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8THIRTYFOUR Quarantine Diaries

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A person sitting against a wall, wearing jeans and a sweater, writing in a diary

Quarantine has been a rollercoaster for our team. From therapy to new career ambitions to animal bonding, we’ve really grown. Since we know everyone is overly interested in our day-to-day lives (we mean, Kim really should have a reality TV show) we are sharing our quarantine diaries.

Bri, PR Specialist

Much to the excitement of our team, Bri learned to read and now incorporates it into her nightly routine after she works out for approximately 4.5 hours. Way to go, Bri! She’s also doing couples therapy with Erica. Moving in together has been a challenge for their friendship. Here’s hoping they can work through their emotional baggage. Keep them in your thoughts.

Chelsea, Creative Lead

Chelsea has become addicted to her InstaPot, and she spends hours scouring the internet and pinning to Pinterest. She is now forcing her recipes on the rest of the team, which has become a source of tension. If you didn’t know, Chelsea has a very domineering personality. She is also focusing more on relaxing and virtual happy hours, while her fiancé, Tyler, rehabs the backyard and tackles house renovations. 

Jen, President

During quarantine, Jen came to the realization she is much better in person than via phone or video. This was especially apparent during a video call when she took her computer to the restroom with her (don’t worry, no one saw anything). She’s also become more in touch with her feelings through journaling and long walks in the woods with her Doberman, Diesel. They’ve really bonded. It’s been a beautiful thing to witness.

Delaney, Communications Associate

Delaney has also embraced therapy during quarantine and enrolled herself in anger management classes. We are thrilled she is getting the help she needs, after our latest intervention. She also discovered the outdoors and has gotten lost countless times walking around her neighborhood. We finally put a tracker on her. She writes about her adventures in her bullet journal. 

Amy, Office Manager

When Amy isn’t parenting her three biological children, she is busy taking Delaney, Bri and Erica back and forth to therapy. She also took on a second job at Burger King to help out her eldest son during his shifts. Amy also started a nonprofit to assist those recovering from quarantine haircuts. You can reach out to her at 1-800-HLP-MYHAIR.

Ric, Digital Lead

Ric has mastered parkour and is often seen scaling buildings in downtown Grand Rapids. She was also adopted by a cat named Lady, after being rejected by multiple dogs. We’re thrilled they’ve found each other. Ric and Lady have also started therapy, as they learn to navigate the cat/human relationship. Lady is still working on her video call skills.

Ro, Account Manager

While the rest of us were in therapy, Ro became a horticulturist and turned their house into a greenhouse. They also became a world-renowned Dungeon Master and are currently in high-demand. Ro also discovered their love of exercise and achieved their black belt in karate.

Kim, Principal 

While the rest of the world was baking sourdough and banana bread, Kim has spent her time avoiding all delicious treats and started Keto-ing. After realizing AA wasn’t for her, Kim has become a bodybuilder and does squats anytime she thinks about having a virtual happy hour; her thighs are almost the size of her Dobermans. We couldn’t be more proud of her. She’s also received a promotion as the office IT Director for managing to recover her laptop after dumping a gallon of water all over it. Her next project is to improve the 8THIRTYFOUR work culture after realizing all of her employees are in therapy. 

As you can see, our team has changed considerably during quarantine, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our newfound skills when we see you again in person.

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FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. 
Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. 

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. 

@crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary
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.
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