In 2025, with algorithm shifts and everyone trying to sell something online, you need real strategy to stand out and actually earn.

Whether you sell handmade jewelry, crochet tops, thrift flips, or digital prints—here’s how to supercharge your growth and turn casual followers into customers who buy every month.

 What’s Changed on Instagram

Instagram is no longer a photo-sharing app. It’s a search engine, storefront, and community builder all in one. Reels, Carousels, Guides, Lives—they all serve different functions.

The algorithm now pushes:

• Video content that hooks fast

• Keyword-rich captions that match searches

• Saveable and shareable content that brings reach beyond your followers

Just posting product pics is not enough anymore.

What Actually Works Right Now

1. Show the process, not just the product

Let people see how you make that necklace or crochet piece. Speed it up, voiceover it, or just show your hands working.

People fall in love with the story behind the item, not just the final photo.

2. Make Reels weekly

• Use trending sounds, but relate them to your product

• Do before and afters

• Show packaging or small business day-in-the-life

• Add text that includes what you sell

Reels give the fastest organic growth right now. Do not ignore them.

3. Use better captions

Include the phrase “small business,” what you sell, and your niche. Example:

“Handmade wire rings for the girls who love soft goth and don’t want mass-produced stuff. Support a small business ”

This helps people find you when they search phrases like “dainty rings small business” or “crochet tops Instagram shop.”

4. Incentivize engagement

• Pin a post with a giveaway

• Offer a small discount for story shares

• Ask your customers to tag you in their pics

• Reply to every comment within the first hour

The algorithm favors engagement and fast replies.

How to Turn Views Into Sales

• Add Highlights for pricing, FAQs, and how to order

• Use Link in Bio tools like Linktree or Stan Store to make it easy to shop

• Offer limited drops or “only 5 in stock” to create urgency

• Post testimonials from real customers as Carousels or pinned comments

If people can’t figure out how to buy in under 10 seconds, they won’t.

Learning how to grow your small business on Instagram is the key to earning more without burning out. The girls who win in 2025? They post smart, not just often. They build trust, use the algorithm, and make it easy to shop.

You don’t need 100K followers. You just need loyal ones who vibe with your product and your story.

The post How to Grow Your Small Business on Instagram Fast appeared first on Got Glam?.

How Does Collecting Turn into Hoarding?

Imagine this: every item you own is a little like a sticky note. Some sticky notes have happy memories (“This is the ticket stub from our first movie date!”), while others are reminders (“I might need this one day…”). Over time, these sticky notes start piling up, making it tough to see your desk, let alone use it. Hoarding starts when the thought of throwing away any of these sticky notes feels as impossible as turning down a slice of cake at a birthday party. Before you know it, you’re living in a sticky note fortress.

The Impact of Keeping Too Much Stuff

Living in a cluttered space isn’t just a visual issue; it can make finding your keys a mini-adventure every morning and invite dust bunnies to permanent residence parties under your sofa. Plus, it can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed, turning your home from a comfy retreat into a maze of stuff. If left unchecked, hoarding can become a bad habit, and eventually an unhealthy obsession. Hoarding can turn into a behavioral mental disorder.

How To Prevent Hoarding

Start Decluttering and Start Small

Decluttering regularly is an important way to prevent hoarding. When decluttering, choose one area or category to tackle first. Maybe it’s that drawer of mystery cables or the shelf of books you’ve already read. Small victories can lead to big changes!

Make It a Party

Put on your favorite tunes, grab your beverage of choice, and make decluttering feel less like a chore and more like a celebration of reclaiming your space.

To Keep or Not to Keep

Ask yourself: “Does this spark joy?” or “Have I used this in the last year?” If the answer is a resounding “No,” it might be time to say goodbye. Remember, it’s about keeping what matters and letting go of what doesn’t. Once you let go, you’ll see just how freeing and liberating it feels.

Find a New Home for Old Treasures

Donating items can make parting with them easier, knowing they’re going to a new home where they’ll be appreciated. Plus, it’s good karma! Also, donating is a random act of kindness that is so good for the soul. Take comfort in knowing that you are donating something of value that can benefit other people.

Enlist Reinforcements

If you’re finding it hard to make decisions or don’t know where to start, there’s no shame in asking for help. Friends, family, or even professional organizers can offer support and make the process more fun.

Keep the Clutter Bug at Bay

Once you’ve reclaimed your space, set simple rules to prevent clutter from creeping back. Maybe it’s a one-in-one-out policy for clothes or a monthly mini-declutter session. Make it a regular habit and don’t wait too long for your next decluttering task.

Remember, learning to let go is the key to prevent hoarding and the first step of simplifying your life. It isn’t about creating a home that could be on the cover of a magazine (unless that’s your thing, of course). It’s about making your space more comfortable, functional, and happy for you. So grab those garbage bags with gusto, and let’s show that clutter bug who’s boss!

The post Tidying Up: How To Prevent Hoarding appeared first on Got Glam?.

There are plenty of adventures to be had within your own country’s borders.  Here are some big adventures you can have in your own backyard. So, U.S. travelers, here is a short list of some of the National Parks that are the least frequently visited in the United States.

• Voyageurs National Park:  Minnesota.

This park is found in Minnesota and is made up of over 40% waterways leaving visitors with the feeling of exploring their own private island.  The lakes offer winter options when frozen and in the spring, fresh berries can be found lining the shores.

• Pinnacles National Park:

This park in California is made up of peaks.  It also contains a surprising number of wildflowers, and amazing stargazing vistas.  Keep in mind when visiting this park that temperatures in the summer often exceed 100 degrees.

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas.

Guadalupe Mountains provide the canyons and the mountains in one magnificent park. The “Guadalupe Peak” trail which takes visitors to the top of Texas offers glorious views from every angle.

• Great Basin National Park: Nevada:

If you want another spot perfect for stargazing, Great Basin is the spot for you.  Elevation changes make this park diverse in flora and fauna and caves bring in a previously unexplored element. Variety in this park also make it home to many wildlife species.

• Congaree National Park: South Carolina.

This park is home to the largest expanse of old growth forests in the United States as well as the eastern U.S.’s tallest trees. This park shows off the beautiful fireflies that call this part of the country home. It also has elevated walkways so that even when flooding occurs the park is still 90% accessible.

•  Dry Tortugas National Park: Florida.

This park is about 70 miles outside of Key West Florida and includes a chain of seven small islands. It offers shipwrecks and marine life for the discerning traveler.  It additionally offers a 19th century fort which can be used for camping and exploring.  This park also has a beautiful view of the night sky stretching over the Caribbean.

• North Cascades National Park: Washington.

This park has the most views of  glaciers outside of Alaska.  However, even with its steep terrain and snowy conditions much of the year there are activities for all skill levels and adventure types.

• Isle Royal National Park:  Michigan.

This park is located on an Island in the middle of Lake Superior and it is only reachable by boat or seaplane. There are many additional remote locations that can be reached by boat, as well as trails, forests and shorelines that are not only beautiful, but will challenge your sense of adventure. Scuba diving is popular at this park as well due to the number of sunken boats in the area.

Be sure when planning your trip that you check with the parks to ensure they are open and plan to remain open for the summer season. Also be aware that booking and safety measures may be altered for a time.

For a full list of our beautiful national parks visit the following link.

The post The New Travel Agenda: National Parks 2020 appeared first on Got Glam?.

Video Overview

While straightening and wigs have been the trend for many years, women are often choosing to return to natural when it comes to their hair. Ethnic women are not the only ones making the change. Celebrities such as Lorde, Taylor Swift, Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars), Kerri Russell, Beyonce and even Shakira are all known to flaunt their curls.

If you have natural waves, curls or even coils your hair will be much healthier and happy when using the “curly girl method” as touted by thousands of curly hair supporters across the globe. Become a member of the Facebook group “The Curly Girl Method” to learn more.

What is the “curly girl method?” It is a way to get your hair back to its natural curly, vivacious state by ditching most common shampoos. Instead of shampoo, “the curly girl method” teaches focus on natural conditioners and cleansing solutions.

The following are steps you can take to help reverse the damage already done to your curly, wavy or coily hair type.

Hair Types and Treatments of Them

First, you must recognize that all hair types should be treated differently.  Curly hair is differently than wavy and it is also different than hair with tight coils. To learn more about how to treat different hair types, keep reading or visit Naturally Curly for additional education.

Cleansing Your Hair Type

Because all hair types should be treated differently, each hair texture has a slightly different cleansing method. For wavy hair, use normal shampoo, but only once a week.  Ensure a good conditioning after. Whether using leave-in, or rinse out conditioner is left up to preferences.  Curly hair requires a wash even less often. Once a week or every ten days is the frequency with which curly hair should be cleansed. Women with coils should wash as little as possible. Instead, wet the hair down when it becomes matted or frizzy and apply conditioner.

 What is Co-Washing and How do I Do It?

A co-wash is the next step  for curly and coily hair. Co-wash is actually the process of cleaning the hair with conditioner. Conditioner should be applied generously to your hair after soaking your curls completely in the shower. Co-wash is helpful for keeping your hair clean and moisturized by eliminating the drying silicone that come in traditional shampoos. Silicone is the ingredient that creates foam the foaming effect in shampoo.  The truth is that hair, when regularly shampooed is being dried out with each use. Using a co-wash that does not contain silicone or sulfates will help protect your hair from the drying/breakage effects of shampoo.  Note: *Not all hair responds equally to co-washing. If hair is extra oily or dermatitis or dandruff is present, hair and scalp may actually react negatively to a co-wash on its own. Try it out and if it doesn’t work, try something else.

Conditioning Treatments for Your Hair

Conditioning is a step that is for wavy and curly hair, but should be left out with coily or kinky textured hair. Here is a list of some of the top natural conditioners and how they can help hair be properly cared for.

• Darcy’s Botanical Daily Cleansing Conditioner Cream is a super concentrated cream great for moisturizing, softening, conditioning, and gently cleansing coils without stripping.
• Ouidad Curl Co-Wash is a rich, low-lathering, sulfate-free cleansing conditioner that leaves hair moisturized, soft & frizz-free while gently clearing hair of buildup.
• Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner instantly cleanses, conditions, and de-tangles hair in one easy step without stripping the hair’s natural moisture. This low-lathering formula refreshes unmanageable curls and helps control frizz, leaving hair soft and shiny after use.
• Daily Fix Cleansing Hair Conditioner allows you to clean your hair without harsh Sulfates or drying detergents and is able to remove all but the heaviest silicone and oils/waxes as well as removing most mineral deposits (if you have “hard” water).
• SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser is one of the few cleansing conditioners that has cleansing ingredient or gentle detergent.
• Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea product line is a favorite product line.  Both Coconut Oil and Shea Butter are nourishing and hydrating for any hair type. This co-wash is a Sulfate-free, no suds gentle cleansing conditioner cream made for removing residue and build up between regular washings to promote a healthy hair environment for growth.

Try one or two of them for yourself and see how your hair handles it.  Remember that hair reacts differently, so don’t be surprised if results differ from what was said about the above products. Speak with a hairstylist for additional tips on curl washes.

Drying your Hair

Rinse coily/kinky hair thoroughly, to remove any excess residue.  Wrap in a towel or hair wrap and leave for 15 minutes. This will help it stay moisturized until ready to style. Many times leaving the house with still wet hair and allowing it to dry naturally may be the best solution.

For wavy hair scrunch or pin until dry. For curly hair, allow it to dry naturally and then flip your head over and fluff.

Styling your Hair

When it comes to styling, there really isn’t a whole lot to do.  Pin it back or leave it natural.  Apply gel to give it that extra texture and boost, but many women and men are going without  any extras to really let their hair breathe.

In the end it is all about what works for each individual person. Find the best method for you and go with it. Your hair and scalp will thank you.

The post The Natural (Curly) Hair Movement appeared first on Got Glam?.

Video Overview

Upcycling can not only be friendly to your budget, but to the planet as well. There are stores dedicated to reselling clothes, art, appliances, furniture. You name it, there’s a place to buy it used somewhere. By buying used, you can save functional pieces of furniture from landfills, helping to reduce the amount of waste taken to our already overflowing landfills! Small shifts in the way that you interact with the world can begin to add up to an incredible amount.

Repurpose it

One of my favorite ways to upcycle a piece of furniture is to give it an entirely new life. My best friend works with a lot of historical sites, and when they have to remodel a building to represent a historically accurate state, they end up having a massive amount of debris leftover. She managed to reclaim a modern door with glass panes from being taken to the dump. With a bit of sandpaper, stain, and elbow grease, she upcycled a large picture frame out of this door. She gifted it to her grandmother with pictures of all her family to have her hang in her home. With a little bit of creative thinking — or a bit of creative borrowing online from sites like Pinterest or Craft Gawker — you can create a new piece to love from what you already have.

Repaint it

It’s incredible how a little coat of paint can transform something dated into something modern and fun that suits your style and your home perfectly. I tend to lean toward this when the overall shape of the furniture is unique and quirk, like an antique secretaries desk, but the appearance is drab or even dirty. Give your piece a good cleaning and sand it down before you add the paint. Make sure that you get paint appropriate to your project and get messy! I love using neutral colors and adding a pop of color. By painting the insides of drawers or the back of shelves, bright colors can be just what a piece needs to be transformed from boring to extraordinary.

Upholster it

I can’t tell you how many times I look at a chair and think, “I love that chair, but I hate that fabric!” It becomes so much of a nuisance that for a while, I refused to thrift any furniture that had fabric on it at all. That was until my partner bought me a staple gun and showed me how to reupholster a dining chair. I had such a fun time with the project that I’m already planning on upcycling a headboard for my room. This type of upcycling project can become pricey if you have to get a lot of fabric and padding if the furniture is older, which I think is the biggest downside. A great budget hack if upholstering seems like too daunting a task — you can also buy covers for nearly any kind of chair now and in a variety of styles. 

Wallpaper it

Don’t scoff at this one — wallpaper has come back on trend and has gained a whole slew of more modern and fun designs to choose from. Even better, if you’re afraid of commitment, you can buy temporary or removable wallpaper. Now you can change up your upcycled pieces design quickly and easily. My favorite example of this craft is to wallpaper the front of a chest of drawers, only the drawers themselves. This can add an intricate design to your piece with almost no work on your part. Another great hack if you still are unsure about wallpaper, get a stencil. You can easily create a design and just paint over it if you want a change later. 

Electrify it

This is my favorite way to upcycle something but is probably one of the most difficult on this list. If you have no experience in wiring or handling electrical items, you may want to start with small projects before moving to anything too unwieldy or reach out to a professional for help. I love the juxtaposition of the bright and airy light with a dark metal piece, or with painted glass. Each of these two upcycling ideas has its own style and can quickly become the centerpiece to any room. 

Summer is the best time to get out and hunt for some great finds, whether it be at a community yard sale or at a thrift store for a great piece of furniture that only needs a little love. If those pieces need new life, upcycle it yourself. There’s nothing out there that can fill you with pride more than to fill your home with pieces that you transformed with your own hands. Now get out there and create something.

The post Upcycling Tips for Thrifty Finds appeared first on Got Glam?.

Video Overview

Thai Cucumber Salad

This light and fresh Thai salad is a great companion to any Thai (or Asian food — I like it paired with some fried rice or some miso soup) dish and will help to keep you from overindulging on the more substantial main course. The cucumber ribbons are dressed with a ginger dressing that you can mix up and use for any kind of Thai salad you want to mix up. This salad makes between two and four servings, depending on your preference.

• One large cucumber
• 2 tsp Toasted sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• 1 tsp fresh cilantro or parsley
• 1 small 1-inch cube of ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1 lime, juiced and zested
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 Tbsp of EVOO
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari

Make the dressing by combining the ginger, lime zest, and juice, sesame oil, EVOO and soy sauce in a bowl. Whisk together until emulsified. Set to the side. Use a vegetable peeler and make long noodle-like pieces of the cucumber. In a medium-sized bowl, add the sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and mix until all the pieces are covered. Cover the bowl and let marinate in the fridge for an hour or two before serving.

Corn Tomato and Avocado Salad

One of my friends made this at a cookout, and it was amazing! The avocado adds some good fats to the salad and the fresh corn off the cob is an excellent addition. You can even jazz it up by adding shredded chicken or bbq shrimp to it to make it a full meal. This salad serves four and holds well in the refrigerator for about 3 days.

• 1 cup of steamed OR grilled corn cut from the cob, about 1 ear
• 1 medium diced avocado
• 1 ½ cup sliced cucumber
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp diced red onions
• 2 tsp EVOO
• Juice from 1 medium lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Add all the vegetables to a medium-sized bowl. In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, add the EVOO, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Stir with a fork until emulsified. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir. You can serve immediately or chilled. Enjoy!

Rainbow Fruit Salad

There’s a little produce stand just around the corner from my house. Every once in a while we go by and pick up some fresh berries and peaches. I can’t help it, you can smell the peaches before you can even get to the stand window. I may have scouted this recipe from the internet after I went a little hog wild, buying a large bag full of fresh berries and a few peaches for good measure. This recipe makes a beautiful salad that you and your family can enjoy for a few days, but trust me, it won’t last that long. It makes roughly six servings, or four if you have a bit of a sweet tooth as I do.

To make the dressing:

• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ Tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice

Simply mix all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until combined. It’s best if used right away.

To make the salad:

• 1 small pineapple, cored and diced
• 1 mango, peeled and cubed
• 1 peach, pitted and cubed
• 1 nectarine, cubed
• ½ lb strawberries, hulled and halved
• About 11 oz of fresh blueberries
• Citrus-Honey dressing
• 1 Tbsp fresh mint leaves, julienned

Add all of the fruit into a medium to large sized bowl. Store in the fridge to chill. Stir in the dressing and the mint right before serving, as the dressing will soften the fruit and make it release their juices. Serve as a refreshing side dish or as a lovely dessert on a hot summer day!

Now you have a whole slew of new salads to try and can no longer say that salads are boring and humdrum. Hopefully, this will inspire you to stay on your diet a little bit longer and get that summer body you’ve been dreaming of. Make, eat, and rejoice in your delicious new salad recipes that you’ll be pulling out every summer from here on out.

The post Summer Salad Ideas for Those of Us who Don’t Like Salads appeared first on Got Glam?.

1. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is one of the top rated most beautiful national parks in the United States. If you love the outdoors — this is definitely a place you want to visit in your lifetime. This park has 26 named glaciers that hikers of all skill levels can have the opportunity of seeing. There are over 1 MILLION acres of the national park to see. With two mountain ranges, over 700 lakes, and numerous waterfalls, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you like camping or staying in a cabin, you’ll have plenty of space to explore and spend time one on one with your family.

2. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Over the last few years, Hilton Head has become a prime vacation spot for the social elite. It’s become known for its location — an island off the coast of South Carolina — that has access to spas and luxury hotels and villas. Just across the bridge in Hilton Head proper, the community is beautiful, bustling, and they take pride in keeping the area looking pristine and natural. It’s become known for its art and music festivals and is growing in the culinary industry as well. Don’t worry, it’s family friendly all around as well, so don’t leave your kiddos behind.

3. Napa Valley, California

Known as one of the most romantic places to vacation, Napa Valley is most well-known for its plethora of wineries and vineyards dotting the valley. Stay in a lovely villa tucked between lush vineyards and take a tour of the valley on the Wine Train, a famous locomotive and restaurant that makes its way across the valley. Don’t forget the food scene either. Napa has a huge public market, the Oxbow, that allow you to try gourmet cuisine. For those of you who want to have a romantic getaway, think about Napa Valley for the experience of a lifetime.

4. St. Louis, Missouri

Whenever you think about St. Louis, everything always conjures up an image of the Gateway Arch. While it is impressive to see in person, that’s not all that St. Louis has to offer. There are breweries, clubs, restaurants, parks, art exhibits. Not to mention that Six Flags has a location in St. Louis for those more adventurous and have a love of rollercoasters. Two of the best excursions in St. Louis, have to be the City Museum and the Science center. Both locations are great for families and are positively massive. For those of you who like to enjoy the sun, however, St. Louis has plenty of music festivals and their own botanical gardens and a zoo. There’s bound to be something that will pique the interest of everyone in the family.

5. The Emerald Coast, Florida

Okay, I’m going to be the first to admit that I’m 1000% biased here on this one since I technically live on the Emerald Coast. To me, being just a short drive to the beach is an everyday occurrence. But the white sand of the Emerald Coast just cannot be missed. There are dozens of nature reserves and national parts — both on the water and off — to explore if you’re a nature lover. The food is also amazing. No matter where you go along the coast, there’s always an opportunity to try freshly caught seafood. There are even fish markets that you can go to that makes fresh sushi and steamed shrimp on sight so you can enjoy it as fresh as possible. Anywhere along the Gulf Coast is sure to set your heart at ease and your mind on the water.

6. Portland, Oregon

Portland has become one of the most famous cities in the United States, so it had to be added to this list. With plenty of gardens and parks to visit, there are little pockets of nature across the city. There are numerous botanical gardens and arboretums to keep you outside. If speed is more your style, check out the Portland International Speedway to catch an event. It boasts nearly 550 events a year, so you’re bound to be able to find one. The art community in Portland has been ever expanding as well so you can check out a museum or craft fair within the city limits frequently throughout the year. If you want something a little different and that can give you glimpses of a plethora of city experiences, Portland will be an excellent option for you.

Planning a vacation need not be difficult, especially when you have a whole continent full of places to see. Think outside the box and experience things in a whole new light. Take a trip to a new city and see what it has to offer you — from art and food to a full gambit of cultural experiences. For those of you who enjoy getting out into the great outdoors and away from it all, there are options for that as well! No matter where you go, on or off this list, make sure to have a great time!

The post Top 6 Summer Travel Destinations of 2019 appeared first on Got Glam?.

 Too often young people are drawn to what seems to be the ‘glamorous life’ of the entertainment industry, parties, clubbing, and making quick money. While all of that can lead to great things, one must stay true to their morals, their beliefs, and do what makes them happy, while venturing through the industry. Do the things you want to do and don’t do the things that you don’t want to do. Even if people disagree with it, be the weight your comfortable with, stay healthy, and don’t hurt those around you…no matter what it is your doing.

“Sex, Drugs and Divas” is the epic adventure of an innocent girl that gets lost in the glitter and glamour of the Vegas lifestyle. Follow her journey as she falls deeper into the lure and seduction of the Stripper life. Her battle with drug addiction is touching. You’ll love her and hate her, and you’ll eventually understand her. As she struggles through her life, her tale will take you to the tragic battles with weight and eating disorders, suicide attempts, her desperate cries for help and attempt to change her life and do right in a search for self realization and forgiveness.

DeAnna states that, ” This book is in dedication to all of the women (and men) who have ever struggled with any of these issues, who are afraid to talk about them or seek help, don’t have the courage or strength to fight back against the obstacles and survive. Weight struggles, substance abuse and suicide are serious issues in our world today. Please know that her life is the life that many young people suffer through today. I hope that her terrible decisions and choices, and ultimately her Fate, can help you or someone you love.”

The book “Sex, Drugs and Divas” will be available for pre-order, for more details after the first of the year check out, www.pussycatpink.com.
Stay tuned for a book signing and product release party with some of her favorite DJs at an exclusive party at one of San Diego’s top nightclubs.

Credits and Links:

Artwork and design by Sabrina Laney and Kitty Camara, web design and management by Chris Angerosa, everything else by DeAnna Reneae.

www.pussycatpink.com

www.facebook.com/SexDrugsAndDivas

www.soundcloud.com/deanna-reneae

DaAnna is also working on a perfume, makeup, and clothing line slated to come out sometime in 2013!

Happy Reading

The post DeAnna Reneae’s Sex Drugs And Divas! appeared first on Got Glam?.