Latest news with #Owala
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
33 Products You'll Never Want To Live Without
Pillowy slippers that must have been made by the comfort gods themselves because over 800 reviewers say they're like walking on clouds ☁️ and as a proud owner of a pair myself, I wholeheartedly agree with that. Or a pair of Cushionaire cork-bottom sandals if you love the look of the Mayari Birks but aren't the biggest fan of the price. These bbs have the exact same strap design and 100% genuine suede soles, so you'll be able to walk around 24/7 and stay as comfy as possible. An Owala FreeSip tumbler offering all the benefits of a Stanley without the spills. What sets this bb apart from all the other bottles out there is its spout — you can either drink through a straw or tilt it back to chug. Plus, you'll never have to painfully sip on a lukewarm bev again because it keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours with its triple-layer insulation! A set of kinda genius soda can covers if you're the type of person who simply can't finish a drink (guilty). Instead of dumping a half-filled can of Bubly into the sink, just snap on one of these lids and you'll have a still-carbonated drink left to enjoy later! Anua heartleaf pore-clearing cleansing oil that dissolves makeup residue, blackheads, and excess sebum *without* clogging pores or over-drying skin. Reviewers say that they could actually see the oils and gunk leaving their face — kinda gross, very satisfying, and a major slay. And Tonymoly's octopus-shaped scrub stick to help remove whiteheads and blackheads *and* exfoliate your skin. You can just rinse it off with warm water when you're done, so no need to buy those costly one-time-use pore strips. The Pink Stuff, aka the Swiss Army knife of cleaning products because it can do it all. You can literally scrub your house from top to bottom with this jar of miracle paste and make everything ✨ sparkle ✨ once again. You got dirty grout? Gone. Grease? Good riddance. The caked-on gunk at the bottom of your cast-iron pan that seems impossible to get rid of? Buh-bye!!! An ice tray so you can enjoy a fancy glass of Diet Coke with some spherical ice. Plus, reviewers recommend adding some fruit for a refreshing treat! And a silicone tumbler ice-shaped tray because you love your agua ice cold, but your straw says "no, not today" to going all the way in when you use ice cubes. The mold includes three different sizes, so you'll be able to make ice for any tumbler and even stack the cubes if you'd like to! Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream that helps smooth and tighten skin with its caffeine and guaraná extract formula. Reviewers rave about how it helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks (if that's something you're looking to address — but remember you look fab 🎶 just the way you are 🎶)! Plus, it has a pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla that just made my mouth water. An eyelash comb to separate your lashes when your mascara clumps up after applying. Just brush this through a few times, and you're good to go! A Saem hydrating eye stick that helps reduce the appearance of dark circles, lines, and puffiness using ingredients like Icelandic glacial water, moss and seaweed extracts, and niacinamide — all without oils. If you feel like *nothing* gets rid of those all-nighter eye bags, this might just be your savior. For a top-notch experience, use after refrigeration to help better reduce puffiness! A bottle-emptying cap because the struggle to get out every last drop from a bottle is so real (*cries in wasted shampoo*). Attach it to any lid, flip it, and let gravity do the rest for you. A ChomChom pet hair remover with over 143,000 5-star ratings (!!!), and over 5,000 of them call it "the best," a word that shall not be taken lightly. It's like a reusable lint roller (without those annoying sticky papers) and designed to pick pet hair up efficiently — once fur is locked in, it doesn't go anywhere until you empty it out! An eye makeup remover so you can remove your eyeliner and mascara with ease instead of taking a wipe to your eyes and rubbing them until a few of your lashes fall out. A pair of seamless Nippies silicone pasties because sometimes we'd rather not ~free the nip~. These won't show through your tops and will help cover your areola and nipple, especially if you're planning on wearing a mesh or sheer blouse. A stainless-steel skin spatula that gently scrapes all the gunk from your face. The vibration brings out blackheads, dirt, and oils from your pores, making them easy to remove. For less than $20, think about how much you'll save instead of going for a facial! A standing weeder so you don't have to hunch over in your garden for hours. Its three steel claws will grip the roots so you can pull out stubborn weeds at the source while standing upright — your back will thank you, and so will any nearby plants! Blind-spot mirrors because parallel parking and merging lanes can be such a pain. in. the. neck (yes, figuratively and literally). With these helpful lil' gizmos, you'll be able to save so much time trying to squeeze into that space *and* do it safely! A hands-free pot stirrer that looks like it was invented in the future and transported here to be every busy person's savior. If you're making pasta or soup that requires a lot of "stir-age," just attach this gem to the side of the pot and let it do all the work while you handle other meal prep (or catch up on all the TikTok DMs your friends have sent you). A jewelry cleaning stick for restoring your old rings so they'll stay true to the lyrics ~shine bright like a diamond~. Save yourself a trip to the cleaner, because all you have to do is twist the bottom of the pen and brush the solution on. Lo and behold, your gem is as shiny as new! A bottle of nail and cuticle care oil that can help renew your fingernails after years of nail biting or peeling off acrylics. If your nails are prone to cracking or peeling, the vitamin E and jojoba oil formula will help keep them hydrated and strong! A pack of 40 acne patches so you can tackle that pesky pimple head on. These discreet patches help conceal pimples and prevent you from picking at them while the hydrocolloid absorbs the gunk inside — so they can actually heal faster! They're great for daytime or overnight use. Plus, nose pore patches that remove the grime and excess oil in your nose that are begging to be released. Just leave it on overnight and take it off in the morning to see all the goop and gunk it pulled out, plus your clearer, smaller pores. A foldable, slip-resistant "Sink Topper" if your sink is literally *just* a sink with zero counter space. Unfold this on top, and you'll finally have that much-needed room for all your skincare and makeup products so you can get ready in the morning (or wind down at night) with ease. An in-flight foot hammock because as much as we want to be in first class (*sighs*), it's just not in the budget this is! This'll give your economy seat a little more pizzazz because you'll be able to rest your feet instead of awkwardly placing them around your personal bag — the struggle is real. A WD-40 pen so when your door hinge is making that squeaking sound that's borderline ~horror-movie eerie~, you can just go at it with the precise pen tip instead of bringing out that big ol' can of regular WD-40. No more squeaking or rusting here! An easy-to-use collagen-coating hair mask to treat your dry and damaged hair that's been bleached, dyed, or heat-styled one too many times. Just massage it in, let the collagen and ceramide 3 formula work its magic, and rinse after 5–20 minutes to see some luxurious locks. A DogBuddy pooper scooper so you no longer have to pick up that warm mush of a mess with a plastic bag that's a little too thin. You just have to take one of the doo doo bags and pull it over the scooper, grab the poop, and tie it up — easy peasy, and you'll be less queasy. A pack of stain-removing pads that don't require any scrubbing — what!? When you're halfway out the door to work and notice your puppy had a little accident on your brand-new carpet, just use one of these bad boys! Place it on the stain, give it a stomp to activate it, and the mess will be gone when you return. A box of cleaning K-Cups — if your coffee's been tasting a lil' funky lately, it's probably because your machine is overdue for a cleaning. Just pop it in like you would with a K-Cup and let it run! It'll rid your Keurig of old grinds and residue, help extend its lifespan, and make your coffee taste super-duper fresh! A pack of dishwasher cleaning tablets because even though that savior of a machine cleans your bowls, plates, and silverware, it doesn't clean itself. Just pop in a tablet and run a cycle (with or without dishes) to remove limescale and mineral buildup that's making your machine and dishes smell funky. No need to shell out for a new dishwasher after all! An air purifier if you just want to relax at home but the dust lurking around has different plans for you — aka congestion, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. This baby captures dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, and even odors (like the stink from your cat's litter box) so you don't have to live with all those miserable allergens and smells circulating in the air.
Global News
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Global News
6 best backpacks for back to school at all ages
The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms. Whether it's your little one's first day or you're gearing up for grad school, having the best backpacks—ones that are cute, comfortable, durable, and functional—makes all the difference. We've curated picks that fit every educational stage, with styles he'll love and she'll adore. Kindergarten & Senior Kindergarten Skip Hop Toddler Backpack Perfect for pint-sized students, this whimsical backpack is lightweight, easy to clean, and sized just right for snacks, a sweater and a treasured toy or two. The unicorn horn? Pure magic. $36.91 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement Primary School (Grades 1–4) STEAMEDBUN Backpack Dino dreams come true in this adorable and functional mini backpack. It has padded straps, mesh side pockets, and just enough room for crayons, snacks, and a folder. Plus: a built-in leash for those just-in-case moments. $62.76 on Amazon Middle School (Grades 5–8) JanSport Superbreak Plus Backpack A timeless classic that never goes out of style. This one's ultralight but holds everything—books, lunch, and a day's worth of energy. It's also available in multiple prints and colours so kids can show off their personality. $96.63 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement You may also like: Bentgo Kids' Bento-Style Lunch Box – $34.99 Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle – $37.16 Laptop Tote Bag with USB Charging Port – $39.59 High School Herschel Classic Backpack High school just got a major upgrade. The Herschel Pop Quiz combines sleek, street-style vibes with seriously smart storage: a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, fleece-lined sunglasses pocket, and internal organizers for pens, cables, and keys. $62.99 on Amazon (was $75) Story continues below advertisement University & College THE NORTH FACE Recon Daypack This backpack is perfect for post-secondary scholars who need serious space (and serious back support) for long days on campus. $149.95 on Amazon Masters & PhD KROSER Laptop Backpack Who says a dissertation can't be stylish? This sleek pink pick has a built-in USB port, padded laptop compartment, and tons of zippered storage for busy grad students on the move. $41.99 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement You may also like: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite – $184.99 Quiet 2 Ear Plugs – $29.95 Portable Charger with Built-In Cables – $29.99
Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Summer's Not Over: 26 Things To Help You Beat The Heat
A sleek 3-in-1 handheld fan because it's also a portable charger and flashlight, so if you're caught in the dark, and it's hot, and your phone is on 1%, you'll be glad to have this gadget in your back pocket. Or a rechargeable and flexible hands-free personal fan with three speeds that'll keep you cool while you brave the sun's rays. A pair of water-friendly Reef platform sandals so you don't have to trap your feet in heat dungeons (read: shoes that don't allow your toes to breathe). Instead, stay cool in these espadrille-esque sandals with adjustable straps. If you're looking for support that won't disappoint, these "comfy and bouncy" shoes are IT. A pair of reusable nipple pasties for those 'fits you just don't wanna wear an uncomfortable bra with (an extra layer is just extra heat). These have thin edges that don't appear under clothing and use a medical-grade adhesive that's gentle on skin. A stick-on shade since the sun plans to tag along on your travel adventures, so some protection from its rays might be nice. This is great, especially if you have kids in the backseat. A stainless-steel Owala water bottle with a built-in straw and spout to help ensure you stay hydrated as it continues to get hotter and hotter outside. This can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and it's cup holder-friendly so go ahead and take it with you everywhere! And a set of stackable stick-shaped ice molds so you can easily toss a few pieces of ice into your bottle without having to literally force a square into a circle. Staying cool and hydrated just got a little easier. A chichi sleeveless blazer and shorts set for that hot-but-cool professor, "Jurassic World small glasses Jonathan Bailey" look. Yes, the blazer has shoulder pads! Of course, the shorts are cuffed! This set is everything you've ever dreamed of. This loose-fitting set won't make you feel like you're being suffocated by your clothes. A reusable XL gel ice pack that you can lie on top of or place on your back for a full body chill. It can stay cold for up to 28 minutes and contours to your body. A pair of sockless shoe liners so your feet don't overheat in actual socks. A summer without sweaty, smelly socks? Sounds like a win to me. These no-slip and no-show liners are also washable! A set of four super cute dinosaur ice pop molds you can use to make your own super cooling ice pops out of fruit purée, yogurt, or juice! Because they're made from silicone, they're easy to use and clean. A cooling Naturium gel body wash if after a long day out in the sun, your body is begging for a system reset. Formulated with mandelic acid, fermented sugar cane, and menthyl lactate, this refreshing soap works to fight and prevent odors while providing a gentle, cooling feeling post-shower. A pack of electrolyte-rich Liquid I.V. hydration packets because sometimes you get so caught up in having fun on a scorching hot summer day that you forget to drink water and start to feel a good. These can help hydrate you lickety-split! An ice roller so you can cool your skin after sun exposure. Just pop it in the freezer then roll it over your eyelids, neck, and back for some heat (or body ache) relief. An oscillating tower fan to shoo the heat right out of your room. Not only does this bladeless fan operate super quietly, but it also comes with a remote, so you don't have to leave your comfy spot to get even comfier. And with six speeds, you'll be able to find the perfect level of cool for you. A Mario Badescu cooling facial spray made with aloe, cucumber, and green tea that'll help you cool down and hydrate your skin simultaneously. We love a multitasking queen! A slim stainless steel can cooler for keeping your White Claw or Celsius cold while you try to enjoy a beach day that your friends planned, even though you're convinced you're allergic to the sun. Well, at least you won't have to worry about taking a dreaded sip of a now-warm beverage; this triple-insulated cooler can keep cans cool for up to 12 hours! A hypoallergenic sweat-absorbing body powder if your least favorite parts of summer are chafing and sweating. This talc-free anti-friction powder will help provide "cooling and soothing" relief to your inner thighs, but it can also be used on your bikini and bra lines, underarms, and butt to keep them dry. A fully rotatable electric car fan so your backseat passengers can breathe a little easier, especially if your car's air conditioner is weak or, worse, non-existent. Or a two-pack of cooling car seat cushions that can easily plug into your car's cigarette lighter adapter, allowing the cushion's fans to circulate air throughout. Adjust the temperature using the attached dial. A portable misting outdoor fan because it offers the dual comfort of a cooling mist and a cooling breeze! Take this rechargeable fan when you go out camping to combat the summer heat. It even comes with a 9-liter water bucket for up to nine hours of misting before needing a refill! Or a flexible adjustable mister so you can bend it in the perfect direction and shape to make sure you and your guests get some targeted lovin' when hanging outside on a hot day. Seamless bra liners made from a cotton and bamboo blend to help not only with boob sweat, but also help alleviate any discomfort from underwires. These moisture-wicking liners are gentle and breathable. A quiet Frigidaire air conditioner because the summer heat has finally turned your home into an unforgiving sauna. Worried about high electricity bills? Well, this AC is energy-efficient, with eco mode (reduces energy consumption) and sleep mode (gradually increases the temperature overnight). A pack of four big acrylic hair claws with a trendy matte finish that'll let you get your hair out of your face and away from your neck when the sun decides to beam down a little too intensely. An easy-to-set-up pop-up beach tent with UPF 50+ protection, so you can enjoy the ambience of the beach without suffering the sun's self-righteous the sun and I have beef. Anyway! This comes with stability poles and anchors to ensure it stays put, even in sand.
Buzz Feed
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
31 Summer Products That Millennials Will Love
A reusable, family-friendly sand eraser so you can swipe away any of those pesky grains of sand that end up ~everywhere~. This will simply brush off the sand with zero mess and zero fuss. The cast of Baywatch would be so proud. A set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets you will be incredibly grateful you have on hand when those bugs are out this summer. Powered by essential oils such as citronella, these bands can help repel the pests without the need to douse yourself in bug spray several times a day. No mosquito will dare approach you as you embark on your daily adventures; these bracelets can help keep any creepy-crawlies far, far away! And the Bug Bite Thing for those of you trying to enjoy a nice day out, because nothing ruins a good outing like a painful or itchy bug bite. This handy tool sucks up all of the saliva and venom that creepy crawlies leave behind in their wake — reducing any swelling, itchiness, or redness. No smelly creams or chemicals required! A handy as heck Burt's Bees sunburn soother, perfect for bringing some relief to any sunburns that may occur while you're skipping under the sun. Using a combination of aloe and coconut oil, this skin lotion can soothe and bring hydrating relief to your sun-kissed skin — working much quicker and more effectively than simple aloe alone. A truly multi-talented set of colorful cooling towels, because that summer sun can be brutal. Just soak it in some cold water at any sink/water fountain, wring it, and place it on your neck for some much-needed relief! These towels will stay chilly for several hours, saving you from having to refresh every five minutes or so. Bonus: each towel comes with a carrying pouch and a carabiner clip, so you can just clip it onto your bag/stroller for easy access! A cute lil' insect catcher perfect for capturing those unwanted fluttering guests without using any smelly chemicals. These traps are odorless and can work both indoors and outdoors to protect your plant babies from fruit flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and more. A blister-preventing foot balm to ease the pain of walking over 10 miles in a single day while you're on vacation. This will add a layer of protection between you and your shoes so you can skip through the alleys of Europe with ZERO pain! Vanish the potential of blisters with this balm. Owala's "SmoothSip" travel tumbler with a sliding mechanism that fully closes the bottle, so you can just toss it into your bag and not have to worry about it spilling and getting your AirPods and pack of Kleenex completely soaked. It has a super comfy lid design with a built-in spout, and comes in such cute colors you'll be snatching up multiple. You're def gonna hit your hydration goal this summer. A wire-free bra so freakin' comfortable and lightweight, you might even forget you're wearing one in the first place 😱 — at least according to the whopping 32,000+ rave ratings from reviewers. I mean, who wants a wire digging into them when they're hot and sweaty? Plus, the straps don't flip, so you won't feel the contorted strap digging into your shoulder in the middle of your work day. And a comfy sports bra so you can say buh-bye to fantasizing about taking off your bra at the end of the day. This has a breathable four-way stretch design, removable padding, and easily adjustable straps — everything you need for great support while feeling like you're not wearing a bra at all. A heat-activated ColorWow anti-frizz treatment to maintain those picture-perfect locks, despite the heat! This spray repels moisture to help stop humidity from impacting your hair, leaving it feeling smooth and silky. Just spray it liberally on damp, towel-dried hair, then blow-dry it for the finishing touch. Thanks to this spray, your blowout will stay put all day long. A hidden fly trap that can zap all the creepy crawlies lurking in your home without ruining your perfectly curated home aesthetics. You can plug this into an outlet, and the tiny light will lure in those pesky pests by the dozen. A set of breathable, seamless thongs if you're the type of person who "never wears thongs" or "hates thongs." These are incredibly comfortable to wear all day (especially when those sweaty temps start to soar), and they've even been compared to $$$ brands like Skims and Victoria's Secret. Finally, a thong you won't feel the need to dig out or readjust every five seconds or so. A mason jar cold brew maker that will save you some money in the long haul when you start cutting down on those early morning Dunkin' runs. Say goodbye to the days of being late to work while stuck in a ridiculously long drive-thru line; your perfect cup can be made right at home — no heavy machinery or electricity required. A 360-degree rotatable electric car fan so you can cool down your backseat quicker than it takes for the AC to circulate through the car. This is especially perfect for any little ones in rear car seats because, as anyone who lives in a hot climate knows, the car can get super hot, super fast. A waterproof pouch because you've always wanted to have a cool underwater photoshoot, and this pouch is bound to make your dreams come true. It'll keep your phone safe as you wade into the ocean, and you can still use your touchscreen! Time to take pics of all the cool fishies! 🐠🐟🐡 A 360-degree portable neck fan for those of you who wanna stay cool even as the humidity climbs rapidly throughout the day. Just charge it with a USB and plop it around your neck for a portable AC unit that'll keep you cool as you brave the summer heat. A set of cult-favorite extra soft bedsheets to make you feel like you're snuggling under a pile of soft, luxurious marshmallows. Plus, these have a cooling effect so that those of you who live in hot climates or experience night sweats or hot flashes (and seriously, where were these when I was pregnant?!) are able to slumber on in peace. And if you don't believe me, then maybe you'll believe the 245,000 5-star reviews. *sips tea* And a pair of game-changing cooling pillowcases so you don't overheat in the middle of the night and wake up covered in buckets of sweat. You'll feel like you're living in a 5-star hotel. A pack of unscented antiperspirant wipes for those of you who sweat the absolute second you leave your home — no matter what the weather may be. Now you can finally wear a light-colored top without fear that a huge sweat stain will take away from the aesthetics of your perfect 'fit. Yeah, you're gonna look so fetch. A Windex outdoor glass cleaner for anyone who's ever thought, "How the heck do I clean that high-up window??" Climbing a huge ladder and wobbling while trying to clean sounds... shall we say, not fun? But this'll change the game. Just attach the Windex bottle to your hose and spray the solution all over the place! ✨Sparkling windows✨ everywhere. Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo because sometimes that alarm just does not go off (or ya hit snooze like 50 times... same thing), and you really don't have time for an actual shower, but you still need to revive those greasy locks (thanks humidity 🙄). This will bring some volume to your hair without leaving behind any residue or powder (like some other dry shampoos might). Plus, it has a gorgeous gardenia scent that is sure to turn some heads as you walk through your office halls. Medicube's "Zero Pore" Pads to make your skin feel as smooth as that silk scarf you keep eyeing at that fancy department store. This is a beloved Korean skincare secret that many people swear by, thanks to the magical mix of lactic and salicylic acid that'll help both exfoliate and refine your pores. A smooth edge can opener so you can pop off the top of any regular can to take your plain ol' Coke to a whole new ~level~ by adding some ice, mixers, ice cream, or rum! No need to pack some disposable cups for your upcoming beach trip, just some cans and this lil' tool. An oscillating tower fan, because you need a way to stay cool this summer that won't cost you an arm and a leg in electricity bills (thanks, AC unit). This has six speeds, three modes, *and* it's surprisingly quiet despite how powerful it is. A portable air compressor you can whip out anytime that dreaded little "low tire pressure" message pops up on your dashboard — without needing to stop at the gas station. It has a real-time pressure monitor to inflate flat car and bike tires on the go *and* a built-in LED light so you can use it at night. Plus, it boasts an impressive one-minute inflation, so you won't be stuck waiting on the side of the road for hours upon hours halfway through your summer road trip! A scrunchie/towel hybrid for anyone who's ever taken a bit too long in the morning shower and is now running late to work. This ~genius~ scrunchy will help dry your hair without you needing to fiddle with any heat tools during the hot months of summer, which is perfect because frankly, you're chronically running behind schedule anyway. A Java Sock that not only will dress up that delicious iced latte you order every day before work, but will also keep your yummy drink cold for *hours*. Anddd it'll stop your drink from sweating all over your desk and laptop. It's about to be your favorite accessory. A refillable roll-on sponge sunscreen applicator with a rollerball inside because you're tired of rubbing sunscreen into your figgity toddler's skin with your slippery fingers as they try their very best to evade your grasp. Oh yeah, your beach days are about to get a whole lot better. A ChomChom pet hair remover roller to save you from painstakingly (and ineffectively) lint-rolling your furniture from the unspeakable amount of shedding your furry bestie leaves behind in their wake. All you have to do is empty the roller when it's full, and it's good to go — no wasteful and annoying sticky sheets required! A pack of Elephant Trax labels so you can keep all of your boxes neatly organized, and never again forget whether or not you truly bought that one coat, or if you just dreamed it. You can attach the sticker to the box, take pics of everything you've packed, and you'll be able to just scan the QR code and know what's inside! We're halfway through summer, but at least now you can finally stash those winter coats away without fear of never being able to find them again.
Business Insider
23-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
I grew my career at TikTok from intern to global product marketing manager before quitting. Here's what working there was like.
This as-told-to essay is based on an interview with Sarah Teng, a former global product marketing manager for TikTok. It has been edited for length and clarity When I first started working for TikTok in December 2020, it was so new in the US that it was pretty rare to meet another person who worked there. I joined while doing an MSc in Information Technology & Management at the University of Texas at Austin. I'd completed two summer internships at Accenture. I enjoyed it, but it was very corporate, and I felt my personality was more suited to something more casual in the tech space. TikTok was a much better fit for me. My professor connected me to someone who worked at TikTok I was then connected to a recruiter on TikTok's HR team. She explained to me she was hiring for an intern position that would start immediately. Since my master's classes were online and this role was part-time and remote, I was able to juggle them both. I was interviewed by a hiring manager and someone I could be working with. I passed the interview and agreed to work 20 to 30 hours a week for an hourly fee. When I joined, Trump had just brought the idea of banning TikTok to life. TikTok was on a hiring freeze, but they could hire interns. I was excited about getting the job, as it's a very cool, trendy company to work at. TikTok sent me a huge welcome package I received a pair of TikTok embroidered Allbirds wool running shoes, a Parkland backpack, sweatshirts, a branded beach towel, a Bluetooth speaker, and an Owala water bottle. The office in Austin had around 600 employees. Everyone worked remotely. It was weird joining the company and not meeting anyone face-to-face. For my online orientation, I watched videos, read many internal documents, and was given a timeline of what would be achievable during my internship. As time went on, I evolved in my role I started as a technical product specialist for the ads department. I troubleshooted issues for small businesses buying ads on TikTok. If there was a product bug, I escalated it to the product manager to get it solved. I was on a team of five, but everyone else was a product marketing manager. I started to become interested in their role, and so my coworkers took me under their wing and taught me how to do their jobs. By the end of my internship, I was probably doing 50% of my hired role and 50% product marketing work. I asked my manager if I could interview for a full-time position as a product marketing manager The company was growing and needed more product marketing managers. I also asked if I could work from the New York office. I didn't need to live in New York, as I'd still be working remotely, and the New York office was under construction, but I wanted the experience. I interviewed and was offered the job. I moved to New York in August 2021 and rented an apartment with one of my college friends. I became a product marketing manager for ads I worked with the product manager to ensure that all of our products were ready to go to market. I learned a lot, and I learned quickly. If it were a launch, we'd recruit our target customers and do research with them to ensure that the product was on the right track. If the products were already live, I'd work with customers to understand their pain points and find out how we could improve the existing product. One product I helped launch was Video Insights, which shared how much engagement you had at each point in your video. I visited the office for the first time in October 2022 The view of the New York skyline from the office was amazing. During the winter months, when the sun would set early, it was the ultimate place to watch sunsets. The walls were decorated with cool murals and neon artwork by local artists. The kitchen was filled with free snacks like Kit-Kats, Cup Noodles, and coffee. Over two years, the office changed dramatically They built a giant amphitheatre, the famed pink corridor, the gender neutral bathroom with its fit check mosaic, and an entertainment room with games for when creators visited. There were yoga lessons for staff, and speakers visited often. I listened to comedian Zarna Garg and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. I also joined many wine and pizza nights. We went through at least one, if not multiple, reorganizations each year One of these reorganizations involved dissolving my team, and we were moved to other teams in January 2022. I moved onto a global team. I traveled to Europe for a three-week business trip, visiting offices in London, Paris, and Berlin. I also visited the ByteDance campus in Shanghai. My job was similar, but the product managers I was now working with were based in China. Due to the time zones, it was tough to maintain consistency. Late-night meetings would pop up, and if I wasn't online when everyone else woke at night, it would make me stressed. By October 2023, we were asked to work in the office three days a week I'd now reached a point where I was sharing tips and tricks with new staff, and I met with summer interns who reached out for coffee chats. In March 2024, there were congressional hearings to see where Congress stood on TikTok. That was when a lot of people internally felt like maybe we should look around, so that's when I started to think about trying to find another job. The shutdown was in January 2025 TikTok was only banned for 12 hours, but I had left in June 2024. The previous summer, I met someone in an airport lounge who worked in tech. He ended up being the cofounder of Californian software company Emerge Tools. I now work for them remotely. I miss the people I worked with at TikTok a lot. I'd grown with them as an organization from such an early time, and I felt like I had a lot of ownership and impact on the work that I did. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with TikTok and am grateful for the opportunities I had there.
