the sparkher 5/14

a little late - but still just as good

Author

Prasiddhi Jain
May 14, 2024

Hey Besties, welcome back! I’m sorry this one’s a little late. Hot yoga took it out of me Sunday night, and I’d rather deliver something high value a little late than something that isn’t worth a read but follows a schedule. Thank you for understanding + reading ❤️.

WHAT’S INSIDE

  • A case study of Trader Joe’s

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

  • Upcoming events & deadlines

  • Her hustle & coffee: Katie Diasti @ Viv Period Care

LEVEL UP

As I get ready to move in New York City, my wishlist for a new home is pretty straightforward: it should be near a subway station, close to my favorite Solidcore gym, and most importantly, within easy reach of a Trader Joe’s. Why Trader Joe's, you might ask? In a city where every penny counts, this grocery store has become my sanctuary of affordable eats and quick shopping trips.

Back in 1967, Trader Joe's began as a small chain in Pasadena, California. It's now a staple for many like me, with over 530 locations nationwide. Known for its laid-back vibe and Hawaiian-shirt-wearing staff, it's more than just a store; it’s a part of my weekly routine. The question I often ponder, as I weave through the aisles or wait in line, is: What makes Trader Joe’s so magnetic?

Take my last shopping trip, for instance. The line was daunting, looping around the store like a serpent. But, to my surprise and delight, I was out in less than ten minutes. This efficiency isn't just luck. Trader Joe’s keeps a tight ship, limiting its products to avoid overwhelming shoppers and speeding up decision-making. It’s a relief not to wade through endless options just to pick a snack or dinner ingredients.

It’s not all about speed, though. The uniqueness of Trader Joe’s offerings is another draw. Where else can I find Cookie Butter or Everything but the Bagel Seasoning? These products have a way of turning a regular meal into something a bit more special, sparking conversations and, sometimes, even inspiring my own kitchen experiments.

And let's not forget the people. The friendly chats I have with the staff as they ring up my groceries make each visit feel personal, not transactional. It’s this warm, welcoming atmosphere that turns a routine errand into a pleasant part of my week.

For someone like me, trying to carve out a space in the business world, Trader Joe’s is more than a grocery store—it’s a lesson in how to build and sustain a brand. Consistency, uniqueness, and genuine customer care are key. It’s about creating an experience that people look forward to, much like I look forward to my weekly trips to Trader Joe’s.

As I pack my boxes and dream about my new place, I’m reminded that the principles that make Trader Joe’s a success are the same ones I want to apply in my own ventures. It’s about making a connection and standing out.

BRAINFEED & SHAREABLES

  • ICYMI – The Met Gala, often seen as a pinnacle of celebrity opulence, ignited significant backlash this year, especially in the digital sphere, where TikTok and other social media platforms became arenas for protest against celebrity silence on the Gaza conflict. Influencers like Hayley Baylee found themselves in the eye of this storm after her "Let them eat cake" TikTok post, made in her role as a pre-gala host, drew fierce criticism for its perceived insensitivity amid global crises. This act, alongside the broader #celebrityblocklist campaign, prompted calls to block celebrities on social media to diminish their ad revenue influence, although experts like Marcus Collins and Eric Dahan noted the limited impact of such efforts on broader political changes or significantly affecting celebrities' status. Nonetheless, the controversy underscored the complex relationship between celebrity culture, social media dynamics, and pressing global issues.

  • ICYMI – The beauty pageant world is in turmoil as Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava both resigned, citing issues with the Miss Universe Organization's management, including bullying and a toxic work environment. Their departures, marked by allegations of unprofessional behavior and the silencing of personal advocacies, spotlight systemic issues within the organization. Voigt's resignation was particularly poignant, with a hidden message in her statement hinting at being silenced. This series of resignations and the public outcry that followed highlight deep-rooted problems in the pageant industry, emphasizing the need for transparency and respect for participants' mental health and values.

  • 🎧: The Illusion of Money

  • 📖: How to overcome imposter syndrome? You don’t.

  • Melinda Gates is resigning from Gates foundation

  • Just me, romanticizing NYC

  • The northern lights are an incredible phenomenon that I think everyone should experience. This past weekend, they were visible, especially further up north. When I saw them last year in Iceland, they were green and blue almost. All the pictures I saw of it this time were purples and pinks – stunning.

  • Does anyone think this song is addicting (can’t wait for it to come out) – following up because now it’s out.

  • I made a pretty good mocktail… txt me if you want the recipe, or follow me on IG for it – video coming soon ;)

  • What’s hot 🔥: Washer dryer in-unit, Merit concealer stick, Moleskin planners, $38 round trip flights back home

    What’s not 🙅‍♀️: rent, apartment searching, cold weather in may

  • 🔝High of the week: A Sunday night restorative hot yoga class at Fierce Grace :)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

  • 🗽: NYC Tech Week (6/3-6/9): xxx

  • 🗽: Startup founder + product builder meetup (5/13): xxx

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.

Katie Diasti, is the founder of Viv, a sustainable, GenZ period care brand.

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

Tell me about how you started this.
When I learned how many plastic waste and toxins were in period care, I knew we needed a brand that truly resonated with our audience.

What really sets you apart?
We want Viv to be like your cool older sister, so we’re taking an education-first approach.

📍Dreamers Coffee (154 W Henry St): 6/10 – soooo cozy, not many seats, fantastic coffee and even better music

If you can’t see anything beautiful about yourself, get a new mirror – my dad sending us quotes in the family group chat

xoxo,
Prasiddhi
thinkers, founder