Why It Is So Important To Support Your Friend's Side Hustle.

                                                                                

Georgia and I met on the first day of secondary school, we had turned up with matching daisy hair grips and obviously became the best of friends. We were practically glued at the hip for the first few years, she played a big part in some of the most important times during my teens. As with all friendships, the dynamic of our relationship has changed as we have. So, while I am no longer calling her at 1 am about a boy she has managed to palm me off on, the one thing that remains a constant is our unwavering support of everything each other does, however questionable. 

That is why when she launched Dressed up by Gee, I was nothing but proud of her drive and determination. As well as working her 9-5 as a Treasury Assistant, I know so grown...G set up her retail business in April so that she had something to focus on and to give her the boost she needed to beat the lock-down blues. Her love for fashion and genuine passion for styling is evident throughout her Instagram feed, that boasts nearly 2000 followers.

As well as earning her a few extra $$$, G has learnt what it is to be a young business woman in a pretty competitive environment. And, while it may not be for everyone, it has taught her a lot of life skills that school seems to dodge. Such as how to do her tax return, invest her finances and budgeting. 

Having a side hustle is an increasingly popular way to make extra money while also following your passions. Side-hustling is currently more common among men than among women. With 30 percent of men earning extra cash on the side compared to 21% of women. I worry the reason for this is that women are concerned people won’t support their project or think others will look down on them for wanting/needing a second source of income. Or worse, maybe women don't believe they could create a successful side hustle from scratch. By supporting your friend's businesses, you are not only helping them to chuck more money in their savings, but you should know that you are helping them feel incredibly empowered too. With every sale, click on our website and follow of our social media page, you are helping us to pursue our dreams and better our futures. Now more than ever, it is so important to support young women in business. So, ladies, let’s build each other up and close that gap.

Although G doesn’t have her own boutique on the high street just yet, who is to say that she won’t get there eventually. By supporting her business now, you could help to breathe new life into our high street. This is important because small businesses provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and create meaningful jobs with greater job satisfaction than positions with larger companies. They also encourage local economies, keeping money close to home that can support smaller communities.

If you have taken inspo from this post and want to start your own project then G does have a couple of pieces of advice. Firstly, do your research. She highlighted to me just how competitive the retail industry can be when she explained: “There are other boutiques online selling similar items so it is important you create a USP for your brand and invest time into your social media, in order to stand out”. If you think running your own business is a walk in the park G reaffirms that: “it takes time, commitment and the ability to deal with knock backs. Especially on a day with fewer sales, it is trial and error but the end result is so worth it”.

I thought it would be fun for G and I to create a little look book of all our favourite pieces. However, I am leaving the modelling to the professionals this time...

 

One of Georgia's favourite combos. Shop the Light Khaki Nelly Fur and Riri Bandage Dress on her page.

One of my favourite outfits on G's page. I would chuck a pair of tights and heeled Chelsea boots on in the winter or a strappy top and sandals when it is a bit warmer. 

G also stocks gorgeous gym sets for those lock down workouts we are all doing...right?

Get your paws on this gorgeous gilet, you will be toasty and look tasty. 

So, happy shopping my loves and a massive well done to my mega talented friend.

And, here's to women trying to make a name for themselves and working double hard to get there, we've got this.

Abbie x

A Sleep Story

How I manage restless nights. 

If you think you are the only person to stare at the ceiling until silly o'clock every evening- you’re not. In 2017 a study found one in three adults suffer from sleepless nights. That’s as many as 16 million people, in the UK alone. Anxiety, stress, and depression are some of the most common causes of chronic insomnia. Having difficulty sleeping can also make these a whole lot worse, it is one big cycle of b*tch. 

I wish I could refer to my restless nights in the past tense but they are still very much in the present. However, I thought it might be useful for you guys to read what it is that keeps me tossing and turning, so you don’t feel so alone in your head tonight. Here is just one of the plethora of ridiculous examples of my over active brain and how I have come to shut off these thoughts in order to aid a gorgeous nights sleep. 

Like most, the prospect of my future keeps me up most evenings. More specifically, my career and if I will ever feel truly fulfilled in what I eventually end up in. My relentless need to impress people has often left me feeling quite unimpressed with myself. It is funny really, because I know people are too wrapped up in their own lives to give a sh*t about mine. But, 2 am me manages to convince herself that my friends all think I am a total mess because I don't work a 9-5 in an office. 

In the short time this blog has been live I can see that my main demographic is 18-24. One thing I continue to tell myself, and now you, is that we are really quite small still and have got a lot more f*ck ups coming our way, so there is absolutely no point stressing about what people think about where you are at now or even where you will be at thirty. However, if like me, rational thinking is not your cup of tea, then here are some other things I do in order to catch some zzzz’s.

      1) Watch a TV Show you are really familiar with

I’ve found that when thoughts such as the above come crawling their way in, listening to a show you know inside out is a great way of blocking them out. My go-to is Friends, you wont feel the need to stay up and watch because you already know what is going to happen. With the brightness of your phone and volume turned down, you can concentrate on the words and not on your thoughts. However, I wouldn’t suggest this one when you’re sharing a bed. As it turns out, not everyone is as big as a fan of Friends as me. And if Logan has to listen to The One Where Ross and Rachel Take a Break one more time, I think we might actually end up on break. 

2) Anatomical's Sleep Balm

Santa Claus gifted me this little pot of dreams for Christmas and it is by far one of the best gifts I have found in my stocking to date. This relaxing balm with lavender and natural waxes will help you to close your eyes and keep them shut. Simply rub it in to your temples and pulse points, put your phone down and get ready for the dreamiest of snoozes. At £4 a pot, you may as well give it a go. I'll leave the link Santa used below.  

For Sleep Balm- https://anatomicals.co.uk/products/cruisin-for-a-snoozin-sleep-balm

3)  Write down everything that is troubling you 

Another tip would be to write down everything that is worrying you that evening. There is something really therapeutic about writing things down and then shutting the book on them. Instead of these thoughts taking up space in your brain, they are neatly tucked away somewhere else for you to tackle tomorrow. Writing things down can help keep your mind uncluttered and reaffirm what is important to you. This will also help to be more organised and balanced, which is a great way to feel less stressed- and this is always a plus. 

Obviously I am no expert. So, if you are looking for some more info then head to the Sleep Junkie website for all your sleep related queries. Also, feel free to share your remedies in the comments below.  And obviously, if it gets really bad, please reach out to your doctor. 

Sweet dreams, 

Abbie x

Welcome!

                                                        

 Hello my loves and welcome! 

I thought that beginning with a short intro, a whats-what on me, would be a bloody lovely place to start. I will also give you the 411 on what to expect from my blog so you can decide whether to invest any of your time into it... no pressure or anything but I would really love it if you did. 

I am from sunny Tunbridge Wells, it is pretty and full of my favourite people but the aim is to eventually see more. I love all things hospitality and digital and look forward to the day I fully find my feet with a career that encapsulates both. But, as for most people , Covid-19 has pressed pause on life and my merry misadventures. I had big plans to see South East Asia and Australia in 2020, I know, could I be any more basic?... Unfortunately, I find myself on furlough for what feels like the zillionth month. However, I'm hopeful that the future will be kinder to us and I will find just where I need to be. But for now, I thought I'd start a new little love project.

Now, there are over 500 million blogs out there. That is a lot of people who probably have a lot more to say than I do. But, I am going to give it a bloody good go anyway. I toyed with so many different styles and ideas, until I realised that it didn't need to be frilly and fancy, I just needed to write about the things that I love and want to share.  Here you’ll be able to have a nose into my monthly must haves, find the prettiest places to explore or we can just have a bit of chit chat. Well, I will be chatting, you will be reading (please do make use of the comment box below if you ever want to add to the convo!).  I’m hoping I will be able to share the good, bad and the fugly. Because let’s face it, life can be a bit of a b*tch sometimes. 

So girls and boys , grab yourself a Pinot (or whatever it is you other people drink) and enjoy!

Abbie x