Fuck Forbes magazine and their “30 Under 30″ issue, am I right? And what the hell is up with making “30″ that arbitrary age of magic? No way, man. I have friends who are over 30 who are DESERVING of note. Also I am not 30 but I am ALSO deserving of note. So I decided to make my own list: Apocalypstick’s Most Interesting People Under 38 (of 2013). Because, again, to reiterate: fuck Forbes. Also, this list is in no particular order, because everyone on it is at maximum levels of awesome. So there.
Tony Thaxton, musician, 35.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
As strange as it may sound, I am proud of myself for leaving Motion City Soundtrack after 11 years. Don’t take that the wrong way, I don’t have regrets or ill feelings toward anyone. It was just time for me to move on, and I knew it. But it wasn’t easy. At all.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“Do or do not. There is no try.” — Yoda. I said this to be stupid, but then realized that I think this is actually a good thing to live by. Let’s pretend it wasn’t Yoda. Miley Cyrus maybe?
Why are you impressive?
I’m not big on talking about myself. But if I’m forced to…I guess I impressed myself for trying new things this year. I’m trying to say yes more than saying no. I would rather try than wonder. Wait…I’m supposed to do, not try. I just contradicted myself. This is why I don’t like talking about myself.
Tony Thaxton was a professional drummer touring the world for over 11 years. Naturally, he gave this up and started a year round Christmas themed podcast with his dog.
Marissa A. Ross, assistant to Mindy Kaling and stylist at Wildfox Couture, 27.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
This past year I finished my (web)series that I wrote, produced and starred in, Tangents & The Times, wrote a couple pilots, and got television literary representation. I also went to Kauai in the spring, which is an awesome accomplishment in my book.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“Know the destination and life will present the path.” I’ve always known who I’ve wanted to be and what I wanted to do, but many times had no idea how the fuck to get there. By knowing my goals and working towards them, even when it seemed fruitless and I felt completely lost, I’ve always ended up where I needed to be. I’m not trying to go all “The Secret” on you. You can’t just think about something and get it. But if you want something, work towards it. Put yourself out there, and not just for a paycheck. Put yourself out there for you. You’ll see opportunities spring up all around you. And you’ll get to where you want to be. It will never be the way you thought you’d get there, but you’ll get there. And it’ll be interesting and awesome.
Why are you impressive?
I am hard working and grateful with a distinctive voice and brand. And very, very charming.
Marissa A. Ross is a Southern California native, writer, performer, poolside drinker. Check out her twitter, web series, website, and wine blog.
Cliff Weber, writer, 27.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
I was rejected from the Creative Writing program at USC so I wrote an appeal letter (after I was told there was no official appeal process) and about a week later I found out they accepted my appeal and overturned my initial decision. I have no idea how many people got in the program or how many were accepted through the appeal process, but my guess is both numbers were pretty low. For that I’m damn proud.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
I don’t regularly think of one motto or saying, but I do have this quote in my wallet that I wrote down a while back so let’s go with it: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a ride!’” –Hunter S. Thompson
Why are you impressive?
[Laughs] I feel like I’ve worked my ass off and will forever work my ass off in the field of writing and feel I’ve accomplished a lot for my age, having self-published 3 books and 4 chapbooks, on top of an unpublished novel I’m in the process of trying to sell. Many people would have given up long ago, but I love writing far too much to do so. I feel I’m part of a select few, a dying breed who views writing as a pure and beautiful art and will do whatever it takes to cement myself in history with the words I place upon the page. I am a student of the art and always will be, and I’m proud to learn from the fingers of the greats. Also, one time I bowled a 232 with seven strikes, so, you know, suck on that, world.
Cliff Weber is my cousin and is totally awesome and has written several poetry books.
Sara M. Lyons, Artist/Illustrator, 28.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
In 2013 I finally realized that the whole thing about doing what makes you happy isn’t just a cheesy platitude. Being able to build my brand just by being myself, drawing things I love to draw and doing work that I’m proud of, has been wildly satisfying.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
I always try to keep in mind two simple words from AC/DC’s Bon Scott: RIDE ON. If shit doesn’t work out today, ride on, something else will work out tomorrow, and if shit doesn’t work out tomorrow either, just keep ridin’ on. As long as you keep pushing eventually things will fall into place.
Why are you impressive?
I work really hard, I’m good at what I do, and I do it all by myself.
Sara M. Lyons is an artist, illustrator, nail decal designer and professional weirdo based in Southern California.
Ryan Gibeau, Filmmaker/Entrepreneur/
Musician, 31.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
I am most proud of my several ambitious successful projects. In 2013, My production company, ROCK*iT FiLMS successfully created more video content for more clients bringing more than doubling previous years revenue. While running a business I played several shows in NYC’s lower east side and began production of my debut full length album. In this span of time I was able to join a creative agency to consult and grow their business, but they sucked so I bolted and continued to strive with RiF.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
‘Just Be Good’. In business and life, morals and ethics are constantly challenged. If you can manage to end up on the side of good, it’ll be pleasant to look back at your accomplishments without guilt or regret. You’ll be able to say this with a clear conscience.
Why are you impressive?
Am I impressive? I think the reason I work so hard is because I still have so much to prove and accomplish. To myself and to all those naysayers who told me to choose a single path and focus for once! Well, guess what, now I’m succeeding at all of them, at once, and so what it took me a little longer. Why am I yelling?
Ryan lives in New York City. He is the owner of ROCK*iT FiLMS and a producer/director.
Kat George, writer, 28.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
I’m most proud of losing 20 pounds. Basically in 2012 I was hard partying, hanging around with some assholes and eating like shit, and I put on 20 pounds. This year I stopped doing all that and lost the weight. So really I’m proud of myself for ditching some shitty people and some bad habits and being a “better person” in general. Also I wrote a book and wrote/produced/directed/acted in (all for the first time!) a web show, which made my heart swell for myself. If you’re talking about 2014, so far I’m proud of the amount of both sex and work I’ve managed to fit into the first week of the year.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“You can’t start a fire worrying about your little world falling apart”. Basically, “Dancing In The Dark” by Bruce Springsteen is my life motto. Also my mum always said to me “Treat others as you’d like to be treated” and I try to practice that. I found a loop hole though, because if I hate someone I don’t care if they are mean to me, which means I can be mean to them and still adhere to the code.
Why are you impressive?
Aside from knowing the words to every 90s one hit wonder, I guess I’m impressive because I work super hard. I’m pretty fearless with throwing myself into the things I do (work, friendship, love etc), even though I am really short. And I’m pretty nice and very loyal. Also my butt is great (I know it sounds like I am bragging but if you saw it you would understand).
Kat George is a writer living in Brooklyn and struggling to pay rent (hint). She is Australian but don’t let that put you off. She has a book, Pink Bits, and a web show, The Big Gulp, and contributes to places like Thought Catalog, VH1, Vice and Noisey. Her main interests include but are not limited to: feta cheese, Usher and friendship.
Christina Johns, Production Coordinator, 30.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
I’ve always wanted to work at a record label and as of 2013, I do! I also turned 30, and got my wisdom teeth removed. Actually, I’m proud that I was able to put off getting my wisdom teeth pulled for so long. That’s some serious procrastination. I also rediscovered Full House and watched Home Alone approximately 20 times. And I almost forgot that I once got drunk and high fived Kevin Spacey! That’s impressive, right?
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“I’m eating junk and watching rubbish!” – Kevin McCallister
Why are you impressive?
I’m a skilled multi-tasker, at work and in real life. Just yesterday I made beef stew, chicken soup, and peppermint rice krispie treats at the same time, and didn’t eff up one of them!
Christina Johns is the operations and production coordinator at SideOneDummy Records. She has an extensive knowledge of 80′s movies and is part owner of the cutest dog alive.
Matt Baldwin, SideOneDummy Employee/Complete Control Radio Producer, 27
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
Well, for starters, I was able to go to work the day after the 49ers lost the Super Bowl. That in itself is an accomplishment. No, really. It is. I also became a full-time employee at a record label I grew up listening to while simultaneously producing a radio show and recording a podcast. I also co-ran a comedy show that ran every other week at the Laugh Factory and was one of the most successful shows the venue had. I also helped engineer Erik Griffin (Montez from Workaholic)’s debut comedy album…which was pretty darn cool. Oh, I also learned how to unclog a sink.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“The Future is Unwritten.” — Joe Strummer
Why are you impressive?
I won my fantasy football league for the third time in five years. Not impressive enough? Darn. Umm… I would say what makes me impressive is my ability to retain knowledge (even if that knowledge is 90% baseball and The Simpsons) and learn quickly. I was able to learn on the fly and adjust and wear many hats in 2013. I taught myself audio engineering and was able to do a lot of in-house editing for SideOneDummy. I finished 2013 with more money in my bank account than I started with. That’s a first. Also…the unclogging the sink thing.
Matt is a super cool dude who lives in Los Angeles and works at SideOneDummy Records. He’s had me as a guest on his podcast many times, which has changed names almost every time I’ve been on it. Right now it’s called “Let’s Talk About Feelings” and is co-hosted by Christina Johns.
Julie Gerstein, writer/editor, 35.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
Steadfastly refusing to learn how to unicycle for the 35th year in a row. Consistently finding humor in people falling down, pizza jokes, and the career arc of James Franco.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
Do no harm (unless you are a hobo, or a plate of pancakes).
Why are you impressive?
Oh geez, who started that rumor?
Julie Gerstein is a writer, editor, and hardcore mini-pony enthusiast living in Brooklyn.
Jenny Fine, Illustrator/Storyboard Artist/Graphic Designer, 30.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
I’ve been really prolific this year, which feels great: I storyboarded my first feature length and studio-backed film, which is my greatest career accomplishment to date; I’ve done myriads of show posters, logos, comedy albums, podcast art, portraits, color pitches, 3d models and merchandise; I’ve delved into acting and voiceovers as well as production design and prop building; I co-produced, co-starred in and art directed a web series on the Nerdist Channel (second season airing soon!)… I’m so tired…
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“You have the same amount of hours in a day as Beyoncé.”
Why are you impressive?
This is so uncomfortable to write, so I’m pretending I’m in therapy: I’m versatile: I can dance, sing and write in addition to drawing and craft/sculpture. I came out here two years ago without a plan, just wanting to do something different from my midwestern spreadsheet steady paycheck, health insurance, and a solid local network of friends to pursue an arts career in Los Angeles. This year I was able to make a living entirely off of freelance work, without having to get a non-industry job, and still had time to pursue personal projects.
Jenny Fine is an LA based illustrator, graphic designer and storyboard artist originally hailing from the frozen tundra/swamplands of Minnesota. Her work has been featured on Adult Swim, Harmontown, the Nerdist, Perennial Plate, PBS and many, many more.
Dylan Vazzano, Sports Information Coordinator and Play By Play Broadcaster, 25.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
I am most proud of the decisions I have made in this past year to end up where I am. I decided to leave a cushy job in the Bay Area without another job lined up or really any way of making any money because I needed to get out of a tough situation. That courageous decision led me to an opportunity of a lifetime to broadcast the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game which in turn led me to an incredible new job in Cookeville, Tennessee as a Sports Information Coordinator and Sports Broadcaster. I of course am proud of the new job, but I am even more proud of my ability to say fuck it and move to the middle of nowhere Tennessee without knowing a soul to follow my dreams.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
I live by the motto of life is about living, and to truly live you have to take chances. If you’re not taking risks (sometimes absurd ones) then you aren’t living. You have to be open to new experiences and you have to be able to roll with the punches. Things happen for a reason and they will work out if you let them work out. I have discovered things about myself that I didn’t think were even possible, and I did that because I took chances and tested myself. Also, this gets said a lot without people really meaning it, but I am a FIRM BELIEVER that there is nothing more important on this earth than being happy and you have to achieve happiness by any means necessary.
Why are you impressive?
I am impressive because I’ll do whatever it takes to optimize life. Traveling is a blessing, not a burden, and I have realized the incredible stories and situations that come from it (45 states before the age of 26). I do what it takes to live life to the fullest and many times that means being resilient. I have faced a lot of adversity in this past few years but I have never once let that stop me in my career or life dreams. You don’t know what you are capable of until you are put in a bad situation or under a lot of pressure, and that is when I thrive.
Dylan Vazzano is my brother, and he’s crazy-awesome.
Erin Mallory Long, writer, 29.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
I got paid to write things! I bought onesie PJs! I got some of my first real haters. (I’m high-fiving a million angels, Liz Lemon style) I got to do stuff I liked! I got to be interviewed talking about some of my favorite TV show! I was a guest on my first podcast! I finished a script! Alone! I learned how to use exclamation points!
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“Forget the haters ’cause somebody loves yaaaa.” Seriously want a necklace of this STAT.
Why are you impressive?
I have an extensive tee shirt collection and within that, an extensive Star Wars tee shirt collection so…I try to show that I do not care what people think of me but I care deeply but also want to wear what I want and put stickers on my phone if I want so….see life motto.
Erin Mallory Long is a regular contributor to The Know, Thought Catalog, Hello Giggles. Addicted to obsessions.erinmallorylong.com
Nicole Daddona, illustrator/puppeteer, 28.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
This year was a really hard year for me. I lost my mom back in March unexpectedly, but I have found comfort in pushing forward creatively and I find that doing creative work is the only thing that keeps me going some days. This year I launched an offbeat art, comedy and puppetry Youtube Channel called Yeti! Yeti! with my creative partner, Adam Shenkman. Adam and I also opened for Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes at their Los Angeles big top event with a puppet show where I played a bearded lady country singer. I learned to play five chords on the guitar and wrote a bunch of new songs that I plan to record on an EP in the upcoming year. I got paid to draw cartoons on more than one occasion. I snuck into the movies at least a dozen times without getting caught and I mastered an understanding of the Los Angeles public transit system. I learned how to make a mean latte at my coffee shop job where I also met a bunch of my idols including Bret McKenzie and Bob Odenkirk. I developed a bunch of new characters including Wolfvis Presley, a Wolf Elvis impersonator, and I created a puppet of him. I had my first art show in the center of Hollywood, had a premiere party for my first book “Hairphabet” at a hip hair salon in Silverlake, and did a residencty at the weirdest bar in Los Angeles. Adam and I pitched a show to Cartoon Network that they passed on, but what can you do. I also went to Sedona, New York, Portland, Las Vegas and Santa Barbara because, why not? This year I also lived in Hollywood (get that twinkle out of your eyes, kids – it’s a scary, dirty, bad, bad place) and I learned how to avoid eye contact with strangers. What I am the most proud of? My ability to keep making in the face of despair and hard times.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“Keep believing, keep pretending.” — Jim Henson and, “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” — Steve Martin.
Why are you impressive?
I mean, just look at me. I’m 5’5″ of lady magic. Just kidding… Actually, I don’t feel all that impressive most of the time. I have high hopes of some day being very impressive and every so often I get glimpses of my impressiveness, but I’m still working on being impressive all the time. I am very driven and very focused on my goals. The thing that keeps me from being impressive 24/7 would have to be 80′s movies and chocolate. I’ve fallen into a John Hughes/Godiva pit on more than one occasion and when I come out on the other end, I’m as far from impressive as RuPaul is from Beyonce. But I do believe in magic and I do know that dreams come true and I have gazed upon the open road so I guess that my impressiveness comes from the ability to envision what my success will look like some day very soon.
Nicole Daddona still feels like she’s 13. She’s an illustrator, puppet maker, puppeteer, show creator, comic artist, song and dance woman, and doodler.
Aurora Lady, Creatrix and Girl Pop Visionary, 33.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
Making new friends around L.A. and allowing myself the freedom to absorb their energy and wisdom, and then filtering that into projects that I had fantasized about. Those fantasies became real! The more I made, the more I was motivated to share and create.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
It changes all of the time. I keep going back to “be present”, because that is a serious challenge for me. I’ve stopped and started this interview three times already, and you only gave me three questions!
Why are you impressive?
I guess the most notable thing about me is that I usually take note of what horrifies or scares people and try to find a way to vanquish it. I like vanquishing awful things in small, manageable doses. I hope this sort of vanquishing helps other people, as I help myself. I still use a paper day planner to keep everything on track.
Aurora adores vintage issues of Sassy, girls-girls-girls, & projects of heart-wrenching proportions. P.S. She wants to draw on your t-shirt.
Simone Paget, writer/blogger, 33
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
This year I scored my dream gig as a Nationally syndicated sex & relationship columnist for one of Canada’s largest news outlets. 2013 was also the year that I started working on my first book – a nerve wracking, kind of scary but exciting process that’s still on-going.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
Don’t make someone a priority so you can be their option. Always do more of whatever that thing is that makes you awesome.
Why are you impressive?
I’ve managed to take a hobby — blogging about sex, dating and relationships and turn it into a full time legit career that I love.
Simone Paget is a freelance writer and author of Skinnydip.ca — a sexy and irreverent blog about love, sex, dating and everything in between.
Alex Trugman, musician, 24.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment in the last year is FINALLY being able to grow enough facial hair to grow a passable “creepy goatee.” I’m not going to do it, but knowing that I can makes me feel good inside.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“I don’t want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant.” — Kobe Bryant.
Why are you impressive?
I know a lot of random trivia about all of the US presidents. Sure that doesn’t sound impressive now, but just wait until you’re on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, you need to know who the only president born in New Hampshire was, and I’m your phone-a-friend. Yeah… Now I’m looking a bit more impressive, huh? And by the way: Franklin Pierce. After graduating from Buckley in 2007, Alex went on to study at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami (the one in Florida… jeez. Why do people always assume it’s in Ohio?). In 2009, as a scrawny 19-year-old, Alex made his way to the semi-finals of American Idol before woefully deciding that it might be a good idea to sing Elton John live on national television. But he’s totally over that. Seriously. Definitely no recurring nightmares about Simon Cowell yelling at him in a Baby Gap T-Shirt.
After graduating from “The U” in 2011, Alex put out a debut CD with CandyRat Records, and has since spent quite a bit of time performing his music in exotic lands, from Hollywood, to the Valley, to… other parts of Hollywood. He recently decided to dust off his old ITS membership card and stumble back into the acting world, and has just finished shooting a series called Jewvangelist (airing in February), in which he played a delusional cantor who dreams of becoming a pop-star. It was a stretch. Alex is currently the only actor or musician in Los Angeles.
Jessica Manuszak, writer/blogger, 24.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
In September I thought I saw David Bowie at the grocery store buying milk, but then I Googled it and David Bowie is actually lactose intolerant. Also, I landed my dream job. It’s basically a toss-up.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
Fuck bitches. Make paper. Or if there’s incense involved, “Ships are safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for.” I might not be a ship, but I’m not built for harbors, either.
Why are you impressive?
Sometimes I eat cold Spaghetti-O’s out of the can in my underwear while blogging about life advice. Also, I have a z in my last name.
Jessica Manuszak is a rebel with a cause, (and also lots of cardigans), who forces people to live life loudly over at The Brazen Bible.
Alison Steedman, Editorial Director for The Know, 32.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
Launched theknow.ask.com, WHAT. Helped Toad the Wet Sprocket fund a Kickstarter in 23 hours. Forewent all those cute colors of Essie nail polish (it’s bad for your nails!) for an entire year so that my nails would look pretty naturally and not peel. Took a conscious step to stop freaking out about the uncertainties in life. Taught my future-hubs to ski without saying a single thing that would make him want to lose me to an avalanche. Saved money.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“Play the hand your dealt.” Also, the “Flipper” theme song.
Why are you impressive?
I’m seldom impressed with myself per say, but I think that: I have a nice ponytail; I tell good jokes; and I’m not afraid to look you in the eyes.
Alison Steedman (soon to be Fox!) powers creative ideas, people and products in a digitally integrated world. She’s worked with and for a lot of talented people. Her great loves / tragic flaws include biscuits, horses, offering to cook and replying-all.
Julie Ann Horvath, Designer/Developer/Writer, 25.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment this year was single-handedly (#humblebrag) starting the first all-female talk series in the tech community, Passion Projects.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“Things don’t always happen for the best (fuck Hallmark), but some people are able to make the best out of things that happen.”
Why are you impressive?
I’ve managed to infiltrate and be relatively (okay, really) successful in an industry (tech) that my education never afforded me to even know existed. Commonly referred to by rap music enthusiasts as the “we in here” paradox.
Julie Ann Horvath is a designer and front-end web developer at GitHub. She likes to think of herself as an open source software advocate with a big heart for making mockups in markup. She spends a lot of her time speaking at tech conferences and teaching (more) women to code.
Kelly Leaman, Writer/Blogger, 29.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
I ran my first 5K. It was a pretty big accomplishment because when the year started I could barely run 5 minutes. I also became an aunt, which, admittedly, required little to no effort on my part but I do have an incredible knack for finding adorable outfits for my nephew. I had a pretty brilliant Halloween costume – I wore a pair of cheap mouse ears from Target and went around with a vacant look on my face and a speech bubble sign that said “I’m a mouse, duh.” The girl working the register at Chipotle that day told me I was her hero. I made a pumpkin pie 100% from scratch (down to pureeing my own pumpkin and making my own crust with nothing but bare ingredients) and it was glorious. Also, this happened.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
Be yourself, be nice to people, and don’t give up. Alternately, everything on my Pinterest board of quotes. (http://www.pinterest.com/kelalea/wordlets/)
Why are you impressive?
I can dress up my cat without suffering any sort of bodily harm.
Kelly is a recovering perfectionist who sometimes writes a blog but is also really good at taking lots of pictures. She has become synonymous with “sequin fedoras” and “pumpkin.” She loves pretty things and geeky humor.
Jennifer Still, writer/editor, 29.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
That’s so difficult! I’m proud of everything I’ve done and am doing, but more than that, I consider myself really lucky to have had the opportunities I’ve had, without which all the effort I put in would have amounted to much less. I’m really grateful for the projects that have worked out – continuing as the Managing Editor of HelloGiggles and seeing how much the site has continued to grow has been amazingly rewarding. I love everything I do, straight down to the smallest stuff – working on some great TV coverage for Digital Spy, taking over Evil Beet Gossip, doing some writing for BuzzFeed, xo Jane, etc… they’re all smaller, vital parts of the bigger picture.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“You get out of things what you put into them.” I know it sounds corny, but I fully believe that. Work hard and you’ll be rewarded for it. Stay honest, don’t pay attention to other people’s journey but concentrate on your own, encourage others in your field sincerely instead of getting too competitive… The underhanded shit is a waste of time and not for me.
Why are you impressive?
I don’t think I am! I think better adjectives to describe me are hard-working, honest, reliable… but even that sounds too much like I’m tooting my own horn. Let me think of something here. Okay, I know: I’m relentless. I don’t give a shit what obstacles are put in front of me, I’ll knock them down and then some. I really thrive on opposition of all kinds – it’s when I do my best work.
Jennifer Still is a writer and editor who spends her time hopping between New York and the UK. She’s the Managing Editor for HelloGiggles among her 50,000 other jobs and really likes iced coffee, even in the winter.
Abby Stern, actress/screenwriter/blogger, 30.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
This year I’m most proud of making better decisions. Decisions that aren’t easy and sometimes scary and might make me poor for a while but necessary for me to move forward in life. I don’t think I’ve had my greatest accomplishment yet but I suppose it’s an accomplishment to acknowledge that and continue on until I get there instead of letting that discourage me.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
My motto? Is this like my Real Housewives intro line? It would probably be the Oscar Wilde quote, “Moderation is fatal. Everything succeeds in excess.”
Why are you impressive?
My passion, persistence and point of view. Not a bad trifecta.
Abby Stern grew up in New Orleans is now an actress, screenwriter, and blogger (who isn’t?) trying to keep it real in Los Angeles. She also writes for FabFitFun and contributes to various blogs detailing her unique perspective on dating and twenty-something life in Hollywood. Gwyneth Paltrow is her spirit animal and in her free time, Abby enjoys Bellinis and plotting to steal unattended Birkin bags. Follow her on Twitter @abbystern.
AND FINALLY…
Almie Rose, writer/blogger, HAHAHA IT’S MY BLOG, I DON’T HAVE TO TELL YOU MY AGE. I’m over 25, Under 30. Dat sweet spot.
What are you most proud of this year, or what’s your greatest accomplishment?
I broke 1200 followers on Instagram. For a while, it didn’t look like it was going to happen. But then it did. Oh, also, my book got published. Buy it. Please. Please? Please. Be cool, guys. Please.
What’s the motto or saying you live by, or at least, hope to live by?
“Do or do not. There is no try.” — Yoda. That, and “The next year is going to go by whether you’re doing something about your life or not.” — Dr. Phil. Yes, Dr. Phil. Come at me.
Why are you impressive?
I’ve managed to somehow give off the false impression that I am cool. Once people realize I’m not, oh man, are they gonna be disappointed.
Almie Rose is a blogger/writer based in Los Angeles. She just came out with a book titled I Forgot To Be Famous. She writes for Hello Giggles, Thought Catalog, The Frisky, and the blog you’re currently reading. She likes to eat, drink, sleep, and repeat.