We Have Decided To Make a New But Exciting Change at Yummiewear...
Dear Yummiewear fans and customers,
One of the biggest challenges that my sister Martina and I face with Yummiewear today is that we have had to put a hold on attending in-person markets and expos during this pandemic. First, it was due to the shutdown of the economy, but now with things slowly reopening it is by choice. We each have a high risk loved one at home and no matter how much we love and need to interact in person with our customers, the stakes are still too high for us to be in high traffic environments. Not going to events has changed and will continue to change how we meet, engage and interact with many of Yummiewear's customers that we would have previously met in the flesh. To put it into perspective, to us in-person markets have been synonymous with having a pseudo retail space of our own.
Given this new reality, we have been forced like many entrepreneurs to become even more nimble and creative, and our reliance on the online space and social media has never been greater than before. Fortunately, we are no strangers in this space and it has also been one of the most rewarding and challenging areas in which to work. Success in this realm however calls for agility, and below is how we plan to further adapt to offer you more variety in the most efficient and special way.
What is going to change?
Simply put, since we will be attending less in-person markets for the unforeseeable future and as we plan to focus more resources and energy in the online space, we will be holding less stock and inventory and switching our efforts to a made to order model.
How will this benefit Yummiewear Customers?
This will allow us to offer our customers more shirt styles while also making more designs available. We have already been implementing the new model with many of our newer designs. It has resulted in us being able to offer up to 4 style shirts for each design (in various colors too) and being able to introduce new designs every two weeks. We want to have something for every Yummiewear fan!
The made-to-order model will also enable us to get our customers and fans more involved in each design. We are already planning to schedule a virtual pop up in the next couple of months where our customers and fans share with us their design ideas and we make them a reality!
There will also be some residual benefits that will come out of this new change. For instance, with less travel and inventory we hope to decrease our carbon footprint and reduce waste by only producing an inventory that we need.
Are there any other changes to be aware of?
Like with any choice there is an opportunity cost. The made to order model will yield slightly higher turnaround times of about 8-10 days for printing production, and as our print partners adjust to new capacity norms that enable the safety of employees, we may run into some additional delays along the way. However, our customers thus far have been incredibly understanding with everything this pandemic has brought our way. The excitement of new designs, and having something to look forward to has proven to overshadow any longer turnaround times as our weekly online sales have nearly tripled during this time.
Final Words
We would just like to say that this new transition is incredibly exciting for the two of us. We have always dreamed of being able to create designs on a weekly and bi-weekly basis, but until now our priorities have not enabled this concept to be a realistic opportunity. We feel that Yummiewear’s made to order products will keep “hungry” Yummiewear fans full and happy more readily.
We thank all of you so much for your continued support and we look forward to wowing you!
Shop the Yummiewear Collection.
What is Juneteenth?
“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedman are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere” - Headquarters District of Texas, Galveston General Orders No. 3.
Today, June 19th is known as Juneteeth.
Juneteenth is the oldest national holiday to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States. It originated on June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger and thousands of troops arrived at Galveston Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and to issue an order to the state of Texas that slavery had ended.
However, the emancipation proclamation had been signed nearly two and a half years earlier on January 1, 1863. This meant General Granger's order was issued late. Further, the emancipation proclamation didn't free all slaves. It only freed slaves from former confederate states. It wasn't until the ramification of the 13th amendment on December 6th, 1865 that slaves in bordering states were also freed.
Celebrations have included a picnic, rodeos, singing, playing games, reading the emancipation proclamation, and historical reenactments among other activities.
Today is also a day for us to continue to educate ourselves and share our knowledge with others.
International Sushi Day 2020 is Here! But, Wait What Does That Mean?
When is International Sushi Day?
International Sushi Day falls on June 18th. This year it's on a Thursday!
How did international sushi day start?
International Sushi Day started as a way to promote sushi and to get more people to try it.
Who invented sushi and where did they originate?
This dish is typically viewed as a Japanese, but it actually originates in Southeastern Asia under the name narezushi. This dish is actually more of a preservation process and it involves salted fish being preserved in fermented rice. The rice would then be discarded and the fish would be consumed.
The sushi that we are more used to now, originated between 1600 and 1800 in Tokyo, and this dish involved fresh fish served over fermented rice. This technique was said to be perfected by chef Hanaya Yohei in 1824.
Here at Yummiewear, we are sushi lovers, and many of our fans and customers are too! To celebrate International Sushi Day, we are launching a line of sushi inspired tees and tanks. Get a sneak peek below as we draw up some delicious rolls!
Black Lives Matter, Period.
Black lives matter, period.
All lives matter is not the answer to Black Lives Matter. Not all lives are in danger, but the lives of black Americans are. This is why Black Lives Matter.
An African American is 3 times more likely to die at the hands of a police officer, and the disparities run even further and deeper. Take for instance, that even during this ongoing Pandemic, black Americans have an increased chance of suffering and dying from COVID-19.
These facts alone point to long and deep-rooted inequalities within our system and society, which put African Americans at a perilous disadvantage when it comes to just safety and health. These facts alone also reveal that we have been okay with allowing an entire community of people to fall and to continue to fall.
So when you hear the words "Black Lives Matter", it's because our actions as a society have not always shown that they have mattered.
It is up to each and every one of us to change this, and it starts with listening, understanding, educating ourselves, sharing knowledge and information, and fighting for change.
At Yummiewear, we have always made it our goal to make our actions, words, and products inclusive of every community and we will continue to do so. We strive to bring people together through their love of foods and junk foods, and we use art and t-shirts as a channel to do so.
We will continue to educate ourselves and we will be sharing useful and helpful knowledge and resources on how we can all become a part of change here on our blog.
5 Donut Questions Answered on 2020 National Donut Day + A Special Treat
When is National Donut Day?
Today, June 5th is National Donut Day. Woo!
Where did national donut day come from?
National Donut Day was a fundraiser started by Chicago's The Salvation Army in 1938. It had two goals. First, it was intended to raise money for those in need during the Great Depression, and second, it was created to honor "Doughnut Girls" or The Salvation Army Lassies of World War II. These gals served up donuts and treats to soldiers.
Who invented donuts and where did they originate?
The Dutch introduced and brought donuts with them to New York upon settling there. However, their donuts did not have the traditional hole in the middle that we are so used to.
When it comes to the hole in the center of the donut, there are two theories. One, an American by the name of Hanson Gregory claimed to have invented donut with a hole aboard a ship in 1947. He claims to have punched a hole using a round tin and later taught the technique to his mother. And two, the wife of Baron Thomas Dimsdale came up with a "dow nut" hole recipe which was later found in her recipe book from circa 1800.
How are donuts made?
Donut dough is mixed, shaped, and dropped into a fryer with hot oil. The final product is then glazed.
Where can I get a free donut today?
Head over to your local Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme to score a FREE donut today!
Special Treat
Now for our special treat! We have created a "Donut Kill My Vibe" tee and tank to celebrate your love of donuts! Head over to our store and take a peek here.
5 Hilariously Funny Food Memes and Quotes of 2020 To Get Your Mind Off Things
These days we can all use a good laugh or pick me up...
At Yummiewear, we love showcasing funny food memes or quotes on or Instagram, and we love seeing how our fans respond. There's nothing like getting our fans pumped about their favorite comfort foods than a great quote about food. With that said, we have decided to compile a list of 5 of our best food memes this year. These memes have been shared many times over and our fans haven't held back their enthusiasm in the comments. So without further adieu, we'll start the list and with our the winning post (if you'd like to sneak a peek just scroll down but don't miss out on the others).
1. TG for potatoes and their versatility!
2. Hashtags will never be the same after this.
3. Staying healthy has never tasted so good.
4. Who knew your phone number was more than just a way to reach you.
5. And the winner is...
There you have it! Which was your favorite?
These are the food memes that earned the most chuckles and feedback. Feel free to screenshot and share them on your own Instagram, and if you are craving some comfort foods make sure to head over to our shop for some delicious food themed tees and tanks.
New Product Just In! And It's Digital...
Ok, let's get digital for a minute. We are happy to announce that Yummiewear gift cards are now available in our store. If you wish to share our delicious Yummiewear experience with friends and family, but you are not sure what tops and t-shirts they may like, our gift cards are the way to go. Simply purchase based on a gift card amount and we'll send out an e-card via email.
We all need a little extra TLC right now, and a super soft t-shirt or top may just be the kind of comfort a friend needs. Get a Yummiewear gift card today!
Yummiewear Tops Are So Soft You Won't Want To Take Them Off (But You'll Have to On Laundry Day)
If we had a dollar for each time someone just touches our tees and says: " Oh wow, I can't believe how soft this shirt is...", we would be able to buy a chocolate fondue fountain that pours out endless amounts of chocolate while also dispensing all you can eat pizza and donuts. Now, that's a crazy vision, but the super softness of our tees isn't crazy at all. Just see what some of our fans have to say:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"LOVE. no joke I live in my donut shirt! It is the most high-quality comfort shirt I have owned. comfy enough to sleep & lounge at home in but still nice enough to wear at the gym or casually out & about!" -Beth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I LOVE this shirt! The material is so soft and it’s such a sweet and simple design! I wear mine to the gym, hiking etc, and also can pair it with leggings, cute shoes and a jean jacket for a cute outfit! I love that it’s a loose fit so it’s great for layering too!" - Zoe
If you are craving a little extra comfort in the upcoming weeks - while you adapt to your new surroundings or home office- these Yummiewear t-shirts and tops will envelop you in delicious softness.
Coronavirus Quarentine: FREE Online Exercise Classes, E-Books, Online Education and More
We are experiencing some crazy times at the moment. Who would have thought that 2020 was going to be the year a Pandemic broke out and you would be forced to separate yourself from the rest of the world? That question alone sounds like a teaser for some upcoming Sci Fi Thriller flick. Unfortunately, we aren’t actors in a movie and no this year isn’t actually being written by Stephen King. This is real and serious and we need to social distance however possible. Social distancing may be the key to beating this pandemic but it certainly isn’t easy on the mind and body. In many of our cases, it means we are confined to our homes - by ourselves, with loved ones and even with our kids. This throws off our routine and the balance we seek in our lives. At Yummiewear, we believe in living a balanced life and we believe that you shouldn’t deny yourself the things that make you happy. In our case, it's donuts, ice cream and all kinds of comfort foods. However, in extreme cases, like this outbreak, our balance is threatened in every aspect of our lives (not just food) and right now we don’t get to do a lot of the things that make us happy. With that said, just like our immune system, we need ways to keep our morale and sanity at an all-time high. Below I have compiled a list of FREE activities you can do from the comfort of your home. I’ll keep this blog post updated with new ideas as time goes on, so make sure to check in often.
Exercise Programs and Workouts
These guys are my favorite! I actually use their workouts on a daily basis to stay fit; I prefer to workout from home. This husband-wife duo (Daniel and Kelli) have made over 500 free workouts available to anyone via their site and YouTube. They aren’t all just free and available now, but always have been and will be. You can sort through HITT, strength, cardio and pilates workouts, and you can also select whether you want to use equipment like dumbbells or just use bodyweight. They do also offer some paid programs if you are looking for a more guided experience, but even these workouts start as low as $15 for a 30-day program. Their FB Plus programs start at $11.99 a month. I highly recommend you check out their free workout videos. Again they are free and no sign up is required.
I am sure many of you know of Yoga With Adriene, but I think especially now her YouTube videos may prove to be extra helpful. She has one video in particular, that I do very often to alleviate my anxiety. So, even if you aren’t a Yoga buff like me give her a try or at least try out this video for amazing anxiety and stress.
Virtual Gym Classes
For many, the gym is a place of solace and at the moment many gyms around the country are closing their doors to help keep the virus from spreading. This means that your regular gym routine has been uprooted and it may have you wondering what now? How can I continue to stay in shape but more importantly how can I continue to stay motivated? Good news though. There may be a way and it can also be done from home. This helpful CBS article highlights all the gyms and fitness studios that are offering FREE virtual classes that you can stream at home. The gyms and studios that are offering these classes include but aren’t limited to Blink Fitness, Orange Theory, Planet Fitness, and even Barry’s Boot Camp.
Books
If you have a library card, you may have access to hundreds of e-books throughout your county’s library system. Just visit Rakuten’s Overdrive, and head over to the Find Your Library link to the right of the search tool. Simply look up your local library by inputting your zip code to see if they participate. If they participate, you’ll notice a light blue “website” button next to your library system’s name. Tap it and then sign in using your library card information. If you have a kindle you can sort by Kindle books and send a digital book straight to your kindle. You can also download an e-reader app like Libbey to your mobile device.
New York Public Library E- Reader
If you are a New York resident or New York student with a library card, the New York Public Library is now offering access to download 300,000 books from their e-library. To get access, download NYPL’s e-reader SimplyE. You’ll notice that just by downloading SimplyE you’ll have access to free downloads without even entering a library card. However, in order to have access to NYPL’s books, you’ll need to add your library using your New York library card.
I think it’s safe to say that many of us have Amazon Prime. If not you can still take advantage of some free reading on Amazon, but I'll get to that next. As an Amazon Prime member, you have access to their Amazon Prime Reading where you can read hundreds of books for free either via your kindle or your tablet and computer. Now if you do not have access to Amazon Prime, I recommend checking out Kindle Unlimited. This is a paid reading subscription but at the moment they are offering two months FREE.
Here’s a little something for the kiddos too. Storyline offers free video stories to young children. The stories are told by actors and various celebrities. Check out their stories here.
Also, if you are looking to shake up your children's bedtime routine, take a look at Story Time From Space. This site features videos bedtime stories told by astronauts who are on missions in outer space.
Online Learning
Adults
This may just be the time to learn something new. Check out edx.org as they have over 2500 plus online courses from 140 institutions which also include Ivy League schools like Harvard and Stanford. The best part is that they also offer many free online courses.
Kids
You may find that you have a completely new job during this outbreak that comes with the title: Teacher. Most schools in the US are now closed, and you may need to find ways to teach your children on your own. Not every district or school offers online learning. If you are looking for fun learning activities to do with your children check out Kids Activities Blog. In fact, they have a whole page “Stuck At Home” dedicated to this new unchartered territory.
Virtual Cooking Classes
You may have gone a little crazy with the amount of food you procured at the supermarket, and now you’ll need ideas on how to cook with said food. Check out Taste Made for some free virtual courses. You can learn to make pies, meal prep, cook one pot dinners and more. I’d also like to mention that if you are up for the cooking challenge, Micheline Star chef Massimo Bottura is offering nightly virtual cooking classes via his Instagram for free.
Culture and entertainment
If you are an Opera buff or would love to see one, now is the time because the Metropolitan Opera house in New York City is streaming it's Opera at night. You can enjoy them on your TV, but you only have till March 22nd to get a glimpse into the world of Opera. But, still how cool is that - you can see an Opera and never leave your couch? Get more information regarding the Opera’s free streaming here. Similarly, and to boost your cultural quarantine experience, even more, various art museums around the world are offering free virtual tours. Check out their online exhibits and also head over to this Travel and Leisure article for a list of virtual tours.
I am sure there are many more ideas and activities that I haven’t touched upon and as they come up I will add them to this page. Feel free to email us at connect@yummiewear.com if you have free virtual and online ideas that we can add to this blog post. Also, as you sit at home streaming your opera or as you work out to a Barry’s Boot camp video, make sure you have a super comfy top or tee to do it in. Check out our collection of Yummiewear junk food-themed tops. Not only are they delicious but they are so soft and comfortable you’ll basically live in them.
Yummiewear Talks About Friendship with Fellow Entrepreneurs and Wellness Lovers
We are pleased to introduce a group of women who are all separately driven and badass in their own ways. The four of us crossed paths years ago through mutual jobs in the wellness industry, and since then we have all become a support system for each other’s ventures.
Through it all, we’ve learned how important it is to appreciate the support systems around us. We’ve been so lucky to have collaborated with this group of driven and inspiring women - their motivation is contagious, so we wanted to share!
Sara - Professional hair stylist
@saramariastyles
Sara is a professional hairstylist who is passionate about combining two things with her work: art, and making people feel beautiful. She runs her business from the Life Spa at Lifetime Athletic in Montvale, NJ, and is a Wella Color Educator and Extension Specialist.
Sara is constantly learning and taking workshops to help her grown in her profession, and over the years, all three of us have supported Sara by returning to her for our hair styling. Many Yummiewear photoshoots feature Sara’s handiwork! “I educate my clients to embrace their natural beauty,” Sara says of her work. “I look for the way you look when you were younger, and try to give you your hair color that matches closest to then when it was raw and natural.”
Melissa - Doodler and wellness expert
@lines_on_lines
Melissa is a part-time doodler and lover of letters. She’s dedicated her life to studying health, wellness, and beauty and is currently working to merge her passions together in a creative way. Melissa lends her talent with lettering by creating many written materials for Yummiewear, like our thank you cards, and the "Yummiewear" lettering in our logo.
In fact, Melissa already has some ideas in mind for future Yummiewear collaborations! We asked her to pick a design that she would love to see Yummiewear create: “All the yummiest cheat foods written out in different fun lettering styles!”
Christie, Physical wellness lover
@whatyoucfit
Christie is a certified personal trainer and health coach graduating to practice as a Physician Assistant of Trauma Surgery. She is passionate about helping people become strong and healthy, which is a commonality that we all share. While Sara might work through beauty to help her clients feel like their best selves, Christie’s work is helping people become happier and healthier through physical wellness.
Having a community of like-minded friends is priceless for all of us. We’ve learned that a group like this has so much to offer. While each of us pursues our dreams, we make sure to remember to appreciate the circles that keep us strong along the way.
We had the opportunity to ask Sara, Melissa, and Christie a few of our 10 Questions with Yummiewear. Take a look at our 10 Questions with Yummiewear blog for more of these conversations!
Sara, @saramariastyles
If you could design your own Yummiewear shirt what would you want on it? Go crazy!
Kebabs all over it with the words CHEAT DAY in all different languages, including Farsi!
Social media creates an environment where many women feel pressure and self-doubt. How do you manage your self-perspective in relation to the media?
Being part of this industry that disguises everyone’s natural beauty- I educate my clients to embrace their natural beauty. It might sound counter-productive but less is always more. I look for the way you look when you were younger and try to give you your hair color that matches closest to then when it was raw and natural.
The main thing is not spending time on social media seeing what everyone is doing and how they are doing it. I focus on what makes me happy and how I feel without outside influences. I don’t follow trends, I create my own in order to stay my authentic self .
Melissa, @lines_on_lines
How do you stay mentally and physically happy?
I’ve learned to listen to my body before outside influence. Meditation and a dose of solitude keep me centered.
What is one thing that you love about yourself and your body?
Love that I am flexible both in life and physically. Adaptability is key to handling life’s punches.
Christie, @whatyoucfit
If you could design your own Yummiewear shirt what would you want on it? Go crazy!
Pineapple on a cropped t-shirt, loose fit, potentially off the shoulder (grey, white or black). The pineapple top would be green, then the rest would be a yellow/gold color that was actually a saying in the shape of the pineapple body. Something like “Be who you want. Eat what you love. Do what you dream.”
How do you stay mentally and physically happy?
I stay mentally and physically happy through balancing my busy lifestyle with exercise and scheduling time to relax! I participate in many forms of exercise, which I believe leads to longevity and prevents boredom. I surround myself with people that support my goals, but also call me out when it’s time to relax… which is hard to do! This also helps me stay focused on achieving my goals!
Meet Kiki, Bourbon Loving Boss Babe and Future Author
Though Instagram may seem like an unlikely place to forge meaningful relationships with others, Michaela and I have been really lucky in how many amazing women we have gotten to know through this platform. One of these special women is Kiki Koerner from Columbus, Ohio. She is a real estate boss babe and a loving mama bear to her little boy. She reached out to us first through an Instagram comment about our then newly released Donut Lips Tee and ever since that moment she has been an unwavering fan of Yummiewear. Kiki is an incredibly inspiring force with her light-up-the-room energy and an unrelenting drive to be the best version of herself.
As we started to put together our 10 Questions with Yummiewear, we knew we had to interview Kiki. Her positive and bubbly energy in itself was something we wanted to bottle up and share with the rest of our community. So on a Thursday evening in October, the three of us spoke over video chat. It was our first time we were speaking to and seeing each other and it was nothing short of laughter and high energy as if we have been old friends catching up. A few weeks later Kiki was making a trip to New York City with her friend and Michaela had the opportunity to meet with Kiki in the flesh over a nice cup of coffee at the lovely Cafe Angelique in Tenafly. It’s moments like these when life feels so surreal. You realize that the business you are building is creating more than just a product but deep and meaningful relationships with wonderful and inspiring women that you may have never had the opportunity to meet otherwise. We can’t wait to introduce Kiki to you. We know you’ll love her just as much as we do! See her full interview below.
Meet Kiki.
Her favorite cheat treats are Bourbon, chili cheese fries, fried foods, and mac and cheese. This social media savvy Ohio real estate agent isn’t just a boss babe but a future author of her first book.
They say you are what you eat so which one of your cheat day foods would you want to be and why?
I would want to be a pizza because whenever you are eating pizza it’s always a party and you are having fun.
M: If you were stranded on an island and you could bring just one comfort food with you, which would it be?
"I would bring Bourbon."
I would bring Bourbon because if I'm stranded on an island I am going to have fun! I am going to let loose, and let go of all my worries.
M: What is the best junk food experience you ever had?
In Charleston South Carolina there is this place called Ye Old Fashioned Cafe. It’s an ice cream parlor, but they have the best chili cheese fries. I mean it was like heaven the first time I had them. They are these thick crinkle fries that absorb all the chilly sauce and they have the most amazing cheese sauce. They are also piping hot each time.
These fries are one of the reasons why I go down to Charleston at least once a year. I stop by to have them every time.
M: Did you ever have a meal that you looked forward to beforehand, but it turned out to be a total bust?
“Unfortunately, when I tasted my meal, my response was 'Noooo. What is this??' It was just terrible.”
One time I went to Bubba Gumps in New York City. I wanted some nice fried shrimp. I was so excited because comfort food is my jam. Unfortunately, when I tasted my meal, my response was “Noooo. What is this??” It was just terrible.
M: What is a goal that you have that you would like to achieve in the next two years?
This is the first time I am ever going to say this out loud so you are going to have to hold me to it. It has to happen now... I am writing a book! So in two years, my goal is to have it published. I’m really excited! The book is about my experiences as a real estate agent. There are so many funny and crazy stories that happen when you deal with people in my industry and I want to share them.
M: How do you stay focused on your goals?
I have my girl gang and I call them weekly. We are all entrepreneurs in some way or fashion and they inspire me and lift me up.
I have a team of people who help me stay focused. I have my girl gang and I call them weekly. We are all entrepreneurs in some way or fashion and they inspire me and lift me up.
Then there is my mom, my dad, and my grandparents. They are definitely part of this team but they fulfill me in a different way. They are not entrepreneurs so they don’t always understand the way my brain works, but they nurture my spiritual side. I can always count on them to quote me a scripture or to give me that little nugget of guidance from a higher being. The past two years have been the most difficult for me personally and the one thing that got me through was my grandfather saying “tend your garden”. Take care of you and do you, and I think this is where my whole concept of “zero f*cks” comes from. His words have resonated with me ever since and they pushed me to be where I am now.
M: How do you stay mentally and physically happy?
“Finding my voice and giving zero f*cks has been the most liberating thing I have done for myself.”
I used to let certain things get inside my head. For example, I have had people criticize me on how I raise my kid. The criticism used to bother me and I wouldn't be able to think about anything else. However, I have learned to tune things out by making a conscious decision to not care about what anybody except for my loved ones want or expect of me. I'm just doing me and if something doesn't fit into my or my family’s dreams then I am not doing it. Finding my voice and giving zero f*cks has been the most liberating thing I have done for myself.
M: Social media can create a lot of pressure and self-doubt. How do you keep its noise from affecting you?
The unfollow button is my best friend and I am not afraid to use it. I follow people that add something to my life. When you post, I believe the question everyone should always ask themselves is “how is this going to help someone?” I may not know you, but if I am going to follow you, you are in some way connected to my life now. I would say choose who you follow on social media very carefully.
M: What is one thing that you love about yourself and your body?
One thing I love about myself is that I know who I am and I really love the woman I am today and the woman that I am growing into. The thing that I love about my body is my mouth. I absolutely love the smile it produces. It’s the one thing I can always count on.
M: If you could design your own Yummiewear shirt what would you want on it? Go crazy!
If I could design my own Yummiewear shirt it would probably have fried chicken with a side of mac and cheese and a bourbon on it. That would be the Kiki t-shirt.
Meet Laura, Brooklynite and Culture Guru At NBC Universal
We first met Laura at the FAD Market (Fashion + Art + Design) in Brooklyn, NY along with her friend Diana Egnatz [See Diana's interview here]. In speaking with the two women, we quickly grew to admire their positive energy and confidence. These women are learning to balance everything in life: fun and ambition, self love and professional drive. Like the Yummiewear community that my sister and I learn from every day, these women each have stories that we wanted to document and share. Laura is part of our 10 Questions with Yummiewear Project - check out the homepage for more profiles!
On a summer afternoon in August, we met up with Laura and Diana for an interview at Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, NY. We can't wait for you to get to know her!
Meet Laura
Her favorite cheat treats are Mexican candy, babka, cookie dough, Nerds and Starburst jelly beans. This Brooklynite and media specialist is looking to shake up the food industry with a “meaty” idea.
Martina: We all know the saying “ you are what you eat.” If that’s true, which one of your “cheat day” foods would you want to be, and why?
Laura: Babka, because I'm so cinnamon-spicy.
M: If you were stranded on an island and you could bring just one cheat food with you, which would it be?
L: My Mexican candy!
M: What is the best junk food experience you ever had?
L: There's this perfect funnel cake at Six Flags on the West Coast where I was living at the time. My tradition was to always get funnel cake there, and one day when we were leaving Six Flags, it just so happened that I had the most perfect one. There was no line because we went on a Wednesday. The guy had just changed the oil and he had also just made fresh batter. It was just the most ultimate funnel cake I've ever tasted. I will never have a funnel cake again because I just don't ever want to ruin that experience and memory in my head.
“It was just the most ultimate funnel cake I've ever tasted. I will never have a funnel cake again because I just don't ever want to ruin that experience and memory in my head.”
M: Did you ever have a meal that you looked forward to beforehand, but it turned out to be a total bust?
L: Yes, at David Chang’s Momofuku Ko. At that time, I was really into going to tastings. It was also right around the time that Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast, so to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt, my experience there may have been a result of a lack of proper ingredients. But it wasn’t just about the food - it had a lot to do with the ambiance. They didn't have any music. They didn’t allow us to take any pictures. And they were really strict about us showing up on time.
Basically, my feelings about that meal were more about everything leading up to the food experience, so once we finally got our meal, it made it kind of disappointing.
M: What is a goal that you have that you would like to achieve in the next two years?
L: I’m just starting to venture into the food industry, which I have always had a passion for. I’m in the very early stages of taking the steps for my business idea to become a reality, but it’s very daunting. I’m taking it slow while still keeping the day job that I really really love. I hope it takes off, or at least I hope that I get to a good place with it in the next two years.
M: How do you stay focused on your goals? (i.e. Do you have a daily routine, or does someone support you?)
L: My support comes from the amazing Diana Egnatz, of Hotspoons Preserves. I met Diana just a few months ago. I have been so impressed and inspired by her focus, her intellect and her courage to really make what she wants to do a reality - especially given how young she is. I feel like even though I am much older than her, I can still learn a lot from her. She’s the person that has really encouraged me to make my food project a reality, and I am just really, really happy that she is in my life.
M: How do you stay mentally and physically happy?
L: Exercise is definitely part of staying happy. I think it’s important to take care of your body, because it helps you mentally. The older that I get, the more I realize that my time and energy are finite, so the people I keep close to me that I want to spend time with are specific.
When I was younger I just wanted to be friends with everyone, and as I got older I started not to care who likes me and who doesn’t. It became more about - is this person right for me? Whether it’s a friendship or a familial relationship or a romantic partnership, if someone is in my life it’s because I want them to be there.
The older that I get, the more I realize that my time and energy are finite so the people I keep close to me or that I want to spend time with are specific.
M: Social media creates an environment where many women feel pressure and self doubt. How do you manage your self perspective in relation to the media?
L: I am very anti-social media. I personally don’t participate in Facebook or Instagram. I know how much I would be affected by it. For example, I would be sensitive to seeing others seemingly “having that amazing life.” I would feel like I should be having the same experience. I think that just adds extra pressure to how I should be as a person even outside social media.
I’m at a place where I am trying to only add things to my life that’ll lift me up, versus take me down. I think that social media can be helpful for many things, but it also has a negative and dark side to it. I will go on social media if my friend says that she’s posted pictures from her vacation, but I'll definitely unsubscribe to all of the notifications. I go on social media when I have a purpose, and I avoid that extra pressure.
I’m in a place in my life now where I am trying to only add things to my life that’ll lift me up versus take me down.
M: What is one thing that you love about yourself and your body?
L: I really love my hair. I think it’s so amazing because I can do anything with it. It’s got the perfect beach waves.
M: If you could design your own Yummiewear shirt what would you want on it? Go crazy!
L: A Kouign-amann. It’s this Breton pastry from the French region of Brittany. Kouign-amann literally means in Celtic language - “butter cake.” It is my favorite dessert ever. It’s almost like a croissant that’s caramelized because it has a lot of sugar in it. The pastry has an overflowing top and a muffin bottom, kind of like a popover. It’s just so good. Dominique Ansel introduced me to this pastry, and that’s why I love his shop so much. I absolutely love it. I would want it on a t-shirt so I could always be with it.