6 Key Lessons I Wish I’d Known Before Starting My Own Biz

Moving from New Hampshire to San Francisco in my early 20s meant that I got to take full advantage of building an awesome digital career at innovative startup companies. Lucky me! Over time, though, I slowly burned myself out — and couldn’t seem to ignore the inner urges to try my hand at starting a boutique web production studio (my dream business!). Making the leap from a full-time employee to my own boss has been exciting and a little bit scary at times, even with a solid business plan and savings in the bank. More than a year later, these are the top six lessons I’ve learned.

1. Done is better than perfect. As a business owner, I have limited time and energy reserves to accomplish everything on my to-do list, which means that some things don’t look or work *exactly* as I’d like them to all the time. For example, I’d love to redesign my letterhead, update my deck, and build out my work portfolio with recent projects, but none of these things is stopping me from growing my business. In fact, the current versions are more than enough when it comes to meeting my goals. Sometimes, you just have to roll up your sleeves and GSD while realizing that having a workable version is more important than something that looks pretty or perfect.

2. Networking really is useful. As an introvert, networking has always been a little bit of a challenge for me; but owning a business calls for connecting with others and proudly sharing what you do and how you can help them. The exercise of meeting people and talking about my work is one of the best ways to help myself feel more confident — and it’s helped land me gigs. If you’re not super comfortable with in-person events or find that there aren’t any relevant ones nearby, know that there are plenty of cool communities where you can connect online. I especially love Tech Ladies and Dreamers // Doers.

3. Work projects should be collaborative. One of the biggest things I’ve realized in my first year of working for myself is that my clients are not my boss — I don’t work for them, but *with* them. Once I internalized this and made the mental shift away from seeing myself as an employee, the dynamic completely changed. It’s a lot more fun to consider work a creative collaboration than to look at your to-do list or inbox as a bunch of orders. Trust me!

4. You need to stay balanced. When YOU are your business, and it’s the only way you make money, it can be tempting to spend all of your time working on projects or landing new ones. Though hustle and hard work are admirable, refusing to take breaks is a surefire way to stress yourself out fast. I’ve learned (again!) that not only does working for days and weeks on end take a toll on your health (the same way it does when you’re employed by someone else), but it can also affect your creativity and problem-solving abilities. To stay balanced, I need to keep some side projects and hobbies — without guilt that the time I spend on them “should” be invested in my business. For me, this means taking and teaching a Bar Method class a handful of times each week, long walks, and spontaneous trips down the coast. Each time I step away to do any of these things, I come back to my actual work with more energy. It’s a win-win!

5. You’ve got to plan ahead, but not TOO much. A new business can be unpredictable, despite best guesses. One of the key lessons of my first year is to prep in advance without overdoing it; things change pretty quickly. So while a solid business plan, answers to important Qs (what to do about health insurance, your retirement account, etc.), and a one- to three-month forecast are essential, you probably don’t need to spend time figuring out what you’ll need to do for the entire first year or two. The cool part is you’ll learn more as you go, and each lesson will help you make decisions about how to function in the future.

6. It’s your job to keep learning. It’s true that running a business is time-consuming and that carving out time for yourself can be tough to do. It can seem impossible to find time to keep advancing amid the chaos, but seeking those opportunities is ultra-important for your growth and offerings. Since owning your own biz means you don’t have the luxury of a stipend or the resources that you might get while working full-time, it’ll be up to you to research and uncover the best classes, books, or online tutorials for your industry. To hold myself accountable, I now make education part of my quarterly goal-setting process. (I love creative classes and edX offerings.) You’ll savor putting your new skills to use as you expand your offerings, raise your prices, or dabble with supplemental services!

Do you own a business or freelance full-time? Tweet us what you wish you knew before you got started @BritandCo!

(Photos via GoldSquare and Getty)

Netflix has given us some bangers (hello Nobody Wants This!) but, according to TV viewers, it's also given us some epic flops. Whether the scripts fell flat or the actors had no chemistry, these are the worst TV shows on Netflix you can watch right now — with Rotten Tomatoes ratings of less than 40 percent! Listen, sometimes we all need a good hate watch while we're doing chores right? Is that just me? Anyway, let's get into it.

Here are the 8 worst Netflix shows you can stream in 2025.

1. The I-Land (2019)

Netflix

The I-Land has been compared to Lost, and it's a comparison that (somewhat) rings true. 10 people wake up on an island with one another...and without their memories. Unfortunately the 8 percent RT score proves this series missed the mark. "I-Land was terrible acting, just nothing redeemable," one Reddit user says. "They even green screened most of the beach scenes."

The I-Land stars Kate Bosworth, Ronald Peet, Michelle Veintimilla, Sibylla Deen, Gilles Geary, Kota Eberhardt, and Kyle Schmid.

2. Girlboss (2017)

Karen Ballard/Netflix

Sophia Amoruso might be rebellious and creative, but Netflix watchers aren't a fan of this TV show (and it has nothing to do with the fact we're in the post-girlboss era). "Some of the outfits were really cool but the main character was absolutely insufferable and had no redeeming qualities," one Reddit user points out.

The show, which follows Sophia's rise to business woman through selling vintage clothes online, has a 35 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Girlboss stars Britt Robertson, Ellie Reed, Alphonso McAuley, Johnny Simmons, and Dean Norris.

3. Another Life (2019)

Eike Schroter/Netflix

Another Life follows Niko, an astronaut on the hunt for AI. Except in this Netflix show, AI stands for alien intelligence. That means Niko and her crew are in for some serious alien danger, but unfortunately, according to the 6 percent RT score, that danger isn't enough to hook viewers.

Another Life stars Katee Sackhoff, Justin Chatwin, Samuel Anderson, Blu Hunt, A.J. Rivera, Jake Abel, Alex Ozerov, Alexander Eling, Jay R Tinaco, Lina Renna, Selma Blair, and Elizabeth Ludlow.

4. Sex/Life (2021)

Netflix

Viewers consider Sex/Life — which follows a love triangle between a woman, her husband, and a special someone from her past — to be one of the worst Netflix shows because "the acting and the writing was so, so, so bad," according to a Reddit user. "It was so corny and felt like fan fiction." And the 40 percent RT score agrees.

Sex/Life stars Sarah Shahi, Mike Vogel, Adam Demos, Margaret Odette, Cleo Anthony, and Darius Homayoun.

5. Echoes (2022)

Netflix

Leni and Gina are identical twins who have secretly swapped lives since childhood. But everything about their perfectly-curated double lives spirals when one sister goes missing. Sound gripping? The RT score of 22 percent says otherwise.

Echoes stars Michelle Monaghan, Matt Bomer, Daniel Sunjata, Ali Stroker, Karen Robinson, Rosanny Zayas, Michael O'Neill, Celia Weston, Gable Swanlund, and Jonathan Tucker.

6. Blockbuster (2023)

Ricardo Hubbs/Netflix

Blockbuster stars fan favorite actors like Melissa Fumero and Randall Park. But not even the incredible cast could save this Netflix show, which follows the last Blockbuster video store in the country, from a 23 percent RT score.

Blockbuster stars Randall Park, Melissa Fumero, Olga Merediz, Tyler Alvarez, and Madeleine Arthur.

7. Insatiable (2018)

Tina Rowden/Netflix

In Insatiable, a recently-thin Patty is out for revenge on anyone who ever fat-shamed her, and a beauty pageant sounds like a great place to start. The show has a 12 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and one Reddit user says they "can’t name one good thing about it." Yikes.

Insatiable stars Dallas Roberts, Debby Ryan, Christopher Gorham, Sarah Colonna, Erinn Westbrook, Kimmy Shields, Michael Provost, Irene Choi, Alyssa Milano, and Arden Myrin.

8. 13 Reasons Why (2017)

Beth Dubber/Netflix

This Netflix show might have been an iconic pop culture moment, but the 35 percent RT rating shows it's not necessarily an enjoyable one. The series follows Clay, who receives 13 voice tapes from a girl named Hannah after she takes her own life — and each tape details one reason she ended her life.

13 Reasons Why stars Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, Christian Navarro, Alisha Boe, Brandon Flynn, Justin Prentice, Miles Heizer, Ross Butler, Devin Druid, Amy Hargreaves, Derek Luke, Kate Walsh, Brian d'Arcy James, Grace Saif, Brenda Strong, Timothy Granaderos, Mark Pellegrino, Tyler Barnhardt, Jan Luis Castellanos, Deaken Bluman, and Gary Sinise.

Tell us your worst Netflix show in the comments!

Spring is full of the absolute best flavors. From seasonal fruits and veggies like apricots and peas to herbaceous faves like dill, I’m already so excited to refresh my snack stash. Luckily, Whole Foods is packed with plenty of tasty options to choose from for springtime snacking. Whether you're craving something sweet or savory, these unique finds are sure to liven up your snacking habits this season!

Scroll on for 11 delicious Whole Foods finds that are definitely worth adding to your cart for spring!

Whole Foods

Rubicon Bakers Chocolate Delights Cupcakes

You gotta love a nostalgic snack – especially once the season brightens up! These chocolate cupcakes will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth since they're filled with vanilla cream and covered in a thick coating of chocolatey goodness.

Whole Foods

Ithaca Lemon Dill Hummus

This oh-so creamy hummus makes the perfect dipping destination for chips and veggies alike. The combo of lemon and dill are simply perfect for springtime eating, too!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Thai Curry Cashews

For a kick of spice, pick up these Thai-inspired cashews. They're zingy and super filling if you're seeking a unique way to get a bit of protein in during long spring days!

Whole Foods

Duverger Raspberry French Macarons

Want to elevate your spring snack rotation or have a fun party to attend? These beautiful macarons tinged with the flavors (and colors!) of raspberries are made for sharing and spreading the springtime spirit.

Whole Foods

Smart Sweets Gummy Worms

With just 3 grams of sugar for serving, these gummy worms make a great healthy snack to reach for when you just need something sweet.

Whole Foods

Cava Crazy Spicy Feta Dip

OMG – with this dip, you can finally have Cava at home! It has that cheesy, spicy kick you'd expect from a regular scoop from the restaurant, so you can easily use it for grain bowls or dips, too.

Whole Foods

Clio Snacks Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bar

This delicious chocolate-dipped bar makes getting your Greek yogurt fix on-the-go extremely easy, since you can eat it with your hands. It delivers 8 grams of protein, all in a tasty dessert format that feels like a total treat!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Mini Quiche Trio

Ideal for snack time or setting out as an appetizer, this frozen box of pre-made, bite-sized quiches comes prepared with three different flavors to satisfy eaters of all kinds. With tastes of cheese, spinach, and mushroom, there's a spring vibe in every bite!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Organic Pea Crisps

Peas are one of springtimes best veggies, and these crispy chips make snackin' on em super convenient. Dip each lightly-salted piece into some hummus, and you're set!

Whole Foods

Wella Organic Cashew Matcha Protein Bar

Matcha protein bar?! Okay Whole Foods, you officially have our full attention. This baby packs in 7 grams of protein to get your morning started or keep your energy sustained during the day!

Whole Foods

GoodPop Orange N' Cream Bars

Creamsicles are the epitome of spring and summer sweets – grab these dairy- and gluten-free bars that are only 90 calories a pop to get your fix with a healthy twist!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing snacks + stay updated on the latest food news!

Nothing sets your week up for success more than a productive Sunday. By taking a few hours out of your weekend to get everything ready for the workdays ahead, you can set yourself up for success in every area of your life. Trying toeat healthier? Working toward some career goals? Trying to reduce stress in your life? All of these goals can be more easily accomplished by laying the proper groundwork for each week as it starts. Here are a few of the habits you should try to cultivate on Sundays for a more productive workweek.

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash

1. Meal prep. First and foremost, meal prepping makes eating healthy throughout the week significantly easier. This is especially true if you work full time. Meal prepping doesn’t have to be a multi-hour, day-long process either. Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks for keeping it quick:

  • Meal-prep your breakfasts by creating ready-to-go smoothies. Slice up whatever fruit and veggies you like to use and place them, along with any other mix-ins, into a ziplock bag. Store in the freezer. Each morning, all you need to do is add the contents of the bag along with water or milk to your blender and hit go.
  • Batch-cook your proteins for the week by laying 5-6 servings of meat on a baking sheet. Cook in the oven and store in the fridge, and then reheat throughout the week.
  • Cook a huge batch of rice or quinoa as a base for convenient, ready-to-go healthy sides.
  • Pre-slice any veggies you use tend to use often so you don't have to slice them up as you cook throughout the week. Common combos include mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery), sofrito (onion, garlic, tomato, bell pepper), and the Cajun “holy trinity" (onion, bell pepper, celery).
Photo by STIL on Unsplash

2. Organize your planner. Whether you use a day planner or a bullet journal, take 30 minutes or so to get everything organized for the week. Write in any appointments, plans, or projects you have on the horizon, and section off as much time as you'll need to get everything done. You can also use your planner to make grocery lists, track habits you want to accomplish each day, and schedule relaxation time.

3. Set goals. While you're working in your planner, set some goals for the week. Make sure they are timely things you can actually accomplish before the following Sunday: When you set unattainable goals, you only stress yourself out. In your planner, break down concrete steps and actions to take to ensure you achieve those weekly goals.

Photo by Lee Campbell on Unsplash

4. Clean out your bag. Too many of us start the week with last weekend's receipts, wrappers, scraps, movie tickets, and god-knows-what-else in our bags. Give yourself an organized start to the week and stay ahead of the mess by cleaning out your purse.

5. Pick out your outfits. Take a glance at the weather forecast, and use it to inform what outfits you want to wear on each day of the week. Even if you're WFH these days, having outfits all picked out will keep you feeling both comfy and ready to crush the day each day. You can either fold each outfit and arrange them side by side, our plan the outfits in an app like Stylebook.

6. Call an accountability partner. Pick a person — be it your mom, your best friend, or your SO — who will be an uplifting force in your life and help you stay focused as the week goes on. Agree to check in on each other mid-week to see how each other is doing and help gently remind each other of the goals you both want to accomplish. This should be a person who can also lend a friendly ear if you need to vent about your passion project, your coworker, or your creative blocks.

What productivity hacks do you use to prepare for the week? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know, and sign up for our newsletter to get more tips delivered straight to your inbox!

We're quickly approaching the Severance season 2 finale, and even if the season's coming to a close, we get to spend a little extra time at Lumon this week, because executive producer Ben Stiller confirmed the Severance season 2 finale is going to be an extra-long episode! So there's a good chance we'll have plenty of questions answered — and have them replaced with some brand new q's as we approach a potential season 3.

Here's everything you need to know about the Severance season 2 finale, airing on Apple TV+ this week.

When can I watch the Severance season 2 finale?

Apple TV+

This season's Severance finale will air this week on AppleTV+ Thursday March 20 at 9 PM EST. Episodes 1-9 are available to watch on the streamer now.

How long is the Severance season 2 finale?

Apple TV+

Ben Stiller confirmed Severance season 2 episode 10 is going to be 76 minutes long. Wowza!

How many episodes are in Severance season 2?

Apple TV+

Severance season 2 will have 10 episodes total, with the Severance season 2 finale coming in as episode 10. That's one extra episode compared to season 1, which had 9 episodes total.

Is season 2 of Severance the final season?

Apple TV+

Ben Stiller has been vocal about his hopes for a Severance season 3 (including his confirmation that there's a writer's room already) but we haven't gotten official confirmation from Apple TV on a junior season just yet.

“Everything changed a lot after the strike, for everyone, in terms of the way people are looking at budgets and spending,” Ben told The Hollywood Reporter. “To Apple’s credit, they stayed on track with what the show was, and they’ve supported it.” He also mentions he hopes we won't have to wait another 3 years for season 3 — and I have to agree! Stay tuned for the latest Severance season 3 news.

What happens in the finale of Severance season 2?

Apple TV+

Well the episode hasn't aired so we can't share exactly what happens at the end of Severance season 2. But stay tuned for the Severance season 2 ending explainer, coming later this week!

Actress Jen Tullock (who plays Mark's sister Devon) did reveal to The Hollywood Reporter that Devon's journey into Lumon really begins with "her fear for mark."

"As Ricken has acquiesced to Lumon’s pitch for his book, she’s so activated that by the time she discovers what they’ve done to Gemma, she’s ready for blood," Jen continues. We'll have to tune into the Severance season 2 finale to see exactly what Devon has up her sleeve.

What is Severance about?

Apple TV+

Severance follows the employees at Lumon, whose consciousnesses are split between their Innie (their work conscious) and their Outie (their personal conscious). Lumon promises the mysterious work they're doing is important, but the more questions Mark (Adam Scott) and the rest of his team ask, the more suspicious — and dangerous — the company appears.

Check out Where You Can Watch The Severance Cast After Season 2 Ends to see Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and the rest of the cast onscreen again!

Disney continues to keep your childhood alive because alongside several other remakes of beloved titles, a live-action remake of the 2002's Lilo & Stitch is headed to the big screen. While filming on this spring movie was supposed to begin in April 2023, a costume trailer fire delayed it until May. Thankfully, it looks like the production recovered — and that we'll be seeing Lilo, Stitch, and Scrump soon. Check out the rest of Disney's upcoming live-action remakes for more news!

Here's everything we know about the live-action Lilo & Stitch coming in May 2025!

The 'Lilo & Stitch' trailer reminds us that "Ohana means family."

Walt Disney Studios

If there's one line in a Disney movie that impacted me, it's "Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten." Hearing that in the live-action Lilo & Stitch trailer makes me a little weepy! There are so many moments from the OG movie that made it into the new film, and I can't wait to see the full movie. You can watch the trailer here.

And considering the video got 158 million views in 24 hours, making it Disney's second most-viewed live-action trailer behind The Lion King, I'm not the only one who's excited. "Doesn't even look like modern day Disney slop. It actually looks faithful to the og. Incredible," one YouTube user commented, while another added, "This is the first Disney live-action remake I’m actually excited for, Stitch and the other alien characters look great and it’s really nostalgic to see all the scenes recreated."

And whoever decided to make the iconic Disney castle a sandcastle in the first movie teaser? Genius. Stitch has always been one of my favorite Disney characters and this new live-action version definitely has just as much chaos as the OG.

Who is playing Lilo in the live-action movie?

Maia Kealoha/Instagram

Lilo & Stitch Cast

Lilo will be played by Maia Kealoha. The adorable character was voiced by Daveigh Chase in the original 2002 movie, and by Dakota Fanning in the sequel.

Who else is in the Lilo & Stitch cast?

Walt Disney Studios

The Lilo & Stitch cast is definitely one to remember. The lineup includes:

  • Maia Kealoha as Lilo, a lively and fiery young girl.
  • Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch, a blue alien who changes Lilo's life.
  • Sydney Agudong as Nani, Lilo's big sister.
  • Billy Magnussen as the alien Pleakley.
  • Zach Galifianakis as Jumba, another alien.
  • Amy Hill as Tūtū.
  • Kaipo Dudoit as David.
  • Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles.
  • Tia Carrere (the original voice of Nani!!) as Mrs. Kekoa.

When is the live-action Lilo & Stitch coming out?

Walt Disney Studios

Lilo & Stitch Release Date

Lilo & Stitch is coming to theaters on May 23, 2025. It's the PERFECT early summer flick.

Where was the live-action Lilo & Stitch filmed?

Walt Disney Studios

The new Lilo & Stitch is filmed in Oahu. The original animated film takes place on Kauai, but we'll have to wait and see if they change the story's setting for the live-action remake.

Is there a live-action Lilo & Stitch coming out?

Walt Disney Studios

Yes! According to The Hollywood Reporter, the remake of the animated film will be done with both live-action and CGI. Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, who worked on the live-action Aladdin, are producing, and up-and-coming screenwriter Mike Van Waes, who has previously worked primarily in horror, wrote the script.

The live-action Lilo & Stitch remake is the latest in a long list of classic titles Disney is reimagining for modern audiences. Are you excited about Disney’s latest remake? Let us know @BritandCo and check out the latest news on Disney's Snow White.

This post has been updated.