THE YOUNGER BOSS pg. 31|8 PIECES OF THE START-UP PUZZLE pg. 37 NEW SINGLE GIRL pg. 58|EATING RIGHT FOR YOUR BLOOD TYPE pg. 67
M nted
Molly Cain: She’s Running the World (in Glass Heels)
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Minted Spring 2012
IN THIS ISSUE...
ON THE COVER 46
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Running the World (in Glass Heels)
Molly Cain is single, savvy and the CEO of Glass Heel, a lifestyle and business networking site.
FEATURES 31
The Younger Boss
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The Start-up Puzzle
How to address the generation gap between you and someone (much) younger in management Our experts help you nagivate through the legal issues you may stumble upon as an entrepreneur.
the Perfect Diet 67 What’s for You? Your blood type may hold the answer. Find out what foods are best suited for you and why.
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PHOTO BY RYAN C. JONES
MINTED STYLE 21
Fab Fashion
Revamp your wardrobe with mellow yellow hues.
28 Extras Fill up one of these weekender bags on the cover Photo of Molly Cain by Ryan C. Jones Photography. Molly is wearing a BCBG Alice Mixed Lace Sheath dress and Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Lock Link bracelet provided by Zappos.com.
for your next spring getaway, and toss in some of these bold-colored accessories.
in this issue SPRING 2012
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LIFE AFTER FIVE
PHOTO COURTESY OF BAY AREA GIRL GEEK DINNERS
Diary 55 Travel Lone Star State of Texas New Single Girl 58 The A self-proclaimed spinster is lovin’ life as a single gal
62 When Love is Around the Corner
A “sexpert” doles out relationship do’s and don’ts
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Bookends
Chick Lit Plus’ spring reading list
HEALTH & BEAUTY BUSINESS TALK Nights 34 Networking It’s chic to be a geek!
43 Spotlight Jee Shin of Milk + Honey IN EVERY ISSUE 15 Contributors The people who help make Minted your favorite online magazine
Note 16 Editor’s The Modern Career Girl
18 Noted Our readers share what they love (and hate) about each issue. 8
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Pick Me Ups 71 Easy-Peasy Wallet-friendly buys that liven up your complexion even after the longest of work days
101 72 Skincare An expert dishes out the answers to your skincare woes.
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PHOTO BY PAIGE A. RICKS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Mimosa Mornings
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Baked to Perfection
Simple Sunday brunch recipes Meet Joy the Baker
HOME & LIVING 83
Personalized Touches
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Office Play
Home decor and accessories
Fashion designer Zoe Hong’s home studio
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MINTED IN-THE-MAKING spring 2012
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Everywhere we went in Texas people were ridiculously friendly and we definitely felt the love, especially at Back 9 bar in Addison, Texas. It was a great time with bartenders Tiffany and Tony. Thanks for the hospitality! Searching for colorful accessories for our fashion section led to a bit of a shopping spree. You’ll notice this set of bracelets in our Minted Style section! Joy the Baker, featured in our Food for Thought section, spoke to foodies and bakers alike at her Pasadena, Calif. signing for her cookbook. mintedmag.com
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The Minted Family Co-founder & Publisher KIMBERLY S. LIN Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief SHIRLEY LAU Editorial Health & Fitness Editor ALYSSA FETINI Writers SUKRUTHA RAMAN BHADOURIA, JENN CLARK, LISA LIU, SAMANTHA MARCH, DANIELLE PENER Art Photographers ROBERTO DAZA, RYAN C. JONES, SHIRLEY LAU, KIMBERLY S. LIN, AARON NARDI, JONAH PAULINE, PAIGE A. RICKS Design SHIRLEY LAU Illustrations KIMBERLY S. LIN Minted Magazine PO Box 99678 Emeryville, CA 94662 Phone: 510.423.3056 Email: editor@mintedmag.com ISSN 2164-9138 (print) ISSN 2164-9154 (online)
Minted Magazine is published four times a year as a digital download and hard copy via MagCloud.com. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written consent is prohibited. Copyright 2012 Minted Magazine. All rights reserved.
Contributors SAMANTHA MARCH
RYAN C. JONES Drawing inspiration from geometry, light, and color, Ryan celebrates the stories of everyone and everything he photographs with a documentarian approach. Although he regularly shoots both domestically and internationally, Ryan currently lives and works in Downtown Fresno. He also really likes Oreos. His photos grace the cover and cover story (pg. 46). twitter @rcjonesphoto
Samantha March currently lives in Des Moines, Iowa with her boyfriend and crazy cast of friends. She also runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up-to-date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and celebrity-related. She recently published her debut novel, Destined to Fail. Check out her list of books she recommends you add to your spring reading list (pg. 65). twitter @chicklitplus
LISA W. LIU Lisa W. Liu is a Senior Partner at The Mitzel Group LLP. She helps businesses in all aspects of corporate and business transactions and immigration issues. She guides business owners through structuring business entities and operations to drafting contracts to ensuring website compliance. She also helps business owners work through worksite immigration compliance (I-9 compliance) issues. Liu ensures her clients are established in a way that best suits their business and have the necessary knowledge to move forward with confidence. Liu earned her law degree from the UC Hastings College of the Law. She speaks English, Japanese, and Mandarin and is licensed to practice in California and New York. Currently, Liu serves on the Advisory Council for American Immigration Lawyers Association Norcal chapter. She shares her knowledge about the legal world in our business section (pg. 37). email lisaliu@mitzelgroup.com
JENN CLARK Jenn Clark is a writer, blogger, and all around “sex-pert.” In 2010, she put her two passions—writing and relationship advice—together and created the popular blog “Jenn X: 30Something & Single.” She is the author of the book How to Be a Goddess (A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming the Woman Men Dream About…), based on an article she wrote that went viral and has been viewed nearly half a million times. She is a monthly columnist for AVID Magazine, a featured writer for a variety of websites, and a frequent radio guest. You can find both her and her blog here and on her YouTube channel. Jenn received her B.A. in Journalism at USC and was a columnist for the Pasadena Star-News when she was only 17 years old. She lives in Los Angeles and is just now starting to take her own advice. Change up your dating life with her relationship advice (pg. 62). twitter @JennX30
Contributors DANIELLE L. PENER Danielle L. Pener is an employment/HR attorney helping small start-up companies avoid legal liability and navigate myriad employment laws. Danielle has a particular expertise in assisting young companies with policies and procedures to help them pay and treat their employees properly (and well!) and advising them on how to get the most out of their workforce. Danielle subscribes to the theory that no company is too small to need a good lawyer and trusted business advisor on its side. Check out her article about the legal issues you may face as an entrepreneur (pg. 37). email dpener@mitzelgroup.com
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Want to be a part of the Minted Magazine team? We’re always looking to work with new writers, photographers and bloggers—the more the merrier! If you’re interested, please send samples of your work to editor@mintedmag.com. Minted is also now hiring summer interns! If you love fashion, food and interviewing incredible woman, apply for an editorial internship by emailing shirley@mintedmag.com. If the business aspect of a company is your interest, email kimberly@mintedmag.com to be a sales/marketing intern. Please provide a cover letter and resume. Include two to three published work samples if you’re applying for the editorial internship. For college credit only.
Market your business ... the right way. - Reach an affluent demographic of female entrepreneurs and corporate executives. - Attract potential clients to your site through Minted’s specialized “hotspot” links throughout each issue. - Ask about special introductory rates for first-time clients! For more information: Email ads@mintedmag.com 14 mintedmag.com
Minted Magazine Premiere Issue Launch Party We want to thank everyone who showed their support at our launch event on January 18. Drinks were flowing, some major mingling was happening and we couldn’t have asked for a better night of networking. A special thank you to Som Bar in San Francisco for hosting us. Until next time ...
PHOTOS BY ROBERTO DAZA
editor’s note SPRING 2012
The Modern Career Girl AFTER STAYING IN DALLAS, TEXAS for
PHOTO BY ROBERTO DAZA
five days, I almost didn’t want to go back home to California. (That true Texas hospitality is beyond amazing!) I was in the Lone Star state for our interview and photo shoot with our beautiful— both inside and out!—cover gal, Molly Cain, founder of GlassHeel.com. It wasn’t hard for photographer Ryan Jones to capture Molly’s effervescent personality and zest for life. She’s doing what she loves, and that, readers, isn’t something we all get a chance to do in our lifetime. Last month, I was also lucky enough to be surrounded by nearly 1,000 other women just like Molly when I attended the Women 2.0 Conference in Mountain View, Calif. Along with some venture capitalists, there was a mass of entrepreneurs all traversing through the mucky waters of the start-up world. It was inspiring to hear pioneering women like Caterina Fake, co-founder of Hunch.com and Flickr, and Robin Chase, founderof ZipCar, talk about turning an idea into a product or service the masses all want and love.
It’s women like these that make my job that much more rewarding—for every issue I get to learn about the very women I aspire to become. Like Jee Shin, owner of cafe Milk + Honey in Orange County, (pg. 43) who talks about taking the first step in becoming her own boss—and that it takes more than just an idea, but the courage and motivation to get past the “pre-birth stage” of a new venture. Or like Jenn Clark (pg. 62), a self-proclaimed “sex”pert and author who uses her own (sometimes embarassing) relationship mishaps and turns them into a guide to help other woman fall out of the trap of a bad relationship. And, of course, there’s Joy Wilson, otherwise known as Joy the Baker (pg. 80), who has reached more than 21,000 Facebook followers—all who share the same love and adoration of baked goods and good food. These three women are a different crop of entrepreneurs, I think. They didn’t reach success by inventing something new or coming out with the next big thing—instead, they took something that was already done ... and managed to make it into something even better. I hope you enjoy this issue and learn something new, whether it’s a different way to look at how you do business or even just some fashion inspiration (pg. 21). (Oh, and I’m excited to share with you that our Summer 2012 issue is our eco-friendly issue, with a special section dedicated to all those working mothers!)
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Shirley Lau, Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief
You’re Invited! Join Minted Magazine in celebrating the launch of the Spring 2012 issue. Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 6:30pm 83 Proof 83 First Street (Between Market and Mission) San Francisco, CA
Network with Bay Area professionals. Enjoy tasty desserts and handcrafted cocktails. It’s FREE to attend and open to the public!
noted SPRING 2012
Letters to the editor Our re were aders sur e some showing u s love first fo issue! r the
LOVE FROM
My kids were finally tucked into bed and I had a chance to read all the articles in Minted, and everything looks stunning. I can tell a lot of hard work went into it. Congrats again on a job well done. I wish you continued success. -Lisa Lim, Salt Lake City, Utah Wow, it is fantastic! I’m very excited for you. I know you have a winner on your hands. -Lynn Taylor, Santa Monica, Calif. Just read through the first issue—lots of ideas and inspiration in there! Well done, ladies, you should be proud of yourselves! -Katie Bright, Portland, Ore. Congratulations on the first issue of Minted! I am absolutely in love with your publication, and I’m impressed with its mission. -Amanda Foor, Rio Ranco, N.M. I love what it aims to do for women, and I think you both succeed at targeting the goals, interests and challenges we have in today’s society. -Ashley Fahr, New York City, NY
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and
I loved your premiere issue girls! Bravissime! -@mosaicology Amazing online magazine! Love the look of the zucchini and chicken mini frittatas! -@kwyver Just flipped through the premiere issue of @mintedmag online. So gorgeous and well done! -@JournalistJulia Ladies, your magazine is goooorgeous!! You’ve got a new follower -@caseymast The magazine is so beautiful! Wow, I am so impressed—the layout, the writing, all of it! Amazing! -Chelsea Bieker Your new mag looks fabulous! -Rachel Johns
Have comments or feedback? Send them to editor@mintedmag.com. Your thoughts and ideas are always welcome.
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(inside: new take on nautical |weekender bags| bold and bright accessories)
MINTED style
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANN TAYLOR
Sunny Disposition
Spring is here and what better way to celebrate than with clean neutrals and bursts of color. editor KIMBERLY S. LIN
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minted style FAB FASHION H&M
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the ter? g n o win issi M ts of or tw e v n sce ritz ll sol p i A s his w t of t! tha
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3 Jessica Simpson $100 4 Academy $44
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We always attract into our lives whatever we think about most, believe most strongly, expect on the deepest level, and imagine most vividly.”
—Shakti Gawain
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4 Martine Wester $58
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FAB FASHION minted style OUR INSPIRATION:
Jenny Ong of Neon Blush
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Quick Tips for Wearing Yellow (Without looking like a walking fashion faux-paux) > The color usually looks BEST when paired with simple black pants and heels.
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1 George at ASDA $16 2 ASOS $27 3 Retro Super Future $130 4 Essie $8 5 Ann Taylor $98 6 Ivanka Trump $135 7 Marks and Spencer $56
> Opt for a bright neon hue or a soft mustard color. > Match it up with red lips or nail polish. Who could forget the timeless pairing between the two a la Reese Witherspoon at the Golden Globe Awards circa 2007. mintedmag.com
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New Take ON Nautical PHOTO COURTESY OF NORDSTROM
FAB FASHION minted style ke ic li t s i l mp ays si cket! s 1 g a in ite j Noth h w isp a cr
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minted style EXTRAS
SPRING Break // away toss your vacation essentials into one of these bags and Use those sick days to ENJOY a little “me� time.
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ZH Collection $143
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2 Bon Marche bag $245; matching espadrille $36
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3 Diane Von Furstenberg $420 (both items included)
EXTRAS minted style
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splurge, a bit of a e you imagin but can’t a pair donning yourself?
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2 Pippa Small $4,200
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(inside: geeks unite| the start-up puzzle )
BUSINESS talk
The Younger Boss Bridging the generation gap between older direct reports and younger management text KIMBERLY S. LIN
“There certainly are some issues
anytime you have people from different generations working together,” says Tammy J. Erickson, author of four books including Retire Retirement, Plugged In, What’s Next, Gen X?, and Workforce Crisis. “Our perceptions of what to value, whom to trust, and how to behave are shaped, in part, by our generational perspectives.” Erickson is also a Harvard Business Review contributor and Thinkers50 named Erickson the top 50 global business thinkers in 2011. The key is to recognize that there’s nothing wrong or bad about seeing things differently. It’s normal, natural and logical that we would,” she says. Given the state of the U.S. economy, the generation gap issue seems to become more prevalent. Last year, a poll commissioned by Advanced Technology Service, Inc, found that 45 percent of the manufacturing companies surveyed are encouraging older workers to stay on the job. But what happens when conflict arises? And what can you do to as a younger boss, or as an older direct report, to keep things flowing smoothly?
business talk TREND REPORT
Erickson says there are five types of synergy that can be exploited for this relationship to reach its full potential. > Knowledge Synergy Ask individuals to share what they know with others. For example, ask members of Generation Y to help Boomers navigate the latest social media technology, while asking Boomers to share tacit and explicit know-how with younger employees. > Philosophical Synergy Members of different generations tend to care about varied things. They have different priorities—they find some things satisfying or engaging that they’re younger and older counterparts may not. Many Boomers, for example, shaped by the idealistic 1960s, are now beginning to downshift from their high-powered careers and looking for ways to give back.
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Members of different generations tend to care about different things. They have different priorities—they find different things satisfying or engaging.”
Gen Y’s, those in their 20s to 30s, care deeply about being challenged and learning on an ongoing basis. Companies are smart to tap into the Boomers’ desires to make a difference by creating opportunities for this generation to influence the workplace. One natural synergy is to create mentor relationships designed to let Boomers play an active role in shaping future generations.
while many of the Gen X group (those in their 40s) are tightly tied to one geographic area by dual careers and children in school. For assignments that require short-term moves, consider tapping the Boomers in your organization, rather than Gen X-ers. Gen Y’s are also often willing to relocate at their current life stage— however, keep in mind that many would likely view the move as strictly short-term.
> Life Stage Synergy When staffing new assignments, consider each generation’s current life stage. Many Boomers are now empty-nesters, with greater flexibility than ever before,
> Operational Synergy Or, how about looking for ways to use each generation’s work habits to increase your organization’s operational effectiveness? For example, do you have Gen Y’s
Classy Career Girl’s Top who enjoy working odd hours who might extend your company’s ability to service your customers on an on-call basis around the clock? Or are their opportunities to cycle work products faster, by asking Gen Y’s to have their drafts complete by 8am—and older generations to have their reviews complete by 5pm? > Strategic Synergy Bring each generation’s perspective into your discussions regarding future business options. Based on their formative experiences, each is likely to look at the possibilities through a slightly different lens. For example, Boomers, competitive and driven, typically ask “How can we win?” Gen X-ers, given their mistrust of institutions and desire for self-reliance, are likely to ask “What will position us with the most robust future options?” And Gen Y’s, with their sense of immediacy, will look for ways to exploit the moment. In the end Erickson says, “The advantage to any team comprised of diverse individuals comes from leveraging the strengths of one to offset the weaknesses of the other. A younger boss often brings new ideas, fresh approaches and an eagerness to tackle big challenges now. Older team members bring expertise, know-how and wisdom. Combining these requires two-way respect for what the other party can offer.”
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Tips for Younger Managers
1 Make sure you take time to do events, like
lunches and dinners, outside the office to get to know your direct reports in an informal setting. This reduces tension and everyone can get to know each other on a personal level.
2 Learn about their families and ask ques-
tions as much as possible. This is a huge part of their lives and even though you may not be able to contribute to the conversation, you have to be able to ask and show that it is important to you to know about their personal lives.
3 Try not to bring up the topic of age. It comes up sometimes, but I personally hate when people ask me (the younger boss) how old I am and how old my direct reports are. It’s just not appropriate! 4 Learn from them. There is so much that I learn from my own direct reports everyday. It may not be about your actual job or what you are doing day to day, but it is things about life, like being a mom, that I learn from her. 5 Always be a professional. There is no excuse not to.
{Company to WATCH}
Claire Raines Associates offers speeches, workshops, webinars and products that help business people understand the generations and tap their potential. Founder Claire Raines, recognized as the leading expert on generations in the workplace for the past 25 years, has produced books, videos, workshops and a board game on the topic of generations. Her books include the bestselling business classic Generations at Work, co-authored with Ron Zemke and Bob Filipczak, and published by the American Management Association. Two of Raines’ books were chosen as Soundview Business Books of the Year.
CHIC TO BE A GEEK
The lack of gender balance in the tech industry
Sukrutha Raman Bhadouria is proud to be a girl geek. As the co-organizer of Bay Area Girl Geek Dinners, she’s helping other women find their place in the male-dominated tech industry. text SUKRUTHA RAMAN BHADOURIA
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has always been an issue I identified with. When studying at University of California (USC), I was a board member of the University chapter of Society of Women Engineers (SWE). So when I started working at a tech company after college and found out about Bay Area Girl Geek dinners, the idea of combining women in technology, networking and fun—all in one night—sounded too good to be true. Was there really a network of girl geeks like me out there? Girl Geek Dinners started in August 2005 in London and now there are chapters of Girl Geek Dinners all over the world. Back in 2008, Women 2.0 co-founder Angie Chang noticed that there was no Bay Area chapter, and promptly started one. It was wellreceived with an overwhelming response from the first dinner, hosted by Google, which drew 400 attendees.
NETWORKING NIGHTS business talk What do these dinners entail? Companies buy dinner and drinks for geek girls. This allows for networking among the attendees and recruiting by the sponsoring company. There’s also co-branded schwag given out at the dinners to make them more memorable. I found out about Girl Geek Dinners on Facebook, and I felt I had to get involved. I work for Citrix Online, and human resources was looking for some new and interesting ways to promote the San Francisco office. I suggested we host a Girl Geek Dinner, and it turned out to be the perfect avenue. Meanwhile, I had been hoping and praying Chang would take up my email offer to help her out with the organization. When I finally met her at the dinner, we agreed that the first place I could start was by working on the website. A few weeks later, Chang said I could start to help her organize the dinners. (I didn’t know it at the time, but that event changed my life.) The planning for a Girl Geek Dinner starts when a representative from a company shows interest in hosting an event. Some companies need more help and ask us to find them a venue, suggest talk topics, and even find speakers. Larger-scaled companies, who have facilities on-site and employees from vice presidents to engineers who form the speaker panel, don’t need hand-holding in that regard. We stay in constant touch and two weeks before the event, we create an Eventbrite invite for attendees to register ... for free! The format of these dinners has varied, from panel discussions to lightning talks. The talk topics and speaker bios are posted in the Eventbrite invite we publish via our mailing list, Facebook fan page, Twitter, and website. The dinners usually fill up within a few days of opening the event for RSVPs. What draws people to Girl Geek Dinners are the talk topics, the hosting company, and the opportunity to mingle with other attendees over dinner and drinks, and the talk topics, which range from programming languages to career development in a tech company.
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What draws people to Girl Geek Dinners are the talk topics ... which range from programming languages to career development in a tech company.” These dinners have been very successful in connecting people together, and helping companies get their name out. Samihah Azim attended a dinner hosted by LOLApps in 2008 where she connected with the company’s co-founder, Annie Chang. This spawned a chain of events, and a couple of years later when she was looking for a product management or user experience job, she applied to 6waves Inc. There, she found an opening in the design team of their development operation, LOLApps, which was in product management for user experience! Samihah had already learned about LOLApps and their work culture from the dinner, so she knew this was her dream job. Sonali Nigam, an engineer at Genentech, worked with Angie Chang to create a very successful Genentech-sponsored girl geek dinner in May 2011 which had 350 attendees. She dropped out of Computer Science and switched into Bioengineering during sophomore year of college. Looking back, she feels a big reason for this switch was that Bioengineering offered a supportive mintedmag.com
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PHOTO COURTESY OF BAY AREA GIRL GEEK DINNERS
business talk NETWORKING NIGHTS
community and many more female role models than most traditional engineering majors. “If I hadn’t been part of the Girl Geek Dinner community then perhaps things would have turned out differently”, she says. Sonali has stayed connected with women she met in these dinners, one of which is now a mentor and someone she looks to as a role model, both personally and professionally. She is now a graduate student at Columbia University, still a member of Bay Area Girl Geek Dinners, and hopes to be a mentor and role model to someone some day. When I graduated from USC and began working, I wasn’t able to find an organization whose work excited me as SWE did. Bay Area Girl Geek Dinners does that and more for me. To say it has benefited me personally and professionally is a thorough understatement. I had always been too shy to let myself stand out in a crowd, and now I am finally coming out of my shell as a coorganizer of Bay Area Girl Geek Dinners. Most importantly, I am constantly inspired and
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motivated by Angie Chang because of her ability to balance multiple things at once (a day job, organizer of Bay Area Girl Geek Dinners, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief at Women 2.0). I especially love interacting with the interesting girl geeks I meet at these dinners. Through these dinners, women in tech can get together and encourage each other (and other women who want to get into the tech field) without being afraid, because this industry needs more female power!
Want to see for yourself what Bay Area Girl Geek Dinners is all about? Check out one of these upcoming dinners and the awesome companies sponsoring each event: Yelp Citrix ModCloth Facebook Genetech Google Atlassian
March 27 April 26 May 10 May 23 June 28 July 17 August 2
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Pieces of the Start-Up Puzzle text LISA LIU and DANIELLE PENER
Whether you just have a budding idea for a great business, a business that is finally taking off, or one that just got its first round of funding or business loan, there are certain issues the burgeoning entrepreneur needs to address. These same issues happen to be the ones that no one bothers to tell you about ... and ones that get you into hot water if you don’t address them early and thoroughly.
STAFFING
TECHNOLOGY
business talk ADVICE
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nfortunately, in today’s business climate, successful entreprenurs must not only come up with a great idea, but also execute it, master all of the processes, manage the logistics of running a business, and avoid all the pitfalls that can besiege what could be a successful venture. Failing to do so can cause a lot of pain, cost a lot of money, and create a liability for you and your new new venture. To avoid the migraines and, of course, a failed business, here are some things to think about from the get-go.
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Build a solid legal foundation. Visiting your favorite business attorney is STAFFING an absolute must when setting up your own business. He/she can give you a snapshot of BUSINESS PLAN liabilities you should consider and also help you put structures and agreements into place so that your business, and you personally, don’t get into hot water. Do you need a separate legal entity for your business? The riskier the business, or the more personal assets you have, the bigger the need for a separate limited liability entity. Limited liability entities will keep business liabilities confined to the business. It keeps your personal assets from being exposed to creditors. Maybe you are thinking you’ll save some money by DIY entity formation (i.e. using an online resource or self-help book). As lawyers who often clean up messes, we are here to tell you that you are better off using a good lawyer to do it right the first time rather than paying us a whole lot more money later cleaning up the mess. 38 mintedmag.com
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Turn your passion into a plan. Successful business owners have a passion and they build an idea around that passion. But do you need a business plan? How do you go about writing one? Many people get stuck on this one. There are many resources available to you and there are even individuals and firms that can help you crystallize your idea into a workable business plan. This will lead to better execution, and help attract investment and funding.
What about a physical space—do you need a storefront or office space? Or, will a virtual office do the trick? A good solution is to have a virtual office, but then pay a small monthly fee where you can get a business mailing address and a certain number of office hours. Regardless of whether you’re a goods-based or a service-based business, if you lease a physical space of any sort, make sure you review the lease. Signing a lease without review robs you of the opportunity to negotiate lease terms and can commit you to terms and conditions that can get you in trouble later. Even if you don’t think you need to form an entity or sign a lease, you should still consult a business attorney to help you with legal foundational issues such as getting business licenses and permits, registering a business name, drafting your proposal agreements and reviewing vendor contracts. Building a great legal foundation at the beginning will ensure you’re not spending hard-earned reversing you mistakes once you’re profitable.
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Get your financial ducks in a row. A good rule of thumb when it comes to business finances is to keep what is personal, personal, and keep what is business, separate. Next rule of thumb—go see your CPA. You absolutely need to get a financial plan in place so that you can track your progress. A good CPA can be instrumental in building the financial structure of your empire. They can help identify the best legal structure so that you maximize tax savings. An accountant can help you apply for a federal tax identification number and identify what you need to set up for state and local taxes. Plus, a good accountant and tax preparer will help you track and measure the investments you make into your business so that you can easily identify what’s making and costing you money.
art re to st e h w e r Check Not su advice? r o f g n i look get sites to . se e h t t ou ight foot r e h t on started
ADVICE business talk
Find funding. Every business needs money! Unless you’re lucky enough (and few are!) to have a pool of money ready, you’ll need funding. One of the most commons sources of funding is a business loan. However, our current environment of crunched credit forces entrepreneurs to think outside the box—turning to credit unions or micro-lending. Another way to get cash is the “friends and family” round of funding. Often, friends and family will invest or lend you money to support your bankable idea. But money matters can complicate friendly relationships. (“Hey, where’s my $25,000?!”) You should educate your friends and family on the risks so that everyone is on the same page. Venture capitalists and angel investors have money to give, but they are not viable options for most startups because they give money to a select few. Vying for their attention can be time-consuming and expensive. If you manage to get attention from a venture capitalist (VC), be prepared to hand over a part of ownership. For ever dollar you get from a VC, you lose a bit of your company. When all else fails, consider using your personal credit cards. These, however, come with high interest rates and can damage your credit score if you don’t keep up with your minimum balance payments. Credit cards should definitely be your last resort. (Otherwise, you might be visiting a bankruptcy attorney!)
> The U.S. Small Business Administration > SCORE (nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow and succeed) > Guide to Starting a Business in California > Opportunity Fund and Accion Texas (small loans from $500- $100,000) mintedmag.com
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business talk ADVICE
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Build a dream team while avoiding lawsuits. Who will be your partner(s) be in your business endeavors and what role should they take? Should they be true partners, employees or just advisors? Think about who you work well with, how best to leverage their talents, and whether you really do have the same business mindset. Your business is your baby, so spend the time and money to make sure you are putting the right people in the right roles. Will your company have employees or independent contractors? Do you want to utilize unpaid interns? Are you paying your workers properly, and do you have proper pay and other human resources policies and procedures in place? Do you need to have arbitration agreements with your workers so you can curtail the expense of disputes down the road? The laws in each state vary and are complicated in each of these scenarios. Failing to comply can subject your business to liability. The best course is to not be penny wise and pound foolish—consult an employment attorney at the outset. Not only must you be a compliant business owner, you must also be a good boss! Being a good person and business owner does not, unfortunately, automatically make you a good “boss.” Many of us can benefit from manager training and learning how to better delegate.
Marketing: How will you promote your business? Do you have a marketing plan? What is the most effective and efficient way to reach your end “consumer?” A detailed marketing plan and/or recruiting assistance from a marketing firm could be just what you need to get things off the ground. You must make sure that your ideas translate to your end customer in a way that will get you noticed.
7 Technology: Do you need computers, landlines, and/or cell phones? What other types of technology will you need? Sometimes employing a technology consultant at the beginning, before your business grows, can help you implement solutions that will grow with, instead of against, your business.
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Protect Your Ideas: You have spent all this time and effort developing a special proprietary blend, be it food, ideas, or how to make your product. Now, how do you protect it? First off, you need confidentiality agreements with everyone who comes in contact with your business – your employees, your vendors, etc. Your logo may need to be trademarked. You may need to consider other ways to protect your ideas and materials. Your employment lawyer can assist here, and put you in touch with others who specialize in business and intellectual property.
Danielle L. Pener is an employment/HR attorney helping small start-up companies avoid legal liability and navigate myriad employment laws. Danielle is a partner with The Mitzel Group, LLP in San Francisco, California. Lisa W. Liu is a business attorney who helps entrepreneurs identify and resolve legal issues in setting up and operating growing businesses. Lisa is a partner with The Mitzel Group, LLP in San Francisco, California and New York, NY.
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THE FIRST CUP Jee SHIN of Milk + Honey
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Owner Jee Shin says “We’re not just serving coffee; we’re selling an experience.” The patio outside Milk + Honey serves as relaxing way for customers to enjoy their tasty treats.
SPOTLIGHT business talk
“The hardest part
of starting a business for me was taking that first step,” says Jee Shin, owner of Milk + Honey. The popular café in the heart of Orange County, Calif. has grown to be a local favorite over the three and a half years it’s been in business. Shin features organic, ecofriendly, and fair trade brews and products. Her customers also enjoy Milk + Honey’s familiar SoCal vibe and a staff that almost feels like family.
“Ever since college, I focused on going my own path,” Shin says. “I knew I wanted to do something for myself, but I did figure I would have to work under someone first to gain experience. I took jobs in food service and held many other part time positions. So before I started Milk + Honey I had a million ideas, from starting a large scale restaurant to a bar.” Although having creative ideas is great, “much of taking that first step is organizing yourself, since many entrepreneurs never get past the ‘pre-birth stage’” as Shin calls it. Instead, she decided to focus on honing in on just one of her ideas—starting a café that was small, quaint and less of a risk financially.
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Don’t be afraid to talk to people in the industry and ask them what it took for them to make that first step.”
Shin also urges entrepreneurs to spend more time “being a good listener” during this phase. “Don’t be afraid to talk to people in the industry and ask them what it took for them to make that first step,” she says. For Shin, her landlord has been that go-to person. Her landlord owns The Camp, a plaza in Costa Mesa that is centered on being eco-friendly and conservation conscience. “My landlord had a real sense of what worked for this particular retail space and had so many great ideas and really steered me in the right direction when I felt stuck,” says Shin. “He recommended that we use green products, keyword marketing, and really emphasized giving consumers that feeling of being a part of a special community. “Also, my staff has been a huge part of the evolution of Milk + Honey. They’ve shaped everything from menu items to the music played in the store. However, the most surprising keys to my success are building relationships and marketing. I learned really quickly that what you learn in college isn’t the end and be all. Your letter grade doesn’t determine your ability to adapt and connect with people in the real world.” As for marketing, “you can be the best thing on Earth, but if no one knows about you, it won’t go anywhere. We’re not just serving coffee; we’re selling an experience. It’s about where you’re drinking it and who’s around you.” At the end of the day, Shin says that Milk + Honey is still a work in progress but “it’s about keeping yourself open to reactions and seeing what the general public thinks and sees and using it to make your business better. It’s a humbling and learning experience that’s well worth it.” - Kimberly S. Lin
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BCBG Alice Mixed Lace Sheath dress and Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Lock Link bracelet provided by Zappos.com; necklace and bracelet are Molly’s own.
As any entrepreneur knows, building a start-up as a one-woman show is a full-time job. So when you meet Molly Cain, you can’t help but feel inspired—she’s the founder of the lifestyle and career networking site GlassHeel.com, juggles a corporate career, and has three “children.”
She’s running the world ... in glass heels. text SHIRLEY LAU
Despite having two of her three
adopted greyhound dogs in tow, Molly
Cain remains composed. There isn’t a blonde hair out of place and her petite 5-foot frame is heightened only by a pair of nude pointed-toe pumps. It’s slightly past 10am on a chilly Saturday morning in February. Molly sits, legs crossed and hands perfectly poised on her lap. We’re in a quaint home, that looks like a photo right out of Real Simple, nestled in a quite neighborhood in Dallas, Texas—the city where Molly spends her days as a corporate world woman, handling internal communications for one of the 25 largest banks in the United States. But, she says, after the clock strikes six (and before her nightly glass of wine) she works on her first entrepreneurial venture—GlassHeel.com, a website catered to the modern working woman.
photos RYAN C. JONES
“We say we’re upgrading the boardroom one woman at a time,” says the 30-year-old Texas A&M graduate, who still proudly dons her class ring. “The intention is to have content that an executive woman, all the way to the intern to the new college graduate, would find interesting.” It’s from personal experience that Molly knows what her readers want. Careerwise, after graduating with a degree in journalism, she became a publicist, then dabbled in public relations and then landed her current position. (She also has an MBA from the University of Texas, Dallas!) But it’s also her lifestyle that lends itself as inspiration for a lot of the content on her site. Glass Heel offers advice on fitness (Molly attends a bootcamp-style workout class every morning at 5:30), finances (she bootstrapped mintedmag.com
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the company with her savings), and technology (she’s a self-proclaimed “enormous tech geek”). Soon she’ll be able to dedicate herself even more to expanding the company—which already has more than 40 contributing writers— by emphasizing on international issues and people, and building the community of female executives and entrepreneurs around the world. This year she’s taking the plunge and trading in the corporate job for a pair of those sparkling glass heels. And she’s not looking back. Minted Magazine At what point did you realize you wanted to pursue your own venture and leave the corporate world? Molly Cain I think I’ve always had it in me. My grandfather was an entrepreneur, my father was an entrepreneur, and I’ve always been waiting for the idea. When I moved to a new city, I felt like I wanted to connect with more women like me. In talking with a lot more women, I found that there was a need across the board, all age groups, that women just want to connect and be more supportive than threatened. MM How did you come up with the name Glass Heel? MC The premise is that it’s a heel on glass, so we’re above the glass ceiling. A lot of people have referenced Cinderella—she had her dream come true. For the modern workplace woman, it’s not the husband, house and vacuum cleaner, but it’s more the ideal job: a seat at the boardroom table, your own business, a career that you can hang your hat on. MM Is there a reason you went with the digital platform? MC I am an enormous tech geek, so that played a large part. I love writing and that’s the easiest way to get out there; I love Twitter and Facebook. I am the most active online person many people have met, so it seemed fitting. 48 mintedmag.com
MM What have you realized was the best decision you made when you first started? MC I tried to keep the idea a secret. You get really excited thinking ‘This is mine and somebody’s going to steal it.’ But I’ve learned, going to networking events and conferences, and actually getting out there to talk about what the future plans are, that it opens many more doors than keeping it a secret. I am only one person, but the partnerships that are out there are endless. MM Speaking of partnerships, you used to have a co-founder. What happened with that? MC I started working on the site in February 2011; we launched in August [2011] and I had a co-founder at that time. Start-up hours are not a joke and it really does exist! She was also an executive at another company here in Dallas and the time consumption was just too much. So, we amicably parted ways, but she’s still writing for us and still a contributor. MM What’s your take on being an entrepreneur and still maintaining a work-life balance, including relationships? MC I think one of the biggest things I’ve
Molly Cain has a full household, with a “family” of three greyhounds—all retired racing dogs she that she adopted— and a foster dog. Skycam (left) and Bridgette vie for Molly’s attention and, of course, drool over a dog biscuit.
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For the modern workplace woman, it’s not the husband, house and vacuum cleaner, but it’s more the ideal job: a seat at the boardroom table, your own business, a career that you can hang your hat on.
learned since starting Glass Heel is that my schedule is significantly different than it was before. I want to find love, but it has to be somebody who accepts what I’m doing. He has to accept that I’m probably going to check my phone at dinner; if I hear the phone dinging, it might be an email for Glass Heel. He just has to be more flexible with me and he also can’t be intimidated by it—someone who’s supportive of it and is fine with a working spouse. MM Describe your typical workday. MC I wake up at 4am, work on Glass Heel until 5am. I work out with a group called Camp Gladiator, every day—that’s 5:30am to 6:30am. On Mondays I’ll go to the grocery store at 7am and I make it to work by 9am. I work until 6pm and then I come home, do whatever I have left with
Glass Heel, then I have a glass of wine. And then I’m done. And then repeat the process. MM That sounds like so much to do in one day! How do you plan on expanding the staff when Glass Heel grows beyond the scope of what you and the current team can handle? MC I anticipate us bringing on at least two editors this year, so hopefully we’ll do that very soon. We are actually looking for interns right now—unpaid of course, but the opportunity is there! With a startup, you get to touch everything and the experience is far more valuable, I think. MM Have you seen the growth in readership spike, or is it consistent? MC We started seeing a massive growth around November [2011]—I don’t quite know what mintedmag.com
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It’s putting yourself out there and showing how passionate you are about your project, because if you aren’t, nobody else will be.”
HOW DO YOU ... GENERATE A BUZZ ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD?
LET GO AND DELEGATE OUT RESPONSIBILITES?
Whether it’s tweeting, updating your status on Facebook or writing a blog, show your human side! “I think journalists and people in the media appreciate that, that you’re actually being a human and you’re not doing the corporate template that a lot of publicists do,” says Cain.
Sometimes letting go is the hardest thing to do as an entrepreneur--a start-up can sometimes be like a baby and you want to do everything yourself to nourish it. But, it can backfire on you! Keep doing what you’re best at--things that you already possess skills for or can learn to do just as well as the pros—and the rest ... get people who can do it better than you.
drove it, but we noticed that we were crossing ponds. There were a lot more UK users, Indian users; we have a lot of Canadian users. There was some point where the word started getting out. Now, it’s very steady growth, which is very exciting. MM You already have an international audience? MC Yes, and we’re trying to grow that area of the site, too, because many of the [workplace] situations are very similar, but some of them are not. Our Indian counterparts have a completely different scenario in the workplace right now and so we’re looking to address some of those issues and write more about that. MM We know most business ideas can fluctuate as they grow, so what changes has Glass Heel gone through its since inception? MC We actually started down the path of building a community of women. When you move to another city, it’s hard to make girlfriends. Guys can meet guys at the grocery store or intramurals, or in some other ways. Girls are more fear-
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ful of other women—we first start to criticize and then we get to know them. It started down that path. Then we narrowed it down. The boardrooms are seriously lacking in female representation, so that and the general feeling of females feeling threatened by other females, it naturally flowed together. If we can all start to get along, we can all support each other to get to where we all want to be. MM What have been the highs and low so far with Glass Heel? MC The peaks are the days when traffic skyrockets, you know everybody’s visiting, liking it, the comments are great; you get a lot of likes on Facebook, you get a lot of shares on Twitter, that kind of thing. It feels good that you have a community that’s really growing. The lows would be the moments when you see another competitor pop up or somebody has passed on a possible partnership opportunity or you lose an advertising opportunity—things like that. But I learned from my dad and my grandfather: You just keep on going. If the
KNOW IF BOOTSTRAPPING OR FINDING FUNING IS THE WAY TO GO? “While bootstrapping is excellent, I know a lot of people who have been able to do this without money, and you just drive on your idea and talk to people about it. You shouldn’t hold back just because you don’t have the funding,” says Cain. Keep in mind, investors and venture capitalists will take a part of your company with every dollar you take from them!
economy is bad, if business is bad, you just keep on going. They both found great success by just chugging away at it. MM What have you found to be the most effective marketing strategies as a startup? MC The thing that worked the best for us was just telling our friends about it. If you can grow a small group of ambassadors, it can grow wildly. The best thing is to tell them why I started it—and it was to find a home for other women who maybe haven’t connected with other women in the workplace. It’s all about talking, and if you’re hiding at home and hiding online you’re not going to get out there. It’s putting yourself out there and showing how passionate you are about your project, because if you aren’t, nobody else will be. Our field is so competitive with so few women executives in the workforce—it’s 3 percent of women. Women make up 56 percent of the workforce, so we’re underrepresented and it makes us more competitive than supportive. A
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When you move to another city, it’s hard to make girlfriends. Girls are more fearful of other women—we first start to criticize and then we get to know them. If we can all start to get along, we can all support each other to get to where we all want to be.”
lot of it is to drive women, once they make it above the glass ceiling, to pull someone else up. MM How do you see the company evolving with the everchanging landscape of digital media? MC I can’t even see the future … well nobody can. There’s absolutely no way of guessing how far things are going to go, even a month from now. But with how powerful it [the internet] is, we have a huge voice, so I’m hoping Glass Heel can become enough of a presence online that we can help drive some of the change in the boardroom and get away from the 3 percent and make it 50 percent like it should be.
Didn’t get enough of Molly? Check out our behind-the-scenes video of the photo shoot at MintedMag.com!
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(inside: the single life | love around the corner | spring reading list)
LIFE after five
Texas Rangers baseball stadium in Arlington, Texas
Take Me TO Texas If you’re lucky enough to spend a few days in the Lone Star state, be sure to hit up one of the hotspots the Minted Magazine team visited. Back 9 Bar & Grill, Addison Good for: enjoying a laid-back atmosphere and munching on snacks that bring a (positive) new meaning to “bar food” Suggestions: Spicy Thai Shrimp Pizza and Back 9 Fries (dressed up with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, bacon and jalapenos with ranch) Reunion Tower, Dallas Good for: a late-night view of Downtown Dallas Suggestions: There’s an overpass (shown in the photo) on the other end of the field not too far from the tower—it’s perfect to walk up the few flights of stairs that lead you to it to get the full view! Mi Cocina, Dallas Good for: a night out for cocktails and yummy Mexican food Suggestions: Anything that has the flaky, fresh tilapia in it is a surefire way to make that tummy of yours happy. (Be sure to make a reservation if you go to the Highland Park location on a weekend—it can be more than an hour wait if you walk in.)
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Reunion Towner is an observation tower and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Dallas, Texas.
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Eleanore Wells, founder of SpinsterliciousLife.com, with her Yorkie, Danny.
PHOTO BY TRICIA MESSEROUX
THE NEW
single girl There’s more to life than finding the perfect husband and building the house with the white picket fence. (Though having those, too, wouldn’t hurt either!)
A new study by the Pew Institute in 2011
found that 49 percent of Americans are now single. And most importantly—women are becoming increasingly vocal about celebrating their “without a plus one” status. Meet the new single girl: She’s attractive, confident, independent and loving life. Since birth, women are constantly bombarded with the pressure to get married and settle down. For women who remain single, they are often written off by society as lonely spinsters who have nothing going for them but their cats. We watch movies like Bridget Jones’ Diary, see commercials by Tiffany & Co. and subject ourselves to other women in our lives that say things like, “You ought to get married soon and settle down. You’re thirty-something and you’re drying up.” Alll of this conditions us to believe that our worth and desirability as women is dependent upon whether or not we are married. However, meet one woman at the helm of this new movement who believes something different. Eleanore Wells writes one of the web’s most popular blogs rejoicing her decision to stay single called TheSpinsterliciousLife.com. She describes herself as a heterosexual woman living in New York City whose life is awesomely filled with loving family, a fabulous circle of friends, and a successful career as the owner of marketing consultant group Golden Door Consulting. Her income has allowed her to purchase a second home in the Hamptons, have an active social life and take vacations around the world. She supports charitable organizations with her money and time and adores her 11-year-old Yorkie, Danny. And she dates; in fact, she dates a lot. She’s a far cry from the dowdy bitter woman society plays out.
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life after five RELATIONSHIPS The heart of the matter is that “marrying and/or having children are a matter of choice,” says Wells. “Although lots of people don’t seem to think so. Many believe it’s what one must do. I never felt that way ... though, I’m not sure why. I don’t recall a time when I was really drawn to either. “I like having a boyfriend and I enjoy my nieces and nephews, and my friends’ children. I also enjoy that they all go home at some point.” Although many would argue that people naturally want to couple up and that Wells may be in the minority, she counters by agreeing to a certain point. “I think most people like sharing their life with someone,” says Wells, “and so do I. I’m not against coupling up, I just don’t think that marriage is for everyone.” With the strong divorce rates, there’s a rising number of single people, including her thousands of followers, who seem to agree with her. To her critics, she says that “people are uncomfortable when anyone goes against the grain of social norms so they look for ways to brand you as the ‘other.’” But she thinks that, “everybody should just relax and enjoy the ride [of life].”
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Build a nice life for yourself every step of the way, rather than spending time pining about what you don’t have.”
She has advice on how to do this—particularly for younger women ages 25 to 35, who feel the stigma the most, according to a 2011 study, I’m a Loser, I’m not Married, Let’s All Look at Me. The study was conducted by Lawrence Ganong, co-chair of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Missouri, and associate professor, Elizabeth A. Sharp at Texas Tech University. “I think that when you’re young, you’re sometimes less sure of yourself in general,” says Wells. “However, an important lesson that I would hope any young woman receives—whether she decides to marry or not—is to build a nice life for yourself every step of the way, rather than spending time pining about what you don’t have. Have good friends and be a good friend, pursue things you find interesting, have hobbies or pastimes you enjoy, be close to people (or someone) in your family, learn to be smart about money and stop using drugs and alcohol as an excuse for poor decisions or bad behavior,” says Wells. Most importantly, “Love yourself first,” she says. 60 mintedmag.com
- Kimberly S. Lin
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When Lo ve IS Just Around the Co rner
text JENN CLARK
RELATIONSHIPS life after five
Living the single life can be fabulous.
Very often you have a lot of freedom and your life is yours to live as you see fit. There’s plenty of time for “girls’ nights” and fruity martinis. We have more disposable income when we’re flying solo and can dedicate ourselves fully to our careers. But there comes a time for most women when we begin to long to share ourselves with another. No, we technically don’t “need” a man to make us complete, but most of us want one. And I don’t think there’s any shame in saying that. So if a lasting and significant relationship is what you’re after, the following tips should help you on your quest. > Get yourself ready. Never underestimate the importance of looking and feeling your best, especially when it comes to finding a serious relationship. One of the fundamental rules of dating physics is the higher quality we are, the higher quality of men we attract. Think about it: How interested would you be in a man who dresses sloppily, lacks confidence, and has “woman issues?” You probably wouldn’t even give him the time of day. So I propose we don’t ask the same of men. As the famous saying goes, “Be the kind of person you want to date.” I always suggest to women that they use their “single time” for self-improvement. Take care of yourself physically and get yourself looking like the best you that you can be. Never forget to work on your inner being, as well. We all come with some sort of baggage and the best time to turn your steamer trunk into a carry-on is before you even meet a potential partner. When you can honestly say, “I would date me,” that’s when you’re ready for a healthy relationship.
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life after five RELATIONSHIPS > Put yourself out there. It’s a reality of today’s dating age that if you want to meet men, you have to put yourself in a position to meet them. Long gone are the times of sitting patiently in your parents’ living room for the eligible gents to come a courtin’. These days, waiting for your soul mate to magically appear will pretty much guarantee you’ll be waiting a long time. Being active and expanding your social networks is key to meeting new people. Never be afraid to try new things! While you’re out and about, don’t forget the importance of having a positive attitude and a warm smile. In fact, your smile is the number one thing that will show a man you’d be open and receptive to his advances, so use it every opportunity you get. Many women also suffer from being closed off and skeptical when it comes to relationships— especially if they’ve been hurt before. Putting ourselves out there also refers to being vulnerable and open to sharing ourselves with a man. Yes, this can be absolutely terrifying, but you can never know true intimacy if you aren’t vulnerable. If there is no risk, there is no reward. > Check out his character. All too often, women pick men who are not fit for a real relationship and then wonder why they don’t have the love life they want. “Bad boys” are always a bad choice; as are men who lack integrity, strength, and trustworthiness. Watch how he conducts himself in day-to-day life. Observe how he treats others. Pay attention not just to what he says, but what he does. And always take the time to get to know who he is on the inside before you fall for him based on the outside. > Go slowly. In our modern time of instant messaging and instant gratification, it can be difficult to practice patience. But it is important to remember that the best, most satisfying relationships are those that are cultivated gradually and over time. There’s no need to rush into a commitment—or into bed. Remember to take it easy when it comes to attaching to a man, both 64 mintedmag.com
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Here’s what you never want to compromise: yourself. Your goals, morality, and sense of self are non-negotiable.”
physically and emotionally. The slower you go in the beginning, the more you will be able to keep your head on straight. Keeping a level head will help you to protect your heart. Don’t give such a precious piece of yourself away indiscriminately. > Never settle. There’s a difference between a good compromise and bad compromise. In every relationship, there’s a certain amount of give and take that is necessary. Compromise is healthy when it ultimately benefits both of you. (Learning to be more organized or better with finances are a couple of examples.) But here’s what you never want to compromise: yourself. Your goals, morality, and sense of self are non-negotiable. No man is worth giving those things up and any guy who makes you feel badly about yourself or anything less than respected and valued is totally unacceptable. There’s great joy that comes from being in a loving, committed relationship and there’s a lot of pain involved with the unhappy ones. In fact, I have long espoused the theory that there is nothing lonelier than being in a bad relationship. This is why laying the proper foundation is so important. This is why it’s imperative we choose our men and relationships wisely. When we do … well, I’m not sure there’s much in life that is more fulfilling.
BOOKENDS life after five
Spring Reading List Check out ChickLitPlus’ choice reads for this season’s must-have books. reviews SAMANTHA MARCH
By Andrea Buchanan, $25 Life rarely works out exactly as we plan. Rejection by a cherished friend, the onset of an unexpected illness, struggle with body image and self-perception —these experiences may challenge us, but our triumphs come to define us. We find comfort, joy, tears, and laughter in the wisdom, insight, and empathy we gain. In Note to Self, 30 dynamic women share their inspirational stories with writer, director, and television and film producer Andrea Buchanan. Celebrities such as Grammy Award-winning rock star Sheryl Crow and Emmy Awardwinning actress Camryn Manheim join football player Katie Hnida, 70-yearold HIV-positive grandmother Beverly London, and alcoholic-turned-interventionist Candy Finnigan to reflect on their unforgettable stories of redemption. Punctuated by tears and laughter, these poignant tales are full of incredible strength, invaluable knowledge, insurmountable odds, helpful survival instincts, amazing willpower, humiliation—sometimes on a national level —and a hefty dose of humor. These unstoppable women emerged stronger, wiser, and more successful from the often painful and humbling turning points in their lives. While none of their unique stories will fit neatly on a sticky note you can tape to your wall, each of them carries an indelible message that can.
By Natalie Aaron and Marla Schwartz, $5 As a producer on a reality dating show, Abby Edwards knows that true love is a myth. Her career and her friends are all she needs ... right? When her screenwriter ex makes a hit movie based on their relationship, Abby’s faults are projected on screens across the country. Suddenly the fact that her job depends on orchestrating hot tub hook-ups doesn’t seem so impressive. Her friends rally to help. Zoë thinks she needs to meet a guy. Stephanie suggests an attitude adjustment. Nancy wants her to get in touch with her inner Goddess. Abby knows they mean well, but she prefers to focus on her work. Unfortunately, she’s already embarrassed herself in front of her new boss, Will Harper, who she would find totally crush-worthy if he weren’t so irritating. Abby’s about to be reminded that life doesn’t follow a script—and good things happen when you least expect it...
By Lois P. Frankel Ph.D., $10 If you work nonstop without a break, worry about offending others and back down too easily, explain too much when asked for information, or “poll” your friends and colleagues before making a decision, chances are you have been bypassed for promotions and ignored when you expressed your ideas. Although you may not be aware of it, girlish behaviors such as these may sabotage your career. Dr. Lois Frankel reveals why some women roar ahead in their careers while others remain stagnate. She’s spotted a unique set of behaviors—101 in all—that women learn in girlhood that sabotage them as adults. Now, in this guide, she helps you eliminate these unconscious mistakes that could be holding you back—and offers invaluable coaching tips you can easily incorporate into your social and business skills. If you recognize and change the behaviors that say “girl” not “woman,” the results will pay off in carrer opportunites you never thought possible—and in an image that identifies you as someone with the power and know-how to occupy the corner office.
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(inside: quick beauty pick-me-ups | your beauty questions answered)
HEALTH & beauty
What’s the perfect diet for you? Ever wonder why you feel sluggish after your milky morning coffee— despite the caffeine? Or why the same bowl of pasta that leaves you bloated turns your friend into superwoman? The answers may lie in your DNA. text ALYSSA FETINI
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health&beauty BLOOD TYPE
According to a naturopathic physician
Peter Adomo, there is no such thing as a onesize-fits-all diet—different blood types react to certain foods in different ways and custom tailoring the way you eat according to your blood type could lead to numerous health benefits, including increased energy, a faster metabolism, weight loss, relief from chronic gastrointestinal issues and help ward off cancer.
tigue. Adamo’s solution? Make sure to avoid all foods that your blood type is likely to reject. The jury is still out as to whether this diet is the cureall it claims to be. Critics have blasted Adamo for his lack of scientific evidence and his failure to have conducted controlled studies to test the efficacy of the diet. Renowned late hematologist Dr. Victor Herbert, who studied blood and nutrition, once said of that
Sound too good to be true? It might be. And for some, overhauling their diets to suit such an arbitrary seeming variable may be too much to stomach (no pun intended), but Adamo, whose book Eat Right 4 Your Type, has spent years on this and is adamant that his diet solution is the missing link for those who cant seem to shed those last few pounds. Chances are, unless you’ve donated blood, or needed a transfusion, you don’t even know what your blood type is, let alone spent time considering the ways that one type differs from the next or the implications it may have on your digestive health. But according to Adamo, your blood holds the key to your entire immune system—and catering your diet to maximize its efficiency can lead to a lifetime of good health. The logic is as follows: Each blood type possesses different blood type antigens whose job is to determine which foreign antigens (from bacteria, etc.) are friendly or harmful to the body; when a foreign antigen is deemed incompatible, your body produces antibodies to attack the invader. This explains why O blood types can’t accept blood from any other blood type or why AB blood types can’t donate blood to anyone. Adamo says that lectins, which are proteins found in foods, can also set off similar reactions depending on the blood type, causing substantial irritation, nutrient malabsorbition and hormonal imbalance which leads to a myriad of health problems including weight gain and fa-
O BLOOD TYPE
BACKGROUND
BEST FOODS
WORST FOODS
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By far the most popular blood type, O Blood types are thought to be descendants from huntergatherers who subsisted on a largely animal protein based diet. Adamo explains that Type O antigens are designed to process meat efficiently and have naturally high levels of hydrochloric acid needed to properly digest this kind of protein. However, all gluten-containing products, can wreak havoc on an O’s digestive system by inhibiting their insulin metabolism. Metabolic rates are highest when an O type adheres to a high protein, low-carb diet. Lean beef, lamb, turkey, chicken and fish. Leafy greens like kelp, spinach and broccoli, bananas and cherries Wheat gluten, corn, beans (can impair digestion), cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower (can inhibit the thyroid hormone) and all forms of dairy which O-types lack the enzymes to metabolize.
Steak with steamed broccoli and sweet potato.
BLOOD TYPE health&beauty the idea of linking blood type and diet is “pure horse manure. It has no relation to reality. The genes for blood type have nothing to do with the genes that handle the food we eat,” and other doctors have dismissed Adamo’s theory as nothing more than blood tyoe astrology. Science aside, the reality is that many of the recipes that Adamo suggests are reasonably healthy and generally low in fat—factors that could
lead to weight loss regardless of blood type. The popularity of his books could also indicate that he has built a loyal following of fans for whom this diet has resonated with. So whether or not you chose to put down the pasta and pick up a steak or trade tuna for tofu, make sure that you are listening to your body (not a book) to determine what is truly best for you.
A BLOOD TYPE
B BLOOD TYPE
AB BLOOD TYPE
Unlike O-types, people with A blood types are nearly meat intolerant. Low levels of stomach acid make digesting meat a challenge and over-consumption can lead to excess body weight and extreme fatigue after eating. Plant-based protein like soy and beans are a highly beneficial replacements for animal protein. A-types also have the perfect combination of digestive enzymes in the upper intestine and bacteria in the lower gastrointestinal track to allow for speedy and efficient digestion and absorption of wheat products.
B blood types are fortunate enough to be able to handle both red meat and dairy, though chicken contains a protein that can interfere with their metabolism, thus slowing it down considerably. B’s can enjoy rice easily and are encouraged to indulge in rice-based pastas, cereals and breads. However, corn and wheat can trigger blood sugar imbalance and should be avoided.
This blood type is the newest and
Leafy greens, soy products, whole grains, garlic, pineapple. Fish and poultry can be eaten in moderation.
Red meat, dairy, fish, rice, leafy greens
Fish, dairy, wheat, leafy greens
Red meat, dairy, banana and tropical fruit such as mangoes and papayas which contain incompatible forms of digestive enzymes.
Chicken, wheat, corn, peanuts
Chicken, red meat, corn, buckwheat, potatos and oranges (contain acid that can upset AB’s stomachs)
Tofu stir-fry with garlic sauce, rice, string beans and edamame; or Ideal tofu stir-fry with snow peas, carrots and rice.
Lamb chops with yogurt sauce, rice and steamed broccoli
Baked halibut with sautéed spinach and garlic bread
rarest of the blood types and while it shares the advantages of both A and B blood types, it also shares some of their intolerances. AB’s do best consuming seafood proteins like salmon, tuna and snapper while red meat is a challenge to digest and often gets stored as fat. Like B types, chicken also slows down their metabolism. Wheat products are easily tolerated by AB’s but corn and buckwheat products can significantly lower metabolism and trigger weight gain.
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health&beauty SKINCARE 101
Your Beauty Questions Answered:
Skincare 101 Debating if you should get Botox because you think you’re “too young?” Or are you wondering why scrubbing your face red isn’t helping with those adult acne woes? We asked just those questions and got the answers from our expert, Dr. Suzanne Kilmer.
Q
From a consumer standpoint, sometimes a cheaper/generic product is more reasonable than splurging for the pricier version. Is there really a difference in the results if the ingredients are essentially the same?
A The generic version should be the same as
long as it is truly the same ingredients with the same bioactivity. The vehicle can also make a difference as it may have a difference in whether it’s water- or oil-based, its bioavailability, and its ability to penetrate through the epidermis. Testing needs to take into account how much of the product is actually delivered to the appropriate area.
Q
When it comes to the mineral makeup trend, is it really that much better for your skin versus other liquids and powders? If so, how?
A
Yes, because the molecule in the mineral makeup is bigger so it lays on the surface of the skin instead of sinking into the pores. It usually has zinc oxide, which is the broadest spectrum sunscreen and protects against even the longest UVA rays. It also contains minerals which calm the skin, helping with redness and acne. 72 mintedmag.com
Q
Are exfoliating face scrubs too harsh to use on a daily basis? How often should our readers use these exfoliants?
A
In general, exfoliating facial scrubs should not be used daily. In fact, most should be used only two to three times a week. It’s important to choose an exfoliating cleanser that is both effective and gentle enough on your skin. One of my favorites is VIVITÉ Exfoliating Facial Cleanser because it helps loosen the unproductive top layer of skin so you can scrub it away and reveal fresh, new skin. It also contains a 15 percent glycolic compound and exfoliating microbeads to thoroughly help dissolve accumulated dead skin cells. Also, for those who have acne, it’s really important to keep in mind that strong soaps or washing your face too much can make acne worse. It’s important to use a gentle cleanser on your skin, especially if you have acne. My advice to women with acne would be to see your dermatologist about a solution regardless of whether you currently have a breakout or not. I am seeing more acne in adults, particularly in women. Some people are surprised to hear that 1 in 3 women in their 30s, and 1 in 4 women in their 40s have acne. One topical acne medication, ACZONE (dapsone) Gel 5%, tends to works better in women than in men. The product goes on smoothly and can be worn under makeup.
No Need to Say Buh-bye You don’t have to fall out of love with that perfect shade of nail polish or hair conditioner that manages to tame your mane just because the product is discontinued by the manufactuerer. (Oh, the trials and tribulations of beauty.) Stockn’Go is just what it sounds like—they stock up on those discontinued products and make them available to the public ... at a discounted price!
Q Is there an age that’s considered “too
soon” for Botox/fillers/etc.? Are there any negative effects of turning to those procedures at a young age?
A Any medical aesthetic procedure needs to
be thoughtfully considered and I consult with my patients to determine whether they are a candidate for an injectable treatment, like BOTOX Cosmetic or dermal filler like JUVEDERM. Often times age is what is driving the need—but not always. As you age, your skin will lose volume and wrinkles will begin to appear, but at what age that happens varies by patients and these wrinkles are triggered by lifestyle, sun exposure, genetics and, of course, muscle movement. I have had patients in their mid-20s who have pronounced vertical lines between the eyebrows, making them a candidate for BOTOX Cosmetic, whereas other patients of mine haven’t needed a dermal filler or BOTOX Cosmetic until they were in their 40s. Suzanne L. Kilmer, M.D. is an associate clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at University of California, Davis, School of Medicine. She is also the director of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Northern California located in Sacramento.
“There is clearly a high demand, especially in cases where the item was replaced by a less-desirable product,” says Brittany Connor, a Stockn’Go’ representative. “In most cases, demand for discontinued items is just as high as the replacement products offered by the manufacturer.” The company also has “Price Beat Guarantee” on selected products, and dole out daily coupons, deals, and pricedrops—that applies to the inventory of all discontinued and products still on market shelves.
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(inside: joys of baking)
FOOD for thought
spring brunch
Enjoy some breakfast favorites with our own Minted twist. text KIMBERLY S. LIN
food for thought RECIPES
Baked Potatoes and Eggs with Smoked Salmon
A dainty and sophisticated spin on the traditional eggs and potatoes hash, this little appetizer is quick but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. 2 small Yukon gold potatoes 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese 1 egg 1/4 cup of heavy cream 1 tsp salt Pepper to taste Smoked salmon Spring mix salad or other microgreens
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1 Preheat oven to 425oF 2 Cut potatoes into halves and scoop out the insides to make cups. 3 Combine egg, heavy cream, salt and pepper and beat together to make egg mixture. 4 Pour egg mixture into potato cups. 5 Top with cheddar cheese. 6 Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops are golden brown. 7 Garnish with slivers of smoked salmon and spring mix.
RECIPES food for thought
This tast y little tr eat is packed full of p r otein and mak es for a g re easy-tomake sn at, ack. Eating rig ht never tasted s o good!
Crab Salad with Tomato and Cucumber Bites
It’s a refreshing take on coleslaw and much healthier—none of the mayo, but a hint of honey and olive oil instead. 1/2 lb lump crabmeat 1 beefsteak tomato 2 1/2 cups chopped cucumber 5 tbsp fresh limejuice 2 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp celery seed 1/2 tsp minced garlic 1/2 tbsp honey 1/3 minced red onion salt and pepper to taste Chopped parsley for garnish
1 In a large bowl, combine the crabmeat, cucumber, lime juice, celery seed, honey, salt, pepper. 2 Mix well and refrigerate until chilled. 3 Slice beefsteak tomato into rounds. Top crab salad on tomato and drizzle with olive oil and garnish with chopped parsley.
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Lovely lemon loaf...
RECIPES food for thought
Ricotta Lemon and Almond Loaf
This recipe makes for a moist loaf with bites of lemon zest and sliced almonds in every bite. 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tbsp grated lemon rind 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 large egg, lightly beaten Cooking spray Sliced almonds 1/2 tsp of almond extract
1 Preheat oven to 375oF. 2 Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in center. 3 In a separate bowl combine ricotta, water, olive oil, lemon rind, lemon juice, almond extract and egg. Add ricotta mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. 4 Butter and flour two 4 1/2-by-8-inch (6-cup) loaf pans. Divide batter among prepared pans. Bake for 16 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. 5 Cool 5 minutes in pan on a wire rack.
Classic French 75
A little (or a lot) of bubbly is the perfect complement to any brunch, especially when it infuses sweet and tangy flavors like this classic French 75. 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 tbsp simple syrup (boil water and sugar) 2 oz gin 3 oz plus 1 tablespoon chilled champagne lemon peel for garnish 1 In cocktail shaker, combine lemon juice, sugar, gin, and ice cubes and shake to chill. Strain cocktail into champagne flute and top off with champagne. 2 Garnish with lemon peel and serve. 3 Repeat and refill!
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Meet Joy the Baker
Joy Wilson at a book signing in Pasadena, Calif. to promote her first cookbook, Joy the Baker.
What’s your favorite Spring brunch dish? I’m a huge fan of brunch! Waffles are definitely my favorite thing to add to a brunch menu. Waffles can be made sweet, topped with sliced bananas and sugared pecans; or savory, topped with fresh salsa and a fried egg. My secret ingredient in waffles is just a touch of cornmeal! It adds the right amount of toothsome crunch. What inspired you to do publish a cookbook? When it comes to writing recipes and taking pictures of food, I seem to have a problem ... I can’t stop. I also love to surround myself with beautiful books about food, so it was completely exciting and totally nerve-wracking to embark on writing my own. After years maintaining my blog, taking my passion off the screen and onto the printed page felt like a great (albeit scary) next step. What’s the most significant thing you’ve learned about cooking, yourself and business? I’ve picked up a few pearls of wisdom along the way, and still have lots to learn. About myself: Ingredients can smell my fear. Approach them with confidence and humility. About cooking: There’s no rushing pie. Have three hours and take your time. About business: Hire an accountant and if you must cry, do it in private. (Those two things are mutually exclusive.) How can someone starting a food blog or culinary career be successful? Starting a food blog and starting a culinary career are pretty different. I think to find success in both you have to be passionate. Both require an unapologetic obsession with food—the kind of passion that makes your friends wonder if you’ve lost your mind, or if you really are always hungry and ready to dive into another kitchen project. If you love food, you’ll want to teach
yourself everything there is to know about it. That’s where success starts! What’s a typical day like for you? I’m just your average 30-ish California girl. I wake up early, then go to spin class to tame my thighs and prepare myself for the brownies I’ll no doubt indulge in later. I make at least one trip to the grocery store a day. I spend about three hours in the kitchen; at least one of those hours spent cleaning up of the monstrous mess I’ve made. I tweet; I Instagram; I Facebook. I try to stay connected to the people that read Joy the Baker. I spend about five hours at the computer editing photos, writing recipes, and answering emails ... oh, the emails! I podcast. I daydream new recipes. I try to take some time to run around out in the world to take it all in. Occasionally I meet friends for a drink, or try a new doughnut shop. I try my best to stay connected, happy and observant in the world. Oh, also, I never stop working. What’s your favorite music to cook to? My musical taste is all over the place. Some days it’s Mahler. Some days it’s Kanye West. Some days it’s the soundtrack to The Darjeeling Limited. My brain is everywhere.
- Kimberly S. Lin
Snag a copy of Joy’s self-titled cookbook!
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where credit is due
SPRING 2012
MINTED STYLE | FAB FASHION pg 22: STEVE ALAN PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEVE ALAN; WINTER 1972 PHOTO COURTESY OF NEEDSUPPLY.COM; ACADEMY BRACELET PHOTO COURTESY OF NEEDSUPPLY.COM; H&M PHOTO COURTESY OF H&M.COM; JESSICA SIIMPSON PHOTO COURTESY OF NORDSTROM. pg. 23: H&M PHOTO COURTESY OF H&M, BUTTER LONDON PHOTO COURTESY OF BUTTER LONDON, RSVP PHOTO COURTESY OF RSVP, ASOS PHOTO COURTESY OF ASOS, FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS; MARTINE WESTER PHOTO COURTESY OF MARTINEWESTER.COM pg. 25: GEORGE AT ASDA PHOTO COURTESY OF ASDA.COM, ASOS PHOTO COURTESY OF ASOS, RETRO SUPER FUTURE PHOTO COURTESY OF RETRO SUPER FUTURE, ESSIE PHOTO COURTESY OF ESSIE, ANN TAYLOR PHOTO COURTESY OF ANN TAYLOR, IVANKA TRUMP PHOTO COURTESY OF PIPERLIME.COM, MARKS AND SPENCER PHOTO COURTESY OF MARKS AND SPENCER pg 26 PHOTO COURTESY OF NORDSTROM.COM pg 27 SIMPLY BE PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMPLY BE, H&M PHOTOS COURTESY OF H&M, ASOS PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASOS, STEVE ALAN PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE ALAN MINTED STYLE | EXTRAS pg 28 DIANE VON FURSTENBERG PHOTO COURTESY OF ZAPPOS; ZH COLLECTION PHOTO BY AARON NARDI; PETUNIA PICKLE BOTTOM BAG PHOTO COURTESY OF PETUNIA PICKLE BOTTOM, BON MARCHE PHOTOS COURTESY OF BON MARCHE pg 29 FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS’ PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS; PIPPA SMALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF PIPPA SMALL JEWELLRY; JEFFREY CAMPBELL PHOTO BY JONAH PAULINE BUSINESS TALK | SPOTLIGHT pg 43, 44 ILLUSTRATIONS BY KIMBERLY S. LIN LIFE AFTER FIVE | TRAVEL pg 55 PHOTO BY KIMBERLY S. LIN pg 56, 57 PHOTO BY SHIRLEY LAU HEALTH & BEAUTY | CHEAP THRILLS pg 71 ROSEBUD CO. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSEBUD PERFUME COMPANY, INC., DR. DENNIS GROSS’ PHOTO COURTESY OF DR DENNIS GROSSMAN SKINCARE, MS. & MRS. MINIMERGENCY KIT FOR HER PHOTO COURTESY OF MR. & MRS. MINIMERGENCY, WELEDA PHOTO COURTESY OF SHOP PR, COLGATE PHOTO COURTESY OF COLGATE FOOD FOR THOUGHT | RECIPES Pg 75-79 PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY S. LIN pg 81 PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY S. LIN HOME&LIVING | ACCESSORIES pg 83 PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLIAM SONOMA
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(inside: a fashion designer’s lofty workspace)
PHOTO COUTRESY OF WEST ELM
HOME & living
{Personalized touches}
home decor and accessories with a little piece of you83 mintedmag.com
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“People’s fates are simplified by their names.” —Elias Canetti
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OUR EDITOR’S PICK!
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home&living OFFICE PLAY
ALL ABOUT Avant-Garde Zoe Hong, 32 Oakland, Calif. Fashion designer of Zoe Hong Collection
Z
oe Hong was born in Seoul, Korea, grew up in Alaska, and now spends her days in her modern Oakland studio creating avant-garde garments. She attended Otis College of Art and Design in 2002 and received a BFA in fashion. She worked in the fashion industry with various womenswear designers and a leather manufacturing company, but ultimately decided to be her own boss. She started her collection in 2008 and her unique, fashion-forward designs have been praised with awards, like “Fresh Blood,” a design competition in San Francisco and the “Bubbling Under” award from Gen/Art Perrier. Hong was also a finalist in the Oscar Designer competition last year. Her pieces, which she describes at “future heirlooms,” are garments she hopes women would be proud to pass onto future generations. “I want 60 years down the line, some woman to be online, or the future version of the internet, saying ‘I scored this old school Zoe Hong from back in the day, and it’s amazing!’” she said. BENEFITS OF WORKING FROM HOME The flexibility of her schedule is the largest benefit. Aside from designing her own collection, she is a fashion designer instructor at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, she co-produces fashion shows through the Bay Area Fashion Network, and is part of many other side projects. Although her schedule is tight, by working from home she is able to work for hours in between her appointments.
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PHOTOS BY PAIGE A. RICKS
“I know myself, and if I work until two or three in the morning, and if I’m too tired to drive, I’d crash out on some pile of fabric on my floor—which I have done before,” Zoe Hong said about why she chose to make her 1,377-square-foot studio her office, too.
home&living OFFICE PLAY
PHOTO BY PAIGE A. RICKS
HER INSPIRATION How she creates her garments are pretty random. “You’ll be walking down the street and you’ll think of something cool, and sometimes you get complete mind blocks,” Hong said. “I could see some weird crackhead on the sidewalk, and think ‘That is very strange and awesome,’” she added laughing. SLEEPING WHERE SHE WORKS “I’m pretty much a workaholic,” Hong said. That’s why her and her husband decided to find a living space where they could both work from home. Sitting in her sheik open space studio, which is 1,377 square feet, made Hong reminisce on her days of working in a 900-square-foot loft in San Francisco. When she decided to start her own company she knew she needed space for sketching, creating patterns and sewing machines. Having a separate work place was contemplated … “but I know myself, and if I work until two or three in the morning, and if I’m too tired to drive, I’d crash out on some pile of fabric on my floor—which I
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have done before,” she said. She’s even fallen asleep on dresses while she was hemming them, so it is just more convenient to go upstairs and go to bed after a long night of designing. FASHION AND HER DESIGNS First, it must be said that Hong is very much anti-fast fashion. Fashion is cyclical and styles return—but only if they’re interesting enough. “I’m always trying to put a different spin on things, like even if I make a T-shirt, it’s a leather T-shirt,” she said. Her designs are simple, elegant and edgy, like her eyecatching floor-length leather kimono. She makes everything with materials made in the United States, sourcing locally to Napa, Los Angeles and the South Bay. Striving to make quality clothing that will truly last, she sticks to natural fiber fabrics like linen, cotton, rayon, silk and leather. She designs mainly in a neutral palette; her current collection for Fall 2012 is all black (with soft leather pieces to die for!).
- Paige A. Ricks
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