When it’s time to welcome the cooler weather and prepare to say goodbye to our daily PSL (as well as this secret Halloween drink that you HAVE to try ASAP), we look forward to the appearance of Starbucks’ iconic red holiday cups to hold our candy cane-flavored drinks. After causing a stir last year with a minimalist design that irked traditionalists and those looking for an abundance of seasonal imagery, you’d think that Starbucks might play it safe this year. But nope. Instead, they’ve taken things even further by releasing new cups at the SAME TIME as their holiday drinks that are… wait for it… GREEN?
After all the outrage they faced over their solid red cups last year, Starbucks decided to throw fans for a loop yet again with a limited-edition green cup that’s been released today, Nov. 1, along with all of the holiday season’s delicious drinks. The entire cup — which Starbucks has not said is meant to replace the chain’s “official” red holiday cup, by the way — is covered in a single line which connects figures of a farmer, a family, friends embracing and a barista (natch). The creation was by Seattle-based graphic artist Shogo Ota. “The green cup and the design represent the connections Starbucks has as a community with its partners (employees) and customers, humanity, connection and the desire to bring people together as a united community,” says Starbucks’ chairman and CEO Howard Schultz, “During a divisive time in our country, Starbucks wanted to create a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other.”
Last year, the coffee company faced backlash over their a solid red holiday cup design that lacked typical seasonal images. Folks accused the company of killing the holiday spirit. This year, Starbucks seemed to have taken that criticism with a grain of salt. This new cup is less “festive” by traditional definition, but we think the message is just as beautiful — and it’s a great lead-up to whatever official holiday cup Starbucks winds up unveiling. We’ll know for sure if this is a holiday hit or festive #fail soon enough, as customers will be able to get their hands on this year’s green cups starting today, November 1.
What do you think about the new cups this year? Tweet us @BritandCo!
(Photos via Starbucks, Getty)
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this post mistakenly stated that the green cups were Starbucks’ official holiday cups for 2016. Brit + Co regrets the error!
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.
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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.