty?

Image via John Merrick/Prime Video

Christopher Briney (Conrad), Lola Tung (Belly)

There is not a fourth The Summer I Turned Pretty book, but that doesn't mean the show has to end with season 3. They've already changed a few details from the books — namely, adding the Stephen/Taylor relationship reminds me of how Gossip Girl gave us Chuck and Blair, a fan-favorite ship that wasn't in those books either! I'm excited to see how the story (and the characters) continue to grow and evolve!

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Announcement

Image via Prime Video

Lola Tung (Belly), Rain Spencer (Taylor)

Prime Video announced the renewal on August 3, right before episode five of the second season hit the streaming service. Just like the season two trailer, Taylor Swift's "august" plays in the background and I'm in tears.

“We’ve been delighted to see the passion with which fans have embraced The Summer I Turned Pretty,” Amazon and MGM Studios' head of television Vernon Sanders says in a press release. “Jenny Han is a gifted storyteller, whose fans have been clamoring for the third chapter of this story. We’re excited today to share the news that they have a lot more Summer to look forward to."

Bookmark this page for the latest The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 news!

Lead image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

This post has been updated.

From running on 3 hours of sleep to constant diaper changes, mamas do so much. We've teamed up with @diapergenieofficial for a special Mother’s Day gift to make things easier for new moms: receive a FREE Diaper Genie Select Pail with square refill technology, plus enough refills to get you off to a great start! The giveaway will consist of one Select Pail + four Jumbo Refills for an associated value of up to $118. Say goodbye to diaper odors in style with this sleek, easy-to-use pail. The winner will also receive a $500 Amazon gift card to shop for all their baby and household needs. Check the deets below!

Enter to win a new Diaper Genie Select Pail and four Jumbo Refills here. Giveaway ends on May 31. One lucky winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 5.

Good luck mamas! #DiaperGenie #MothersDayMagic

You’ve probably already spotted these shoes on your favorite influencer. Rothy’s are swiftly becoming The Shoe to have, and it’s clear why. Rothy’s offers a wide range of trendy shoe options, from Mary Janes to ballet flats and platform sandals toclogs (all of which are stunning and exceptionally comfortable), but more importantly, they’re made with special attention to sustainability.

Rothy’s are crafted from single-use plastics and other repurposed organic materials in order to promote circular fashion and zero-waste practices in the industry. Sustainability is chic – and Rothy’s is a testament to that!

They’re oh-so worth the investment knowing your purchase supports their sustainable mission. All Rothy’s shoe styles (and even their bags) are fully machine washable to keep them nice and new-looking, no matter what. They’re staples that’ll last you a lifetime and tons of mileage.

Here are the 7 most iconic Rothy’s silhouettes you should rock this summer!

The Square Mary Jane

This signature Rothy's shoe (seriously, it's all over our FYP) features a flexible, stretchy woven upper layer – and it's so comfy. These Mary Janes boast a square toe for added chicness and an attached strap for wearing them with ease. No buckles or buttons here! Each pair is fitted with durable outsoles that easily tolerate city walks and park strolls. It won't even feel like you're wearing flats.

The Square Mary Jane goes for $159 and is available in 10 different colors.

The Ballet Flat

The bows on these ballet flats are the perfect size, TBH. They add an air of cuteness that any summer 'fit could benefit from! These shoes feature a very trendy rounded toe and a mesh construction that adds breathability to each and every step. Rothy's promises "no break in period, ever" with the cozy insole you can enjoy wearing all day long.

The Ballet Flat is shoppable for $145 and is available in 18 different colors and patterns.

The Point II

New office shoes, incoming! These pointed babies give some real sophisticated vibes – the pointed toe is signature of slingbacks, too, but this version is way more comfortable. The Point II from Rothy's is essentially an upgraded version of their OG The Point shoe. According to the brand, this new iteration has a "more spacious toebox, added elastic, sculpted outsoles and our innovative In Love Insole™ for outrageous all-day comfort." The mesh material on this pair makes for the perfect summer shoe since it's very elastic-like, moving accordingly with your step.

The Point II costs $155 and is available in a whopping 29 different colors and patterns.

The Espadrille

A more elevated style than the aforementioned shoes, these espadrilles are a great go-to for more formal summer occasions. The upper's made from a breathable hemp fabric that supplies a lightweight feel to the feet. Rothy's promise for these slip-ons is that they have an "unbelievably cushy footbed." The ankle ties pictured above are removable, so there's a good amount of styling possibilities with this Rothy's shoe.

The Espadrille is shoppable for $139 in 8 different colors.

The Lightweight Wedge Sandal

For a slight boost in height (that's still wickedly comfortable), call on The Lightweight Wedge Sandal. The layered heel height measures about 2.25 inches, and feels like an absolute dream! The stretchy straps atop these Rothy's shoes are stitched on, so you're not left messing with any finicky buttons, clasps, or buckles (or chafing, for that matter). The thicker platform ends in the brand's signature durable outsole for practical reasons – walking, strolling, skipping, or even dancing in the summertime. Whatever floats your boat!

The Lightweight Wedge Sandal costs $179 and is available to shop in 3 different neutral colorways.

The Weekend Slide

This cheetah print just oozes trendiness. The slide-on fit of these Rothy's sandals makes outings so easy, you won't want to wear anything else. The thick duo straps made of hemp provide some good coverage on top of the foot, so you'll feel fully fitted. The footbed is made from a durable contoured rubber, still has some softness to it for walking purposes.

The Weekend Slide costs $139 and is shoppable in 5 different colors and patterns.

The Casual Clog

This ultra-cool girl clog is available in 3 hemp colors and 5 Merino wool colors for cooler weather, but no matter the time of year, they're gonna look gorgeous. They boast a ribbed outsole for added traction, and they're fully free of any extra bells and whistles. The very simple outer layer meets a contoured footbed with some lovely arch support to encourage a cozy step.

The Casual Clog goes for $159.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more trendy shoe styles!

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

Images via Rothy's.

Iced coffee is our all-time favorite pick-me-up, especially on a hot afternoon — and, let's be real, sometimes you need caffeine and dessert simultaneously. There's something about the combination of toasty, roasty coffee and icy, creamy sweetness that sends shivers up our spines. Since being your own barista is *so* much fun, throw on an apron and try your hand at making one of these unique iced coffee recipes.

Each one of these coffee recipes make amazing summer coffee drinks for serving at brunchor just because! Let's dive into the sweetness!


Iced Bulletproof Coffee

All you have to do for this easy iced coffee is throw all of your ingredients into a blender. It's a quick and delicious coffee that will give you lasting energy all day. (via Brit + Co)

Fresh Mint Iced Coffee

Muddled mint and *lots* of ice cubes make this iced coffee perfect for even the hottest days of summer. Add a splash of pistachio milk for a creamy drink that also gives you a refreshing dose of energy! (via Brit + Co)

Topo Chico Iced Coffee

Topo Chico sparkling mineral water is ultra-refreshing on its own, but add it to iced coffee, and you've got a serious afternoonpick-me-up on your hands. You can try different flavors for this iced coffee idea, but we also think flavorless Topo works well on its own. (via Brit + Co)

Two-Ingredient Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Sometimes you want a strong, sweet iced coffee, but can't find the energy to become a master barista to make it happen. This Vietnamese iced coffee uses sweetened condensed milk to give it big flavor with minimal effort! (via Brit + Co)

Wild Child Iced Coffee

Adulthood can be stressful. Inject some fun into your day by topping your favorite iced coffee with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream and plenty of sprinkles! It never fails, we promise. (via Brit + Co)

Rosewater Cardamom Iced Coffee

Making your own flavored creamer is an easy way to give your iced coffee a boost that you're sure to like. This recipe uses cardamom and rosewater to make a unique drink every time! (via Brit + Co)

Cinnamon Ice Cube Coffee

Keep ice cubes made from coffee infused with cinnamon in your freezer, and you can jazz up a boring glass of iced java whenever the fancy strikes. The best part about this coffee hack? No more watered-down coffee! (via Brit + Co)

Simple Vanilla Coffee

Homemade vanilla simple syrup gives a fragrant hint of sweetness to your iced coffee, so you don't have to worry about trying to dissolve granulated sugar in your cold beverage! (via Brit + Co)

Red Velvet Iced Coffee

Red velvet is simply iconic. Iced coffee gets the sweetest treatment when mixed with these red velvet-inspired iced coffee flavors! (via Brit + Co)

Lemonade Iced Coffee

With this iced coffee recipe, cold brew is diluted with a splash of lemonade for a refreshing, more caffeinated take on an Arnold Palmer, and we are definitely here for it. (via Brit + Co)

Milky, Minty Coffee Popsicles

Technically, a popsicle made out of iced coffee is... still iced coffee. Although, you might be tempted to just drink this coffee that's lusciously flavored with mint, instead of putting it into the popsicle molds. (via Brit + Co)

Coconut Iced Coffee (with Mini Chocolate Glazed Doughnuts!)

Make sure your brew is super strong so it can handle the sweetness of this recipe's coconut creamer and the bonus doughnuts! This is the ultimate coffee treat when your sweet tooth beckons. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat)

Starbucks who? This copycat recipe emulates the sheer greatness of the chain's iced coffee + cold foam combo. (via The Girl On Bloor)

Iced Coffee Recipes We Love

Chocolate Cream Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat)

Chocolate and coffee are arguably two of the *best* things on the planet, so when they join forces in iced coffee drinks like this one, we just cannot resist getting a little taste. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Iced White Chocolate Mocha (Starbucks Copycat)

Give us everything sweet – we'll sip it down in no time! That includes this Starbucks white mocha dupe that you can easily customize at home with caramel drizzle and whipped cream. (via Barley & Sage)

Mocha Java Chip Frappuccino

This health-ified iced coffee recipe replaces any artificial sweeteners with naturally sweet dates, vanilla extract, and cacao nibs. Its Frappuccino-esque texture makes it the most decadent sip out there. (via Munching with Mariyah)

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat)

Pumpkin spice can hit the spot practically any time of year. Pumpkin puree and sweet spices turn your regular half-and-half into a seasonally-flavored treat! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Vegan Caramel Frappuccino

Coffee + banana = real energy. This sip combines the two for a more filling iced coffee bev! (via Live Eat Learn)

Iced Ube Latte

Sick of ordering the same old iced coffee flavors every time you make yourself a cup? Do yourself a favor and try this iced ube latte instead. It's earthy and subtly sweet, yet still delivers on the caffeine content you're craving. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Everyone Will Love These Iced Coffee Recipes

Kahlua Iced Coffee

Perfect for when those afternoon coffee breaks turn into evening coffee breaks, this spiked version of iced coffee is everything you could ask for at 5 o'clock. If you're worried about having caffeine too late, just swap your usual java for decaf! (via Lick My Spoon)

Caramel Mocha Coffee Concentrate

Don't be thrown off by the sugary title of this iced coffee recipe. This treat is sweetened naturally, without any processed sugars, so it gets two thumbs up from us! (via Sunkissed Kitchen)

Toasted Coconut Shakerato

Shakerato is Italian iced coffee made by shaking coffee with ice (and, in this case, tasty toasted coconut syrup). Top your glass with some creamy coconut milk, then rim it with toasted coconut flakes for a real mid-day treat! (via Simply Whisked)

We Can't Wait To Make These Iced Coffee Recipes This Summer!

Samoa Iced Coffee

Tragically, Girl Scout cookies aren't available year-round. Take matters into your own hands with this Samoa-inspired iced coffee in the morning, and make a Girl Scout cocktail after dinner! (via The Lovely Life)

Coconut Caramel Cold Brew

Something about the toasted flavor of caramel pairs *beautifully* with coconut. Pair it with some cold brew coffee for a drink you'll want to sip on all. day. long. (via The Gourmet RD)

Cinnamon Dolce Latte (Starbucks Copycat)

This recipe takes Starbucks' Cinnamon Dolce Latte and turns it into a fully vegan bev. Making your own coffee syrupwill ultimately save you so much time and money! (via Munching with Mariyah)

Wake Me Up Coffee Smoothie

Pouring iced coffee into smoothies is a *genius* idea. The strong java notes partner up with the sweetness of banana and cinnamon in this truly tasty iced coffee drink! (via Live Eat Learn)

Iced Salted Honey Lattes

Salt and honey might sound like a strange combination, but think a little harder, and you'll realize that's the flavor combination that makes spiced nuts, granola, and trail mix so irresistible. It does the same for these iced lattes, which are so tasty, you'll want to get up early every day just to get a sip. (via Sweet Phi)

Viennese Iced Coffee

Dark, strong iced coffee helps tame the sweetness of vanilla ice cream to make this dessert-y drink! It's the perfect snack for any and every warm evening. (via Li'l Vienna)

Vegan Iced Cinnamon Mocha

Once you make this cinnamon-infused chocolate sauce (in just one minute, no less!), you'll be able to transform all manners of beverages and desserts. Stir some into your morning cup of joe to give your drink a spicy kick! (via Vegetarian Gastronomy)

Extra-Thick Iced Vegan Coffee Milkshake

Think about a thicker, heartier, more fulfilling version of your go-to frappé order – that's exactly what this coffee-infused milkshake is! It's packed with healthy ingredients from oats, bananas, dates, and almond butter, so you could even gulp this down for a super sustaining breakfast! (via Two Spoons)

Overnight New Orleans-Style Iced Coffee

If you want a fancy caffeine boost in the morning, make things easy by starting with some store-bought coffee concentrate. Infuse it with cinnamon and chicory (a New Orleans classic) overnight, and you'll be ready to conquer the world in the AM. (via Hummingbird High)

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This article has been updated.