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#WednesdayWisdom
"dear self, you can stop settling now. you're worth more." — alex elle
Morning Musings
Last month, I had the honor and pleasure of interviewing Alicia Garza for ZORA. That's right, one of the co-founders of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Cue my enthusiasm. And then...the impostor syndrome.
After my editor (hi, Christina!), assigned the story I immediately geeked out. OF COURSE I wanted to interview the woman responsible for one of the most important movements of our time. But I was also intimidated.
I've interviewed celebrities before for various publications. And I've been a journalist in some fashion or another for going on 12 years or, if you count my student journalist days, nearly 18 years. Almost TWO decades. I have the receipts, the awards, the accolades.
And yet...I doubted myself and my skills. It's been a minute since I sat in a newsroom, could I still do this? I'm not as "woke" as some of my peers, would I ask the right questions? I didn't study intersectional feminism in college, are you sure I'm qualified to write this piece? If we're being honest, I also felt a lot was at stake here. I felt a tremendous responsibility to get her story right, to do it justice.
Thankfully, my friends Anuli and Chasity talked me off the ledge and reminded me that I'm 100% that (writer) bitch. It's not the first, nor will it be the last time they talk some much needed sense into me. And, tbh, if you don't have friends that will do the same, then you need a new crew, boo.
The day the Alicia Garza interview went live, they were among the first to share. And when they complimented me, I texted "Good to know I've still got it." Chasity, in all caps, responded "AND YOU AIN'T LOST IT."Â
Behind every successful woman is a group text hyping her up. Thank you to these women. I'd truly be lost without you.
Love,
L'Oreal
Cool Opps
Dec. 15:Â Slow Down Sundays at Ace Hotel. Join my friend Taylor Morrison of the Inner Workout to get your mind and soul right before the holidays.
Dec. 15: Brunch with a Vision. My friend and colleague Ari B. is launching her new brand with a 2020 vision board party and brunch.
Links I Love
1. Bey is Back. Not that she ever left, but Queen 'Yonce, First of Her Name, graced us with a social media-inspired Q&A in the new issue of ELLE. Plus, she announced IVY PARK is dropping Jan. 18. Get your coins and your loins ready.
2. Why Kids Invent Imaginary Friends. I'd been waiting for someone to write a story about imaginary friends and The Atlantic did not disappoint. True story, I had an imaginary name friend names Charlie when I was younger. I shipped away to San Francisco to drive trolleys once my sister was born. I hope he's doing well wherever he is now...
3. The Case for Not Checking Email During Vacation. If your company can't run without you, then we have bigger problems at play, my friend. Set that OOO and fuggedaboutit. The job and to-do list will be there when you get back.
LT in the City Reader Survey
Okay, friends. It's coming up on three years since we launched this thing and I've gotta know what's on your mind. What do you like? What don't you like? What do you want more of? What do you want less of?
Take this survey and tell me what you want, what you really, really want. This newsletter is only as good as the feedback you give, so bring it on. One lucky person will win a $25 Starbucks gift card. Thank you in advance!!
My Latest Obsession
So, this isn't my latest obsession as much as it's a recently revived obsession. Last week, while in Atlanta, I indulged in Hattie B's for only the third time in my life. I was first introduced to the Nashville hot chicken last year during a Fourth of July trip.
But when I learned a location had opened in ATL, I met my friend, little sister and fave former intern (hi, Najja!) for dinner before my flight. Now the chicken is great, yes. Their sandwich ranks among my top five (sorry, Popeye's). But the peach cobbler? Now that's where the magic is. It tastes like someone's grandmother made it -- simple Southern deliciousness.
Now Hiring
Administrative Assistant to the Director at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black CultureÂ
Copy Editor for VICE News
Assistant Project Administrator for Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Director of Alumni Affairs for Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund
Vice President, Strategy and Growth for Propper Daley
Executive Director for Advocates for Urban Agriculture
Product Director, Growth for The Muse
Assistant Politics and Policy Editor for Texas Monthly
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