" alt="What’s got you sleeping like a baby?">

What’s got you sleeping like a baby?

There’s a theory that says when babies are learning a new skill, they’ll practice in their sleep causing havoc with sleep schedules. Imagine being all snug and cozy, sleeping away, when some part of your brain says ‘Time to practice! Roll over now!’ So you roll onto your tummy and … you’re awake. Startled, excited…

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" alt="Turning your bruises into badges of honour">

Turning your bruises into badges of honour

In the week leading up to Easter, I felt like I was in the middle of a sh*tstorm. Every time I turned around, there was one more crisis, one more screw up, one more problem to solve … and not enough hours in the day. From our bank accidentally freezing our accounts, to our electrician…

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" alt="My social media detox">

My social media detox

I’ve been a political junkie all my life. I can’t remember when my obsession started but by the time I enrolled in journalism school at 18 I was hooked. Over the years I’ve covered the town council beat for weekly newspapers, had a poster of Ed Broadbent on my university apartment wall, led the news…

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" alt="Why we love Adele">

Why we love Adele

The word ‘authentic’ just may be the most over-used word in the branding world. It’s a ruined word – ruined by people in an industry that preach plain language and then throw around big words to sound intelligent. I’m as guilty as anyone. Authentic used to appeal to me. It sounded fresh and smart. I’ve…

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" alt="Making Memories this Christmas">

Making Memories this Christmas

I’m thinking of taking a holiday this Christmas – a real one. A leave my laptop at home kind of holiday. I’ve run my own business for 14 years now and the longest I’ve been away from a computer is 24 hours. That was last month when my baby had to go to the Apple…

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" alt="Confessions of a brand addict">

Confessions of a brand addict

There are two kinds of women in this world: those who can cheat on their hairdresser and those who can’t. I can’t. Not on my hairdresser, my butcher, my wine store, my favourite restaurants. Now don’t get me wrong, if I’m looking for a new ‘supplier’, I have no problem dating. I’ll test out hairdressers,…

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Shannon Larkins

Shannon Larkins

Hi I’m Shannon, founder of Blackcoffee. A former reporter, spin doctor and politico, I now focus on using those instincts where they matter most.

I create powerful brands for clients and help shape how their stories are understood in the world. I’m also rather addicted to my nutty family, dogs with pushed-in faces, Mexico and of course coffee ... black.