the sparkher 4/15

Hey Besties, welcome back!

WHAT’S INSIDE

• Cultivating a circle + influential friendships

• ICYMI, brainfeed, and things to send to the group chat

• Upcoming events & deadlines

• Her hustle & coffee: Elizabeth Gascoigne @ Absence of Proof

LEVEL UP

The concept that you're the average of the five people you spend the most time with isn't just about social habits, but extends to your behaviors, attitudes, and even professional success. For example, if your circle includes a dedicated coworker, an enthusiastic entrepreneur, a calm and collected planner, a creative thinker, and a reliable sibling, each of these individuals contributes to how you approach work, manage stress, innovate, and maintain reliability. This influence can manifest in subtle ways, like how you prioritize tasks or handle workplace conflicts.

Choosing your inner circle is therefore a strategic decision. Seek out individuals who not only share your values but also embody the traits you admire and aspire to develop. For instance, if you aim to become more thoughtful and proactive, spending time with a friend who excels in long-term planning could be beneficial. Their approach to anticipating challenges and preparing for them can inspire similar strategies in your personal and professional life.

Life’s changes often necessitate shifts in your social circle. As you pursue new interests or advance in your career, you might find that your current friendships no longer serve your growth in the same way. It’s natural to gravitate towards new individuals who align more closely with your evolving aspirations. This dynamic process of building and adjusting your social network is essential for continuous personal development. It ensures that you remain surrounded by a support system that is not only compatible with your current life phase but also drives you toward future goals. This ongoing adjustment keeps your perspectives fresh and your approaches innovative, crucially impacting both your personal and professional life.

BRAINFEED & SHAREABLES

• ICYMI – The chilling contents of Nicole Brown Simpson's safe deposit box, featuring battered Polaroids and apologetic letters from O.J. Simpson, provided damning evidence in his infamous trial—a trial that has resurfaced in public discourse following Simpson's recent death. These items, clearly intended by Nicole to point the finger at Simpson should something fatal occur, laid bare the horrific realities of domestic abuse she endured. This high-profile case didn't just capture America's attention; it was a watershed moment that forcefully dragged the private violence of domestic abuse into the glaring public spotlight, reshaping societal views and legal standards on intimate partner violence in a way that still resonates deeply today.

• ICYMI – The Norwegian women’s beach handball team's protest against skimpy uniforms has ignited a broader debate across women's sports about the necessity and appropriateness of traditional athletic wear. This discussion recently spotlighted Nike when their new Team U.S.A. track and field uniforms, especially a woman's high-cut bodysuit, faced backlash for seemingly prioritizing appearance over functionality. Critics argue such designs sexualize female athletes and perpetuate outdated views of women’s bodies as public property, suggesting a crucial need to reevaluate and redefine athletic wear to focus on performance and respect for female athletes.

• 🎧: Social interactions & Emotions

• 📖: TCapri Tequila – tequila is for the girlies and now by a girly (Ironically, as I’ve mentioned in previous newsletters + below, I’ve become alcohol-free, but this was still an interesting read– if one of you is seeing this and tries it, please let me know how it is!)

• Watch my favorite video of the eclipse from last week. If you’re spiritual, this was an interesting read!

• Finally, much awaited: my thoughts on becoming alc-free + benefits.

• Y’all – I am a sucker for reality TV. The Bachelor/Bachelorette series got boring over the past few years, but I was so excited to watch the Golden Bachelor. I never finished, but I was rooting for this couple (who just got divorced only a few months after marriage) :(.

• Ireland will require alcohol bottles to have cancer and health warning labels. What is your take – does labeling really have an effect and reduction in consumption?

• What’s hot 🔥: Chocolate banana pancakes, lemonade, Rare Beauty Highlight Blush

• What’s not 🙅‍♀️: Flakiness, Subway delays, getting soaked in the rain

• 🔝High of the week: Dinner this weekend at Eyval (must try for my Mediterranean foodies in NYC).

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

• 🗽: How to Raise From VC (4/16): Learn fundraising tips for early stage founders from VC experts.

• 🗽: Alo x Outdoorsy Gals (4/21): Do some yoga + appreciate the earth. Register here.

HER HUSTLE & COFFEE

I love finding new coffee shops and meeting other female founders, so I started a series to share stories of female entrepreneurs at coffee shops around New York City.

Elizabeth Gascoigne, is the founder of Absence of Proof, an alcohol-free distribution and events company.

Check out the full video interview here, or highlights from our conversation below.

How did you go from being an events company to a distribution company.
We started getting requests from folks in cities that were not big enough for us to actually throw events at because we didn’t have the demand we had in places like New York or LA. We still wanted people to have access to the product so they can throw their own non-alcoholic parties. So we built an e-commerce site which is essentially like Amazon, but for non-alcoholic products.

What is one piece of advice you would give to other female founders?
 Feel the fear and do it anyways. 

📍Cafe Belle: 6/10 – Small, female-owned, not sure if I like the checkered floors

Perfection is not attainable, but if you choose to chase perfection, you can catch excellence. 🤍

xoxo,
Prasiddhi
thinkers, founder

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