Starting Your Own Business

A commonly asked question I get is, "How do I start my own business?" There are a lot of elements that go into starting your own business, so it can seem overwhelming at first, especially when you have no prior experience or education in this area.
First, you have to decide what type of business you want to start. Don't just chase after the money. Money doesn't buy happiness, we hear that time and time again. Invest in something you are passionate about. If you love what you are doing and the products you are providing to others, believe me, the money will follow. 

Get Legal

After you figure out what your business will be, get legal. You don't want the IRS to be chasing after you or to get sued for something that could have been avoided.  1. Choose your business name 2. Register your business name 3. Register with state agencies
When you are registering with state agencies, you need to decide what type of business structure you will be operating under. There are many different types: Sole Proprietorship, Partnerships, Corporations, S Corporations, and Limited Liability Company (LLC). Each type has its pros and cons, so decide which one is best for you. 

Steps for starting a small business:

1. Select a business structure 2. Register with state agencies 3. Apply for Employer Identification Number (EIN) 4. Choose a tax year If you have employees, have them fill out form I-9 5. Pay your business taxes
This is just general information on how to start your own business. All of these topics go much further in depth. If you have any questions, please comment below or feel free to contact me. 

Happy Holidays!

To say that I had the best Christmas ever is an understatement. The family was all together, opening gifts, stuffing our faces, and cracking jokes all day long. I was brought to tears time and time again from laughing so hard. I love when we all get together! It just fills my heart with joy. I hope you all enjoyed your family and had an amazing Christmas day. 

Aztec Cardigan - Charlotte Russe ♥ White Tank Top - Theory 

Snakeskin Belt - Charlotte Russe ♥ Black Leggings - Target

Black Suede Wedges - Aldo

My Christmas Scare

I spent the latter part of Christmas Eve in the hospital this year. Earlier in the day, I got a phone call from Lisa saying that my cousin Vicky had been rushed to the hospital (both Lisa and Vicky are my 2nd cousins). Previously, she had been experiencing a lot of pain and the first hospital she went to sent her home with no diagnosis. Upon arrival to the hospital on Christmas Eve, the doctors finally figured out what was really going on. She was sent home but will have to go back to get her gallbladder removed after the new year.  Once Vicky got home and situated, Lisa started to have a severe nose bleed. I'm talking blood coming out of her nose like a water faucet. Thinking that this was just some sort of dry weather nose bleed, she decides to just rest for a bit. Realizing that the blood flow wasn't decreasing any, she heads back to the hospital to get checked out herself. Come to find out, her blood pressure was above 250 (your blood pressure should be in the 120's)! Blood was coming out of her nose, tearing from her eyes, it was just crazy. The doctors got her stabilized and got her blood pressure back into a safe zone.  These past few days I have been thinking a lot about family and appreciating what and who I have in my life. Today was a clear indication of that. Life is short. People say that all the time, but it really is. We were all put up for a scare today with two family members being rushed to the hospital, back to back. Even though the hospital was not a place I thought I would have been on Christmas Eve, I am glad that the entire family was there to comfort and support the ones in need. Both Vicky and Lisa were sent home and are under stable conditions. "The thing about family disasters is that you never have to wait long before the next one puts the previous one into perspective."  - Robert Brault  Love. Live. Appreciate.

Network, Empower, Uplift

With the new year just a few days away, I want to start giving back, networking, and empowering those around me a bit more than I already do. I think sharing experiences really can help another to succeed at their dreams. I have been running my own business for over a year, and I have learned a lot of valuable lessons along the way (and have a lot left to learn). I get friends, associates, and complete strangers all the time asking for advice or to share my experiences with them. I love that people look to me for advice or inspiration to start and pursue their own dreams.  Every week, I will be sharing some sort of business advice, tips, or experiences that have been helpful for me. I really want to get other bloggers in on this to share their experiences as well. I want this to be a sort of network for entrepreneurs. It doesn't matter how old you are, where you're from, if you just have an idea for a business or if you have been in business for years. I think that we can really help each other and empower one another to be so much better! So, if you are a business owner, want to start a business, have an educational background in anything business related, COMMENT or EMAIL me! Let's empower one another and all become better because of it!  Contact: Click the contact link at top of page Instagram: jae__lynn

Makeup Must Haves - On The Go

The holidays mean lots of food, family, gifts, and traveling. It's hard for us fashionista's to stay stylish while on the go. Whether you're going home to visit family or to the boyfriend's to meet the parents for the first time, your makeup should be polished, effortless, and chic. 

1. BB Cream

This product has hit the beauty market by storm fusing skincare and makeup. It is a simple substitute for foundation that provides light to medium coverage, acting as a tinted moisturizer basically. BB Creams treat the skin while hydrating and evening out skin tones. I use and recommend L'Oreal Skin Beautifier BB Cream.

2. Concealer

While BB Creams are excellent, the don't have the coverage needed to hide that under eye circles or imperfections. A skin corrector, concealer, will do the trick though.The Nars Radient Creamy Concealer comes in a wand type packaging, similar to Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer's which allows for easy application.

3. Eye Shadow Palette

When I go to grab a palette, I always choose one that has a range of matte colors. I prefer this because it allows for more versatility. The Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette is perfect because it has highly pigmented colors (a little goes a long way) and a range of colors for an entire eye look. The dark colors allow for the creation of a night time smokey look. The browns and neutral colors allow for simple, day time looks.

4. Eye Shadow Primer

No matter the type or brand of eye shadow you use, a good primer goes a long way. This product will ensure that you eye shadow stays put all day without creasing. Use your finger to blend a small amount onto your eyes before applying eye shadows. I personally use and LOVE Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. It lasts forever too!

5. Blush/Bronzer Duo

Perk up your complexion with blush and bronzer to give your skin a sun-kissed glow year round. Use the bronzer around your hairline and underneath your cheek bones for a light contoured look. The Tarte Power Couple Blush & Bronzer Duo makes life easier by having both products in one compact.

6. Eyeliner

To help awaken your eyes, apply eyeliner to the top lid. I really like the Covergirl Bombshell Intensity Eye Liner pen because it's super easy to apply. You can do a slim line application for a daytime look or build the product for a more dramatic style.

7. Mascara

Even on the days that I'm too lazy to apply anything to my face, mascara is always a must. Open up those eyes of yours and make them appear larger with thick, bold lashes. Dior Diorshow Mascara gives super volume and thickness to even the dullest of eyelashes. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara is an awesome substitute if you are on a budget.

8. Lipgloss

To finish off any look, apply a bit of gloss. It is both moisturizing, which allows you to skip the lip balm, and provides a glossy luster. Forever 21 has the cutest range of lip glosses for only $3.80. 

These 8 products will allow you to create dozens of looks for any occasion. Keep everything stored in a zipper pouch for easy access and storage.

Real VS Steal: Giuseppe Zanotti and Zara Heels

All of my friends call me the "Coupon Queen" and I have been crowned. Seriously, who wants to pay an arm and a leg for an amazing pair of shoes or a chic new purse? Being in college limits the extent to which my Hello Kitty wallet can stretch, so I am always on the look out for amazing deals and money saving coupons. I recently did a bit of online shopping and came across some AMAZING steals. 

Zara

AMIClubwear

I got these white pointed toe wedges for only $18.74 from AMIClubwear. These look very similar to Zara's white pointed toe wedges which are marked at $95.70.  Total savings: $76.96

Giuseppe Zanotti

AmiClubwear

Now, I got super excited when I found this steal. From one celeb to the next, I have been spotting the Giuseppe Zanotti black leather and gold chain heel. Need I say, they are HAWT and these bad boys come with a hefty $955 price tag. I got a very similar looking pair for a mere fraction of the price, also from AMIClubwear, for only $26.99.  Total savings: $928.01
Not only did I get awesome prices on these goodies, I also got FREE SHIPPING! What more could a girl have asked for? This really goes to show that you can get the high fashioned look for hundreds of dollars less. 

5 Minute Protective Style: Princess Crown Twist

Today I worked from home and just was in a super relaxed mood. My hair seemed like too much of a task to tame so I went with an easy alternative, the princess crown twist. 

I applied some castor oil to my scalp and the ends of my hair for additional moisture. I then separated my hair down the middle and finger combed coconut oil throughout my hair. I loosely twisted my hair around my head and secured the ends with bobby pins. 

Since I was just on my way to run a quick errand, I put on a cute winter headband. The PrincessCrown Twist: easy, cute, and moisturizing. And it only took 5 minutes to do.

For a more sleek look, apply edge control around the perimeter as you twist. Twist tightly to for a more sculpted "princess crown". This would be a perfect look a few days post twist out. 

Through a New Lens

At the beginning of the school year, back in September, my job switched me to a different department. I was transferred so I could continue to work during the school year. My previous experiences allowed me to have a lot of responsibility. I really felt that I was apart of a team and I could see, first hand, my hard work pay off everyday. With the new position, it's been a lot different. I don't have nearly as much responsibility as I used to which makes me feel so much less productive. At first, I really didn't like my new job. Over the past few months, I have learned to appreciate it for what it is. 

See the rewarding aspect of your new position rather than constantly comparing it to the old one

Sometimes new changes and new jobs can be challenging. You are constantly comparing your boss, your coworkers, the work to your previous experience and that isn't always fair. This position is a lot less demanding on me, but that was exactly what I needed since I had a full load with school. I don't get to directly see how my work influences our customers, but I do understand how what I do plays in the larger picture. It took readjusting how I viewed things to see the rewarding aspect of this new position rather than constantly comparing it to my old one. 

Whenever you feel yourself loosing focus and wondering about where you'll be happy next, bring yourself back to the present

They say "the grass is always greener on the other side" but it never really is. Take the time to appreciate the grass on your side for what it is and find the rewarding aspects of it. "Whenever you feel yourself loosing focus and wondering about where you'll be happy next, bring yourself back to the present, look at what you already have, look around you and enjoy the moments that are happening right now." 

Some New Steps

This time of year is so hectic, but in a good way. With Christmas and New Years just around the corner, presents to buy, cookies to bake, figuring out where you will be and who you'll be celebrating with. Busy. Busy. Busy. The past two years I have been out of town for the holidays, so it's nice knowing that I'll be able to go home to family. Grandma's cooking is the best smell to wake up too.

But I will be taking some time for me this week to just  r e l a x. I got my nails done yesterday. I've been pampering myself with  face masks and some online shopping too. That's one awesome thing about the holidays, all the amazing sales! And the fact that I don't have to leave my house to shop makes it that much better.

With 2014 just two weeks away, I hope for new experiences and achievements, to take some new steps. I would like to do some more traveling. Back in 2012, I made a promise to myself to go on two vacations and I did. I went to the Bahamas and Nicaragua. Next year I hope to get out of the country some more. One of my new girl friends has been talking me into going to Thailand. I'm strongly considering getting on that plane! I also hope to grow and develop Love Struck, my e-commerce store. I have been blessed to service over 400 customers in the first year, reaching over 30 countries around the world. Continuing to grow and expand the company is definitely on the top of my TO DO list for 2014. Graduating in April will also be a huge milestone to overcome. This college journey has been long and difficult, but oh so rewarding. I can't wait until I can call myself an engineer!

As the year winds down, I will be reflecting on my accomplishments of the year, spending time with friends and family, and sipping on some of my favorite wine (Riesling). Cheers!

Hair of the Day: Beanie Style

It's been about four days since my last wash and I needed to do something with my hair. Throwing it up in a bun or putting on a beanie is such a simple go to style, especially with this cold winter weather. I decided to go with a cute beanie I got from Target and a front twist to secure my leave out. 

How to achieve this look:

- Separate about 2 inches of hair in the front for leave out - Put remaining hair into a low tight bun using a hair tie - Loosely twist leave out and pin down above/behind ear - Put on your favorite beanie and secure it by using bobby pins

Kim Kardashian: All Gold Everything

Kim Kardashian looked AMAZE at the Women In Entertainment breakfast. I think this was a daring ensemble, but Kim K pulled it off flawlessly. She finished off the look with Old Hollywood curls, smooth makeup, and a pretty fall lip.

Steal her style:

You can get a similar Max Mara full length coat style with one of these two looks: The Corner or Far Fetch.

Try one of these dresses from Yoox or Farfetch to get the Lanvin draped silk dress look.

Kim has been rocking Tom Ford's gold heel a few times this year. Get the look from GoJane metallic faux leather t-strap heels.

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Humans

We don't fall in love with people, we fall in love with ideas.

Ideas of what we want people to be like. How we want them to treat us. Love us.

Just greedy ideas that we want for ourselves.

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Angels Unleashed

Every year I get so excited about the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show! The gorgeous outfits, fun music, and absolutely stunning models strutting their stuff ... I swear, this is the only thing that motivates me to workout. Ha. During commercial breaks I fit in a few crunches. 

Here are some of my favorite costumes:

What's even better than the actual fashion show is what happens AFTER the show. A full on twerk session went down backstage at the fashion show. Ha ha. I love it!! Get it girls!  

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Lazy Sunday's

Oh happy Sunday. I love Sunday's. I get to sleep in late, relax, lounge on the couch, eat Cold Stone until my tummy hurts, and just .. catch up on life. With my finals in just two days, my little nose will be tucked away in the books, studying away. Hope you all have a fab Sunday and an even better Monday.

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sen•ior•i•tis

Sen•ior•i•tis: noun. A crippling disease that strikes seniors. Symptoms include: laziness, an over-excessive wearing of track pants, old athletics shirts, sweatpants, athletic shorts and sweatshirts. Also features a lack of studying, repeated absences, and a generally dismissive attitude. The only known cure is a phenomenon known as graduation.

With only a few more days until the end of the semester and four more months until graduation, senioritis is kicking in full throttle. I have finally finished all of my term projects but now the real struggle is upon me,  to find motivation to study for these finals! UGH! Seriously, who came up with the idea of putting young adults through four + years of college, over $80K in debt, just to get a piece of paper that says we are worth something? It's the world we live in and I obliged to the challenge. So, today and tomorrow I will be spending all of my time studying my life away so I can get that piece of paper and walk across that stage come April 2014. Senioritis won't win this battle. I want that little piece of paper.

Later gators! . . . . Yes, I wear stompeez. 

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Get The Look: Blue Bandage Dress

Oh baby, I've got the blues. I am LOVING this blue contoured bandage dress by Herve Leger that has been spotted on celebrities time and time again. I love the abstract design and how it slims down the waist with the contrasting colors. Herve Leger pieces are priced at over $1,000. You can get the look for just over $100 at www.shoplovestruck.com. 

Get The Look:

Dress: "Blu" Bodycon Dress - www.shoplovestruck.com

Clutch: White Oversized Cluth - www.shoplovestruck.com

Heels: Mavis Black Strap Heels - www.shoplovestruck.com

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#OOTD: Brown Riding Boots

The crisp weather of fall lets me bring out my prized earth toned fashion pieces. With the sun shining and brisk wind, I decided to pull out my favorite Tory Burch brown leather riding boots. To finish off the casual look for this perfect fall day, I paired the boots with black leggings, striped tank top, and grey American Apparel cardigan. I decided to add a pop of color to this casual look by throwing on a pink scarf that I got from 5 Below.

Products:

Shoes: Tory Burch Riding Boots - Neiman Marcus - $695

Bottoms: Black Leggings - Target - $8

Top: Striped Tank Top - Marshall's - $13

Cardigan: Grey Cardigan - American Apparel - $29

Scarf: Pink Pashmire Scarf - 5 Below - $5

Glasses: Black Burberry Frames - Pearle Vision

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