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We're Thankful for More Than Wine

Share the goods.

A cartoon cooked turkey sits on a red background with white text that reads, "What we're thankful for..."

Here at 8THIRTYFOUR, we are thankful for a lot! Wine, dogs, happy hour, coffee, food…just to name a few. And, of course, we are also thankful for our amazing clients, our wonderful community and the fact that we have been in business for TEN YEARS.
Yes, TEN. A decade. A decade we are extremely thankful for. It’s been a crazy ten years but, as 2018 creeps inevitably closer, now is the perfect time to slow down, pause, and take a moment to reflect on the things we are thankful for.
Our team took some time to share what they’re thankful for, and now we want to share it with you.

Kim Bode, Principal

Chaos, all the chaos. Having 6 dogs at home, running a business, trying to keep a house in order all the while planning lady vacations with my friends has made life chaotic. And you know what, good. I love it. All life choices are my own and I couldn’t be happier about it. I have a wonderful team, husband, friend circle and lots of furry camaraderie – life couldn’t be any better.

Kayden Grinwis, Web Director

People! Family, chosen family, acquaintances, long lost and reclaimed college roommates, social media connections around the world, the 8THIRTYFOUR team, our clients… turns out there are quite a few kick-ass people in my life who challenge me, support me and join me for beverages once in a blue moon. The journey of life wasn’t meant to be taken alone.

Sarah Abel, Managing Director

I’m not one to brag, but I have, hands down, the best husband ever. I am so thankful to go through life with my best friend by my side, pushing me to be a better person, every day.

Chelsea Miller, Design Associate

Synchronicity: All the meaningful coincidences and chain of events in my life that led me to here…
From quitting my job in Chicago, to traveling Europe, to living back with my parents for a couple months (Okay– it was six months), to moving to Grand Rapids and starting a new job here at 8THIRTYFOUR with this group of encouraging, hard-working individuals. I am excited to see what this year has in store, with new adventures, new friends and of course the lengthy mission of taste-testing all the breweries in GR.

Alex Rens, Digital Associate

I’m thankful for all of the encouragement and support that I have received in my life.  I know that I would not be able to accomplish much of what I have in my life if I hadn’t been motivated by a support system that was so willing to help me realize my full potential.

Emma Thibault, Client Associate

One of my favorite quotes speaks volumes around this time of year: “The quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life.” This holiday season I am extremely grateful for my abundant support system of family (pets included), friends, and colleagues.
Looking back to one year ago, I never would have envisioned being where I am today. I owe my recent successes and quality of life to the lasting relationships that have helped me get to where I am, today. Thank you.

Allison Spooner, Content Associate

I am thankful that it’s time to watch my favorite movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but also for the reminder that, “No man is a failure who has friends.” I am thankful for every single person in my life. Whether they’ve stayed or left, every person who has come in and out of my life has had an impact on who I’ve become. I have some of the best friends a girl could ever ask for.
And I am especially thankful for my family. They’ve been an unwavering support system as life has taken some unexpected twists and turns. They never judge, they offer hugs, and I’ve always known they would support me no matter what I do. Your friends might be the family that you choose, but sometimes, if you’re lucky, your family are your friends, too.
What are you thankful for this holiday season?

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Recent Musings

Something on Your Mind?

Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet?
If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore.

Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk.

Listen now at the link in bio.
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. 

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan 
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.
You asked, we delivered.

Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership.

Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it.

Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business.

You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are.

Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
"I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself" - Leslie F*ucking Knope 

You are the hero in your own story. Be like Leslie and believe it. 

Come to the Big Deal Energy Workshop, @bodespeaks will show you how.

It's personal branding with a shot of tequila. Register in bio.
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