As an aspiring anthropologist and researcher, I read a lot. It's difficult to think about the best piece of writing or research I've read in the past year because every book and article provides a new perspective–a new way of understanding the world. Anthropologists don't settle on one narrative about the world. There are many different lenses to look at life. In the past year, one book that has impacted me is "We Do This 'Til We Free Us" by Mariame Kaba. I love how she pushes against ideas so ingrained in our society. Kaba challenges readers to put their emotions aside to build a world that can address violence and harm to support healing and growth. The book is a collection of essays and interviews where Kaba mixes research with her experience as an activist and organizer. Kaba's book has influenced me to change how I think about situations of violence and my interpersonal relationships. I love anything that makes me rethink my beliefs and work to transform society to be more equitable and habitable. I love learning, and I am excited at the possibility of working with Non-Fiction as a researcher.

Beauty is a market that is hard to penetrate for many reasons. The beauty industry is oversaturated due to e-commerce and lower barriers to entry—coupling this with big brands and retail giants leaves little space for start-ups and new concepts. However, most stakeholders focus on women's beauty. As a result, there are opportunities to enter an untapped market of men's beauty. For this reason, I would not place Margin in a Sephora or other beauty-oriented store. Additionally, men are socialized to be embarrassed about self-care and attention to beauty. Although the stigma around male beauty is getting better, it's important to keep this in mind when thinking about a store that would suit Margin. Men do not want to enter a store only about skin and beauty. I would place Margin in barbershops, men's fashion stores, and gym boutiques in North America. For example, I think Margin would be successful in a luxury barbershop that sells shaving products and other men's products. Barbers could also add a Margin facial to their hair and massage treatments. I think Margin would sell in an Equinox gym boutique store. Men who go to Equinox are most likely interested in wellness and health. Lastly, Margin could thrive in a high fashion men's clothing store such as SSENSE. Men shopping at SSENSE feel no shame about investing in how they look. Margin has so much potential, and I am excited about the possibility of working to grow the brand.