CCF Loves: The Everygirls

With so many blogs and informational websites out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are worth reading. But with a name that says it all — from fashion and home decor (literally everything is Pinterest-worthy) to career and finance advice…and everything in between — The Everygirl is really a one-stop-shop that EVERY GIRL should read 😉

So let’s get to know the two brains behind this operation — Alaina Kaczmarski and Danielle Moss.

I get extra excited about Chicago-based companies that have such a national following, because it really puts this city on the map. It makes me even more thrilled to see these companies lead by women my age, just like Alaina and Danielle. I had heard of The Everygirl before I met these two and at the time, I don’t think I even knew the site was based in Chicago. It got so popular so fast, I already thought it had Refinery29-status (and it wasn’t even their full time job yet!) In less than three years, they now have a staff of 11 (including Alaina and Danielle), they’ve collaborated with numerous brands (you have to check out their latest one with Interior Define) and they even have their own shop page (not of things they like from the Internet, like most bloggers– actual pieces they’re designing and selling). Basically, The Everygirl is just killing it and although the site caters to women from all over, it’s pretty amazing that they’re based here in Chicago (and the founders love dogs just as much as I do…always a plus). Which makes them the perfect pair for this month’s CCF Loves!

I go to a lot of events around the city and I typically the same people at all of them, but Danielle and Alaina are such a treat for me. They’re crazy busy so I don’t see them often, but when I do it’s totally worth it. So after I freak out about finally seeing their lovely faces, here’s a few questions I have for them.

What do you love most about Chicago?

Danielle: I love that Chicago is a big city with a friendly, midwestern, small town vibe. It’s so different from Los Angeles (where I grew up) and that’s why I moved – I needed a change, and was looking for something more authentic. There’s so much history here – beautiful architecture, the seasons, and the friendliness of the midwest. Sure, Chicago doesn’t have perfect weather and our beach doesn’t have the ocean, but it’s home.

Alaina: How friendly the people are! And how many different neighborhoods there are to explore. I love checking out different restaurants and concert venues from Pilsen to Andersonville!

What are your favorite things to do in the city?

D: I love walking my dog at the park or on the lake. The J Parker is another favorite spot if you’re looking for a great view of the city. All the restaurants on Randolph are amazing, although Avec is probably my favorite. I also really love the patios at Big Star and Parsons. 

A: Brunch dates at Grange Hall (I always order the Peasant’s breakfast), concerts at Lincoln Hall or the Riv, and Cubs games!

What’s the most memorable moment in your career so far?

D: Well, it’s been an amazing (almost) 3 years, but I’d say the night we launched the site. I went to Alaina’s apartment with a bottle of wine, and we toasted to a site that we had spent 6 months working on. 

A: Seeing TheEverygirl.com on Forbes list of Top 100 Websites for Women four months after launching!

Any words of advice for someone trying to get into your field?

D: Do what you need to do to make it work and don’t give up. That might mean working nights and weekends, interning, taking on freelance work, etc. It’s a lot of work (as many jobs are), but so rewarding! 

A: Don’t write about anything you don’t genuinely enjoy in life – it immediately shows in the content!

The best part about your job is…

D: Not long after we launched the site, a reader emailed to let us know that our career profiles inspired her to go back to college and follow her dreams (she was in her 30s). Any time we get an email from one of our readers telling us how the site has inspired them, it’s all worth it. That’s why we do what we do! 

A: …everything? I genuinely really love my job. Working with all of our editors and writers, partnering with favorite brands and contributors, writing, editing, styling, graphics, designing product, working from home, learning the business and marketing side of things… It would be easier to choose my least favorite part, and the answer to that would be the overflowing inbox of emails that I 100% cannot keep up with… it’s bad. And I’m bad at it.

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Aren’t they the best? It’s refreshing to meet people who want to create something for others (as opposed to the typical answer to “why did you start your blog?” — “I needed a creative outlet…”). Although I wouldn’t necessarily consider The Everygirl a blog, it really is a full-on website full of all sorts of inspiration and helpful information. There’s not many places where you can find both but Danielle and Alaina managed to successfully merge the best of both worlds.

For more of Danielle and Alaina, be sure to check out The Everygirl.

Photos by Katie Kett, Stoffer Photography, Jennifer Kathryn and…Instagram