Ann Shoket - The Big Life: Embrace the Mess, Work Your Side Hustle, Find a Monumental Relationship, and Become the BADASS BABE You Were Meant to Be

Notice

This book is intended as a reference volume only. The information given here is designed to help you make informed financial decisions. It is not intended as a substitute for any advice you may receive from a professional financial advisor.

All forms of financial investment pose some inherent risks. The author and publisher are not responsible in any way for any profits or losses you may incur as a result of reading this book.

Sex and Values at Rodale

We believe that an active and healthy sex life, based on mutual consent and respect between partners, is an important component of physical and mental well-being. We also respect that sex is a private matter and that each person has a different opinion of what sexual practices or levels of discourse are appropriate. Rodale is committed to offering responsible, practical advice about sexual matters, supported by accredited professionals and legitimate scientific research. Our goalfor sex and all other topicsis to publish information that empowers peoples lives.

Mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities in this book does not imply endorsement by the author or publisher, nor does mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities imply that they endorse this book, its author, or the publisher.

Internet addresses and telephone numbers given in this book were accurate at the time it went to press.

2017 by Ann Shoket

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any other information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher.

Photographs by Anne Menke

Book design by Yeon Kim

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the Publisher.

ISBN13: 9781623368241 hardcover

ISBN13: 9781623368258 e-book

We inspire health, healing, happiness, and love in the world. Starting with you.
RodaleWellness.com

For Richard, whose eyes light up.

by Michelle Phan

Ann and I met during what was probably the single most pivotal and terrifying time of my life. It was 2008 and I had just quit my waitressing job to focus on my YouTube channel full-time. The economy had just crashed and I was a struggling college student. I couldnt let my circumstances limit me, but I was eager to help keep the family financially stable since my mom had been raising us on her own. I had always felt a strong passion for beauty and loved how wearing makeup can transform people from within. Wanting to provide that experience for other women, I applied to several department store beauty counters, but was rejected because I didnt have sales experience. This defining moment could have led me away from my dreams; instead, it inspired me to open another door: a laptop.

It seemed that the universe had a different path for me; the low-quality videos Id shot on my webcam proved to be the beginning of my career in beauty. In 2007, I posted my first video on YouTubeand garnered 40,000 views within a week. Subscribers began asking for insight on everything from perfecting a smoky eye to creating a flawless complexion. I responded with countless videos providing a guide to coveted beauty looks. This interactive dynamic between me and my followers formed the basis of a powerful, growing community and a new way of sharing information. Women all across the world were connecting in an authentic way, and I felt that it was my duty to continue the conversation. Making the radical decision to pursue my YouTube channel full-time completely changed the path that I was on, and through that leap of faith, I rediscovered the dreams that had been the real driving force within me all along. It was the first time that I felt I had a sense of power in the world.

Every day, the question Am I doing enough? is on almost every 20- and 30-year-olds mind. More than ever, women can choose what path is right for us. But is it becoming too much? Has the dream of having it all gone from an aspiration to a requirement in todays world? These days, the pressures of getting into a good college, acing that job interview, entering a relationship, and beyond, constantly weigh us down. We all have a different purpose in life, but we can easily get wrapped up in expectations along the way. I, too, have felt these pressures and found myself searching for clarity in the confusion and yearning for a simpler, purer frame of mind.

As a little girl, I dreamed of saving the world through art. I always believed that art could take people away from sadness and poverty by making the world a more beautiful place. I still remember a diary entry from April 11, 2003 (my 16th birthday!) that says, My dream is to one day become well known for my art. That was my Big Life in writing. When you are a child, your ambitions and dreams are so pure and true. We all have something special to provide for society, and its magical when we get the chance to activate this purpose. The key is to continually reconnect your focus and ask yourself, What am I going to do next? What does it mean? Why does it matter? These questions light the way toward discovering your true destiny. From the very beginning, art was my guiding light, and it ignited my passion for inspiring and helping others to live more meaningful lives.

Today, the Internet has presented incredible opportunities for women in business; we are on the brink of a golden age. Through blogs, videos, and social media, the Internet has given women all over the world the opportunity to have a voice, build their own careers, and connect with other people, especially within the beauty realm. By sharing new looks and ideas, we have redefined the concept of beauty and transformed it into something much bigger: a diverse and empowering community. This community has provided us with the power of self-expression, and has ultimately developed a positive platform of change for women everywhere. It has shaped the way we regard our opinions, our confidence, and ourselves, and yet this is only the beginning. With this confidence, we can uncover our true potentialand with the right tools, imagine what we can accomplish in the next 50 years! This new definition of beauty is the driving force behind everything I have done thus far. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to give back to the community that began this journey, and I feel proud to have played even a small part in building a deeper and more meaningful conversation within the beauty industry. So many young women now have a safe outlet where they can shine their light for the world to see!

Helping women realize their own true potential is what keeps me inspired. Thats why I am so honored to be a part of Anns incredible book and share my Big Life journey with you. I have so much respect and admiration for Ann; she has redefined her own meaning of success by dedicating her powerful voice to encourage and guide young women throughout her career. She is a true example of finding your meaning by embracing the unexpected and listening to your inner voice. I can only hope that the stories of the powerful, inspiring women in this book encourage you to pursue your purest dreams and uncover what you truly value.