What a start to 2026. It's a mad, mad world out there. I'm not sure our heads or our hearts are built to take in the amount of upset happening all around us. And certainly a brand strategy newsletter isn't going to change that. But in the spirit of doing small things to exercise agency, spark joy, and connect with other people…it's time for another issue of The Pour.
This month, I'll share a smattering of thoughts and takeaways from a recent trip to NYC, a note on the recent 2016 throwback trend, a link to a brilliant take on how young strategists should navigate the world today, and an announcement about another company I've started (why stop at one?).
Wherever you are, I hope you're staying warm, staying safe, and holding your people close.
Cheers,
Laura
Last week I hopped the Amtrak up to New York for a few days. It was personally fulfilling and professionally productive – the very best combination, in my mind. I suppose that's partly because as a company of one, the personal and professional are so intertwined. I am my product, after all.
In no particular order, here's what I was hearing, talking & thinking about…
* I spoke with nearly everyone about the Heated Rivalry phenomenon (one of the smartest takes on it can be found here), and walked around the city listening to an amazing episode of Diabolical Lies in which the two very clever hosts dismantled Scott Galloway's self-congratulatory spiel on modern masculinity and beautifully juxtaposed it with the show's quietly revolutionary demonstration of equitable love.
* In the space of 24hrs, I spent time with three phenomenal, professionally successful women who are single moms by choice. That's it, that's the post. Aren't women amazing? (Seriously, listen to that podcast episode.)
* Did you know they're building a memorial on the National Mall to fallen journalists? I was so glad to hear this, and am impressed by the dedication and coordination that must have been required to push this initiative through. The search for truth is more important than ever before, and as the daughter, great-granddaughter and wife of people in the news business, it's an issue close to my heart.
* I chatted about barter agreements, diversifying revenue streams, productization, and Claude-enabled business planning with other independent business owners. Feels so good to be amongst your people, you know?
It was a really great trip, and I got to eat some really yummy food, too. Shoutout to Evelina for the pasta, San Vicente for the mocktails, and Black Seed for the bagels.
For the past year or so, I've been working on building out a second business, alongside Cider. It started as a fun little personal project, and has evolved into a brand I'm really excited to nurture and grow!
KIN KIT offers custom merch for friends & family. It's premium, highly curated, and design-forward – drawing inspiration from moments of camaraderie, outdoor pursuits, timeless traditions, and retro Americana.
My co-founder Josh and I started KIN KIT because we wanted to re-think the custom merch experience – putting the focus back where it belongs: on the kinship that inspires it.
You can read more about our journey in a post I shared here, and please do check us out on Instagram at @kinkitusa. And of course, if you're in the market for some custom sweatshirts, hats or tees, please visit us at www.kinkit.co and put in an order.
Do you know someone who might enjoy reading The Pour? Please pass it along.
