“Like a good conversation with a cool older sister” is how one reader described Fort Bianchi.
I stared this newsletter to create something I’d want to read. I wanted a newsletter for me, and other women that pushed the connection farther than cozy product recommendations. In a world that was never built with women in mind, I wanted to build a newsletter ONLY kept women in mind. In images, quotes, resources, and you. In sum: Fort Bianchi is a corner of the world that I share what inspires me and the things that inform my choices on how to navigate this world.
However how serious it all might sound, I try to balance this with the levity of my clumsy vulnerability. I express, inform, let lose here.
I built this “Fort” through 3 types of publications: Backpack, Front Pocket, and Field Notes.
Backpack: I explore a singular theme (usually timely) and pack up recommendations, inspirations, and resources that have helped me navigate it.
Some popular Backpacks have been: Packed with FULL CAPS, Pride, TherapyFront Pocket is a short dispatch of easily reachable, small guilty pleasures and hot takes packed so tightly - so you don’t have to scroll.
Field Notes: While Backpack and Front Pocket aim to pack up actionable things, Field Notes is reflective. It’s as if you are reading an intimate letter from a close friend, that close friend being yours truly.
Backpack and Front Pocket are delivered interchangeably (bi-weekly) on Fridays. Field Notes is delivered occasionally on Sundays.
Who am I?
My dad will tell you I am a piece of work. Of which, I am here to assure you, I am. My name is Bianca, also called Bianchi by a few loved ones, your host, the creator of the Fort, and the packer of your bags.
I am from Jersey, something I am proud of; but for now, I call Florida home. My first job was a middle school science teacher in Miami, my second job was running a tech bootcamp, and most recently I am a Senior Product Manager at a security company. But here, none of that matters. I won’t be giving out tech-bro podcast advice here. I will outline general work advice though!
The way more interesting stuff about me: I was exposed to anti-racism work backed in 2013 and have since been working through it, I moved to LA to sleep on a friend’s couch get a job, and take improv classes, I have cycled across the country, I was raised by a lot of aunts. I go to therapy for co-dependency and my therapist told me I have the “gift of gab.” And of course, I use this gift in my writing. I have a lot of things to say.
I believe that we (women) are not free until we are all free, and having at least one girls' trip on the calendar every year is necessary for the soul. Last but not least - I believe in leading by example, so if ever ask or encourage you to do something in any of these works - it’s because I did it or I am trying. If any of that speaks to you - I think you should subscribe.
I asked readers how fort Bianchi makes them feel, this is what they said:
cool, informed, and inspired
Uplifted!
Refreshed and empowered
belonging
Informed
Connected
like I’m having a chat with a friend
these are all copy and pasted from the survey ^.
What readers have said about Fort Bianchi:
"It’s got a small dose of all things actually important that are affecting us on a macro and micro level. While staying honest and open minded. Ah there’s also entertainment. Bianca is witty and keeps us on our toes. She likes to also share her personal fav sources or inspos."
“I fucking love your newsletter, Bianca! I def had to channel your ‘not dwelling on the have-nots’ this morning when I woke up and it was snowing and I was feeling pissy about it.”
"I love that it feels raw, like you aren’t selling me any products but you’re really just telling the world how you feel. I think that’s a very of-the-moment vibe. I feel like it gets emotional, and I like that."
“Backpack is my favorite newsletter. Hands. DOWN. Bianca knows how to create content that speaks to my soul.”
“A great way to reset your mindset for the weekend. This newsletter touches on relevant topics and themes for 20 to 30-something-year-olds and offers sound advice that isn’t preachy. We are all flawed; Backpack shows we can work little by little to polish ourselves to shine even with our cracks. I look forward to opening these emails every week.”
Oh wow, you kept reading…
Well, here are some Fort Rules I abide by when putting these works together in case you are interested:
Links: You won't find Amazon or Walmart links ever.
If there is a link to a product, I try very hard to make sure it's a small business and even more a woman or minority-owned business. A good example of this is last year’s Holiday guide (all women-owned businesses!)
References: I have a hard and fast rule with Backpacks that the pictures, quotes, and lyrics are only from women through politics, pop culture, music, or life.
The only exceptions I've made are drag queens and James Baldwin.
This rule also applies to Front Pocket, but I am more forgiving about it over there - if it's worth it.
