#simp tips

A goodnight’s rest is essential to making sure you are prepared for the next day. Many times, the last things you hear or see can also be reflected in your dreams.

Instead of taking those last minutes learning the timeline, try these things:

READ A BOOK

WORK ON PUZZLE

TALK TO SOMEONE IN YOUR HOUSE OR CALL A LOVE ONE

WATCH A MOVIE

PRAY AND/OR MEDITATE

This one is for the lawyer gals! Times may be hard now but get inspired by this BOMB girls below to make it through!

Catherine Guichardo

Penn State Law - Completed Law Degree

After starting law school as a 1L, I quickly realized that I didn’t even know what I didn’t know. Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t have lawyers and judges in my family. I went into law school completely unaware of what exams were like, how to outline, the importance of your first semester, etc. Here are some of the tips that helped me:

Do Your Research

While it may seem sufficient to talk to admissions counselors and practicing lawyers, do not underestimate the importance of reaching out to students enrolled at the school you’re interested in; especially students who may have similar backgrounds or interests as you.

Remember Your Purpose

When you’re accepted, you’re proud and excited. You get to law school and are smacked with more difficulty. You make it through a few semesters and then you graduate. More pride and excitement. Now it’s time to buckle down and prepare for the journey that is bar prep. Then, you have to actually endure taking the bar exam, and after months of writing to hear about your results, you have to apply for admission to the bar. YES, ALL AFTER YOU ENDURED THREE YEARS OF LAW SCHOOL AND GRADUATED! While you’re applying for admission, you’re once again back at square one – you finally start your career only to realize that you’re just a baby lawyer with a lot to learn. There is no end in the journey. There will be many periods of discomfort, doubt, happiness, pride, and accomplishment, but at no point do the challenges stop coming your way. Knowing your purpose will help you remain grounded during the periods of adversity.

Do your absolute BEST to see the good in the midst of all of the chaos

“Law schools want to break you down so that they can build you back up.” I remember listening to a faculty member say this and asking myself why I signed up for this. However, three years, many tears and breakdowns later I realize how powerful that journey was for me.  Every single day that I walked into the building, I felt like I was walking into a battlefield – it is my dramatic (yet relatable) truth. From being cold called, to receiving feedback on briefs, or having to meet several deadlines, I felt like I was stuck in a negative and chaotic environment. But it was this same environment that led me to strengthen my faith, commitment to a gym schedule, and develop a yoga and meditation schedule. Over the the last three years, the chaos forced me to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. I grew from my discomfort, and that is more good than I could have imagined I was going to gain in law school. There is always good in the chaos – shift your perspective to keep this in mind through your most trying times!

Alexis Childs

Rutgers Law School - 2L

Decide what you want to do!

It’s very difficult to say beforehand what area of law you want to practice in, but honing in on a general career path will allow you to determine the right law school for you. Which brings me to the next tip.

Research the school

As previously stated it’s hard to know the area of law you are interested before you have learned anything however, if you know the general career path you would like to take selecting the PERFECT school for you becomes that much easier. For example, if you want to go into public defense or prosecution find the best law schools that cater to public interest law, if you have a science background and intend to work with corporations you may want to look into schools who have strong intellectual property law programs.

Stay positive

This tip in my opinion is the most important and often time the most difficult of the three. The process of studying for LSAT, taking the LSAT, and then waiting for the LSAT score can be the most terrifying process if you let it. Do you best, work hard, and believe that your hard work will pay off.

Remember you’re amazing and good luck on your law school journey !

Juliana Bolaji

Barry University School of Law - 2L

Outline from Day One

It's easy to fall behind in law school because there are so many readings, not that many exams. If you compile all your study materials throughout the semester, it will be less of a burden when it comes time to study for final exams. 

Network from Day One

In addition to your skills, it's about who you know. Look into organizations on your campus or local bar associations in the area. Meeting attorneys and making a name for yourself will come in handy when you're looking for internships/jobs. 

Don't forget to have FUN!

 As a woman of color, I understand how hard it is to shop for beauty products. Majority of prestige brands do not have an extensive shade range or the right undertones to match our rich, brown, or golden skin. We are left with ten (or less) shades to choose from, which includes an undertone range of casket sharp grey to Donald Trump. 

Last year, Nelson Insights published “Black Impact: Consumer Categories Where African Americans Move Markets” and highlighted the Ethnic Hair and Beauty Aids as the number one category impacted by the black dollar. Approximately, 86% of the total spend in 2017 was attributed by black consumers. Men and women of color spent $54 million of the $63 million total industry spend! 

“Mainstream manufacturers across other industries are also seizing the opportunity to create specific products that appeal to diverse consumers.” 

Nelson, Black Impact: Consumer Categories Where African Americans Move Markets)

As black and brown consumers continue to outspend, a lot of brands continue to have a hard time being inclusive. However, the beauty industry has made some progress within the last two years. After the launch of a new mainstream brand (cough Fenty Beauty), brands are celebrating brown skin more than ever. 

 Let’s highlight five black owned brands that are killing the beauty game. These entrepreneurs have created their own lane in the industry by creating remarkable products and makeup looks used by many around the world. 

Carol’s Daughter

It’s 1993 and Lisa Price is creating transformative haircare products and mixing fragrances and body oils in her Brooklyn, NY home. With the great response from her family and friends, Lisa knew she needed turn her hobby into a business. She named her brand after the woman who encouraged her the most, her mother. Today, Carol’s Daughter is a prestige hair, body, and skincare brand made with natural ingredients catered to all hair and skin types. 

Carol’s Daughter can be found at some of our favorite retail stores including, Target, Ulta, Walmart and Amazon.

Lip Bar

Melissa Butler, the Founder and CEO of The Lip Bar, is changing the way we see beauty – one stunning lip at a time.  Her non-toxin, vegan, and cruelty-free brand provides bold and vibrant lip shades that stand out beautifully on brown skin.  

“… I am passionate about creating an inclusive narrative on what beauty is and reminding women that we don't have to settle for anything.”

- Melissa Butler, thelipbar.com

Butler launched The Lip Bar based off her frustration with the beauty industry and their standards. Today, The Lip Bar sells over 30 lip products and is exclusively sold on their website and Target.

PAT MCGRATH LABS

According to Vogue’s Anna Wintour, Pat McGrath is the most influential make-up artist in the world. Pat McGrath, also known as Auntie Pat by the beauty community, has been a sole creator for many beauty trends seen around the world, on runway shows, and in the media. Auntie Pat continues to be a leader in the beauty industry. Last year,

Pat McGrath Labs outpaced Kylie Cosmetics by becoming a billion dollar company. Auntie Pat’s collection is exclusively sold online and at Sephora.

We tried the lipstick and are IN LOVE !

NATURAL CLUB

27-year old Muhga Eltigani embarked on her natural hair care product journey  back in 2012. She started by cutting her hair in college and creating her very own avocado deep conditioner and sharing her products and hair journey to her YouTube channel. After six months of seeing four inches of growth, Muhga decided to continue to make her homemade hair care products and later share with the world. Natur-all Club caters to kinky/ curly hair and includes natural, handmade, non-toxin products that are safe for the hair and body.

“ A few years ago I became frustrated with commercial hair products that seemed to work for a while, but ultimately left my hair dry and brittle.”

Muhga Eltigani, link

In February 2019, Rich Dennis, the founder of Shea Moisture, invested $1M in Natur-all Club -  making this his first hair care product investment.

thE CRAYON CASE COSMETICS

Wuzzam Supa, also known as Supa Cent, is the Founder and CEO of The Crayon Case Cosmetics. Supa’s launched her business in 2017 and her brand instantly became a viral sensation. The Crayon Case Cosmetics caters to brown and black consumers who are beginners at makeup. Her brand packaging and colorful pallets became a viral sensation, which resembles school supplies. Last year, The Crayon Case Cosmetics sold $1 Million worth of product in 90 minutes.

“When we was in school and when I was younger - even in my adult life, they [society] made it seem like colorful things on dark skin was not right.”

I was just talking at work about how sometimes it is impossible to do things after work. Balancing school, my career & this website, half of the time I have to schedule my boyfriend. My friend’s inspired me to do this new routine where you wake up 1-2 hours before work and do something for yourself. I wake up and do homework, others may wake up and go to the gym. After a day of stress, make sure to leave work and do something for yourself. Whether it is going to Sephora to get a sample or catching drinks with your friends.

Here are some ideas:

Mini Organize At Home

When you get home from work DO NOT throw your things on the floor. That aids in the already mess that is there (trust me I know). Hang up your jacket and put your pocketbook in the right place before you run to your bed.

Cook A Meal

Instead of takeout, cook a healthy meal for yourself. You also may have some extras for the next day which means saving on lunch!

Self-Care

After work, brew some tea and throw a face mask on. Nothing is better than pampering yourself after a long day

Set-Up For Tomorrow

June means new beginnings, just ask your horoscope. With the start of the summer and a bit of time start to create the life you want to live. See below three tips to take into Summer 2018 that will prepare you for the rest of your life: 

Step Out of Your Comfort Zones

I am alway uncomfortable when I am in public alone. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. Instead of calling your girlfriends every time you want a bit to eat, try eating alone. You never know who you will meet. 

Approach Your Relationship Differently

Look at all of your relationships. Whether they are friendships, friends with benefits or relationships. Always remember that growth is needed in all. Stop getting involved with people that do not have your best interest in heart. Positive energy starts with those relationships that are the closest. 

Be Confident in Your Choices