94. Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of Extra Special People: Sometimes You Choose Your Job, Sometimes It Chooses You

This episode is JAM PACKED with LOTS of surprise news. From exclusive launches to brand facelifts - get an iced coffee and get ready because Brittany + Nichelle are detailing it all out for you in this season finale! Tune in to hear: The amazing wrap up from Brittany’s Paris trip to watch her brother compete in the Paralympics The exclusive, Loverly Grey collaboration launch with the brand we all know and LOVE (seriously, no chill over here) The duo walk down memory lane of Season 6 (where does the time go!?) The Loverly Grey facelift in the making (if you’ve ever wanted mentorship from Brittany, well - you’ll be pretty happy with this news) This episode is certainly not goodbye, it’s just a ‘see you soon’ until next season. And trust us, you aren’t going to want to miss what is coming next. For full episode notes, head to: www.lifewithloverly.com Make sure you follow on Instagram for all of these amazing updates coming soon: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithloverly/  

Who doesn’t love a moment for a good handbag and a woman with ambition?! Today’s guest is our go-to gal for both new and pre-owned luxury accessories, Julia Carney of Julia Rose Boston Luxury.  Julia started her business while living in London during Brexit when luxury handbags were at an all time low (tune in to hear her first investment!). She also saw at this time a gap in the luxury market for how a designer handbag would look on a curvier-figured woman. And then voila. Her business mind paired with her emotional awareness created an impactful and successful luxury brand. Brittany and Julia are chatting: How Julia left her 9-5 working in public health development at Mass General Hospital in Boston before following her passion of designer accessories  Julia’s relatable journey with body image that we all experience Why her first office was in a high profile criminal law office!  Julia’s suggestion on the best investment handbag pieces Her biggest piece of advice for new entrepreneurs   Get ready to be inspired and also start dreaming about your next accessory :)  Thank you to our partner, Mary Ruth's Organics! Use Code: LOVERLYGREY for an extra 20% off! The Liquid Morning MultiVitamin and Hair Growth is currently 20% off; and you can stack the discounts! To purchase, head to Amazon or https://www.maryruthorganics.com/pages/lp-1-4-bfw-9FPjTK Shop with Julia here: https://juliaroseluxury.com/ Follow Julia here: https://www.instagram.com/juliaroseboston/?hl=en Follow Life with Loverly here! https://www.instagram.com/lifewithloverly/ Watch on Youtube here! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkxgr5ZiClqIiltzuv56nEQ  

Buckle in, friends, because in today’s episode, we’re going behind the scenes on how a lawyer with a love for books ditched the courtroom to become one of our all-time favorite authors! And just what exactly is that secret to creating characters so beloved you can’t stop thinking about them?  Emily Giffin, New York Times Best-Selling Author of Something Borrowed and The Summer Pact is on the podcast and joining not just Brittany, but also our book-loving gal, Nichelle, for the ultimate girl’s chat!  In this episode, Brittany, Nichelle, and Emily talk about: Emily’s not-so-linear journey from litigation lawyer to bestselling author How she makes us fall in love with characters who do all the wrong things for the seemingly right reasons The behind-the-scenes scoop on her writing process and how a conversation with friends could be the catalyst for her next story The inspiration behind her latest novel, The Summer Pact, and the life lessons hidden between the pages Why she’s jealous of Nichelle 👀 Her sneaky incorporation of a cameo in every one of her novels (can you guess who they are?) And the question on everybody’s lips… is she really a Swiftie? Emily Giffin wasn’t always planning to write the novels we now devour in a weekend. She started her career as a lawyer, deferring her love for writing to her spare time outside of work. It took her five years to finish her first book, which publishers repeatedly…dun, dun, dun… rejected.  But our girl Emily didn’t give up. She went on to write her second novel, Something Borrowed, which landed her a book deal and became a staple read for millennial women everywhere. And the rest, as they say, is history! After this episode, you’ll feel like the creator of some of your favorite book characters just became one of your best friends. Emily’s warmth, humor, and relatability shine through in every story she tells, making it impossible not to be inspired by her journey. Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or someone with a dream that’s been simmering on the back burner, Emily’s story is proof that it’s never too late to go after what you want! Follow Brittany at Loverly Grey here: https://www.instagram.com/loverlygrey Follow Emily Giffin here: https://www.instagram.com/emilygiffinauthor/ Follow Emily’s Book Club here: https://www.instagram.com/egbookclub Follow along with Emily’s newest book releases, appearances and more here: https://www.emilygiffin.com/ Follow Life with Loverly here: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithloverly Buy ‘The Summer Pact’ here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593600290 Watch on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/@lifewithloverly4315

Ever wondered how changing your diet could transform your health? Or just HOW easy it is to make simple, healthy recipes the whole family will enjoy? Today’s episode dives into how Olivia Adriance’s journey with food not only improved her own health and well-being but became a brand loved by over a million followers. Olivia Adriance is a recipe developer and content creator crafting the internet’s favorite gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free recipes, which she shares with her vibrant community of food lovers. With some recipes accumulating more than 20 million views, it’s safe to say that Olivia’s approach in the kitchen resonates with us all. In this episode, Brittany and Olivia talk about: How Olivia’s journey with food transformed her health, helped clear a decade-long struggle with acne, and led to building a large and loyal following! The importance of choosing quality ingredients and befriending your spice cabinet for packing flavor into healthy dishes The meticulous process Olivia uses to test and perfect her recipes and why it took her seven rounds to make the perfect banana bread! The challenges and joys of working with a spouse, and how finding balance by dividing responsibilities (perhaps with a glass of champagne) is the key to a successful partnership Go-to recipes for date night, girl’s night, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, and the recipe Olivia’s most proud of! This episode will give you all the inspiration you need to feel empowered in the kitchen, and maybe even take that leap of faith into a business or creative adventure that’s been calling your name. Tune in to hear about Olivia’s journey to 1 million followers on Instagram (vision boards were absolutely involved) and practical tips for clean eating and cultivating a healthy lifestyle. Download her guide here at the bottom of the webpage here! https://oliviaadriance.com/ Follow Brittany at Loverly Grey here: https://www.instagram.com/loverlygrey Follow Olivia Adriance here: https://www.instagram.com/olivia.adriance Find Olivia’s blog here: https://www.oliviaadriance.com Follow Life with Loverly here: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithloverly Watch on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/@lifewithloverly4315  

Today is such a special episode! Brittany is sitting down with long time friend, Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of the non profit organization, ESP: Extra Special People. ESP is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to serving as a beacon of support for disabled individuals and their families.   Laura has an amazing story of stepping into the Director position at only 19 and quickly learned that sometimes you choose your job, but in her case, this job chose her. She shares about: Not sidelining yourself out of an opportunity just because you feel like you’re not ready  Finding the beauty in the fact that there is power in our weakness The Tom Holland event in London raising awareness for ESP What a Joy Exchange is and How actions breeds clarity   Tune in to hear inspiring stories of these amazing humans in the ESP Program. And learn how YOU can help to make an impact in the lives of these families! Follow ESP on Instagram HERE:  https://www.instagram.com/esp_inc/ Follow Laura on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/laurahopewhitaker/ Follow Java Joy on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/java.joy/?hl=en Check out the ESP Website HERE: https://espyouandme.org/ To watch this episode on Youtube, head to: https://www.youtube.com/@lifewithloverly4315 And for more information on this episode, head to: https://lifewithloverly.com/

Friends – if you’ve ever found yourself in a season of refinement, hardship, and life change (ahem… this would be ALL of us), then you know just how difficult it can be to trust that you will come out on the other side stronger and better than before.  Jarryd Wallace is a 3x Paralympian, 4x world record holder, and a bronze medalist in the men’s 200 meters…and also happens to be Brittany’s brother. Despite facing a life-changing decision to amputate his leg at only 19 years old, Jarryd turned his adversity into triumph and is now training for his fourth games – the 2024 Paris Paralympics. In this episode, Brittany and her brother talk about: Jarryd’s remarkable backstory of being a high school athlete on track for a college scholarship and a future competing in the Olympics, to ultimately having to have his leg amputated after complications with a routine surgery The journey to becoming a 3x Paralympian and 4x world record holder after losing his leg and rebuilding his life What it’s like now competing as a dad, and who the real MVP is in the household  All the tea on what it’s really like living in Olympic Village and a behind the scenes look at preparing for the Paris games Jarryd’s top pieces of advice and encouragement for those feeling lost, hopeless, or who are in a season of adversity    Jarryd’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. His journey from amputation to Paralympic glory is inspiration for all of us to chase our dreams, no matter the obstacles! Follow Brittany at Loverly Grey here: https://www.instagram.com/loverlygrey Follow Jarryd Wallace here: https://www.instagram.com/wallace_jarryd Follow the Paralympics here: https://www.instagram.com/paralympics Follow Life with Loverly here: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithloverly Watch on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/@lifewithloverly4315 Learn more about Jarryd and follow his Paralympic events here: https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/jarryd-wallace-851407

No matter our age, we all still need our moms! Tune in as Brittany sits down with her mom right after she drops off her oldest, Collins, to her first day of Kindergarten! They are chatting: Ways to set your children up for success in school, life transitions from one phase of life to another, and Brittany’s brother's upcoming competition at the Paralympics in Paris! Brittany’s mom, Sabina, was a teacher for several years, so she has some advice for parents, students, and teachers for this upcoming school year. The girls are chatting: How to transition from summer schedule to school schedule Sabina’s memories on dropping Brittany off at K3 *AND* college How to team up with your child’s teacher to help set your child up for success Childhood characteristics that help lead to success in adulthood The transition into the empty nester phase   Stay tuned until the end to hear some rapid fire questions from go-to coffee orders to skincare!  Other episodes mentioned: Dr James Dinic: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6XxO4ipvVDwKQEab0nInUs Brigid, Brittany’s Nutritionist: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3c3vyGThAdhkDN4bwLmJjY Watch on Youtube here! https://www.youtube.com/@lifewithloverly4315 Follow on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/lifewithloverly/?hl=en  

Curious how influencers turn their passions into profitable careers? You might be shocked to hear just how much goes into the business of content creation. Get a peek behind the curtain into the fascinating world of influencer management with Lynsey Eaton, law school blogger and attorney turned talent management mogul. Lynsey is the co-founder and CEO of Estate Five - a renowned talent management agency in Dallas, Texas working with over 100 of the internet’s most powerful content creators. If you’re curious how influencers really make money and what it takes to manage their business, give this one a listen! In this episode, Brittany and Lynsey talk about: Lynsey's journey from starting a blog in law school, to quitting practicing law, to launching a top talent management company (with clients like Loverly Grey). Why you need a talent management company and how it took Loverly Grey to the next level. Top 3 ways influencers earn money… and the biggest mistake most of them make! Mastering productivity through delegation, and how it can boost your productivity AND your income (you know that saying, “you have to spend money to make money?” It’s actually SO true and we tell you exactly why). Savvy strategies for negotiating brand deals effectively Lynsey’s internal struggle with the frivolity of working in the influencer space plus… can women really have it all? You may be surprised at the answer. This episode is for anyone who’s always been curious about the inner workings of the business of content creation OR wondered how posting on Instagram could ever be a profitable career. And for other creators out there – tune in to discover the benefits of working with a management company (when you’re ready), and learn valuable strategies for monetizing your content. Get ready to feel inspired and empowered to follow your passions and turn them into the business of your dreams!   Follow Brittany at Loverly Grey here: https://www.instagram.com/loverlygrey Follow Lynsey Eaton here: https://www.instagram.com/lynseyeaton/ Follow Estate Five here: https://www.instagram.com/estatefive/ Follow Life with Loverly here: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithloverly Watch on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/@lifewithloverly4315 Learn more about Estate Five: https://estatefive.vip/  

Dream of crafting a stunning cheese board for your next girl’s night? Today, Cortney LaCorte (aka -Cheese Gal) breaks it down into simple, stress-free steps to create boards that are as delicious as they are beautiful!  Cort began her journey as a Nashville-based cheese board expert, assembling boards for the hottest events in town (sometimes up to 30 or 35 boards a day!). Today, she's cultivated a community of over 700K followers on Instagram and TikTok, where she shares mouthwatering recipes and clever tips for elevating everyday dishes to celebrate life's little moments. Currently, Cortney is working on her first cookbook, 'Oversharing,' set to release in 2026. In this episode, Brittany and Cortney talk about: Cortney’s journey from watching her childhood inspirations like Julia Child, Martha Stewart, and Ina Garten to becoming a cheese board connoisseur. The hectic early days of building her business and why she transitioned to full-time content creation. The 5 essential elements for crafting the perfect cheese board, plus a FULL breakdown of the best wine pairings for the cheeses you serve Cortney’s top tips for transforming that basic bagged Caesar salad in your fridge into a gourmet treat. A detailed guide to creating the ultimate ‘perfect bite,’ including Cortney’s famous “Couch Caviar.” Why Cortney’s first bite of pasta in Italy made her cry, and her top tips for avoiding tourist traps while traveling abroad Brittany and Cortney also share their thoughts on the ‘Coastal Grandmother’ trend, and make a strong case for “purse salt.” After listening, you'll be armed with all the tips and tricks to impress your guests with beautiful, stress-free cheese boards, delicious wine pairings, and so much more. Get ready to laugh and learn how to entertain like a pro! Thank you to our sponsor! Spanx: Check out Brittany's Spanx favorites https://bit.ly/3PHTFbe and use code BrittanyXSpanx for 10% off your purchase plus FREE Shipping. Follow Brittany at Loverly Grey here: https://www.instagram.com/loverlygrey Follow Cheese Gal on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/Cheese Gal Follow Cheese Gal on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@chzgal Follow Life with Loverly here: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithloverly Watch on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/@lifewithloverly4315 View recipes and learn more about Cheese Gal here: https://Cheese Gal.com/

Ever wonder if the little quirks of married life apply to anyone else, or is it just you? Today, Brittany and Chris are evaluating YOUR submissions about the longest lasting marriage debates, like: Who puts the dishes away correctly? Or: Are you allowed to watch an episode of your favorite TV series after your husband falls asleep? You know, the serious things in life. In this episode, the power duo are helping marriages all over the world by tackling the tough topics of: What’s the correct way to hang toilet paper?  Does everyone wash their hands after using the bathroom?  Who’s responsible for putting the kids to bed (for the 20th time) Brittany’s funny beliefs about speed limits that shocked her driving instructor Yum Yum Sauce-gate (it’ll make sense after you listen) Tune in for some laugh-out-loud moments that normalize those everyday conundrums of married life! Follow Brittany at Loverly Grey here: https://www.instagram.com/loverlygrey Follow Chris here: https://www.instagram.com/csjogren34/  Follow Life with Loverly here: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithloverly Watch on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/@lifewithloverly4315 Chris’ running coach: https://www.instagram.com/nklastava/ Chris’ favorite funning accounts: https://www.instagram.com/runningexplained/ | https://www.instagram.com/lauramcgreen/ Chris’ marathon must-have’s + full show notes: https://lifewithloverly.com/