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Taking Stock – How To Live Your Best Life

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Here we are, just over three months into 2022 and what better time to take stock and assess where we are, where we want to be and how well we’re performing in implementing all those New Year’s Resolutions we made or any goals we’ve set for ourselves. 

The New Year, like Monday, represents the beginning of something new and an ability to hit refresh. Of course, consistency is key and this can be done at any time but in our collective minds these times are symbolic for being able to create something fresh or different, to pick yourself up and start again or to continue more ferociously and persistently towards what we are seeking to achieve.  

No matter where we are at in terms of our progress, it’s important to always take a moment to think about our lives and the direction we want to take – to improve our current situations, to create something new for ourselves, to assess how fulfilled we are and to honestly think about what it is that we need to live a fulfilling life. Each one of us is different so this is not going to look the same for everyone but what is likely to be identical across the board is our desire to live our lives to the fullest – to be the most sparkly, shiny versions of ourselves and to make the most of everyday. 

We thought this was the best time to do this now as one quarter of the year has already passed, and we want to ensure we’re all staying accountable to ourselves.  

So, to help you get back on the horse, or remove the clutter – everything that is stopping you from doing what you want – we want to share some of the tips we’ve learnt below on how to set goals and achieve them. 



1. Define your goals:

Write it down. Don’t keep them locked up in your mind. Putting pen to paper is almost the first step towards succeeding in reaching your goal. If you are just thinking about them then they will remain thoughts that come and go like many others. 

When you write something you want to achieve down, it will allow you to refine it and then branch off into implementing a plan to help you achieve it. It works almost like a to-do-list, it’s there, it needs to get done, so there’s no point dilly-dallying when it comes to your innermost desires. 

You can have a long-term goal and then a subset of short-term goals that help you achieve it.



2. Make a vision board:

You might think that this is not for you, and you may shy away from the idea of having a visual representation of the things you want to achieve and be, the locations you wish to see and the states of being you want to find yourself in and feel. If you are hesitant at all or feel this is for someone else and not you, then that’s even more reason to break through that reluctance and make sure your own journey is placed back in the center. According to Psychology Today, this is a type of mental training that helps us connect our thoughts with our behaviour which in effect contributes to us achieving goals.    

So, for example, you may see or hear a quote, image or word that really resonates with you and what you want to do and be. The idea is to cut it out and place it on a board or inside a book as a visual representation of what you envision for yourself so you can work hard towards achieving it. But there are no rules – you can be as creative and crafty as you want. These can be everchanging, you might need to chop and change often so be open to it and the idea of your own evolution through this process. Isn’t that what you want? 



3. Keep circling back:

Remember, our goals and desires are not unimportant things. We think about them, we write them down and we want to act upon them because they are significant to us, to you. It is about integrity, our ability to align ourselves in everyday life with everything that speaks to our soul and mind. Without it, we may feel broken, unworthy, and unfulfilled – ingredients that lead to a recipe for lack of direction and discontentment. Creating that unsettling feeling and state of being that none of us enjoy.  

Our suggestion then is to include this as part of your self-care routine, so you are continuously revisiting everything you want for yourself and making sure you are making progress towards it and crushing everything that holds you back. Think about how great that would make you feel, right now. Do it.  


Yes, we know, quite gratifying. Felt great? Now go on and be that!

 

6 Ideas For TikTok Content Creation

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As the only social media app allowing for organic growth, TikTok has quickly become the latest go-to social platform for business owners and content creators. The secret to TikTok’s success lies with their custom For You page, and their magical algorithm. Now, almost anyone can go viral by creating engaging and original content – including you. TikTok has changed the way audiences consume creative content, and by making video popular again, Instagram has fallen behind. 

 

So, we’re here to tell you to stop stressing over the algorithm changes on Instagram and create content that can go viral in a matter of minutes by embracing TikTok. Since the platform is all about original and engaging content, we’re going to share tried and true content ideas that are most effective for marketing your brand. TKA recommends:

Brand Takeovers

TikTok users love when you switch it up and engage a content creator (that aligns with the value of your brand and audience) to take over your page and create content using your products or services.

 
Launches

Before launching a new product or service, keep your audience anticipating the reveal by sharing little snippets to keep them guessing (yes, we know it’s hard when you’re so excited to share it all). 

Q&As

When your audience becomes invested in your brand, values and persona, naturally questions they want to be answered arise. Q&A’s provide opportunities to bond with your audience and tame their curiosity. All you have to do is video duet your user comments with your answers.

 

A Day In The Life

Proven to be an audience favourite! This gives a glimpse of what your day to day life looks like, an opportunity to plug your brand, office, team and, most importantly, the person behind the camera to your audience.



How To's

A great way to showcase your knowledge of the different services you offer, and take your audience through a virtual experience that explains how to use your products. Informational content helps keep your audience educated, whilst demonstrating your expertise. 

User-Generated Content

Collaborate with like-minded individuals who align with your brand values to create on-brand content (think hauls, try-ons, videos trying your product/service, or even create your brand challenges). The potential for collaboration is endless!



So, there you have it, our take on content ideas that prove to maximise audience reach on TikTok. Before we wrap things up, we have a few tips and tricks to get the most out of your content:

 

– TikTok users can search keywords in the app, so your captions must resonate with your content theme.

 

– Always use closed captions as your TikTok audiences appreciate them, but most importantly for user accessibility. 

 

– Save trending sounds to match your edited content creation. Trending sounds are a great way to stay relevant and keep your audience engaged. 

 

– The nature of TikTok’s app means it’s easy to edit videos using the inbuilt video recorder. However, use apps like Inshot, Videoleap and spice to record/edit, and give your content a visually appealing twist.



TKA CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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For The Skin Lover

 

Many people think that gifting is somewhat an empty act, but we’re here to tell you that it can be a meaningful gesture (if done correctly). How? The trick is to match your gifts to suit an individual’s personality type. This way, your gift will act as a way of telling them that you see them for who they are and you appreciate what their personality offers for you. 

 

So, as the holiday season approaches, we thought it would be the perfect time to curate a gift guide of thoughtfully chosen gift ideas that you can match to different personality types in your life. We love gifting, so let’s get gifting together! 

We’re not just recommending anything for your skin aficionado, we narrowed down our tried and tested skincare practices that will help maintain their complexion and help them achieve that radiant vibe. 

 

LED MASK (LUMI Light) 

Kaelon Beauty Gift Voucher 

Gus Sha 

La Mer Treatment Lotion Mask

 
For Him

Whether you’re tossing between the perfect scent, a new outfit to match with a clean pair of sneakers or something to accessorise his look — we’ve thought of it all for you. 

 

Ombré Perfume LV 

Venroy Terry Set 

Bottega Veneta card holder 

 
For The Trendy Friend

We know it’s hard to stay atop trends because of their natural tendency to go in and out of style rapidly — but we still have you covered and here’s what’s hot right now: 

Mini Jodie (Green) 

Prada Choc brushed leather loafers 

New York / Assoulin table book 

Lucy Folk Cuff  

For The Hair Queen

For the one who can’t leave the house without perfectly styled hair, here’s what she needs: 

 

Dyson Hair Wrap 

Olaplex Kit 

JS Health Vitamins 

Silk Pillowcase

 

For The Wellness Guru

Whatever the goal toward their journey, here are some essentials that they will appreciate for extra mindfulness along the way:

Matcha Set 

Diffuser 

Vida Glow Collagen

For Your Best Friend

We can’t forget to honour the most important friendship in your life, so here’s what we chose:

Sarah & Sebastian Soldiered Necklace 

Hunza G Bikini 

Prada Raffia Tote Bag

Cire Trudon Candle

So, there you have it — the TKA guide to choosing the perfect gift for the different personality types in your life. We hope we made your gifting process a little less daunting and helped you navigate your way to the right present for whoever it may be.

TKA SUMMER ESSENTIALS

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After what seems like a never-ending time stuck indoors, we can feel the fresh breeze of the summer approaching as we patiently wait for the sun to kiss our bodies. So how do you welcome a new season exactly? We believe it’s essential to start with new energy as we shift into a new cycle of nature’s influence on our being. 

It has been a long time since many of us have felt uplifted or excited for life in general because of the lockdown slug. So, let’s re-emerge our spirits and shift our energy to welcoming the warmer season with our top picks for summer 21. Here’s what you’ll need: 

 

1 -PHONE CHARMS

A trend that is gaining plenty of heat on social media and will make you nostalgic of your youth that resembled crafting beads to make your own charms after school. Today, these candy-coloured strands represent a fun way to attach your own sense of style and happiness to your phone. 

 
2 -BEACH TOWEL

It goes without saying that you need a beach towel to accompany your stay by the water. But we want you to take your beach towel game a little more seriously and invest in something that resonates with your personal style. For us, the Zimmermann ‘St Tropez’, Jaquemus, and Golden Hour beach towels are what we’re all about when we hit the sand. 

 
3 - HATS

For style and, of course, protection — you can’t go wrong with a hat! This summer, we are vibing with a pop of green and subtle nude hues. And to get into the spirit of summer, we appreciate the LOEWE straw hat from their Ibiza collection and the Jacquemus cotton bucket hat. Jump on the bungee-style chin strap because we believe it’s going to be a thing this summer. And, of course, if your budget can’t be stretched, we recommend the standard Golden Hour cap. All of which are the perfect beach/poolside accessory. 

4 - JEWELLERY

We’re nostalgic over the teen days that remind us of our friendship bracelets. If you’re not sure what we mean, check out the jewellery options you need for this summer below: 

 

5 - BIKINIS

And ofcourse it goes without saying you need a gorgeous pair of bikinis to accompany your stay. Check out our current obsessions below:  

6 - SPF

And most importantly, don’t forget to pack your sun protection. Add this TKA favourite to your fishnet bag to shield your face and skin from harmful UV rays. 

 

5 Easy To Make Meals

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You may have noticed that we have been experimenting in the kitchen lately (with all your other Instagram followers). We know for us that having extra time has been key in being able to explore our culinary skills. We also like to stay super productive and the only way it’s possible is with healthy, nutrient-dense meals. So, if you want to beat that lockdown slug, we recommend trying out some of our favourite recipes.

Meal 1: ZUCCHINI FRITTERS
Ingredients
Instructions

 ⁃ 3 medium zucchini
⁃ 2 eggs
⁃ 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or canned)
⁃ ½ a red onion diced into small cubes
⁃ 2 eggs
⁃ 1 cup of flour
⁃ 1 teaspoon of baking powder
⁃ ¼ cup of parmesan cheese
⁃ Handful of chopped coriander
⁃ Salt and pepper to taste
⁃ Olive oil

– Begin by preheating your oven to 220 degrees celsius.

-Grate your zucchini and placing it into a tea towel over a bowl.

-Once you have left the zucchini aside, add all the other ingredients into a seperate bowl.

-Back to the zucchini squeeze all excess liquid from the zucchini once that’s done  add it to the ingredients and mix together.

-The fun part: roll the mixture into balls and place on baking paper, by firmly holding them down to create fritters. Cook for 20 minutes and bon appetit!

You may have noticed that we have been experimenting in the kitchen lately (with all your other Instagram followers). We know for us that having extra time has been key in being able to explore our culinary skills. We also like to stay super productive and the only way it’s possible is with healthy, nutrient-dense meals. So, if you want to beat that lockdown slug, we recommend trying out some of our favourite recipes.

Meal 1: ZUCCHINI FRITTERS
Ingredients

 ⁃ 3 medium zucchini
⁃ 2 eggs
⁃ 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or canned)
⁃ ½ a red onion diced into small cubes
⁃ 2 eggs
⁃ 1 cup of flour
⁃ 1 teaspoon of baking powder
⁃ ¼ cup of parmesan cheese
⁃ Handful of chopped coriander
⁃ Salt and pepper to taste
⁃ Olive oil

Instructions

– Begin by preheating your oven to 220 degrees celsius.

-Grate your zucchini and placing it into a tea towel over a bowl.

-Once you have left the zucchini aside, add all the other ingredients into a seperate bowl.

-Back to the zucchini squeeze all excess liquid from the zucchini once that’s done  add it to the ingredients and mix together.

-The fun part: roll the mixture into balls and place on baking paper, by firmly holding them down to create fritters. Cook for 20 minutes and bon appetit!

Meal 2: GREEN NOURISH BOWL
Ingredients
Instructions

-Kale
-Spinach
-Zucchini
-Asparagus
-Mushrooms
-Cherry tomatoes
-Half an avocado (top with sesame seeds)
-1 x boiled egg
-Pickled ginger or you can add some pickled beetroot instead
-Grilled halloumi
-Sprouts (crunchy combo)

It’s so simple that you can make your own method for building your nourish bowl.

We begin by sautéing the kale, spinach, zucchini, asparagus and mushrooms in a pan with some olive oil, salt, pepper and chilli.

Once complete, get creative and test your plating skills.

To finish, we like to garnish with our homemade green sauce.

For the sauce you will need to add

green yoghurt, dill, mint, tarragon, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt and pepper into a food processor and pulse to your preferred consistency. 

Meal 2: GREEN NOURISH BOWL
Ingredients

-Kale
-Spinach
-Zucchini
-Asparagus
-Mushrooms
-Cherry tomatoes
-Half an avocado (top with sesame seeds)
-1 x boiled egg
-Pickled ginger or you can add some pickled beetroot instead
-Grilled halloumi
-Sprouts (crunchy combo)

Instructions

It’s so simple that you can make your own method for building your nourish bowl.

We begin by sautéing the kale, spinach, zucchini, asparagus and mushrooms in a pan with some olive oil, salt, pepper and chilli.

Once complete, get creative and test your plating skills.

To finish, we like to garnish with our homemade green sauce.

For the sauce you will need to add

green yoghurt, dill, mint, tarragon, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt and pepper into a food processor and pulse to your preferred consistency. 

Remember you can also choose a condiment of your own choice. Think tahini, hummus, guacamole — whatever your heart desires! 

Our choice of protein and veggies are optional, you can choose your favourite veggies, pick your own protein and of course condiment to serve. The beauty of the nourish bowl is you get to nourish your body with whatever healthy ingredients you love! 

Meal 3: HONEY GARLIC BAKED SALMON

Honestly, we just love salmon and we promise this recipe will make you feel so good and satisfied. Full of healthy fats and nutrients, this has become a staple for dinner! 

Ingredients
Instructions

For the sauce: 

-Unsalted butter or olive oil 

-4 tbsp of honey

-2 tbsp of soy sauce (all purpose or light soy) 

-1 tbsp of white vinegar 

-1 large garlic clove (or more if you like garlic) 

-1 tbsp of sesame oil 

For the Salmon: 

-2 salmon 

-Broccolini 

-Asparagus 

-Cherry tomatoes 

-1 whole garlic clove 

-Lemon

-Dill 

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Add the honey, garlic and lemon, and whisk until the honey has melted through the butter and the mixture is well combined.

Once the sauce is complete, leave on the side and cut out a sheet of foil, big enough to fit your salmon.

In a separate bowl mix your salmon in the sauce.

Once you have mixed, you will need to place your salmon onto the foil and add the broccolini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, lemon slices and dill. Continue by placing the garlic clove, garnish with salt and pepper and close the foil. 

Place the salmon into the oven and let it cook for about 15-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. 

Remember you can also choose a condiment of your own choice. Think tahini, hummus, guacamole — whatever your heart desires! 

Our choice of protein and veggies are optional, you can choose your favourite veggies, pick your own protein and of course condiment to serve. The beauty of the nourish bowl is you get to nourish your body with whatever healthy ingredients you love! 

Meal 3: HONEY GARLIC BAKED SALMON

Honestly, we just love salmon and we promise this recipe will make you feel so good and satisfied. Full of healthy fats and nutrients, this has become a staple for dinner! 

Ingredients

For the sauce: 

-Unsalted butter or olive oil 

-4 tbsp of honey

-2 tbsp of soy sauce (all purpose or light soy) 

-1 tbsp of white vinegar 

-1 large garlic clove (or more if you like garlic) 

-1 tbsp of sesame oil 

For the Salmon: 

-2 salmon 

-Broccolini 

-Asparagus 

-Cherry tomatoes 

-1 whole garlic clove 

-Lemon

-Dill 

Instructions

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Add the honey, garlic and lemon, and whisk until the honey has melted through the butter and the mixture is well combined.

Once the sauce is complete, leave on the side and cut out a sheet of foil, big enough to fit your salmon.

In a separate bowl mix your salmon in the sauce.

Once you have mixed, you will need to place your salmon onto the foil and add the broccolini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, lemon slices and dill. Continue by placing the garlic clove, garnish with salt and pepper and close the foil. 

Place the salmon into the oven and let it cook for about 15-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. 

This dish is one that your family will thank you for and have them licking their fingers after! 

Meal 4: SAN CHOY BOW (CHINESE LETTUCE CUPS)

Whether you are feeling peckish, looking for a super refreshing appetiser or want a quick and budget-friendly meal, San Choy Bow is the way to go! 

Ingredients
Instructions

-1 tablespoon of salt

-1 tablespoon of olive oil

-1 teaspoon of sesame oil

-750 grams of tiger prawns (peeled, deveined and finely chopped)

-2 tablespoons of chopped spring onion

-2 cloves of crushed garlic 

-2 knobs of grated ginger

-4 shiitake mushrooms

-1/2 a cup of finely diced water chestnuts 

-1/2 red capsicum, diced finely 

-1 red chilli, finely chopped

-1/2 teaspoon of chopped coriander

-½ cup of lemon juice 

-2 teaspoons of soy sauce

-Iceberg lettuce leaf cups (trimmed)

-Bean sprouts 

In a wok, heat both oils, add garlic, ginger and  prawn meat, and stir over high heat until prawns are just cooked. Set aside and keep warm.

Return the wok to the heat, and sauté all your vegetables. Combine the remainder of the ingredients with the vegetables, add the prawn meat and mix well.

In a small bowl add soy sauce and some fresh chilli to use as a condiment. You can also add Sriracha sauce to your mix if you like a hint of heat to your pallet. 

Spoon mixture into lettuce cups and serve — yes it really is that simple! 

This dish is one that your family will thank you for and have them licking their fingers after! 

Meal 4: SAN CHOY BOW (CHINESE LETTUCE CUPS)

Whether you are feeling peckish, looking for a super refreshing appetiser or want a quick and budget-friendly meal, San Choy Bow is the way to go! 

Ingredients

-1 tablespoon of salt

-1 tablespoon of olive oil

-1 teaspoon of sesame oil

-750 grams of tiger prawns (peeled, deveined and finely chopped)

-2 tablespoons of chopped spring onion

-2 cloves of crushed garlic 

-2 knobs of grated ginger

-4 shiitake mushrooms

-1/2 a cup of finely diced water chestnuts 

-1/2 red capsicum, diced finely 

-1 red chilli, finely chopped

-1/2 teaspoon of chopped coriander

-½ cup of lemon juice 

-2 teaspoons of soy sauce

-Iceberg lettuce leaf cups (trimmed)

-Bean sprouts 

Instructions

-1 tablespoon of salt

-1 tablespoon of olive oil

-1 teaspoon of sesame oil

-750 grams of tiger prawns (peeled, deveined and finely chopped)

-2 tablespoons of chopped spring onion

-2 cloves of crushed garlic 

-2 knobs of grated ginger

-4 shiitake mushrooms

-1/2 a cup of finely diced water chestnuts 

-1/2 red capsicum, diced finely 

-1 red chilli, finely chopped

-1/2 teaspoon of chopped coriander

-½ cup of lemon juice 

-2 teaspoons of soy sauce

-Iceberg lettuce leaf cups (trimmed)

-Bean sprouts 

In a wok, heat both oils, add garlic, ginger and  prawn meat, and stir over high heat until prawns are just cooked. Set aside and keep warm.

Return the wok to the heat, and sauté all your vegetables. Combine the remainder of the ingredients with the vegetables, add the prawn meat and mix well.

In a small bowl add soy sauce and some fresh chilli to use as a condiment. You can also add Sriracha sauce to your mix if you like a hint of heat to your pallet. 

Spoon mixture into lettuce cups and serve — yes it really is that simple! 

Meal 5: GRILLED HONEY GLAZED PEACHES AND BURRATA

It’s almost impossible to avoid those sweet tooth cravings for dinner. The solution? Honey glazed peaches + burrata. Yes, a match made in heaven. 

Ingredients
Instructions

-2 peaches (ripe, but firm-ish) cut into quarters

-Olive oil

-1 ball of burrata cheese

-Basil 

-Cherry tomatoes 

-Crusty bread to serve (optional)

For the dressing: 

-3 tbsp of olive oil 

 –2 tbsp of white balsamic vinegar

 –1 tsp of honey 

 –1 red chilli, finely chopped

 – ½ garlic clove

   – 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar 

  -1/2 Lemon zest

Heat a griddle pan over high heat. Brush the peach quarters with oil then drizzle with honey until they become charred and caramelised on the surface.

In a separate pan, add olive oil and dressing ingredients and cook for 2 minutes on medium-high heat.

Time to plate!

Place your burrata in the middle, placing your cherry tomatoes around it, add peaches and drizzle your dressing over. Garnish with basil and viola! 

So, there you have it — our favourite lockdown meals! Super easy and delicious meals that will keep you feeling good and satisfied while working from home. Grab your apron and your kitchen tools and invite your family members to a meal of your choice from our recipes.

Meal 5: GRILLED HONEY GLAZED PEACHES AND BURRATA

It’s almost impossible to avoid those sweet tooth cravings for dinner. The solution? Honey glazed peaches + burrata. Yes, a match made in heaven. 

Ingredients

-2 peaches (ripe, but firm-ish) cut into quarters

-Olive oil

-1 ball of burrata cheese

-Basil 

-Cherry tomatoes 

-Crusty bread to serve (optional)

For the dressing: 

-3 tbsp of olive oil 

 –2 tbsp of white balsamic vinegar

 –1 tsp of honey 

 –1 red chilli, finely chopped

 – ½ garlic clove

   – 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar 

  -1/2 Lemon zest

Instructions

Heat a griddle pan over high heat. Brush the peach quarters with oil then drizzle with honey until they become charred and caramelised on the surface.

In a separate pan, add olive oil and dressing ingredients and cook for 2 minutes on medium-high heat.

Time to plate!

Place your burrata in the middle, placing your cherry tomatoes around it, add peaches and drizzle your dressing over. Garnish with basil and viola! 

So, there you have it — our favourite lockdown meals! Super easy and delicious meals that will keep you feeling good and satisfied while working from home. Grab your apron and your kitchen tools and invite your family members to a meal of your choice from our recipes.

How To Make Your Hair Healthy Again: 3 Tips From The Salon Edit

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We partnered up with The Salon Edit to explore three ways to achieve full, thick and healthy hair in this blog series. The Salon Edit philosophy for healthy hair is underpinned by a ‘low toxicity’ approach to de-stress the hair. So, let’s narrow down their three simple recommendations for achieving healthy hair: 

 

1 - COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS

Hair is predominantly made up of the protein keratin. The body uses several amino acids to build keratin, which can be found in collagen. Hence, investing in a good quality collagen supplement is essential to increase the hair building proteins, creating long, thick and more robust hair. Collagen has also been shown to help reduce the appearance of grey hairs by supporting the healthy structure of the hair follicle (where the pigment that gives its colour is produced). TSE recommends ‘Imbibe Miracle Collagen’ to support and increase hair follicle strength. All you have to do is add this tasteless liquid into your morning coffee and drink it (yes, it’s really that simple). 

2 - REGULAR HAIR TRIMS

TSE recommends trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks as it is essential to maintain healthy natural hair and length retention. TSE explains that when you don’t trim split ends, they continue to separate up the hair shaft (the part of the hair that can be seen above your scalp). As a result, you lose an entire strand of hair, opposed to just the ends. It may sound counter-intuitive, but the appearance of broken and split-ends not only damages the look and feel of your hair, but it also contributes to the formation of shorter hair and thinner ends. Remember: regular hair trims = hair growth! 

3 - INVEST IN QUALITY HAIR CARE

We know it may sound cliche, but it’s worth investing in your hair care products. TSE believes that using the correct hair care is underrated and can literally transform your hair. They explain that sometimes using a whole range of the same products isn’t the best thing for your hair. For example, if you have dry ends and oily roots, using matching shampoo will make the roots even more oily. They recommend that your hairdresser is able to assess your hair type in order to tailor a hair regime specifically for your hair. A good hairdresser will be just as invested in your hair condition as you! 

P.S. We know ‘hairdressers’ and ‘salon appointments’ may seem like a thing of the past (or something with no future considering our current lockdown status). So, TSE has made maintaining healthy hair in lockdown for you a little easier with 3 of their following product recommendations:
Christophe Robin Cleansing Scrub With Sea Salt

Sea salt is an effective natural exfoliator that cleanses, removes impurities and restores balance to the scalp. 

Imbibe Miracle Collagen

Our collagen production starts to decline from our twenties and with environmental exposure, everyday stressors, and UV damage. As collagen naturally decreases, so does the vibrant, healthy glow of our hair, skin, and nails. Hence, replacing this loss with clinically formulated and proven collagen peptides that support hair growth and healthy skin and nails. 

Kevin Murphy Hydrate Me Masque

Formulated with vitamin charged microcapsules that provide moisture and hydration designed to leave your hair deeply conditioned from the root to the tip.

5 Tips Paramount To Building A Strong Social Media Presence

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Social media is a powerful marketing tool that can increase your brand visibility and help you connect with your audience – both existing and prospects.
There are 1 billion active users on Instagram who spend an average of 2 hours a day scrolling their social media pages (religiously). Not to mention, it is the first point of contact that consumers have with your brand. Instagram has global appeal and if you employ effective branding and marketing techniques, you can engage with consumers globally who resonate with your brand.

Below we have 5 tips that you can implement into your Instagram marketing strategy to help you extensively leverage from the social network platform.

1 -Identify Your Target Audience

In today’s hypercompetitive world of business, it’s the business that most understands their customer, that wins. When you understand your customers’ pain points, values and what they want to achieve, you will be able to position your brand as the CORE solution to their problems. Hence, having a well-defined target market is ultimately what determines the success of your business.

How do you identify your target audience? To build the core, foundational aspect that your market is built on – you must first identify your customer avatar. A customer avatar is a detailed profile of your ideal customer. Identifying your ideal customer will allow you to tailor your marketing pitch correspondingly to your target market. To begin we recommend analysing your current consumers using the 80/20 distribution rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. From a marketing perspective, the Pareto principle acknowledges that the top 20 percent of customers will be responsible for 80 percent of your sales. When the Pareto principle is applied it will help you identify trends between your top 20 percent of customers. At this point you should notice similarities in age, occupation, geographic locations or behaviours and values that they have in common. This information will help you understand the types of individuals your brand is resonating with and the similarities they share. Hence, identifying your target market means knowing with full clarity who it is you are targeting.

If you are a brand owner — ask yourself who your target market is? Are you able to answer with full clarity?

Example:
Let us delve further by hypothesising that you are selling high performance, plus size activewear in Australia. You want to target females between the ages of 16-35 and considering the average woman is a size 14, you would want to offer sizing options between 14-22 AUS. Your brand acknowledges their pain points are having to constantly adjust their active wear mid workout and the challenges they face with activewear that doesn’t complement or sit right with their figure. Now, because your brand understands their pain points you are able to place your activewear brand as the solution to their problems by speaking the same language as them in your selling points. This is so important because if you do not have a SPECIFIC audience you want to target and selling points that are reinforced with a particular language that resonates with this audience — your brand will be overlooked because it lacks a sense of connection.

Pro tip: target market does not mean ‘everyone’.
Try marketing plus size activewear to petite women. Do you see what we mean?

 

2 -Define Your Goals

It goes without saying that you can’t measure improvements if you don’t set goals. So, before you venture straight into the tools it’s a good idea to develop specific goals that direct your marketing strategy. A good way to start is to ask yourself what it is you want to gain from social media platforms. Are you trying to generate more leads? Increase your brand sales? Gain engagement? Set a more consistent posting schedule? Run ads?
Beginning your brand journey on Instagram should start with a clear and defined goal that sets the scope for what you want to achieve.

3 - Storytelling: Sell The WHY Not The WHAT

Neuroscience proves that storytelling is the most effective way you can capture somebody’s attention. In today’s digital world consumers choose the type of content and information they consume and they tend to navigate to brands that offer them an experience opposed to what is being sold. This highlights the importance of shifting the focus from the features and benefits of WHAT it is that you’re selling and focusing the attention on WHY your product will solve their problems.
Consumers no longer buy products or services, they also don’t buy features and benefits. What they do buy is meaning — what it means to buy an eco friendly tote bag, what it means for them to contribute their money to a cruelty-free and vegan friendly cosmetic brand — what it means to buy something that understands their problems and addresses their solutions. Marketing is no longer about selling products, it is aligning values with people who get what your brand is about. When you set out to sell your product, tell your consumers WHY. Essentially, it’s moving consumers emotionally that allows you to instil your product or service’s memory in them.

What is the meaning of your product or service? How will it add value to your consumer?

4 - Build Authentic Relationships

Implementing authenticity marketing ties in with tip 3 and is about nurturing an emotional connection with your consumers. It is about expressing your brand’s purpose and sharing your values to attract people who feel the same way. It sounds ironic that marketing can be authentic, but as we have discussed above, people don’t want products or services anymore – they want to feel a natural connection with your brand. A connection that is genuine, real and true. There are many ways you can build an initial connection with your audience and it includes:

Engage them in your products/services:
This does not mean constant sales pitches being thrown at your customers. To engage with your audience means developing an emotional connection with them. The most effective way you can build these connections is to show them that they are dealing with a human. For example, introduce yourself, use staff images on your socials, build a community, share exclusive offers and discounts, offer loyalty and membership programs.

Understand how your product and/ or service provides value: this ties back into creating your ideal ‘customer avatar’ and understanding their pain points in order for selling points to resonate and evoke emotions with your target market.

Respond to their concerns: it is important that you remain human. This means taking the time to respond to your comments, questions or general feedback that your consumers have left. People love brands that acknowledge what they have to say and follow up accordingly. Remember to ensure that your customer always feels heard.

Give consumers a personalised experience: this relates back to adding value to every touch point. This can mean adding a simple, but thoughtful ‘thank you’ message, whereby you address the consumer by their first name for a recent purchase they made. Other examples include adding your consumers name in an email marketing campaign, or responding to a comment they made on your social page. These little touch points turn prospects into clients and turn existing clients into loyal customers.

The experience your brand creates should always be emotional. Tap into your consumers emotions – this is how you forge connections that turn into relationships.

5 - Visuals Matter

Visual cues are possibly the most significant factor in both marketing and advertising. The colours, fonts, graphics, textures and overall identity that you choose for your brand is ultimately the decisive factor that connects or dissociates consumers from your product or service. Considering that 90 per cent of all purchases are made subconsciously, it is evident that emotions are pushing that sale and is generally the result of the visual cues you have chosen for your brand.

Now, considering Instagram is an aesthetic experience, you want to choose the visual elements for your marketing campaign very attentively. You want to share content that your audience can consume in a matter of seconds. However, content should be strategic and created in a cohesive manner that is true to your brands purpose and values. This means going as far as choosing a set color palette or images that work in a series and reflect your brand identity. We recommend creating a visual strategy and using Instagram app planners to ensure your visual layout is consistent prior to posting.

Pro tip: The entirety of your visual grid is more important than individual posts.

Example: Visual of two different content for brands

In Brief
Essentially, your brand is a representation of who you are and what you value as a business. What your brand is about is ultimately how you want to be perceived by your target audience. When you know your brand, you are able to communicate selling points in a language that is relatable to your target audience and as a result forge emotional connections.

Remember:
Your target audience is your ideal customer. Define your goals. Sell the WHY. Be authentic. Instagram is an aesthetic experience — be creative with your visual content.

And at every touch point, remain HUMAN.

The Loungewear You Need For Your WFH Wardrobe

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We can all agree that living in sweats while working from home (or leaving the house for essentials) has become a thing since COVID lockdowns. And honestly, we love the comfort and the fact that they can be balanced between PJs and athleisure. You know, a little distance that allows you to get away from formal (tight-fitting) clothing and still look fashionable and on-trend.

So what’s our take on the perfect fit for lockdown when it comes to loungewear? We’ll, depending on whether you like a classic tracksuit or prefer your loungewear to be of the knitted variety, there is a set for everyone. Below are our favourites for WFH, looking stylish and comfortable when leaving the house — 2021 edition:

1 -COZY KNIT PANT & TANK

SKIMS

 

2 -BARNETT MOCHA CABLE KNIT

DISSH

 

3 - WELLNESS CREWNECK

SPORTY & RICH

 

4 - C&M Austin Logo Hoodie

CAMILLA & MARC

 

5 - DAISY CARDIGAN MINERAL BLUE

THE LINE BY K

6 - NIKITA CORD SET

LIONESS

7 - 365 HOODIE & TRACK PANT

THE PANGIA

 

8 - PRINTED @ F JERRY T SHIRT

ZARA

9 - VAONA

RUVE SHOP

10 - GREY PULLOVER MOCK SWEATSHIRT

FEAR OF GOD

TKA TOP 10 SKIN PRODUCTS

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Everyone wants a smooth and pimple-free face, especially when it comes to hanging out with friends or participating in social functions (at least after lockdown, anyways). Finding the right skincare products for your unique skin type can be quite an overwhelming and tedious task. Thankfully, there has been research backed by science and technological advancements that have ensured there is a skincare product for almost everybody. Now, we haven’t tried every skincare range out there and everybody’s skin care is personal — but we do have 10 products we swear by. Let’s get started:

1 - PAULA’S CHOICE BHA

Our purchase was influenced by the hype and positive reviews of Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. Initially, we didn’t think this liquid exfoliant was going to make much difference to our skincare routine, but honestly we haven’t looked back since. If you’re looking for a product to change the texture of your skin, correct your skin tone and unclog pores, we totally recommend using this product. For just $30 you are going to be surprised how your skin looks and feels after using this product 1-2 times per week.

2 -MEDIK8 RETINOL

I’m sure you’re all familiar with the term ‘retinol’ as it constantly floods the beauty sphere and skincare market — but what does it mean beyond its technical name? Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen, as well as improving skin colour and correcting skin tone. Our favourite retinol at the moment is the MEDIK8 Crystal Retinal due to its incredible plumping benefits. Unlike other forms of retinol, this product soaks deep into your skin quite quickly and instantly provides an incredible glow. It’s one of those products that you have to try to understand what we’re talking about!

3 - MEDIK8 VITAMIN C

We know we already recommended a MEDIK8 product, but we really couldn’t disregard their C-Tetra Vitamin C serum. Vitamin C is a fantastic product when concentrated correctly that will aid in repairing scars and pigmentation. When used in conjunction with SPF, this product will provide your skin with the ultimate protection from the sun, whilst promoting a bright and bouncy complexion. This product will allow your skin to feel instantly hydrated and when used often, it will allow you to witness the true vibrancy of your skin.

4 - GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON SERUM

Okay, so we thought this was just another overrated product, however you heard it here – YOU NEED THIS! Not only is this little pink bottle of goodness filled with niacinamide, which will support and protect your skin barrier, it also leaves your complexion with the most beautiful glow and luminosity that even shines through makeup! Need we say more?

5 - PEPPY CO LED MASK

Now, we are shifting from traditional topical products to talk about LED Light Therapy. Our favourite LED mask would have to be the Peppy Co LED Mask. Not only is this probably one of the most affordable LED masks on the market,it comes with 3 light settings: yellow, red and blue. When used proactively LED light therapy is super effective at producing collagen, targeting and treating inflammation, and killing bacteria. We suggest 20-30 minutes of LED light therapy, 2-3 times per week for the best results. The beauty of this mask is that you bring the spa experience home as you listen to your favourite podcast while your skin absorbs all the benefits.

6 - ASGFR WASHCLOTH

We all dread coming home after a night out to remove our makeup. From makeup wipes to oil-based removers — we’ve all tried them! So what’s our favourite method of makeup removal? We love the reusable washcloth from ASGFR as it is made from gentle microfibres that effectively seep into all your pores and remove all makeup within a few wipes. Throw away the makeup wipes and cotton pads, because not only does this wash cloth remove even the fullest coverage foundation, it is environmentally friendly with its sustainable approach. Follow up with your favourite cleanser and moisturiser application and you are ready for bed with cleansed skin.

7 - ULTRAVIOLETTE SPF 50+

The most important step of your skincare routine should always be SPF. If you’re not already using one, we suggest you start. Our pick? The Ultraviolette Range! Ultraviolette has an SPF option for all skin types whether you have dry or oily skin, that will leave your skin feeling hydrated, without the greasiness and most importantly, protected. Don’t forget your neck and décolletage. Let’s stay youthful and sun safe!

8 - SOL DE JANEIRO

Skin care doesn’t just stop at your face. Let’s keep the skin on our bodies hydrated and glowing too! Our top pick for smelling like a Brazilian beach babe is the Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. Your skin will LOVE you for this and so will the people around you because it smells like a dream. Infused with the power of Guarana, your skin will be left feeling smooth whilst also working to stimulate circulation. We also love this product for its fast absorbing qualities that leave you looking instantly nourished.

9 - EVE LOM RESCUE MASK

Not everybody has the time for consistent facials, however our skin can benefit from a good detox every now and then. Our favourite at home mask treatment that decongests pores, absorbs excess oil and leaves your skin supple is the EVE LOM Rescue Mask. We love this product as it caters to many skin types and won’t leave your skin feeling dry and dehydrated after use. With its anti-blemish approach, your skin will feel squeaky clean and hydrated, without feeling stripped.

10 - WELEDA SKIN FOOD MOISTURISER

Last, and certainly NOT least — the Weleda Skin Food Moisturiser. This product is literally food for your skin! It’s a rich, thick and super hydrating moisturiser that will leave your skin feeling and looking luxurious. Whilst this super hydrating product might not be the most preferred leave on cream for all skin types, you can even use this as a rinse off hydrating mask for a quick dose of instant luminosity. We like to describe this product as a glass of water for your pores. Your skin will not be able to get enough of the suppleness and bounce this product delivers!

So, that sums up our take on skincare products. We hope our list provides some sort of direction to finding the perfect skin products for your skin. Remember the skin is actually the largest organ in your body — make a conscious decision to start investing in its health and vibrancy — you will look and feel better!

TKA LOCKDOWN GUIDE

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As we embrace yet another wave of lockdowns, quarantine and border closures — spiralling into the wits of uncertainty can make you feel drained and unenthusiastic to go about daily life. To help free you of this vicious cycle, we have created a TKA guide to help you navigate your time in lockdown without losing who you are in the process. Here are 8 things you can do during lockdown:

1 - CREATE A VISION BOARD

Take this time to visualise a brighter future by getting creative with your goals for the next 6 months. This will help you remain optimistic as well as tune into your creative spirits. Grab some magazines, paper and a pen and start writing down your goals (come back to it at the end of the year to see what you achieved).

2 - SELF-CARE

Use this time to capitalise on all the things you said you wanted to do for yourself but never had the time to do. Whether it’s more face masks, podcasts or catching up on your favourite TV shows — we all have something we genuinely enjoy, and makes us feel good about ourselves. Now is the perfect time to do more of it!

3 - CREATE CONTENT

What better time to start engaging with your audience? Create videos, get personal and check in with your followers. This is a great opportunity to strengthen the emotional connection that you share with individuals who resonate with your brand.

4 - MEDITATE

We cannot control or foresee what the future holds, but we do have the power to control our breathing and immerse ourselves in the present moment. Embrace each day as it comes.

5 - CLEAR OUT

How many times have you postponed a home DIY or project because of work commitments? Now that you are WFH, there is no better time to declutter, organise your wardrobe, pantry, and respond to all those emails you haven’t had time to get to. Do not underestimate the power of an organised environment and the way it can make you feel.

6 - BAKE

Baking is a good mindfulness task that can help you relax (and, of course, goes down a treat too). Grab your kids or partner and enjoy a bonding session in the kitchen.

7 - JOURNAL THINGS YOU’RE GRATEFUL FOR

Sometimes when we shift our perspective to all the blessings we truly have, we can grasp how small our “problems” really are. Try journaling 5-10 things you are grateful for each day, and you will realise that this lockdown is perhaps a blessing in disguise.

8 - READ

Books have a profound way of helping you travel to another realm (not physically ofcourse, but you know what we mean). Pick up that book you’ve been holding off and take your mind to a whole new world

So, there you have it — a TKA guide to coping in lockdown. These unprecedented times are challenging, but it’s how we deal with them that displays how we are coping, and ultimately how we make our way through them. If you find yourself frequently snapping at those you love, finding it extremely difficult to focus, or always depending on things like alcohol or food to feel “good”or numb your emotions, it is generally an indication that you need to treat your well-being as a priority. Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe!

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