We understand why social media gets a bad rap, but when babies are involved? We are all for it. Nothing could be more exciting or sweeter than a baby on board. If you’re an Insta-lover who’s planning an announcement in the near future or at any point in your life, we suggest taking a note from these creative ‘grammers whose #babyannouncements were totally on point.
1. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes: There is absolutely nothing better than shoes. Especially when they are the teeny tiny shoes of your newest little one being held by your slightly bigger little one. (via @tonianpas)
2. A T-Shirt Broadcast: Sometimes the easiest way to say it is with a playful quote on your baby’s first onesie. (via @merricka_pril)
3. Capture the Magic: Harry Potter fans, rejoice! There is a way to keep the magic of Hogwarts alive and well… in your baby announcement! Of course, if you’re not into J.K. Rowling, you can always introduce your little one using another awesome book. All it takes is a few simple props and a customized baby onesie. (via @Melificent)
4. Kiss and Tell: When everything started with a kiss, it’s only right to start the next chapter with a kiss too. (via @bonjourkimmie)
5. Be Real: ‘Nuff said. (via @rad.photography_)
6. Shared Hobbies: When you and your partner share a hobby, it’s almost a given that your little one will share the same passion at some point in their lives. Try combining your favorite pastime with a fun announcement about the little one that is about to about to become your new favorite pastime. (@via danibelle86)
7. Personalized Mugs: These simple mugs are perfect for coffee lovers. Plus, you can use them long after the photo has been liked and lost in your feed. (via @kezialouise)
8. Incorporate Your Other “Kids”: It’s never easy adding a new member to any family. So don’t forget to add your fur babies to your big announcement. (via @brittanyeliseanderson)
9. Incorporate All Your Kids: Of course, it’s always important to have all your human babies be part of the big announcement too. As long as it doesn’t practically kill Dad. (via @citygirlgonemom)
10. Use Iconic Landmarks: Though we love the golden balloons, it’s the much-Instagrammed landmark that makes this shot. Well, that and that cute little girl’s expression. (via @chnael_)
11. Play Off the Holidays: If you’re announcing around the holidays, your photo just got a lot easier. (via @rirish819)
12. Work It Out: Body-building babes everywhere: This super-simple picture, using weights and chalk, is pumpin’ genius. (via @cpett24)
13. Add Your Other Loves: Own a biz? Try combining the new love of your life with the career you love. (via @beeraficionado)
14. Treasure Hunt Style: Whether for a holiday or just for fun, try making a treasure hunt for your spouse or little kiddo to find and solve. Then, capture the moment and share it with the masses. (via @kymberlee.solomon)
15. Classic Romance: Sometimes the best announcement is a classic one — two people on a bench, rustic chalkboard on the side and a little one on the way. (via Rock 1 Photography)
16. Techie Treasure: If you’re as excited about a new iPhone as you are about the birth of your first baby, this techie treat is for you. (via @keithanthonycraig)
17. Bright Balloons and Muted Backdrops: This sweet ‘gram proves you don’t have to try too hard to make a bright, flashy baby announcement. (via @jaimemily)
18. Simple and Punny: Obviously, a good pun goes a long way with a baby announcement. These cute little pics are Instagram genius. (via @chelseaduh)
Did you announce on Instagram? Would you? Share in the comments below.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? 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 new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.
