With Birchbox, Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna have tapped into a few things consumers really love: physical mail, the element of surprise, and the ability to try stuff out before committing. Birchbox subscribers complete a personal profile and receive a curated package of five or so samples every month?most are high-end beauty products, but boxes have included everything from earbuds to energy bars. And with the recent launch of Birchbox for men, the product lineup is expanding even more (think shaving gear, socks, and bar accessories).
Like what's in the box? Ordering the full-size version is a click away in the online store. The Birchbox shopping style is quickly gaining fans: in just three years, the company has racked up 300,000 subscribers. We stole a few minutes from Katia and Hayley to chat about how they manage it all?from the apps that keep them organized to the tricks that save them time.
Current gig: Co-founders of Birchbox
Location: New York, NY
Current mobile devices: iPhone 5
Current computer: Katia: MacBook Air; Hayley: 13" MacBook Air for office and travel, with a backup 15" MacBook Pro at home
One word that best describes how you work: Katia: Happily; Hayley: With friends
What apps/software/tools can't you live without?
Katia: Apps: Google Maps, Kayak, SeatGuru, This American Life, Epicurious, and Seamless. Software: Other than the standard suite, Evernote and Spotify. Tools: Twistbands to pull my hair up, my glasses (Warby Parker) for seeing a presentation, a notebook and pen at all times for when Evernote just feels inappropriate.
Hayley: At work: Evernote, Google Docs, Wunderlist, and Bose noise-canceling headphones. At play: Jawbone UP and Apple TV.
What's your workspace like?
Katia: I work at a desk in the middle of the office. It is often covered in samples to try and test, papers to sign, and a few pictures of my husband and some Birchbox moments, with notes from the team and brands pinned to the side.
Hayley: My workspace is a desk out in the open plan of our new big beautiful Birchbox office. It's messier than I'd like to admit.
Pictured above: Katia's desk.
What do you listen to while you work?
Katia: NPR on my way to work. Once I'm at work I can't listen to anything I want to sing along to.
Hayley: Either silence through my Bose headphones, a Spotify playlist, or the chatter of our customer operations team spreading happiness to Birchbox customers.
What's your best time-saving trick?
Katia: I insist that people on the Birchbox team indicate when they need a response in all emails. It makes prioritization so much faster.
Hayley: Katia recently convinced me to stop washing my hair every day, and it's saved me a ton of time. Hair straightener and dry shampoo for the win. I also skip the makeup brushes and apply makeup directly with my fingers.
I like to support entrepreneurs who are building fun and efficient new ways to look for consumer goods. Obviously Birchbox helps me discover great beauty and lifestyle. I'm getting really into the recipe/grocery delivery service Plated. I love to chop veggies?it's so cathartic! I also just started with the personal style service Stitch Fix. I liked and kept 4 out of 5 items in my first delivery! And last but not least, I'm using a designer from Home Polish to help me decorate my new apartment. My comparatvie advantage is definitely not in chasing down couches and side tables, and it's more fun to outsource an expert.
What's your favorite to-do list manager?
Katia: I have tried so many?I find myself going back to Evernote and using it most consistently.
Hayley: I get it done between Wunderlist, my email inbox, and good ol' pen and paper. Although, lately I'm trying to be looser about lists because I find that sometimes it pays off to ignore the small urgent things in favor of the important things that just naturally rise to the top.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can't you live without?
Katia: Nike FuelBand and SodaStream (not exactly a gadget, but I love!).
Hayley: Beauty: my ghd ceramic hair straightener. Home: my microwave!
Pictured above: Hayley's desk.
What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?
Katia: Starting impromtu dance parties, whether it's in the middle of the day, in a tiny apartment, or at a dive bar. There are three main reasons why: First, I'm definitely not embarassed to start singing without music. Second, I have the dance battle game on my Xbox 360. Last, when in doubt, I always know to lead with a dance line?people don't need to have rhythm to line dance.
Hayley: I am really good at meditating in the shower. It's where I get my best ideas.
What's your sleep routine like?
Katia: I'm naturally an early riser, but am currently honing the skills of a night owl. I use my iPhone as my alarm clock.
Hayley: I'm actually really proud of my sleeping skills, which I inherited from my mom. My Jawbone UP proves it?I fall asleep immediately and get a really good deep sleep ratio! I'm in bed between 12 and 1 AM and I'm up at 7 AM. I'm well trained to sleep on airplanes as well. I was a champion afternoon nap-taker during business school but sadly had to outgrow that.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Katia: Mind share always precedes market share.
Hayley: Just go for it, what's the worst that could happen? And no matter what, you'll learn something!
The How I Work series asks heroes, experts, brilliant, and flat-out productive people to share their shortcuts, workspaces, routines, and more. Every Wednesday we'll feature a new guest and the gadgets, apps, tips, and tricks that keep them going. Have someone you'd kill to see featured, or questions you think we should ask? Email Tessa.
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