Author: mirashabrown14

WHY WE HAVE A VINA CRUSH ON CARDI B.

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Belcalis Almanzar, known as Cardi B. stormed into the pop culture scene and into our hearts—and she isn’t leaving anytime soon.

With a chart-topping debut album and record-breaking stats to match, her newfound success in the industry has catapulted her to stardom. Most of us became familiar with her through her Instagram videos, her T.V. debut on the Love & Hip Hop New York franchise and by watching her hilarious interviews.

The Bronx-born rapper possesses many qualities that make a vina someone we totally love. Here are four reasons why we have a vina crush on Cardi B.

SHE’S UNAPOLOGETICALLY HERSELF

One undeniable reason why we love Cardi is because she has no problem being herself. Her openness and transparency have allowed for her fans to connect with her, and we appreciate the fact that she remains humble and true to herself.

SHE PROTECTS HER LOVED ONES AT ALL COSTS 

The mom-to-be goes to bat for her loved ones, so there’s no denying that she’ll do the same for her close vinas. Loyalty and compassion are two traits that everyone looks for in a vina, so I have no doubt that Cardi reciprocates those feelings with her comrades.

SHE ISN’T AFRAID TO SPEAK HER MIND 

We all need someone in our lives who tells it like it is, and Cardi will be that vina to tell you what you need to hear, whether you like it or not. Star power aside, she uses her platform to express her true feelings and isn’t afraid to voice her opinion on just about anything. She really meant it when she said she started speaking her mind and tripled her views.

SHE’S ALL ALL-AROUND GOOD TIME

Cardi knows how to liven up any environment, and she’d be the first person I’d call to cheer me up if I was down or in need of a night out. Her radiant personality is a joy to her millions of followers and those around her always praise her sense of humor and spontaneity. Baby Cardi is still in the oven, but once the baby is born, I’d love to party with Cardi!

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Let’s just say if Cardi B. had a Hey! VINA profile, her intro would read something like, “Just a regular, degular, shmegular girl from the Bronx,” and I’d definitely swipe right.

Want to find other vinas to swipe right on? Click here!

 

4 TIPS FOR FINDING YOUR BADASS CAREER PATH

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Navigating the workforce can be super intimidating, especially if you’re unsure of what your true calling is. When I graduated from college in 2014, I was positive that I’d land my dream job and jump straight into the world of public relations, but life had a different path for me.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned many gems that have helped me get where I am today, and I couldn’t be happier. Here’s my four top tips for getting there:

1. DON’T BE AFRAID TO EXPERIMENT

Many of us are multifaceted unicorns who can take on just about anything, so there’s no harm in exploring various roles or career options. I landed my current position by taking on new responsibilities at my current job…and I happened to be hella good at it. You might fall flat on your face, but at least you know that path isn’t for you.

2. FIND A MENTOR

From the moment I started at my first internship to now, I valued the relationships I built with the #bossbabes I’ve worked with over the years. They’ve provided me with tons of career insight and I’m forever grateful for their support because I wouldn’t be here without them.

3. NEVER STOP LEARNING

No matter what field you’re in, it’s always important to stay abreast of industry trends. Professionals are super impressed with newbies who are knowledgeable about the industry, and it shows that you’re invested in your craft. A lasting impression goes a long way, and this is a sure way to let leaders know you’re a valuable asset to their organization.

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4. USE YOUR NETWORK

Your network truly is your net worth, so it’s important that you stay in contact with those that you’ve built work relationships with. Staying in contact with past employers, colleagues and recruiters shows that you care about what’s going on in their lives. You never know what opportunities may arise by simply sending a quick message.

Looking for other #girlbosses to connect with? Download Hey! VINA and start swiping!

 

MUSEUMS TO THRIFT STORES: DAYTIME VINA DATE IDEAS

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Ladies, let’s face it. There’s nothing more nerve wracking than meeting someone for the first time. Whether its someone you’ve been conversing with on a dating app for a few weeks or a newfound Internet friend who shares a common interest in Game of Thrones (#TeamDanyForLife), making a great first impression is always in the back of your mind.

Lucky for us vinas, we can download the Hey! VINA app and take our personality quizzes, so potential VFLs (vina for life) can get a feel for what we enjoy. But what happens when we and our vinas first decide to meet up? Keep reading for fun daytime vina date ideas!

BRUNCH

An obvious option adored by many, brunch is a go-to daytime date for vinas in any city. Whether you’re a brunch aficionado who frequents all of the hot spots in town or you prefer a more low-key, laid-back atmosphere, bonding over brunch gives you the opportunity to learn more about your newfound friend over delicious mimosas or rosé.

MUSEUM

If you and your Vina are into the arts, sciences or history, then a visit to the museum is right up your alley. Not only will you spend hours on end walking through exhibits and learning interesting facts, museums often provide opportunity for inspiration and allow you to expand your knowledge on subjects of interest.  Who knows, your vina might be the next Frida Kahlo in the making! 😉

SPA DAY

Who doesn’t love being pampered? There’s nothing like getting a fresh mani or pedi with great conversation to match. A spa day isn’t limited to just nails and feet; you can also get massages and facials. If you’re in a DIY mood, take it a step further and create facial concoctions from the comfort of your home. Don’t forget the bottle of wine!

THRIFTING

Malls are fun and give you lots of variety, but thrifting brings a different shopping experience to the table: it allows you to learn more about your vina’s personality through fashion. She might have a mild obsession with the 80s if she gravitates towards vibrant printed shirts or she might be the type to go for a more classic look with a modern twist. This also gives you an excuse to play dress up; who could say no to that?!

Let us know how your daytime date with your vina went in the comments below!

(Featured Image via Pinterest)

HOW TO STAY PRODUCTIVE WHEN YOU’D RATHER BE CHILLING OUT THIS SUMMER

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Summer is upon us, and college students everywhere are preparing themselves to answer the age-old question from family and friends: “What are you going to do until fall?” For some, the answer will come with ease, as they’ve mapped out every detail of their summers and are ready to conquer what comes their way. Others will give a nonchalant response, but are optimistic as to what the next few months will bring.

If your response sounds like more of the latter, don’t fret. Check out this list that will help you remain productive while school is out.

TEACH YOURSELF A NEW SKILL

Behind every vina is a toolbox consisting of her greatest assets and traits. What’s better than adding a new skill to your resume? Whether its learning a new language or learning to code (which are basically the same thing), you can use this skill to your advantage. Who knows what it’ll lead to!

TAKE A SUMMER CLASS

Some see summer as a way to let their minds relax before the hectic return of the fall semester. However, others use this time to their advantage by taking summer classes. Yes, the duration of the class is significantly shorter, but you have the ability to breeze through a course and will ultimately relieve yourself of some stress a few semesters down the road. Why not knock some classes out while you have the opportunity?

GET AN INTERNSHIP

Summer is a great time for employers to hire, and they’re always looking for college students who are strapped for cash during seasonal periods. Retail stores and restaurants are great for students because of their flexible scheduling and pay. Internships offer students hands-on experience in their field, and also allow them to build connections with fellow interns and potential employers. If you want to intern but you’re worried about cash, a paid internship is the way to go.

BULLET JOURNAL

Even if you’re busy chillin’, you can stay on track with your summer goals in your bullet journal! It’s never too late to start one, and it’s a great way to pass the time, as well as find a goal and task tracking system that works for you. Even if you don’t use it much in the summer, getting one set up for fall will save you a lot of time when school rolls around again!

How will you stay productive this summer? Let us know in the comments! Want another great way to pass the time? Find some new friends to spend the summer with!

(Feature image via Francesca’s)

HOW TO ASK FOR THE PROMOTION/RAISE YOU DESERVE

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To become the head Vina in charge, one must take charge of their professional life. You take pride in the work you produce, have no problem working extra hours and have volunteered for extra projects all while looking super chic in the finest professional attire. You may feel as though you’ve exhausted your time in your current position and are looking for a new challenge. If you’re looking to expand and conquer a new beast at your company, don’t be afraid to speak up.

According to a study conducted by Glamour, 57% of women have never asked for a raise. No matter the profession, asking for a promotion or raise can sound daunting, but with the right preparation, you’ll exude confidence and humility Don’t know where to start? Below are four tips on pitching and securing your desired raise or promotion.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

When talking numbers and titles, upper management and leadership want to know the details of your proposed raise or promotion. How much of a salary increase are you expecting? Will you be managing people and if so, have you gone through any type of management or leadership training? Do you have a streamlined blueprint for your path at the company? These are questions that leadership will need answers to, especially when they’re investing in someone’s growth within an organization.

PRESENT THE FACTS

Every meeting has an agenda, and before pitching your promotion or raise, take the time to compile a succinct list of accomplishments and contributions you’ve made thus far. Seeing firm data always helps, so be sure to provide accurate results that show your value and what you’ve contributed to your work environment.This shows that you’re of great value to your team and will make your employer want to keep you for the long haul.

SCHEDULE A FORMAL MEETING

You should go into every meeting with a game plan, and this occasion is no exception. Set up a formal meeting and send email invites to block calendars. Make agendas for attendees; its a small gesture, but it shows how seriously you’re taking this meeting. If you want to make a presentation, you can create a PowerPoint or Prezi that serves as your aid and will guide you through the meeting.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO #LADYBRAG

WHITE+LADYBRAG.pngKendrick Lamar’s newest hit stated to “be humble”, but in order to get your desired promotion or raise, you have to believe in your capabilities and your ability to effectively perform in the workplace. This is the time to showcase your strengths and you should never sell yourself short. Remain modest and respectful, but don’t be afraid to talk about what makes you a deserving candidate.

While it would be nice if raises and promotions were handed to us, sometimes you have to go grab it yourself. Any experiences or advice for women who are going after it? Let us know in the comments!

(Feature images via pintrest and Hey!VINA)