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Special Edition, Part 2: More Holiday Grab Bag! 🥂✨🥂✨
Kimberly Houston
December 31, 2023
Hello, my friend.
Welcome to Issue #7 of The Subhead, usually a bi-weekly newsletter about copywriting, marketing & media, and a look at some of the women who make it great, but today … Part 2 of the Holiday Grab Bag special edition! 🥂✨
[Next week it’s back to the regular newsletter format.]
Continuing with the previous newsletter’s theme, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite newsletters for you to check out. I hope you’ll find something here to subscribe to and fall in love with!
But before we get to that, a short personal note, a new feature of this newsletter going forward.
I hope you enjoy!
Ah, the end of the year.
2023 was … interesting.
Like Charles Dickens said in A Tale of Two Cities:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
You get the picture. 😂
In the last few days alone, I’ve seen some of my favorite creators, newsletter operators, freelancers, and other business builders say things like:
“2023 almost broke me.”
“2023 was a helluva year.”
“I almost lost my business this year.”
“For me, this year, 2023, has been an absolutely terrible year.” (From the founder of the well-known brand, Beardbrand, proving that even outwardly successful companies are not immune to getting pummeled by an abominable year.)
“I can’t WAIT to see this raggedy-ass year disappear into the ether!” (Ok, that was me, I said this one, lol.)
To be clear, many good things happened for me this year too, but overall? It wasn’t my best year, and I know a whole lotta people out there who experienced something similar.
So, if you’ve had a tough 2023, know you’re not alone, and if your year has been stellar, then my heart is filled with joy for you. Truly. 😊 ❤
All of that said, this year is ending so much better than it began, and I’m over-the-moon grateful for that.
Cheers to an amazing 2024 for you, me and all our family, friends, and colleagues! 🥂
Now, let’s get on with it.
Here it is … your Holiday Grab Bag Round-up, Part 2!
Last time I shared a handful of newsletters I love and read regularly, and today I have a couple more to share with ya.
Founder/CEO of The Newsette (also Co-Founder/Co-CEO of Wondermind), Daniella Pierson founded this daily women-focused newsletter out of her dorm room when she was 19, and is now one of the wealthiest women of color in the U.S.
And she’s still in her 20s.
The Newsette is valued at $200 million, and yet, I rarely see this newsletter mentioned when successful newsletters or media companies are discussed on social, in podcasts, or elsewhere folks share glowing accolades about media companies and / or newsletters.
It’s a mystery!
The Newsette arrives daily Monday – Friday, and shares, “shopping recs, lifestyle tips, inspiring interviews, and the news you need to know.”
It's an entertaining, engaging, and fast-paced read, not to mention beautifully designed, making it a pleasure to consume.
Though it’s geared to a younger demo, I still love it!
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Jess Picks is a curated newsletter, “built on the belief that you don’t have to quit your day job to become an entrepreneur. Every Saturday morning, I deliver a selection of the best side hustle-related resources and advice I’ve discovered over the past week. It pairs perfectly with your Saturday morning coffee!”
Check out the opt-in page at the link above, where you can access previous issues if you want to get a taste of the newsletter before signing up.
P.S. You might see a familiar face in the testimonials on the Jess Picks landing page. 😊
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Ok, I gotta say, the landing page for Scrapbook Chronicles definitely doesn’t do it justice.
If you check out the page at the link above, you’ll see:
“Join our creative community of denim lovers and stay in touch with our latest news and offers.”
Hiut Denim, is, you guessed it … a denim company. As in premium denim. As in Megan Markle wears their jeans.
But, but, but …
Their weekly Saturday newsletter, Scrapboook Chronicles, is so much more than “the latest news and offers.”
It’s an eclectic round-up of interesting stories, products, and cool people doing cool things in the realm of design, art, food, music, culture, and more.
I’ve been reading this newsletter every Saturday for a few years, and it’s not the standard fare you see in curated newsletters; it’s entirely unpredictable, in the best way.
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This weekly Thursday newsletter is written by Amanda Goetz, 2X Founder & CEO, Brand Builder, & Creator.
Life’s A Game is “a weekly newsletter for ambitious humans (founders, leaders, builders) looking to live a life without sacrifice or burnout. Each week, subscribers receive a deep dive that covers topics ranging from personal growth, productivity, career growth, mental health, money and relationships. You’ll learn something new about yourself every week. I guarantee it.”
I’ve been subbed to this newsletter for a few months, and it’s one of several I genuinely look forward to each week. As in, “Oh boy, it’s Thursday! Time for Amanda’s newsletter to show up in my inbox! Yeehaw!” 😊
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And just for fun …
Landon Bryant talks about grits, prayer lists and humidity, addressing a diverse audience bound by its fascination with a colorful, complicated place.
I discovered Landon Bryant on YouTube a few months ago, and binged his wildly entertaining – and 100% accurate – videos for days!
Since I grew up in the South, then moved back here a few years ago after living in New York City, Washington, DC, Albuquerque, NM, and a few other places, I’ve found myself drawn to people who talk about what it’s really like to live and / or grow up here.
The NY Times article above is a gift link, so you should be able to read it even if you don’t have a digital subscription to the Times.
And if you don’t want to read the article, but you have any interest in understanding quirky Southern customs and people, check out Landon’s hilarious YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@Landontalksalot.
Okey doke, that’s all for this week, my friends.
I wish you a very Happy New Year!! ✨✨✨
Be well. Stay curious. See you again in two weeks, on January 14.
Warmly,
Kimberly
P.S. If you need copy support, I offer custom copywriting services to creative business builders, which you can learn more about here, and to ecommerce and healthcare brands, which you can learn more about here.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to discuss a project.