
How’s that for a short week folks? Yesterday we got back into action here at Brit HQ, and now we’re already onto another weekend! It’s a brand new year and we’ve got so much good stuff in store for you, we can’t wait to get back into the studio to make, bake, and hack up a storm. But first, let’s turn to one of our favorite sources of unusual inspiration: The BritList.
1. Pong Head Game ($18): First up, what IS this?! It’s an inflatable beer pong game that you wear on your head! This seems both hilarious and crazy at the same time. You’d definitely be a “hit” at any party.
2. Camper Van Toaster ($58): This might be the cutest toaster we’ve ever seen. This would add such a fun pop of color to any quirky kitchen.
3. Doctor Manzana Gadget Store: While we love Apple’s aesthetic when it comes to gadget display, this minty look by Doctor Manzana is a thing of techie beauty.
4. Kanye’s Pug Calendar: I have no idea how we missed this when it was an active Kickstarter project, but it’s amazing and would make every single month in 2014 pretty magical.
5. The Simpsons Moleskine (from $19): D’oh! You forgot your notebook again… but not if you’re toting around one of these instantly iconic Moleskine editions.
6. PiePal: This very serious device lets you order a Domino’s pizza (or five) with the push of a button. It’s like an emergency button for PIZZA!
7. Monki Feet Slippers ($27): Though slippers are usually meant for lazy Sundays, we think it might be pretty fun to have a dance party while wearing these goofy kicks.
8. Linda Farrow X Jeremy Scott Hand Glasses ($220): That price tag is not a typo — and these are a totally real offering from the folks at Nasty Gal. Peekaboo!
9. Bat Wing Mug ($14): This would make for an equal parts badass equal parts cute desktop accessory for your morning cup of joe.
Holiday Dogs of Brit + Co
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.