Girl World #27: Living in Community, Alix Goes to Harvard, Megchella, Serena Williams' TIME100, a Japan Vlog, Egypt-core, Tackling Ageism in Hollywood, Aesthetic AirBNBs, Millennial Fashion Staples Return, and more

How are we doing, Girl World? It’s a little chaotic right now. What I’m feeling myself and what I’m hearing from others is that we’re all overwhelmed, angry, sad, nervous, and feeling everything in between and more. That’s a lot—and it’s completely reasonable to feel everything as we try to maintain our lives, go to work, and achieve our goals while our country is on fire.

As I’ve gotten older (and wiser, hopefully), I’ve learned to pause and step back to tune into myself, listen to my heart and intuition, and then approach a situation or share where I’m at with something.

I’m angry with what’s happening in the US. I’m mourning the world I had hope to live in. I’m sadden by the pain and the fear so many Americans are currently experiencing. I know it’s both my duty and responsibility to act. And, I am. I’m speaking out. I’m writing my representatives. I’m attending rallies and protests.

Activism and doing your part looks differently for everyone. It doesn’t mean just posting on social media. Many people can’t or don’t feel comfortable. And, many think posting on social media is enough—and it’s probably not, to be honest. It’s complicated and our generation hasn’t experienced anything like this. But, taking action, in whatever way you can, will remind you of the power you have.

I’m living in community. I’m seeing more friends and family. I’m having more conversations about what’s happening, what we can do to protect our communities, and advocate.

I’m also still going to happy hour. I’m still thinking about fashion and how I need to find some spring and summer clothes that don’t break the bank. I’m still working on my goals.

We can and should do both. Stay reasonably aware of what’s happening, take part in resistance, and continue living our lives. Our mental health depends on it. Our livelihoods depend on it. The next generation depends on it.

Take a deep breath (or 6) and find ways to cope. Find your community. Get off the social media apps—or train your algorithms to explore the world. Here are two of my favorite places right now—Shanghai and Egypt. Read books. Listen to music. Take a walk. Garden. Cook.

We’re all in this together.

💌 Jamie

1. This author shares her journey from certainty and expectation of motherhood to not being sure that motherhood was for her. “The privilege of being a parent would still be the adventure of a lifetime, but I don’t necessarily have to prioritize it above other adventures.” It’s an honest reflection of her journey without being closed to one option or the other.

2. Melinda French Gates’ Elle interview is incredibly insightful and heartfelt. She discusses her ability to stand in her truth with her friends even when she can’t admit her truth to herself, loving being an ambitious woman in a world that doesn’t easily accept ambitious women, and highlights the magazine’s Women of Impact event.

3. Minka Kelly dives into normalizing being in your 40s without being married and having kids, not working for several years, and her new show that she describes as “Yellowstone meets Friday Night Lights.” We’re in.

4. Serena Williams was named to the 2025 TIME100 list this week. Her interview is a 20 minute read and it’s worth every minute. She shares her work, what she’s focusing her time and attention on, and how she’s extending her brand to make a difference. She’s an incredible role model for women and girls.

5. S’ABLE Labs and Goodwill Ambassador Sabrina Elba is advocating for climate change efforts in the Global South. She’s spotlighting the importance of changing our practices now—not a year from now or 5 years from now.

6. Salma Hayek Pinault is tackling age discrimination and stigmas women face. She’s aging gracefully. She’s standing on business. And, she’s demonstrating the power that women have—if we recognize it. See her full Marie Claire interview here.

We all know Alix Earle. She’s an ‘it girl” and has millions of followers on TikTok. This week, she went to Harvard Business School to lead some discussions about influence, investing, and marketing. She created her normal GRWM and Day in the Life content. But, also used the opportunity and her platform to promote businesses the students had started and were working on. It’s absolutely changed the game for some of these businesses. Her attention and willingness to promote these brands even crashed Second Sense’s website!

Lessons: This is how you do it. When you have a platform, you have power to open doors for others. Even if you have a smaller following on LinkedIn, sharing brands, LinkedIn profiles of consultants or former colleagues looking for work, and friends’ projects can make all of the difference. And, when you do get a larger platform, remember to elevate those behind you in the journey. There’s always more room at the table and space to build more tables.

And, don’t forget to shoot your shot. Share what you’re working on. If you meet a businessperson you like or admire, ask for advice, ask for a photo and tag them on social media (they’re more likely to remember you), and share what you’re doing. You never know what could happen.

How to get 80g of protein as a vegetarian

The science of weight and health is complicated

7 common reasons you could be tired all the time

How to orgasm really quickly. Yesssss.

Is it a UTI or actually something else?

Taylor Swift’s music helped this author talk about her mental health and BPD

The power of a great suit and an interview with J.Crew’s Olympia Gayot

Are we into this strawberry scent trend? We’re not sure.

We love an aesthetic AirBNB. Favoriting a few of these immediately.

Four female-founded start-ups you should know

Hilary Duff is bringing back tanks and midi skirts. Heading to our closet right now.

We’re always going to read Martha Stewart’s hosting tips

Megchella is proof that that fun and joy follows trauma and healing

Clear bag ideas for concert season—buy one now before you forget, again

25 summer movies to add to your watch list

New York museums are making a comeback

Maggie Sellers’ Japan trip vlog is making us wish we were traveling right now

Going Out: It’s Easter weekend so many of us are traveling. But, the next protest is happening on Saturday so we’re taking a break from our schedule to find a protest near us to make sure our voices are heard and we’re standing up for our neighbors.

Watching: Minka Kelly’s new show, Ransom Canyon

Listening: Mel Robbins’ podcast episode on women’s health with Dr. Stacy Sims. It’s eye-opening, approachable for most women, and packed with useful resources and information.

Reading: To Have and To Have More by Sanibel (fiction)

In the Kitchen: Ina Garten’s Lemon Bars

Moving our Bodies: We’re visiting family so moving our bodies look a little different this weekend. We’re taking walks. We’re jumping on the trampoline with our nephews. We’re doing a bodyweight YouTube workout.

💋 Jamie | Late August Media Founder

Girl World is a Late August Media publication.