Won't You Meet My Neighbor

When I started Word It Out in March, it was an experiment, a way to scratch the itch of focused writing while sharing favorite finds — books, podcasts, nonprofits, a few Netflix specials, and a grab bag of random. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I’d come to enjoy the rhythm of it. Writing this newsletter once or twice a month feels like reliving my English major days in undergrad (which I loved): read, write, submit, repeat. It’s been such a great practice, and I feel like it’s upped my reflection game.

If I had a corporate job, I highly doubt I’d be writing this newsletter (I’d probably be in a meeting instead 😉). But as a solopreneur, I get to word it out.

One of the best parts of being an entrepreneur is meeting and being inspired by other entrepreneurs, like my good friend and neighbor, Francoise Gardner. Her journey from corporate marketing to launching her own business, East Annex, is a story I’ve been wanting to share.

And with the season of giving upon us, Francoise’s story feels especially timely. As an entrepreneur, she’s not just giving us products; she’s giving back to her community — through thoughtful partnerships, supporting local artisans, and creating a business model built on connection and shared values.

Up until the pandemic, Francoise worked 15-hour days at her company. That schedule worked…until it didn’t. Eventually, she realized she couldn’t be the engaged, present parent she wanted to be with that kind of workload. During those uncertain months, she experienced a professional and personal recalibration. The corporate marketing job she once viewed as the ultimate career achievement became misaligned with her values, especially as her daughter started kindergarten.

Recognizing the need for change, Francoise left corporate behind to build something entirely her own: East Annex. This online boutique focuses on women’s apparel, accessories, jewelry, and home décor. What sets East Annex apart is its soul and creativity, deeply rooted in Francoise’s belief that style should not only reflect personal taste but also connect people and communities.

Francoise describes her philosophy simply: “Looking good and feeling good influences the way we move through the world.” I love this philosophy so, so much: we all want to show up as our best selves, right?

Through her journey, Francoise has redefined success. And she says that her own inspiration comes from the remarkable women who shape our lives — those who move through the world with confidence, grace, and an authentic sense of self.

Francoise’s words remind me that the best gifts we can give ourselves, and each other, are confidence, grace, and authenticity.

So: Own your truth. Persevere. Lean into creativity. Start something new. Pursue what truly matters to you. Build your vision. Reflect. And make sure you feel good.

Cheers to Francoise, to all the makers and doers, and to all of you. See you in the new year!

With love and appreciation,

Sarah

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👜EASY DOES IT WITH EA

Check out Francoise’s online boutique here and on Instagram (and stay on Insta for EA’s whimsical captions). Want some easy, effortless styles? Want thoughtfully designed and high-quality products that support other entrepreneurs? Want California flair in your winter? East Annex is your shop.

✨A CHALLENGE SPONSORED BY REID HOFFMAN

Ok, I’m into this, too: The Trust in American Institutions Challenge, sponsored by Reid Hoffman and Lever for Change, launched on December 12. This Challenge is a $10M open call designed to scale a bold solution that will build and restore public trust in core American institutions — think government, science, public education, and the media.

This challenge is open to organizations across the U.S., including partnerships and collaborations.

Are you a nonprofit with a transformative idea? Apply! Applicants must register to apply before February 19, 2025 at 5pm ET. Once registered, applications must submit an application by March 19, 2025. Get all the details here.

💡THIS IS WHY I ALWAYS TALK ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

If you’ve been reading this newsletter for a while, you know I’m obsessed with volunteering, in particular, employee volunteering. OBSESSED. And this December 17 Fast Company article makes the business case for me: “A recent SHRM survey of workers found that among those who volunteered with a nonprofit through a work-sponsored program, 79% reported satisfaction with their jobs.” Wowza: 79%!!

Employee volunteering, when done right, leads to a win-win-win scenario: for the employee, company, and community.

Take three minutes and read the whole article (there are more great stats), and then please let me know your thoughts. How can we elevate volunteering — because it’s necessary, not just ‘nice’?

💘NONPROFIT LOVE

Young people can change the world. That’s what DoSomething firmly believes, and I’m with them!

DoSomething was founded in 1993 with the vision that volunteerism could be as cool as sports. Now, the organization is the leading hub for youth-centered activism and service. As a member-led organization, DoSomething’s priorities reflect the issues most important to youth: equity and justice, climate and sustainability, and safety and wellbeing.

In more than 30 years, DoSomething has activated 8M+ young people across 1,000+ different campaigns and programs. It’s a super impressive, super inspiring organization.

Do you want to DoSomething, too? Join the community here and contribute to the national youth agenda here.