In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.
What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?
I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.
What's a recent small win for your business?
Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.
How did you start to collaborate with external partners?
Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.
Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?
I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.
How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?
All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.
Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.
Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces
We love Halloween here at Brit + Co, I mean really love it. And we also embrace the celebrations in all of their forms, from IRL blow-out bashes to WFH office parties. If you've got a virtual Halloween party to attend on Zoom with your remote team or friends across the country, here's how to get dolled up for the best costuming and celebrating from a Zoom-y distance. Keep reading for fun ways to dress up with wigs, makeup, and festive tops without having to worry about what you've got on the bottom — basically, the costume version of a mullet. Happy Halloween!
Brit + Co
Pirate
Ahoy, matey! Just grab a red scarf, eyepatch, striped shirt and a fishtail side braid for this classic and super easy costume.
Brit + Co
Cleopatra
Stand out with a costume that's part-Ancient Egyptian, part-badass babe. With some eyeliner and well-chosen accessories, you'll be able to craft up a Queen-of-Egypt-inspired Halloween costume that's sure to blow your Zoom party guests away.
Brit + Co
Rosie the Riveter
White button down and red polka dot headscarf, easy peasy. For the hair, pin up half of your hair and twist it up into a bun. Then take the rest of your hair and create another bun a little lower on your head. Top the look off with the scarf, and you'll be riveting in no time. :)
Brit + Co
Elsa
Does Frozen still melt your heart? Be everyone's favorite snow queen with this DIY costume.
Brit + Co
Holly Golightly
Top off your top knot with a tiara, then add a LBD, pearls, coffee and sunnies.
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Angry Bird
We've seen this costume before, but this look is too dang cute to pass up. Especially when all you need is a yellow wig and some craft supplies. Draw out the face onto felt and cut it out, then glue the head piece to a headband. Everything else can be taped to the wig.
Brit + Co
Creepy Clown
Whether you're going for a clown or a mime vibe, this kinda creepy, kinda cute look will achieve all of your Halloween dreams.
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Lady Gaga
It's been quite some time since Gaga donned her signature bow, but we'll never get enough of it. Head to our Hair Bow tutorial here for the full how-to.
Brit + Co
Pumpkin
Okay, this may be really, really basic, but it is a Halloween staple. Plus, it's the one time of year you can wear all orange, all the time. Grab an orange wigand go!
Brit + Co
Frenchie From Grease
Here's an excuse to break out that cute pink wig in your closet. Add a Pink Ladies jacket and bubble gum and you're ready for beauty school!
Brit + Co
Strawberry Shortcake
You can go with the full Strawberry Shortcake costume or just order a pink wig and bonnet— then add freckles and a pink top and you're Zoom ready!
Brit + Co
Pop Art
If you are looking to really up your costume game and stand out on Zoom, go for this pop art makeup look. Pop on some comic leggings (totally WFH-friendly!) and yellow wig too.
Brit + Co
Vampire
Don a black lip and eye makeup, then use that same eye makeup or black face paint to create a faux widow's peak. Spooky!
Brit + Co
Jem
We are as obsessed with our '80s cartoon characters as we are with wig costumes. For bright pink tresses, Jem is an absolute must!
Brit + Co
Cruella de Vil
This fierce villain oozes style, even if she is totally evil. Use spray hair dye on half of your head, then top off the look with red gloves, a faux fur coat, cigarette holder and a little Dalmatian. Oh, and that evil cackle is essential.
Brit + Co
Kitty
Every girl's backup costume is also the perfect Zoom costume. We made our ears by attaching black foam ears to a headband, but you can easily find a readymade option at just about any store this time of year. Get the full Black Cat makeup tutorial right here.
Brit + Co
Witch
Don a black witch hat and follow this makeup tutorial for this spooky cool green witch.
Brit + Co
Black Swan
The hair hack here is that slick top knot and the crowning tiara, though the key to the whole scene is obviously those crazy eyes. Here's a great tutorial right herefor gals who want to go all out.
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Katy Perry circa 2014
Or go for any of Katy Perry's Dark Horse video costumes with these Brit + Co DIYs.
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Brit + Co
Mad Hatter
This Mad Hatter costume is pretty easy to replicate. Grab a brown jacket from your closet, orange wig and top hat. The thread holster is made by stringing thread spools onto yarn and draping it over the shoulder. The makeup is an understated version inspired by the original, but really easy to recreate. And yes, those are fake eyelashes as eyebrows!
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Mime
You can just stay on mute!
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Barbie
Your co-workers will immediately get the idea once you show up with your pink visor, watercolor swimsuit and bike shorts outfit! They may even get a little jealous!
Brit + Co
Poison Ivy
"That girl is poison" best describes former botanist turned green seductress Poison Ivy. See how you can DIY this costume here!
Brit + Co
Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy
Maybe you prefer to be a bada**, take no prisoners green goddess like Gamora from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. For fun, you can try your hand at method acting by acting like her during your virtual Halloween party. Just try to keep the sarcasm on the lighter side.
Brit + Co
Minions
To make things more fun, you and a few co-workers can dress up as Minions! It's a DIY-costume that's inexpensive and funny.
Brit + Co
The Sanderson Sisters
Hocus Pocus is basically life for the Brit + Co team so it only makes sense to show up to your virtual Halloween party wearing one of the above costumes!
Planning any virtual Halloween gatherings? Share your costumes with us @BritandCo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial
We all pine for soup season, despite the bone-chilling weather that comes with it. Curling up with a steamy bowl of feel-good makes trudging through the snow seem worth it. (Almost.) Sadly, such weather can also result in the sniffles, aches and that dreaded tickle in the throat. Hot and boozy drinks are a surefire way to warm your insides at night, but you need to nourish that bod too. Though some swear that chicken noodle soup is meant to heal the soul, we’ve got 30 broth-y concoctions that will warm you up in the chill and make you feel better when you're under the weather.
Lemony Garlic Chicken and Orzo Soup
Caramelized garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, kale, and chicken broth all make up this tasty, warming soup. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Minestrone Soup
This plant-based soup is loaded with nutritious and colorful vegetables, beans, pasta, and seasonings. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Miso Cabbage Soup
This miso soup with cabbage is a flavorful and nourishing Japanese-inspired dish. (via The Edgy Veg)
White Bean Soup
This Blue Zone-inspired soup is loaded with antioxidant-rich beans. (via Clean Cuisine)
Oyster Mushroom Soup
This super flavorful soup is made with vegetables, herbs and pasta. (via Give Recipe)
Old Fashioned Beef Stew
The beef in this stew is fall-apart tender, making this hearty soup perfect for lunch or dinner. (via Averie Cooks)
Potato Leek Soup with Italian Sausage
Warm up your week with a satisfying potato leek soup with Italian sausage. (via Completely Delicious)
Ribollita Soup with Greens & Butter Beans
This Tuscan-inspired soup made with a rich tomato broth, lots of veggies and greens, butter beans for protein, and cozy cheese is perfect with a side of toasty bread. (via The Original Dish)
Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup
Busy week? Brown some beef and pop all of the ingredients for this delicious soup in the slow cooker! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)
Chicken and Dumpling Soup
This southern-inspired is the perfect recipe for those cozy, chilly days! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
Soup du Jour
This soup recipe teaches you how to make any satisfying soup with the ingredients you have on hand. (via Live Eat Learn)
Brothy Beans
This comforting and delicious soup is so easy to make with creamy white beans braised with garlic, onions, fresh herbs, and a parmesan rind, yum! (via Cozy Cravings)
Easy 10-Minute Wonton Soup
This easy 10-minute Wonton soup uses cilantro chicken wontons from Trader Joe’s! (via RachL Mansfield)
Spicy Mushroom Noodle Soup
This miso soup and ramen hybrid takes spicy miso broth, adds edamame, tofu, ginger, and garlic, and pours it over tasty soba noodles. (via Munching With Mariyah)
French Onion Soup
This easy French Onion Soup is perfect for the Francophile in you. (via Culinary Hill)
Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup
If you’re staying true to your grandmother’s convictions about chicken soup when feeling under the weather, we got you. This hearty bowl provides you with the essence of chicken soup, but amps it up with salsa verde, chili powder and cumin. (via One Lovely Life)
Spiralized Zucchini Chicken Noodle Soup Jars
This is the perfect low-carb meal prep idea - just add boiling water, microwave and enjoy! (via The Girl on Bloor)
Quick and Easy Pasta e Fagiole Soup
The words “quick” and “easy” sound pretty good when you’re on the down and out. This no-fuss bowl of wholesome goodies will fill you up and warm your belly, leaving you feeling nourished and satisfied. (via The Healthy Foodie)
Winter Vegetable and Oat Soup
When you think of finding comfort in food throughout the chilly months, two things come to mind: hot soups and hearty bowls of oatmeal. Imagine the two together! This is exactly what you get with this big serving of contentment. (via Coffee and Crayons)
Vegetable Miso Soup With Soba Noodles
With a cook time of only 30 minutes, this smooth umami-filled miso soup sure beats trekking out in the cold to get take-out. It’s a cinch to make and it stores well, so be sure to make extra for future indulgence. (via 8th and Lake)
Dill Pickle Soup
This soup is a total *dream* for dill pickle lovers everywhere. Naturally GF and vegan, this bowl of briny goodness can be made in just 20 minutes; no slaving over a stove required. (via Pure Ella)
Whole Grain Chicken Noodle Soup
Sometimes you can’t help but crave a classic. Though this chicken noodle soup brings us back to the basics, it’s anything but standard. Tender chunks of chicken and whole wheat noodles create a bowl that is both delicious and satisfying. (via Simply Sissom)
Vegan Barley and Lentil Soup
This simple and delish bowl of soup is full of healthful ingredients and might just become a winter staple in your home — and you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy it. It only calls for a few ingredients, most of which are probably in your pantry right now. (via Vibrant Plate)
Healthy Turkey Wild Rice Soup
One of the best ways to use up leftover turkey is to throw it into a robust soup. This meal will have you glowing with its abundance of tender shredded turkey, nutritious beans and substantial rice. (via Creme de la Crumb)
Italian Wedding Soup
This simple and quick American-Italian classic is always guaranteed to satisfy. Filled with leafy spinach, orzo and tender meatballs, this soup will cozy you up after a single spoonful. (via Jo Cooks)
Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup
This glorious flavor-packed jumble lets you set it and forget it — no effort required. Just place all of your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it take care of the rest. Your home will be filled with the comforting aroma of curry and veggies until you can finally dig in. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Stuffed Pepper Soup
With fresh herbs and spices, this deconstructed stuffed pepper soup can be tangy and invigorating and comforting. (via Vikalinka)
Red Curry Noodle Soup
This Thai soup is rich and fragrant and comes together in just 15 minutes! (via Feel Good Foodie)
Butternut Squash, Kale and White Bean Soup
This adaptable vegetarian soup can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese. It’s replenishing, herbaceous and loaded with nutrients. It’s the perfect cure for those wintry chills. (via A Nerd Cooks)
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy + comforting soup ideas.
After revealing her breast cancer diagnosis on Pod Meets World in August, Danielle Fishel continues to prove she won't let the disease hold her back. The actress and director took the red carpet for the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place premiere, and she opened up to PEOPLE magazine about how this disease continues to impact her. Here's what she had to say!
At the premiere, Danielle Fishel shared with PEOPLE that she was actually "back and forth" about showing up to the premiere. She said, "I obviously wanted to come tonight because I absolutely love this show. I'm so honored to have been able to direct a couple of episodes of it."
Still, there was something holding her back. She shared, "At the same time, everything I wanted to put on, I was like, 'I can see my scars in that. Oh, I can see my scars in that.'"
Instead of letting that hold her back, though, Danielle decided to push herself. "I was like, 'Why am I going to let that be a factor in deciding to live my life?'" she said. "I got dressed and I had my makeup artist do her magic and I feel fine." Ultimately, she said she was "happy" to be there — which is all you can ask for when you're facing down your fears!
Fishel told PEOPLE that her "whole life has changed" since her diagnosis. She explained that her life consists of "many doctor's appointments," check-ups, and side effects. She said, "It's not fun, but it is what it is. And with all that said, I'm very fortunate and I'm going to live, which is the most important thing."
Back in August, the star explained to Rider Strong and Will Friedle that was diagnosed with DCIS — ductal carcinoma in situ — which she described as "a rare form of breast cancer." Even though she discovered the disease at "technically stage zero," she underwent surgery to remove the cancer, as well as follow-up treatments.
When she announced her diagnosis, Danielle explained that she thought she would "would suffer in silence" and "not tell anyone." However, it's clear she's made the conscious effort to not only lean on her community, share her story, and brave the aftermath — surgery scars included.
Fishel's brave red carpet move comes after another fellow breast cancer survivor, Olivia Munn spoke out earlier in October about how her own scars. Munn bared her scars for a SKIMS campaign, after deciding she didn't wanna cover them up anymore. We're so proud of all these strong women for telling their stories and fully embracing themselves, scars and all!
Looking for more inspiring news? Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!
No matter what kind of day you're having, Marissa Cooper's having a worse one. Mischa Barton's The O.C. character went through the ringer during the first three seasons of the teen drama (remember how she overdosed in Tijuana...and also saw her parents post-hookup after their divorce?).
And during her time on The O.C., Mischa Barton struggled with drug and alcohol abuse. She was arrested for a DUI in 2007 and eventually received involuntary psychiatric hospitalization in 2009 after allegedly threatening to end her own life. And in a new interview, Peter Gallagher (who played Sandy Cohen on the show) says he's "just so grateful" for "the fact that she’s still alive."
- Mischa Barton starred alongside Peter Gallagher in The O.C. from 2003-2006.
- The actress has revealed the "trauma" of being a star at that point in her life.
- Peter recently opened up about how he's thankful "she’s still alive."
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for FLC/John Lamparski/Getty Images
The O.C. follows Ryan Atwood, who moves in with the Cohens after getting kicked out of his mom's house, and starts a relationship with Marissa shortly after. While Peter Gallagher played Adam Brody's TV dad instead of Mischa's, Sandy was a definitely father figure for Marissa, and it seems like Peter felt that same responsibility off camera.
"I’ve always felt very protective of her," Peter told The Independent. "First fame is toxic. First fame can kill you. She was 16 years old when she started working with us, so just the fact that she’s still alive, I’m just so grateful."
“You can go to therapy every day for the rest of your life,” Mischa said in a 2023 interview with The Sunday Times. “There’s just a certain amount of trauma [from] all that I went through, particularly in my early twenties, that just doesn’t go away overnight.”
Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage revealed that season 1 overdose not only served as a cliffhanger, but gave “network executives an escape hatch on a performer they had been wary about” (via People). But Mischa Barton got her big break, becoming "how people knew the show," and (thankfully) Marissa recovered — only to die after a car crash in season 3.
As hard as that season 3 ending is to watch, Mischa did have the opportunity to watch it with Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke for the first time on their rewatch podcast. "It needed to be a thing, after everything she's been through, but if it's here I'll watch it with you," Mischa says.
"I couldn't do it, Mischa, I couldn't do it," Rachel adds. "But I'm going to do it if you're going to do it."
Mischa says even though being written off the show "was a little bit of a bummer," it wasn't necessarily a surprise. "The character was just doing too much," she told Vanity Fairin 2023. "And I think they ran out of places for her to go. It was not the best thing in the world, [but] there wasn’t much you could do at that point. It was whether she could sail off into the sunset, or die. At that point, I guess it’s better to have the more dramatic ending.”What did you think of The O.C. season 3 finale? Let us know on Facebook!