Four Minutes With On The Dot

In the classic show MTV Cribs, celebs would put on display—you guessed it—their cribs. Many of these home tours involved similar things: seven cars, a lavish pool with a grotto, fancy liquor in the freezer. Many Cribs VIPs would also introduce viewers to their personal shoppers and in-home chefs, and that’s when I would always get jealous. The idea of coming home to groceries in the fridge and a professional cooking up whatever I want truly seems like livin’ large to me. Alas, most of us aren’t born with a silver spoon in our mouths. But maybe that makes us more appreciative of the things and people we do have in our lives. The post Ooshma Garg: Build a Successful Business From a Simple, Delicious Idea appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

One of my girlfriends recently recalled her time of being pregnant with twins, relating that she had to go to OB appointments on her lunch break so she didn’t tap into her paid time off. On the flip side, another friend just accepted a job that pays her to travel the world and write all about it. We lead different lives and may be at very different stages, but no matter your industry, one thing’s for sure: Women certainly wouldn’t turn down a little increased flexibility in our careers. Here’s to attaining that elusive work/life balance! The post Anna Auerbach and Annie Dean: Get Tips Here for Work Flexibility appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

One of the issues we like to explore with our featured women involves what makes them feel powerful. Their inspirations vary, but we’ve noticed a few underlying themes. Women who feel powerful often find a sense of ownership in a project or their company, even if their boss micromanages them or their colleagues are manipulative. They are able to embrace that ownership, in part, due to self-regulation. Instead of reacting emotionally, they respond to tough situations in thoughtful, positive ways. So, I’ll ask you, ladies: What makes you feel powerful? The post Tiffany Shlain: If You’re Seeking Equality, This Will Get You Closer appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

This weekend, I went to a very hip farm-to-table restaurant. The décor was light and bright and Instagram-worthy, for sure. The food held its own too. I mentally gave it five stars, but then I went to the women’s restroom. As I closed the sophisticated reclaimed-wood stall door behind me, claustrophobia hit—literally—in my knees. The space was comically shallow, making a port-a-potty seem like a penthouse. Today, we’re talking about what makes for good design, and I hope more restaurateurs take note that we ladies put significant value on a clean, charming—and spacious—powder room. The post Alison Cork: Turn Your Home-design Passion into an Empire. Here’s How appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

I read a great column in which one entrepreneur shared his thoughts about business school versus real life. In biz school, the concept of competition reigns supreme. But the truth is that competing for better jobs, more money and extra attention limits your thinking. Instead of competing for what’s already created, create something of your own. Regardless of whether you’re in the business world, it’s a good reminder that life isn’t a competitive episode of Survivor. There’s enough opportunity to go around—if you’re willing to seize it or, heck, create a whole new sphere of opportunity yourself. The post Sheila Ronning: Here’s How to Secure Your Seat at the Boardroom Table appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

Have you ever caught yourself inadvertently saying something sexist against your own sex? That’s right, women can be sexist too, even in minimal ways, like assuming a doctor’s a dude or your mechanic’s a bro. Personally, I eventually noticed I do this very thing. While playing an online video game, every time an opponent got me, I yelled out in frustration with a male pronoun: “He can’t do that!” or “His character is irritating me!” Sure, it’s a little thing, but it speaks to a deeper issue. And I’m working to rewire my mindset about such things. Today, take a little time to notice how you think and speak, and identify whether you’ve got some of these tendencies of your own. The post Andra Petrosan: Whether You’re Playing a Video Game or Building One, Here’s How to Crush It appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

I checked out a TED Talk presented by a woman named Lisa Bu I’ve got to share because I think many of us can relate to her story. Lisa’s parents expected her to pursue a well-paying job, with little care as to its fulfillment. When she emigrated from China as a child, she discovered some wonderful adult advice from a source outside her mom and dad: books. Jane Eyre taught her independence, while Cheaper by the Dozen imparted efficiency. Books became her magic portal to other worlds and a way to connect with people. They provided her with a whole new point of view that impacted her life in a way she never could have imagined. With that, I bestow you with Lisa Bu’s final words from that TED Talk: May books be always with you. The post Marley Dias: She’s Advocating for #1000BlackGirlBooks appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

Have you ever watched that TV show Bizarre Foods? If you’re looking to shed a few pounds and resist the pantry, one episode will do the trick. The host, a seasoned chef himself, travels the globe discovering unique culinary delights. He happily devours tarantulas in Cambodia and coconut-tree grubs in Peru. There are some eye-opening edibles in English-speaking areas he gobbles up too, like swamp cabbage in Florida and everyone’s favorite Scottish delight, haggis. As they say, you are what you eat, but no matter your opinion of what others chow down on, it’s a great reminder that life is indeed bigger than your bowl of mac and cheese. The post Daina Trout: She’s the Queen of Kombucha appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

Do you think much about how buildings are designed? Yeah, me neither. I’ll notice a lavish veranda or a shabby mezzanine but rarely more than that. I usually see what’s wrong with design. Take, for instance, a winding grocery store that somehow leads me past the cereal aisle three stinkin’ times on my way to the cashier, or the airport at which the journey to Gate A7 for a connecting flight practically requires a train, plane and automobile to reach—in the “generously” allotted 10-minute time frame. Today, let’s all open our eyes a little wider to the beauty and efficiency of the architecture we experience. The post Grace Kim: She’s Bringing Communities Together appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

Friends come in many forms. When you go through a challenging time in your life, you can more easily identify your friendships for what they truly are. Today, we’re talking about real-deal gal pals, like the girlfriend who texts you “Congrats!” at good news and shows up on your doorstep with a bottle of wine and an entire pallet of tissue at bad news. In our busy lives, keeping up with one another can be complicated and, at times, burdensome, but where would we be without our girl allies? The post Elva Carri: She’s Got Your New Girl Crew appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

Have you heard of the phrase “boy mom”? It’s exactly what it sounds like. While there’s no tried and true way for a boy to be, there are keen differences between boys and girls that find some boy moms seeing things a little differently than girl moms. One of my girlfriends with sons has accepted frequent toot humor. Another hits up Costco on the regular to feed stomachs that don’t quit, while one is on a first-name basis with those at the urgent-care clinic due to frequent playtime injuries. If this sounds like your little boy, we get it! Pour yourself a glass of your finest Costco wine and congratulate yourself for hanging in there. The post Michelle Houp: She’s a No-sweat Entrepreneur appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

Today, we’re talking about fearlessness. Of course, there are varying levels of fearlessness. There’s the you-are-out-of-your-mind level. You know, like when contestants eat an African cave-dwelling spider on reality show Fear Factor just to make it to the next round. Then there’s the everyday stuff that takes just about as much courage, like making a cold story pitch about your business to a magazine, committing to a cross-country move in pursuit of a better job or proudly donning a pair of pleather skinny pants. Whatever your amount of fearlessness, we’ve all got a little in us. It’s part of what makes for memorable experiences and helps us move mountains. Today, do something bold—except maybe stay away from spiders. The post Tali Gumbiner and Lizzie Wilson: She’s a Fearless Girl appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

I recently came across a letter board displaying what has never felt like a truer statement to me: “I don’t need to write that down. I’ll remember it—and other lies I tell myself.” Sound familiar? When it comes to the management of life’s chores, sometimes I swing hard in either direction. I won’t write a single thing down, or I’ll write too much, both of which are problematic. Finding Post-it notes scattered throughout my home and office scribbled with cryptic messages isn’t helpful (but maybe that should be the theme of this summer’s next big horror flick). Today, we’re talking about being organized. While some people expertly manage staying on top of everything, ladies, let’s be real: Most of us are not those people. And that’s OK. But today, let’s try a little organization on for size. The post Tonya Dalton: She’s Giving You the Power to Be Productive appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

OK, I’ll admit it: My #WomanCrushWednesday is Judge Judy. If I could just have 10 percent of her smart sass, I’d be so happy. If I could have a cut of that $47 million salary, I’d be even happier. From phrases like “I’m the boss, applesauce,” to “Beauty fades. Dumb is forever,” Judge Judy always insists those in her courtroom stay honest and make smart choices. While it’s simple advice, let’s make a note to remember it as we finish out the week. If you know a client is underpaying you, take action. If your online date gives off creep vibes, take action. This is your year, lady. The post Kristina Jones: She’s Your Court Buddy appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

In 1996, the World Food Summit declared access to adequate food is a fundamental right of every human being. Its action plan identified four areas in which governments are responsible for ensuring this human right: respect, protection, facilitation and provision. I’m particularly struck by the organization’s inclusion of the word “respect,” and am glad this was considered. The first step to helping someone is acknowledging he or she has value, just like every human being. We all have bellies that need filling, right? Today, pepper a little more respect into your conversations and actions, and remember that regardless of our stations in life, we all deserve a little dignity. The post Komal Ahmad: She’s Helping Eliminate Hunger appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

When I say the word “Morocco,” what comes to mind? Beat author William S. Burroughs wrote his famous novel Naked Lunch in Tangier, Bob Dylan mentioned it in a song and Morocco has a long yet not well-known history of powerful women. Some stereotypes likely pop up when you think about Morocco. If you’re envisioning riding a camel in the desert only to retreat to a Casablanca movie-style setting, you’re not getting the whole picture. This jewel of the ancient world is a pillar of rich culture, cuisine and art, and far more than a “Here’s looking at you, kid” locale. Today, let’s travel to this Kingdom of the West and learn what it’s all about. The post Maryam Montague: She’s Helping Moroccan Girls Soar appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

I desperately want a green thumb. While I don’t have a completely useless thumb, I can’t tell you how many of those so-called “easiest houseplants to maintain” I’ve unwittingly slayed. On Instagram, I see gardeners and growers of lush roses and enchanting succulents, while all I have is my drab, nearly dead cactus. I thought it would be hard to kill. Not for me! But for some reason, I plant the bulbs, water the soil and hope for the best. I guess I’ll just keep trying. After all, with a little persistence, I may stop planting the seeds of doubt and actually get something to grow! The post Katie Stagliano: She’s Cultivating a Solution to Hunger appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

This year, I casually decided to follow through. Let me explain. I don’t know about you, but I love to take on new DIY projects, filling my shopping basket with new décor. There’s a definite rush when I get a fresh decorating idea. There’s also stress when I don’t invest enough time to actually finish said idea. For instance, I have a curtain rod and curtains that are on their three-month anniversary of living bundled up in my closet. Before I plunk down more hard-earned money on something that’ll be old news, I’ve got to remember that, like any success-minded company, my financial and time investments have to be developed. The post Yvonne Campos: She’s Steel City’s Angel appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

Here’s a story that will let the air out of your tires: Henry Ford—you know, the Ford guy—shook things up by hiring women to work at his Phoenix Mill plant in Michigan in the early 1900s. Pretty cool, right? But here’s the catch: Women’s employment eligibility at Ford was based on their marital status, with Ford only hiring widows and single ladies. Why? He considered the gig to be a temporary one for women because he was adamant that a woman’s real job in life was to “get married, have a home and raise a family.” While Ford did pay his female workers the same as men, it was solely so they could dress attractively and afford to get married. The post Padmasree Warrior: She’s Driving the Future of Autonomous Cars appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

Ladies, does it ever seem to you that men are scared of women doing the things they do? For instance, take Lauren Mayberry, the frontwoman of Scottish band Chvrches. While she’s got an undergraduate law degree and a master’s degree in journalism, along with hundreds of thousands of fans, she’s also the recipient of plenty of odious and violent threats. And we all know how difficult it can be to shut out such hatred. I mean, I still remember the slightly hurtful comment a boy made to me in fifth grade! So, today, I applaud all women who brush off the haters and brilliantly triumph over derision and animosity. The post Reenie Collins: She’s Keeping Musicians Healthy appeared first on On The Dot Woman.