Giving Back Instead of Talking Back

Small acts, major impact

Hello, Gorgeous!

I know that I repeatedly mention the fact that this is a place for fun, not world events. But today feels heavy. Indulge me for just a minute here.

Yesterday we witnessed what happens when conversations stop and rage takes over. Today we commemorate the 24th anniversary of 9/11.

As someone who is NYC born, bred, and based, September 11th isn’t just a memory, it’s part of who I’ve become.

On September 11, 2001, my sister Kiki was heading to the Twin Towers. She was due to start a job at the NYC Mayor’s office and was finishing up some onboarding details. I was working on promotion for a book that was dropping that day: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. In what I can only describe as sisterly intuition I called my sister and said “Don’t go into the City. Let’s play hooky and have lunch and go for a walk.”

She didn’t. We did. You all know what happened next.

This year, more than ever, it feels critical to step back from the noise and division. Instead of screaming into our echo chambers, let's do something that actually matters - support the people who run toward danger when the rest of us run away.

Today, let’s remember what real heroism looks like - not the keyboard warriors or even political activists, but the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and everyday people who choose action over anger.

There are beautiful ways to honor this day without getting political, without adding to the chaos. We can choose brands that quietly, consistently give back to the people who protect us.

Brands That Give Back to Those Who Serve

• 5.11 Tactical - Born at the FBI Academy when an instructor needed better gear, the brand now outfits first responders worldwide. Every purchase supports the people who protect us. From tactical pants that started it all, to gear that keeps our heroes safe and ready. And leggings. I don’t care if Gen Z sneers at our stretchy pants, we all need a pair or 12.

• Thrive Causemetics - For every product purchased, they donate to causes supporting women including first responders. Their mascara might make your lashes look amazing, but knowing your purchase could be helping a female firefighter or EMT is even better.

• Duty To Act Coffee - Founded by first responder brothers (firefighter Eli Held and police officer Max Held), 10% of profits go directly to first responders in need and those affected by line of duty deaths. Your morning coffee can honor evening heroes.

Or just say thank you

This is neither here nor there, but in addition to the rest, I’m a certified chaplain first responder trained in psychological first aid. I don’t save lives, but I try to be there for people in crisis. I cannot begin to tell you what it meant to me the first time someone told me “Thank you for your service.” I don’t even remotely consider myself on the same level of traditional first responders, but I always try to say “Thank you for your service and sacrifice.” Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is the simplest - buy coffee that supports a firefighter's family, choose makeup that helps first responders, wear clothes made by people who understand service.

Today, instead of adding to the noise, let's add to the good.

Let's make giving back the new talking back.

Do you feel comfortable sharing your own 9/11 or giving back story? Let’s meet in the comment section to discuss.

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋

We still remember Ari, Nancy, Shimmy, and all those lost on 9/11/01.