adding a little spice to your life 🌶️🌶️🌶️
adding a little spice to your life 🌶️🌶️🌶️
wanted to keep going with all the peppers, but three is enough.
For this week’s newsletter, I wanted to write about something that has been on my mind for a few months. It’s kind of random, but it’s about:
The Spice Girls, if you didn't know, now you know.
Since including an obsessive amount of gifs and a survey about them at the end of a recent newsletter, I have been thinking about their growth and whether or not it would be sustainable in today's climate.
They were easily ahead of their time regarding marketing and branding. As a digital marketer now, I am still amazed by their branding work as it was a masterclass in how to create a brand with a clear message, "Girl Power," and package it up and use it as a vehicle to attract fans while promoting music, movies, and an assortment of various merchandise. It's honestly fascinating.
I am torn between whether it would be effective or sustainable today, and here are a few of my thoughts.
Yes, their marketing would be effective today.
On the one hand, their marketing strategy and brand identity were incredibly influential in the late 90s and early 2000s. They created a strong connection with their fans and produced products that their key demographic would be invested in, e.g., Barbies, Pop Rocks, Stickers, movies, etc. They also had an aspirational style, although I am now starting to appreciate Posh's style at my current senior millennial age. Moreover, their message of female empowerment is more relevant than ever and would likely resonate with today's audiences.
Also, kind of leaning towards no, it would not be effective.
I am on both sides of the fence in typical libra fashion with my opinion on this. On this side, the music industry and marketing landscape are very different today than 20 years ago. Social media, streaming services, and digital marketing are all dominant forces in the industry. The Spice Girls must adapt their marketing strategies to use these platforms and reach new audiences. They must also create content that resonates with today's music fans.
Additionally, most of their fans have also grown up, so it would be interesting to see what types of marketing they would do to attract us. Not sure they would have the sustainability of artists like Diana Ross or Celine Dion (my hands were typing Chaka Khan, but I'm mad at her still), who have grown and aged with their audiences for decades because they didn't have an initial gimmick. I will be honest by saying at my age now; I don't feel like I would be invested in referring to them by their spice names. It just feels young, but I appreciate the nostalgia that comes with them.
Those are just a few of my thoughts - please share yours in the comments section or through email.
Next, maybe I will write about S Club 7, this song, and how they were supposed to be big. They had a great show on Fox Family Channel that I loved. I stanned Rachel, but they kind of disappeared.
I’m really not going to write about them but think it would be interesting.
Here are a few things worth reading this week 📚
Is ‘Quiet Thriving’ the New Workplace Trend We Should All Be Channeling?
I found this article and concept to be super interesting. It reminded me of the idea behind monotasking or the Pomodoro method — where employees are given the freedom to focus on their individual tasks without distraction. The article also speaks to the benefits of a quiet workplace, such as increased productivity, creativity, and improved mental health.
Everything That Goes into the Real Housewives Series’ Cast Trips
I can’t wait for the next season of Girls Trip that starts next week (or today), but this gives involved for obvious reasons.
Initially, from the title, I thought this was an article about grandparents using Myfitnesspal or something, but realistically, it’s about how grandparents are contributing to the conversations around diet culture and body shaming among children. One thing that I did find interesting about the article is the tips it includes for how to talk to grandparents about the issue.
This article explores how people of different ages and backgrounds experience feelings of immaturity even into adulthood. Additionally, the article suggests rather than outgrowing our childishness, we are constantly growing into a new form of maturity.
I Went on a Package Trip for Lonely Millennials. It Was Exhausting.
I loved this and found this article to be so interesting. The article profiles seven women who traveled together and detailed their experiences in Morocco. All the women noted that their experience in Morocco was unique because they could bond more than with a partner or family. They experienced a sense of sisterhood and freedom in their travels, which allowed them to explore the culture and landscape in a new way. The article concludes that traveling with another woman can be a powerful and transformative experience for anyone.
Women Have Reclaimed Ambition — Now, Let’s Reframe It
This essay is by one of my birthday twins, Meena Harris - Kamala Harris’ niece, and it speaks to the power of ambition and how we can use it as a tool to transform our lives.
Here are a few things worth listening to/watching this week 🎧
First, in music news - I will definitely be there. Wish I could go back home for this, honestly, because it will be magical in Oakland honestly.
Secondly, I have continued updating the Notes of Spring playlist along with the Cozy playlist.
The Dreamer Bigger Podcast featuring Marie Forleo: How Everything is Figureoutable
Marie Forleo is one of the people I used to follow on social media, and I always loved how she would say, “everything is figureoutable,” because it’s true. I also thought that Siffat asked good questions and kept the flow of the conversation moving forward.
New music I’ve been vibing to:
Mac Ayres’ Comfortable Enough and it’s a pretty good listen. I have had “Something’s Gotta Change” on repeat and can’t wait to hear him perform that song and this song live next month.
Alex Vaughn’s The Hurtbook (Homegirl Pack), all I can say is love. I love some of the updates she made to songs from the original project with features from Summer Walker and Ari Lennox.
Miley Cyrus’ Endless Summer Vacation, honestly, I was surprised by how much I like this album.
Not so new, but I can’t stop listening to Jessie Ware's “Pearls.” On the low, though, I can’t say there has been anything from Jessie that I have not liked, so maybe I’m slightly biased.
Productivity tip of the week ✨
I wouldn’t say this is a productivity tip, but it’s a gem of the week. As I always mention, sis stays on a budget—although I move on vibes and not really my spending categories. I think I have honestly enjoyed the routine of creating more than a budget and allowing it to really keep me on track. Nonetheless, I’ve been a conservative YNAB user for four years now but have turned into a spreadsheet girl. Here’s my latest find - it’s on sale and easy to use.
That’s it for this week. ✌🏾
