“Looking outside of our own group is really trying to understand people who think differently than us. [Social media provides the opportunity] to learn from other people, to talk about what you are hearing around you, what you're putting out there and what you're taking in.”
Emily wrapped up her tenure with TFB as our senior intern. She was with us for a year and a half. She spent her last day training one of our new interns, Olivia, who you’ll meet soon!
Emily was right by my side as we won awards at PRSA, landed Richmond Dermatology, Clementine as clients and moved int our first office space.
We will miss Emily a ton but can’t wait to see where life takes her!
One of the classes I teach at VCU’s Robertson School is Professionalism in PR: The class wasn’t created until after I graduated, and when I talk about it I frequently hear things like: “I wish they’d offered that when I was in school.”
Here’s the official course description:
Study of public relations careers, including an in-depth examination of types of practice and industry choices for professionals. Includes development of job-seeking skills such as networking, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, as well as professional skills such as impromptu and extemporaneous speaking, presentation development and effective meeting management. Focus on ethical practice and understanding of effective long-term professional development activities.
As a teacher, my hope is always that I’ve shared at least one thing with each student that they might remember/find useful.
I asked one of my former students, Yosan Mascio of Park & Morris, to share what she took from our time in class together. Here’s what she had to say:
The class encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone when applying to jobs/networking. For example, when looking for jobs, I was able to confidently tell the person interviewing me what I wanted to do and when networking I was able to see if there would be a possibility for us to connect in the future.
Here are two of her takeaways she’d share as advice to other students/recent grads:
1. You’re never being too creepy when it comes to LinkedIn and networking. People love connecting and getting a chance to give advice. Finding a common ground with someone via social media is easy and going from there is not as scary as it seems.
2. The importance of informational interviews because I learned that’s when the person is most candid about your prospective field or job you want to get into. That is the best prep you need before your actual interview somewhere.
You see everywhere that you’re supposed to wear sunblock every day. It prevents skin cancer, aging, discoloration, etc. But, sometimes it feels like the worst – greasy, pore-clogging and thick. That’s what always kept me from wearing it every day. I felt like it made my makeup slide off and broke me out and was even itchy/uncomfortable.
I tried to incorporate it into my morning routine several times but kept skipping over it.
Two things were game changers for me: One, someone (I wish I could remember who) gave me the tip to apply it with a brush, and two, I got this matte version from Obagi.
It doesn’t smell or break me out at all. I apply it with this brush from Bobbi Brown. Since I started doing this, I rarely miss a day. I tried this tinted version. I love the way it feels and smells but I miss that mattifying effect when I use it.
Plus, my favorite concealer from Cle de Peau reformulated to include SPF 25. So, now I’m getting that extra protection too.
The one thing I still want to get better about is bringing it all the way down over my chest and I’m starting to notice a bunch of freckles.
If we’re going to be out in the sun all day, I carry the tube with me to reapply and also bring this brush on sunscreen from Colorscience. I use COOLA on my body.
Background:
We created this series because working out and trying new fitness studios for the first time can be intimidating.
In this blog post, we’re going to cover some of the most popular workouts and studios in Richmond, and we’ll be judging and reviewing them based on intensity, difficulty, who it’s for, what you need, and what to wear. Here’s how we’ll define each one:
Intensity: We’re ranking this based on sweat-level and ability to carry on a conversation.
Difficulty: How beginner-friendly it is and how hard it is to pick up on the movements.
Who it’s for: Who we think would enjoy this workout the most based on our experience.
What you need: Accessories, if needed (ex: towel, mat, shoes, etc.)
What to wear: Our recommended attire. We based this off of personal preference/experience as well as what we saw other people wearing in class.
Emily’s fitness background: When I was a kid, I feel like I tried every sport possible. I played soccer, hockey, basketball and even did cheerleading for a while. Now, I’m training for a half marathon, so I am very into running. I also love to supplement my running with yoga and high-intensity interval training.
Christina’s: I was the kid on the softball field sitting on the ground. As a kid, I did a little bit of ballet and tap dancing. I grew up in a small town, so we didn’t have some of the sports or facilities in bigger cities. At the end of middle school, I started gymnastics. I continued through high school and still try to keep up with it.
1911 West Cary Street (The Fan)
What it is: Aerial Yoga studio
Who tried it: Both
Intensity: Low. Neither of us was sore after the class.
Difficulty: Medium. Can be difficult when first learning the bungee sequences (Peter Pan’s, runs, jumps, etc.), but it gets easier as you catch on.
Who it’s for: Anyone who gets bored with their workout routine and wants to switch it up with something new and unique.
What you need: A water bottle.
What to wear: Tank top, shorts or leggings, and athletic shoes.
Length of class: 45 minutes
Pricing: The one-time drop-in rate is $23.00. Fighting Gravity Fitness also offers a 1-month unlimited membership for $134.00. They have other membership offers too, including class passes.
What else you should know: The classes are usually small with lots of one-on-one help. This is the perfect workout to do on a weekend with a group of friends before brunch. Also, super photo-friendly #doitforthegram.
3105 West Moore Street (Scott’s Addition)
What it is: Boutique dance fitness studio
Who tried it: Both Christina and Emily
Intensity: Low to medium. You’ll sweat during this class, but you usually can hold a conversation.
Difficulty: Can be difficult to keep up with the rhythm.
Who it’s for: People who like fun in their workouts. All of the participants in the class we went to were women, but it doesn’t seem to be exclusively female.
What you need: Nothing. They provide the mats and the drumsticks.
What to wear: Athletic clothing and shoes. They also allow you to be barefoot or in your socks for this class.
Length of class: 45 minutes.
Pricing: The drop in rate is $20.00 per class. They also offer a deal for two weeks of unlimited classes for new clients for $40.00. They have a lot of other options for membership, including class passes and an unlimited monthly membership for $110.00.
What else you should know: This is another fun one that would be good to do with a group. We didn’t feel like we were “working out,” but we were super sore after our first class.
2522 Hermitage Road
What it is: CrossFit gym
Who tried it: Emily
Intensity: High. You’ll be sweating pretty much the entire class.
Difficulty: Pretty beginner friendly. You’ll be doing a mix of cardio and strength (using the rowing machine, then doing burpees, etc.).
Who it’s for: Anyone who enjoys high-intensity workouts.
What you need: Water.
What to wear: Athletic clothing and shoes.
Length of class: 1 hour
Pricing: This gym offers CrossFit and RVA Fit. CrossFit uses heavy barbells to mimic Olympic weightlifting, and the RVA Fit program is focused on high-intensity interval training. I tried RVA Fit, which is $135.00 a month for unlimited classes. The drop in rate is $15.00 per class.
What else you should know: This gym is very welcoming to all skill levels, body types, and fitness interests. Membership is pushed heavily and they will work with you to tailor a training schedule to your goals.
2510 Wayside Drive (Southside)
What it is: Hig- intensity interval training gym
Who tried it: Emily
Intensity: Very high intensity.
Difficulty: Can be pretty difficult if you don’t know the strength movements done in class since there is not a lot of time for an explanation of each movement. Some examples are deadlifts, chest-to-floor burpees, donkey kicks, alt v-ups, plank burpees and plank rows.
Who it’s for: People who actively do high-intensity workouts and that are into strength training.
What you need: Water bottle and towel.
What to wear: Running shoes, shorts (it gets hot in the gym – especially in the summer), tank top.
Length of class: 1 hour
Pricing: Drop-in classes are $20.00 a class, and the unlimited month membership is $125.00. Endorphasm offers class passes too.
What else you should know: Endorphasm is pretty intense and is meant for people accustomed to a consistent high-intensity workout routine. Although you can go at your own pace the entire class, you’re often doing exercises for time, so it is a very fast paced environment.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
200 North Boulevard (Museum District)
What it is: Free fitness movement
Who tried it: Emily
Intensity: Medium to high.
Difficulty: November Project is beginner friendly, and is very welcoming to the community.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to workout with a lot of people, and wants to be motivated by others.
What you need: Water bottle.
What to wear: Running shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of running!), shorts or leggings, tank top (especially in the warmer months).
Length of class: 45 minutes to 1 hour. It will usually end anywhere between 6:45am-7am.
Pricing: It’s free!
What else you should know: November Project meets at the VMFA every Wednesday at 6am. They workout no matter what the weather condition is – it could be sleeting with temperatures in the negatives and they’d still be out there!
3024 Stony Point Parkway (Southside) and 3621 Cox Road (West End)
What it is: Hot yoga studio
Who tried it: Christina
Intensity: High
Difficulty: Medium.
Who it’s for: People who like heat. It is very hot, y’all.
What you need: Yoga mat, towels, and a LARGE water bottle.
What to wear: Tank top and shorts. Now that I’ve done hot yoga a few times I can stand to wear crop pants or pants, but you might feel more comfortable in shorts for your first time.
Length of class: 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes
Pricing: Drop in class is $20.00. An unlimited monthly membership is $110.00. Other memberships are available.
What else you should know: We’re not joking about the water bottle and the towels. You’ll want to lay one towel down over your mat and have another hand towel for wiping off sweat. You’ll be surprised at how much water you drink. These classes are intense. They tell you to try to stay in the room for the whole class, even if you need to take a break. My first class, I ended up lying down for most of it because the heat was so shocking. I’ve been back since and was able to make it through. I think the heat might even be a little addictive.
4501 Highwoods Parkway #410 (West End)
Workouts take place in different locations every day (ex: Belle Isle, Dogwood Dell)
What it is: Fitness boot camp
Who tried it: Emily
Intensity: High intensity. Lots of running and bodyweight workouts.
Difficulty: It’s a hard workout but pretty beginner-friendly.
Who it’s for: Anyone who likes to workout with a group of people.
What you need: Water bottle.
What to wear: Athletic clothes and running shoes (that you won’t mind getting dirty.)
Length of class: 1 hour
Pricing: First class is free. Boot camp membership (monthly unlimited) is $169.00 a month, but $99.00 for students.
What else you should know: This workout is military-based. Enough said.
11819 West Broad Street (Short Pump) and 6984 Forest Ave (West End)
What it is: Group personal training studio
Who tried it: Both.
Intensity: Medium to high.
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. The moves aren’t complicated and the instructors do a great job of explaining and including visual demonstrations.
Who it’s for: Anyone who enjoys mixing cardio with strength training.
What you need: Water bottle and a towel. After a few classes, Christina bought a pair of workout gloves because the rower was rough on her hands.
What to wear: Athletic clothes and shoes. Christina wore crop leggings but would have preferred shorts.
Length of class: 1 hour
Pricing: The first class is free. They offer a bunch of different membership options – orange basic, orange elite and orange premier.
What else you should know: The tracking aspect of this class is so fun. You watch your metrics on the screen alongside your name, which can be motivating (and distracting from the hard work you’re doing). This was a really co-ed and diverse workout. This would be the perfect workout for someone that’s brand-new to working out.
2300 West Main Street (The Fan)
What it is: Group running studio
Who tried it: Emily
Intensity: Medium to high intensity, depending on what level you choose to walk/jog/run at.
Difficulty: Very beginner friendly. There is a lot of explanation of how the class will go in the beginning. Tread Happy is very welcoming to new clients.
Who it’s for: Runners, joggers, and walkers. Anyone who likes to use a treadmill and run to fun and upbeat music.
What you need: Water bottle, towel.
What to wear: Running shoes.
Length of class: 45 minutes to an hour.
Pricing: As a new client, your first class is $15.00. The new client unlimited month is $115.00, and they also offer a 2-week unlimited option for $32.00. More membership options are available.
What else you should know: You don’t have to be a runner to go to Tread Happy. You can go at your own pace, and you can choose to walk or jog whenever you want. There is no pressure to do what everyone else is doing.
14227 Midlothian Turnpike (Southside) and 9665 W Broad St (West End)
What it is: Hot yoga studio
Who tried it: Christina
Intensity: Low
Difficulty: Medium
Who it’s for: Anyone!
What you need: Large water bottle and a yoga mat. (I use this one from Lululemon.)
What to wear: I always wear leggings and a tank top. I see other girls wearing sports bras and shorts and most of the guys are shirtless.
Length of class: 45 minutes, 1 hour, and 90 minutes
Pricing: A drop-in class is $20.00, and they offer a 3-week unlimited membership for $59.00. They have a bunch of different monthly membership options as well.
What else you should know: I really love this place. I started going after feeling like my first Bikram class was too long and hard. Hot House is slightly less hot and they have classes as short as 45 minutes. I started with those and worked my way up to the 90-minute advanced classes. They have two options – flow and stability. I only do the flow classes, which are faster-moving with less time in each pose than the stability classes. The family that owns this business seems to be SO friendly and really make you feel welcome everytime they come in.
1219 Highpoint Avenue (Scott’s Addition)
What it is: Yoga studio
Who tried it: Both.
Intensity: Depends on the class. Some classes are more relaxed (Yin yoga, Restorative, etc.) but some are more intense (Rocket 2, Led Primary Series, etc.)
Difficulty: Varies. They are very welcoming to new yogis, and will teach you basic poses all the way up to some of the most advanced.
Who it’s for: Anyone with an advanced beginner-intermediate yoga practice.
What you need: Yoga mat (you can rent one if you need to), towel, water bottle.
What to wear: Leggings and a tank top. Men can go shirtless or whatever.
Length of class: Ranging from an hour to an hour and 30 minutes. They offer a Rocket 50 Lunch Express class every day at noon. This class is only 50 minutes and is the perfect way to take a break during the middle of the day.
Pricing: A drop-in class is $18.00-$20.00 (depending on how long the class is), and the unlimited monthly membership is $108.00 a month. They also offer class packs.
What else you should know: This is the most fun/relaxed/low-pressure yoga studio ever. They are so welcoming. They cater to multiple experience levels, so check out the schedule to figure out which one you’d like best. (The calisthenics class is cool but HARD). Stay tuned for their workshops too, they bring in a lot of special guest teachers. I really liked the one I took from Fit Queen Irene. The instructors here really care about your goals and what you want to learn. Every class I’ve been to, they’ve asked what everyone is working on and made it a point to address everyone’s questions and interests.
2309 West Main Street
What it is: Yoga, pilates and functional training studio
Who tried it: Christina
Intensity: Low
Difficulty: Easy
Who it’s for: Anyone interested in trying yoga or pilates.
What you need: Nothing
What to wear: Leggings and a tank top.
Length of class: Varies
Pricing: A drop-in class is $35.00, and they also offer different class pack options.
What else you should know: The class I went to was called “Spa Shavasana,” and it was amazing. After a yin sequence, the instructors came around to each of us and gave us a mini facial with Maven Made products and massage. Also, they have kitten yoga for charity.
2609 West Cary Street
What is it: Personal training studio
Who tried it: Christina
Intensity: Medium/high
Difficulty: Medium
Who it’s for: People who want one-on-one attention when working out.
What you need: Gloves for lifting weights
What to wear: Athletic clothing and athletic shoes meant for cross-training (versus running shoes)
Length of class: Varies
Pricing: Varies
What else you should know: I heard about reDefine from RVA Fit Foodie’s Instagram and was initially intrigued by their app/online training. I reached out on Instagram and was assigned a trainer, Ben. We met for a free consultation/assessment. I’ve been going for almost two months and it’s exactly what I was looking for.
2196 Lanier Lane
What it is: Gymnastics studio
Who tried it: Christina
Intensity: Medium
Difficulty: Hard
Who it’s for: Former gymnasts – or anyone who wants to give gymnastics a try!
What you need: Nothing
What to wear: You don’t have to wear a leoptard – but you totally can! Shorts or leggings and a tank are fine. Guys need to wear shirts.
Length of class: One hour
Pricing: $15 for one hour of adult tumbling class
What else you should know: You don’t need a gymnastics background to enjoy this class.
6235 River Road (Near West End)
What it is: Barre studio
Who tried it: Christina
Intensity: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Who it’s for: Former dancers would like this. Also, anyone who doesn’t like to sweat or do heavy cardio would probably enjoy this as well.
What you need: Athletic clothes and socks. You can wear any kind of socks but you’ll want the ones with the grip bottoms.
What to wear: Leggings and a tank
Length of class: One hour
Pricing: A drop-in class is $24.00, and they offer different class pack options.
What else you should know: Compared to other barre classes, this one seemed less dance-focused and more upbeat.
5711 West Broad Street
What it is: Barre studio
Who tried it: Christina
Intensity: Low
Difficulty: Medium
Who it’s for: Former dancers would like this. Also, anyone who doesn’t like to sweat or do heavy cardio would probably enjoy this as well.
What you need: Nothing
What to wear: Leggings and a tank
Length of class: One hour
Pricing: A single class is $18.00, and a 1-month unlimited membership is $99.00. More memberships and class packages are available.
What else you should know: This studio is great for anyone trying to ease into barre!
7007 1/2 Three Chopt Road
What it is: Barre studio
Who tried it: Emily and Christina
Intensity: Low. You’re not moving or sweating much, but you’re doing small focused movements to build strength.
Difficulty: Medium, especially if you’ve never done barre before.
Who it’s for: Former dancers would love this. This is the perfect workout for people who don’t like high intensity workouts or getting super sweaty.
What you need: Water and a towel.
What to wear: Barre socks, leggings, tank top.
Length of class: 45 minutes to an hour.
Pricing: A drop in class is $24.00, and a one-month unlimited is $189.00. They also offer 5, 10 and 20 class packs that vary in price depending on which one you buy. If you’re a new client, you can go to a drop in class for $19.00.
What else you should know: The instructors do a great job of helping you get the movements right, and will adjust you if needed. Everyone is very welcoming to new clients, and the classes are usually pretty big.
Two locations, one in the Museum District and one in Church Hill.
Musuem District:
714 North Sheppard Street
Church Hill:
2401 East Marshall Street
What it is: Cycle studio
Who tried it: Both.
Intensity: Pretty intense. You’ll be sweating the whole time.
Difficulty: You are in control of the difficulty since you can control the resistance on your bike. Pretty easy to get the rhythm of the movements (“tapbacks,” etc.) down. The moves are simple – it’s the speed and nonstop motion that gets you.
Who it’s for: Anyone who enjoys cycle classes
What you need: Water bottle and towel.
What to wear: Cycle shoes (you can rent these at BOHO), leggings, tank top.
Length of class: 50 Minutes
Pricing: If you’ve never tried BOHO before, your first class is free! The drop in rate is $20.00, and the monthly unlimited membership is $150.00. They also offer differently monthly membership options as well as class packs.
What else you should know: BOHO is a fun way to get your cardio in. The music is upbeat and the instructors are awesome. The classes are usually pretty full, and everyone is very welcoming. They also turn the lights off during the class, and they give you cool lavender towels at the end. Christina started going here at the suggestion of her redefineRVA trainer, Ben. WE LOVE BOHO.
10809 West Broad Street (West End)
What it is: A megaformer studio
Who tried it: Christina
Intensity: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Who it’s for: If you like barre/pilates, this class has a similar vibe.
What you need: Nothing
What to wear: Leggings and a tank top
Length of class: 60 minutes
Pricing: One class is $29.00, and the monthly unlimited membership is $299.00. More membership options are available.
What else you should know: The moves are tough, but this workout feels very customizable. I didn’t sweat but definitely felt like I was working. The reformer forces you to focus on each move and your form. Virginia Bloggers hosted a meetup at PlankRVA and we all tried the class together. Read about it here.
What it is: 20 minute workout program
Who tried it: Christina
Intensity: Low
Difficulty: Not difficult
Who it’s for: Mainly for people who want an approachable way to start working out. This program is perfect for people interested in learning the hows and whys about nutrition and fitness and the human body.
What you need: Stability ball, 3lb medicine ball weights, exercise band, and 5 lb dumbells.
What to wear: Anything you want. You do this workout from the comfort of your own home.
Length of class: 20 minutes
Pricing: TBD. Go For 20 is brand-new and still in beta mode. If you’d like to sign up for their waitlist, you can do that here.
What else you should know: Full Disclosure: Go For 20 is a TFB client. We love them! 🙂
Emily:
90-degree by Reflex leggings
Gaiam reversible yoga mat
Hydroflask water bottle
Rosewater spray
Foam roller
Nike running zip up
Yoga bag
Athleta running socks
Cell phone armband
Zumi Yoga mat spray
Nathan SpeedDraw Plus water bottle
ASICS GT 2000-6 running shoes
Apple Watch
Christina:
Lululemon yoga pants: the align pants are SO soft I also love their Free To Be Wild bras.
Last month, we launched The Tiramisu for Breakfast scholarship.
Open to undergraduate students in The Robertson School of Media & Culture (Journalism, PR, and Advertising) at VCU, recipients of the scholarship will receive funds to go toward conferences, professional organizations dues, and networking events.
I want students to have the same opportunities I’ve had to be involved in the Richmond community.
Throughout the year, we’ll create opportunities to support the scholarship.
So far, we’ve made T-Shirts and hosted a “Gratitude Party.”
Thank you to everyone who has bought a T-Shirt through our Bonfire Funds campaign and to everyone who attended our gratitude party! If you missed these, don’t worry. T-shirts and TFB stationary are still available. Click the button below to learn more about how you can lend your support.
We moved into our very first office in January of this year. Last month, our talented friend Caroline Martin photographed the space.
Here's the photo I asked the building owner to take of me on the day I signed the lease 🙂
I LOVED spending the morning with our clients at James River Air Conditioning while Nikki Dee Visited for her segment: Nikki Dee, Can You Be Me? It really is inspiring to be around someone so joyful. Look out for the episode coming soon!
Here’s James River’s Social Media Manager, RaShawn Hairston. PS. Check out his blog, Clazzy Styles.
In this post, TFB’s newest team member, Camden Dechert, will take us through the ins and outs of material design -Christina
I heard about Material Design for the first time a few months ago from my coworker at VCU Technology Services. Together, we had been developing a new designed campaign for Technology Services that would give our brand a facelift. I began exploring Material Design as a new way to approach our new brand. It lent me the freedom to stay within our university brand guidelines, but also add that extra oomph.
I was interested in learning about this new language because it is starting to revolutionize the way we design. Companies are beginning to implement Material Design into their logos, graphics, websites, and apps. The differences are subtle, but they make a huge difference once you notice it.
So, what is it?
In 2014, Google developed a new design language called Material Design, otherwise known as Quantum Paper.
Designed by Matías Duarte, Material Design makes more liberal use of grid-based layouts, responsive animations and transitions, padding, and depth effects such as lighting and shadows.
Google announced Material Design on June 25, 2014, at the 2014 Google I/O conference, but it is within the past year that it is being noticed by people other than designers. As of 2015, most of Google’s mobile applications for Android had applied the new design language, including Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, Google Maps, Inbox, Google+, all of the Google Play-branded applications, and to a smaller extent the Chrome browser and Google Keep. The desktop web-interfaces of Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides and Inbox have incorporated it as well. More recently, it has started to appear in Chrome OS, such as in the system settings, file manager, and calculator apps
Duarte explained that, “unlike real paper, our digital material can expand and reform intelligently. Material has physical surfaces and edges. Seams and shadows provide meaning about what you can touch.” According to Google, their new design language is based on paper and ink but implementation will take place in an advanced manner
Why use it?
Material Design is revolutionary because of how amazingly well thought out it is. Success in implementing Material Design comes from following a type system, a color guide focusing on bold, but subtle, limited color, three-dimensional environment qualities focusing on surfaces, shadows and depth, and a meticulously gridded layout.
Material is the metaphor. Material Design is inspired by the physical world and its textures, including how they reflect light and cast shadows. Material surfaces reimagine the mediums of paper and ink.
How should I use it?
Check out this guide for all the information you need on Material Design. https://material.io/
My first job out of college was at the Martin Agency as an assistant media buyer. At the time I didn’t own a TV, but I learned so much about how ratings and advertising work, the importance of “sweeps week”. Each spring, the television and advertising industries gather in New York to debut the new Fall TV lineup. They call it the Upfronts, and it’s a big event. Our whole team didn’t get to travel for the event, but the sales reps at local stations would send us DVDs of the pilots. We’d watch one or two at a time with popcorn during lunch and try to predict which shows would last and which would be canceled.
A consultant I work with for my clients sent out a list of the new shows for Fall 2018 and I thought you might like to check them out:
Our friends at Richmond SPCA needed some fresh photos of their newest baby cats for their social media, so we stopped by last week for a Kitten Photo Shoot. Ayasha Sledge, a PR professional with a photography side-business, joined us for the shoot. She’s finishing up her master’s degree in Strategic Public Relations from VCU and getting in some internship credit hours with TFB. Here’s some of the behind-the-scenes action:
These pearl slides are my new favorites. If I have to wear flat shoes, they might as well be these. 
Leni Shirt Dress | $35 | Pretty Little Things
I bought this Geode art from Target ($64.99) after seeing it at my friend Judi’s house. It looks especially pretty when sunlight hits.
I just discovered that Elemis mini/travel-size versions of a lot of their products, so I ordered a few things I’d been wanting to try. My favorites so far are the Rehydrating Rose Cleanser, the Skin Nourishing Shower Cream, and the Herbal Lavender Repair Mask. The cleanser is similar to the one I use from Eminence, so this one will be perfect to sub-in when I visit Vegas next month.
Earlier this summer, Gracie, a rising senior at a local high school, joined us for a week as part of her school’s internship program.
Monday:
Christina: We were so excited for Gracie to start today. When a client shoot was canceled at the last minute, Gracie jumped right in to help with a brainstorming session.
Gracie: Today was my first day and I was so impressed with everything Christina does. She was able to make so many connections for Tom Farrell’s salmon event at the Jefferson and also was very fast to come up with ideas to help Emilie Kiristis. I learned a lot about views and followers on Instagram and Facebook like what impressions are, engagements, etc. I thought today was so much fun because in the morning Christina was meeting with a fitness client and then a couple hours later she was planning an event at the Jefferson for Scottish salmon. I was able to learn different tools and marketing techniques and also learn more about salmon, working out, and nutrition. A few questions I have is if you do a great amount of research before you meet with a new client, and if so; how do you find it? I am very interested in learning how Christina has made all of these connections with her clients and what all she has to do in the planning of help marketing for them or event planning (like reaching out to the food bloggers or restaurant people for the Jefferson event).
Tuesday:
Gracie: Today we went to a human trafficking meeting that women from Bon Secours put on. I found it very interesting because I have done a lot of volunteer work with human trafficking and the women seemed to care so much about it. They raise a lot of money to put on an event called Wine, Women, and Shoes, and all the proceeds go to human trafficking victims or those who have been sexually assaulted. I was able to talk with one of the women and at St. Catherine’s I will talk to our lead teacher for community service and make bags (inside will include: clothes, $10 gift card, a drink, toothbrush/toothpaste) for the victims which I think will be great. We also went to two of the ECPI locations to take pictures and they provided a raffle for a chance for the students to win google home items and more. After that, we went to my Uncle’s distillery and met with Mr. Farrell who is CEO of Scottish Salmon and they both were very interested in partnering up with each other.
I thought it was really fascinating to see the two brought together that would have otherwise been strangers, and bond well together and create a partnership. I would like to see what happens with the two of them and how the Jefferson event turns out. We have been working for a dermatology company, and I have been looking through other dermatology accounts and saving the pictures that look put together or get the most responses to help the dermatology company with their Instagram. I want to know where that will go and how Christina will help create a look for them.
Christina: Community involvement is something that’s always been important to me. For the past three years, I’ve served on a committee that raises money to benefit Bon Secours Forensic Nursing Unit. We have an annual fundraiser in October (Wine, Women & Shoes) that we plan in monthly committee meetings. It was important for me to bring Emily and Gracie to see how giving back is part of being in business. Later in the day, we stopped by our McDonald’s client’s event at ECPI and met with Reservoir Distillery to talk about being a part of our Scottish Salmon launch event.
Wednesday:
Gracie: Today I went to the office and worked with Emily on the Dermatology presentation and lookbook. We went to get our nails done in Greengate, Short Pump with Christina, they used a special dip for them, and they look great. Once we were finished we headed back to the office and worked more on the Dermatology presentation.
I learned more today about how Christina and Emily create presentations for the clients and what applications they use for them, along with research on the company. I am curious on how the meeting will go tomorrow.
Christina: I’d read about a special at a new, woman-owned nail place, Buffed and Polished, in the Boss Babes RVA Facebook group. So, I decided to treat the girls to manicures. Back at the office, Gracie was a HUGE help with the social audit we were working on for Richmond Dermatology. 
The first step in our client process includes a complete audit of our client’s communications and an analysis of their industry and competitors. Gracie searched Instagram for other dermatologists, skincare brands and plastic surgeons for inspiration and ideas to share with our clients. She worked with Emily to incorporate them into the presentation.
Thursday:
Gracie: We started today at a meeting in Carytown for Clementine’s pop-up shop. It was very interesting. After the meeting, we went to the Daily and ate lunch and worked more on the Dermatology account.
We went to the meeting for them at 1 and they were very pleased with everything! I would really like to see by using all the advice and tips if their social accounts will get more action and draw in more clients.
Christina: Gracie sat in on her third client meeting Thursday afternoon and got to see her research presented to the client.
Friday:
Gracie: Today we had a meeting at the Jefferson with Mr. Farrell from the Scottish Salmon Company. The event seems like its going to be and I hope the outcome is great. After the meeting, I went back to Christina’s office and she and Emily wrote me really sweet notes and gave me a drawing of her office, and this is because I was talking about how stunning it was before.
Christina: We loved having Gracie this week!
Local restaurateurs, chefs, and foodies helped us welcome our newest client, The Scottish Salmon Company.
Thank you to Candy Valley Cake Co. for coming through on these themed cake pops. (and thank you to eBay for coming through on this Tartan dress.)
launched instagram – Lochlander Virginia.
Here’s Jacqui, the company’s local account manager.
Nels welcomed guests into the party with traditional Scottish music. (He’s hanging out with Jeff Wilson, our friend from PRSA.)
In late May, I went to the 2018 Photoshop World Conference in Orlando Florida. This conference is hosted by KelbyOne and is all about photography and design. I attended the conference with my dad since I want to learn more about design, and because he has always loved photography. He has his own photography business and takes courses online at KelbyOne.com, which is where he heard about this in-person conference.
The conference was mainly for photographers, but there were a lot of designers there as well. At the conference, we learned all about different programs that revolve around photography and design, as well as many tips and tricks from some of the best photographers and designers from all over the world.
The theme of this year’s Photoshop World Conference was The Beatles, and this picture is from the opening ceremony that was held on the first day of the conference.
I went to the design classes and learned about techniques that you can use with InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Lightroom. My dad went to the photography classes that focused on retouching and lighting, and he also went to classes that taught you how to capture the best headshot and landscape photos.
Some of my favorite classes at the conference were “Selections and Masks Demystified,” “How to Make the Most Out of Your Camera,” “Intro to Illustrator,” “Intro to InDesign” and “How to Create the Hottest Design Trends of 2018.” During these classes, I learned how to select objects in Photoshop, how to set up and create a brochure in InDesign, how to use typography in Photoshop, how to fully take advantage of my Canon camera, and how to do really cool design techniques that are popular this year. The “How to Create the Hottest Design Trends of 2018” was probably my favorite class, since we learned how to integrate text with images, make vintage looking posters, and how to create a “glitch” effect. This class was also taught by Scott Kelby, so I learned a lot.
At the end of the conference, I was awarded the 2018 Photoshop Guru Award for the “Student Work” category. Before attending Photoshop World, every attendee had the option to submit work in categories such as photography, illustration, design, student work, etc. I submitted two pieces from two of the advertising classes that I have taken in school, and one of my print pieces for a campaign that I did for Birkenstock won for the category. The campaign actually has my brother’s feet in it, and the concept behind the piece was that “everyone who wears Birkenstocks has a story to tell.” My brother is in the Marine Corps, and I thought that an image of him with his military gear, boots and Birkenstocks could emphasize that concept. I wanted each campaign to have a three-word story attached to it as well, so I thought that “Hell and Back” fit this image pretty well. Winning the student Guru award was such an awesome experience, and it topped off our time at the conference pretty well. My dad was very proud of me and was so happy that we got to experience something like this together.
The price of the conference varies, but right now there is an Early Bird discount for $699.00 (includes the entire 3-day pass). Students can attend the conference at a discounted price, and the earlier that you sign up the better the pricing is! My 3-day pass for this past Photoshop World was $250 and was definitely worth it in my opinion. I think that any creative student (especially if you’re studying Advertising, Photography or Graphic Design) would benefit from this, just because it teaches you really beneficial techniques that you can actually use in everyday life and school. I learned a lot of things that I haven’t yet learned in school and was able to have more of the basic design skills explained to me. I got familiar with design programs that I always find myself too scared to open, just because I never felt like I knew what I was doing. I think that Photoshop World gave me the confidence that I need to learn more about design and photography.
Since it’s been about a month since Photoshop World ended, I have made it my goal to practice all of the design and photography skills that I learned. I am still playing around with the techniques that I learned in the “How to Create the Hottest Design Trends of 2018” class, and am aiming to put these newly learned skills into practice in my school work and portfolio. I have really enjoyed practicing the “glitch” technique, as well as playing around with integrating text and images. I am hoping to get better as I practice more, and obviously, these are just rough starting points. Here are some examples of my attempts:
Thank you Photoshop World and KelbyOne for the experience of a lifetime! My dad and I are already looking into going to the 2019 Photoshop World Conference (this time it will be held in Orlando AND Las Vegas), and we think that it is something that any designer, photographer or creative should look into. My biggest takeaway from this conference is that you should always practice being creative and that there is always learning to do. I took away so many new skills and information just from this three-day conference, and I am so happy that I was able to experience something like this.
The online KelbyOne classes are extremely helpful and are a more extensive way to receive the information that we got at Photoshop World. Since the conference is only three days, a lot of the information and techniques taught on KelbyOne.com will go more in-depth about each technique that is taught at the conference. The same instructors that come to the in-person conference are also instructors for the online courses, so you can really get the full Photoshop World-feel online too. Online, you can get a membership at KelbyOne.com for $149 a year. This will give you access to all of the online courses, tutorials, webcasts and it will even get you access to the Photoshop User magazine that comes out every month. My dad really enjoys using the site to learn more about photography and thinks that it is worth it for anyone who prefers listening and learning online in a faster and less expensive way. My dad recommends taking any class taught by Scott Kelby – he is a hilarious guy with a lot of knowledge about photography and design.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or if you’re planning to go to the conference or take a course online!
- VCU | VCU launches apprenticeship program, providing opportunities and valuable skills to future tradespeople.
- CNN: A 6th-grade teacher wrote ‘Invite me to your Harvard graduation!’ — 21 years later, the student did just that
- RED TABLE TALK | Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield Norris get real about body insecurities and explain why every single body is beautiful in its own way.
- REFINERY 29 | The World Needs Death Doulas
- CREATIVE PEP TALK | How To Relight Your Fire
- INC | Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google Have Mastered Employee Onboarding, and You Can, Too. Here’s How
- HULU: Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie
- CNBC | Hasbro has trademarked the smell of Play-Doh, and your childhood
- BUSINESS INSIDER | The World’s Foremost Emoji Historian Shares How Emoji Get Made + New Emoji
The TFB Team had a wonderful time at the Virginia PR Awards last night. We celebrated two of our clients: Overcoming Bias Book and The VCU Brandcenter. Their campaigns won in the word-of-mouth and social media categories, respectively. 
Both client teams joined us, along with our clients/friends at James River air and Patient First.
I arrived at JFK around 9/10 and went straight to VICE’s Williamsburg, Brooklyn office to visit my friend Alyse. VICE had an iPad check-in that took my photo when I signed in.
After she showed me around, we headed to an early lunch at Sunday In Brooklyn. I ordered the burger and then changed to Whipped Ricotta Toast with Citrus Marmalade and Marigold when I heard her order avocado toast. Alyse taught me about HeyDey for quick facial and the Via app to carpool and save money on taxis/Ubers. I walked around some shops in Brooklyn then took a Via to the hotel.
WestHouse New York was amazing and the staff was SO friendly. They upgraded my room and I was on one of the top floors with a gorgeous view of the city.
I went to Heydey for a mini facial (I love to get facials at new places and learn about different skincare brands) and then headed back to meet my friend Kendree at the hotel to go to the event.
We went to R/GA for the cocktail hour and to hear speeches from recipients of the Hall of Fame award and I got to meet Seth :)!
Kendree took me to Haru after the event. The sushi was great, but my favorite part was the shishito peppers we had as an appetizer.
On Friday I met up with my friend Gray at Pandora Radio’s office near Grand Central Station. Here’s what it looked like inside:
Next up was Facebook. My sweet friend Matt took me on a tour, and it was just as cool as I This digital word cloud showed conversation themes on Facebook in real-time. Facebook has free ROSE-INFUSED water. Can you believe it?
After Facebook I was on the hunt for all the beauty stores I could find. I went to Au Bon Pain and used heir free WiFi to research and found a bunch of places I wanted to visit in SOHO.
My first stop was Space NK. They saw the camera around my neck, asked if I was a blogger and were SUPER friendly.
Reps from several lines were working in the store that day. Then
I came across a little spa called Daphne that was beautiful. They carried a French line called Biologique that I’ve seen all over beauty reviews but have found impossible to find in the US.
I bought their famous Lotion P50.
After checking out every beauty store I could find. I met my cousins Rosalind & Travis & their son Phoenix for dinner in Little Italy at Aunt Jake’s. I got penne vodka and it was perfect. 
On Cinco De Mayo, I hopped on the Devils Backbone bus with local social media influencers and bloggers including 17 Apart and Let’s Share a Dish and headed to Wintergreen, VA.
When we got to the brewery, we were given a tour and learned the intricate process that goes behind making each beer.
We also got to see the greenhouse on site that houses all of the plants and flowers used for the beer as well as the food that is served in the brewery restaurant.
We got to sample some Devils Backbone favorites including their Vienna Lager, Trail Angel Weiss, and Cran-Gose.
Photo cred: @kevinmcleanphoto
Photo cred: @atlantalovelist
This brewery was absolutely beautiful, and everyone who worked there was so nice and had such a passion for Devils Backbone and the beer industry. If you are looking for a new adventure or just somewhere cool to go for a little day trip, I highly recommend checking out DB!
Last month was a big one. TFB turned two! Check out the timeline we made to show you what we’ve been up to since we launched in April 2016.
Earlier in the month, I spoke at the Her Campus Mid-Atlantic Conference. Cell phone use was encouraged during the talk – I had the students tweet their thoughts throughout. Here’s what they had to say:
Most recently, we celebrated the 2018 graduates of VCU’s Robertson School, where I teach a course called “Content.”
We also brought on a new intern, Christina Hoang (pictured below on the left):
Hehe. This is what she looks like usually:
TFB Intern Emily Mattice tells about her experience and advice for other students in this two-part series.
I partnered with ATHLETA on their #PowerOfShe Campaign.
The Clementine Group sponsored the Richmond International Film Festival, and we got to meet Kate Bosworth.
We loved helping Liz of I HEART VEGETABLES with the launch party her first cookbook.
…and we’re super excited about GO FOR 20’s new workout format!
We welcomed Morris Tile to the client roster.
…and Nutzy helped us celebrate the opening of McDonald’s in Hancock Village (and even got to try the new, fresh beef).
Straight Fire on Ice | A site created by Mark Rodriguez, an Art Director studying at the VCU Brandcenter. “Ice skating videos sync perfectly with Hip-Hop. We knew we had to show this to the world, so we registered as an internet radio station to bring you cool moves set to hot tracks.”
RACHEL SCHALL THOMAS | Why an online group may be just what you need. “A few months ago, I spoke at an event about the connections people are making in our online groups — how they are supporting each other and forming meaningful relationships. Afterward, a woman made her way to me and exclaimed, “What does it say about modern life that people have to go online to find that kind of support? That’s so depressing.” In fact, it’s not depressing at all. What’s happening in our groups is compassionate, generous, raw and real. It’s encouraging that we can now find support online that we can’t find anywhere else. It speaks to the power of online communities when they tap into the best of us.”
LINKEDIN |Going All-In on B2B Video
INSIDER | This is what the Mcdonald’s Menu Looked Like The Year You Were Born
TIME | Christian Siriano: The World’s 100 Most Influential People “I’m so sick of people saying ‘I can’t wear this, it’s for models.’ It made me insane. So I was like, ‘Ok, well then I’m going to make my models look more like you.’
POYNTER | Alumnae of Poynter’s Leadership Academy for Women in Digital Media and ONA’s Women’s Leadership Accelerator are offering free one-on-one mentoring sessions. Whether you’re a woman looking for job advice, feedback on your work, or tips on how to be a better boss, this resource is for you. Sign up for a 30-minute call with the coach of your choice here.
Shoutout to Marissa Moomaw for sharing this on LinkedIn.
This month we’re especially excited about the Virginia PR Awards. Make sure you also mark your calendar for the Rassawek Jubilee. Check out all of the events on our calendar here.
These are some jobs that I’ve either heard about from friends or come across online. I don’t have a personal connection to all of them, but feel free to contact me if you’re interested and I’ll do anything I can to help. If you’re hiring, feel free to send that info along for me to include too.
SNAG (formerly SNAGAJOB)| Marketing Manager, Demand Generation – Richmond
MCKESSON | Marketing Manager
THE GRADUATE HOTEL | Marketing Manager
ANTHEM, INC. | Marketing Communications Manager (Part-Time)
VCU | Outreach and Social Media Manager
REMX STAFFING | Communications Manager
Capital One | Social Media Strategist
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF RICHMOND | Digital Strategist
COUNTY OF HENRICO | Director of Public Relations and Media Services
PERFORMANCE FOOD GROUP | Manager of Communications and Engagement
Marketing & Communications Manager | Make A Wish Foundation (Caroline Browell). This is an ongoing opportunity. Apply online.
Marketing Intern | Manifest In You Consulting (Danielle Gilbert): Danielle is looking for someone Customer-focused with attention to details that’s innovative and reliable. Applications are due by May 1, 2018 to Info@daniellemgilbert.com
*PAID* Communications/Marketing/PR Intern | Virginia Physicians For Women (Molly Wright). Molly’s looking for a self-starter with the ability to work independently. The ideal candidate is innovative and interested in taking ownership of his or her work. She’s looking to hire ASAP. Contact Molly at molly.wright@vpfw.com.
Marketing/Graphics/Events Intern | B Side Collective (Ja’Nai Frederick): B Side Collective is an indie, multiple-channel publication that spotlights, inspires, and provides curated resources for local women in business. They’re looking for interns that are passionate about design and meaningful disruption. Contact hello@bsidecollective.com to apply.
*PAID* Graphic Design Intern | Freelance (Jamin Hoyle): Jamin is a freelance art and creative director with a lot on his plate for the next couple of months. I was kind of thinking about looking for an intern or a junior designer/AD for some help. It would be real work, he’d pay real dough. But he needs a pretty solid designer (someone fast and good in Illustrator especially), as well as someone serious and ambitious and interested in learning a little bit while getting paid. Contact jaminhoyle@gmail.com ASAP if you’re interested.
*PAID* Marketing Intern | Legacy Navigator (Annie Miller): Legacy Navigator is a people first company with a mission to make a positive impact on the clients and communities we serve. They are looking for two individuals – one with Digital Marketing exposure and one with journalism/ editing, to bring what working experience and knowledge they have to our team. They are asking for at least 12+hours / week for each person – and hope they want to be there more! This is an ongoing opportunity and they are looking to hire ASAP. Contact annie@legacynavigator.com.
*PAID* PR Intern | Alliance Group (Sarah Huang): Alliance Group is looking for candidates that match these criteria:
-Excellent writing, communication and research skills
-Strong time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize projects
-Ability to be self-motivated yet able to work in a team environment
-Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment
-Graphic design skills are a plus
-Social media savvy is a must
This is an ongoing opportunity. Contact sarah@alliancegroupltd.com to apply.
*PAID* Marketing & Events Intern | ChamberRVA (Sarah Skrocki): Creativity, organization, maturity and ability to follow through are musts for this opportunity. Email your resume, cover letter and portfolio samples to sarah.skrocki@chamberrva.com to apply.
PS: we’re always happy to share internships and job opportunities in our industry community with our network. Feel free to fill out the Internship form and we’ll get your posting added. For general questions, contact us here.
It’s fragrance week at Saks Fifth Avenue! I stopped by Stony Point to help them promote their Mother’s Day fragrance event. Go see my fave, Millie, and get fresh flowers and chocolates while you shop. I recommend Coco Mademoiselle – especially the shower gel!
Thanks to Athleta for including us in their Power Of She campaign. 🤸🏻♀️
This is their FWS Cami. I Love it. It looks like the camis I wear under blazers for work and going out but it’s made out of workout material. (I got navy and white with the gift card they sent me.)
FWS Cami | $59 | Athleta.com (Also comes in black, navy, and blush and a perforated red, white, and black)
This is their FWS Cami. I Love it. It looks like the camis I wear under blazers for work and going out but it’s made out of workout material. (I got navy and white with the gift card they sent me.)
This is the second in a two-part series with TFB intern, Emily. In Part One we shared about what it’s like to work at TFB Agency, tips on getting an internship and being a good intern. In this post, we’ll get into a little bit more about me and her and our relationship.
What is on your bookshelf? What book recommendations do you have?
Emily: I’m currently reading “Brave Enough” by Cheryl Strayed, and “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. I love reading self-help books, and books centered around self-improvement. I definitely recommend reading “The Joy Plan” by Kaia Roman and “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero. These books are super inspiring and share some great tips and tricks when it comes to improving your personal and work life.
Christina: “The Power of Kindness” by Piero Ferrucci is what I’m currently carrying with me.. I also just bought Being Boss, by the creators of one of my favorite podcasts of the same name. The last book I finished was The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. The book I recommend most often is Linchpin by Seth Godin. I’m excited to see him be inducted into the marketing hall of fame next month in New York.
What inspires you?
Emily: I am always so inspired by people who have cool side hustles, and who are always looking to learn new skills. I love seeing the interesting projects that people do, and how creativity is expressed in the most amazing ways.
Christina: People who are always working to improve themselves.
What is something that you do every day?
Emily: I try to write every day. Whether it’s just journaling in my notebook or typing a quick note on my computer, I try to write something creative each day. I love to write, so this helps me think of new and interesting ideas, while doing what I love.
Christina: My morning beauty routine; even if I’m running around and have to do it at stop lights in the car, I’ve got to do it. I love my products – especially my serums, concealer and bronzer
What quote do you live by?
Emily: “Nothing changes if nothing changes.”
Christina: Ah, so many. I can narrow it down to three: “Anytime you believe the problem the problem is “out there,” that very thought is the problem.” – Stephen Covey. “Everything you do is either going to raise your average or lower it.” – Seth Godin. “The world will tell you who you are, until you tell the world.” – Tamara Winfrey Harris
What’s the first thing that you do in the morning?
Emily: Check my phone
Christina: Check my phone
Who do you follow on Instagram that you currently love?
Emily: I love Sophia Amoruso (@sophiaamoruso), the founder of Girlboss. She is so spunky and always shares the best ideas and advice. She is an entrepreneur who aims to inspire young women looking to do their own thing and follow their dreams, no matter how big.
Christina: @lydiacarns and @marinedequenetain – they both do the most beautiful illustrations, @whatfranwore – Shan Brown curates and identifies all of Fran Drescher’s outfits from the 90s sitcom, The Nanny. @BeckettBoutiqe – I visited when I went to Charleston and I LOVE following their stuff. I also subscribe to the #tortoiseshellcat hashtag.
Who do you look up to?
Emily: I really look up to my dad because he is such a hard worker and is always so passionate about everything that he does. He has an amazing work ethic and has taught me so much about business, and life in general.
Christina: My former professor, Scott Sherman and my first boss, Jackie Davenport. I might not be able to predict where the industry is going, what skills I’ll need to learn or get better at, but I do know the type of person I want to be and how I want to treat the people around me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Emily: Whenever I’m stressed or worried about something, my parents always ask me “Will it matter five years from now?” Usually the answer is no, which totally changes my perspective on the situation. I try to remember this advice and apply it to everything that I do in life.
Christina: As I was preparing to graduate and start my first job, I remember talking to my friend Robert’s mother and her telling me that when I went to work people would ask me to do things that didn’t feel right to me but to never compromise what I believe. I didn’t understand what she meant at that moment but it became clear to me later on. It can seem easier to adapt and fit in with what everyone else is doing, especially when your job/career is important to you. But, I’m glad I stayed true to myself and think it’s why I ended up where I am today.
What is one thing that you wish you knew when you were younger?
Emily: To not put so much pressure on myself. I think it’s important to work hard for what you want, but you should learn to enjoy the process and embrace the ups and downs and use everything as a learning experience.
Christina: That I’m not better than anyone and no one is better than me. It would have taken so much pressure off of me.
Meet Emily, TFB’s strategy intern. She’s an advertising student at VCU’s Robertson School, where I teach. As a professor, I get so many questions about how to get an internship and what companies are looking for in an intern. Emily get’s tons of questions about how she got her internship and how she’s kept it for so long (She’s been with TFB for just over a year). I thought I’d let Emily share her perspective and help me answer.
We broke up this topic into two parts. In Part One, we’ll share about what it’s like to work at TFB Agency, tips on getting an internship and being a good intern. In Part Two, we’ll get into a little bit more about me and her and our relationship. Take it away, Emily:
Every day at TFB Agency is different, which is probably one of my favorite things about the internship. Whether we’re meeting with clients, adding content to pitch decks, creating graphics or doing market/industry research, Christina and I are always pretty busy. We both have very similar styles of working, which includes constant collaboration and lots of coffee.
When I come into work every day, I immediately open TFB’s Project Management Google sheet to see my daily to-do’s. This sheet lists all of our ongoing projects, new work, and completed assignments. This sheet helps Christina and I see what we have to do for the week, and is a great organizational tool. When we are done with assignments, we move them to the “Completed” tab. It’s pretty rewarding to go back through what we’ve done, and see how much we’ve accomplished as a team in such a short amount of time.
At TFB Agency, I’ve quickly learned that collaboration is key. After making our daily to-do lists, Christina and I are constantly brainstorming new ideas for client projects and thinking of inspiration for things that we can do next. We both have separate projects and assigned work, but we always come together to get projects done in a timely manner.
As a TFB intern, I love getting to do real work for real clients. I learn so much every day, not only about the company but about the different industries (PR, Marketing, Advertising) as well. Everything that I do at work is always a small piece of a bigger picture, which is extremely rewarding. I love the work that I do for Christina and TFB, and love seeing how much this company has grown, and how much I’ve grown with it. – Emily
What were you looking for in an internship?
Emily: Experience. When I reached out to Christina, I wasn’t even really that concerned with getting a paid or unpaid job. I just wanted an internship that would allow me to learn more about social media, content, and something related to the advertising field. As a sophomore, I was just really focused on getting as much experience on my resume as possible.
How did you get this internship/what were the first steps?
Emily: I first learned about TFB and Christina when she came into my Marketing 301 class to present her brand and experience. I remember thinking “Wow, I want to do exactly what she’s doing.” After her presentation, I sent her an email just asking if she knew of any internship opportunities for Advertising students, and am so happy that I did. She sent me an email back telling me that she was looking for an intern, and I immediately filled it out and applied.
I can’t stress how important it is to simply just reach out to people. Networking and making connections is a pivotal step that is necessary to take if you want to find a good internship. If I never reached out to Christina after her presentation, I probably would have never been where I am today. It’s crazy how far a simple email can go!
What is the best part about being an intern for TFB?
Emily: Mainly working with real people, and real clients. I love seeing my work evolve and be used for something great, and I love learning more about running an agency from a first-hand experience. I also love working on new projects every day, since every single day at TFB is totally different from the last.
What have you learned so far?
Emily: I’ve learned a lot at TFB, but mainly how to network, how to be professional, how to adapt and how to get out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned how to pull social reports, perform social audits, pull/interpret analytics, do “social listening” and also how to manage and prioritize projects.
I’ve also never worked a 9-5 job before, so I’ve learned what it is like to in the “real world.” Working at TFB hasn’t felt like a stereotypical internship, just because I’m beginning to see what it would be like to work full time. It has taken an internship to a whole new level and has given me real-life job experience.
Originally, what did you expect the internship with TFB would be like? How have your expectations changed since?
Emily: When I first joined the TFB team, it was mainly focused on the beauty side of the blog. My first event with Christina was the Southern Women’s show, which was focused on fashion and makeup. Now, I am working completely on the business side of TFB agency, and it has been awesome to see how much the company has grown. I love seeing all of the new clients, new work and new experiences that have come our way. There’s something special about seeing an agency grow.
How do you balance school and interning?
Emily: I’m a firm believer in only taking on what you can handle, and I think this definitely applies to the time spent interning versus school. Working and focusing on classes can be a lot, but I think that if you’re passionate about the work that you’re doing and are committed to the brand, that it shouldn’t be an issue. As a student, school is your most important job, but I also think that it is extremely important to be getting real-world experience as a college student. Definitely, don’t overwhelm yourself by taking on too much, but if it is an internship that you’re interested in, take it seriously and work hard! The balance will come. You can also use the skills that you’ve learned in your internship and apply them to your school work, and vice versa.
What did you bring to TFB that you learned in school?
Emily: Creative thinking, and a new perspective. As an Advertising student, we are always taught to look at things differently, and I think that I brought that to TFB. I also brought along time management skills, which comes in handy with all of the different projects that we have going on.
FAQs
What are some key qualities that make Emily perfect for the job?
Christina: Enthusiasm for sure. Every time I ask Emily to work on something, I feel. That makes me want to involve her in more projects and give her as many opportunities as I can.
What skills are needed to work with TFB?
Christina: Energy and the ability and willingness to adapt quickly. We’re always shifting gears and working on new things.
Where did you intern in college?
Christina: My first internship was at an advertising agency called Moroch. They are based out of Dallas but had a satellite office in Richmond. We handled the Mcdonald’s account. I was responsible for putting together marketing calendars and mailing them out.
Why do you think internships are important? What is your best piece of advice for interns everywhere?
Christina: Internships are a great opportunity to make mistakes. There is so much power in coming. Embrace it. As you move further in your career, you can feel pressure to know the answers and be the expert with people looking up to you. This is the time to embrace being the newbie. Take risks. Meet as many people as you can and get as much as you can out of this learning opportunity.
Do interns get paid?
Christina: I get this question a lot and I’m always checking with Emily and my students to keep a pulse on it. Some programs require students to complete an internship. I think it depends on the nature of the internship. When I first brought on Emily, she was an unpaid intern. Her position was focused more on shadowing and learning the ropes. After a semester, we switched the structure of her role to a paid internship with more responsibilities. Now, Emily has a part in client projects.
In preparation for this post, we did a quick ask of our network to see who was on the lookout for an intern. Here are some internships heard back about and their points of contact:
Marketing & Communications Manager | Make A Wish Foundation (Caroline Browell). This is an ongoing opportunity. Apply online.
Marketing Intern | Manifest In You Consulting (Danielle Gilbert): Danielle is looking for someone Customer-focused with attention to details that’s innovative and reliable. Applications are due by May 1, 2018 to Info@daniellemgilbert.com
*PAID* Communications/Marketing/PR Intern | Virginia Physicians For Women (Molly Wright). Molly’s looking for a self-starter with the ability to work independently. The ideal candidate is innovative and interested in taking ownership of his or her work. She’s looking to hire ASAP. Contact Molly at molly.wright@vpfw.com.
Marketing/Graphics/Events Intern | B Side Collective (Ja’Nai Frederick): B Side Collective is an indie, multiple-channel publication that spotlights, inspires, and provides curated resources for local women in business. They’re looking for interns that are passionate about design and meaningful disruption. Contact hello@bsidecollective.com to apply.
*PAID* Graphic Design Intern | Freelance (Jamin Hoyle): Jamin is a freelance art and creative director with a lot on his plate for the next couple of months. I was kind of thinking about looking for an intern or a junior designer/AD for some help. It would be real work, he’d pay real dough. But he needs a pretty solid designer (someone fast and good in Illustrator especially), as well as someone serious and ambitious and interested in learning a little bit while getting paid. Contact jaminhoyle@gmail.com ASAP if you’re interested.
*PAID* Marketing Intern | Legacy Navigator (Annie Miller): Legacy Navigator is a people first company with a mission to make a positive impact on the clients and communities we serve. They are looking for two individuals – one with Digital Marketing exposure and one with journalism/ editing, to bring what working experience and knowledge they have to our team. They are asking for at least 12+hours / week for each person – and hope they want to be there more! This is an ongoing opportunity and they are looking to hire ASAP. Contact annie@legacynavigator.com.
*PAID* PR Intern | Alliance Group (Sarah Huang): Alliance Group is looking for candidates that match these criteria:
-Excellent writing, communication and research skills
-Strong time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize projects
-Ability to be self-motivated yet able to work in a team environment
-Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment
-Graphic design skills are a plus
-Social media savvy is a must
This is an ongoing opportunity. Contact sarah@alliancegroupltd.com to apply.
*PAID* Marketing & Events Intern | ChamberRVA (Sarah Skrocki): Creativity, organization, maturity and ability to follow through are musts for this opportunity. Email your resume, cover letter and portfolio samples to sarah.skrocki@chamberrva.com to apply.
PS: we’re always happy to share internships and job opportunities in our industry community with our network. Feel free to fill out the Internship form and we’ll get your posting added. For general questions, contact us here.
My favorite Mrs. Meyers Scent is geranium. It smells amazing. I have it in dryer sheets, dish soap, cleaning spray and hand soap.
Sneak peek! Our client Tiffany Jana of Overcoming Bias stopped by TFB today so I could take photos in preparation for exciting things to come from her and her momma!
Thanks to Kegham, Wing, and Arshan for snapping these photos to celebrate two years!
I bought these Clare Earrings in Ash Blonde by Machete at Rosewood Vintage after seeing them on Instagram and have been wearing them a bunch ever since. They’re light and they go with everything.
ion
I also love these from Magnolia and Scout on Etsy.
If you find any part of The Month In Social helpful, inspiring or interesting, please let us know here. We’d love to know what you’d like to see more of. Your feedback helps make Tiramisu For Breakfast the best it can be. If you’d like to receive these in your inbox each month, enter your email address below:
Thanks as always,
Renovations to the TFB offices are almost done. Here’s a look at our progress.
It was an honor serving on the selection committee for the Virginia Communications of Fame and to celebrate the inductees.
Thanks to the Network of Enterprising Women for having me at their business summit this morning. For those who are interested, here’s the link to the document I presented on video marketing.
ON THE BLOG
We teamed up with Bobbi Brown, Megan of the Sweet Sauce Blog and former TFB intern Kat Pierre of Beauties Beholder for a blogger event at Nordstrom in Tyson’s Corner. Check it out here.
We went to Tulum! The Yoga Dojo hosted a retreat at Amansala Eco Chic Resort. Check out all of my photos from the trip here. My favorite part by-far was our visit to the Akumal Sanctuary for Rescued Animals.
CLIENT NEWS
We are so excited to welcome ChamberRVA to our client list. We’re working to communicate their latest project, FutureRVA, which focuses on studying and developing talent in our region. We brought in our friends at Think to design their annual report. (PS: If this sounds awesome to you, ChamberRVA is hiring. Check out the marketing opening in the jobs section of this post)
McDonald’s of Richmond celebrated the grand re-opening of two of their 68 stores (Chester on Ironbridge Road and Waverly) with their new “Experience of the Future” technology that allows
We’ve also been popping into media outlets and schools on FRY-Days (😉) to surprise folks with tasty treats. (if your office/classroom would like to be considered for a free drop-off, let us know here.)
GO FOR 20’s new site is live! We’re in focus group testing for her six-week program.
JAMES RIVER AIR continues to support the Richmond SPCA, sponsoring both the Valentine’s Day Dog Kissing Booth and the Dog Jog and 5k.
We’re working on an exciting project with our clients at CLEMENTINE(that’s owner Lyn page on the left with Quirk Gallery/Hotel owner Katie Ukrop) giving a behind-the-scenes look at the interesting women of Richmond. Stay tuned!
Brittany Mullins of Eating Bird Food launched her five-ingredient cookbook. 
Hawley Smyth of the VCU BRANDCENTER was featured by WE ARE NEXT telling the story of alums who used the school to shift into a career in advertising. 
READ | LISTEN | WATCH | LEARN | DO
GRETCHEN RUBIN | The Four Tendencies: As a marketer, I’m fascinated by learning how other people think. This book has an interesting perspective on the ways different types of people are motivated. I also love Gretchen’s podcast.
I start out with a lot of books on audible (listening to them with these comfy and handy “sleeping headphones.”). If I really like the book, I’ll get a hard copy to read over my favorite sections and take notes.
SOCIAL MEDIA TODAY | CarMax’s Britt Farrar on how they took advantage of a viral moment to flex their real-time social media muscle
ESPN | UMBC’s epic NCAA tournament upset through the eyes of its Twitter handle
YOUNG HOUSE LOVE | The couple talks about the setbacks and serendipity that led to were they are today. (One of my favorite episodes and such a nice reminder that
NPR |How Social Media Can Reveal Overlooked Drug Reactions
CO.DESIGN |Are Your Job Skills Hot Or Not? This Chart Will Tell You
INSTAGRAM | The New Type Mode In Stories
ADWEEK | Social Media Is Not a Customer Experience Solution Take the intimacy, connectivity and conversational experience from the offline world and inject it into the digital world. Thay’s where customer experience excellence is born.
CMO |Study Finds Investments In Customer Experience Are Paying Off (file under: duh)
MINIMA | The life-changing science of photographing your clutter
JUNAID MUBEEN |Why ‘Sleep on It’ is the Most Useful Advice for Learning — and Also the Most Neglected
NY TIMES | Classical Music In Advertising
RESOURCES
SOCIAL MEDIA TODAY |Keeping Up with the Algorithms: What You Need to Know About Each Platform’s Sorting System
INC. | Instagram Marketing Tricks
THE HUSTLE | Edit any website like it’s a word doc, directly from your browser
EVENTS
“Society rewards strengths that school doesn’t.” Garret Westlake, Ph.D., Executive Director of VCU da Vinci Center, shared his story of working with students with autism, turning their special skills into a competitive advantage in the labor market at Mindful Mornings.(via Anika Horn)
We’re looking forward to the annual Richmond Advertising awards this Friday.
We just added an events calendar. to the site. We’re always updating it with events we find interesting. If you know of one you’d like us to add, let us know here.
JOBS
These are some jobs that I’ve either heard about from friends or come across online. I don’t have a personal connection to all of them, but feel free to contact me if you’re interested and I’ll do anything I can to help. If you’re hiring, feel free to send that info along for me to include too.
JAMES RIVER AIR CONDITIONING | Customer Care Representative
CHAMBER RVA | Marketing and Communications Manager
3NORTH | Marketing Manager
VA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | Communications Manager
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB | Marketing & Communications Manager
HAMILTON BEACH | Public Relations Specialist
VCU MASSEY CANCER CENTER | Development Communications Manager
VCU | Public Relations Coordinator
HUNTON & WILLIAMS | Marketing & Communications Manager
UMFS | Marketing Manager
ALLIANZ | Digital Marketing Specialist
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU | Marketing & Sales Support Specialist
ELEPHANT AUTO INSURANCE | Digital Marketing Specialist
SHELTERING ARMS | Marketing Communications Specialist
DUPONT | Communications and Digital Marketing Specialist
CITY OF RICHMOND | Marketing & Public Relations Specialist
KALEO | Director of Corporate Brand And Communications
PADILLA | Assistant Account Executive, Corporate Communications
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU | Marketing Coordinator
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND | Marketing Adjunct Faculty
VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM | Digital Media Specialist
WORKSHOP DIGITAL | Senior Paid Digital Marketing/Pay Per Click (PPC) Analyst
PS: our smart friend Molly Szkotak, former Head of Community of Ledbury, is available for hire.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN INTERN?
Ad/Marketing/PR folks: Are you looking an intern? I’ve had some people reach out and I’m going to compile a list of all the internships I know about to share with students. Fill you as much or as little info as you want to here.
I bought these leopard headphones before my trip to Tulum earlier this month after seeing an ad for Bluetooth headbands for babies because their ears are too small for earbuds (or maybe the sound is too much – I’m not sure). They are awesome with super soft fabric and they’re perfect for laying in bed listening to music before falling asleep. I’ve also used them on the treadmill for listening to podcasts. The first pair I bought was broken on one side, but the second pair worked great.
I’ve been using Christophe Robin’s Delicate Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner ($45 for a mini/travel set at Sephora) solely because of the way it smells.
I wanted to pick up a bouquet of Paperose.co peonies for my client Emilie of Go For 20 for her birthday. I usually get them shipped or delivered, but this time I picked them up at Carrie’s house and got to tour her AMAZING home studio. I was blown away.
Look at this organization!
Photo by @meghanmcsweeneyphotography via @Paperose.co
Thank, you, Carrie!
Photo by @gordonschmidt via @Paperose.co
I should have guessed that all of the office decorating would leave me feeling like my home needed a makeover too. When I moved my dining room/home office setup around to bring my West Elm Parsons desk to the office, I wasn’t sure what to do with the space.
My friend Lyndee, who studied interior design. Isn’t it funny how being in a beautiful space can get you so energized and excited? I ordered this parsons table from Crate & Barrel and plan to order more ghost chairs (I bought one the one in the photo to the office). I also want to switch up the lighting. I’m keeping the bench, but eventually, it’ll need to be replaced because Kitty Boo has done some work on it.
Our office is almost ready. In the meantime, I thought you might like a sneak peek at what we’ve done so far:
Here’s a look at the “before.”
I’m so grateful to everyone who sent sweet notes to the new address. I hope to have you all over soon and show you around!
This past weekend I went up to Tyson’s Corner Mall in Mclean, Virginia to co-host a beauty blogger event with Bobbi Brown.
We started the day with breakfast and a Q&A with Tia Hebron, a pro-makeup artist Bobbi Brown sent down for the event from NYC. She took me, Megan of Sweet Sauce and Katlyn of Beauties Beholder through her career at Bobbi Brown. She’s been in the industry for 18 years and works to develop their products; there’s even a lipstick named after her daughter, Azalea. After our lesson, we worked each worked with Tia to create a makeup look based on our personal style. (I went with a cat eye. 😽)
Once we had our looks, we worked with the other makeup artists to bring them to life. I partnered up with the beautiful Deanna Delgado. 
Katlyn Pierre (former TFB intern – you may remember her from this post). 
Megan looked gorgeous. 
TFB Intern Emily J. (Yes, both of my interns are named Emily) stopped by to take some pictures and got fresh makeup look too. 
I love that my friend Lyndee came up to hang out with me too. 
hanks for being fabulous, Tia. 
Thanks to the beautiful Deanna Delgado for making it happen. 
We were snowed out of our first class today but I can’t wait to meet a fresh crop of students next week! This semester I’m teaching Content. We’ll learn about the fundamentals of creating content strategies for brands in the first half and then hit the ground running with real clients after spring break. I’m also excited to be a faculty mentor in the da Vinci program. Those students never cease to amaze me! 
: fellow ram, Arshan
We had SO much fun with Go For 20 and can’t wait for the official launch.
Darphin’s Aromatic Purifying Balm ($45 | Dermstore) and La Mer’s The Concentrate ($180 | Nordstrom)
At the nail salon this week, the girl next to me was getting a half-glitter, half-teal manicure that looked awesome. I had planned on getting plain nude gel polish, but was inspired by her to ask for this:
She painted my whole nail white, cured it with the LED light, and then painted over it with a nude shade (OPI’s Do You Take Lei Away). The, she used remover to brush the top coat off the bottom section of my nail to create this effect.
Happy New Year, everyone!
This month has been full of excitement for TFB and I hope for you too.
We cannot wait to welcome you all into the new space. We’ll be in the Superior Production Exchange building at 1901 East Franklin Street, Suite 119.
I also hope you’ll join me next week on January 17th at the Say What Business Summit. I’ll be sharing about the impact of video on communications.
JMU Student Page Nuckols did such an awesome job for us on this moving announcement illustration:
We’re grateful to Jonathan Spiers of Richmond Biz Sense for the writeup. He was kind enough to share these outtakes with us.
CLIENT NEWS
We’re thrilled to announce our newest clients, McDonald’s and The Clementine Group. We’ll be handling PR for McDonald’s Richmond region restaurants and doing communications and social media consulting with Clementine’s group of companies, including Clementine, Clover, Ashby and Made: A Carytown Pop Up.
To prepare for the launch campaign for our clients to Go For 20, we worked with Profound Productions and photographers Kegham Hovsepian and Wing On on a promotional video and photo shoot.
Health coach and Personal Trainer Brittany Mullins of Eating Bird Food took Cheryl Miller how-to with Cheryl Miller on mason jar salads and worked out with Jessica Noll on CBS Virginia This Morning. Check out the clips:
IN OTHER NEWS…
Havana 59 opened their west end location. My former student Megan Craig did an awesome job with a media preview. The new spot is near the original Gelati Celesti location. Make sure to check it out!
And our friend and fellow P.O.W.E.R. member Noelle Parent officially launched Gifted RVA with a celebration at 804RVA.
I’m also happy to announce I’ve joined the board of CelebrateRVA, an organization committed to throwing birthday parties for disadvantaged children. Some of the children touched by this group have never celebrated a birthday before and had to have the act of blowing out candles shown and explained to them. I’m so excited to work with CelebrateRVA and be a small part of bringing them joy. I encourage you to read up on what they’re doing and volunteer to attend a party if you can.
READ | LISTEN | WATCH | LEARN | DO
TIM FERRIS: Tribe of Mentors: Brene Brown, Jimmy Fallon I love this book and have given away several copies already. It’s so awesome to peek inside the lives of others.
BEING BOSS: Becoming an Enthusiastic Leader
In every single market, the people who are at the top, the people who are wielding the most power – whether that means they have the biggest fan base or whether that just means that they wield influence in that market in some way – they’re incredibly enthusiastic. And every single day they show up with that enthusiasm. They don’t let making an end run around the Facebook algorithm bleed into what they’re trying to do because they do because they know that the ultimate hack of the Facebook algorithm is enthusiasm. we all know that when we make that post that’s coming out of our fingertips because we’re just so we just need to say it. those are the ones that go viral – those are the ones that get traction. those are the ones that get the comments that get the clicks., so if that’s where that kind of influence come from, why aren’t we focusing more on bringing enthusiasm into our brands every single day instead of reading about how I need to format that link to make sure that the Facebook algorithm plays nicely with it. It’s the same thing in email marketing, webinars, anything. If you show up with enthusiasm, people pay attention…
CBS 6: The Ten Most-Clicked Positive New Stories of 2017
DIGIDAY: Facebook is emphasizing groups and publishers are following suit
ADWEEK: Facebook Is Testing a Separate Destination for Local News in Its Mobile Apps
B SIDE COLLECTIVE: Entrepreneurial Guide for the Hustlers of Richmond’s inaugural issue
RESOURCES
TFB: How to Make A Shareable Custom Facebook Profile Frame
BUILT VISIBLE: How To Use Talkwalker Alerts for Journalism / PR outreach
SEARCH ENGINE JOURNAL: A Beginner’s Guide To ADA Compliance For Websites
HOOTSUITE: What it Takes to Create a Great Social Video: A 10-Step Guide
EVENTS
1/14 THE BYRD THEATRE FOUNDATION Screening Of Hidden Figures
1/17 NETWORK OF ENTERPRISING WOMEN Say What Business Summit
1/18 AMA RICHMOND Authenticity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
1/30 VCU MASSEY CANCER CENTER Appetizers and Advocacy
1/31 PRSA RICHMOND January Luncheon: The Home Depot Warehouse – Best Practices In Internal Social Media
2/6 | VCU MASSEY CANCER CENTER Women & Wellness Forum Series – Keynote speaker Joan Lunden
2/24 | VISUAL ARTS CENTER OF RICHMOND The Nuts and Bolts of Freelance Writing with Marissa Hermanson Moomaw
2/24 | HOUSING FAMILIES FIRST A Night In Old Havana
3/15 AMA RICHMOND March Signature Speaker Series – Roberto Blake – How to Crush It On YouTube
3/16 | TIFFANY HADDISH #SheReady
JOBS
These are some jobs that I’ve either heard about from friends or come across online. I don’t have a personal connection to all of them, but feel free to contact me if you’re interested and I’ll do anything I can to help. If you’re hiring, feel free to send that info along for me to include too.
WORK LABS | Studio Designer
HEALTH WARRIOR | Marketing Manager
VIRGINIA LOTTERY | Digital Customer Acquisition Manager
HUNTON & WILLIAMS | Marketing & Communications Manager
UMFS | Marketing Manager
NDP | Senior Media Buyer/Planner
KALEO | Director of Corporate Brand And Communications
PADILLA | Assistant Account Executive, Corporate Communications
VIRGINIA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | Communications Manager
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU | Marketing Coordinator
THE KING AGENCY | Senior Art Director
WWBT | Marketing Content Producer
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND | Marketing Adjunct Faculty
CARMAX | Manager, Digital Marketing Technology
VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM | Digital Media Specialist
WORKSHOP DIGITAL | Senior Paid Digital Marketing/Pay Per Click (PPC) Analyst
HHHUNT | Marketing Manager
VICE NEWS | Motion Designer
SNAGAJOB | Client Executive, On-Demand and Growth – Richmond
For National Business Women's Week celebrates the progress women have made as professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs. This was the perfect time for our clients at Sonabank P.O.W.E.R. (Potential of Women Entrepreneurs Realized) to bring awareness to their program tailored to women in business.
We wanted to use Facebook's newish Profile Frame feature to spread the word. This tool is useful if you have supporters of your cause/brand/organization that you want to rally. I thought some of you all might want to try it out too, so here's how to do it yourself:
- Visit https://www.facebook.com/frames/manage/ and select "Open Frame Studio."
- Upload your file. (Make sure it's a PNG file with a transparent background)
- Name your frame.
- If your campaign/company/brand is local, choose a location.
- Make your frame available immediately or set a start date.
- Select the frame's owner (your business page).
- Publish your frame.
Once that's done, you want to share it. I like to select "Add this effect to a Profile Photo or Video." This is the easiest way for your audience to quickly participate because they can use their current profile image and not have to do anything extra. The default is "Use this effect on Facebook camera," which would require taking a new photo which would result in a lower adoption rate for sure.
We just welcomed the Clementine Group, which owns Clementine, Clover, Ashby, and MADE: a Carytown Pop Up, to the TFB Family!
We were on set at CBS Virginia This Morning with Brittany Mullins of Eating Bird Food today! We LOVE when our clients get on TV!
We just signed the lease for the new TFB Agency/Tiramisu For Breakfast office!
- DARPHIN ORGANIC AROMATIC PURIFYING BALM | $70 | ANTHROPOLOGIE: I’ve never tried anything from Darphin but I’ve always wanted to. It’s a high-end French skincare line, but I don’t know more about it than that. This balm is on the Allure Best Of Beauty List and it’s supposed to “clarify and promote pure, healthy-looking skin, help visibly reduce imperfections and rebalance skin’s appearance for a more even complexion.”
- CHANEL N°5 THE BAR SOAP | $26 | NORDSTROM: This has got to be the cheapest thing you can buy from Chanel. I love it because it smells up your whole bathroom.
- KOCOSTAR ROSE SHEET MASK | $6.50 | ASOS: I can’t wait to try this. The individual, faux rose petals are coated in serum.
- BOBBI BROWN HIGHLIGHTING POWDER – MOON GLOW | $50 | NORDSTROM: I bought this at a 25% off sale a few months ago and have worn it every day since. (I use it with a BareMinerals fan brush that’s not discontinued, but here’s a cruelty-free version from Trish McEvoy.
- BOBBI BROWN LIP ART MINI ART STICK LIQUID LIP SET | $22 | SEPHORA: These are my all-time favorite lipsticks and the colors that come in this set are perfect.
- FRESH ROSE FACE MASK | $62 | NORDSTROM: For your friend that loves everything rose-scented. I just finished my first jar of this and got a new one from my friend Laura that works with Fresh.It’s definitely luxurious. Plus, they now maybe a mini jar you can get for $25.
- LAURA MERCIER CAVIAR STICK IN COPPER | $29 | NORDSTROM: These are some of my favorite eyeshadows. I use Cocoa and tuxedo as liners, and this one all over my lids, at the corners and underneath. It’s SO pretty.
- BOBBI BROWN PARTY GLOW PARTY-READY SET | $34 | MACYS: I bought this at the same 25% off sale I just mentioned and I’m keeping it in my “gift chest.” I haven’t decided yet whether to keep it or give it away as a gift. It comes with a mini bare sparkle lipgloss, which is my favorite (all Bobbi Brown lip glosses are minty, which I love).
- CHARLOTTE TILBURY GODDESS-SKIN CLAY MASK FOR BABY SKIN | $55 | NORDSTROM: I got a sample of this at the mall and it’s on my wish list. It makes your skin super soft. It’s pricey, so it could be a good gift for someone who doesn’t like to splurge on themselves.
My friend Nicole (check out her adorable vintage shop, Blue House VA) tagged me in a photo of these Suzanna Dai feather earrings on Instagram and I had to have them. They were $$$, so it took me visiting them a few times in the store before I finally got them (with a $25 off coupon – Thanks, Nellie George!) I’ve worn them a bunch so far. They’re pretty dramatic and not for everyone, but I think they’re awesome.
Top: Suzanna Dai (also at Roan and Nellie George – similar ones on Etsy here)
Middle: LOFT (no longer online – hopefully, you can find it in stores)
Bottom: Custom design by Sun & Selene
At the World Pediatric Project’s annual Treasures In Paradise benefit (in a sequin top from Paper Crown via Wardrobe Richmond)
At VCU’s 10 Under 10 Awards with my friend Christine of Annalise Bridal Boutique (Dress from Tuckernuck) Here are are a few more to choose from:
Welcome to the new TiramisuForBreakfast.com! As you can see, we got a little website revamp. I would love your help as I work to update this new page with examples of my work and testimonials.
If we’ve worked together in the past in any capacity (student/teacher/client/coworker) I would be so grateful for your feedback and input as I plan for 2018! If you have a moment, please share your thoughts here.
As always, please let me know if there’s ever anything I can do for you.
Richmond Magazine just released their December issue and for the first time, I had the chance to contribute. Look for the Winter White style section on page 83.
CLIENT NEWS
Sonabank P.O.W.E.R. began a campaign highlighting retailers in their footprint and followed with the launch of a holiday gift guide (if you’re a P.O.W.E.R. member, add your business’s gift ideas here)
VCU Brandcenter students created holiday window magic at shops along Libbie, Grove and Patterson avenues.
READ | LISTEN | WATCH | LEARN
MASHABLE: Facebook tests tagging system as it figures out what to show you from random pages
“Perhaps Facebook is just now rolling out tagging as a way to improve its system’s capabilities for combing the vast amount of content posted on Facebook every day and delivering of-interest stuff to users.”
KAREN MCGRANE: Content & Context: Content Strategy for a Mobile World
“It doesn’t matter if you think that any one platforms or device is going to be the next big thing, because humanity’s desire for new devices and platforms has not yet been sated. There will be a next big thing. There will be a new platform, a new place to publish content. The organizations that will succeed are the ones who stop thinking about how they publish to any one platform and instead, change their entire publishing mindset to embrace the idea of publishing to any platform, any device, equally. That will require the true separation of content from form.”
ADWEEK: Why It’s Critical Brands Take a Stand on Tough Social Issues
“Consumers want to know where brands stand on issues. Brands cannot expect to play Switzerland as the rest of the world picks a side. Consumers want the companies they support to harness their power for good, not lay back and let injustices happen.”
KIND: The World Needs More Kind
“Nice is something you say. Kind is something you do. Now, more than ever, that extra effort is required to rediscover our shared humanity and tackle challenges related to misunderstanding and intolerance. To kick-start a conversation around the topic, KIND is releasing a storytelling series that illuminates this distinction and invites people to consider the difference between being nice and being kind, and act accordingly.”
GOALCAST: These 9 life lessons from comedian Tim Minchin will make you laugh — and learn
FORBES: The 25 Best Twitter Accounts To Follow To Improve Your Life
CNN: The Darkest Material On Earth
ALLURE: You’re beautiful for who you are inside—not for what you look like.
WTVR: Bobcat survives 50-mile ‘miracle’ trip to Richmond stuck in car grill
“Officer Jones sent me a text message at 8:06. And the text was, ‘I’m on a call with a bobcat stuck in the grill of a car – and he’s still alive.’”
Peters said the text contained the “crazy eyes” emoji along with the question, “What do I do?””
EBAUMS WORLD: Best Buy Paper Insert From July 1994 Is Like A Timecapsule
THE DODO: Kids Make Special Newspapers For Their Cat To Read While He’s In The Litter
Boxwhile Baba Ganoush was doing his business, his sisters noticed he was just staring at the wall the whole time — and thought that seemed a little too boring.
RESOURCES
FREE CODE CAMP | 200 universities just launched 560 free online courses.
ENGADGET | PayPal makes it easy to pool money for gifts
EVENTS
12/5 | BOSS BABES RVA December Meetup
12/5 | THE VALENTINE MUSEUM Controversy/History – Quality Place: Monuments & Tourism
12/6 | THE WOODLOT Holiday Happy Hour Pop Up
12/10 ICA VCU Call for Participation! Richmond: Symphony of a City
Do you dream of sharing untold stories about our city of Richmond? Do you have family legends, speculations, or critical perspectives for Richmond’s future? Contribute story ideas for a new project by artist Marinella Senatore, commissioned by the Institute for Contemporary Art as part of the inaugural exhibition Declaration (April 21 – September 9, 2018.)
Artist Marinella Senatore will draw on your submissions to create the outline of a new radio drama. She will then work with a cross-section of Richmond citizens to develop the radio drama in 2018, which will be performed as part of Declaration.
12/12 | NAWBO | Holiday Luncheon
12/18 | 955 CLUB COMEDY Ladies of RVA Comedy Showcase
12/22 | PAPER ROSE Co. Pop-In At Nordstrom
1/1 | LUCID LIVING RVA ReNEWed Year: Self Care for 2018
2/6 | VCU MASSEY CANCER CENTER Women & Wellness Forum Series – Keynote speaker Joan Lunden
2/24 | VISUAL ARTS CENTER OF RICHMOND The Nuts and Bolts of Freelance Writing with Marissa Hermanson Moomaw
2/24 | HOUSING FAMILIES FIRST A Night In Old Havana
3/16 | TIFFANY HADDISH #SheReady
JOBS
These are some jobs that I’ve either heard about from friends or come across online. I don’t have a personal connection to all of them, but feel free to contact me if you’re interested and I’ll do anything I can to help. If you’re hiring, feel free to send that info along for me to include too.
WORK LABS | Studio Designer
CHILDFUND INTERNATIONAL | Manager, Digital Content & Marketing
DOMINION ENERGY | Senior Communications Specialist
VIRGINIA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | Communications Manager
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND | Marketing Adjunct Faculty
VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM | Digital Media Specialist
WORKSHOP DIGITAL | Senior Paid Digital Marketing/Pay Per Click (PPC) Analyst
DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE | Public Relations Coordinator
VASEN BREWING COMPANY | Marketing and Events Coordinator
HHHUNT | Marketing Manager
VIRGINIA REPERTORY THEATRE | Director fo Communications & Marketing
Going through an older version of my website to update this one, I found this post from 2013. I’d titled it “Sometimes My Work Can Be Really Fun” and it’s true. The Martin Agency was my first job after graduating from the advertising program at VCU. I started as a broadcast media buyer before agencies had “social media departments.”
I remember being so excited for this launch. (An extension of this campaign.) Anne-Marie Hite and Adam Stockton awesomely creative and I’m so lucky to have gotten the chance to work with and learn from them.
The creative team at my work that works on GEICO just wrote a book from the point of view of the GEICO Gecko. We’re super excited about it. Part of my job has been to think of creative ways to promote it on social media. The other night, a local bookstore, Fountain Bookstore, threw a launch party for the Gecko’s first book, complete with adorable Gecko cake pops from Candy Vally Cake Company. We had a blast.
It’s been a month of celebrations and I’m so grateful to all of you for being a part of it.
-Christina
We launched the Tiramisu For Breakfast with a party at Quirk Hotel. Check out the guide here.
I was honored to be among the 39 others named as Richmond’s Top 40 under 40 and among 9 others as VCU Alumni’s Top Ten Under Ten. I also had a great time speaking on social media to the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce.
This cat art is my new favorite thing ever.
Doesn’t it look just like Kitty? I couldn’t believe it when I found this on Etsy. (The pillow’s also from Etsy – find it here.
I did a style piece for the December Issue – be on the lookout! 
A year or two ago, I jotted down a list of the people who’d helped me along in my life/career. I did it on a whim, but I find myself not only adding to it but also looking back on it often.
This semester, I decided to turn it into an assignment for my students at VCU. College is stressful, and I’ve read (and experienced) that gratitude can combat stress. The students turned in their lists of 10 people who’ve inspired/helped/guided them last week, and reading over them has been my favorite thing.
Who’s on your list?
A few weeks ago, I got my eyebrows "microbladed" by the lovely Jade Orr and I'm obsessed with the results.
Before I had it done, I filled my brows in with makeup every day because I didn't like how thin they were. I switched from Smashbox powder to Make Up For Ever gel to E.L.F. wax. I got my brows to look the way I wanted with makeup but I always had to reapply and it didn't look exactly the same day-to-day.
I'd been following Jade's results photos on her Instagram for months and was blown away by the photos of her microblading work.
What is microblading? Microblading is a semi-permanent method creating hyper-realistic hair strokes to achieve brow goals. It’s similar to a tattoo in that it deposits pigment. However, it doesn’t go as deep, so it fades away in 1-2 years.
I messaged her on Facebook to ask about it and we set up a consultation. We talked through pricing and what the "procedure" would be like, and I set up a time to come back in. I booked a 3pm appointment on a Friday and she told me to expect it to take 2.5 hours. I sent her several photos of my good brow day pictures to give her an idea of what I was looking for.
When I went in for my appointment, she started by numbing my brows with a cream and used a piece of plastic to hold it in place. While my brows numbed for about20 minutes, I worked on some client emails.
Then, she drew my brows on to get an idea of the shape we were going for. It was hard to tell from this what they would look like.
After this, she started applying pigment with needles. It did hurt a little, but nothing unbearable. After the was halfway done with the first brow, she applied a different kind of numbing agent and started on the next one. She went back and forth until they were done and then she asked me to sit up and take a look in the mirror. She told me she could add extra "hairs" one at a time wherever I wanted more. I had her add a stroke to each brow to make them longer.
Here's the before/after:
Here's what they looked like right after I got them done. I wasn't sure what they'd look like so I hadn't made evening plans but they looked perfect so I called my boyfriend and we went out for tacos.
Carola: Do you still fill in with makeup? What do you use to maintain them now?
TFB: without any makeup at all, my eyebrows look natural. When I was little, I had really think brows. But now, they're naturally thinner. I like that when I wake up, my brows like even and pretty but "normal." When I want to do it up with full makeup, I can darken them with powder so they're more defined. I love having options.
Megan: Will it fade away 100% eventually? I wouldn’t want to have permanent dark brown eyebrows tattooed on when the rest of my eyebrows turn white when I get old.
TFB: Yep! Because it doesn't go as deep as a tattoo, it fades completely after 1-3 years.
Helayne: What's the pain level during and after. How do you avoid infection?
TFB: It was slightly uncomfortable but definitely nothing unbearable because I was numbed. I couldn't wash my brows for the first 24 hours, but after that maintenance was pretty much normal. Jade recommends using baby shampoo to clean your brows. I used my normal, gentle face wash.
Overall, I love the results and would 10/10 recommend. Reach out to Jade Orr to learn more. 
Nice is polite but not always what we need to hear. Kind is honest and stands its ground. Nice doesn’t add to problems. Kind solves them. Nice is something you say. Kind is something you do.
Read about the campaign here.
We teamed up with photographer Bree Davis (C’estlabree) for a shoot with our newest client, Glow Med Spa.
On Saturday, November 11, VCU Alumni honored ten graduates of the last decade who have gone on to enjoy remarkable professional success, make important contributions to their community and loyally supported the university during the 10 Under 10 awards ceremony.
Lauren Caldas, Pharm.D., BCACP (Pharm.D.’11/P)
Lauren Caldas
As a student at VCU’s School of Pharmacy, Lauren Caldas, Pharm.D., BCACP, established a community-based project to help individuals with diabetes learn to live healthy. The program, held at her church, included diabetes-friendly foods prepared by student pharmacists, blood glucose testing, blood pressure testing and flu vaccinations.
“It was the first event that I created from the ground up,” says Caldas, now assistant professor at the pharmacy school. “It was amazing to see something I dreamed come to life, and I’m proud to say that, as a faculty member, the students still host this event each year.”
After graduating from the VCU School of Pharmacy in 2011, Caldas tackled her next big project: helping to open the first Kroger Marketplace on the East Coast while serving as a pharmacy manager for the company. During her four years there, she created a “neighborhood pharmacy feel.”
“I knew my patients’ names and helped them manage their medications,” she says. “I was able to correct dosages for children’s antibiotics, suggest changes to medications to save my patients money and create a sense of community.”
Simultaneously, she earned board certification as an ambulatory care pharmacist and volunteered at the free clinic Center for Healthy Hearts.
For her work and commitment to community pharmacy, the Academy of New Practitioners at the Virginia Pharmacists Association honored Caldas with the 10 under 10: Class of 2014 award. She previously had received the Pharmacists Mutual Distinguished Young Pharmacists Award from the Virginia Pharmacists Association in 2012 and the Emswiller Award for Leadership Achievement from the School of Pharmacy in 2011.
Today, back at the VCU School of Pharmacy, Caldas hopes to share her passion for the profession and to train the next generation of community pharmacists.
“My personal approach to my career is to empower our future pharmacists,” Caldas says. “I love my work in academia and the opportunities it has provided me.”
Christina Dick (B.S.’10/MC)
Christina DickChristina Dick launched her career at the advertising firm The Martin Agency, where she developed social media strategy and content for clients such as GEICO, Kraft’s Cool Whip, Stove Top and Breakstone’s/Knudsen, Walmart and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Recognizing her talents, Capital One recruited Dick to serve as its strategic marketing manager. Within three months, she was promoted to senior community management associate, directly responsible for the financial firm’s social media platforms, including the 84,000-follower Twitter account and the 2.9 million-fan Facebook page. It was only a little over a year later that Big River, an ad agency based in Richmond, Virginia, brought Dick on board to serve as senior content strategist.
Back in the agency world, her clients included sweetFrog, Virginia Lottery, Anthem, Lumber Liquidators, Virginia Farm Bureau and Eagle Construction. In March 2015, the Richmond Public Relations Society of America honored Dick with the Capital Award of Merit in Social Media for the “Summer of sweetFrog Challenge” campaign she developed for the frozen yogurt company.
With several successes under her belt, Dick struck out on her own and in April 2016 founded TFB Agency, a social media-focused marketing consultancy with clients that include Patient First and James River Air Conditioning. She was recognized by Style Weekly's as one of Richmond's 2017 Top 40 Under 40.
In her spare time, Dick serves as an adjunct professor at the VCU Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture and regularly volunteers at school events, giving lectures and reviewing student portfolios. She also writes and publishes the popular blog Tiramisu For Breakfast and serves on the boards of the Richmond Ad Club and Richmond CenterStage.
Christine Haines Greenberg (B.A.’09/H&S)
Christine GreenbergFour years after she graduated from VCU with a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in political science and women’s studies, Christine Haines Greenberg, who was working as a wedding planner, did what many are afraid to: She quit her full-time job and started her own company.
Greenberg is used to change, though. Because of her father’s military service, she spent most of her childhood in Europe as her family moved every two years. It wasn’t until halfway through high school that they settled in Stafford County, Virginia. She then found her way to VCU in 2003.
“In general terms, meeting so many different kinds of people at VCU was a huge comfort for me after living around the diverse military community,” Greenberg says. “It was invaluable to learn from students from all over the country who had hundreds of different experiences from me.”
Greenberg is a self-starter with two Richmond, Virginia-based businesses: Wood Grain & Lace Events, an event company she started in 2011, and Urban Set Bride, an award-winning bridal store she started with her mom in 2014.
Greenberg has always been in the business of empowering others. At VCU, she was an active member in Young Democrats and was a volunteer coordinator for Students for Barack Obama. She also volunteered for Food not Bombs and Planned Parenthood. Now, she manages Boss Babes RVA, a 2,500-member Facebook group that she founded. There, local, self-employed women can “network and lean on each other as they navigate the waters of entrepreneurship.” She’s in the process of creating a mentorship program, Mini Boss Babes, that would pair members of Boss Babes RVA with area middle and high school girls.
In 2016, Greenberg created a contest, RVA LOVE, where community members nominated a couple to receive a free wedding. After collecting more than $50,000 in goods and services from 30 local vendors, Greenberg’s contest gave a single mom battling lymphoma the wedding of her dreams.
Greenberg always remembers VCU for the lessons and experiences she learned at the university.
“My professors had real-world experiences that translated beautifully in the classroom,” she says. “The city of Richmond and VCU gave me a well-rounded, colorful, quality college experience.”
William Haugh (M.H.A.’08/AHP)
William HaughWilliam Haugh can trace his career path back to his childhood, growing up in the small town of South Boston, Virginia.
“I specifically chose hospital administration because of the important role hospitals play in the community, especially in rural areas,” he says. “I witnessed this firsthand growing up in South Boston in which Halifax Regional Health System was the largest employer in the county.”
After his first year at Appalachian State University, in Boone, North Carolina, where he was studying information systems, Haugh completed an internship at Halifax Regional Health System. It was an opportunity that exposed him to various aspects of hospital operations.
In 2004, after graduating from Appalachian State, Haugh approached Halifax Regional CEO Chris Lumsden and “basically begged” for a job. Lumsden offered him a position with two caveats: First, Haugh would be paid minimum wage, and second, he would only have the job for one year.
“He intentionally gave me an unappealing position to make sure that I would go back to school and receive a master’s degree,” Haugh says.
The tough love paid off. Haugh was accepted into the Master of Health Administration program in the VCU School of Allied Health Professions a year later.
“Without a doubt, the success I have been fortunate to enjoy in my career is a direct result of the education I received at VCU,” Haugh says. “My VCU education was the perfect combination of classroom instruction, special projects outside the classroom and the opportunity to network with industry leaders.”
As a student, the constant interactions with health care leaders taught him the ropes and “how things really work,” allowing his career to progress rapidly.
In 2008, Haugh joined Tennessee-based LifePoint Hospitals, which operates 72 hospitals in 22 states. He served first as chief operating officer at the 220-bed Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County, Virginia, and then as CEO at Logan Memorial Hospital in Russellville, Kentucky, from 2009-12 . He joined Georgetown Community Hospital in Georgetown, Kentucky, as CEO in 2012. Three years later, he achieved what he considers one of his greatest accomplishment to date: being named LifePoint Health CEO of the Year.
Ashley Hawkins (B.F.A.’07/A; M.P.A.’13/GPA; Cert.’13/GPA)
Ashley HawkinsAshley Hawkins was on the brink of leaving the VCU School of the Arts her junior year, when she started to etch, screen print and create lithographs. Her newfound passion reinvigorated her studies.
“I was a fearful painter and almost quit VCUarts but then found printmaking and immediately fell in love,” Hawkins says. “The process was freeing. I could make 10 or 1,000 prints. I could change the plate or the screen, I could draw on my prints, collage — I was no longer afraid of ‘messing up.’”
She knew that starting a community print shop was her calling and she did, at Richmond’s Plant Zero, after college. With eyes on establishing a larger collaborative space, in 2010 she opened Studio Two Three, Richmond’s only printmaking studio that’s open to the public. At the same time, she returned to VCU to earn a master’s in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management.
“I am an artist and Studio Two Three is my life’s art project,” Hawkins says. “I am fascinated by the constant excitement and challenge of creating and managing a growing organization and remaining responsive to our community needs.”
Hawkins says it’s a dream responding to those community needs, which include creating a space that supports professional artists with tools to take their career to the next step. The studio offers classes, workshops and a retail store, among other features.
In 2017, Hawkins launched the Art of Activism series. The first session gave more than 200 participants the ability to make protest posters and ephemera before the women’s march in Washington, D.C.
“We will continue to offer opportunities to amplify our voices in our community, in a time when art has never been more important,” Hawkins says.
Hawkins says earning a B.F.A. at VCU taught her more than lessons in art; she walked away with real-world problem-solving skills.
“I tell our interns and students the biggest benefit of an arts education is that it taught me how to think,” Hawkins says. “I have taken that process and applied it to founding and managing a thriving arts organization in Richmond.”
LeQuan M. Hylton, Ph.D. (Ph.D.’16/GPA)
LyQuan HyltonLeQuan M. Hylton, Ph.D., began making an impact in Richmond, Virginia, almost immediately after he and his mom moved to the city in 1998.
Hylton saw the homeless in the city and wanted to do something to help, so he started an outreach program through his church, St. Paul’s Baptist Church.
“It was my first contact with people who were homeless,” he told Style Weekly in 2014 when he was honored as one of the city’s Top 40 Under 40. “And really, it bothered me that people lived in such conditions.”
Hylton, who received his bachelor’s in business from Virginia State University and his M.B.A. from Averett University in Danville, Virginia, continued to work on issues surrounding homelessness up until he came to VCU to earn his Ph.D. in public policy and administration from the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.
“VCU is a wonderful place,” Hylton says. “I chose to come to VCU because of the community engagement and outreach. I really enjoyed my learning experience, which involved the community.”
Hylton became the first member of his family to earn a doctoral degree when he graduated from VCU in 2010. His dissertation, “Perceptions of the Homeless Toward Nonprofit Human Service Providers,” focused on homeless people’s preferences for assistance services.
“Growing up in a rural community gave me a strong sense of caring for others,” says Hylton, who is from Martinsville, Virginia. “It was a loving place where I learned that if we could meet the needs of our family, extended family and others, then we ought to.”
His research at VCU led him and his mother, Sharon Hylton, to start Unified Properties LLC, a company that buys, renovates and leases quality and affordable houses and offices in the Tri-Cities area. Hylton also owns the real estate firm Hylton & Co. and a construction service company, Carver Builders.
His sense of service to those around him doesn’t end with his dedication to the homeless community. Last year, Hylton was deployed to Afghanistan, where he was in charge of the construction of multiple warehouses, maintenance shelters and offices, as part of his Army Reserve service, where he holds the rank of major. He has received numerous awards for his military service to include: two Meritorious Service Medals for military service, an Army Commendation Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
“I continue to give back by any means necessary,” Hylton says.
Gai A. Nyok (B.A.’10/H&S; B.S.’10/H&S)
Gai NyokGai A. Nyok, a diplomat at the U.S. Department of State, has come a long way since making the 300-mile trek to a refugee camp in Ethiopia from his native Sudan at age 5.
“I grew up in a situation where there was war. I was exposed to international issues. I lived in a refugee camp with people of many, many different nationalities,” Nyok says. “And I saw the impact that countries can have in resolving conflicts around the world.”
Nyok is among the 20,000 Lost Boys of Sudan displaced during the 22-yearlong Sudanese civil war that ended in 2005.
“We were being killed because we were seen as potential [soldiers for] the rebels from the south,” he says. “So we were targeted and killed, sometimes taken to the north. At the time, there were a lot of child soldiers on both sides. There were a lot of us escaping our villages to go to refugee camps.”
Nyok saw firsthand the impact diplomats can make when American diplomats interviewed him for a chance to come to the U.S.
“I was inspired by the work they were doing in a hostile environment in a refugee camp in Kenya,” Nyok says. “It was hostile. No services. Nothing.”
Nyok relocated to Hanover County, Virginia, in 2001 when he was 16. He was so inspired by his experiences with the diplomats that years later, when he received scholarships to attend VCU, he double-majored in economics and international relations with the goal of becoming one himself.
When he graduated in 2010, Nyok received the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation to support and prepare students for careers in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service.
“Today, my job takes me around the world implementing U.S. government policies and introducing, and advocating for, American values to foreign audiences,” Nyok says. “The key approach to my career has been finding the intersection of my strengths and passion. I made my way to America as a teenager, after having sought refuge in a number of other countries, and I understood early on the importance of diplomacy in today’s interconnected world while realizing that I flourish in foreign or unfamiliar environments.”
In a 2013 speech on World Refugee Day, former Secretary of State John Kerry called Nyok “a prime example, like so many millions of others, of exactly why it is worth all of us standing up for the world’s most vulnerable.”
Stanley R. Rayfield (B.F.A.’09/A)
Stanley RayfieldStanley R. Rayfield learned a valuable lesson growing up in Henrico, Virginia: Take hold of any chance given to you.
“Henrico High School in 2001-05 did not have the best reputation in the county. It was rough; there were limited resources, poverty and very hard things to deal with,” Rayfield says. “Being in that environment really taught me to be appreciative of any opportunity I had and not to squander it. I had the opportunity to be in a program called the Center for the Arts that changed my life. That program inspired me to become an artist and attend VCU.”
Rayfield enrolled in the VCU School of the Arts in 2005 and received several scholarships and fellowships to support his studies. Through the support of his professors and a newfound faith, he graduated in 2009.
“I cannot neglect that during my time at VCU I was dealing with depression,” he says. “I was really in a dark place and what got me through it all was I started going to church. When I began going to church that was a real breakthrough for me, personally and spiritually.”
Rayfield says his spiritual growth added value to his art. Shortly after graduating, a portrait of his father, Ralph, that he painted his senior year was exhibited in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, where it garnered second place in the 2009 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition.
In 2013, Rayfield worked with popular film producer and director Spike Lee to create two paintings for the 25th anniversary of the Academy Award-nominated film “Do the Right Thing.” One of Rayfield’s paintings was displayed during a block party attended by celebrities including comedian Dave Chappelle and singer Lauryn Hill. Stanley also has work in the permanent collection of the U.S. Pentagon and five paintings in the permanent collection of the Morris Museum in Augusta, Georgia. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts purchased one of Rayfield’s pieces, “Black Jesus,” for its permanent collection. In 2014, he completed a painting of Malia and Sasha Obama, which he presented to the then-President Barack Obama and is now part of the former president’s personal collection.
None of this would have been possible, Rayfield says, without the tutelage of the communications arts professors at VCU who helped him develop as an artist.
“They were amazing. They were like prophets. They knew exactly what we needed,” Rayfield says. “They forced me to find a different voice, which led to me ultimately becoming a great fine artist, so I thank God for that opportunity.”
Ryan C. Rinn (Cert.’11/GPA; M.U.R.P.’12/GPA)
Ryan RinnRyan C. Rinn spent his summers working at the local steel mill in his hometown of Seguin, Texas, just outside Houston. His father and grandfather both worked at the mill, but his parents — whom he credits with teaching him the importance of having a work ethic, patience and persistence — always encouraged him to leave Texas for college and to follow his dreams. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond, but it was at VCU, in a graduate class taught by Meghan Gough, Ph.D., assistant professor in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, where he found his calling in urban planning.
Her Studio 1 class, centered on urban planning in Richmond’s Highland Park neighborhood, set the course for Rinn’s life. It’s there he began his work to revitalize the city’s historic neighborhood just north of downtown, a passion that still drives him today.
In 2013, Rinn was hired to serve as executive director of Storefront for Community Design, a nonprofit that, through low-cost design assistance and community engagement, links design professionals to design need. He accepted the position on the condition that Storefront would focus on community engagement in Highland Park. In the four years since Rinn has been at the helm, the organization has held more than 250 design sessions and 25 community advocacy events and has engaged more than 200 young people. Storefront also partners with VCU’s Middle of Broad studio, where students work on community design projects around Richmond.
In 2017, Storefront partnered with several organizations to open Six Points Innovation Center. The center, situated in the commercial core of Highland Park, allows nonprofit organizations to provide youth access to innovative programming in the arts, urban ecology, education assistance, public media, public history and advocacy.
Nonprofit director. Urban planner. Grassroots organizer. Community designer. Rinn proudly wears each of these hats and traces them back to VCU’s Wilder School, where, he says, he learned the tricks of the trade.
“The Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs allowed me to learn planning in an applied setting,” he says. “Two years in the field in graduate school helped me build community connections and friendships that I still lean on today for the betterment of our city.”
Isaac Rodriguez, Ph.D. (M.S.’10/En; Ph.D.’13/En)
Isaac RodriguezAs a high school student, Isaac Rodriguez, Ph.D., would come home and take over for his mom, who babysat children during the day, so she could go to her second job at a restaurant. When he was done babysitting, he would join her at the restaurant to bus tables.
Rodriguez says it’s that kind of grit, along with a focus on receiving a good education, that motivated him to succeed.
“There was never a dull moment growing up; my sister and I could never say we were bored,” says Rodriguez, whose parents, originally from Puerto Rico, moved to Virginia before he was born. “I can’t thank my parents enough and strive to make them proud every day.”
Rodriguez graduated with two biomedical engineering degrees from VCU’s School of Engineering: a master’s in 2010 and a Ph.D. in 2013. As a student, he was involved in Students Today Alumni Tomorrow and the Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, both of which offered him leadership opportunities that, he says, prepared him for his role as CEO in a fast-paced startup environment. In 2015, Rodriguez co-founded the biotech company SweetBio with his sister, Kayla Rodriguez Graff. The Memphis, Tennessee-based company has raised more than $2 million to bring Rodriguez’s invention to market — a regeneration membrane that can be used in oral surgeries to improve healing through the use of a unique ingredient, medical-grade honey.
“My education at VCU allowed me to be a scientist and invent the product that we are bringing to the market [in 2018],” says Rodriguez who served as NASA Langley's keynote speaker for Hispanic Heritage Month in October 2017. “I’m so excited now that I’m learning the business side of what we do and my sister, who has an M.B.A., is learning the science.”
Get Party Ready on Sunday, November 12, 2017 from noon to 6pm at Sephora Short Pump.
Event details:
Get #PartyReady with the beauty experts from Fresh, Benefit and Living Proof as they will give clients the ultimate Sephora experience by offering 5-10 minute mini services and having them rotate within each of the 3 brands.
Clients will choose one 5-10 minute complimentary service from the menu, from skincare to hair, to brows. Each brand will be giving a sample after each complimentary service, and deluxe samples will be given for custom services from the specific brand.
Participants of the Beauty Circuit can win a FREE Customized Makeover (valued at $50) just by taking pictures during the event. Winner will be chosen on the following Monday based on creativity.
I loved partnering with photographer extraordinaire Caroline Martin and Richmond Region tourism on the Tiramisu For Breakfast Guide to Richmond. It would be impossible to list every place in Richmond that I love, but you can read about a few of them here.
A Local Blogger's Guide to Richmond
By VisitRichmondVA on Oct. 23, 2017
You're used to hearing from us, the team behind VisitRichmondVA, when you read our blog posts. This week, we decided to change things up a bit. We've partnered with a local blogger to share some of her favorite spots in the Richmond Region with you. Enjoy and take notes for your next visit! 🙂
THE TIRAMISU FOR BREAKFAST GUIDE TO RICHMOND
I’m Christina Dick, a 29-year-old PR and Marketing consultant at TFB Agency and beauty blogger at Tiramisu For Breakfast. I’ve only lived in Richmond since 2006, but that’s been enough time to fall in love with it. I couldn’t possibly list out every single place that I love, but below is a list of a few favorites that I find myself recommending to friends and clients often. Follow along as I guide you through some of my fave spots, and be sure to check them out the next time your visit RVA. Enjoy!
EAT
Proper Pie Co.
PROPER PIE CO.
I’m almost glad they’re only open Wednesday through Sunday, because I feel like I could eat there everyday. Oftentimes, these don’t last the less-than-five minute drive it takes to get home before I finish them off. My favorites are butter chicken and steak, and also bacon and tomato. I’m also a huge fan of the sausage roll. Make sure to check out their Facebook page before you head over - that’s where you can find all of the pies, savory and sweet, that they have available each day - so you can start narrowing down your order before you get there. I always recommend this to friends as a good lunch-on-the-go. You can pick one up and stroll around Church Hill, sit in Patrick Henry Park or visit the historic St. John’s Church.
La Grotta
LA GROTTA
One of my all-time favorite meals is La Grotta's Fettuccine alla Papalina: homemade fettuccine with prosciutto, shallots and fresh basil in a tomato cream sauce. Everyone on staff is really friendly, which contributes to the overall amazing dining experience here. The restaurant recently moved from a beautiful spot in Shockoe Slip to the main floor of the Hilton Richmond Downtown on Broad Street, but rest assured that the food and ambiance are both just as amazing as they always have been.
Edo Squid and Mama Zu are two of my other favorite Italian spots. The tuna steak soaked in soy sauce and butter is my go-to. Tip: Both restaurants are part of the same restaurant family, but reservations are not accepted for less than six people at Mama Zu, so if you're traveling with a small party and want to ensure that a table will be waiting for you when you arrive, call ahead and make a reservation at Edo Squid.
MOM’S SIAM
This popular Carytown spot serves up what is, in my opinion, the best Thai food in Richmond. My picks are the panang curry with chicken, the tempura calamari and the steamed pork dumplings. My college roommate worked here and introduced me to the deliciousness when I was a student at Virginia Commonwealth University. The family behind Mom's Siam also owns several other restaurants, including Sabai, YaYa’s Cookbook, My Noodle & Bar, and the brand-new Pik Nik. Check them all out!
Tiramisu for Breakfast - Christina Dick and Katie Ukrop
FAVORITE SPOTS FOR COFFEE: QUIRK HOTEL AND CAN CAN
When it comes to my favorite place to get a cup of coffee, I can't narrow it down to just one. Tied for my top coffee spot honors are Quirk Hotel and Can Can Brasserie. Can Can is located in the middle of Carytown, and it's open early and always bustling with people having meetings or catching up with friends. On my way out, I like to stop into Clementine, the consignment shop next door, to see what new items they’ve gotten in since my last visit. Fellow shoppers, be sure to stop in and browse the ever-changing, stylish selections they have to offer. My other favorite coffee shop is nestled at the front of the Quirk Hotel lobby. The property is truly stunning and it is one of my favorite places to be. They even serve a custom Quirk blend coffee this is produced by local Richmond coffee roaster Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Company. I also love the avocado breakfast with a poached egg and queso fresco.
Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
THE BOATHOUSE
I live just steps from The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing and it’s my favorite place to get a drink when the weather is nice. The Chesterfield location, The Boathouse at Sunday Park, has an equally stunning waterside view. Head to either location to enjoy some gorgeous river views while sipping a cocktail and savoring a delicious meal. I recommend ordering the coconut shrimp!
SHOP
Tiramisu for Breakfast Guide - Nellie George
NELLIE GEORGE
This chic boutique is located in the charming Libbie & Grove shopping district and it is a gold mine! They carry brands like Elizabeth and James, NEST, Alexis, Joie, AG Jeans and lots more. I’ve gotten so many of my favorite cocktail dresses here. They also have the best super-soft pajamas from Eberjey and fun earrings.
WARDROBE
This awesome shop is located just down the street from Nellie George and they have great stuff too. Once a year (maybe more) they do 50% off the entire store, so make sure to get on their email list so you can plan a last minute trip to RVA when the next sale pops up. They also always have racks in the back with deals. I recently bought an awesome black sequin shirt for 75% off. Gotta love a good deal! 😉
APOTHEC Richmond
APOTHEC
Across from Wardrobe is the coolest little apothecary. Tricia Boor is a skincare genius and makes the most beautiful candles and lotions. You can choose from her scents or create your own. You can even bring in any old jar/bowl/vessel and she’ll make it into a candle with any scent you want. My favorite scent is Eucopia, a mix of lavender and eucalyptus that smells amazing.
Tiramisu for Breakfast Guide - Roan
ROAN
If you love luxury, this is your place. Aquazzura, Stuart Weitzman, Isabel Marant, Golden Goose and Tibi are just a few of the designers they carry. They recently opened up a new pop-up in the back of the store where you can find vintage luxuries. They’re also just a few doors down from For the Love Of Chocolate, and I HIGHLY recommend popping in there for candies from all over the world. (I’m partial to Baci).
Need Supply Co.
NEED SUPPLY CO.
Need Supply Co. is really just so cool! They revamped their space recently and it’s uber-trendy. What started out in 1996 as a shop selling vintage Levi's has grown into an internationally-known brand. My clients at the VCU Brandcenter said that when potential students come to tour Richmond, this is the first place they ask for directions to.
Elements of Carytown
ELEMENTS OF CARYTOWN
Such a sweet little beauty boutique. They carry Erno Laszlo, The Organic Pharmacy, Deborah Lippmann and tons of other beauty brands. The owners, Jeanie and Sherry, are fantastic, and carefully curate products that are not tested on animals.
Ledbury
LEDBURY
This one is for the guys. Specializing in luxury men's dress shirts, casual shirts, and related accessories, Ledbury carries on a century-old bespoke tailoring tradition in their Richmond workshop, where their master craftsmen make shirts by hand. Hearing the story of the “two Pauls” who founded the company and the care they put into every aspect of the quality of their products is truly inspirational. Their flagship store recently moved from Shockoe Bottom to a revamped storefront on Broad Street, just one block away from Quirk Hotel.
Mod & Soul
MOD & SOUL
Just a few doors down from Ledbury in the Arts District, this boutique is filled with awesome, affordable boho-chic styles.
DO
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts VMFA
VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
We are so lucky to have this world-class museum in Richmond. The YSL exhibit earlier this year was unbelievable. The restaurant inside, Amuse, is a fun place to grab a drink (they always create a special cocktail menu themed after the current featured exhibit). Project Yoga Richmond, a local non-profit, holds donation-based, outside yoga classes here in the Sculpture Garden that draw huge crowds (like, 200 yogis).
Glow Med Spa
GLOW MED SPA
This is my absolute favorite spa in Richmond! From the candy-themed waxing station to the earth and fire themed spas in Northside and Short Pump, it’s always fun to come in for an appointment. I’m a big fan of their facials but have always wanted to try the rose and lavender massage (Begin with a full body dry brushing followed by a warm, flowing body massage with rose and lavender infused cream. Then, lay on a bed of rose petals and end the experience being cocooned in the petals while you get a scalp and neck massage - yes, please!).
Tiramisu for Breakfast Guide - Yoga Dojo
THE YOGA DOJO
My favorite yoga studio is The Yoga Dojo. Adrian and Lauren (pictured here in this wild pose) are such amazing teachers. They ask and care about what you’re working on and help you learn cool tricks!
When I'm in the mood for hot yoga, I love Hot House Yoga in the West End. They're always SO welcoming and I feel amazing after every class.
BarReVA barre class
BARREVA
I love a good workout, and barReVA is one of my absolute favorites. The ballet-inspired workout makes you look and feel graceful, but you don’t need a dance background to be able to do it.
Gymquest Gymnastics
GYMQUEST GYMNASTICS
Lastly, I have to mention my favorite little gym, Gymquest Gymnastics. I started going there as a freshman in college after Googling adult gymnastics classes. The family that owns it, Doug & Colleen and their daughters, are such amazing people. I’ve met some of my best friends here and am grateful to have this place to let out my inner kid each weekend. Adult Tumbling classes are open to anyone over 18 and don’t require any experience. You can just drop in while you’re in town. Join me one Sunday at noon!
I hope you will check out some of my favorite spots during your next Richmond visit! Maybe I'll even run into you at one of them! 🙂
All images by Caroline Martin Photography.
Categories: #RVABlog, Featured
Tags: #RVA, carytown, shopping, Quirk Hotel, VMFA, fall things to do, Richmond things to do, fashion, richmond, richmond blog, richmond blogger, rva, rva blogger, Richmond VA, RVA things to do, things to do in richmond, things to do in richmond va, yoga, things to do
Author
VisitRichmondVA
Founder, TFB Agency
Thanks so much to the Advertising Club of Richmond for having me on at last night’s Women in Advertising Panel. It was an honor to be a part of a group of such amazing women.
I worked with an awesome team to shoot a video for my website talking about TFB and what we do and couldn’t help thinking the whole time how lucky I felt to do what I do. Thanks to all of my clients and students and partners who make it all possible.
-Christina
EVB became Sonabank and we are thrilled for the growth of this company. We worked with them on a social strategy for the merger. Shoutout to Lisa at Facebook for making sure it all went smoothly.
VCU Brandcenter got a fresh new look.
Tiffany Jana and Matthew Freeman had another great book signing event for Overcoming Bias. They also have a new fan from down under. (shout out to TFB intern, Emily!)
James River Air is continuing their 50th-anniversary celebration with a video highlighting long-time employees.
We partnered with Caroline Martin Photography and Richmond Tourism on a Tiramisu For Breakfast Guide To Richmond. Join us for the launch at Quirk Hotel on Monday, 10/23.
In August I began a new role as a faculty mentor for this amazing group of graduate students in the da Vinci program, which integrates arts, business, and engineering principles. We’ve been working on a project for Evergreen enterprises, and attended the latest Digital Marketing Meetup for research.
SIGNS.COM 10 iconic logos. 156 Americans. 80 hours of drawing from memory.
HOW I BUILT THIS Rent The Runway: Jenn Hyman Listen
MARIE FORLEO Brendon Burchard: How to be Successful (Using Science)
ADWEEK: Toys R Us Wants to Be a ‘Champion of Play’ With New Brand Positioning
BORED PANDA The Winners Of 2017’s A’ Design Award & Competition Have Just Been Announced, And They’re Genius
We’re thrilled to welcome Glow Med Spa to TFB Agency!
It’s been an exciting week for Sonabank and Sonabank POWER. Congrats to the whole team on a successful merger! We are thrilled to be working with you. Looks like the branch associates in my hometown branch of Gloucester are excited too.
EVB became Sonabank and we are thrilled for the growth of this company. We worked with them on a social strategy for the merger. Shoutout to Lisa at Facebook for making sure it all went smoothly.
I bought this bell-sleeved coat ($150 | Zara) right before the TFB Kendra Scott event and I’ve gotten a lot of use out of it. It doesn’t button up or zip, so I had my dry cleaner add in some little hooks so that I can wear it closed. I love the white, but it also comes in Fuchsia, Nude Pink, Black and Cobalt.
Photos by C’est La Bree
I saw the suggestion in a bridal gift idea roundup of a black hand/face bathroom towel and thought it was so smart. All of my bathroom towels are white. I have the Peter Thomas Roth Moor Mud Mask and the Boscia Pore Pudding Intensive Wash-Off Treatment, both black, were staining them.
I found this set of 12 for $17.99 on Amazon and it’s been perfect.
Some masks come with their towel, like this PTR set. You can also get them embroidered if you’re giving as a gift.
H & M sent me a coupon in the mail for 40% off one item. the next time I was at the mall (Short Pump Town Center in Richmond, VA, I stopped in to see what they had. I found this sweater. I was reading some minimalist advice on waiting 24 hours to buy something you see to force yourself to think about whether you really want it and avoid impulse buying, so I didn’t get it. I did, however, check the website before I left the store to make sure they had it in case I decided I wanted it. the website actually had it at a cheaper price ($14.99). I browsed the site and came across this vase in the home section. I’ve been looking for a plain, round vase and this one is perfect. Highly recommend!
I read about Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum and was convinced to try it based on the list of ingredients. I’m always looking for products that will keep my skin clear, and that’s one of the things this one promised.
I found a mini set in Sephora that came with their Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil. I went through the mini in less than two weeks and immediately bought the full-size. It’s so good and I’ve already got a few of my friends using it. This clears your skin and makes it feel so soft. I highly recommend.
Orchid’s & Peonies did a great, in-depth review including the ingredients and the history of the line here. I especially love the story about how the line got it’s name from the myth that elephants get “drunk” from the fermentation in their stomachs of fruit from Marula of trees in Africa.
Have you tried anything from Drunk Elephant? Are there any products you’re curious about and want me to try out and review? Let me know in the comments or here.
The Elizabeth and James Nirvana fragrance comes in a dry shampoo, and it’s my absolute favorite. It’s an aerosol spray and it does come out white, so you rub it in. I like to spray it, wait a few moments and then “massage the scalp,” as they say. The whole point of dry shampoo is to soak up oiliness so that you don’t have to wash your hair as often. The added bonus is that it adds volume to your hair. You can use it for that even on days when your hair is freshly washed.
I’ve been using Nirvana White for a while; I bought the mini bottle of the new(ish) rose scent during the VIB sale at Sephora and I like it even more. The first time I wore it, I kept getting a whiff of it throughout the day and wondering what the awesome smell was. Highly recommend!
Tonight me and five readers are getting a private makeup class from a Bobbi Brown makeup artist. I’m super excited to hangout with everyone and give some things away. I’ll be posting about it on Instagram if you want to follow along.
I got to join in on a seasonal training with Bobbi Brown’s artistry education team and hear about the latest products coming for Summer. Here are the ones I’m excited about: 
After an overview of where the company is at including details on Bobbi Brown’s retirement (What?! This was the first I’ve heard of that.), Deanna and Sarah got into the newest product launch – Remedies.
Everything was laid out in stations for us to try.
Remedies are ” the perfect fusion of beauty and wellness – the ultimate skin enhancer.” They’re meant to supplement your skincare routine for specific concerns.
Skin Reviver | $45 | Nordstrom is full of antioxidants meant to improve skin’s health with regular use. It’s not meant for a specific skin type but can be used on anyone.
Skin Moisture Solution | $45 | Nordstrom is a moisturizing serum for severely dry skin. It’s made with Hyaluronic acid which acts like a sponge to draw moisture into the skin. This was one of my favorites. I love moisture in the form of a serum verses a heavy cream. They suggested pairing this with the Hydrating Face Cream and Extra SPD 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm.
Skin Fortifier | $45 | Nordstrom is rich in lipids, which fill-in the skin’s moisture barrier and restore skins ability to repair itself. It’s meant to keep moisture in and toxins out. They recommend using it with the Extra Repair Nourishing Milk and the Intensive Serum Foundation (which I love).
Skin Relief | $45 | Nordstrom calms skin and reduces redness.
Skin Salve | $45 Nordstrom is great for if you’ve overdone it with the retinol or if your skin s just really dry and patchy.
Skin Clarifier | $45 | Nordstrom is my favorite. I like that it’s an oil consistency but it’s meant to treat/prevent acne.
You can get one of these mini sets for $35 at Nordstrom.
The Cheek Glow Palette ($50 | BobbiBrown.com) was my favorite of the day. I’d seen these on their Instagram and was crossing my fingers I’d get to see it in training. Each comes with a cream highlighter and a pot rouge blush. They gave me the Pink Opal/Homecoming Pink shades. This is so pretty. I use a foundation brush to apply the darker pink and top it with the lighter, highlighter shade and pull it up toward my temples.
The Art Stick Liquid Lip just launched last month. I got to try the shade Antique Pink. They’re squeezable, semi-matte full-coverage color. I liked mine so much I came back to get one in the shade Havana Coral.
And now for my all-time favorites:
Eye Shadows and Palette | $25 and $10 | Nordstrom These are the best and last forever
Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Goldstone and Greige | $30 each | Nordstrom I like to use a combination of these two – Goldstone on my inner lid and Griege in the outer corner and down and around under my eyes.
Skin Foundation Cushion Compact | $50 | Nordstrom So awesome. Smells amazing + pretty and dewy.
Cheek Glow | $50 | Saks So pretty and dewy
Blush in Pale Pink | $28 | Nordstrom The best blush. Super
Bronzer in Golden Light | $42 | Nordstrom I recently went back to this. I had been using Too Faced Chocolate Soleil but I felt like it was getting blotchy by the end of the day.
Lip Gloss in Bare Sparkle, Pink Oyster | $28 | Nordstrom I love that these smell minty. Don’t be afraid of the glitter. I wear it to meetings and everything. I think it makes the shiny look of the gloss last a lot longer.
Serum Foundation in Beige | $65 | Nordstrom The best stuff. Goes on so smooth and has SPF 40!
Art Stick Liquid Lip in Havana Coral | $28 | Nordstrom These are so fun. This shade is subtle and looks pretty with a tan.
GIVEAWAY Time!
We’re giving away Bobbi’s Original 10 25th Anniversary Lip Collection. When Bobbi created her original 10 lipsticks, the vision was simple—an edited collection of creamy-matte lipsticks in shades that complement any skin tone. From pale salmon to deep blackberry to classic red, all 10 shades are brown-based, which is the secret behind their incredible wearability.
Click below and fill out the form by Friday, May 12th for your chance to win! I’ll randomly select a winner and email you to let you know you’ve won!
And one more! Check out the Tiramisu For Breakfast Community on Facebook to see how you can enter to win this set too!
Click below to join the Tiramisu For Breakfast group on Facebook. It’s a place for Tiramisu For Breakfast readers to get news first, ask questions, suggest posts and make other beauty-loving friends. Plus, get bonus content and access to exclusive giveaways.
Today was the day of the brand new ad course, Content. These two wonderful women were part of a group of Chinese scholars that observed our class all semester. It was so special to have them. They surprised me with this Chinese tea and art that means “when you are at peace, success will come.” Thank you! 
A couple Sundays ago we had a Tiramisu For Breakfast Party at Kendra Scott in Richmond. I’m so thankful for everyone who came and for everyone who worked hard to make it special.
Carrie of Paper Rose Co. made this gorgeous arrangement. (You can shop her Mother’s Day Collection here)
Candy Valley Cake Co made these delicious mini tiramisu cups.
The sweet ladies at Kendra Scott printed out these photos of me and Kitty for the event. 
Alisha White of Makeup By Holly was there giving makeovers. 
And Jevata Herman of Canvas the Salon was there styling hair. She’s the best. 
Here’s my friend Tori playing with the virtual Color Bar. My favorite thing about Kendra Scott is that you’re able to customize/build/pick-out your jewelry in store and then have them make it right in front of you.
Five lucky people got to take home this little gift, which included a necklace from Kendra Scott, a bloom from Paper Rose, lip balm, coupons and copies of R Home and Style Weekly’s Black Book of Style.
The first customers! 
The lovely Melissa Chase stopped by and got this cute ring. 
The sweetest moment of the whole event. My friend Suzanne’s oldest daughter was doing her sister’s makeup. (Yes, that’s a Chanel palette) 
This is Devin, Kendra Scott Richmond’s events manager; she made the whole event happen and she’s absolutely amazing.
I would love to see what you got at the event. Post your photos and let me know what other events you’d like to see in the comments.
Thanks so much again to everyone who made this such a fun event!
Sephora’s biannual sale is almost here. Here are the details:
VIB Rouge members get 15% off from 4/18 4/24 with the code ROUGESPRING,
VIB members get 15% off from 4/19-4/24 with the code VIBSPRING
Beauty Insider members get 10% off from 4/20-4/23 with the code BISPRING
In case you’re looking for recommendations on what to get, here are some of my favorite things. Let me know if you have questions about any of them.
The social recruitment strategy we developed for the VCU Brandcenter is in full swing and it has been awesome to see new students being welcomed into the "brandfam."
Students graduating from the VCU Brandcenter go on to work at Google, Facebook, Coca Cola and beyond. We needed to formulate a social strategy that was a reflection of the amazing talent coming out of the school in order to attract the right new students.
Our goal was to use this to create content that feels custom-made for their target, individuals aged 22-30. We worked hand-in-hand with the recruiting and marketing team of the school to create an effective and sustainable social content strategy. Not only did the Brandcenter see a 15.7% increase in requests for an application to the school following the campaign, they were also now equipped with a detailed content strategy built on insights from their audience and a plan for analyzing and optimizing on an ongoing basis.
We began our research by evaluating secondary data, an admissions survey followed by an audit of the school’s social media communications, an industry analysis, and finally, focus groups.
We used the feedback across all channels to develop eleven content categories that covered every aspect of the Brandcenter to appeal to as many different types of students as possible. We looked at common questions as themes and used that to inform the informational content we created. We incorporated a reporting structure that utilized monthly social media reports to identify topics and questions to address in info sessions, tours.
We learned from accepted students that getting their application package in the mail was a huge, life-changing moment…everyone remembered where they were when it arrived. We capitalized on this and captured this shared moment by branding the Brandcenter application envelope with a hashtag welcoming them to the #brandfam.
We found that prospective students had the same questions over and over about the admissions process and financial aid. The Brandcenter’s recruiting coordinator became the star of her own video-series, “Ask Hawley,” focused on answering those frequently asked questions.
Students said they had no idea how awesome Richmond, VA was. We incorporated content about the Richmond area into our social content strategy and even included a custom guide to Richmond in acceptance packets.
Not only did the Brandcenter see a 15.7% increase in requests for an application to the school following the campaign, they were also now equipped with a detailed content strategy built on insights from their audience and a plan for analyzing and optimizing on an ongoing basis.
I learn so much and get inspiration from people I follow on social media. I’m going to begin sharing a few of those favorites with all of you, starting with Lisa Eldridge.
One of my favorite people to watch and follow is Lisa Eldridge. She’s a British makeup artist to the stars with an amazing talent in not only makeup artistry but also teaching and sharing her expertise.
I’ve learned so much about makeup and skincare from watching Lisa on YouTube – from choosing the perfect nude lipstick shade to how to give yourself a facial massage to the latest developments in Korean beauty. She’s a delight to listen to and it’s neat to see the guests she brings on. In her tutorials, she goes step by step and you can literally set the computer on your vanity and follow along as you copy her technique.My favorite videos are probably the ones where she talks through her favorite products. I have tried out several of her recommendations –Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter and Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant, to name a few – and never been disappointed.
In 2015, Lisa became Lancome’s Creative Director of Makeup. (She created the La Rose à poudrer that I mentioned here.) and she recently launched a book called Facepaint about the history of makeup.
Her Instagram is full beauty products, her work, vintage beauty icons, her celebrity friends and her cats – Bertie and Teddy.
Are you a fan of Lisa too? I’d love to hear who you like to follow.
WHY SOCIAL?
Social media can get a bad rap. It’s said to be isolating/fake/time consuming. It’s also often seen as a time-suck. So why should realtors invest precious time and money? Because with a good strategy and proper planning, you can overcome all of those to make social media a tool for marketing success and business growth.
Eric Morehouse of The Morehouse Group in Richmond, Va. admits that one of the biggest challenges realtors face is a lack of trust. Buying a home is the biggest purchase of your life, and your realtor is your partner in that big purchase.
Trust isn’t instant. There’s no single post, ad or photo that will win over potential buyers. By “putting yourself out there” on social media, you’re working to gradually build a relationship with potential buyers.
The way you build trust is through consistency. In this article, you’ll find tips for starting and maintaining a social media presence that builds trust through consistency and community.
Thanks to Tracey Gould for the opportunity to share this with the NC Realtor Community. You can read the full article on page 20 at this link.
Beauty week starts today 2/16 at Saks in Richmond! Tara, their lovely events and marketing manager, invited me to come in and preview some of the products and freebies. There are so. many. freebies. Basically, almost every brand in the cosmetics department has a free gift with purchase.
I’ve been wanting to try the Clé de Peau concealer (especially since my favorite concealer from Bobbi Brown is being discontinued). It has a cult following and I’ve heard nothing but good things. Tara made me an appointment with Millie, the make up artist representing Clé de Peau at Saks. He walked me through the line. We talked about the history, technologies and formulas.
Millie confirmed that the concealer is Clé de Peau’s bestseller. There were stickers on the display for the awards it’s won. I learned that the company was started in 1982 with a vision of fusing French skincare with Japanese Technology (they’re one of the many brands under the Shiseido umbrella). He removed my makeup with the softest cotton pads (made with natural silk) and applied the nighttime moisturizer (Fun fact, day moisturizers typically contain SPF, which he didn’t want to use because it causes a white cast when photographed). He showed me the brand new Radian Stick Foundation, but we ended up using the fluid version. He used a cream blush in shade one (pink/berry) and a light bronzer. On my cheekbones, he used the Brilliant Enhancer reminiscent of the YSL Touche Éclat. for lips, he used the Radiant Lip Liquid (I loved the way this felt – almost like a lip gloss).
The concealer is supposed to be super full coverage and long lasting. I think it will be perfect for carrying for touch-ups. I’ll make sure to give you an update once I’ve used it for a while.
He also let me try the new Blush La Rose from Saks. How cool is this? The product is in the petals, and you swirl your brush on the rose and then apply.
Here’s me and Millie after the makeover. Thank you, Millie! (To schedule your own appointment with Millie, you can email him at menelik_glover@s5a.com or call 804-320-6969.)
If you’ve been thinking about trying something out or if you’re running low on any of your favorites, now is the time to re-stock. For the full details on each brand’s gift with purchase, click here. (I think the Bobbi Brown one is super cute too).
You can probably tell my favorite shade to wear and decorate with is white. A while back I asked on Facebook what people would like to see on the blog and my friend Molly wanted tips for wearing winter white for messy people. I say, say go for whites that are washable. Silky tops and dry-clean only pants are tricky because I end up needing to dry clean them after almost every wear. My favorite pants are a pair from the Scandal collection that The Limited did a few years ago. Those ones are no longer sold (I with they were do you could get them – they’re sooo comfortable), but try to find lined pants that are machine washable. My other tip for wearing white is to take them to the dry cleaners and have the back pockets cut and sewn. It always bugged me when the pocked lining showed through until I learned this trick.
Here are a few of my favorite winter white looks:
This sweater by Nili Lotan is so, so pretty. I saw it on Gal Meets Glam and it looks SO soft.
And here’s how I do winter white:
When I worked at a Bare Minerals boutique in college, I had to clean about 40 brushes in a bathroom sink at the end of every shift. You’d have thought that would have made me really good at it. We had a special brush cleaner and when I worked there and got 50% off everything, I had one too. Now, I don’t buy special brush cleaners. Up until recently I was using a bottle of face cleanser that I didn’t like using on my face and sometimes Dr. Bronners.
I got the tip from Sparkle of Canvas The Salon at a beauty event I went to before the holidays to use coconut oil and Dawn and it works so much better than what I’d been doing. (side note: the beauty events at Canvas are underrated and amazing. The owner Jevata always has beauty lessons from experts, giveaways (I won a bracelet from Bebe and got a free OPI nail polish) and good snacks, If you’re in Richmond, go!)
What you need:
Coconut Oil (mine is from Trader Joe’s, but you can also get it here)
Dawn dish soap (I assume you can use any variety.)
Brush Cleansing Mat. I have this one from Amazon.
See that white brush on the left? Those are hard to get perfectly white because I usually use it with dark eyeshadows but this does the trick. This mat is the latest addition. It’s so great. Before, I was rubbing brushes into my hands to get them clean and breaking up the makeup and oil with my fingernails. This works so so so much better. There are tons of these out there, and I’m sure they all work pretty much about the same. This one has suction cups on the bottom that stick to the inside of sink so I don’t have to hold it, which is nice.
Scoop some coconut oil onto your brush cleansing mat and rub your dry maul brush into it. Rinse.
Squirt a dime-sized amount of Dawn onto the mat, and rub the wet brush into the mat.Rinse and repeat until the brush is completely clean.
I’ve heard that you shouldn’t set your brushes upright when they’re still dry because the water will seep down to the wooden handle and dissolve the glue that holds the brush together. I lay them out on a towel to dry.
PLANKrva hosted a class for Virginia Bloggers and we all got to try out their Lagree Fitness Method. Nine of us tried the class for the first time and then got to know the owners, Tanya and and Alison over veggie sushi and sparkling wine.
This is what we saw when we walked in. The studio is awesome.
There are 10 spaces in the class, so you’ll need to plan ahead and reserve a spot. Each person gets their own “Megaformer,” which is where you’ll spend the entire class. Tanya talked to us for a few minutes about what to expect from the class. She told us there would be modifications for every pose and that she’d walk us through everything. She also said the class would be really hard and that sometimes we’d feel like we wouldn’t stand to do a move any longer, but then at the end we’d be surprised it was over (This was so true).
She told us to grab the spring at the front of the machine and hook it onto the nob. There are two different resistance levels, and she tells you when to switch (I think we only switched once during this particular class).
We slid into a plank for the first part of the routine, and she walked us step by step through 5o minutes of planking, moving back and forth from the front to the back of the machine, doing pistol squats, using resistance bands, and ultimately finishing with ten minutes of stretching.
I really did love the workout and plan to go back. My typical workouts are yoga, hot yoga, barre and gymnastics (let me know if you want me to do a post about any of those). I found Lagree to be most similar to barre. Having some background in those moves definitely helped me in this class. There was no sweating, and I wasn’t reaching for my water bottle. It didn’t feel like an aerobic workout, but it was challenging. The music was awesome. I’m pretty sure I heard Nelly’s Ride Wit Me.
Here’s there pricing info:
Your first class is $20 and after that, classes are $29. They also do a package of 4 for 80 ($20 each). They also have a mini 30 minute class focused on just abs and arms for $15. Full price sheet here.
They’re offering 30% off of the 8 Class Pass to Tiramisu For Breakfast readers. The regular price is $144 and with discount its $100.80. This offer is only for the month of January (2017). Anyone interested should email the studio at plank@plankrva.com to get started.
Let me know if you have questions and thanks so much to these lovely ladies for hosting. Go see them soon! 
Deborah Lippman’s Naked is the perfect nude and Lady is a Tramp is such a pretty dark red.
Naked looks great on toes too – that’s what I’m currently wearing. I also like the look of either of these paired with white. This brand also has the best shimmer/glitter shades. Happy Birthday is good for the holidays and Mermaid’s Dream is a cool seafoam green with blue glitter.
Since going full-time with TFB Agency in April of this year, I’ve been doing work from home some days. I needed a space that was both comfortable and dedicated to business, so I did some re-organizing.
I got this silver tufted bench to use with my black round dining table. It was tough to sit at that table and work – there wasn’t enough room to spread out papers. So, switched it out for a West Elm Parson’s Desk and added a ghost chair. Here’s how it all turned out:
I also have another desk space across the room that you can see in the photo below.
I moved my Ikea Hovet Mirror to make room for it.
I would love to see photos of your workspace. Tweet them at me @christinamdick
2016 was a big year for Tiramisu For Breakfast and we’re so grateful to you all for being a part of it. This year, TFB became an official company and I had my first TV appearance and magazine feature. Here’s a summary of the year:
In January, I talked about my favorite products for Moisturizing dry skin. I still love these and have added some new things like First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream.
Also, my friend Jevata and I hosted our first Inspiration Party. We invited the women in our lives to get together and ideas, favorite books, goals and encouragement. It was amazing.
I also competed in a gymnastics meet with Liz from I Heart Vegetables and some other gymnast friends.
In February, I took over the Virginia Bloggers Instagram account for a week.
In March, R Home featured me and my home (and kitty) in this piece.
April was a big month for business. TFB Agency won it’s first award for an influencer campaign we worked on for ElementsBeautyShop.com. This was also, when TFB Agency officially launched with this piece in Richmond Biz Sense and picked up out first new clients, Patient First and James River Air.
In May, I joined Jessica Noll (check her out on Instagram: @Jessica.Noll) on CBS 6’s Virginia This Morning to talk about Summer Beauty. You can watch the full segment here. I also helped host a shopping event at J. Crew to benefit Massey Cancer Center and introduced you all to the brand, The Organic Pharmacy.
In August, Dermatologist Suzanne Peck shared her skincare tips with us in the first Tiramisu For Breakfast Live Facebook Interview. Check out part one and part two.
In September, I chatted with local PR queen Pryor Green about skincare and makeup tips for sensitive skin. (she shared some great stuff!) Also, Katlyn Pierre joined TFB as our first intern! She graduted in May (hire her!)
In October, I worked with CBS 6 again for a story about the Luke’s Diner Popup shops Netflix did across the country to promote the Gilmore Girls revival. Watch the clip here.
Also in October, Katlyn and I attended Style Weekly’s When Art Meets Fashion event at Saks to benefit the new Institute of Contemporary Art at VCU.
October was also the month my little brother got married. Him and his wife, Jennifer, got married at Bold Rock Cider in Nellysford, Virginia and everything was beautiful.
I talked about the inexpensive but fabulous dress I wore here.
I wrapped up the year with a gigantic gift guide that was hopefully helpful to all of you. Please let me know what fun things you’d like to see on the blog in 2017 in the comments!
My brother Davey and his wife Jennifer LOVE their dogs Ollie and Sam. When I met Sarah and learned about the custom designs she creates, I knew it would be the perfect gift to give them for their wedding.
About Huger Memories:
Interior Designer Sarah Gibson Wiley founded Huger Memories in 2012. She creates “memory art” in the form of embroidered pillows. Check out her feature here.
Photo by Beth Ferguson for R Home
Here’s how the process worked:
The hardest part of the whole process was getting a photo of the two dogs together. First, I went through my brother and his wife’s Facebook photos to find one. When I couldn’t find one there, I reached out and asked for a photo of the dogs (I lied and said my friend had dogs that looked just like them and I wanted to show her.) That didn’t work either, so I got my dad to help me get this one. (I never realized how hard it was to get a photo of two dogs together, specially when it seems like Kitty is always posing.
I sent the photos to Sarah in an email, crossing my fingers they’d work. She let me know they would, and also that I didn’t even have to have a photo of the dogs together. She could have taken two separate photos and worked them together. Also, the background of the photo doesn’t matter at all – she can make it into whatever you wan. (As lovely as that leather couch was in the photo I took, I didn’t want it on the design). So, if you’re thinking about getting one, don’t worry at all about the background.
After just a few days, Sarah sent back this proof. I sent it to my dad and cousin for approval, and then let her know it would be perfect.
Next, she sent me the version with the fabric sewn on. I let her know it was great and she worked on turning it into a pillow.
I visited Sarah in her beautiful home/shop to pick up the final product.
I loved this Iris Apfel design she had hanging in the shop.
I gave the pillow to Davey and Jenn at my Grandma’s 91st birthday dinner and everyone loved it.
The best part of the whole experience was that their reaction was even better than I expected.
In addition to family portraits, she also does family portraits, homes, interpretations of children’s drawings and wedding invitations.
These are a few of my favorite examples from her site.
Pricing:
You can get a pillow page of your home, pet, family or your child’s drawing for $225.
Sarah also offers “mini memories” in either 5X7 ($95) or 8X19 ($145) that can be framed.
Tea towels are $145.
Thanks to Sarah and Huger Memories for making this wedding gift so special!
If you’d like to purchase your own, orders are being accepted through 12/15. Give Sarah a call at804.304.8808 or email her at sarah@hugermemories.com
Let me know what you think in the comments!
I put together a gigantic list of holiday gifts I think you all will love. Please post your gift suggestions in the comments for all of us to see!
1. Bobbi Brown Shades For Days Lip Gloss Set | $49 | Nordstrom SO cute.
2. Perfume Sampler | $65 | Sephora Comes with samples and a gift certificate to exchange for a full-size version of your favorite.
3. BabyFoot | $25 | ElementsBeautyShop.com & Elements of Carytown (Save 10% with the code TIRAMISU) Fun stocking stuffer/family activity. Winter is the perfect time to use this because you’re wearing socks a lot.
4. REN V-Cense Night Cream | $55 | ElementsBeautyshop.com & Elements of Carytown (Save 10% with the code TIRAMISU) Frankincense = smells just like Christmas.
5. Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Naked | $18 | ElementsBeautyshop.com & Elements of Carytown (Save 10% with the code TIRAMISU) This is the perfect nude. Seen here. I always have a nail polish or two in my bag for when I get a manicure and I’ve been known to give them away if a friend likes the color so I’m on my 4th bottle of this.
6. Charter Club Two-Row Crystal Collar Necklace | $48.50 | Macys Seen here and here.
7. CZ Tennis Bracelet | $24 | Kohls
8. Christmas Bow Drop Earrings | $5 | Kohls
9. Glitter Earrings | $38 | Kate Spade I have these in multi color glitter and blue.
10. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Pearl | $41 | Ulta This is one of my all-time favorite beauty products. I also think its something you might nit pick up for yourself. I’ve gotten so much use out of it and have had it for a couple years. They also make a pressed version and mini kits.
11. Pearl Collar Necklace | $20 | Macys
12. Buxom Lip Gloss | $20 | Ulta This comes in so many shades and they’re all named after women. My favorites are Erin and Dolly. They have Samantha, Christina and about 40 other name options.
13. Lune + Aster Lip Gloss | $18 | Blue Mercury I picked Lune + Aster for the shade names too. I have Entrepreneur and PhD, but you can also get CEO, President, Editor-In-Chief and more.
14. Better Than Sex Mascara | $23 | Macys Hands down, 100% the best mascara ever.
15. Chronic Beauty Calendar | $22 | Lyme Warrior Each month features a different woman and her story of battling a chronic disease. Proceeds from the calendar are split among local charities that raise money to benefit the various conditions included.
16. Rich Bitch $15.99 | Local Bookstores (In Richmond, try Chop Suey and Fountain Books. I’ve found that you can call and ask them to order it for you if they don’t have it in stock.) This is my #1 lent-out book and I love it. My students also read it in class. The author Nicole Lapin is also great to follow on social media.
17. Overcoming Bias. On sale now for $8.98 at BKConnection.com. Support local author Tiffany Jana and work toward making the world a more kind and accepting place.
18. Magazine Subscriptions. I love this as a gift idea because it’s inexpensive and is spread throughout the whole year. I talk about my favorites here.
19. Minima Gift Certificate | Any amount | MinimaOnline.com This is probably my favorite thing on the list. I worked with Kristen, the owner, a couple years ago on closet organization and her help was invaluable. I think this would mean so much to someone who is overwhelmed and doesn’t do enough for themselves.
20. The Organic Pharmacy Discovery Set | $80 | ElementsBeautyShop.com & Elements of Carytown (Save 10% with the code TIRAMISU) This is the cutest little set and it’s also super luxurious. The carrot butter cleanser smells like lavender and is my absolute favorite.
21. Cashmere-Lined Leather Tech Gloves | $72 | Nordstrom I bought these a couple years ago and they’re great. I don’t know how they work with the smart phone screen because they don’t have a little patch on the index finger like I’ve seen on other tech gloves but they work perfectly. Mine are size 7.5 and I originally mentioned them here.
22. 32GB Phone USB Drive | $29.99 | Best Buy I bought a similar version on Black Friday and plan to set aside time to tranfser all my phone photos to free up space.
23. Apple Lighting to USB Cable (2M) | $29 | Apple You can never have too many phone charges/cords. They’re always getting misplaced and its good to have an extra. Plus, this one is longer which is nice.
24. 804ork Cookbook | $40 | Blunt Objects Features 21 local Richmond restaurants and 56 recipes, with 9 step-by-step “In the Kitchen” instructional breakdowns. Early Bird Biscuit Co. & Bakery, L’Opossum, Southbound, Pizza Tonight, Shoryuken Ramen, The Dog and Pig Show, Metzger Bar & Butchery are just a few of the featured restaurants.
25. Merry iPhone Charger | $9.95 | American Eagle Also available for Android.
26. Custom Pet Illustration | $11 | Fiverr Didn’t she do SUCH a good job on Kitty?
27. Gilligan O’Malley | $24.99 | Target I bought these Giselle version from Eberjey for about $100 and these are even better. These are perfect if you use self-tanner at night and don’t want to get it on your sheets. I also love the leopard version.
28. Cat Bed | $20 | Walmart Kitty is totally getting this.
29. Cosmetics bag | $104 | Kate Spade
These last few are perfect for hostess gifts.
30.Custom House Drawing My friend Hawley makes these. I got one for my dad two Christmases ago and he loved it. Message me if you want one and I can put you in touch.
31. Ornament Wine Marker And Tree $15.99 | Wayfair.com I bought this for my friend Liz (iheartvegetables) and had a hard time not keeping it for myself.
32. New Home Card | $7.95 | Papyrus (or Whole Foods) A lot of times people will hold loop their housewarming celebration into a holiday party and this card is perfect for congratulating friends on their big life move!
33. Gerard Bertrand Cote de Roses Rose | $15.99 | ShopWineDirect.com My friend Judi was buying this for her mom when I ran into her one day at Kroger and It thought it was the coolest. The bottom of the bottle is shaped like a rose. Super elegant – especially for the price.
34. Nest Fragrances Holiday Candle Trio Set | $60 | Blue Mercury I have a large version of the hearth candle and it’s the absolute best.
35. “Olivia Pope” Wine Glasses | $12.95 each | Crate and Barrel My little brother and his wife got these for me last Christmas and I love them.
Bonus Extra! Another perfect gift is a gift card to Kendra Scott. They just opened their first Richmond location over the summer in Short Pump Town Center. One of my favorite things about the boutiqe is the color bar. You can choose your stone, metal and shape to create your own custom piece of jewelry. I love the idea of getting this a as a gift for a sister, mom or best friend and taking them to the color bar to create a matching ring, necklace, bracelet or earrings. they also just started making nail polishes that match the jewelry!
Very cool to have Jade, a student from the first class I ever taught at VCU, back again to judge this semester’s presentations. Thank you, Jade!
I picked up the Savanna Sunglasses from Le Specs (on sale now at Zappos) from Monkees of Richmond (Have you been in there? It’s so cute.) Highly recommend!
My new favorite foundation is Bobbi Brown’s new cushion compact foundation. I have it in two shades: light-medium and medium (one for when I’m tan).
When I’m looking for foundation, I look for one that doesn’t feel thick or greasy. I like a “dewy” finish verses matte. I like pretty good coverage and I also gravitate toward department store brands verses drugstore. I’ve also noticed that lately a bunch of brands are coming out with foundations with high SPFs. I’m a huge fan of this. I will take all the extra SPF I can get. I wear the Obagi SPF 50 matte under this and it makes for the perfect base. No need for a fancy primer.
You might notice the funky little brush here too. It’s the O Wow Brush from ElementsBeautyShop.com (named by users for the awe-inspiring feel of the bristles and the airbrush effect, gives a streak-free, seamless makeup finish). It is THE best foundation brush. It’s SO soft and makes foundation go on super fast. The foundation comes with this little puff but I don’t like to use it at all. I press the brush into the cushion to pick up the product and glide it on. I carry it with me for touchups through out the day, along with this concealer.
Like several other Bobbi products, it pops out of it’s case for refills. So you pay $50 for the compact and the foundation the first time you buy it, and then only $35 to refill it. It’s Nordstrom exclusive, so you can only get it here.
Have you tried it? What did you think what’s your favorite foundation?
In no particular order…..
1.learning new things
2.how much my dad loves the GEICO gecko.
3.spray tans – an instant mood- booster
4.yoga
5.Playing peekaboo with my cat
6.gymnastics
7.wearing a gown
8.the prettiest dog I’ve ever seen
9.coconut la croix
10.the perfect manicure/pedicure shades
11.sliders – especially the tiny burgers at Pippin Hill (the view doesn’t hurt either)
12.musicals
13.listening to books on audible
14.Gilmore Girls
15.leopard print shoes (…and coats, and dresses and blouses and everything)
15.fancy skincare products
16.fancy candles
17.anything fancy
18.teaching at VCU
19.my bow shoes
20.shopping
21.emojis
22.social media
23.funny tweets
24.interspecies animal friendships
25.libraries
