Here we are moving towards the last week of Women’s History Month. I’m a week behind in publishing Hi Gang and experiencing mild pangs of guilt for my tardiness. I’m delayed because this month always vexes me. I’m never quite sure how best to celebrate the circles of ladies who hold me up every day.
After going through a few approaches on this issue, I went to the crux of the matter: Where does our power truly lie? In society, in life, how do we make the greatest impact in the practical sense? I’d say it’s where we spend our money.
A few years ago I became more intentional with what I purchase, moving my funds towards female-owned businesses and creators of all forms. And socializing with an increasing number of female founders has loosened my tongue around money talk. It’s been an interesting transition, as I was very private about money in earlier decades.
Yes, we are discussing relationships, children, travel, but we also talk MONEY, boldly and transparently. We ask each other questions like: What were you paid for that appearance? What are your margins on that new line? What is your ROI on those videos you’re creating? These are the conversations that loosen the fear and shyness around money. Let’s normalize it, because the more we share the more educated we all become.
So that’s our chat for March 2024. Below I’ll share some of my favorite female-founded brands across industries, and of course, we’ll also get into sustainability and some recipes. This IS Hi Gang, after all.
And speaking of those recipes (and money), starting this month all of my Hi Gang recipes are going behind a paywall. It’s pretty thrilling to see over 1,000 subscribers to my little newsletter. More on that in the Cook Now section.
Thanks as always for reading, and Happy Spring!
XO,
Valerie
MY FAVORITE FEMALE-FOUNDED BRANDS
FASHION
I’ve really changed my spending habits, particularly when it comes to clothes. Sharing outfits on social media platforms and at events is my small way of supporting female-owned brands. At this point my closet is about 90% female-founded, and the list of favorites is growing! Take a look at some of the brands I have on fashion shuffle along with a spotlight on the ridiculously talented and gorgeous Jasmin Shokrian.
Frank & Eileen
Doen
Clare V
Duster
Veronica Beard
Natalie Martin
Ripley Rader
Cuyana
Freda Salvador
BEAUTY/WELLNESS
Skincare and vitamin supplements are other arenas that are exploding with female founders. At 53 years old, I’m particularly grateful for the new products focused on peri-menopause and menopause. This category has finally burst wide open…If you check my age box, take a look at Stripes and Micropause. Relief is at hand! Here we’re spotlighting Kerrilynn Pamer, the chicest of ladies, whose brand CAP Beauty focuses on holistic wellness.
Saint Jane
Thirteen Lune
OSEA Malibu
Wellness East
Stripes Beauty
MicroPause
GEM
Moonmade Farms
Olive & June
FOOD & DRINK
My sisters! I cannot describe the kinship I feel with female founders in the food space. I LOVE seeing more and more products pop up that are beautifully packaged, sustainable, and delicious. See the list below that also includes two women-owned cookware lines. And shout-out to Danika Charity for her launch of Maker Milk. See the spotlight and place your order. ❤️
Bowlcut
BONDLE
Nomadica
Avaline
Brightland
Sir Owlverick’s Coffee
Our Place
BODY Vodka
Hedley & Bennett
Toiro
RESTAURANTS
Well, no need for me to share a list because it’s already done! Re:HER is an important collaboration of ladies in the restaurant industry. They have done incredible fundraising and community building and have created a network of support that many women, including myself, have come to rely on. Many thanks to Re:HER (of which our spotlight gal Kim Prince is a founding member!) for everything you do!! If you’re in Los Angeles, please attend one of their collaborative events during the month of March.
Let’s talk money, honey!
How do we diminish the fear and insecurity so many women feel around discussing money? It’s a layered conundrum, for sure, and one that I see consistently when interviewing women. I generally lead the money conversation with this opener: “What would you like to get paid for this position?” Over 50% of my female interviewees, regardless of age, answer “I don’t know.”
What I CAN’T say in that interview is how this level of indecisiveness, the lack of clarity, affects the way a future employer views you, and can definitely affect the level of pay offered a prospective employee. How do we spread the word to female applicants that they need to know their number before they walk in the door??
It likely starts in school and at home. Let’s get our girls comfortable and confident in the discussion of money. No more hushed conversations in corners!
A couple of great resources for continued fiscal chatter are below, claiming the mantle as #richgirls who have pushed #financebros off the mantle. Go for it!
I love this doll, The Money With Katie Show. .
Dow Janes is a great resource for all things money.
And of course, that stalwart Suze Orman is the OG.
Continuing the theme of small changes from January of this year, I looked around my life to what small adjustment I can make. One things that immediately came to mind was the amount of wipes I use across all area of my life.
I’m no baby! Why the wipes obsession? Taking inventory of the waste, the wrapper, the wipe makeup wipes my glasses, disinfecting wipes habits….but why? They’re expensive, and weirdly wasteful. So I’ve made the choice to switch it up and say buh-bye to wipes. (As always, if you need more sustainable inspo, check out my dear friend Dana Cowin’s Progressive Hedonist.)
Lots of exciting events coming up! First up is a Chocolate Society appearance at the Gourmandise School on Tuesday, April 9th! Join me for a Q&A and chocolate tasting. Reserve your ticket here.
On April 22nd, I’m moderating a Table Talk panel at ChowNow HQ. I’ll be chatting with other chefs and brand leaders about the power of collaborations. Info above!
Pop up to the Santa Ynez Valley for three days of incredible BBQ, new friends and line dancing! Beyonce, you and me girl….Join me at BBQ Bootcamp at the Alisal Ranch from May 5th-7th. Tickets are available here.
Just south of the US/Mexico border lies Valle de Guadalupe, a wine growing region with stunning landscapes and a growing arts and culinary community. Join me at the historic Rancho La Puerta! I’ll be teaching hands-on cooking classes there the week of June 8th.
It’s happening!! Honestly, I feel a little weird installing a paywall on Hi Gang, but I do have to account for the time and costs involved with producing this little newsletter every month. Know that I am dedicated to supplying robust content for both my complimentary and paid subscribers as we walk down this road together.
And if you’re beyond the paywall, I’m offering you a menu and recipes for an Easter Roast, that can truly be just a Sunday roast or a feast for gathering friends and loved ones if Easter is not your holiday!
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