Miss EmpowHer Blog

Summer Reading and The Cool Girl Summer Reading List

@yarashahidi It’s not a hot girl summer unless you read a book. We all know that reading makes us smarter, but did you know that reading actually makes you hotter? Summer reading doesn't just have to be reading dried-up books that your school assigns for summer break. Instead, all of the girlies out there should read what they want this summer so that they can truly seize the day. I don’t mean this in a preachy you-should-get-off-tik-tok-and-read-a-book-for-once type of way. (You can just hear your mother’s voice, can’t you?) I mean more so that reading is the best habit to get into because you connect with yourself in more ways than you realize, making it the best use of your downtime. Summer is the best time to read. School’s out. Your reading list is not being dictated by others for once. You’re not being told what to think. You can give your brain a break from the algebra, but you can enjoy reading for once without slogging through whatever great American novel that was definitely great but didn’t necessarily speak to you. So no more “Of Mice and Men.” Flip open the first book of the “Twilight” series. This way, you have something to look at while you’re sitting poolside, waiting for your sunscreen to soak in, or lounging out on the beach. In case you want ideas for what to read next, here are some ideas of where to find your next summer read: Find the reading list of your favorite celebrity. Did you know that Harry Styles based his song Watermelon Sugar on the book “In Watermelon Sugar” by Richard Broutigan? Or that Emma Corrin has their own Instagram page for books? Meanwhile, Reese Witherspoon has her own book club where you can get a sneak peek at what she’ll make an adaptation out of next. Read the book before the Netflix adaptation comes out. You want to watch The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime? The YA novel by Jenny Han was worth the read and I can attest. Ask your friends what their favorites are. You’ll get to know them better, have something to discuss, and probably form a deeper friendship. The bedrock of all friendship is shared experience after all Just pick up whatever book grabs your attention. Yes, you can judge a book by its cover in this case. Pick up that book that looks like it was made for you. And, finally… If you don’t want to get off TikTok, #Booktok has all you need in terms of what you should read. The important thing is that you create a reading list of whatever you want to read. The best part about summer reading is that it comes without shame. You don’t have to plow through every book on your bedside table by reading a book a day. Take two weeks to idly thumb through a book if you feel like it. You don’t have to drudge through a merciless book with earth-shattering ideas about life. You can read the frivolous, fun book that you read for entertainment purposes. Then, when you’re done, write down your “cool girl summer reading list” to keep track of every summer. No matter what you read, just make sure you read. Have fun at your local bookstore this summer!

Skincare and Selfcare: How Skincare Promotes Better Mental Health

@mypaleskinblog Skincare routines aren’t just good for your looks. They’re good for so much more. Here’s why: It’s relaxing It should seem a bit obvious, but massaging creams and serums into your face relaxes you. It’s a stress-free activity that allows you to turn off your brain and wind down for the night, preparing you to go to bed with ease. Tip: Wash your face responsibly! Over-washing your face can result in wearing away of the natural barrier of your skin, so it’s best to wash your face once–at most twice–a day, preferably at the end of the day when your skin is the grimiest. Skincare creates a routine and routine equals stability It’s true that routines, even minor ones, help make people feel more stable and comfortable in their day-to-day lives. People who have far less structure and no routine are more likely to suffer from mental health afflictions. By committing yourself to a daily skincare regimen, even one that takes only a few minutes, you’ve formed a healthy habit that improves your mental state bit-by-bit and day-by-day. Tip: If you wash your face and your skin feels tight afterwards then that means that your skin is sensitive and should only be washed once a day. Doing something nice for yourself can quell anxiety It’s a simple truth: focusing on yourself can reduce feelings of anxiety. For some people it’s journaling, exercising, meditating, or all of the above, but another quick way is taking care of your skin during a daily face session. Tip: Wear at least a tablespoon of sunscreen everyday and apply it generously to your neck and chest too. Sun damage is the number one cause of wrinkles. It can make you feel closer to those around you Face masks are a fun group activity with your friends, but it also can go a long way towards bringing you closer to them. If you participate in skincare and self-care with people you care about, you increase your happiness levels. Tip: Apply moisturizer within three minutes of showering or washing your face. Your pores will not have “closed” yet and the moisturizer is more effective. Treating your skin can actually release chemicals to your brain By taking care of your skin, you release chemicals that are beneficial to your brain, giving you a mental boost.

Rethink The Way That You View Your Crybaby Tears: Advice for Women Who Feel Like They Cry Too Much

@bellahadid It’s an integral part of girlhood: being teased for crying too much. You’ve probably even been made fun of for “crying over nothing,” or “being a baby,” as a child, but what about when you’re an adult woman and still feel too sensitive? Your feelings are hurt and the tears start streaming down your face, but you’re no longer a kid on a playground. You’re an adult in an adult situation, though hopefully you’re not crying while in a boardroom. Whenever my feelings are hurt or someone raises their voice to me, the tears start to prick my eyes, making me feel like a little girl again. I was always told that I’d grow out of it, but I didn’t grow out of it as much as I had hoped that I would. I still feel overly-sensitive, with tears pricking my eyes as a minor inconvenience suddenly feels insurmountable. During an argument or serious discussion, I frequently get upset with myself if I cry and can’t carry on the conversation. I feel like I’ve lost the argument and given the other person the satisfaction. I feel like I am adding to the stereotype of women being too emotional. All of this just adds to my already overwhelmed and complex emotional state, but I’m starting to get over that now. Let’s clear up a few things: Crying is a perfectly legitimate and commonplace response to stress. While stress might manifest itself differently in some people, crying comes across as being a fairly harmless stress response and way of expressing emotion, especially in comparison to other, more harmful ways of expressing anger and disappointment. Whenever you feel the tears coming on, do the following: Take a deep breath It’s cliched advice but advice that works. Give yourself a second to calm down. You’re doing it for yourself, not the person right in front of you. Once you’ve taken your deep breath, concentrate on the problem right in front of you, and think rationally. Step away from whoever is yelling/making you cry Remind yourself that you don’t deserve to be yelled at or made to feel upset. Oftentimes, the argument is not worth standing there and taking it. Ask yourself how important the person even is, because oftentimes, you’re being pushed around by someone you shouldn’t even be giving the time of day to. If the discussion is worth it, stay and fight your corner. Otherwise, feel free to just move on. Just accept whatever tears may fall and don’t let anyone bully you for crying If someone teases you for crying, don’t let it get to you. Don’t let anyone bully you, especially if they made you cry in the first place. It’s part of being forgiving towards yourself. Understand that crying does not make you weak As Charlotte Bronte said in Jane Eyre, “Crying does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive.” There’s no arguing with Charlotte Brontë. She’s right on this point. Maintain your composure as best you can and don’t be too hard on yourself if and when you cry. Remember that crying is not that big of a deal and you can handle the situation.

5 Ways to Manage (and Maximize) Your Summer

@yvonnevictoria Summer has arrived. It’s time for beach vacations, creating a summer playlist, and enjoying the weather (or hating the heat). Some of us have a lot to balance, while others of us are trying to find ways to fill up the time. Here are some ways to make the most of this summer. 1. Spend time on a hobby or project Even if you don’t have a lot of free time in your day, spending just a few minutes on a hobby makes you feel a lot better. And if you don’t have a hobby yet, it’s always a good idea to try new things and get out of your comfort zone. You might even find a resumé-builder. 2. Take a social media break Doomscrolling or procrastinating on a random rabbithole can be tempting, but sometimes you don’t even realize how much that is affecting you until you take a breather. Give a social media break a try, and you might be surprised to see how much calmer you feel. 3. Go outdoors The weather might be warm (or almost unbearably hot for some) but there’s still lots to do being outside. If you’re able, go to the beach or have a picnic. You could even just sit outside while doing a hobby and soak in some Vitamin D. 4. Meet up with friends On a similar note, set up a time to meet up with your friends! Hopefully isn’t a summer-only occurrence, but summer is a great time to take out some time to hang out, especially outside. 5. Use a planner/calendar This can be a life saver if you’re busy. Keeping track of appointments and time blocking on with an app like Google Calendar can make a huge difference in figuring out how to spend your time!

Woman in a bathing suit sitting on an outdoor couch.

Mental Wealth: Tips For Improving Your Mental Health

Women. We are bosses and leaders of the world. We are mothers, sisters, friends, and overall superheroes. We take on a lot of high power roles, however, ladies, we sometimes forget the most important of them all which is being a friend to ourselves. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I’ve compiled a list of 5 things we can do to stay grounded and take better care of ourselves as we continue to make the world go ‘round! 1. Incorporate Genuine Self Care Days Into Your Schedule Tip: Do away with all distractions that add to your relaxation! 2. Dedicate Some time Everyday To Talk To Yourself Out Loud Tip: It may seem weird at first but hearing your thoughts can put your mind at ease! 3. Create A Playlist Of Feel Good Songs Tip: Choose the songs that make you feel safe! 4. Grab Your Favorite Food and Watch Your Favorite Movie Tip: Even if the movie makes you cry, sometimes that’s all we need! 5. Call or Hang Out With Your Favorite Person Tip: Slow down and enjoy the genuine people in your life! Mental health is a very fluid concept that may never be perfected or completely understood–it looks and feels vastly different for everyone. The path may feel lonely and sometimes almost unbearable but remember you have your fellow women and, most importantly, yourself to lean on.

Not Close Enough to the Job of my Dreams

About two months ago I applied for a position at a top media company, thinking nothing would come from it. In fact I almost didn’t apply. I didn’t think I was what they were looking for, but I applied because of how great the position was. It was based in New York, I would be working with a lot of people in the field and would have learned a lot. I clicked summit and tried to forget about it, but that was hard to do because of how much I wanted it. I reached out to someone in the company in the position I applied for and talked to them before I heard back. I wanted to learn more about the position and try to get a feel of what I could do now if I had to reapply. I talked to them and felt great about where I was and I heard back from the company a few days later. I made it to the first round of the interview. This was a huge deal for me considering it was my first job interview and the first time I have heard back from someone. I prepared for the interview as best as I could by using as many resources as I could. I went into the interview really nervous but I got through it. I felt good about it, sure I could have done better on some questions but overall for a first interview I would say it went well. I heard back from them about a week later. I made it to the final round of the interview! I was really happy and excited when I received the email. I prepared for the next interview as best as I could. Went in and did the best I could. I remember feeling super nervous and hoping I would get the position. I left the interview feeling good about it. Unfortunately I was not a good fit. I was upset about it. I was really looking forward to all the job entailed, but I didn’t let it ruin my day. I took this as a learning opportunity. I learned so much about the interview prossero and what kind of questions to expect. I learned the importance of reaching out to people and how networking isn’t as scary as it seems. I’m not sure if I will reapply for the position, but I know that I learned a lot. It's a terrible feeling being so close to getting a job but not getting it. It makes me wonder if it would hurt less if I wasn’t so close to it. Would it make it easier moving forward? I’m not sure but I don't regret it. What I got from this experience I can take anywhere I go.

Stop the Comparison

Sometimes I accomplish great things, yet it feels like it is not enough. It feels like there is something more I could have done no matter how hard I work. I could have put more time into something, more thought into it, or gone beyond what was expected of me. My thoughts were filled with could have or should have, and I realized that those thoughts are rooted in comparing myself to others or even my past self. We all hear that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others, but that is easier said than done. It is challenging to do something without looking at others and comparing. “She is a better writer than I will ever be.” “Her hair is much nicer than mine.” It comes to us so easily, but we know it is wrong. I constantly hear that comparison is the thief of joy and things along the line, which is so true. So how do we stop something that comes to us so easily? The biggest thing that has helped me is to acknowledge the other's talents, skills or whatever I may compare to myself without bringing myself down. Instead of thinking she is a better writer, simply change it to she is a great writer, what can I learn from her. She has great hair, but so do I. The thing about comparing is that by doing so we are putting ourselves down, which isn’t good for our confidence. I don't stop and think about my accomplishments, but I do stop and think about “my failures” when comparing myself to others. One of the first steps to confidence is to stop those thoughts and start acknowledging our talent, skills, and beauty.

Redefining My Perspective on Body image

As I scroll through TikTok, I see many different genres of videos fill my feed. From dances to career advice, I found myself endlessly scrolling. It took a while for me to realize that the majority of my feed showed the same standard of beauty in western culture. I would find myself comparing myself to the standard and feel uncomfortable when I am in social settings. After months of scrolling on TikTok, I stumbled onto an account that expressed body positivity for all body types. Emily (@imnotbunny on TikTok) shares her own struggles with negative body image and now has created a big community for confidence and self esteem boosts. After finding her page, I began to find more diverse accounts to follow. Seeing these TikTokers embrace their bodies and radient confidence, it made me more comfortable and secure in myself. They all reference similar messages and put them in a captivating way, making peak self-love more achievable. https://www.tiktok.com/@imnotbunny/video/6941451404452039942?_t=8Ra4cycPfOU&_r=1 Humans are naturally social so comparison is common. Social media platforms can trap you into comparing your life to others and question aspects about it. It’s so easy to forget that social media is only a highlight of other people’s lives, we don’t usually see their struggles. We become angry with ourselves for “not being good enough,” when we compare too much. Now, with access to celebrities lives and their routines to fit the beauty standard, we easily think “I wish I could do things like them.” If you don’t address the feelings that come with comparisons, it can affect your mental health. To stop comparing yourself to others, you have to train your mind to step away from negative comparisons. Boost your confidence by listing situations that make you sad and avoid or take a long break from them. Social media, being one of them, is best used in moderation. Being on social media for too long, especially when looking at lifestyle content, can lower self-esteem. Social media can keep us up to date on current events, family and friends, and raise awareness. Unfollow accounts that cause you to compare yourself to others and use your phone for a certain time, that can help with creating time for yourself. https://www.tiktok.com/@jengtaugan/video/7033219372478975259?_t=8Ra5Ri0MBKN&_r=1 Building confidence in yourself is based on many factors. Despite what social media shows, building confidence takes a lot of hard work. Patience is essential for the journey, respect timing and know you are just as strong when your feeling down- it’s really rewarding. Where theres good there will always be bad. There are many types of critics that exist, ones that can even be close in your life. People usually insult others because they feel insecure or don’t understand different points of view. When someone tries to bring you down, think “what does their opinion mean to me?” You are the main character of your life, If you still want to be pretty active on social media, take a look at the social media accounts you follow and the content that you constantly consume. Frequently showing yourself bodies that don’t look like you will make you take longer to feel confident and comfortable with yourself. Find people and content that look like you and different from the typical standard you grew up seeing. The more bodies that you see that look like you, the more confidence and love you will feel for yourself. All bodies are different and beautiful, seeing that will lead to unconditional love. https://www.tiktok.com/@juleskassel/video/7077354006443740462?_t=8Ra32JKEco6&_r=1 Try to practice these exercises every day, you’ll begin to notice your self-love and confidence skyrocket.

6 Instagram Accounts to Follow For Daily Inspiration

Sometimes, it can feel like our social media feeds get caught up in a cycle of negativity. However, scrolling and seeing one bit of good news or a motivational quote can completely change the trajectory of our day. Here are 6 Instagram accounts that you can count on to inspire you and help you feel your best. 1. @missempowher: @missempowher is a women empowerment brand committed to helping women of all shades and shapes feel confident and empowered. @missempowher’s page features posts on self growth, career development, and general life advice for young women. Miss EmpowHer also sells waist beads made by women in Ghana. To check out Miss EmpowHer’s waist beads and learn more about their brand, visit www.missempowher.com 2. @ohhappydani: @ohhappydani’s bio says “Helping you do good daily through art & words about faith, hope, and justice”, and her account does just that. Run by Danielle Coke, @ohhappydani posts an array of quotes, mantras, and more. She also highlights people (especially women) doing good in the world, such as a hair stylist who uses hair clippings to clean up oil spills and a high school senior who’s helping her classmates become politically engaged. Danielle also sells stickers, prints, and more at her website www.ohhappydani.com/friends/. 3. @rachel_e_lettering: @rachel_e_lettering posts motivational quotes that are turned into pieces of art. Rachel Eck, who runs @rachel_e_lettering, uses her artistic talent to create beautiful Instagram posts with inspirational quotes and sayings. Better yet, each post comes in multiple versions with different colors, so you can always find one that suits your style. Rachel sells prints of her work on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/rachelelettering/ 4. @upworthy: @upworthy is dedicated to “delivering you the best of humanity every day” through funny, heartwarming and encouraging posts. From pictures of puppies to hilarious quotes from toddlers to stories of first-generation college students, @upworthy has something to make everyone smile. 5. @selfcarewithwall: @selfcarewithwall is exactly what it sounds like: an account that posts advice on how to be your best self that’s displayed on walls (along with other unusual mediums like cups, trucks, and more). The quotes featured are so powerful, someone decided to paint them on a wall, and @selfcarewithwall is helping to share them with the world. 6. @goodnews_movement: @goodnews_movement is a journalist-run page that shares only the good news occuring in the world. @goodnews_movement provides a platform for all the positive things that the typical news usually overlooks. If all news outlets shared the stories that @goodnews_movement does, we would be a bit happier. Hopefully, at least one of these Instagram accounts resonate with you and add positivity and motivation to your day.

7 Songs To Add To Your Workout Playlist

@beyonce For me, hitting the gym at the end of the day is one of my highlights. I get to sweat off all of the stress from assignments, exams, and running late to class (quite literally). However, spring is here and, if you’re anything like me, you’re preparing your summer body. What better way to stay motivated by adding 7 new songs to your workout playlist? By listening to the powerful voices of these women, you are sure to feel a sense of introspection, confidence, and freedom. All of which will help you not only achieve your goal but have you leaving the gym feeling like a new woman! Hard White by Nicki Minaj My Power by Beyonce Hungry Hippo by Tierra Whack We Go Up by Nicki Minaj I Like Dat by Kehlani Consideration by Rihanna & SZA Megan Monday Freestyle by Megan Thee Stallion

How Savage X Fenty Helped Miss EmpowHer Empower Women

Rihanna is inspiring the next generation of Black Women Entrepreneurs. @badgalriri When Rihanna launched Savage x Fenty, I was inspired. Like me, Rihanna does not have a background in business, and she does not fit the typical profile of an entrepreneur that is often celebrated in the media. Even though less than 1% of black women receive venture capital funding, Rihanna defied the odds, secured venture capital funding, and hired some of the best talents in the world to launch one of the most disruptive brands of the 21st century. Her entrepreneurial journey has inspired many Black women like me to start their entrepreneurial journeys. I knew the world was changing after watching Rihanna launch Savage x Fenty, a lingerie brand that celebrates fearless, confidence, and inclusivity. A direct challenge to the prominent legacy lingerie brand of the time that built its empire on exclusivity. @missempowher @looksattached The success of Savage X Fenty showed me that there would be opportunities for women that looked like me. I just needed to look for people willing to invest in me, support my vision, and help me turn my dreams into a reality. Most importantly, Rihanna's courage to launch Savage x Fenty helped me overcome my feelings of imposter syndrome because I realized that no one is you, and that is your power. Different people have similar ideas at the surface, but no one can execute them like you, and no one can turn those ideas into reality as you can. After a few months of building my confidence and entrepreneurship courses, I launched Miss EmpowHer, my women empowerment brand dedicated to helping women of all shades and shapes feel confident and empowered. @missempowher @looksattached Watching Savage x Fenty evolve over the years has also challenged me to ask myself questions like: How can Miss EmpowHer be better? How can we better connect with our audience and deliver a brand experience that resonates with them? One of how I challenged myself was through partnership opportunities. We recently partnered with a digital magazine, Looks Attached, to celebrate confidence, inclusivity, and women empowerment in their latest room, "UNAPOLOGETIC.” The Savage X Fenty team even supported our creative vision by sending our team lingerie for the photoshoot campaign. @missempowher @looksattached Miss EmpowHer would not exist without Rihanna launching Savage x Fenty. Rihanna’s success and visibility represent the importance of representation in the entrepreneurial community and media. It inspires Gen-Z entrepreneurs like myself. I’m grateful that young women will grow up with the confidence to start their entrepreneurship journey because they'll be able to see entrepreneurial journeys like Rihanna’s and mine being told in the media.

10 Instagram Accounts To Follow To Become “THAT GIRL”

I wanted to use social media as a vehicle to help me become the best version of myself rather than destroy my mental health.