💜
Many of my friends have small businesses, so as I laid out in a previous post, I will be sharing links to their websites for those of you who want to support a single Mom who is now struggling, an artist who shouldn’t have to close up shop, etc. I want everyone to know that I stand with them because I only get paid for the work I do; my income isn’t guaranteed, so I fall under Freelance Independent Contractor status. Unlike most people, I don’t qualify for a stimulus check. I found out this afternoon, after I filed my return. Since I don’t owe anything and they’re not issuing me much needed funds, I refuse to mail the return in. Yeah, I MAJORLY pissed. However, I’m determined to do what I can to help others in this difficult time. I’ll live, but I’m not happy about it.

Let’s encourage each other, be supportive, and do what we can. I have many talented friends and individuals who would appreciate every penny, nickel, dime, and dollar. Many of these people also donate portions of their yearly proceeds to charity, just so you know.

❤

This dose of shameless support is for Leslie Blodgett. Her book, #PrettyGoodAdvice hits shelves April 7th. Pre-order now at your favorite online retailer or you can use this link for a copy from Amazon: Pretty Good Advice book

Called the “Queen of Beauty” and the most influential singular woman to impact the beauty industry by the New York Times, you’ve never met anyone like Leslie Blodgett. Not only does she do the splits on boardroom tables, as CEO and creator of bareMinerals, Leslie pioneered the original power of community (before the idea of social media existed)—reinventing how beauty was sold.

Her warmth, empathy, and authentic bond with her global community of fans, along with her unconventional approach, set a new standard that continues to shape the beauty business today.  In 2006, Leslie took the company public in one of the largest cosmetic IPOs of the decade, and in 2010, the company was acquired for $1.8 billion.

Pretty Good Advice is Leslie’s next chapter. This refreshing book features 97 candid and entertaining insights on business, life, and beauty. Everything in this book is honest, all tried (and sometimes failed) by Leslie. Personal and often surprising, Leslie dishes on leading with humor, and why, “You owe it to your co-workers not to be boring.” Pretty Good Advice is full of frank, actionable advice to help light a fire under you.

Leslie is a beauty industry pioneer, angel investor, startup advisor, and philanthropist. For her efforts in reshaping the beauty industry, Leslie was recognized as one of the “Top Entrepreneurs of the Decade: 2000-2009” by Inc. Magazine, was named the first female recipient of the “Visionary of the Year Award” by Women’s Wear Daily, and received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the Fashion Institute of Technology. Leslie is a 2018 Stanford DCI Fellow and Humor Ambassador for the Stanford GSB program.

~Leslie created bareMinerals, a company many women are familiar with. She was a regular face on QVC for YEARS, and her original products are still the core of the company. You can find the products almost everywhere (Sephora, Ulta, etc.).

Since leaving bareMinerals, she has traveled, went back to school, became a Grandmother, and is now sharing her expertise with the world. Down to earth and kind, she’s opened so many doors for others in the beauty industry. I still recommend bareMinerals to people who’ve never worn makeup and want to try something, “subtle”.

Leslie had to cancel her 22 city book tour in light of current events, so I’m happy to be one of the people who tell you that you should pick it up. As one of #LesliesAngels, she sent me the coolest t-shirt and a stack of promo cards that, without a tour, saddens me. I so looked forward to catching up with her, despite her up-to-date social media posts and e-mails. She’s currently doing Zoom chats for the group. 🙂

I’ll keep featuring people, even if we aren’t close, because women should support other women.

**Side note: I might be thrilled for you and silently supportive of a new business venture, but I do have contracts and sponsorships that require me NOT to promote for a competitor. I also WON’T put my stamp of approval on anything I haven’t personally used or tested in terms of makeup or skincare. So if you’re selling something and have wondered why I am not visibly showing you support, that’s the reason. I can’t afford to burn professional bridges.