Why We Weren’t Sad When This Employee Quit

Our #1 mission here at Brit + Co is to encourage people to live their most creative lives. So, naturally, we were pretty thrilled when a super inspirational How to Quit Your Day Job story happened right at our very own HQ, even if it did involve losing a full timer. Introducing Miss Jones Baking Co., the first-ever organic ready-to-use baking brand. The line debuts with organic frostings (no more of that chemical-laden junk!) and organic, artificial-free cake mixes in vanilla and chocolate. The company, which is billing itself as the leading brand of baking products for the next generation, is the brainchild of our former Food Editor and Head of Operations Sarah Jones. Sarah’s story is a true tale of the power of perseverance and proof that a lifelong passion CAN evolve into a mega-successful and sustainable career.

Sarah’s been into baking since childhood. In college, she cut her teeth with an early morning shift (starting at 5am!) at a bakery before class. Then, it was off to sharpen another skill set with a successful career in accounting and finance. Even though Sarah had landed gigs at some pretty awesome companies (PwC and Apple), there was still something missing. As a creative outlet, she started a WordPress blog where she dutifully photographed and documented her recipes.

She also made a big move to Palo Alto with her now-husband.

“I remember spending my lunches strolling the aisles at the Whole Foods in Cupertino, and in the baking aisle while looking for a ready-to-use frosting, I had a big aha moment,” says Sarah. “I noticed that there really wasn’t a brand I could trust.”

Sarah set out on a new mission to fill this void. She began studying food science, meeting with like-minded entrepreneurs and interviewing food scientists. Around this time, she had a chance meeting with our very own Brit, which soon turned into her joining the team in a very hands-on role.

“Working at Brit + Co was such a great experience for me,” says Sarah. “Being around brilliant, inspired, and super creative people really helped me to learn as much as possible.”

The following years involved plenty of trial and error, hard work and near breakdowns. Throughout it all, Sarah kept her dream in mind and her hard work ethic in place.

“You really have to work as hard as you possibly can,” says Sarah.

Last April, Sarah announced she was leaving the company to pursue Miss Jones Baking Co. full-time. The one-woman company plans its official launch this week in natural and mainstream grocery stores all over the country. Up next, Sarah plans to introduce new yummy flavors (hello, salted caramel!).

Her final words of advice to budding entrepreneurs looking to follow in her footsteps?

“Look for your niche, work yourself to death, listen to constructive feedback and don’t believe anyone who tries to convince you it’s a bad idea.”

What’s your dream career? Tell us in the comments below!

(Featured image via @missjonesbakes)

Betsey Johnson turned 75 last year, and her feminine hippie style is famous in fashion. The designer has dished on how to nail your own personal style, rents out her stylish Mexican home via Airbnb, and knows how to rock a red carpet with her signature split. In this week’s How to Quit Your Day Job series, we chat with the fashion maven herself, Betsey Johnson, who blazed a path for herself, starting in the 1960s, to create a whimsical style that is uniquely hers. Here, Johnson shares some hard-earned wisdom for future fashionistas and creatives with all the sparkle and wit you’d expect from the pretty in pink powerhouse.

MEET THE FASHION ICON: BETSEY JOHNSON

In 1964, Betsey Johnson won a Mademoiselle magazine contest to become a guest editor and charmed editors at Mademoiselle with her home-sewn t-shirt dresses. A year later, she became the top designer for Paraphernalia, a clothing boutique in New York City, that catered to a younger clientele that offered silver mini skirts and neon bikinis, and had go-go girls dancing in the store windows. It was London-style by way of NYC, and Johnson was one of the first employees. After her experience at Paraphernalia, Johnson wanted to branch out on her own. Now, with 50+ years working in the fashion industry, the style icon gives an inside look at how she built her empire and what she hopes other creative women implement in their own career journeys.

Brit + Co: What’s your morning routine?

Betsey Johnson: Lately I have been crawling out of bed at 8:30am, which is quite late for me because I am usually a 7am girl. I really enjoy spending time in my backyard, so once I’m up, I drift into the kitchen and have my one cup of black coffee. I often take my coffee to my birds-of-paradise garden in the backyard and sit among my flowers. I’m all about fruit for breakfast, and I’ve been on a grape kick recently. Once I’ve eaten, l call my assistant and we will go over what I am up to for the rest of the day. My schedule usually changes from day to day, so I never know what the day will bring!

B+C: What inspired you to start your brand?

BJ: I worked for 10 years in the industry before starting my namestake brand, and between the ’60s and ’70s, I realized that I wanted to be my own boss, have my own company, do my own thing. I simply just didn’t want to work for anyone anymore.

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Sparkle in our step ✨ Dancing on our minds 💃

A post shared by Betsey Johnson (@betseyjohnson) on

B+C: You are a pioneer in the fashion industry and celebrated diversity like casting transgender models in your runway shows. How were you able to trust your inner voice in your business life and beyond?

BJ: Sometimes you have to keep your blinders on and move full speed ahead without distraction from what others are doing/saying. I cast my shows to represent the world I see around me, and that is the most important thing to me.

B+C: You’ve got a book in the works about your life, a boutique hotel in Mexico, and continue to be involved in your company. What keeps your creative spark alive?

BJ: Nothing can keep you creative, you either live it and you have it, you either do it or you don’t. There is no time zone, season, or reason for you to be creative. You just have to motivate yourself and be your own biggest source of energy! No one or anything should be able to make you do something if you don’t have passion for it.

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No such thing as too much pink 💖

A post shared by Betsey Johnson (@betseyjohnson) on

B+C: What have you’ve learned from a failure or mistake you made?

BJ: Your past, the mistakes you’ve made, and the failures that follow you are only going to help you direct how you want to live your future. I am always looking back to my past to inform the way I want to do things now. We should never be ashamed of our mistakes. They make us who we are!

B+C: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

BJ: “Love it or it will leave you.” I feel you have to love what you do, and be connected to the whole business, then the best results will happen.

B+C: Your clothes, design style, and personality are iconic while remaining true to who you are as a person. What would you tell future female fashion designers about how to blaze their own trail?

BJ: Always be true to yourself. It’s the most important thing you have. Be kind, respect others, and fight hard for the things you want.

B+C: Name two female heroes who you think should get a shout-out.

BJ: First, I want to give a shout out to [my daughter] Lulu and my grandkids. I’ve been with them more than anyone else in my life, and I don’t know where I’d be without them. Also, women like Tina Turner, Madonna, and Janis Joplin have always been huge inspirations for my clothing and in my life. I can’t just pick two!

B+C: If you could tell aspiring creative women anything, what would it be?

BJ: You have to work really really really hard, but you should want to work hard. I think you make your own luck. I’ve been lucky in my life, but that is because I’ve worked hard. I believe the same thing can happen for any other young women out there.

RELATED: Insta Icon Eva Chen Dishes on Her Career, Fashion, and Her Latest Dream Collabs

(Photos via Betsey Johnson)

When it comes to inexpensive wine, Trader Joe’s selection truly reigns supreme. If you’re in the market for a good, soothingsip, but don’t know what to try first, I consulted three separate Reddit threadspacked with the best Trader Joe’sshopper recommendations.

Fromfavorite winesto more budget-friendly options, TJ’s bottles easily measure up to gourmet wines – all without the big price tag.

Scroll on for the 8 best Trader Joe's wines (all under $8!) recommended by wine-loving shoppers.

Trader Joe's

Maison Barboulot Cabernet Syrah

This red blend has the heart of one Redditor that noted it "drinks WAY more expensive than its $6.99 price tag. It’s a forever favorite for me. When I serve it at a dinner party, people always ask what it is.”

TJ's says each sip of this red wine is "smooth and fruity" and contains "approachable" notes of cherry and vanilla.

Trader Joe's

Charles Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon

Oftentimes, $5 bottles of wine tend to disappoint. Not this one from Charles Shaw, though! It was mentioned as a favorite several times on the Trader Joe's Reddit for its impressively full flavors. With notes of blackberry and vanilla, it pairs really well with grilled steak, lamb, or even rich, cheesy pasta dishes.

Trader Joe's

Moon X Pinot Noir

This $7 was another frequently-mentioned pick. One Redditor noted that “it is easy drinking, a crowd pleaser, but not boring, and a great value." Per Trader Joe's, it carries a "bold plummy profile," plus notes of vanilla, oak, dark fruit, and warm spice.

Trader Joe's

Picton Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Hailing from a family-owned-and-operated winery, you'll instantly detect the love and care goes into making this $8 bottle upon first sip. Trader Joe's compares its punchy and crisp finish to that of a Granny Smith apple; one Reddit user agreed and said it's simply "very nice."

Trader Joe's

La Ferme Julien Rosé

For a “nice summer sipper,” you've gotta consult this fresh $7 rosé that also boasts an adorable illustration of a goat on the label. So cute!

Trader Joe's

Honey Moon Viognier

One Reddit user said that they enjoy this $6 wine because it's "medium-sweet and very flavorful.”

The "crisp, floral, phenomenally fruity" varietal white has plenty of fruity notes, which TJ's says pairs naturally with cheeses like brie, Manchego, and blue cheese.

Trader Joe's

Espiral Vinho Verde

The Vinho Verde region of northern Portugal is known for its sweet, fruity wines like this $5 option. It contains some delightful notes of green apple and melon, so it would make a great summer sipper.

One Redditor said that the “price point is unbelievable for how good it is IMO.” Now we've gotta try!

Trader Joe's

Charles Shaw Pinot Grigio

This $4 number is another cheap Trader Joe's wine you wouldn't expect to be so good. It's got notes of lemon zest, white peach, and. almond, all balanced by a "lively acidity" that levels out each sip.

One Redditor shared a tasty hack for this wine in particular: "Since its on the lighter side, I always had a few raspberries that I eat at the end of the glass or slices of jalapeño if I'm feeling spicy.”

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If your sweet tooth is your calling, why not learn how to turn your dessert dreams into a full-time passion from women entrepreneurs who took their inspiration beyond an idea? One movie date with her future husband to see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory prompted Sugarfina co-founder Rosie O’Neill to wonder why grown-up candy stores didn’t exist. Food blogger Katie Higgins flipped her side gig of writing healthy dessert recipes into a career, and food scientist Natalia Butler found her ideal job creating new flavors for the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream empire. In this week’s How to Quit Your Day Job, we chat with Kim Malek, the CEO and founder of Salt & Straw — a popular West Coast chain of ice cream parlors focused on local flavors — about how she turned her idea for a community-based gathering spot for good times into a sweet success story.

Meet the Ice Cream Pro: Kim Malek

Years before Salt & Straw founder Kim Malek started her company, she worked at Starbucks Coffee, Yahoo!, adidas, and Gardenburger in marketing, community outreach, and product management and development. But inspired by the time she lived in the foodie paradise of Portland, Oregon, she had a vision to create a local eatery where friends could gather. Fourteen years later, she and her cousin Tyler, now head ice cream maker, started with an ice cream cart in Portland. Their unique flavors, like Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper and Pots of Gold & Rainbows (a mix of colorful marshmallows and cereal milk-flavor), garnered fans and graced Food Network’s list of the Top 5 Ice Creams in America.

With brick-and-mortar scoop shops now open in Los Angeles, Downtown Disney District, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle, the neighborhood ice cream dream Malek had 14 years earlier is now a thriving company. This year, Salt & Straw is gearing up to open its 19th location, and the team will be releasing its first cookbook, the Salt & Straw Ice Cream Cookbook (out April 30).

Brit + Co: What’s your morning routine?

Kim Malek: I have three kiddos, and I try to always take them to school when I’m not traveling. My mornings are all about them. I wake up around 5:30am, take our new puppy out for a little walk, make coffee, and pull myself together over a morning dose of NPR, and then wake up the littles and get them rolling. I’m big into ensuring they have a well-rounded breakfast, so I’m always dreaming up new things to serve along with a large plate of fruit daily. We dash out the door to be sure they have some time to play before school starts (essential to burn energy before sitting all day), which also gives me time to connect with other parents and teachers. Having accomplished all of that before I arrive at the office by 8:30am makes me feel like I’ve already packed in a lot. It’s great momentum for my busy day ahead.

B+C: What inspired you to start your company?

KM: I’d spent most of my adult life in Seattle but lived in Portland for a brief period in the mid-’90s. While there, I was struck by the incredible sense of community and collaboration that I experienced, and I was convinced that an ice cream shop would be the perfect way to reflect that. I wanted to create a place where people could run into their neighbors and spend time with friends and family. I started to work on a plan to open a shop and even looked at real estate. But I got cold feet and retreated back to my safe corporate job for the next 14 years, until the stars aligned for me to move back to Portland in 2010 and dust off my plans. Now, when I see the lines and groups of people who come together at our shops, it’s really gratifying to know that my original inspiration of creating great neighborhood gathering places has come to life in so many wonderful places up and down the West Coast.

B+C: How do you challenge yourself as an entrepreneur?

KM: I heard [football quarterback] Joe Montana speak several years ago and identified with a statement he made about being motivated by fear. As a classic entrepreneur who is motivated by the possibilities with a great appetite for risk, also being motivated by fear seemed ironic to other people when I described it. I had the opportunity to sit next to Joe at a dinner a few months ago and let him know that his statement had stuck with me all these years later and asked him if he’d explain a bit more what he meant by that. He said that he was generally pretty confident that he’d succeed at whatever he was doing, but he was motivated by fear to create contingency plans, be more ready than seems logical, and work harder than anyone else. I loved that!

B+C: Tell us about how your family and friends help support your business.

KM: My family has been instrumental in the company. I founded the company with my cousin Tyler. He wanted to join me to make ice cream when I was getting the company started, but he’d never made ice cream before and just started culinary school. He lived in my basement and experimented with ice cream making on a machine he got at Goodwill. It quickly became apparent that he was really talented, and he became the head ice cream maker right off the bat. It turned out to be a terrific partnership, and his culinary sense has made the company what it is today. The other person I have to mention is my partner Mike. Before I started Salt & Straw, I lived in Seattle and was about to move to NYC. I came to Portland for a birthday and met a guy in a bar, which doesn’t usually end well, but we are still together with three kids. And so I moved to Portland instead of NYC for love. I began working on the business but didn’t really have the funding needed. I cashed in my 401(k), sold my house, and had a garage sale to raise money, but was still $40K short. Mike put his house up as collateral for a small loan from the City of Portland to secure the final funds needed. He’s been an incredible support ever since.

B+C: What have you learned from a failure or mistake you made?

KM: One mistake that most growing companies make is around hiring. I’ve learned what a costly mistake this can be. I’ve found that spending more time on scoping roles to be sure we understand what the company needs over the next two to three years and collaborating with the team on core competencies associated with the position are key to ensuring that we find the right person. It slows us down at the start but allows us to move forward with everyone aligned on what we are looking for in a candidate.

B+C: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

KM: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten: not to take advice! Stay clear about your original vision and mission, and come back to that when making decisions. I find it most helpful for others to share their experiences versus offering advice. I’ve learned the most that way and have been able to choose how to incorporate that experience into my decision-making.

B+C: What do you love about your job?

KM: I’m most inspired by working side-by-side with people who have been with Salt & Straw since the beginning and have had a long career, continuing to push the company and others to new heights. It’s incredible to see how people have grown and taken the idea of this company far beyond what I could have imagined. I popped into a meeting recently with folks from all over the company working to figure out how to introduce a new product. It blows my mind to see these super-smart, passionate people creating a new future together.

B+C: Name two female heroes who you think should get a shout-out.

KM: First, Maggie Weissman, a principal at Billings Montana High School where I grew up and who went on to own Great Harvest Bread in Seattle. Before that, she was in the Peace Corps. I remember going to the drug store with her to buy toiletries for someone she was hiring who was recently released from prison. She worked on a plan to help him be successful in the job. Watching her go through the process changed everything I knew about what creating jobs could mean for others.

Second is RBG [Ruth Bader Ginsburg]. One story I love about her is that when her son’s school called about her son’s behavior, she said, “He also has a father. Please call him from now as the first point of contact for issues pertaining to our son.” Since they both worked, it didn’t seem fair that the school always contacted her first. Funny enough, she said when the school now had to interrupt a man at work, they stopped calling so frequently. As a household with two working parents, it was a good reminder to be sure the systems and institutions we work with are supportive of co-parenting. It’s an ongoing struggle to make it all work.

B+C: If you could tell aspiring creative women anything, what would it be?

KM: Find your voice and use it. You have terrific ideas that the world deserves to hear. I think women tend to be too conservative in sharing their thoughts, dreams, and plans, and wait until they have things perfect to speak out. One of the biggest gifts someone can give you is to underestimate you.

RELATED: How Two College Roommates Turned a Food Allergy Into a Superfood Ice Cream

(Photos via Leela Cyd Ross)

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

I currently find myself in between a few TV shows, but I am simply yearning for an obsession with a new series. Good thing these new March TV shows are almost here! There's plenty of heartwarming goodness and hilarious hijinks to keep us busy all 31 days of the month. Check out The 8 Best TV Shows To Watch On Max This Month to tide you over.

Here are the 11 new TV shows coming in March you simply can't miss.

The Oscars — On ABC March 2, 2025

ABC

Our March TV shows are starting with a bang thanks to the Oscars. Will Emilia Pérez beat Wicked (again)? Will Timothée Chalamet become the youngest Best Actor winner? Will Zendaya show up to support Dune but use her 'fit to reference her Challengers snub? Tune in to find out.

The Oscars airs March 2 and will be hosted by Conan O'Brien.

Daredevil: Born Again — On Disney+ March 4, 2025

Marvel Television

Matt Murdock is FINALLY back, and he's fighting injustice in New York City — both with his daytime law job and his masked alter ego. And Wilson Fisk is out on his own political quest as things in the city continue to spiral.

Daredevil: Born Again premieres March 4 and stars Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Margarita Levieva, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Wilson Bethel, Zabryna Guevara, Nikki M. James, Genneya Walton, Arty Froushan, Clark Johnson, Michael Gandolfini, Ayelet Zurer, and Jon Bernthal.

​With Love, Meghan — On Netflix March 4, 2025

Netflix

Join Meghan Markle as she celebrates "cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship" (via Deadline), alongside some celebrity guests like Mindy Kaling!

With Love, Meghan premieres March 4 and is hosted by Meghan Markle.

​Beauty in Black — On Netflix March 6, 2025

Calvin Ashford/Netflix

Tyler Perry's new TV show follows successful business owner Mallory and Kimmie, who's just trying to survive after getting kicked out of her mom's home. And when these two women cross paths, everything changes.

Beauty in Black premieres March 6 and stars Taylor Polidore Williams, Amber Reign Smith, Crystle Stewart, Ricco Ross, Debbi Morgan, Richard Lawson, Steven G. Norfleet, Julian Horton, Terrell Carter, Shannon Wallace, Bryan Tanaka, Joy Rovaris, Xavier Smalls, Charles Malik Whitfield, Tamera “Tee” Kissen, Ursula O. Robinson, Ashley Versher, and George Middlebrook.

​Deli Boys — On Hulu March 6, 2025

Elizabeth Sisson/Disney

Two Pakistani American brothers lose it all after the death of their father...and have to take his place in the criminal underworld when they learn about his secret business dealings.

Deli Boys premieres March 6 and stars Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, Poorna Jagannathan, Alfie Fuller, and Brian George.

​The Righteous Gemstones Season 4 — On HBO March 9, 2025

Jake Giles Netter/HBO

The final season of The Righteous Gemstones follows this famed televangelist family as they try to move into the future (and into Hollywood?)...without forgetting their past.

The Righteous Gemstones premieres March 9 and stars Danny McBride, Adam Devine, John Goodman, Edi Patterson, Cassidy Freeman, Tim Baltz, Tony Cavalero, Greg Alan Williams, Skyler Gisondo, Walton Goggins, Jennifer Nettles, James DuMont, Jody Hill, Troy Hogan, Valyn Hall, Kelton DuMont, Gavin Munn, Megan Mullally, Arden Myrin, and Seann William Scott.

​Dark Winds Season 3 — On AMC March 9, 2025

AMC Networks

Six months after season 2, Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are investigating two missing boys, while Bernadette Manuelito gets used to her new life...and a potential human & drug smuggling ring she finds.

Dark Winds premieres March 9 and stars Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten, Deanna Allison, Jenna Elfman, Bruce Greenwood, Raoul Max Trujillo, Tonantzin Carmelo, Alex Meraz, Terry Serpico, Derek Hinkey, Phil Burke, Christopher Heyerdahl, A Martinez, and Jeri Ryan.

​Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up Season 2 — On Lifetime March 10, 2025

Lifetime/A&E

After serving 8 years in prison for the murder of her mother, Gypsy Rose's new TV show follows Gypsy's life out in the world, reconciling her fame and reputation with who she actually wants to be — including her role as a new mom.

Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up season 2 premieres March 10 and stars Gypsy Rose Blanchard.

​The Wheel of Time Season 3— On Prime Video March 13, 2025

Julie Vrabelova/Prime

After officially becoming the Dragon Reborn, Rand and his friends have to stand against the Black Ajah and the Forsaken — and everything else trying to get the Dragon to abandon the Light.

The Wheel of Time returns March 13 and stars Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Josha Stradowski, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden, Marcus Rutherford, Dónal Finn, Ceara Coveney, Kate Fleetwood, Natasha O’Keeffe, Ayoola Smart, Kae Alexander, and Sophie Okonedo.

The Residence — On Netflix March 20, 2025

Netflix

We might have to wait for Bridgerton season 4, but Shondaland is keeping us FED. This new hilarious whodunnit takes place in the White House as two detectives keep their eye on a very important State Dinner.

The Residence premieres March 20 and stars Uzo Aduba, Randall Park, Giancarlo Esposito, Edwina Findley, Molly Griggs, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, Al Mitchell, Dan Perrault, Bronson Pinchot, Julieth Restrepo, Mel Rodriguez, Susan Kelechi Watson, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Mary Wiseman.

The Studio — On Apple TV+ March 26, 2025

Apple TV+

In this new TV show & comedy, Matt Remick's just trying to make great movies...and make greedy businessmen happy. And even if that goal doesn't bring his whole studio down, it looks like it could wreck his life. No big deal.

The Studio premieres March 26 and stars Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, and Bryan Cranston.

Which March TV show are you excited to see this year? Let us know on Facebook!

Kaia Gerber's book clubLibrary Science — is back in town, and it's continuing a long-held promise of championing different stories from fresh voices. Alongside her co-founder Alyssa Reeder, Kaia's immaculate taste in non-mainstream books is something we're willing to study in case we want to create our own literary circles with friends.

Most notably, Library Science carved a unique space for itself in 2020 when its "weekly Instagram Live evolved — in the most natural way — into a community that is able to use reading as a gateway into some important albeit difficult conversations." More than ever, said conversations are vital if we want to continue understanding each other and the world around us. So, here is every book club picks for 2025 so far!

Scroll to see all of Kaia Gerber's book club picks for 2025!

February 2025

Amazon

The Wickedest by Caleb Femi

Caleb Femi's storytelling skills set the scene for an exclusive party that's not without its flaws in South London. It's true that earning a spot on the coveted guest list is the talk of the town, but not everyone will make it on there. Also, it's hard to pretend minorities are treated like they're beneath the elite lucky who get to party all night.

Told through a series of texts, poems, and more, The Wickedest invites you to relive an unforgettable night.

Sign up for our newsletter for more book club updates!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.