We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Bhatnagar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, is there something you believe many others might not?
Okay so—I’m 20 years old right now and this is my take at this very moment in time (that may very much change in the future!)—but it’s using emojis in emails. I personally love to! I’m a big smiley face and heart emoji girl no matter if I’m talking to my mom or the editor of a fancy magazine. I love feeling everything that comes with being human, and hate when the corporate world feels so gray and faceless if that makes sense? I think we should show our emotions more.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I first started my book drive, I remember one man who donated books to me told me, “Anyone who tells you one person can’t change the world is wrong. It starts with changing one life, then another, then another.” I think about that quote often. I wonder if everyone had those words in the back of their mind, would the world be a better place? One person can’t heal the world, but every person can look out for one another to heal the world. Check in on your neighbors, hug your family, and reach out to your friends. It’s the seemingly little things that matter most.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So I’m originally from a cozy small town in Gaithersburg, Maryland, but since we’re talking about LA here, I’ll try my very best! I love LA! If my best friend (Anna!) was visiting, first of all I know for a fact she wouldn’t listen to me. She 101% knows better than to listen to me and my crazy ideas (in high school, I really wanted her to talk to this boy and came up with a whole elaborate plan to DM him for a fake project and then “casually” bring her up, and I think that was her last straw). But in the VERY rare event she listened, honestly…the Hollywood sign at sunset! It mesmerizes me each and every time. I don’t think there will ever be a time I’ll see it and not feel like a changed woman in a Hallmark movie.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I will never be able to thank my family enough. Being in high school and starting a nonprofit is hard in itself, but it really helps when your parents are so cheery and enthusiastic to help (and your older brother knows how to drive!). I wouldn’t be 1% of who I am today without them.

Website: https://www.forloveandbuttercup.com

Instagram: @forloveandbuttercup

Other: Anyone wanting to donate used books can DM me on Instagram! My Amazon Wishlist is in my Instagram bio.

Image Credits
Anne Calamuci
Huen Photography
Emily Bhatnagar
Anna Webster
Huen Photography
Anna Webster

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