How a Movie Date Changed Sugarfina Co-Founder Rosie O’Neill’s Life Forever

Sugarfina is a company we’ve adored since it started making Champagne- and rosé-infused gummy bears, because candy and wine is a genius combo. Fanciful collabs such as Disney’s new Mickey Mouse collection or Tito’s vodka cordials are just a few of the reasons we’re hungry to know more about how Rosie O’Neill launched her confectionery empire with co-founder (and fiancé) Josh Resnick. In this week’s How to Quit Your Day Job series, we sat down with O’Neill to learn how she built a luxury candy boutique that counts Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Alba, and Julianne Hough as fans.

Meet the Candy Pro: Rosie O’Neill

Sugarfina co-founder Rosie O'Neill

Before starting Sugarfina, Rosie O’Neill was the director of marketing for Barbie for several years. But a conversation after a movie date with her future fiancé, Josh Resnick, changed the course of her life forever, in more ways than one. He’d taken her to see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, prompting the couple to wonder why grown-up candy stores didn’t exist that were just as fun as Wonka’s fictional factory, but catered to a sophisticated crowd. In 2013, they opened the first Sugarfina candy boutique in Beverly Hills. Now, the company has 50 stores in the US and Canada, was named one of “The Best Candy Stores in the World” by Architectural Digest, and is the must-have wedding and party favor for anyone and everyone. Below, O’Neill tells us how she makes the sweet magic happen.

Brit + Co: What’s your morning routine?

Rosie O’Neill: I’m always inspired by people who wake up at 5am, meditate, exercise, read a book, and cook a full nutritious breakfast, all before going to work. I’m not one of those people. I sleep as late as I possibly can and usually hit the snooze button at least two to three times.

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

RO: On our third date, my co-founder (and now fiancé) Josh took me to see the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. After the movie, we started a lively discussion about candy and wondered, “Why isn’t there a candy store for grown-ups?” That was the spark of the idea that eventually led to Sugarfina.

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

RO: I always challenge myself and my team to be market leaders, not followers. If we’re going to create something new, it needs to be awesome and innovative, not just in the candy world, but across all industries. This type of thinking led us to create CandyDrop, a new mobile gifting experience where you can instantly send someone a gift and they get to pick out their favorite candies. It’s easy and fun, and it solves a problem — you don’t need to know what kind of candy they like and their shipping address to send the perfect personalized gift.

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

RO: In the early days, our friends and family were our lifeline, especially during the holiday season. Josh and I tend to say yes to too many things, so we were constantly overcommitting and getting in over our heads. Like the time we partnered with Facebook on a Valentine’s Day gift promotion and got 18,000 orders in two hours. At that time, a typical online day was about 20 to 30 orders, so we basically had to call in favors from every single person we knew. Our entire extended family packed and fulfilled orders. We even had a friend who’s a pilot make an emergency flight to get more supplies from one of our candy makers in Northern California. It was absolutely insane, but we got it done.

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

RO: The best practical advice I’ve ever received is to “eat a frog for breakfast,” which means doing your most difficult, dreaded task first thing in the day. If you can get through that one thing, the rest of the day feels a lot lighter and easier. The best life advice comes from Josh: “Ask for what you want.” So often, we are shy or want to avoid confrontation or making what feels like an unreasonable request. But if you put it out there, many times you’ll be surprised that you get exactly what you’re looking for. If you never ask, it’s 100 percent guaranteed not to happen. But if you ask, there’s a good shot you’ll get what you want and maybe even more.

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

RO: It’s really fun to break the rules and do things that haven’t been done before. The confections industry is huge, but there hasn’t been much innovation in decades. We have a lot of fun bringing our wacky ideas to life, like Green Juice Gummy Bears ($7) or chocolates infused with Casamigos Tequila ($9). I couldn’t do anything without our amazing team. I’m so proud of the people who work with us and all of the passion and creativity they bring to their roles every day. They inspire me and make me love this job even more than I ever thought possible.

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

RO: I have a huge girl crush on [founder of ban.do] Jen Gotch and all of the things she has done to help normalize mental health conversations in the workplace. She recently partnered with Iconery to create statement necklaces that say “Anxiety,” “Depression,” and “Bipolar,” ($48 each), which is a great first step in opening the door to a conversation and helping people realize that they’re not alone.

I’m a big fan of Daina Trout, co-founder and CEO of Health-Ade Kombucha. Not only is her product awesome, she’s a total rockstar who exudes positive energy and has created an amazing company culture. We just moved to a new office and we have Health-Ade Kombucha on tap for our team (yes, I realize that’s the most LA statement ever).

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

RO: Be bold. Be different. When everyone else is going right, go left. It takes a lot of courage to create something new, and the best way to stand out is by being dramatically different than everyone else.

What’s your dream career? Tweet us @BritandCo to let us know, and we could feature it in the next column!

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

(Rosie O’Neill photos via Hanh Nguyen; product photos via Sugarfina)

Advancements in technology and shifting consumer behavior are constantly shaping the job market and causing it to evolve. So, some careers that have stood the test of time are becoming obsolete and facing numbered days.

Whether we like it or not, here are 10 outdated careers that may soon be a thing of the past because emerging fields are paving a new way forward.

Scroll to see which outdated careers might disappear sooner rather than later...

1. Warehouse Workers

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Warehouse jobs, particularly those in large distribution centers for companies like Amazon, are at high risk of being replaced by automation. With the development of AI and advanced robots, companies are looking to automate tasks like order fulfillment, inventory management, and packaging.

Automation offers the advantage of 24/7 operation without the need for breaks or sleep, making it more efficient than human labor. Leaders like Elon Musk have acknowledged that making a full switch will be challenging. Nonetheless, the shift toward technology-driven warehouses is undeniable, and many traditional jobs will likely be transformed or phased out.

2. Librarians

Tima Miroshnichenko

Being a librarian was once viewed as a vital and secure profession. Now, digital tech has changed the way we access information, and with the rise of e-books, audiobooks, and online databases, fewer people are relying on physical libraries for their reading and research needs.

Plus, as books become more affordable and accessible, the traditional library model, which is centered around physical book rentals, is becoming less relevant. So, even though it's unlikely that libraries are going to disappear entirely, the role of librarians may shift toward digital management and online services.

3. Ride-Share Drivers

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Drivers for taxi companies, as well as ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft, are facing an uncertain future as autonomous vehicles become more advanced. Self-driving cars, which are powered by artificial intelligence, are set to revolutionize the transportation industry and possibly eliminate the need for human drivers.

These vehicles will use apps to identify riders, calculate fares, and complete payments, all without any human intervention. This means the role of the traditional ride-share driver may no longer be necessary.

4. Customer Service Reps

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AI and chatbots are increasingly replacing customer service representatives, too, as they're capable of handling a wide range of inquiries and issues. These AI-driven systems may offer faster and more efficient solutions and, in turn, eliminate long wait times for customers trying to speak to a human representative.

This, coupled with the fact that chatbots can operate 24/7, will help companies streamline their operations and cut costs. That's why many customer service roles are already being phased out.

5. Legal Secretaries

August de Richelieu

Even legal secretaries are facing threats due to AI-powered tools, which can handle tasks like legal research, document drafting, and contract management. These technologies are automating a lot of the routine work that once required humans and reducing the demand for legal secretaries in law firms.

Now, this role probably won't be completely replaced by AI. Even so, the automation of basic functions could still lead to lower overall staffing needs, particularly for paralegals and junior legal assistants.

6. Cashiers

Andrea Piacquadio

Walk into your local supermarket, and you'll see that technology has already begun to take over traditional checkout processes. With the rise of self-checkout kiosks, mobile payment options like Apple Pay, and even cryptocurrency transactions, the need for human cashiers is steadily decreasing.

Retailers like Amazon have already introduced cashier-free convenience stores, and other companies may follow in their footsteps.

7. Referees

Pixabay

Not even sports fields seem to be safe from the rise of AI. In fact, referees are increasingly being sidelined as technology takes a more prominent role in officiating sports.

Systems like goal-line technology and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) have already proven that AI can make more accurate and unbiased calls than humans. Another appeal of automated officiating lies in its ability to reduce controversial decisions that spark arguments among players, coaches, and fans.

8. Translators

Ketut Subiyanto

As AI-powered translation tools become more sophisticated, translators are facing stiff competition, too. These systems, which were once limited to basic word-for-word translation, are getting better at understanding context, tone, and nuance.

The improvement of machine learning will also allow for vast amounts of text across various languages to be processed simultaneously, increasing its accuracy. So, the demand for traditional translation services is expected to decline in the wake of faster and cheaper AI solutions.

9. Computer Programmers

Julio Lopez

AI-driven coding tools are advancing as well. Automated programming assistants and open-source AI libraries are streamlining many routine coding tasks, like debugging, code generation, and even basic software development.

Skilled developers will likely still be needed for complex problem-solving and other, more creative software design projects. But, developers whose roles focus on repetitive tasks may see reduced demand.

10. Dispatchers

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Finally, human dispatchers may gradually be replaced by AI systems that can manage logistics, emergency responses, and customer inquiries. Things like advanced GPS tracking, automated scheduling, and real-time data processing allow AI to handle dispatch tasks with little human help.

Some cities have already implemented AI for non-emergency calls, slashing the need for human operators on the other end of the phone.

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We all want gorgeous, voluminous hair, but not every day is a good hair day — or week or month. Noticing more shedding than usual? Maybe your part's looking wider or your scalp’s peeking through a little more than it used to? You’re so not alone. The good news is there’s help that doesn’t require a doctor’s office visit (or insurance).

We teamed up with Hers to share three no-fuss tips for getting thicker, fuller hair — and yep, one of them includes their personalized hair regrowth treatments. Hers makes it simple to get started: you’ll answer some questions, 100 percent online, and a licensed provider will help you find the right solution for you, from serums to pills or chews.

Hers

These dermatologist-approved formulas, including Hers most popularHair Vitamins + Minoxidil, include minoxidil, an ingredient proven to regrow hair in 3 to 6 months.* If prescribed you just apply once a day. Here are a few low-key tweaks to your daily routine to experience thicker, healthier hair just in time for summer.

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1. Massage Your Scalp

Healthy hair starts at the root — literally. Think of your scalp like soil: the better you treat it, the more your hair can thrive. You don’t need to overhaul your entire shower routine; just start by incorporating a gentle scalp massage when you shampoo. This helps increase blood flow and removes buildup that can clog hair follicles.

Greta Hoffman

Quick tip: Use your fingertips (not nails!) or a scalp brush.Hers Hair Blends Serums is an extra boost you can apply directly to your dry scalp to stimulate regrowth, if prescribed.

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2. Swap Out Your Pillowcase

Silk and satin pillowcases can actually help reduce friction, which means less breakage and fewer tangles while you sleep. Cotton can be surprisingly rough on your strands, especially if you're already dealing with thinning or damage. This is a quick, one-time change that can benefit your hair and your skin. Win-win.

Hers

3. Explore Prescription Treatments

Sometimes, your hair just needs a little help from the inside out. Hers offers access to dermatologist-trusted treatment options that can give you thicker, fuller hair. For example,Hers Hair Vitamins + Minoxidil can help boost blood flow to the hair follicles, extend the hair growth phase and keep stimulating regrowth to help thicken your hair. More than 90 percent of customers’ hair loss improved or stabilized with Hers treatments.**

The Hers process is simple, and all online. Take a free hair quiz today atforhers.com.

* Results vary. Based on studies of topical and oral minoxidil.

**Based on self-reported data from 2,846 Hers customers after one year of treatment.

***Hair Blends are compounded products and have not been approved by the FDA. The FDA does not verify the safety, effectiveness, or quality of compounded drugs. Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.

Probably everyone would agree that "adulting" is challenging, but nothing is quite as tough as initially launching your career. You're new to the field and uncomfortable, so you're bound to have some awkward moments, missteps, or simply embarrassing situations.

Thankfully, these bumps in the road teach us lessons that we can grow from. Nonetheless, it can still be funny to reflect (and laugh) about those cringe-worthy experiences down the line.

So, a bunch of women recently took to Reddit to share some of the most embarrassing things they did during the early days of their careers, and we've compiled their best stories.

Scroll to see all the most embarrassing things these women admitted to doing at work!

1. She thought a colleague was flirting. Spoiler alert: he wasn't.

Viktoria Slowikowska

"I was new to my role and attending a networking event out of state, lobbying for the first time. I thought one of the commissioners was flirting with me, so I stupidly considered leveraging that. I even gave him my hotel card, but he never came," one user said.

2. She spilled hundreds of hardware pieces down a hill.

cottonbro studio

"It was my first day with a new theater company as their master carpenter. Our shop was multiple buildings away from the theater, and we had to haul our tools and hardware over in shopping carts," a user recalled.

"I tipped over the shopping cart with all the containers of screws, bolts, and so on. Hundreds of little bits of hardware, all down the side of a hill."

3. She accidentally said "love you" to her team.

Edmond Dantès

"I was multitasking on a call and, in the end, when everyone said goodbye, I blurted out, 'Bye, love you!' to the entire team. I was humiliated," another user detailed.

4. She accidentally messaged her own boss about her lackluster raise.

Anna Shvets

"I was working in customer service, and I asked my supervisor for a raise because I was 'error free' and my call time states were pretty good. I had told my coworker (we were both in our early twenties) that I had asked for the raise, too. We were very open about our salaries," remembered one user.

"A couple of weeks later, my supervisor called me over to her cubicle. I sent an IM [instant message] to my coworker and said, 'Supervisor wants to talk to me. Called me over to her desk. I think I got the raise!' Spoiler: I did. It was just like $0.75 an hour or something dumb, but still, I was happy to get a raise," she continued.

"Immediately after, I messaged my coworker again and said something like, 'Yep, I got the raise. It's not as much as I would have liked, but oh well." I sent this to my supervisor and not my coworker. I heard my supervisor laugh and immediately go talk to the manager. I was so embarrassed."

5. She had a bucket of water dumped on her.

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"Something that happened to me years ago: a woman dropped a bucket of rainwater on my head," revealed a user.

"She wasn't looking down; she meant to do it to one of my coworkers who used to leave trash by her door. She apologized, but still."

6. She fell off her chair (in front of her supervisor).

MART PRODUCTION

"I was working at a park district part-time and I sat at the front desk. One day, I got up to get something from another room. I come back, sit on my chair, and lean back," one user explained.

"I guess I leaned too far back, so I ended up falling on my tailbone. My supervisor was right there. I was like a couple of weeks in, too."

7. She made up her own phonetic alphabet.

Keira Burton

"I was trying to say the phonetic alphabet for a follow-up claim. I had the letter 'Y,' and the only word I could think of was, 'Yam!'" a user said.

"I laugh about it now, and I made the IT guy laugh, so win-win? But I definitely embarrassed myself at the moment."

8. She hit "reply all" while calling someone a jerk.

Mikael Blomkvist

"I hit 'reply all' in an email calling someone out for being a jerk. Ten years later, it's a department inside joke," a final user admitted.

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For more than two centuries, Jane Austen's novels have continued to captivate readers with their wit and romance. But aside from their timeless stories and swoon-worthy affairs, her works also serve as stellar inspiration for baby names.

Whether you're drawn to classic choices like Henry or more unique surnames, such as Darcy, there's no shortage of character and charm to be found. So, for devoted Jane Austen fans or those who simply love vintage and sophisticated names, here are eight iconic picks inspired by some of her most revered works.

Scroll to see all our favorite Jane Austen-inspired baby names for 2025!

1. Anne

Mochi Mochi

Anne Elliot, the resilient heroine of Persuasion, is one of Jane Austen's most introspective protagonists. She was once persuaded to reject her true love and endured years of regret before she got a second chance at happiness.

True to her name, which means "grace" and "favor," Anne embodied quiet dignity and inner strength. This moniker is derived from Hebrew and carries a ton of other historical significance, too, from biblical figures to queens.

2. Edward

Huy Nguyễn

Loyal and kind-hearted, Edward Ferrars of Sense and Sensibility is a hero who values integrity over wealth and status.

The name Edward, which is rooted in Old English, means "wealthy guard," a fitting title for a character so protective and principled. It's perfect for a little boy who carries a sense of honor and dependability.

3. Emma

Marisa Fahrner

Emma Woodhouse is the heroine of Jane Austen's Emma. She's spirited, charming, and well-meaning, but her matchmaking endeavors lead to some trouble before she ultimately finds love of her own.

This name means "whole" or "universal" and has a history stretching from medieval royalty to modern-day pop culture icons like Emma Watson and Emma Stone. It's well-suited for a baby girl who's going to leave her mark on the world.

4. Darcy

Murat Arpacı

Fitzwilliam Darcy is the brooding yet devoted hero in Pride and Prejudice. Once reserved as a surname, Darcy has evolved into a stylish, gender-neutral first name. It has Irish roots and means "dark-haired."

Darcy carries an air of mystery and intrigue, so it will definitely command attention.

5. Henry

Анна Хазова

In Northanger Abbey, Henry Tilney is a true gentleman who's humorous and warm, making this pick all the more appealing.

Derived from the German "Heimeric," meaning "house ruler," Henry has long been linked to kings. Today, the name blends strength with approachability.

6. Elinor

Pavel Danilyuk

Elinor Dashwood is the practical eldest sister in Sense and Sensibility. She embodies quiet strength, emotional depth, and thoughtfulness.

As a variation of Eleanor, the name Elinor has French and Arabic roots. It's often associated with meanings like "light" and "brilliance," making it a beautiful choice for a baby girl.

7. George

Nicole Peri

Even though most people remember the kind and wise Mr. Knightley in Emma by his surname, his first name is actually the classic George.

This moniker, which means "farmer" or "earthworker" in Greek, has a traditional charm. It's been associated with everyone from the British royal family to George Harrison of the Beatles, and can point to a flourishing future for your newest addition.

8. Frances

Сергей Терентьев

Finally, Frances "Fanny" Price of Mansfield Park is unforgettable due to her resilience and moral compass.

The name, which means "free" or "truthful," was originally derived from Latin and became very popular in Britain. Frances has a timeless grace to it that feels sincere yet strong, and the nickname Fanny is undeniably adorable.

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If you’ve ever swooned over Anthropologie’s dreamy home decor but just couldn’t justify the steep price tag, you’re not alone. Luckily, Walmart has been stepping up their home decor game with pieces that deliver the same luxe-looking aesthetic for less! From trendy throw pillows to stunning centerpieces and good-smelling candles, these 10 under-$15 Walmart home decor pieces bring major style to your space without breaking the bank.

Scroll on to discover the chicest Walmart home decor pieces to upgrade your space, all under $15!

Walmart

Mainstays by Becky G. & Alejandra Pink Ribbed Glass Uplight

This stunning portable lamp provides a nice, warm glow for cozy nights spent at home. The gold base definitely adds a "quiet luxury" effect, though this piece will only run you $15.

Walmart

Mainstays by Becky G. & Alejandra Scallop Decorative Pillow

Scalloped details are so Anthro-coded. This $13 decorative pillow will help you add instant trendy vibes to your couch and bedspread alike! Grab a few to amp up the coziness.

Walmart

Better Homes & Gardens Ceramic Low Stone Distressed Bowl

This low-profile bowl (for just $13!) would work super well as a coffee table centerpiece or a stylish fruit bowl for the kitchen.

Walmart

Mainstays by Becky G. & Alejandra Blue Stripe Ceramic Pitcher Vase

This $10 hand-painted ceramic pitcher leans toward ever-trendy coastal home decor, thanks to its simple blue and white color palette. You can also use it as a vase for spring and summer blooms when you're not serving up iced teas or batched cocktails!

Walmart

Better Homes & Gardens Plastic Coupe Glass Set

This $10 set of 4 coupe glasses will stand the test of time on your table since they're made of a durable plastic that still gives a fancy glass effect.

Walmart

Better Homes & Gardens Salted Coconut Mahogany Jar Candle

Fitted with a wooden lid, this is not your ordinary $12 candle. The glass jar comes with a frosted effect to make it feel even more luxe, plus your home will smell like absolute heaven after the salted coconut mahogany aroma hits!

Walmart

One Design Home Wavy Picture Frame

This playful $13 frame embraces all things wavy to house your favorite pictures and memories, whether you place it on your desk or bedside table! We think it'd even look stunning as part of a gallery wall.

Walmart

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Bubble Glass Vase

We love a vase, especially around this time of year when flowers are in full bloom. This little $6 cutie features a unique, luxe-looking bubble silhouette that feels downright perfect for the season!

Walmart

HofferRuffer Glass Candlestick Holders

No tablescape is complete without some cute candlestick holders! Amp up your next spring brunch or summery dinner party with this $15 trio that comes in so many fun colors.

Walmart

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Gold Frame Mirror Tray

Ooh, fancy! This $13 mirrored tray can be used across a variety of spaces, like a centerpiece for your dining table or for serving up snacks and cocktails to your pals on a night in.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more chic home decor pieces + find all the inspo you need to create your dream space!

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