theSkimm

I spend way too much time on the internet on pop culture, hot gossip, and the perfect outfit. Superficial, girlie, and way-too-blonde. I am trying to change, and one of my goals in 2013 is to make more of an effort to read and be more up to date with current events. No one likes a blonde who can comment solely on US weekly tabloid press….but watching the news puts me to sleep (seriously), and I barely have enough time to read the styles section of the NYTimes, let alone the front page! But I think I have a solution…

Thank you, theSkimm, for making keeping up with current events and news so cool, easy, and fun!

the Skimm

theSkimm is a daily newsletter that simplifies headlines for the educated professional (or stay-at-home mom). Delivered to your inbox before the start of the day (around 6 am), the Skimm summarizes all the current events in a fresh, smart, and tongue-and-cheek manner. It gives you enough information to have an educational conversation and does so in a fun and interesting voice! Their motto is “We read, you Skimm.”

The beginning of today's newsletter

The beginning of today’s newsletter

the Skimm was launched in July 2012 by Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin; two young, savvy, professional roommates who happened to meet while studying abroad in college. And look at them now! theSkimm is taking off and inspiring us all to be more informed, aware, and in touch with the news! I had the opportunity to interview Danielle and Carly — take a look! And don’t forget to subscribe immediately!

Carly and Danielle. Photo taken by

Carly and Danielle. Photo taken by Sophie Elgort.

Question: How did you come up with the idea?

theSkimm was born out of what we saw as a void in the market. In our former careers as TV producers, we saw that our friends, who were highly educated and had great jobs, had no time. They wanted to be informed. They wanted news on the go but there was no product out there that they felt connected to and wanted to come  back to each morning. We created theSkimm as a way to get your news in a way you enjoy and start your morning off right.

Question: Who writes the post each morning?

We both write!

Question: What time do you go to bed each night to make sure you have all the most recent and up to date information?

We don’t sleep much. We like to joke theSkimm is our newborn and it keeps us awake. We do get some sleep in (we need it!) but are up when the newsletter goes out.

Question: What is your dream outcome for the newsletter?

This is just the beginning. We see theSkimm as a lifestyle for the informed and engaged user on the go.

Question: Who is your target audience?

theSkimm is inspired by our friends who are women in their 20s with busy careers and social lives. But theSkimm has a much wider appeal and we are so grateful for all of our readers.

Question: I read (on refinery 29) that you are roommates and business partners, what are the upsides of this close relationship?

We are friends first. We know when the other needs space, what the other’s strengths are, and what the other’s go-to snacks are. There is a level of trust that is needed to launch a business and neither of us can imagine doing this without having been such good friends and roommates first.

Question: Were you both always interested in current events?

Always. We each grew up as book worms and news junkies. At age 8, Carly would be late for school because she wanted to watch more of the “Today” show (not its target demo) and would ask so many questions about breaking news her parents told her to get a job as a gossip reporter or a PI. Growing up in Chicago, politics were always a dinner table topic of conversation and a young Danielle really enjoyed participating in discussing Bill Clinton’s troubles.

Question: What websites do you like to surf when not working? Guilty, superficial, Girly vices?

We are very good procrastinators. Guilty pleasures include: People.com, TheSuperficial, Refinery29, DailyMail, Gilt, The Outnet, and we still check whatshouldwecallme tumblr

Question: Where do you get most of your information from? (Sources)?

We read a LOT. And don’t reveal our sources 🙂

Question: How big is your team?

Just us!

Follow them on twitter @theskimm, subscribe, and become informed!

Josie Girl

7 Comments

  1. I LOVE theSkimm. News on the go and it makes me feel smarter. Great interview! Good to know who is behind the newsletter.

  2. who needs the skimm when i have josie blog!! just kidding – thanks for the tip – i def need something like this.

    • REENEY — you will LOVE THIS! I promise you!!!! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it!

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