Why The Time For Female Entrepreneurship Is Now

Wednesday, 29 May 2019 • , , , , , , , , ,

Isn’t it just so liberating knowing that women can take the world by storm?

I generally feel like we can, and we CAN do it repeatedly.

You know why?

Because there has never been a more successful outcome for women entrepreneurs than now.



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4 Sustainable Fashion Brands That Won't Break Your Bank

Sunday, 26 May 2019 • , , , , , , , ,


Consumers are becoming more and more interested in sustainability and sustainable alternatives for everyday items. The fashion industry has come out as being one of the most environmentally damaging industries in the world.

Fast fashion is appealing to most people because it’s cheap and easily accessible. However, garments created in the fast fashion industry are just not designed to last at all. We’ve all been there trying on dresses from online retailers and being unpleasantly surprised by see-through material and messed up hems.

This article is designed to share some environmentally friendly fashion brands that aren’t going to break our banks.

Pact


Pact is the best example of stylish, affordable and most importantly sustainable fashion. The clothes are made with only 100% organic cotton which are made in Fair Trade certified factories. 



Pact’s website promises to use natural, clean ingredients in their clothes meaning no toxic dyes and pesticides were used in the making of the clothing. Pact have sections for everyone – women, men, babies, kids and homeware bedding.

Shop Pact here.

Thought

The ethos of thought is centred around slow fashion making clothes designed to last with ethics at the centre of the business model including fabric sourcing as well as the design and production process. 



All clothing here is made from organic and eco-friendly cotton, bamboo and hemp used to make unique and stylish clothing. The brand ranges their designs from more than just basic things, Thought offers clothing perfect for night outs as well as comfy casual items.

Shop Thought here.


Know The Origin


Know The Origin is run by London College of Fashion graduate Charlotte Instone. After learning the reality of the unsustainable fashion industry, Charlotte founded KTO to create sustainable but beautiful clothing. 



KTO has a wide variety and range of clothing at reasonable prices as well as various sustainability packs. Various accessories include eco candles, ‘truthpaste’, tote bags, organic soap and re-useable facewipes.

Shop Know The Origin here.

Eco Vibe Apparel


This is one of the pricier brands on the list, BUT I personally think these clothes are the most stylish. The Eco Vibe website stocks more brands than just their own apparel as well, so there is a huge variety of brands to shop from such as – Dex Plus, LA Coalition, Nifty Genius and many others. 




Eco Vibe is also partnered with 1% For The Planet meaning 1% of all sales will be going back to this non-profit organisation to help protect forests, rivers and oceans and make agriculture and energy production more sustainable.

Shop Eco Vibe Apparel here.

Other Sustainability Tips
Shopping sustainable isn’t viable all the time, hence why fast fashion is such a huge industry. I tried to pick the brands that had prices most in line with the high street brands whilst also being on trend and desirable to potential customers.

Reducing our carbon foot print and being more environmentally conscious is up to all of us to make a difference, after-all there is only 11 years left to save the planet.

If everyone makes some small changes, then it can make a BIG difference. Instead of buying a pack of plastic toothbrushes which take 400 years to biodegrade, buy bamboo brushes which take 10 years to biodegrade. Buy metal/silicone/biodegradable single use straws instead of accepting plastic straws for your drinks on a night out.

For clothing, buy second hand – there are so many apps for selling and buying old clothes, think Depop and Vinted. These apps are a lifesaver, and all I’m relying on right now as I have put myself on a personal shopping ban. Charity shops are also amazing at finding great bargains for a fraction of a price.

By Siobhan Macdonald

Siobhan is a journalism student studying at Glasgow Caledonian University who also runs her own beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog: Forever Siobhan. She is a writer for other online publications and is interested in beauty, self-care and travelling. You will often find her drinking her weight in green tea and living in her pyjamas. 

To keep up with Siobhan follow her on Instagram and Twitter. 



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The Do’s and Don’ts of University

Saturday, 25 May 2019 • , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


The emotional roller coaster commonly known as University can be the ride of a lifetime but can also feel like a never-ending plummet of stress, anxiety and mental breakdowns. If you feel like your student life is a total mess, I’m here to tell you that everything you’re experiencing right now is completely normal. But every now and then, we may need a little counselling on what to DO and what NOT DO in university. I hope you find these tips helpful in not only surviving university, but thriving through it!



The DO’s

1) Write down your schedule on a calendar

With 5 courses in full swing, it may be difficult keeping track of your schedule, especially when assignment deadlines overlap with exam days. I found that managing my time was more doable when I had a visual presentation of my school week.

If you don’t already, I would highly recommend spending a couple of minutes looking through your course syllabi and transcribing it onto an agenda or laptop calendar.


2) Step out of your comfort zone and make friends

Whether you are a commuter or a campus resident, heading into university alone is pretty intimidating – especially for an introvert (like me)! But undergoing the sweat and tears that university may bring is much more bearable with a friend by your side!

So next time you sit down in class, try complimenting the person beside you. You’ll never know if a simple “hello” could be the start of a lifetime friendship! 


3) Self-care

Yes, I know – easier said than done. It’s no doubt that the challenges of university, along with the struggles in our daily lives, can get in the way of taking care of yourself. When I was a student, I was so obsessed with being ahead in my readings that I would let homework take over my life.


But here’s the thing: school minus self-care can eventually take a toll on your health, resulting in major stress and burnout. With that being said, balance is key, and self-care is crucial for your mental health.

So, take 10 minutes out of your day to just breathe, eat healthy and mindfully, and be active. Get A LOT of sleep, and don’t forget to spend time with people you love. Lastly, figure out what therapeutically re-energises you, and make time for it! Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and you will never regret taking care of both your mind and body.



The DON’Ts

1) Pursue a career solely on what society thinks is “right”

One thing I want to set straight is that this life is YOURS. Don’t fear what people will think if you choose to chase after your dreams, no matter how out-of-the-ordinary it is. I also speak for those who feel the need to put aside their own dreams just to live out their parents’ dreams.

Pursuing something that is less of your passion will lead to an unhappy, unfulfilled life and your happiness should always come first. We only have one life, and it’s too short to regret missing out on the “what-ifs”! 


2) Procrastinate


Pretty self-explanatory. But somehow, we end up pulling all-nighters to study for an exam the next day.
Here’s a tip that will help you avoid procrastination: Create a study schedule two weeks before any exam (ex. I will study 1-2 topics a day). In addition, if you are studying topics back-to-back, make sure the content within those topics are different, as it’s easier to mix up similar content.


3) Don’t wish for university to be over

If there was one thing I would change about my university experience, it would be to 1) stop over thinking about the future and 2) embrace the present moment before it’s gone.

University is one of the best times of your life! Sooner or later, you’ll be in the “real world”, stressed out at work, wishing you still had the freedom of a student. Therefore, make the most of the time you have left as a student, and just have fun!

To sum it up, university may not be at all what you expected. You will have days where you feel on top of the world, while other days feel like hell. But you know what? It’s normal, and it’s okay. Your grades don’t need to be perfect, your path to success doesn’t need to be perfect, and YOU don’t need to be perfect. Just remember to breathe, accept the uncertainty, and take it one day at a time.

By Ruffa Sison


Ruffa is a lifestyle blogger based in Vancouver, Canada. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree and currently works as a pediatric & mental health nurse whilst fostering two extraordinary little toddlers. Along with her love for everything-matcha and exploring the world, Ruffa enjoys sharing her personal experiences in hopes to spread positivity and light, and ultimately help others reach their full potential. 

You can follow her adventures on Instagram @ruffaa_sun
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It’s ok to be single and satisfied

Wednesday, 22 May 2019 • , , , , , , , , ,

Life is too short to be saddened by a relationship status. And it is absolutely OK to be single. Your singleness should be a time of celebration, but more importantly, a time to learn exactly who you are and what you desire to do in and with your life. 

In the past being single was a stigma and outsiders would question why you had not settled down. But today your singleness can be a source of empowerment. Being single offers originality, makes you special, distinguished, exclusive, exceptional and in some cases rare. I decided that being single is sort of like this: A rising star reaching the chart-topping experiences of a lifetime without being held down by boundaries. We are about to explore some exciting things to do while being single, ways to recreate your life as a single soul and how to become empowered during this phenomenal period in your lifetime.


Georgette, a 39-year old mother, says “being single is OK as long as you’re happy where you are, you can’t pay attention to being single. If someone can come in to add to the situation then that can be good. You have to be satisfied with your singleness. Become fulfilled with yourself & you won’t feel single.”

2019 is the year of the Boss Babe and it is the impeccable time to spread your wings as an entrepreneur. What are you passionate about? Hack the Entrepreneur offers 71 online business ideas, blogging, subscriptions ideas, online stores and the list goes on. If you’re good at planning events, baking, interior design and so forth, whatever, your niche may be, finding it during your single years can enhance this period of your life.

Fitness goals are easily met before children and spouses come into the picture. This is a perfect time to get in great shape, develop that physique and those healthy eating habits. Active.com gives great fitness and health tips, calorie counting, food portion tips and how to stay motivated during your fitness journey.

Always keep your passport current and travel can happen on a whim, especially, if you have a great set of travel buddies. Destination travel to London, Amsterdam, Canada, Alaska, New Orleans, and Las Vegas offers opportunity to learn new cultures, experience new cuisines and meet innovative and exciting people. I am by no means advocating for anyone to travel alone, but Trek Effect offers a variety of travel destinations, valuable information and resources. 

A career as a Traveling Nurse is opportunity that provides a nurse the option to be hired to work in a specific location for typically a 10-13 weeks as the nursing positions move around the country depending on where they are needed. This could be an opportunity to advance your career, find a new home or just to explore the country.
 


Radio Personality Lil D from 97.9, the Beat Dallas Forth Worth says that for her “being single is great because I have time to find myself. When you hit 30, your perspective is different. You’re more mature, your priorities are different. I have time to heal old wounds, learn to meditate and truly discover who I am. What do I like as a successful adult? How do I accomplish my goals? There are no distractions or obligations to another human. Also, I feel like you know what you want so you waste less time dating. A few conversations and you’re well aware if it’s going to work or not. Besides societal pressures to get married and have a family, there’s no negative side to it. It’s an adventurous journey on the path to self-discovery. Let me get myself together, then I’ll get a man.”

I don’t think I could have said it any better. Being single provides an opportunity to learn to love yourself, take yourself to the movies, dinner, and pamper yourself with a myriad of self-care tips. Becoming happy with who you are and what you want will definitely prevent you from settling. I would rather be single than just going through the motions with someone, settling for a relationship and just accepting something that really doesn’t make sense or make me happy.

By Tracy B.

2019 is the year for growing in many areas for Tracy and writing is one of the areas she wants to get back into.  She can be found at @theeventnetworkgroup & @spokenwordmotivation on Instagram providing event updates and daily inspiration.




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4 Stereotypes about Female Solo Travelers That Aren’t True

Friday, 3 May 2019 • , , , , , , , , ,

What kind of woman do you picture when you think of a female solo traveller? 

A fearless, gregarious extrovert who is bold and assertive? A woman who has always been hyper-independent and confident, and knows exactly what she wants out of life? 

There’s a certain set of traits that many women assume are necessary for travelling alone—and if they don’t fit that set, they assume it’s not for them. Here’s why that’s a flawed way of thinking that will only hold you back: Because solo travel is a teachable, learn able skill set. 



It’s something that women from all over the world are out there doing right now—women with all different personality types, circumstances, and backgrounds. As long as you have the means to travel in the first place, you can learn to travel alone and get amazing benefits from it.

Not sold yet? Let’s dig into some of these female solo traveller stereotypes so you can see why none of these traits are actually prerequisites for exploring alone.

You don’t have to be extroverted. 

Both extroverts and introverts will have advantages and challenges on a solo trip. Making friends may come more naturally to an extrovert, but their challenge will be to get more comfortable spending time alone. Introverts won’t struggle with the alone time as much, but they may need to push themselves more to start conversation with new people.

You don’t have to be a backpacker in your 20s.

Your 20s are a great time to try out solo travel. So are your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Any time is the right time to begin learning about yourself through independent exploration. Backpacking is a great style for solo travel because it’s easier to make friends, but it’s certainly not the only way. A major perk of travelling alone is that you get to design every aspect of your trip based on your timeline and your preferences—no one else’s!

You don’t have to be fearless.

It’s a funny thing; people who have completed a major accomplishment are often viewed as having been fearless in pursuit of that goal. What’s praised and talked about is their hard work, their focus, their dedication. But what’s often glossed over are their doubts, their fears, and their worries along the way. You don’t have to be fearless to travel solo; no one is. It’s the same with any big undertaking. You’ll face challenges, you’ll be tested. You might wonder if you can really complete the task at hand, if you’ll be able to figure it out. That’s why it’s a willingness to stick to it, despite your nerves, that separates the wishful from the successful in solo travel—or anything else.

It doesn’t have to be something you’ve always wanted to do.

Maybe the thought of going solo never entered your mind until your travel partner bailed on your trip together, and now you’re considering it. It doesn’t have to be a lifelong dream you’ve always held close. You don’t need to have a track record of super-independent interests. Because travelling alone is a learn able skill set, you can learn to do it well, and to enjoy it. Some of the most accomplished and enthusiastic solo travellers started out simply because they couldn’t find anyone to go with them.

The notion that only one, narrowly defined type of woman can travel solo is false. It’s like saying only an aggressive, wealthy tycoon can start a business. That only someone who looks like a model and is a smooth talker can find love. There’s no one “right type” for either of these things, and it’s the same with solo exploring.

If you can travel, you can travel alone. Everyone’s advantages and challenges will be different. Everyone’s experience will be different, too—but that’s what’s so beautiful. There’s no one “right outcome” for solo travel, or one “right way” to do it. That means there’s no one “right personality type” for it either. So why not you?


By Angela Skowronek, Founder of SheGoes Solo Travel

Angela has travelled to 36 countries, and about half of them solo. She’s an introvert who stumbled into solo travel when she couldn’t find anyone to go on a post-graduation trip with her. Since then, she’s been in love with independent exploration. She founded SheGoes Solo Travel, a brand that features an online course designed to inspire, empower, and equip women to travel alone. Learn more, here.
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