You’ve Been Washing Your Gym Clothes All Wrong

1. How is it running a business as a wife-and-husband team, with five children no less!

We capitalize on each other's strengths, and we help each other grow in our respective areas. I try to get comfortable with the things that he's good at and he tries to get comfortable with the paperwork – and the things that I'm a little bit more good at, and being aware of those responsibilities. So as long as we do that, things work out well.

2. What’s a recent small win for you and your business?

My husband recently learned how to repair a lot of different things. He paid attention to what the repairmen we hired to do the work were doing. Our top loaders, our most popular washing machine, takes a lot of wear and tear. They're not the easiest to maintain. My husband has learned how to fix them. That's a small win.

The second one, because I said I capitalize on his strengths and my strengths, is I've been much better about working with accounting software. I used Verizon Small Business resources to learn how to make our books easier.

3. Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

My husband and I both agree that the women who contract with us for our wash/dry/fold – who we were able to springboard with support from the Verizon grant program – have inspired us because they were homeless coming out of the pandemic. They were able to come into our establishment and start their own small business, and that's something that we are super proud of these women for, for taking the steps that they did to start their own small business.

4. What's a book, podcast, or resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

Before 2018, my husband bought this DVD set by Danny D'Angelo, the KING of Laundry, and we were able to learn about the business just from sitting down and listening to him. A few years later, my husband was on his podcast! He was really, really inspirational to us.

5. How has the Verizon Small Business program helped propel your business forward?

The free resources are always a benefit because you're not obligated to do anything other than taking the time to seek out information. We're just real people and I feel like Verizon is a partnership with us in small business, supporting us, and believing in us. We've been able to expand our business because Verizon gave us a shot to do that. And that's amazing.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Team J&S.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces.

OQQ Workout Outfits for Women 2 Piece Exercise Set

A super simple, yet perfect set for any workout occasion. This ribbed two piece set is Amazon's Choice, and it's highly rated for it's quality. You can get this set in 28 different colors for $20. Personally, I have multiples of this set in a few different colors.

OLCHEE Womens Workout Sets 2 Piece

There are so many options to choose from on Amazon, so I tend to trust a number one best seller! This acid washed combo is flattering on any body type. The waist tucks in your tummy during any type of workout, and the quality of the material is durable. While sifting through many radiant reviews, I decided to get one for myself, you can too for only $20.

ATTRACO 2 Piece Tennis Dresses for Women

I know I'm not the only one who hopped on the pickleball wave recently — and like everyone else, I'm obsessed. If you're like me, I strongly urge you to get yourself a cute little tennis set like this one for your next game. This $38 set is a great option, coming with built in shorts and pockets!

ENERBLOOM Womens Yoga Jumpsuits Workout One Piece Romper

Though this technically isn't a set, I am a sucker for a one-piece anything. Sometimes, it makes my life easier knowing there's only one component to my outfit — I can just toss it on and go. This super cute workout romper is stretchy, breathable, and it has pockets if you're wearing it on the go. It's available in six colors for $30.

OQQ Women's 3 Piece Outfits

There is nothing I love more than variety. This workout set gives you two different top styles to pair with your shorts. The material is lightweight and sweat-proof, but will not stretch out. For $34, you get two different outfits and that alone is worth it to me.

HAEOF Womens Trendy Workout Outfit

This set is giving me all the Y2K vibes. Super breathable, this set is made from stretchy material for optimal comfort. It's perfect for a yoga or pilates class. Honestly, this set could also be worn just lounging around the house, too. Add this to your workout wardrobe for only $20.

Buttergene Women Workout Set

This is a great option if you prefer long sleeves when working out. This particular set is very snug, and it hugs you in all the right places — great for activities like running. I would recommend sizing up because sometimes it can be too tight. This workout set comes in 13 colors and can belong to you for $30!

ANRABESS Womens Athletic Workout Romper

Though not technically a set, this jumpsuit makes for a comfy and cute workout fit. The loose shorts are fantastic if you don't want tight bottoms. This outfit is perfect for activity that requires a lot of movement like tennis or running. Plus, it's a great Free People dupe. This romper comes in 16 different colors and is $40.

RXRXCOCO Seamless Workout Set

What a fun strappy to add to your collection! This highly rated set caught my eye for the top alone — I mean that back is gorgeous — but upon further investigation, there's so much more to it. The quality of the material is both comfortable and fitting. Plus, if you like a scrunched booty short, you should absolutely get this set for only $22.

SUUKSESS Women Seamless Ribbed Workout Set

If you opt for leggings versus workout shorts, this set is perfect for you. The fabric is thick, so it won't be see through and it will last. This unique workout top is a halter top, but still provides support in whatever activity you are doing. You can get this set for $28 — just keep in mind it runs small!

Attend A Silent Disco

A few years ago, just as the sober-curious movement was gaining steam, companies like Daybreaker brought 6 a.m. sober dance parties to the masses. In a similar vein are remote silent discos – events where you put your headphones on and dance it out to the music of world-class DJs right in the comfort of your own home (or in person, if you feel like venturing out).

A quick Google search will reveal that there are tons of options to shake it off on New Year's Eve, whether remotely or in-person in your city. Because silent discos have an alternative vibe, they're much more sober-friendly than traditional clubs and dance parties.

Make A Tea Bar

If you've ever been to a party where they had aProsecco bar or something similar, you know how fun themed bars can be. Why not make a NA equivalent with a tea bar? We're not just talking about hot water and tea bags... include exciting staples like bubble tea, kombucha, Southern-style sweet iced tea, and more!

Do A Goal-Setting Ritual

Not in the mood to party this year? Celebrate the New Year with some introspection by doing a goal-setting ritual. You can design the ritual in whatever manner you like, but we recommend something along the lines of:

• Light a candle and sit quietly for a few minutes.
• Whip out your journal and take inventory of the last year: What were your best memories? What are you grateful for? Where do you think you could've improved?
• In your journal (we have some killer prompts to start you off), mindfully list out your goals for 2025. They don't have to be New Year's resolutions, exactly, but include small steps you can take in the new year to help you achieve your goals!

Make A 2025 Scrapbook

Before New Year's Eve, head to your local craft store and pick up some supplies for making an old-fashioned scrapbook. Print out some photos from your most treasured memories of the year (we like printing with Walgreens), and gather any magazines you purchased or journal entries you wrote.

You can also look up some news headlines that made an impact on you, and print out the article as well as photos of any notable celebs or politicians who made the news. On New Year's eve, put together a scrapbook of what made 2024, 2024.

Good, bad, or otherwise, the year was one to remember — so create a momento that will help you re-live the past year in the years to come.

Plan A Costume Party

Believe it or not, masquerade balls, dressing up in costumes, and concealing one's identity have a long history in the historical celebrations of Christmastime. So we think a New Year's costume party is a fully appropriate idea for a sober New Year's Eve.

Who needs booze to have fun when you can dress up as whoever you want for a night of merriment and mystery?

Karaoke It Up

Another fun party pastime that's fun with or without booze? Singing! Grab some friends for a sober karaoke night either at your house or a private karaoke room. The singing's bound to be better than it would be if you were imbibing... who knows, maybe you'll steal the show with your rendition of "I'm Just Ken."

Cook A Fancy Meal

Whether you're spending the evening with your S/O or your BFF, cook a fancydinner for two. New Year's Eve is the perfect time to get fancy with food, so use this opportunity to ring in 2025 with only the finest cuisine. Don't forget to make a mocktail to go with!

Host A Game Night

Bring all your besties over and host a board game night that's sure to be one for the books. Have everyone bring their favorite game – from Cards Against Humanity to Codenames – for a riotous evening that will remind you that you absolutely don't need booze to have a rowdy night of laughter!

Play 2024 Trivia

Before New Year's Eve, compile a long list of trivia questions about 2024. Alternatively, have a friend do it for you, or do a quick Google search... there are a lot of trivia quizzes out there. On the big night, gather your squad together to see how much you remember about 2024. The results may surprise you!

Host A Murder-Mystery Dinner

Murder-mystery dinners are still one of the best ways to facilitate a heart-racing and mind-boggling party. Pick up one of the many murder mystery dinner kits out there and have your besties over for a night of thinking on your toes — to be fair, it's probably best to skip the booze for this idea anyway, for the sake of your mental acuity.