11 Remote Work Spots in Virginia Beach

Looking for inspiration for where to hunker down in Virginia Beach and get work done or even read a good book? Check out the places below!

*If you’re working from a coffee shop, café, or some other similar establishment, mind your etiquette and read the room. Are there only two tables in the space? Is it more like a restaurant where you should eat and leave? Then it might not be best to set up shop and hog a table for half a day.

1. Graze Kitchen

“Always fresh. Always memorable.”

• Lots of seating

• Big windows with natural lighting

• Friendly staff

• Free wifi

• Delicious food & coffee

• Consistently clean environment

My go-to order: Top of the Hill Sandwich on gluten-free bread with a lime Crunchy Hydration water or iced coffee

Note: Closed on Mondays!

2. Fruitive - Hilltop

“Plant-based. Simple. Beautiful.”

• Tons of seating: booth, comfy chairs, & café chairs

• Free wifi & lots of outlets to charge laptops

• Delicious, organic, plant-based foods & beverages

• Great natural lighting

• Consistently clean environment

• Indoor & outdoor seating

My go-to order: 24oz Wellness Warrior w/ almond butter added

Chai Tea Latté

3. VLOVE

“A beach coffee dream.”

• Lots of windows with natural lighting

• Delicious coffee & food

• Great spot for people-watching!

• Beautiful minimal esthetic

• Walking distance to the beach

My go-to order: Vanilla latte w/ oat milk or fresh squeezed lemonade

4. Astraea Coffee

“Liberty. Justice. Coffee for all.”

• Free wifi

• Great staff

• Delicious coffee & food

• Lots of different seating areas and nooks

• Indoor & outdoor seating

• Homey vibes

My go-to order: Hung Jury latte w/ oat milk

5. Three Ships Coffee - Hilltop

“A quiet repose in an otherwise not quiet part of town.”

• Free wifi

• Several spots to sit

• Good natural lighting

• Fairly quiet environment

• Modern, fun interior

My go-to order: Pungo latte w/ oat milk

6. Commune

“real food unites us all.”

• Lots of seating options (indoor and outdoor)

• Delicious food & coffee (their homemade coffee syrups are incredible)

• Good natural light

• Free wifi

My go-to order: The Vedge on a crepe w/ a dulce latte

Note: Can get crowded & noisy during busy times.

7. American Brew

“Coffee, whiskey, & community.”

• Free wifi

• Delicious coffee & food

• Lots of seating options (indoor and outdoor)

• Natural lighting

My go-to order: Morning Hash Bowl w/ vanilla oat milk latte

Note: Can get crowded & noisy during busy hours. Closed on Mondays!

8. Gather VB

“Your work space is more than deadlines and coffee. It’s people, the possibilities. It’s about your productivity, your goals, your future.”

• Coworking spaces

• Free wifi

• Private offices

• Conference rooms

• Podcast booths

• Phone booths

• Communal kitchen w/ coffee

• Clean, modern esthetic

• Located in Virginia Beach’s town center

Note: You can tour the space for free but membership is required to go regularly. If you get a membership, you can have access to all 7 of Gather’s locations.

Image from workatgather.com

9. 1701

“Cool kid’s club but for entrepreneurs.”

• Coworking space with flexible memberships

• Collaboration & community

• Conference rooms

• Fast wifi

• Local coffee served

• Printing

• Phone booths

• Indoor & outdoor workspaces

• Walking distance to restaurants, coffee shops, & the beach

Note: You can tour the space for free but membership is required to go regularly.

Images from 1701's IG & website

10. Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library

I hadn’t been to the library in a few years but stopped by the Central Library recently to renew my library card and am excited to go back and work from one of their cozy nooks!

• Lots of seating options

• Free wifi & lots of outlets to charge laptops

• Huge collection of books & other resources

• Public computers, printers, & scanners

• Meeting & study rooms

• Don’t need to purchase coffee, food, or memberships to work from here

Note: Bring your own coffee or snacks! Talking on the phone may not be appropriate for the common areas.

P.S. If you haven’t downloaded the Hoopla Digital App or Libby App yet they’re awesome free resources that connect with your library card!

11. TCC / City of Virginia Beach Joint-Use Library

While I didn’t like this spot quite as much as the Central Library (since it’s part of TCC, it had more academic/college vibes), it is a very nice facility with:

• A ton of great seating

• Huge collection of books & other resources

• Free wifi

• Public computers, printers, & scanners

• Meeting & study rooms

• Don’t need to purchase coffee, food, or memberships to work from here

Note: Bring your own coffee or snacks! Talking on the phone may not be appropriate for the common areas.

Many of us have given up the 9-5 life for the flexibility and freedom that comes with working remotely. That could mean working from your house, a local coffee shop, a co-working space, or even a hammock on a faraway exotic island (GOALS). Check out my blog post here for what to consider before working remotely.

#VAgoodness Holiday Gift Guide

the Ebc X VA Goods Holiday Gift Guide is HERE!

I think it’s important to support small businesses of all sizes but this year I wanted to highlight local women-owned micro businesses — those that operate on a very small scale as solo operations or with very few employees.

VA Goods is amazing because everything in their shop is made in Virginia with a large portion by women-owned micro businesses. Everything on this guide you can find at their shop inside Selden Market in Downtown Norfolk (208 E Main Street Suite 111 Norfolk, VA 23510). I hope this guide is helpful for checking people off your holiday shopping list!

xx,

Emily

Pssst…pay attention to the writing in bold below to catch special deals exclusive to this guide!

For the home

Renee Beamer Harbor + Home Reed Diffuser

For the boho lover in your life, look no further! Renee Beamer makes beautiful wreaths, reed diffusers and other home items.

I love products that are both functional and beautiful and Renee’s Boho Reed Diffuser is both. The Winter Soulstice scent welcomes a calming state with notes of fir, citrus, and cedar wood and is hands down my favorite (I stock up on it so I can enjoy year round!).

For All Handkind Glass Ball Ornament

A classic gift to adorn your Christmas tree or hang in your window year round. Each ornament is unique & hand blown by Kim McKinnis. Check out a behind-the-scenes making of the ornaments here. DEAL: Mention this gift guide and receive $5 off an ornament! Offer good through 12/31/21.

EJ Coastal X FAHK Holiday Wine Candle

Looking for a unique, upcycled gift? Check out these wine bottles that were cut and polished by For All Handkind and turned into candles by EJ Coastal. Available scents include Mistletoe, Eucalyptus & Mint, Pumpkin Spice, and Winterberry. DEAL: Purchase $75 worth of products from VA Goods and receive one of these handmade wine candles for FREE when you mention this gift guide! Offer good through 12/31/21 or while supplies last.

Fig & Fire Holiday Matches

Pair these natural wood, color tipped matches with your favorite candle and you’ve got the perfect holiday gift for the ‘homebody’, a client, co-worker, or teacher. Makes an easy stocking stuffer, too!

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For the foodie

Vessel Craft Coffee

Artisanal small batch coffee roasted to perfection? Yes, please. Their Holiday Blend makes a great gift for coworkers, in-laws, or an easy host gift. If you really want to level up your stockings this year, add a bag of coffee! DEAL: Buy 2 bags receive 3rd bag 50% off when you mention this gift guide. Offer good through 12/31/21.

Mother Shrub Mixing Vinegar

Mother Shrub has a delicious selection of mixing vinegars but their holiday Vanilla Hickory Pear made with slightly sweet pear, creamy vanilla and a hint of smokiness from wildcrafted hickory bark syrup from Virginia-based Falling Bark Farm…is a MUST.

Mix with vodka, amaretto and top with club soda to make a cocktail version of a frangipane tart. Add a splash of elderflower cordial, a squeeze of lemon and top with sparkling water and an edible flower garnish. Tastes great in an Old Fashioned, too!

NuLand Hot Sauce

NuLand prides themselves on ridiculously fun, surprising, and unusual flavored “hot stuff” with heat that builds. And with flavors like Cherry Chili, Maple, and Cranberry Habanero, I’d have to agree. Made at their Family Farm, these "Farm-to-Flavour” hot sauces are the perfect gift for anyone who loves flavor and spice!

Stop by VA Goods on Small Business Saturday (11/27) for a tasting by NuLand!

Lazy Lux Wellness Steeping Jar

Cold Weather calls for comfy sweaters and warm drinks! Infuse cider, apple juice, spirits, or coffee with these delicious spices.

Directions: Place loose tea in tea bag or steeping ball. Steep in 8oz of water for 8-10 minutes. Jar contains 10-12 servings.

It Started with a Fig Jams & Butters

These vegan, all natural jams made with fresh fruit from local farms instantly elevate any pb&j, toast, or really anything you add them to!

It Started with a Fig’s seasonal flavors include Cranny Apple, Apple Butter, 24 Carrot, Black Razz & Plum Spice, and Peaches Y’all (peaches, brown sugar, almond flavoring & nutmeg).

Dee’s Peanut Butter

Dee’s Peanut Butters are vegan with no added sugar, made with natural peanut butter, loaded with ground flax and chia seeds and blended into a lightly chunky, smooth consistency. YUMMM.

Dee’s seasonal flavor is Chocolate Chili and I can’t wait to try it!

KēWi Teas Spiced Chai

Inspired by the traditional "Masala Chai", this well-rounded blend of premium black tea and traditional, aromatic chai spices is perfect for a cozy night at home. Enjoy by itself or with milk & sweetener for a delicious hot or iced chai latte!

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Skincare & Self-Care

Maven Made Mini Size Gift Set

These plant-based gift sets are perfect stocking stockers or gift for someone who needs some pampering (including yourself!).

Relaxation Gift Set includes:

- Tonka Bean & Lavender Room and Linen Spray
- Sleep Serum
- Headache & Tension Remedy

Skin Love Gift Set includes:

- Facial Serum
- Rosewater Wondermist
- Every Body Oil

Naked Goat Soap Co NOURISH Clay Mask

NOURISH is a gentle blend of clays and botanicals designed to polish and cleanse skin. Made with Kaolin White Clay, Rose Clay, Colloidal Oatmeal, Pomegranate Powder, Chamomile Powder, Rosehip Seed Powder, Rose Absolute Oil, and Palmarosa Essential Oil. Great gift for anyone who enjoys a good face mask!

Olive Culture Soap

I’ve smelled each of these soaps and they smell sooo good they’re hard to put down! Scents include Milk + Honey, Citrus + Patchouli, East Beach, Rosemary + Sage, Lavender + Cedar Wood.

Yōō Clean

I love and use everything Yōō Clean makes but my favorite gift-able items are her All Purpose Cleaner (it cleans counters, windows, mirrors - anything & everything!), Car Diffuser, and Coffee Vanilla Sugar Scrub.

Her products are organic, all natural and incredibly effective!

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Accessories

Kristin Paige Leather

From leather and thread to hardware and tools, nearly every element of what goes in to making Kristin Paige’s bags are sourced from small businesses in America!

VA Goods is stocked with a selection of Kristin’s card cases and trinket trays. She will be working at VA Goods on Small Business Saturday (11/27) — a great chance to stop by and meet the maker!

Fringe & Fire Clay Earrings

These handmade polymer clay earrings make a unique gift for your funky friends! Michelle is always coming up with new designs and VA Goods has several styles stocked.

Aquí Boutique Leather Bags

These handcrafted bags constructed of naturally conditioned leather are super cool because of their unique and traditional designs from Chiapas Mexico. I have one of these bags and their laptop sleeve is on my wish list!

L.O.U.D. Accessories

Tasteful, minimal, beautiful. L.O.U.D. Accessories makes 14kgf unique handmade jewelry that goes with any outfit! I have a couple of her rings and wear them daily.

XO Jennifer Alexis

For the person who loves a bit of glitz and glam, these Space Cadet Fused Glass Earrings are perfect. Dichroic Glass and Argentium Silver ear wires make up these hypoallergenic and low tarnish earrings.

Holiday Cards by Rowena F. Finn

Finish off your gift with a handmade card! This stationary set features prints of original designs by contemporary realist painter, Rowena F. Finn.

After stopping in VA Goods, check out these women owned micro businesses next door inside Selden Market!

Lorak Jewelry

With the desire to create beautiful and unique pieces for every budget and occasion, LORAK has several distinct collections. Working in brass, "vermeil" silver with a heavy gold plate, silver, and gold alloys, Anna employs a mix of traditional old world and modern jewelry techniques. She hand fabricates, carves, casts, and hand finishes each piece. Combined with her attention to detail while designing, each piece is specially made with a personal touch.

I have their Arcata Drop earrings and always receive compliments when I wear them!

Sugar & Grace Co.

Erica at Sugar and Grace Co makes soy candles that are 100% natural, with no paraffin, petroleum, or phthalates. She also has a great selection of plants, flowers, home items and offers DIY candle making!

Shop Gallagher

Gallagher is a women's clothing brand committed to sustainable sourcing and ethical production. Each piece is hand-sewn in Norfolk, VA.

I have their Perrin top and one of their neck scarves and the quality is unmatched.

Their scrunchies make for great stocking stuffers!

If you purchase from VA Goods, I’d love to know what you get! Tag me in a photo or send me a DM on IG at @emilybensonconsulting.

Interested in learning more? Meet the women behind these businesses here.

Food Photography Tips & Prop Ideas

The first type of photography I learned was food photography. It also happens to be my favorite! Getting just the right angle, creatively staging the menu, and, of course, tasting the food or drinks is something I love to do. If you’re looking to take some food or drink photos, here are some tips and props I have found useful over the years:

Have a plan

It goes for any photography, but know what the images are going to be used for and plan accordingly. For example, if it’s going to be used for instagram you’ll want to make sure all the elements fit into a square. If you’re looking for a hero image for your website with text overlay, you’ll want a horizontal image with blank space in the area the text will go.

Avoid using a flash

Avoid using a flash with food photography as it can create a glare on the item. Shoot in natural light to capture the true color of the food items.

Reduce the clutter

Don’t add objects into the photo unless it serves a specific purpose. If the item is looking lonely by itself, adding the individual ingredients that go into the food item can bring a nice dynamic.

Fruitive Avo Portobello Panini

Fruitive Avo Portobello Panini

Play with the focal point

Which element in the picture do you want to pop? In the first image below I focused in on the smoothie. In the second, the ingredients.

Fruitive Coffee Date Liquid Meal

Fruitive Coffee Date Liquid Meal

Get the close-up shot

If you’re using the photo for social media, make sure to get some nice close-ups! From my experience, these photos get the most interaction.

Graze Kitchen Sweet Hash Bowl

Utilize motion & add a human element

Pouring a drink, cutting a cake, or reaching for a plate are easy ways to add a sense of movement to the photo. Tip: ask the model to keep moving as if they are actually eating the food, taking a drink, etc and keep snapping photos. It’ll look less staged than if they just hold a pose.

Fruitive Plant Based Matcha Latté

Fruitive Plant Based Pizzas

Fruitive Superberry Bowl and Latté

Graze Kitchen Coffee and Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board

Vessel Craft Nitro Cold Brew

Graze Kitchen Summer Picnic

Fruitive Cold Brew with Nut Milk

Use a Tripod

For overhead shots, use a tripod to get steady and consistent shots. Tripods are also great for capturing photos you can later turn into stop motion videos.

Fruitive Liquid Meals

Fruitive Liquid Meals

keep it Neutral

Use neutral backgrounds to make the colors in the food pop or for when you will need to create a graphic with text overlaid.

Fruitive Plant Based Harvest Pizza

Get the group shots

After capturing the individual shots, I always make sure to take some group shots. There’s something a bit more interesting in seeing all the items at once versus by themselves.

Graze Kitchen Fall Drink Menu

Fruitive Liquid Meals

Fruitive Meals

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I don’t use a lot of props with food photography but these are a few favorites:

Walnut Jut Board & Napkins

While I think letter boards can be tacky sometimes, I love this walnut board! It is great for when you want to add some description to a photograph. I also like using napkins as a way to incorporate texture or a pop of color to the photo. The one pictured below is made by The Indigo Tribe and is sold at KitschVA.

Fruitive Meals at Home Cooler Bag with Walnut Jut Board, The Indigo Tribe Napkin, Crate & Barrel Plate, and Glass from MacDonald’s Nursery

Newspaper, Menus & reusable straws

There’s nothing quite so nice as reading a physical newspaper. A newspaper or paper menu are easy prop ideas to add an extra element to the shot. Capturing a drink? A metal, glass or bamboo straw can make for a fun addition.

Fruitive ABC Waffle & Dragon Berry Liquid Meal

Graze Kitchen Iced Tea

Fruitive Peaches N’ Greens Liquid Meal with Reusable Glass Straw

Vessel Craft Nitro Cold Brew with Reusable Metal Straw

Hand carved spoon

If you need to use a spoon, make it unique! I got this hand carved spoon from a local wood worker, Nelson Wooden Boats. I use it as my daily coffee scoop but it also makes it into a lot of my photography that features dry ingredients like coffee beans or tea leaves.

Vessel Craft Coffee

Purely Elderberry Tea

Wood board

In the shot below, the wood board helps break up the white space and ground the objects. When it comes to adding materials, I love using natural woods. This particular board is from Target but I have a couple of Hill Woodwork charcuterie boards which I love to use, too.

Vessel Craft Coffee Nitro Cold Brew

Fresh flowers or seasonal items

Fresh flowers in the summer or items like pumpkins and pinecones in the fall can help subtly signal a seasonal menu change.

Graze Kitchen Wine

Graze Kitchen Fall Pumpkin Smoothie

I hope you found these tips helpful! I’d love to know, which food or drink looked the tastiest to you? Comment below!

Cheers,
Emily

EBC's Small Business Holiday Gift Guide

It may seem early to be thinking about holiday shopping, but now is the time to leisurely shop and start checking people off your list!

Three cheers to all the small business owners who have weathered the storms of 2020. This holiday season support our local economy by purchasing from small businesses in Hampton Roads! There are so many great options that I had a hard time narrowing it down but here are a few of my favorites.

Under $100

Wanderful Boxes

Sara, owner, is the BEST ever for creating curated gifts — corporate, wedding, birthday…you name it! Not sure what you should gift? She’ll help you find the perfect thing. (Wanderful Boxes has gifts that are both under and over $100.)

IG @wanderfulboxes

SHOP

Byrdhouse Holidays

Immediately elevate your holiday wrapping with Mia Byrd’s hand dyed, plant-based ribbons! She’s launching ribbons, ornaments, stationary, and more for the holiday season. She also does killer home decorating!

IG: @byrdhousebrands

SHOP

Vessel Craft Coffee

Their Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee and 757 Blends are my go-tos. They also are the only local company I could find that makes instant coffee…and did you even live through the 2020 pandemic if you didn’t try whipped coffee??

IG @vesselcraftcoffee

SHOP

Nelson Wooden Boats

I have several of his hand carved spoons that I use for cooking but this rounded spoon is my favorite. It’s the perfect coffee or tea scoop! Pictured with Purely Elderberry’s delicious tea.

IG @nelsonwoodenboats

Shop

For All Handkind

What better way to adorn your tree than with glass blown ornaments made in Norfolk, VA? Each ornament is unique and For All Handkind offer lots of different colors, shapes, and styles.

IG @forallhandkind

SHOP

Earth to Water (formerly Ballahack Outdoor)

Their CRKT M21 Folding Knife w/ Tripple Point Serrations is my favorite pocket knife! Everything in their store is perfect for the adventurer or outdoor lover in your life.

IG @earthtowater

shop

It’s Yōō Clean

These products make me WANT to clean. They are all-natural, WORK, and smell amazing. Mary, owner, just released gift bundles — the perfect host gift!

IG @itsyooclean

SHOP

Jennifer Love

I was recently introduced to Jennifer Love’s work and she’s now on my wishlist! Jennifer is a minimalist printmaker who even makes her own paper.

IG @by.jenniferlove

shop

Cocoa Nouveau

Hands down the best chocolates and confections I’ve ever had. These European-style, decadent goodies are handcrafted by Maître Chocolatier Kristin Joslin.

IG @cocoanouveau

SHOP

Renee Beamer Harbor & Home

This Winter Soulstice Modern Wreath is #GOALS. Renee’s shop is filled with boho style accents and gift ideas!

IG @reneebeamer

shop

Sugar & Grace Co.

Love, love, love Sugar and Grace Candles. I have 4 in my room currently! I love her Shades of Beauty and Between the Sheets candles but can’t wait for her holiday line to launch.

IG @sugarandgrace.co

SHOP

Over $100

Shire House Furniture Co.

Using salvaged lumber and steel, Danny crafts beautiful furniture and select home goods like charcuterie boards. If you’re considering a new coffee table, dining room table, etc — you can’t go wrong with a beautifully handcrafted piece from Shire House Furniture Co. They’re pieces you’ll want to keep forever.

IG @shirehousefurnitureco

SHOP

Shop Gallagher

I have the Perrin top and one of their neck scarves and love them both! Shop Gallagher’s clothes are designed, developed, and produced by a sister-duo here in Hampton Roads. Their pieces are made from natural fibers with ethical manufacturing and they promote selective consumerism.

IG @shopgallagher

shop

Werther Leather Goods

Their tool bag crossbody is my FAVE — the design was inspired by an old tool bag found in a family shed. Made in house from start to finish, their products are timeless pieces you’ll keep forever!

IG @wertherleathergoods

SHOP

Hill Woodworking

From Cedar of Lebanon charcuterie boards to black walnut cutting boards, anything in their shop makes for a quality, unique present! Crafted with a large variety of Virginia hardwoods. (Their shop has items both under and over $100.)

IG @hillwoodworking

shop

Katie Parsons Collection

Katie’s paintings are unique, eye catching, and peaceful. Purchase a painting from her shop or commission a special piece!

IG @katieparsonscollection

SHOP

I had so many additional great suggestions that I couldn’t fit on the gift guide but wanted to give them a special mention! Make sure to check out French Twist Boutique, Jen Van Horn Health, Trish Boutique, Sprout VB, Jars of Dust, Third Born Clothing, HortiCulture Design Co., Pepper and Pink Co., Pixelated Boutique, Shop Bocu, Northend Bag Co., Smooth Downtown, Prince Ink, Chrysler Museum Shop, Be Well Boxes, Orange Sky Wellness, Read Books, Kitsch Handmade, Faithfull Lashes, The Bikini Hut, The Beauty Tree Spa, Coastal Jewelry Studio, Blossom & Bone Designs, Norfolk Candle, Method Wellness, Purely Elderberry & Wellness, Hamilton Perkins Collection, & Dirt Work Ceramics.

I hope this post was helpful for holiday gift ideas! Happy shopping!

A Tour of a Maître Chocolatier's Studio

“Life happens, chocolate helps.”

I had the pleasure of getting a behind-the-scenes look inside Cocoa Nouveau’s “chocolate room” this past week. Not a bad way to spend a Friday morning!

Warning: blog post may cause you to crave chocolate.

Chocolate covered caramels

Kristin Joslin, Maître Chocolatier and owner of Cocoa Nouveau, is a lover of all things chocolate. She always loved eating chocolate but it wasn't until after living in Europe and attending the Ecole Chocolat Professional School of Chocolate Arts and L’Ecole du Grand Chocolat Valrhona for Chocolate Mastery that she began crafting artisan chocolates and confections by hand.

People who make chocolate have got to be the best people in the world.

Chocolate covered salted caramels

“My mission is to now spread joy by bringing European-style decadent chocolates to the community of Hampton Roads. I use only the best and most sustainable ingredients in my products and my kitchen is preservative and gluten-free (along with select vegan options).”

— Kristin Joslin

Hand cutting dairy-free pomegranate organic 65% chocolate

Temperature and humidity are very important in keeping the integrity of chocolate. Her “chocolate room” is air controlled to be below 70 degrees with a dehumidifier that keeps humidity below 50%.

Hand cutting dairy-free pomegranate organic 65% chocolate

“Every country has their different way of crafting chocolates. In France and Italy the flavors are darker, they don’t use as much milk chocolate, they’re cleaner and more nuanced. Germany and Belgium chocolate is typically much sweeter and heavy on the nuts. My style is more French / Italian.”

— Kristin Joslin

Art Nouveau can be found around her workshop

Art Nouveau can be found throughout her workspace. It was when Kristin found the post card below in a gift shop in Europe that she knew what she wanted her business name to be…Cocoa Nouveau.

Postcard that inspired Cocoa Nouveau’s name

“The meaning behind the name was inspired by my love for the feminine and floral “Art Nouveau”, the international style of art, architecture, and applied art after the Industrial Revolution that was about celebrating the handcrafted and artistry. Not only is my business named after this style of art, each of my chocolate flavors are named after a city, artist, architect, etc from that time.”

— Kirstin Joslin

Hand painting the molds with colored cocoa butter

Kristin has very high standards when it comes to her chocolates. She uses small in-country fine chocolate makers whenever she can (meaning they grow and produce the chocolate themselves). 

Hand painting the molds with colored cocoa butter

Adding the third color to the molds

We walked through her secret garden filled with herbs and plants like ginger, figs, lavender, olive, mint, thyme, lime tree, lemon tree, and more. Kristin uses all these fresh items in her delectable chocolates and confections.

Fresh rosemary

“My favorite flavors to infuse into my chocolates are really spicy ginger and anise. I grow them both in my garden.”

— Kristin Joslin

Fresh ginger

Olive tree, lavender, and more in Kristin’s garden

In addition to chocolate, Kristin makes marshmallows, drinking chocolate (my FAVE), chocolate dipped citrus, caramels, and baked goods.

Handcrafted vanilla bean marshmallows

Handcrafted vanilla bean marshmallow

I’ve eaten a lot of Cocoa Nouveau, but this is the first time I got to see some of the process of how they’re made. Kristin’s knowledge, attention to detail, creativity, and dedication to the best makes her products stand out from the rest.

Are you craving chocolate and confections now? Head to www.cocoanouveau.com to place an order!

Meet Glassblowing Artist & Entrepreneur, Kim McKinnis

Kim McKinnis, cofounder of For All Handkind, educator, and one of the most talented glassblowing artists in Hampton Roads, invited me to Chrysler Museum’s Glass Studio for some behind-the-scenes glassblowing.

Did you know glass starts to move and melt at 1,000 degrees?! Kim reviewed shop safety with me but, turns out, my natural instinct is to keep a safe distance from molten glass.

“The first time I saw glassblowing, it was the closest thing to magic I’d ever seen.”

— Kim McKinnis

Glassblowing is a glass forming technique where you inflate molten glass into a bubble through a blowpipe. Pretty cool, right?

Pictured: Adding the color.

During my visit, Kim was busy testing custom holiday ornaments. From classic holiday balls to spooky bats, she can make literally anything! If you’re one of my clients, you have reason to be excited this holiday season…

“My favorite thing to make is glass bowls because they’re functional and very challenging. The slightest wrong move can ruin it and it’s hard to make the bowl elegant.”

— Kim McKinnis

Pictured: Adding the decorative shapes to the glass ornament.

Pictured: Reheating the glass.

Pictured: Reheating the glass.

Kim was working in the studio with an assistant and it was fascinating to see the two of them work and communicate speedily with non-verbal cues. Renting glass studios by the hour can be expensive, so learning to work efficiently is important.

“My favorite part of the glassblowing process is the transformation that happens and the collaborative aspect of working with other artists.”

— Kim McKinnis

Pictured: Shaping the ornament.

Pictured: Removing excess glass.

Pictured: Using a torch on the ornament.

“Some of the worst advice you could give an aspiring artist? Being told there’s nothing original or “that’s already been done” can be really harmful. There’s always ways to make something your own or do it differently. The same could be said for business too. The pandemic has shown us that the way forward is to adapt and evolve.”

— Kim McKinnis

Pictured: Adding the ornament hook.

Pictured: Shaping the ornament hook.

Pictured: The making of a black bat ornament.

More examples of Kim’s glass work:

Originally from Southern California, Kim fell in love with glassblowing after taking some classes in college. She went on to earn a BFA, in studio art with a concentration in glass, and an MFA, in Exhibition Design, from the California State University in Fullerton, California.

Kim moved to Norfolk, VA to participate in Chrysler Studio’s six month Assistantship Program and now teaches Glassblowing, Art 101, and Portfolio Resumé at TCC, and Foundational Concepts and 3D Design at ODU.

In addition to teaching classes and running For All Handkind, Kim is currently working on a pilot program of virtual tours at the Barry Art Museum on campus at ODU.

You can find Kim’s work for sale at For All Handkind, Kitsch, UrbanGlass, Grand Central Arts Center, Drinking Vessels, or Uncommon Goods.

I hope you enjoyed this short behind-the-scenes of glassblowing as much as I did!

Q&A with Owner of Purely Elderberry & Wellness

I recently had the opportunity to take product photos for Perry O’Rourke and wanted to introduce her with a Q & A! Perry is an entrepreneur, mom and owner of Purely Elderberry and Wellness, where she makes delicious elderberry syrup and teas.

How did the idea for your business come about?

The idea for Purely came about when my son turned one. His sweet little immune system was not great and I worked very hard to help him get adequate nutrients to stay healthy. Then we started using my homemade Elderberry and it completely transformed our lives. My son was not catching colds as often and was able to sleep through the night without a stuffy nose. I knew it was helping him and I knew other mothers needed this. So I started sharing with other moms and things just took off.

One thing you’ve learned this year?

I’ve learned so much this year. I’d say the most important thing I’ve learned is to put my marriage first. I was putting my son and business first, of course these two are incredibly important but I’ve learned when I put my marriage up there with as important as my son and business I’m the most successful.

What inspires you?

There is so much that inspires me. I’m inspired by the healing journey I see so many people choosing these days. To get healthy and stay healthy. Choosing to live and not just survive. Choosing to use holistic approaches instead of conventional. That is inspiring to me. I’m inspired by other women entrepreneurs that have families and are still getting it done and being successful. I’m inspired by healthy marriages and friendships. I’m inspired by people who keep their peace when everything seems to be thrown at them. 

If you could give yourself advice when you started your business what would it have been?

Pace yourself. I’m very thankful for my start and how quickly things grew and succeeded. I’m so thankful. I would have just paced myself and hired my team sooner than I did. It was just me for a while. Then my husband said I needed to hire someone, so we did! And I’m so thankful for her. 

How do you relax after a stressful day?

I try not to have stressful days anymore. I work hard to stay calm and focused by drinking a lot of water, one cup of green tea and keeping a balanced diet. Stress can cause a lot of health issues. So I take CBD and certain vitamins, minerals and supplements to help my body stay in a peaceful state. If a stressful moment sneaks up on me I will use calming essential oils and sit in my portable sauna for 30 minutes to sweat and read some scriptures to help.

Are there any tools you use that help you in your business? 

Emily has been a wonderful resource and tool for Purely. I have a beautiful website because of her and I know my business runs better because of her help and expertise.

Any new products or exciting things in the works for Purely Elderberry? Or future dream?

Purely will be announcing new products this winter! We will have our first full line of nourishing Teas. I’ve always loved tea, and I’ve always been a green tea drinker. There are so many benefits to drinking tea or sipping on it through out the day. It’s filled with minerals and nutrients that our body needs. I’m excited to share this line. 

My future dream is to have Purely Elderberry and Wellness in every Whole Foods, MOMs Organic Market, and Natural Food Store across America! I know how much it has helped our family and the many families that have purchased, so I’d like to grow and help millions.

You can learn more about Perry and order her delicious products at www.purelyelderberrywellness.com or by following her on social media at @purelyelderberry.

How Could You Be Misunderstood?

What I’ve Learned From Asking Interviewees “What Are Your Biggest Weaknesses?”

I recently read an article that featured Stacey Valy Panayiotou, the senior vice president of global talent and development at Coca-Cola. She shared that her favorite interview questions were “How could you be misunderstood?” and “How can people get the wrong impression of you, and what do you do about that perception?”. I liked her alternative to the age-old interview question “What is your biggest weakness?”.

While conducting job interviews, I have asked dozens of individuals what their “three biggest weaknesses” were. I typically received one of three types of answers:

1. Spinning a strength into a weakness.

   I’m sorry, but saying you “work too hard” is a cop-out answer.

2. “I can’t think of any.”

   If, after sharing a weakness of my own, the interviewee still couldn’t pinpoint a weakness, I would tell them I don’t hire anyone without weaknesses. Because we ALL have weaknesses and what matters to me is that you’re aware and working on them.

3. An honest, articulate, self-aware answer.

   This was the minority of individuals I’ve interviewed but it was always refreshing to hear. There were the few who shared startling honest weaknesses which were red flags for hiring (you can work on your theft problem elsewhere) but, for the most part, their honesty spoke to their credit.

I’ve learned that sometimes asking this question proved fruitful; however, it was often too flat and generic. So I adopted Panayiotou’s questions into my interview process as they are less intimidating for the interviewee. Her questions bring in a dualistic dynamic by accounting for not only the individual but how self-aware they are towards how their actions are perceived.

While this is technically an interview question, I think it’s good for everyone to ask themselves this question. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to wait until I’m prepping for a job interview to figure out how I could be misunderstood. Unsure where to start? Get input from those around you — family, friends, coworkers. Learning how you are perceived can reduce frustration for you and the people around you…and we all want that!

Checklist for Launching a Squarespace Website

Looking to DIY a Squarespace website? Stressed you’ll miss a step? I’ve created a simple checklist for use with my clients and thought it would helpful to share with you!

Generally, the goal for a website is to create a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate website to promote or sell your offerings, share business information + content, and grow your email list. Keep in mind your big picture goals and future user experience during every step of building your website.

Website Checklist

TECH

• Sign up for Squarespace trial and choose template

• Link domain name, business email, and other business information

• Sign up for a e-mailing service (Flodesk, Mailchimp, Squarespace, etc.) and connect to website.

• Create a Stripe, or Paypal account to process payments

• Consider adding a chat box service like Pure Chat to website

SITE ORGANIZATION

• Create website outline of what you want included on website

• Outline user journey

• Write content (i.e. about, home, services / products / work with me, blog (categories and tags), contact, careers, pick up locations, ordering, FAQ)

• Gather images

• Organize navigation

• Build out pages

SEO

• Connect Google Analytics

• Write page descriptions

• Turn on SSL

• Turn on AMP

• Check Google Page Speed insight

• Install Moz Bar in Chrome

• Install Google Search Console

MARKETING

• Create newsletter opt-in freebie

• Implement strategic newsletter sign-ups across site

• Connect social media accounts

• Turn on share buttons

• Include trust signals (i.e. testimonials, etc)

LAUNCH

• Test on mobile

• Test links

• Activate Squarespace subscription

• Promote!

Have questions related to building a Squarespace website? Comment below and I’ll do my best to answer you!

Book & Podcast Recommendations to Survive #COVID19 According to 8 Female Business Owners

Looking for book or podcast recommendations to survive COVID19? I’ve collected favorites from 8 intelligent, resourceful, and entrepreneurial business-owning women and compiled their answers below. Save this blog post for next time you need a book or podcast recommendation!

Tricia Snyder, Owner of Trish

Book Recommendation(s):

• Educated by Tara Westover

• Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

• Wild by Cheryl Strayed

• The tender bar by j.r. Moehringer

• shataram by gregory david roberts

• a house in the sky by amanda lindhout & sara corbett

• the art forger by shapiro

Must reads that will make anyone feel better, happier, grateful and even educated. Very cool 😎 grouping of my favorites! Some old and some new but all an experience worth the adventure and time!

Xoxo 😘 TRISH

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Sara Andrews, Owner of Wanderful Boxes

Book Recommendation:

• Shoe Dog by Phil Night

Shoe Dog is like an autobiography, business book and economics book all rolled into one. Obviously we know Nike’s success but I like getting a look at the turbulence they endured and how they adapted and overcame.

Podcast Recommendation:

• How I Built This with Guy Raz

How I Built This gives a look at the challenges people faced early on and I like the questions they ask as far as how founders overcame them. I appreciate the authenticity and how they include the losses as well as the wins. 

- Sara

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Kristin Joslin, Owner of Cocoa Nouveau

Podcast Recommendation(s):

• The Box of Oddities with Katrina Walls & Jethro Toth

• Intentional Conversations with Melanie scott

I am addicted to The Box of Oddities podcast! I started from the very beginning and you never know what you will learn. I love Intentional Conversations and Shots of Inspiration from Melanie Scott, it just depends on my mood. Right now I am all in on box of oddities. It is addicting and so much fun. The couple is awesome.

- Kristin

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Sarah Blehm, Owner of Method Wellness

Book Recommendation:

• The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho

I feel like I get something new out of it every time I read it!

Podcast Recommendation:

• How I Built This with Guy Raz

I am obsessed with How I Built This (basic, I know, but still I love it).

- Sarah

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Perry Orourke, Owner of Purely Elderberry and Wellness

Book Recommendation:

• Boundless: Upgrade your brain, optimize your body and defy aging by Ben Greenfield

I got Ben Greenfield’s new book, Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, OptimizeYour Body and Defy Aging, as a gift a couple months ago and have really enjoyed reading it.

Podcast Recommendation:

• Ben Greenfield Fitness

Any podcast from him are great, too. This episode,Healthy Drinking 101: How To Make Feel-Good, Alcohol-Free Cocktails Chock Full of Nootropics, Adaptogens & Botanicals! is cool.

- Perry

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Jacqueline Weisberg, Owner of Empowered Mind Wellness

Book Recommendation(s):

I’m incredibly passionate about personal empowerment, healing, and transformation, and therefore it’s no surprise that the book genres I love fall in the same categories. Some of my many faves include:

• Awakening Shakti by sally kempton

  A book about how embodying aspects of the Divine feminine can potentize and transform your life. 

• The Universe Has Your Back by gabrielle bernstein, Outrageous Openness by tosha silver, CreatIng a Life You Love by Swami shankarananda, and Conversations with Grace by (my friend) julianne haycox

  Faith-based books for inspiration & intentionality with personal accounts of spiritual transformation.

• The Book of Awakening by mark nepo, A Path With Heart by Jack Kornfield, The Book of Joy by dalai lama, The Five Invitations by frank ostaseski

  Buddhist and spiritually based books with practical applications for healing, living life fully and appreciating the preciousness of your beautiful human life.

• The Body Keeps the Score by bessel van der kolk

  A  neuroscience based book written by a foremost expert on healing trauma through adjunctive modalities including mindfulness, breath, movement, and others.

I hope you enjoy and love these as much as I do!

- Jacqueline

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Mia Byrd, Owner of Byrdhouse Creative + Byrdhouse Bridal

Book Recommendation:

• If You Have to Cry, Go Outside by Kelly Cutrone

• Normal gets you nowhere by Kelly Cutrone

Both books by Kelly Cutrone- ‘If You Have to Cry, Go Outside’ and ‘Normal Gets You Nowhere’ are two faves. They inspire women to speak up, be bold while being professional, and work hard to perfect their crafts and reach life goals.

Podcast Recommendation:

• The Daily by The new york times

I’m generally immersed in the creative world, but I want to stay in tune with the world around me and current events. It’s a 20 minute daily podcast featuring important current events.

- Mia

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Brittany Tilley, Owner of Tilley’s Social Threads

Book Recommendation:

• The Big leap by Gay Hendricks

This book is good for creatives/entrepreneurs or anyone really.

Podcast Recommendation

• The Science of social media by Buffer

I also like The Science of Social Media by Buffer. I always tell people to take everything with a grain of salt. You don’t have to do everything they say, just glean tidbits to start new projects or ideas!

- Brittany

What about you? What have you been reading or listening to lately? Comment below! I’d love to hear.

Cheers,

Emily