💌 To new beginnings

TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, JAN 1

WHAT TO EXPECT

• stories: walking backwards is good for you, fashion pieces that will define 2025, is listening the same as reading?
• listen to this: plan with me for 2025 podcast episode
• in collaboration with: Aēsop
• job seekers: global consumer insights manager, head of social media, GTM finance manager
• extra stories
• quote: on beginning
• bon voyage: Washington DC

WELLNESS: WALKING BACKWARDS IS GOOD FOR YOU
“Retro walking”, better known as walking backwards, has evolved big time. Recent research strengthens the fact that backwards walking can genuinely improve hamstring flexibility, strengthen your back muscles, reduce joint stress on your knees, and help with conditions ranging from arthritis to stroke recovery. Plot twist: it also burns more calories than regularly walking forward! The biomechanics of backwards walking are significantly different from regular walking, since the ankle absorbs more shock and the toe initiates contact instead of the heel. Studies have also revealed cognitive benefits. Backwards movement activates the prefrontal cortex and improves both reaction times and memory recall.

FASHION: FASHION PIECES THAT WILL DEFINE 2025
Fashion's getting a fresh start with some exciting new trends already hitting the shelves. After diving deep into Spring/Summer '25 runway collections, social media trends, and celebrity street style, there are some clear standouts emerging. We're talking about tops with dramatic scarf and cape details (which look amazing with both jeans and skirts), slimmer and more tailored denim replacing the baggy styles we've been seeing, and suede trench coats that are about to be everywhere. What's really cool is that you don't need to break the bank to get these looks – there are great affordable options popping up at places like Zara that are getting just as much attention as their high-end counterparts. The fashion world's already buzzing about these pieces, and they're predicted to be all over social media in 2025.

LIFESTYLE: DOES LISTENING TO A BOOK COUNT?
If you’re an audio-book person, you may not be thrilled to know that traditional reading & listening to a book aren’t the same thing (duh), more-so that your brain doesn’t process it the same way. Although some people argue that audiobooks are more accessible + activate the same parts of the brain as traditional reading, others contend that physical reading leads to better comprehension and retention of information. Psychology professor, Daniel Willingham, argues that the mental processes are pretty much the same for both formats.

This is a short (20 minute) podcast episode to listen to if you’d like to plan for 2025. Grace Beverly walks you through refletion, knowing where you are going, goal setting, habit tracking, and much more.

IN COLLABORATION WITH

Skin, hair and body care formulations created with meticulous attention to detail, and with efficacy and sensory pleasure in mind. If fine quality + plant-based ingredients are what you aim for, give them a try. Aēsop uses only those with a proven record of safety and efficacy.

Global Consumer Insights Manager, UGG (remote): They are looking for a consumer insights professional who is passionate about uncovering the “why” behind consumer behavior and marketplace dynamics. This is a role that will lead a variety of custom consumer research efforts across a range of departments to impact product creation, marketing, marketplace and brand strategy for UGG. Apply if you have 5+ years of consumer insights/market research experience with global initiatives either at a research firm or a client-side consumer research function.

Head of Social Media, ATHLETA (San Francisco): The Head of Social Media will lead a team of creative, strategic and community-focused marketers who are regularly interpreting brand needs, and finding creative ways to activate on social. This team keeps a very close eye on pop culture, trends and innovation. Apply if you have 7-10 years' experience in a social media or relevant roles, ideally in a fashion/e-commerce retail environments.

GTM Finance Manager, CALM (remote): Calm’s FP&A Team is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic individual contributor to join our finance organization. In this role, you will play a key part in building a world-class FP&A function, collaborating with diverse teams, including go-to-market (GTM) organizations, accounting, legal, budget owners, operations, and all Calm employees. Apply if you have 5-8+ years of relevant experience in financial management, with a focus on B2B or SaaS business models

💅🏻 if you’re a sparkly nail person, here are 20 inspo ideas

🖼️ get on that Pantone 2025 mocha mousse home decor

💍 did you hear silver jewelry is back? And add on birthstones for an extra factor

ON BEGINNING: The only thing worse than starting something and failing… is not starting something. - Seth Godin

Let this be the quote to lead you in 2025!

WASHINGTON DC

EAT: Oyamel is a vibrant Jose Andrés restaurant that serves creative Mexican tapas, table-side guacamole, and a variety of cocktails. In terms of a different cuisine, Le Diplomate is a French bistro on 14th Street that perfectly captures Parisian cafe culture. It’s known for bread, steak frites, and brunch.

STAY: For a stylish hotel, take a look at The Line DC. It’s settled in a converted church & has multiple restaurants, a thoughtful design, and is in a great location for exploring local neighborhoods. The Riggs is another option, located in a former bank building. It’s a boutique hotel that combines historic architecture with modern luxury. The rooms are uniquely designed, and their restaurant Café Riggs comes highly recommended from all who visit.

DO: The National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum is overlooked lots of times in comparison to the Mall museums, but this free museum complex in a historic building offers incredible art collections + a peaceful indoor courtyard. If you’re in the mood for something more “historic”-looking, check out the Eastern Market. You can browse local vendors, enjoy breakfast at Market Lunch, and explore the charming neighborhood's independent bookstores and shops.