#CoffeeTalk

Every time you travel it seems like you take your entire closet with you! How do you pack all of your accessories, makeup and toiletries without mixing them but still keep them organized?

I get a little OCD about making sure I have EVERYTHING to go with EVERYTHING, so I use these travel cubes to pack and they’re seriously amazing! I also use this 7-piece toiletry set because of the size options and I love that it gives me a dirty clothes bag so that my undies or swimwear aren’t touching my clean clothes. I don’t go anywhere without my travel steamer because I’ve had one too many incidents where hotels didn’t provide irons. I use this hanging toiletry bag to pack both my stuff and Nate’s and I love it because I can hang it on the back of the bathroom door so it doesn’t clutter up my counter-top space. It’s probably a nightmare to travel with me honestly LOL. All of my jewelry goes into this travel pouch which is heaven sent. I use to tangle up my necklaces EVERY time I’d attempt to travel with them. This travel make-up bag is the best $15 I ever spent and is worth every single penny. I don’t regret making any of these purchases they’ll make traveling so much easier for you.

How do you handle unprofessional people? Recently I paid upfront for a service someone was providing, and they gave me a deadline of when I could expect that service to be completed. The service is now a week overdue and even after I have followed up, I still have not been in communication with this person. Is it too soon to be annoyed? This also happened to me earlier this year, where I have paid for a product upfront and did not receive the product until almost 2 months after the original promised date.

I’ve been so lucky to not have many experiences, if any at all, with unprofessional people. I definitely don’t think it’s too soon to be annoyed, especially since the service has already been paid for and you’ve yet to have it completed. At the very least, there needs to be some communication from them on why they have yet to get you what they committed to. Moving forward, I would ask people that I trust for recommendations on whatever it is that I’m needing based off of their own experiences. Also, when I paid to have my Brand Beginnings Werkbook designed, I gave a deposit upfront for the designer to get started. Once she provided me with a first draft, I gave her half of what was due and upon receipt of the completed werkbook, I sent her the remainder of the balance. From my experience, that works best. Unfortunately, we run the risk of losing money when working with new people. However, I’d much rather lose money once and learn my lesson than to continue running into the same problem. Worst case scenario, blast them on social media. The power of referral works better than what you think! Let others know about your experience and why they should NEVER use that person and I guarantee they’ll get their act together really quick.

Of course your style is amazing and so I need your help please. My birthday is coming up and I am interested in doing a photo shoot in Atlanta something sexy and sultry. Can you give me some recs for that as well as brunch outfit ideas for the day of my actual birthday?

Happy early birthday! I know you didn’t ask for my personal opinion, but I advise against sexy birthday photo shoots. I feel like they’ve been so overdone by every girl on Instagram and being photoed in lingerie with a cake and number balloons can come off as a bit forced. If you do decide to do one, I’d advise a sexy dress or at furthest, a Calvin Klein undies set. Here are some brunch birthday ideas!

I’ve been working on my online copywriting business for a few months and right when things started to pick up, an amazing job opportunity presented itself that I couldn’t pass up. I start the new job this week and now I’m feeling guilty that I’m not “giving my all” to my business. My question is does this make me a flaky entrepreneur and do you think potential clients won’t take me as seriously than if I were full time with my own business? I see you manage both, and I know it takes a lot of dedication. But how might one manage those feelings of guilt?

I feel guilt all of the time when I can’t get around to doing something for my business, or grow it at the speed that I desire to – but I remind myself that I’m juggling multiple things and I will have to constantly pick and choose which is most important at the time. Entrepreneurship is a journey of its own, it’s not on any other timeline than the one you create for it. The good thing about that, is if you need to slow down for a few months then regroup, you can. Client’s also don’t need to be concerned with anything else other than what you’re able to provide them. What your schedule, work-life balance or personal life looks like is none of their business if you can genuinely give them what it is they’re needing. We need to understand that we can have several things in our lives that are important to us, and not feel bad when one takes a backseat to the other. Whatever you decide to focus on at whatever time, give your best to, and I promise you it will grow.

Your body looks insane in your recent pictures! I’m so motivated to get back in the gym now but have a hard time finding a good running shoe. Can you link the ones you feel work best? 

The shoes you wear to the gym definitely make a difference in how well I’m able to perform. I love a lightweight and breathable shoe, so flyknits are my go-to. Plus I can throw them in the washer machine when I get them dirty. But there are some Adidas I love also! 270’s are my new favorite but I have to admit, I wear them more for style than I do fitness LOL.

I am a 26 year old college graduate from Kentucky. For years, I have set the goal that I want to move to Houston. I’m born and raised in Kentucky and although I love my state, I know there are better opportunities out there for me. Mainly as it applies to the job market. I graduated with a degree in Dietetics however I am currently not working in my field. The jobs just aren’t there for me especially since I’m still working on getting my Registered Dietitian credentials. Houston attracted me because it is a huge, lively city with an amazing job market especially when it comes to healthcare. I also have heard Houston is a great city if you want to create your own business. Basically Houston is the place to be! So after years of dreaming and imagining myself in Houston, I plan to make the move by the end of this year. I’ve been doing a lot of research and talking to friends who have moved down there but they can only help so much. I’ve been following your blog and I admire your love for your city and figured you’d be a great resource to contact for tips on my move to Houston. I know you can’t help with the moving aspect being that you were born and raised there but maybe you can help me as it pertains to finding suitable living arrangements and a decent paying job. As far as housing, do you have any advice for areas for young, active millennial’s? I’m not much of a suburbs kind of girl but I know living in the heart of downtown doesn’t work with my budget. Any advice for areas that are artsy, millennial abundant and still near the “action”? (Also, since the possibility of hurricanes are new for me, I would like to avoid areas that are prone to a lot of flooding lol) As far as jobs, do you have any advice for someone moving from a different state and needs to get their foot in the door? Would it be easy for me to find a job in the healthcare field or is it a lot on who you know?

Houston is such an amazing city. Being as big as it is, it can be hard to get around but it’s also been designed to where you don’t really have to go too far from where you live in order to find what you need or want to do. As far as places to live, Houston has a ton of little hubs for young millennials who are working but still like to enjoy wine and bike riding LOL. My favorite place to look for apartments is Urban Leasing. They have some really nice apartments in every good area of town that you can also sort by price. I’m from the West Side of town, so Energy Corridor is my favorite. Apartments there can be as low as $900 monthly but are very nice, close to City Centre and great shopping areas. However, they did experience some flooding where shopping centers and houses were damaged, but no apartment complexes. As far as jobs go, Houston has the largest medical center in the world so there’s no better place to look than here. It’s always beneficial to “know” people, but I landed my job without knowing anyone so it’s not necessary at all. Your background will speak for itself. I would start applying for positions prior to your move just for peace of mind and also to have a better idea of what rent amount you’ll be able to comfortably afford. Welcome to Houston! You’ll love it here.

I’m heading to Miami in July to celebrate my bachelorette party with a few of my girlfriends and plan to wear white the entire time! Can you please give me some cover-up, day time and girls night out options?

Ahhh Miami is one of my favorite places! Here are some items I love and would pack for my own! These items make me want to wear white for the rest of the year, no joke. Enjoy Miami!

I’m dying at all of your Mexico outfits! I’m headed there in two weeks and have some pretty good ideas of what I plan to pack but want some Mexican themed shoes (does that make sense?) LOL. Please help!

I know exactly what you mean! LOL espadrilles, frilly sandals and colorful heels. I got ya!

Thank you guys for all of the questions! This week was crazyyy but I tried to answer as many as I could. Leave any questions for the next round down below or email them over. Have a great weekend!