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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 Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

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

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

It's a constant struggle to find a work tote that looks cute, fits a laptop, and is overall actually functional. Surprisingly, I've come across so many cute totes that are incredibly nice, but just aren't big enough to carry my massive laptop. Plus, a lot of them don't have pockets, so I'm always digging and on a never-ending search to rummage for my keys or phone. It's a hassle and a half, and I just want something that I can confidently wear that works when I'm on the way to work.

On a serious search for my dream work bag, I came across these amazing totes from Amazon. So, fret no more! The never-ending hunt for the perfect work tote is over — and comes with a few great deals, too. 😊

Amazon

15.6 Inch Laptop Bag

This massive laptop bag is a whopping 15.6 inches, so it's sure to fit any laptop size that you have — easily. I love the super sleek, clean cut look of this leather option. And bonus points for it being super affordable at only $35 as well! It's currently on sale for 20% off, so I'd highly encourage to add this one to your wishlist!

Amazon

Woven Tote Bag

One thing I love about this bag is not only the Bottega-esque woven detailing, but the additional pouch that comes with it! Pouches like this are my favorite accessory when I buy a tote — they help me keep everything close and easy to find! I'll just throw my keys, lip balm, makeup, and some pens, and I'm good to good! Easy to find, and no rummaging necessary!

Amazon

Trendy Brown Shoulder Bag

This is Pinterest completely wrapped up in one bag. I've seen original Polène version all over my FYP countless times, and I'm sure you have too. Thankfully, this cheaper option from Amazon allows you to be on trend but on a budget. It's a bit smaller than our other bags, but it should fit any smaller-sized laptops or tablets.

Amazon

Nude Hobo Bag

I love a simple hobo bag given how effortlessly chic they are, and the color of this one is divine! It's a creamy, grey color which makes it perfect for that summer-to-fall dressing when you're struggling to finds ways to style your summer clothes for fall. By the looks of it, this simple bag could fit your every need, large laptops and all.

Amazon

Marc Jacobs Tote Bag

Everyone knows it and loves it — the Marc Jacobs Tote Bag is always trending on social for being a great go-to bag for all things work, school, and travel. I personally love the idea of having a chicer option as your work bag to bring some fun into your day-to-day life. Plus, it really is functional!

Amazon

Laptop Tote Bag

I must say, this bag looks like it could fit your whole life and organize it into nice, little compartments. It has a makeup bag (who doesn't need one of those?), as well as a shoulder strap so you don't get a bad back or sore arms from carrying it all day. It's cute, yet still has a lot of functionality — a necessity for any work tote.

Amazon

Compartment Tote Bag

This plush, comfortable bag will be ideal for all my girlies that have a bit of a commute and need something that won't break your back — or the bank! It has multiple pockets lining the inside and out, so you can easily find anything you could ever need. And while it's not as traditionally chic or trendy, this is perfect for someone who's hitting the gym after their litany of meetings. Plus, it's only $37 and is also 20% off at the moment — so definitely add this to your cart while the sale is still going on!

Amazon

Vintage Inspired Tote Bag

I love a good vintage-inspired anything — and something about this tote bag just does something to me. It looks so fun and whimsical, so opt for this bag if you're going for more of a cottagecore, heading-to-the-bookstore-after-work look! It's like wearing a graphic tee on your bag, injecting personality and quirkiness into your style!

Amazon

Canvas Tote Bag

This super affordable $13 canvas tote bag is a go-to of mine. I love carrying canvas totes, because not only do they look very on trend (especially at the moment), but they're versatile enough to switch out from your work bag to your day bag. All you have to do is remove your work items when your get home, and voila! You have your daily bag ready to go. I love all the color options in this one too.

Amazon

Carhartt Unisex Work Bag

Lastly, who doesn't love a good Carhartt item?! They will always be in style, especially this fabric and colorway above. I think this is great for anyone with more of an indie/alternative style. The pockets and compartments will be your best friend when organizing your laptop, notebooks, papers, and pens. I'm adding this one to my cart, as we speak!

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Header image via Amazon

What is it about family sagas that seem to make book clubs more interesting? Maybe it's because we know interpersonal relationships can be a little dysfunctional. It could be that we still don't know how to communicate with the people we love the most. Even if we love our parents and siblings, reading about other families' fictional twists and turns gives us a rush of adrenaline.

So it's no wonder Jenna Bush Hager's January book club pick feels like something we can read without putting down. It's full of complicated relationship dynamics, love, and reconciling one's identity with their past. You can say it's the perfect read to kick off your 2025 reading goals!

Amazon

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight

Penn should be excited about advancing her education at the University of Edinburgh, but she can't stop thinking about the secret her parents have been keeping from her. For some reason, she believes she'll uncover it while she's in Scotland because Lord Lennox — her father's friend — is in the area.

Her hunger for the truth leads her to Lord Lennox's estate where she she starts mingling with his family and even discovers love in this moving novel.

@readwithjenna/Instagram

Jenna Bush Hager's Thoughts About The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

Jenna Bush Hager thinks readers will love The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus because "it's a rich novel" with themes of "friendship and motherhood" (via Instagram). It's so good, she's sure "it will sweep you off your feet (via Instagram).

We hope you enjoy reading about Penn's journey in The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus and encourage you to check out Reese Witherspoon's January book club pick next!