Career Spotlight: Rossella Manzini // RossLab

I am so happy to be sharing another Career Spotlight today. Rossella Manzini is the creative force behind RossLab. Rossella was born in Italy but now resides in San Jose, California where RossLab is also based. Rossella creates beautifully designed, handcrafted ceramics such as mug set which is my personal favorite (and would make an amazing gift this holiday season). Ross thinks details are key, takes the time and gives the needed attention to obtain the best results, selects high quality raw materials, and packages each purchase with care. I hope you enjoy reading her answers as much as we did.

What is the story behind the concept of RossLab?

What I like the most about making ceramics is to know they will share and brighten someone else’s home and life. There is a story behind every piece that I make: it begins with me, the designing process and the making, and it ends with my customers and how they choose to use my creations. This is the beauty of being a potter: I make things that are beautiful to look at, yet functional and made to be lived with.

When did you know it was time to launch your business and what steps did you take?

I decided to open my shop when I had no more room at home to store all my pieces. I wasn’t planning to start a real business but upon receiving some positive feedback I decided to turn it into a full-time job. Since then my shop grew bigger and my creations evolved with it.

What are the biggest lessons you have learned since launching your business?

I learned that, as much as I love making ceramics in my studio and getting my hands dirty, running a business is much more than that. Some tasks may be not as rewarding as the making process itself, but they are necessary to allow you to keep making what you love.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I always try to squeeze in studio time and some admin works each day, so I keep making my ceramics, which is what I love the most, but also stay up to date on correspondence and paperwork. Having a home studio allows me to save time on commuting and being flexible on my work schedule. My work in the studio is always different because of the many steps involved in pottery making: I could be throwing on the potter’s wheel one day, glazing another, carving, loading and unloading the kiln, shipping orders. It is never boring!

What is the best part of your job?

I love when my customers share their stories and tell me how they are enjoying my ceramics. It warms my heart and makes me feel a small part of someone else’s life in the best possible way.

And to keep it real, what is the worst?

It gets tricky when I work on custom orders. It takes up to a month for a piece to be ready, due to the many steps involved, and you are only sure a piece turned out fine only at the very end of the process. The worst is to open the kiln after the final glaze firing to discover something went wrong: it means to start all over again. Luckily, this doesn’t happen very often!

Looking back is there anything you wish you had done differently?

As at first I wasn’t really planning to start a business, I didn’t plan much in terms of where I wanted it to go in the short and long term. A real plan would have helped me to have a clearer strategy.

What is a goal you have for your business that you hope to accomplish in the next year or two?

There are so many ideas in my mind on where to take RossLab! I hope to get more and more people to know my work and expand the reach of my online store, www.RossLabDesign.com. I would also love to have a bigger studio and teach ceramic classes: a place for people to meet, learn and make their own art, too.

Being a busy business owner how do you stay organized?

It is important to plan what I want to accomplish each month and break it down into smaller weekly tasks. On Sunday night, I need to have my calendar all filled up for the week to come, otherwise I will get lost in the day-to-day operations of running a ceramic studio without seeing the big picture.

What has been one surreal moment you've experienced since launching RossLab?

I had the pleasure of working with brands I love such us Anthropologie and West Elm, but the most surreal moment was when the famous Alinea restaurant ordered 90 bowls for their 3-star Michelin restaurant in Chicago. It was such an honor!

What is your best piece of advice for others who hope to someday be a business owner?

Don’t forget why you do what you do and your love for it. When you are a one-person operation, there are so many tasks to tackle apart from making that it is easy to loose focus and forget the genuine passion that got it all started. Be gentle on yourself and take a day off from the hustle to nourish your craft and just be enthusiastic about the creative and making process. And most of all, be positive and keep going!
Connect with RossLab
FaceBook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest
All images from: RossLab

Career Spotlight: Dotted Design

We've been following Laura Huebner on social media for a long time and have always loved her work. She is the delightful graphic designer behind the shop Dotted Design. Based in Milwaukee, Laura has worked with numerous brands to create impressive designs that perfectly reflect their business. Just check out her portfolio and shop, then you'll know what I'm talking about.



What is your background?

I definitely took a nontraditional path to end up where I am! I studied nonprofit management and music in college, and started my career working in marketing at a few different arts organizations. While I took communications, marketing, and design classes in school, I didn’t know how much I would end up loving design. I got experience working on a lot of marketing collateral and advertising while working my day jobs, and I began reading and studying all I could about design and freelancing in my free time.

What is the story behind the concept of Dotted Design?

When I started doing freelance design work, I wanted to work under a studio name rather than my own name to help me remember that this is something bigger than me. I love alliterations, and I started brainstorming what could go with either “design” or “creative.” I’ve always loved polka dots, and so Dotted Design just clicked. Might not be the most well thought out naming process, but it works well enough! I design logo & brand identities for small creative businesses, as well as websites and brand collateral.

When did you know it was time to launch your business and what steps did you take?

The first step for me was figuring out that this was even a thing that people do. I was always bored working a standard 9-5 job, but I kind of assumed this was just the way things were. Somewhere along the way, I started reading blogs about designers that did their own freelance work or started their own design business, and it started to light a little fire. I learned everything I could about starting a service-based business through blogs, podcasts, and anything I could find. Eventually, I knew I had to give it a shot, so I set up a website and a blog myself and simply went for it!



What are the biggest lessons you have learned since launching your business?

Everything takes time. In the internet world, it is easy to feel like everyone launches and has great success overnight and are living these dreamy lives. If you want to build something that will last, it takes time to get systems in place and do the work. Don’t be discouraged if it takes awhile to find those right clients! Also, make sure you only share things in your portfolio or on your website that display the type of work you want in the future. If you share a project that you hated the final outcome or don’t feel it fits the style you want to do, then don’t show it! Choose your best and favorite work; otherwise, people will someone always reference the project you didn’t like and want one just like it ;)

What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

Having the guts to go for it! I don’t have any personal friends that have taken a path like this, so taking a leap of faith to start the business seemed like such an unusual path. Putting yourself out there can be scary, especially when you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. Take the time to learn about everything you don’t know, like accounting or web design or whatever it is, but know that you’ll never feel 100% ready. At some point you’ve just got to go for it!

What does a typical day look like for you?

I try to keep to a general schedule because I love routines. I get up between 7:30 and 8am, make coffee, and read the news while I have breakfast. Then, I assess what has come into my email overnight and make my game plan for the day and perhaps take care of a few small tasks. Next, I go for a run, usually while listening to a podcast. The rest of my day is spent tackling my to-do list, which could be anything from client work to writing blog posts or catching up on accounting, and making sure to take breaks to go for a walk or move in some way. I love having the flexibility to fit other things into my day if I need to, like running errands or making appointments, even if it means I work a little later after I’m done. But, I have a strict no email after dinner rule! It’s so important to take a mental break each day.



What is the best part of your job?

I love helping people bring their businesses to life with great design. Yes, one part is being creative and making something beautiful, but even more powerful is seeing how a functional design, whether it’s in a media kit or a website or even cohesive social media posts, can make a big impact on a business. You want your customers to recognize and connect with your business, but most importantly, understand it. Happy clients make it all worth it!

And to keep it real, what is the worst?

The worst part is probably dealing with rude people. I realize they are unavoidable in life, but it always baffles me the things that people will say and do to their fellow small business owners. An example is when I email back and forth several times with a potential client (sometimes even have a phone call), answer lots of questions, send them a custom quote...and then hear nothing back. I fully understand that the style or budget could end up not being a good fit for that person, but why is it so difficult to reply back and say, “Thanks so much but I’ve decided to go another way” after we’ve both put so much time into exploring the option?

Looking back is there anything you wish you had done differently?

I try to see most things as learning opportunities and worth the battle, so there isn’t a ton a wish I had done differently. But, I wish I had learned sooner how other people in your industry or in related industries are your allies and your peers - not your competition. There is enough work for everyone, and we all have different styles. It benefits everyone when we collaborate and learn from each other rather than staying in our own bubbles.

What is a goal you have for your business that you hope to accomplish in the next year or two?

I hope to grow my business enough in the next year or two that I can support taking on an assistant and possibly a junior designer. Dealing with the logistics of a business like emails, billing, social media, etc. can be so time consuming and freeing up that time to put more into the creative side would be lovely. Hand in hand with this, I am always working on refining my client process to make things as smooth, efficient, and effective for both the client and me.



Being a busy business owner how do you stay organized?

I keep lots of lists so that I can always see what is ahead. My overall planning is done in Trello. I have a card for each client that contains the list of deliverables they’re receive during their project, and I have boards for things like blog post topics and newsletter ideas. Then, I keep a paper list of each day’s to-do tasks so I can easily jot down new items as they come in. If I don’t write it down, it will likely be forgotten! I also set aside time each week to take care of tasks like accounting, scheduling social media posts, and so on all in batches so that it isn’t forgotten or done piecemeal over the course of the week.

What has been one surreal moment you've experienced since launching Dotted Design?

One moment that stuck with me was the first time I got an inquiry from someone who was not a referral from a family member or even a past client - they had simply found me online somewhere, liked what I did, and contacted me. The internet is amazing!

What is your best piece of advice for others who hope to someday be a business owner?

Have a thick skin, patience, and confidence. If you don’t believe you can do it, who else will? It is a fine balance of doing everything you can to help your clients while still remembering that your time and expertise is valuable and worthy of compensation. No one can take advantage of you without your permission.



You can learn more about Dotted Design by checking out their:

Blog - Twitter - Instagram - Pinterest


images provide by: Dotted Design

Career Spotlight: Courtney Kates // Maison Du Soir

If I were to create a list of the best things in life sleeping in and pajamas would be right at the top of my list. When not at work I spend a lot of time in my pajamas so you can bet I want my pajamas to feel and look great. For years I was baffled by the lack of elegant, stylish sleepwear on the market until I was introduced to Maison Du Soir. Maison Du Soir is an American made luxury sleep and loungewear line based in Southern California and created by founder and designer Courtney Kates.

Courtney has made it her mission to create high quality garments in flattering silhouettes out of buttery soft, luxurious fabrics. Each item is also designed to be mixed and matched and suitable for both sleeping and wearing out so you no longer have to be ashamed or avoid wearing your pajama shirt out for your Saturday morning coffee.

I am amazed by Courtney's branding, her attention to detail, and the high quality of all of her garments. I am convinced that after slipping into one item from Maison Du Soir every woman will refuse to ever settle for sub-par sleepwear again. My favorite item from Courtney's current collection? The Melbourne with Piping, which is a chambray shirt dress inspired piece with a modern fit and classic white piping trim.

We are thrilled that Courtney took some time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for us. Read on to learn more about Courtney and Maison Du Soir.

What is your background?

I was a ballerina for 13 years until I entered the workforce. Prior to founding Maison Du Soir I worked for 10 years in merchandising & Design. In my last 2 years, I helped the company that I worked for launch new brands.

What is the story behind the concept for Maison Du Soir?

Maison Du Soir was born sometime after I purchased my first quality, matching set of sleepwear. When I slipped it on, I looked better which made me feel better and consequently helped me sleep better. I was hooked and wanted more. After looking online and heading to some favorite department stores, I realized there was not much out there that I really liked. I'm not a lace and bows girl, lingerie is uncomfortable and most of the classic sets that are somewhat affordable have wide legs and boxy tops. Being in the fashion industry, I didn't understand why it seemed the sleepwear market wasn't paying attention to our changing needs and trends. Everything seemed dated, boxy or cheesy sexy. The wheels started spinning as I envisioned what would be so much cuter to sleep in and became obsessed with so many designs in my head. Maison Du Soir took flight and I haven't turned back since.

When did you know it was time to launch your business and what steps did you take?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit but could never put my finger on what it was I wanted to do. That passion combined with identifying a niche as well as having merchandising and design experience was the perfect recipe to launch. I started with all the necessary legalities – trademarking a name, forming a corporation and immersing myself in product research and design.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned since launching your business?

It’s a roller coaster. You just have to stay on and ride the ups and downs.

What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

The financial aspect is a constant struggle. Developing a collection is incredibly expensive as well as putting out the capital to produce the pieces.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I always start at my computer and get organized for the day. Then I’m anywhere from planted in front of my computer ALL day to running around LA to meeting with accounts up and down the coast.

What is the best part of your job?

Meeting incredible new people like you two!

And to keep it real. what is the worst?

Counting in inventory. I’m the worst. I have to recount like 3 times and for some reason, it’s still wrong.

Looking back is there anything you wish you had done differently?

Yes and no. I believe everything happens for a reason and you learn things as you need to. I do wish I would have had a better handle on Quickbooks prior to even selling one piece.

What is a goal you have for your business that you hope to accomplish in the next year or two?

More exposure – I’ve worked incredibly hard creating a high quality line of sleepwear that fits well and can cross over into loungewear/daywear now it’s just a matter of letting people know I’m here.

Being a busy business owner how d you stay organized?

I write everything down. When I feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, I stop everything and clean my desk. I also have a lot of spreadsheets!

What has been one surreal moment you've experienced since launching Maison Du Soir?

When I heard I was a Martha Stewart American Made finalist I got kind of teary I must say. (See it here)!

What is your best piece of advice for others who hope to someday be a business owner?

⋄ Be prepared to work and push yourself.
⋄ Being an entrepreneur takes incredibly hard work, sacrifice and patience all at the same time.
⋄ Keep your day job as long as you can.
⋄ Many successful companies have started with nothing – so that means you can too.
⋄ There is always an up after the down.

Connect with Maison Du Soir: Pinterest // Twitter // Facebook // Instagram

images provided by: Maison Du Soir

14 Items Every Woman Should Keep In Her Desk

These days it feels like most of us spend more time at the office than we do at home. With as much time as I spend at work my desk has become a very important space to me. Even if you don't pretty much live at the office it is crucial to be prepared for unexpected meetings and emergencies. This is why I have prepared my list of 14 essentials every woman should keep in her desk.

ONE // Flats. Comfy shoes in a neutral color are a must for keeping in your desk for those days when your feet are killing you after putting in some long hours. These are my current favorites.

TWO // Back-Up Tech Supplies. We rely on our cell phones so much. I used to freak out when my battery started to get low at the end of the work day until I began keeping a phone charger at work. I have also found it helpful to keep a spare pair of ear buds in my desk.

THREE // Stain Remover. I keep Tide Pens To Go everywhere including in my desk. They prevent me from being embarrassed by any morning coffee or lunch mishaps.

FOUR // Feminine products. It is way better to keep these in your desk than to have to ask your coworker for a tampon.

FIVE // Umbrella. I keep one of these in my desk so that an unexpected rain storm doesn't have me showing up at a meeting across town soaking wet. This umbrella is compact enough to keep in your desk and very cute too.

SIX // Reuseable Water Bottle. This water bottle is a favorite of mine. Keeping a water bottle on your desk reminds you to keep sipping water all day which is great for you.

SEVEN // Snack. I always keep a stash of healthier pick-me-up snacks in my desk. My favorites include nuts, dried fruit, popcorn, and peanut butter.

EIGHT // Lint Roller. For everyone who has a cat or a dog this needs no explanation.

NINE // Makeup Bag Essentials. I like to keep deodorant, clear nail polish, blotting papers, lip balm, mascara, and hand cream at work.

TEN // Hair Ties. Usually at some point during a long day I need to get my hair pulled back out of my face.

ELEVEN // Hand Sanitizer. When someone gets sick at work you can count on it spreading like crazy. Hand sanitizer is a must to prevent getting sick. I like these towelettes that I also use to wipe down my phone and computer.

TWELVE // Basic First Aid Supplies. Everyone gets headaches especially when staring at a computer all day. I always keep some pain relievers at work and a stash of band-aids.

THIRTEEN // Toothbrush and Toothpaste. I cannot stand for my teeth to feel icky. Sometimes a toothbrush is just needed especially after my morning latte. I also keep mouthwash and floss in my desk too.

FOURTEEN // Mints. Helpful when you have a meeting right after lunch.

Are there any other essentials you think every woman should keep in their desk?

P.S. The top of your deserves some pretty office supplies.

image via: Ashley Ella Design, edited by Sunny Days and Starry Nights

Chit Chat: Things I Know To Be True

I celebrated my birthday last Friday. It was great and involved a weekend spent with friends and family. I am thankful to have people in my life that go out of their way to make my birthday feel special.

The last few days I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my past and thinking about the future. Admittedly there are still many, many things that I have no clue about but there are few things that I know for certain to be true and I thought I would share a few of them with you today.

ONE // Cutting off toxic relationships will instantly improve the quality of your life. The people you spend time with matter. Removing toxic people from your life is one of the best things you could ever do for yourself. It doesn't matter if it is a so-called friend, a boyfriend, or a family member if someone makes you feel bad about yourself or your life they do not deserve your time. You cannot hang out with negative people and expect to live a positive life.

TWO // Life is not fair. In fact, often life can be hard and sometimes even cruel. Sometimes you will struggle and it is okay if when things are tough or you are overwhelmed if all you can do is put one foot in front of the other so you can make it through the day. It is, however, important to not forget that you do have things to thankful for and to count your blessings.

THREE // Not everyone is going to like you and that is okay. You have nothing to prove to anyone. Be proud of who you are and not ashamed of how others see you. I have always been fortunate in that I have never had any desire to change who I am in order to be like everyone else. While I never had any urge to give into any pressure to be a certain way there were times when being different could be isolating. I am aware that my personality and the things that I like can be a little quirky or unexpected but I love that about myself. I think it is a large part of what makes me interesting.

FOUR // You should always trust your gut instincts. You need to trust yourself. Listen to your soul and do not let the voice inside you get drowned out by all of the noise that surrounds you. Going against your intuition will most likely lead to disaster.

FIVE // Your heart is your best compass. Karma is real. Few things are more important that kindness, compassion, and empathy. People do not forget how you treated them and how you made them feel.

SIX // Meditating really does help your mind and your soul. I worry, I stress, I feel anxious to the point where I have had panic attacks. While meditation does not fix whatever is bothering me it does help quiet my mind and help me relax. I have also found that a few minutes of peaceful silence each day helps nourish my soul, strength my self awareness, and heighten my clarity.

SEVEN // Asking yourself "will this matter a year from now?" can put most things into perspective. Life goes on. If a decision, a so-called disaster, a failure, or a mistake will not matter a year from now don't lose any sleep over it.

EIGHT // Your body knows what you need. If you are not taking care of yourself and you are not healthy it is hard to enjoy life. I have often found that when I get sick it is my body's way of trying to give me a message. That message might be that I need to stop stressing, that I need to recharge, that I need to drink more water, exercise, eat better, or get more sleep. When I give my body what it needs and wants I feel better. This also applies to when I am emotionally or mentally drained. Your emotional and mental health affect your entire well-being. Always allow yourself to replenish.

NINE // Naps and long, hot showers are two of the best luxuries in life. Both are so simple but they never fail to help put things into perspective, to energize me, and pamper me.

TEN // It is okay to be a work in progress. No one has everything figured out. No one finds their way on the same timetable and being sad, confused, or scared are legitimate feelings. You are not alone in how you feel. No matter how we feel about ourselves and our current situations, there are others out there with the same emotions. Not many people are living in those instagram perfect worlds we see on social media and sometimes that is hard to remember. The important thing is to keep working on yourself and your life.

ELEVEN // If you don't want anyone to find out don't do it. It should go without saying that if it is something you would be to ashamed to call up either your best friend or your mom and tell them about it it is something you should stay away from. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

TWELVE // To heal a wound you have to stop touching it. If something makes your heart feel heavy or feels like a burden sit it down, leave it there, and walk away. There is nothing that says you have to hold on to anything that does not make you happy.

THIRTEEN // If you want something you have to ask for it. The worst that can happen is that you are told no. At least you will know where you stand. It is better to know than to always wonder.

FOURTEEN // The better practice is quality over quantity in everything. Life is to short for bad food, bad books, bad music, and bad people. If something or someone is subpar go without. Surround yourself with the best and your life will be better for it.

FIFTEEN // You have to be your own best friend. Always go with yourself, never against yourself. The longest and most important relationship you will have in life is with yourself. Accept yourself, support yourself, and cheer for yourself to do well. You are not always going to have other people in your corner and that is why it is important that you can always count on yourself.

image via: Ashley Ella Design

The 15 Best Apps For Any Road Trip

I love a good road trip. I have never enjoyed long car rides but to me a road trip is something totally different. A road trip is a chance to see places you have never been, a time to have expected and unplanned experiences, and an opportunity to bond with some of your favorite people. Some of my best stories and adventures have happened during road trips.

Due to my love road trips over the last few years I have tried numerous apps to make the trip more enjoyable. Below is my list for the 15 best apps for any road trip.

ONE // Roadside America. So you will never miss another quirky attraction on your drive.

TWO // Greatest Drive. Helps you find the most fun and beautiful roads to take. Great for those times when you looking to take the scenic route.

THREE // Waze. A navigation app that offers multiple routes, notifications about speed traps, and real-time traffic updates.

FOUR // Glympse. Updates your preselected friends and family as to your GPS location.

FIVE // Scout. A great multi-purpose app. It helps you find the cheapest gas stations, makes personalized suggestions for restaurants and hotels, and it can provide turn-by-turn directions.

SIX // Along The Way. Searches along your current route so you can find food, attractions, shops, and landmarks without having to detour.

SEVEN // Hotel Tonight. Helps you find last minute deals on places to crash for the night.

EIGHT // Spotify. For the obvious reason.

NINE // Songza. For when you need to switch it up from Spotify. Songza has some incredibly specific playlists.

TEN // Audible. More than 150,000 audiobooks.

ELEVEN // GasBuddy. A community app where everyone's goal is too find the cheapest gas.

TWELVE // Finery. Allows you to leave and view other travelers comments about the best local spots.

THIRTEEN // Open Table. Make out of town reservations at many restaurants during your road trip in a snap.

FOURTEEN // iExit Interest Exit Guide. Fills you in on what is available at upcoming exits along your drive.

FIFTEEN // RepairPal. A great app because no one wants to be stranded by the side of the road. You input info like the make and model of your vehicle and what you think may be wrong. The app then gives ou a list of mechanics in the area with estimates for the cost of the repair.

P.S. Planning an upcoming road trip? You might also find these posts helpful:
Road Trip Essentials
Our Summer Road Trip Playlist
Road Trip Playlist

Image Via: Caroline Mackintosh, edited by Sunny Days and Starry Nights

10 Easy Ways To Make The Most Out Of Summer

We are already a week into July and I am determined to enjoy every last moment of summer before it is gone. I am still working checking items off of my summer to do list but is also important to remember to be mindful of all of the other little moments in between accomplishing these goals. Below are my 10 tips for making the most out of summer.

ONE // Make time to relax. Life in summer for some reason has a slower pace. I try to take advantage of this and carve out extra time to unwind and also not focus on worries as much.

TWO // Explore new places. Whether it is around the world or just across town exploring new places exposes us different perspectives and offers new sources of inspiration.

THREE // Declutter. Admittedly this sounds a little like doing work but I love the feeling that comes after I have cut back on physical clutter. I talked a little more about this here. Reducing physical clutter can be remarkably mentally calming.

FOUR // Focus and invest in yourself. Be self-accepting and be compassionate to yourself. Also spend some time on personal development and gaining new knowledge and skills (you can choose something fun maybe dance or cooking classes).

FIVE // Spend time with those you love. Relationships are the backbone of a happy life. Squeeze in some extra time to socialize with the people you care about.

SIX // Go outside. Get some fresh air. Enjoy the wind blowing through your hair and the sun on your skin. A healthy dose of Vitamin D will do you good.

SEVEN // Disconnect. I don't think there is a faster way to reduce stress and to be more present than turning off your iPhone and spending a day away from your email and social media.

EIGHT // Indulge in as much fresh produce as possible. One of my favorite things about summer is all of the fresh produce. Make it a part of your routine to visit the farmer's market often or to even grow your own garden.

NINE // Volunteer. Volunteering is an incredible way to give back and to feel amazing.

TEN // Plan a staycation. I try to plan at least a mini staycation every summer. Staycations are a great way to explore your area and take a vacation without leaving town. Here are some of my favorite tips for planning a successful staycation.

image via: Treasures and Travels, edited by Sunny Days and Starry Nights

11 Tips For Staying Focused and Productive

I work in a busy law office with a to do list that is often scary long. Add to that a side job, this blog, and trying to maintain an active social life and I am one busy girl. I have never been one to procrastinate (procrastination is one of Jessica's traits that drives me insane) but even I need some help staying focused and checking items off of my to do list. Below are 11 tips that have always worked for me.

TIP ONE // Set specific times to check emails and social media. Constantly checking emails and social media can quickly take up a lot of time. Having set times to check and respond to emails and social media will keep it from always looming over your head.

TIP TWO // Focus on 3 tasks per day. Each evening make a list of 3 big tasks you want to complete the next day. Keeping your list at a manageable number it will prevent you from getting overwhelmed.

TIP THREE // Get your most important task finished first thing in the morning. By getting your most important task done at the beginning of your day no matter how crazy the rest of your day gets you can still feel like a success at the end of the day because you got something significant finished.

TIP FOUR // Set a deadline and do not break it. If you do not have a deadline to get something done you can push it off until tomorrow.

TIP FIVE // Use a timer. Set the timer on your phone to give yourself 30 minutes to focus completely on one task. After which you can take a 5 minute break to prevent yourself from becoming bored.

TIP SIX // Use apps to block distractions. As noted above it is easy to get wrapped up in social media, emails, or browsing various websites. I cannot even begin to tell you how often I have gotten sucked into Pinterest and then an hour has passed before I know it. There are plenty of helpful apps out there that block distracting websites during work hours. Find one that you like and use it consistently.

TIP SEVEN // De-clutter your work space. It is so much easier to stay focused when your work space is organized.

TIP EIGHT // Set up a mini reward system. It is okay to bribe yourself sometimes. We all need the occasional award especially after completing something you were really dreading.

TIP NINE // Get a good night's sleep and wake up early. It is nearly impossible to be productive when you are exhausted. Be good to yourself and get the rest you need. I have also found that waking up early does wonders for my productivity level. It is so much easier to get things accomplished when most of the rest of the world is sleeping.

TIP TEN // Take a break when you really need it. But use those breaks to get something productive done such as a workout, tidying up, or running an errand.

TIP ELEVEN // Know what works for you. Pay attention to what works for you and use that knowledge to up your productivity. Are you an early bird or a night owl? Do you get bored easily? Do you need a quiet place to work?

image via: Knotted Tassel Necklace, edited by Sunny Days and Starry Nights

20 Dos and Don'ts For Hosting A Dinner Party

I love hosting dinner parties. Throwing a great dinner party is a great achievement for a hostess. Entertaining and be stressful. Over the years I have developed a few dos and don'ts that help remove most of the stress and if followed when almost ensure that everyone involved has a great time.

ONE // Do make as much as possible in advance. Few things are worse than being in a rush trying to get everything ready when your guests have already started arriving.

TWO // Do have a playlist prepared. It will help set the mood and make the atmosphere more festive.

THREE // Do take your guests dietary restrictions into consideration. This doesn't mean preparing an entire special menu for each guest but you should provide options so no one feels left out.

FOUR // Send out invitations. It will help get your guests excited and make all the details for the dinner easy to find.

FIVE // Do serve dessert. It doesn't have to be homemade but I promise you your guests expect dessert.

SIX // Watch the number of guests you invite. I think 6-8 is the perfect number. It keeps conversation flowing without people breaking off into groups. This being said always be willing to be flexible. If someone has an out of town guest visiting make room at the table for one more so your guests will not be prevented from attending.

SEVEN // Do a little tidying up before everyone arrives. Make sure the common areas of your home where your guests will be are clean the day before the dinner. This includes having clutter put away and having a well stocked bathroom.

EIGHT // Create some atmosphere. Light a few candles. Have a pretty centerpiece. Use cloth napkins or your nice dinnerware. Choose a few things to help the meal seem extra special.

NINE // Stick to a simple menu. A dinner party shouldn't be fussy or stressful. Stick to a simple menu with quality ingredients and the food will be delicious.

TEN // Make extra food. It is better to have lots of leftovers than for someone to leave your party hungry.

ELEVEN // Don't get hung up on details. Do the best you can and don't worry if something goes wrong. The point is to have fun not to be perfect.

TWELVE // Don't forget appetizers. Guests will arrive at different times. Finger foods ar a great way to get the party started until it is time to serve the main course.

THIRTEEN // Don't try out a new recipe. This is a time to rely on tried and true favorite recipes.

FOURTEEN // Don't rely on guests to bring essential items. There is always the chance that they will be late or forget and then you will be left trying to come up with a plan B on the spot.

FIFTEEN // Don't serve the food late. People get grumpy when they are hungry.

SIXTEEN // Don't ignore any guests. No one should be invited to a dinner party and then feel alienated. Include everyone in conversations and if some of your guests do not know each other make introductions.

SEVENTEEN // Don't invite all strangers. Most of your guests should have something in common other than knowing you. I think it is a good rule of thumb to introduce no more than 2 new people into your group at each dinner party. This helps keep the event from getting awkward while still introduce your friends to new people you know and really like.

EIGHTEEN // Don't start tidying up as soon as everyone has finished eating. Cleaning up kills the mood fast. Instead linger at the table or move into living room for coffee and enjoy your company a little longer.

NINETEEN // Don't go to bed without cleaning up. Number Eighteen being said once your guests have left you should definitely tackle the worst of the cleaning. Believe me the mess will look much worse in the morning.

TWENTY // Don't apologize. So what if everything isn't perfect. No apologizes are needed. A week later no one will remember if something was a little overcooked. All they will remember is the great time they had.

P.S. For more tips and advice about entertaining be sure to read:
12 Entertaining Essentials
6 Tips For Hosting An Amazing Event
7 Easy Tips For Hosting An Amazing Brunch

image via: 1, edited by Sunny Days and Starry Nights

Chit Chat: Saying Yes More Often

I am not an adventurous person. I like comfort. I like routine. I like familarity. I have always been a person who shy away from the unknown.

Over the last year or so I have been pushing myself to say yes more often. Yes to meeting new people. Yes to different opportunities. Yes to going new places. Yes to invitations. Yes to trying something I haven't before.

Although I am trying there is no denying that saying yes is hard. Taking chances is difficult and risking failure is scary. No, however, is safe. There is no risk involved in saying no and there is not change required. Saying no always you to stay safely within the safe corners of your comfort zone.

Something that has surprised me over the last year is that now instead of having most of my evenings and weekends totally void of plans or consumed by work I am constantly in the process of making plans and I usually have a busy social calendar. I have found that saying yes to opportunities that force me a little out of my comfort zone are some of the best decisions I could ever make.

Yeses take work, require effort, and force you to take action. But they are worth it and saying yes does get easier with practice. Now I realize that each time I say no I am missing an opportunity to meet someone new, to learn something I didn't know, to feeling something different, to discovering something about myself, and to opening new doors.

Looking back some of the best things that have happened to me and some of my fondest memories are the result of having said yes. Everything I have said yes to certainly has not worked out perfectly but I certainly had more fun, gained more confidence, and have felt more empowered as a result.

Have you said yes to anything new lately?

image via: 1

Career Spotlight: Dale Janée // Savvy Sleepers

Dale Janée is not only one of the nicest and most stylish fashion bloggers we know (she blogs at Savvy Spice) she is also the genius behind Savvy Sleepers. Savvy Sleepers is the world's first unisex satin pillowcases. We were first introduced to Savvy Sleepers over a year ago and were amazed by the benefits it provided to our skin and hair. We are thrilled Dale agreed to answer a few questions for us. We hope you enjoy her story as much as we did.

What is your background?

My educational background is actually in journalism and I was a Public Relations major at California State University, Chico. I wish I would have majored in business, but math scared me away.

My parents always encouraged creativity and entrepreneurism. When I was in elementary school, my mom taught a program for 'gifted kids' called GATE. I never tested high enough to make it in, but I always hung around her classroom and loved a little 'Popcorn Business' lesson she taught. In 6th grade, my friend and I launched a little jewelry company. I talked my mom into giving me a corner of her classroom to make a boutique. We opened during recess, breaks and after school for teachers to come shop. I loved it and knew from that moment, one day I wanted to start my own business.

What is the story behind the concept of Savvy Sleepers?

The story behind Savvy Sleepers actually came during a low point in my life. After 8 years working in tech while dealing with dating drama and a crazy landlord in San Francisco, I was ready for a big change. The hustle and bustle of city life took a toll on my locks and my Aunt Jean, a stylist, was highlighting my hair a few years ago and noticed the stress and damage I clearly couldn’t hide.

‘You should really be sleeping on a satin pillow case,' she said and passed over a hand-sewn pillow case. After my first night, I woke up with calmer hair and my skin looked more refreshed with no crease marks.

‘Why aren’t we all sleeping on a satin pillow case?’ I thought. After researching, I was so disappointed with the quality of what was sold. I traveled the world and tested hundreds of samples against my skin until I found the softest, most luxurious blend of satin with the highest-quality stitching which I designed with a secret pocket.

When did you know it was time to launch your business and what steps did you take?

After creating a prototype at an LA Factory and sleeping on it a week, I had my ‘Aha moment’ as Oprah would say and decided if I was going to do this, I really had to do it! I launched my own business and Savvy Sleepers was officially born in November 2012 after a year of planning, researching and finding a great manufacturer.

What are the biggest lessons you have learned since launching your business?

The biggest lesson I learned is that while a little luck may help us all, it takes total dedication and hard work to start and run a business. More importantly, you truly need to care about your business and believe in it. Starting an online business is less risky, but it’s also a huge learning experience.

When I clicked the ‘publish’ button to make my Shopify store live, I figured sales would just start pouring in and customers would find us on Google easily. I was so wrong! It takes time, SEO strategies and constant dedication to churning out fresh content. I also feel so lucky I have friends I've made through blogging who have been willing to test my product and share their thoughts on their own personal blogs. I will be forever thankful to any blogger who has taken the time to write about Savvy Sleepers.

What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

The biggest business obstacle to overcome has been living in Zurich, Switzerland while running Savvy Sleepers which is based in San Francisco. I met my husband the same month I launched and he was living and working in Zurich so we moved there for now. Of course an online business can be run from anywhere in the world, but the time difference can get tricky – I’m 9 hours ahead of California so I stay up very late to make phone calls and connect with potential retailers. I’d love to be available in the US year round to attend trade shows, or just have the face-to-face meeting which isn't possible with a 12 hour transatlantic flight in the way.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is knowing I created this business and have put so much work into it and seeing how far it's come from just being an idea to turning into actual business.

And to keep it real, what is the worst?

The worst comes hand-in-hand with the 'owning' part. Owning a small business can be very stressful because you are responsible and play the role of every position in the company. It's easy to be hard on yourself if your company has a bad month or you don't get the results you expected with a new advertising campaign or product idea.

What is a goal you have for your business that you hope to accomplish in the next year or two?

One goal I hope to accomplish in 2015 is to get into a major department store. Nordstrom, Bloomingdales or Dillards would be a dream come true. My marketing director, Brittany, located in the San Francisco Bay Area has been amazing and helped close deals while managing Savvy Sleepers social media.

Being a busy business owner how do you stay organized?

I like my workspace to be bright so I usually work from our kitchen table with background music or the Sirius Radio. It's so important to organize your day so you don't get distracted and while my desktop is a nightmare with images and folders everywhere, I stay organized by making a list every day. I usually have 20-40 tasks and some are simple and some are time consuming. Also, take breaks to clear your head whether it's a walk, a coffee break or painting your nails. A 30 minute break is often when I can think about new ideas, write the drafts for blogs in my head or brainstorm.

What has been one surreal moment you've experienced since launch Savvy Sleepers?

One surreal moment for me happened last year when I got an email from the corporate operations manager at Blo Blow Dry Bar interested in carrying Savvy Sleepers in their locations - over 40 worldwide. The deal took six months to close and we had to create new packaging, but it's been a very exciting experience to have our first real retail opportunity and gave us the confidence to move into retailers like salons, spas, and now hotels.

What is your best piece of advice for others who hope to someday be a business owner?

My best piece of advice is to never give up through the tough times, especially in the beginning stages of starting a business because there will be very difficult moments you may feel like asking yourself 'is this worth it?'

Also, be careful with overspending as a new small business and explore all advertising options. Expenses add up fast so make sure you exhaust every social media tool you have. I come across so many small businesses who are not active on twitter, instagram or Facebook. Twitter is one of the easiest free marketing tools you have to search hashtags for your exact industry and find out who’s talking about your product, discover potential influencers and most importantly to learn about your competitors.

Connect with Dale:
Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Instagram

Connect with Savvy Sleepers:
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram

Career Spotlight: Vannessa // Luxuria

Vannessa is the owner of Luxuria an online jewellery boutique. Vannessa curates pieces from all over the world but principally from Spain, Ibiza, Mallorca, Greece and the Italian Riviera. She also has exclusivity for most of the European designers on her site so most of her pieces cannot be purchased anywhere else in the UK or USA.

Now through May 31st with the code SUNNYDAYS20 Vannessa is offering our readers a 20% discount on any item of their choice.

What is your background?

My background believe it or not is as far removed from sparkles as you can get. I am a qualified Criminal Psychologist and worked in the industry for 10+ years.

What is the story behind the concept of Luxuria?

OK, in 2001 my Husband and I decided to take a 1 year sabbatical to Spain. Whilst there, I noticed how Spanish women accessorised (which was very different from women in the UK). Spanish women loved "big and bold" rather than fine, delicate jewellery (which is the very kind of jewellery I love). I also noticed they would accessorise to go everywhere; the supermarket, the school run and even the beach! I saw that one big bold piece would really lift their outfits (even if they were just wearing a t'shirt and jeans). So I started buying contemporary pieces for myself. However, whenever friends came over to Spain and saw them, they would literally wrestle them off me. Then an off-the-cuff comment by a friend who said "Van, I don't know why you don't start sourcing these pieces and selling them" started the whole ball rolling. I have always wanted to have my own jewelry biz from as far back as I can remember. Not long after I started I found an old folder of all the beautiful images I had kept from my teenage years. The pictures I had kept were very similar to what I now wanted to sell-big, bold and contemporary. It was as if everything came full circle.

The island of Mallorca where Vannessa was living at the time.
When did you know it was time to launch your business and what steps did you take?

I "played" at building a business when I was in Spain. But it was more a passion project. But during this time I learnt all I could about e-commerce, marketing, SEO, PR........all the steps necessary. I literally threw myself into the world of business reading everything I could get my hands on (at the same time sourcing designers etc). When I came back to the UK to look after my sick Dad (in 2012) I decided it was time to formalize everything and launch my business officially from the UK. I knew that if I wanted to move again and spend time in another country in the future, this business model would allow me to do that.

What are the biggest lessons you have learned since launching your business?

My biggest lessons have been:

It will take much longer than you think it will to launch.

You will work much longer hours for no money, for a very long time. You will possibly make more money working at McDonalds (in the early days). These are the hard cold facts. But if you know that at the outset, and you constantly remind yourself of your end goal, you can stay on track.

Don't think if you build your website, they will come. That is just the tip off the iceberg. You have to be marketing and hustling every day. The quote that always keeps me moving is "The dream is free. The hustle is sold separately". And that is true. You have to hustle every single day. So you HAVE TO make friends with "the hustle". Obviously everyone has their own way of doing it but the main thing is stay authentic and do what works for you. Because what worked for Steve Jobs or Richard Branson for example, may not work for you.

Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs because when you are having a bad day, you can be lifted up so quickly by others that are going through the same thing.

Work with a coach. You may you think you know what you are doing etc, but some fresh, experienced eyes are always invaluable Keep learning. Never stop learning. Read inspirational autobiographies from others who have been there

You don't have to re-invent the wheel. You can follow what others have done. Just tweek it for what you want. Most business models are repeated, you just add your "secret sauce."

What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

The biggest obstacle was my own belief in myself. I have a scientific background so was very much a left-brain thinker. I suddenly had to rely on my right brain, trusting in my intuition and just believing that my idea was do-able. I still wrestle sometimes with that, but I work with a coach who keeps me straight. Sometimes it's easy to say "I'm going back to work for someone else, it's so much easier". But I always remind myself of "my why" i.e why I chose to do this.

What is the best part of your job?

What any biz person will tell you-planning your own day; you decide when you get up, when you work, when you take holidays etc. Basically being in charge of your own destiny.

And to keep it real, what is the worst?

You have to be prepared for the unpredictability of it all. In the beginning you can go months and months not earning anything (but that is quite normal). Also you never really switch off. Your brain is ticking over 24/7. Apart from that I love everything about working for yourself. If you are clear at the beginning that this is no walk in the park, then you won't go wrong. Which is why I recommended before reading autobiographies of successful people (it doesn't matter what field they are in); you will see that every successful person has been through very similar obstacles and hurdles. If your mindset is in the right place, you should be OK.

Looking back is there anything you wish you had done differently?

Not really, because every mistake I made produced a lesson in itself. The only thing I wish is I started on my business journey earlier.

What is a goal you have for your business that you hope to accomplish in the next year or two?

To really get some good PR/magazine coverage and to start expanding my designs.

Being a busy business owner how do you stay organized?
I am by nature a very organised person. But even so I can get overwhelmed sometimes with all I need to do. But my tips would be:

Everyone else has their to-do-lists using some fancy programs or app, you don't have to struggle to follow the latest trend. Do what works for you. I am still a bit of a pen and paper girl. So all my daily lists are down on paper.

Only put on your daily to-do list as much as you can write on a 3"x3" post-it note. Anything over and above that is a bonus. If your to-do list is too long, you will constantly feel like you haven't achieved anything, and that feeling can really chip away at you.

Make sure you are brutal about your time. So if you have 2 hours to write or do marketing, don't even take a phone call during that time. Just do what that time was allocated for. I never take phone calls from friends and family when I am working (apart from my Husband). I ring them back at lunch time or in the evening.

I schedule "reading time" when I move away from my computer and just read. I usually schedule about 2 hours/day. That is really nothing. I have read that many successful people get up 1-2 hours earlier, just to read. I read the other day that Warren Buffet reads for 6 hours every day before he even starts his work for the day!

Turn off all alerts for social media, mobiles etc.

Set an alarm for how much time you want to spend on social media and stick with it. I set about 30 minutes in the morning and "maybe" 45mins-1 hour late at night. And that is it!

I pre-schedule a lot of my social media content (using Hootsuite) a few days in advance.

I don't answer any emails until the evening, I never check my emails first thing because then you spend the best part of the day reacting to your emails (which are usually someone else's requests and demands), you lose valuable working time when you could be working on your own objectives.

I used a lot of these strategies when I was working as a Criminal Psychologist also, and they really work for me.

What has been one surreal moment you've experienced since launching Luxuria?

I haven't had many. But one time I was in a Claridges Hotel restaurant in London just having dinner with my Husband, and this very glamorous looking woman kept looking over. It was starting to un-nerve me a little. Then as she was about to leave she walked over and asked me about the ring I was wearing. When I told her it was one of mine. She explained she was leaving London the next day and wanted to buy it "off my hand!". She tried it on and it did look really beautiful on her (in fact better than it looked on me. So I gave it to her. She was so grateful. She has since recommended my boutique to many people and is now one of my best customers. But the moment she left the restaurant my Husband and I looked at each other and asked "did that really just happen?" It was quite surreal.

What is your best piece of advice for others who hope to someday be a business owner?

Don't wait for everything to be perfect and all your ducks to be in a line before you start (otherwise you will never start). Start as small as you possibly can (preferably whilst you are still working in your current job) because things will evolve and change as you start working in your business. Some people want the perfect logo and perfect website, or the fancy office with all the fancy office equipment before starting. My advice is keep everything small and as cheap as possible to start with whilst you test your idea. Then as your biz evolves your branding, work space etc will evolve with it.

Connect with Luxuria:
Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest

10 Easy Ways To Stand Out At Work

Getting noticed at work can take a lot more than showing up and doing your job well. If you want a chance to advance in your company, standing out at work is important. I have ten easy tips I am sure will help you shine and stand out at work.

TIP ONE // Do things without being asked. If you see something that needs to be done and no one is doing it, do it. Taking action on your own initiative will quickly get you in your boss' good graces.

TIP TWO // Do not be a wallflower in meetings. Get your ideas heard and contribute to the conversation.

TIP THREE // Take an interest in your colleagues. Praise your colleagues work. Also take a genuine interest when they talk about their lives and things that important to them. It is also a good idea to remember the names of their family members.

TIP FOUR // Get to know the support staff. Being kind to the support staff is important. Plus you may just be surprised by how knowledgeable these people are and how much pull they may have.

TIP FIVE // Be proactive. Do not wait for problems to arise instead find ways to avoid them.

TIP SIX // Do more than just the tasks included in your job requirements. Nothing is a substitute for hard work. If you are working harder than everyone else you will be impossible to ignore. Hard work and going above your job requirements will leave a good and lasting impression.

TIP SEVEN // Always be willing to help. Become that person that can be counted on to help. Also always be willing to volunteer. Your boss will love this about you.

TIP EIGHT // Never bad mouth your company or your boss. Nothing will make you look bad faster.

TIP NINE // Spruce up your closet. Dressing like you take your job seriously can greatly improve your job influence.

TIP TEN // Take the lead on projects (especially if no one else is stepping up). Silence does not get you noticed. By taking taking the lead on a project you show you are willing to tackle challenges and to make contributions. This can be especially helpful if the project is something no one else wants. You may end up your boss' hero.

image via: emerson fry, edited by Sunny Days and Starry Nights

The Single Girl's Guide to Valentine's Day: 8 Ideas for Owning the Day

I know there are people out there who hate Valentine’s Day but I just cannot be one of those people. Is it cheesy? Yes. Do I accept that it is kind of a superficial holiday? Yes. But it is a holiday and the most girly of all holidays. How could I possibly dislike a day filled with pinks and reds, glitter, hearts, flowers, and chocolates. If you know anything about me you know that is just now possible.

I also might be one of the few people that this applies to but being single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t bother me. I am going to choose to embrace the day and have fun. So if you are single come February 14th don’t let it get you down. Below are my eight ideas for how single girls can spend Valentine’s Day and actually enjoy the holiday.

ONE // Spend the night with your celebrity crush. Whether it is Jake Gyllenhall, Ryan Gosling, or Johnny Depp get a few of his movies, pick up your favorite dinner, and devote the night to spending some quality time with your celebrity crush.

TWO // Treat yourself. There is no one better to spend the money you worked hard to earn on than yourself. So since there is no guy in the picture waiting for a Valentine’s Day gift from you take yourself to the salon for a new hairstyle, buy yourself that handbag or dress you have been coveting, or treat yourself to a mani/pedi.

THREE // Play hooky with your best friend. Who wants to stay at work seeing the flower deliveries all day. Convince your best friend to spend the day doing something fun like going to the theater to see a romantic comedy, shopping, or going to a museum.

FOUR // Volunteer. Spread some love by doing something totally selfless and helping others who are less fortunate. I bet you will end the day feeling great about yourself.

FIVE // Throw a party for your single girlfriends. Surround yourself with some of your best girlfriends. Over indulge in good food and drinks. Laugh and gossip and just in general enjoy their company. Suggest that everyone wear pink (or go the opposite route and designate black as the color for your get-together). The DIY balloons from Studio DIY would be great decor or gifts for your friends.

SIX // Organize a secret cupid. Draw names with a group of your single friends and then deliver a gift to each other so that everyone can have a Valentine.

SEVEN // Enjoy your own company. Remind yourself how lucky you are. You can do whatever you want without having to take into consideration a significant other. Make a list of activities you have been wanting to do and spend Valentine’s Day marking a few of them off of your list or simply spend the day reading a great book or cooking a recipe from scratch.

EIGHT // Ignore Valentine’s Day. There is no reason you have to make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day. If you really cannot see any way you could possibly enjoy the day just treat it like any other day. Stay home to avoid the couples, order take out, and watch Netflix. Tomorrow will be better.

Image via: Studio DIY, edited by Sunny Days and Starry Nights

9 Tips For Creating a Professional Email

These days it is almost impossible for most people to make it through the day without email being involved. Many of the emails you send likely have a connection to your job. It is incredible how much work is accomplished through email. With all of the emails that are constantly filling our inboxes it can be easy to find ourselves typing a quick response and clicking send without giving it much thought but it is important to implement some email etiquette so we can use email to our advantage and protect our professional reputations.

Here are a few simple tips to perfect professional emailing:

TIP ONE // Stay away from embarrassing email addresses. Your email address matters. If you work for a company that provides you with an email address this is likely taken care of but if you work for yourself make sure you are not sending work emails from that email address you have had since you were a teenager. I suggest creating an email address that incorporates your first and last night name so that people can easily recognize who the email is from in their email inbox.

TIP TWO // Don’t forget the subject. Make the subject of your email concise. The subject of the email should make it easily identifiable what the content of the email is discussing.

TIP THREE // Use correct spelling and grammar. This should go without saying but it is so important that you proofread your email several times before hitting send.

TIP FOUR // Keep the email short and to the point. Keeping emails short and easy to read is key. Make sure there is plenty of white space. I am also a huge fan of bullet points when I have several points to get across. Most professionals have busy schedules and you should treat their time like it is important.

TIP FIVE // Respond timely. Everyone hates waiting. It is important to respond as soon as possible. I think a good rule of thumb is to respond within 24 to 48 hours.

TIP SIX // Font style is important. Your font should a normal, readable font.

TIP SEVEN // Set up a signature. You need a signature at the end of every email. You never want the recipient of your email to have to search for your contact information. Your signature should contain all of your contact information including your full name, phone number, address, and professional social media links.

TIP EIGHT // Keep private content out. Confidential and private information should never be included in a business email. I always ask myself before sending a business email if I would be embarrassed if someone other than the recipient saw it. Keep in mind that emails create a trail that can be printed off, shared, and forwarded.

TIP NINE // Be care of Reply-All. Hitting reply-all can get you into a lot of trouble. Always double check the recipients to any email. Make sure that the people on the email chain are those you want to see your response.

via: Sequins and Stripes, image edited by Sunny Days and Starry Nights