It’s no secret I’m obsessed with obsession! Every week, my inbox fills up with tons of questions like:
“Melissa, helpppppp! I need recommendations for ______. What are you totally obsessed with?”
Today’s newsletter is filled with some of my current obsessions in response to your Qs. I hope you love them as much as I do!
Note: none of these are affiliate links. I’m just sharing what I love, no strings attached. 🙂
STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY
Several of you have reached out lately because you’re making over your website or social media profiles (yay!) but you’re struggling to find stock images that are diverse (booooo).
I recently connected with an amazing photographer, Shamia Casiano, who created a Patreon-based stock photo library that focuses on diversity and inclusivity! Her images feature primarily women of color and other marginalized demographics living their best life (you may also spot some sexy scrabble tile shots – ummm #obsessed!)
Shamia and I have banded together to host a diversity scholarship for one lucky biz owner! Details & rules over here on this post!
CREATING A MORE INCLUSIVE BUSINESS
My inbox has been on fire lately with lots of people asking how to have a more diverse, inclusive business. While I’m not the right person to educate you on this topic, here are two of my favorite resources:
Shenee Howard is an amazing brand strategist who creates brands that are inclusive and not harmful. If you are branding/rebranding your business I highly recommend hiring Shenee to get her eyeballs on your brand.
Andréa Ranae Johnson is a powerful coach, facilitator and writer who created a program called Coaching as Activism – an anti-oppressive program for coaches, healers, and leaders who want to bring their commitments to healing, justice and liberation (for all) into their work and life. I recently enrolled in this program and it’s already the best investment I’ve made this year.
One important step towards inclusivity is to truly listen to diverse voices. There are many, many wonderful diverse voices to follow. Some of my favorites include:
Speaker, scribe and mentor L’Erin Alta
Writer, drag artist & activist Brandi Amara Skyy
Author, ultrarunner & adventurer Mirna Valerio
Actress Jameela Jamil’s I Weigh Campaign
Writer, teacher & business strategist Torrie Patillo
Oracle Dyana Valentine
Writer & speaker Layla Saad
SCREENWRITING HELP
If you’re dreaming of becoming a screenwriter, or trying to enhance your existing writing career:
Pilar Alessandra is a fabulous mentor (I wouldn’t be a screenwriter without her!) Grab her book The Coffee Break Screenwriter to start.
For TV writing, Script Anatomy offers many amazing classes both in Los Angeles and online. One of my scripts that I worked on with a Script Anatomy instructor just got recognition from Sundance! Woohoo!
CLIENT GIFTS
For coffee lovers (who isn’t?!) check out Bean Box.
Not a coffee drinker? (what’s wrong with you?? – hehe). Gift some Harney & Sons tea. Their hot cinnamon spice flavor is what dreams are made of.
Check out BoxFox for curated gift boxes.
Lit Brooklyn Candles smell yum (and they come with a set of matches – yessss!)
Send some Jeni’s ice cream or some Cookie Dough (guaranteed happiness on their doorstep!)
JUST FOR FUN OBSESSIONS
Okay, nobody really asked me for these, but oh well. You’re getting them anyway. 🙂
Killing Eve tells the story of a bored security officer with a fantasy of becoming a spy and her obsession with a talented killer who relishes in her violent job.
Bachelor Nation gives an inside look into a major guilty pleasure – The Bachelor! I’m unapologetically obsessed with this show and love the behind-the-scenes dirt revealed in this book.
Hunt a Killer box – I’m a screenwriter. I write thrillers. My Google search results are terrifying. This subscription box takes you inside the mind of a serial killer as you solve the murder of a lifetime. Basically, it’s the best thing ever.
Happy Obsessing!
xo.