Beyond Book Club: Female Founders Who Are Changing How We Read

Instagram // @padmasree

The world of books has seen some major changes over the last few years, the biggest being that people around the world are reading more than ever before. With the mass availability of books, e-books, and audiobooks, people are using books as a way to connect with others via book clubs as well as directly with authors. Here are two female founders who have found solace in reading.

Padmasree Warrior’s Journey

Padmasree Warrior, the visionary behind Fable and an avid reader herself, established the company in July 2021. This was in response to readers’ concerns about finding time to read, choosing books, and desiring a social reading experience. Padmasree stated that reading does make a real difference in a person’s life. Reading a book for 30 minutes a day can help to make a person happier and healthier.

People who live stressful lives, or have stressful jobs, can learn to relax and lose themselves in a good book, which helps to lower their stress levels. Padmasree emphasized the positive impact of reading on mental health, noting that it not only broadens horizons and facilitates socialization but also defies the misconception that learning concludes in adulthood.

Melissa Gill’s Project

Melissa Gill felt very lonely during the pandemic due to having to stay at home and her husband being deployed, so she turned to reading. She particularly enjoyed romance novels and realized she wanted to help people find more diverse romance novels and have a space to talk about them.

Instagram // @bookrecsbymel

She started The Steam Box, which is a quarterly delivery service that includes a box with a romance novel, items for self-care, and a personal pleasure item, and it was extremely successful. Both Gill and Warrior are finding their own ways to give people access to reading, to discussion about what they read, and to fully enjoy and embrace things that give them pleasure.

Hailey Bieber Brings Summer’s Butter Yellow Trend to Her Baby Shower

Instagram // @haileybieber

At the end of July, Justin and Hailey Bieber hosted their garden baby shower. The couple graced the event in different styles, with Hailey embracing high fashion in a sheer gown and Justin opting for a casual skatepark look, showing just how different their styles are.

Drastically Different

Justin Bieber sported a relaxed outfit featuring a simple white tee, exaggerated baggy jeans, furry Louis Vuitton hotel slippers, and a neon green beanie.

Hailey’s attire spoke volumes about her fashion-forward approach. Styled by Dani Michelle, she wore a stunning sheer buttercream gown with an oversized ruffle at the neckline from Jacquemus’ LA CASA collection. The dreamy look was completed with a butter-yellow manicure. The choice of butter yellow wasn’t just for aesthetics; it represented one of summer 2024’s hottest color trends.

The Rise of Butter Yellow

This versatile shade has been spotted on celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence, Kendall Jenner, Katie Holmes, and Selena Gomez. For Hailey, it effortlessly tied together her elegant maternity look and gender-neutral baby shower theme.

Not one to deviate from her clean girl style, Hailey added familiar touches to her outfit. She wore her diamond-encrusted bubble “B” necklace. Her fondness for ’80s chunky jewelry was evident with a ribbed square design by MÉGA in yellow gold. To complete her look, she added a vintage hair scarf and ivory sunglasses.

Signature Accessories and Stylish Details

Hailey Bieber continues to redefine maternity fashion confidently. From a black lace catsuit to a little black dress with a bubble skirt, her journey into motherhood hasn’t made her shy away from bold fashion choices. Her baby shower ensemble further proves that parenthood won’t dampen this couple’s adventurous spirits in the style department.

Instagram // @haileybieber

This baby shower illustrated why Hailey Bieber remains an influential fashion icon. Her choice of a buttercream gown not only highlighted her impeccable taste but also emphasized summer 2024’s defining trends. As she steps into motherhood, her style evolution will no doubt continue to inspire many.