Mara Leighton
- Associate Director, GrowthX AI
- None, Business Insider Singapore
- None, Business Insider, INSIDER
New York
Strategy and Ops @ Verbatim, helping startups build content engines that generate demand. Formerly senior reporter @businessinsider (she/her)
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Mara Leighton
M.Gemi's Felize loafers are my holy grail of suede shoes
Updated Copy link Email Facebook WhatsApp X LinkedIn Bluesky Threads An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link The Felize loafers by M.Gemi are a perfect showcase of the brand's tagline: "Made in Italy the old way and sold the new way." Founder Maria Gangemi grew up along the olive tree-lined streets of Sicily.
An influencer said her head 'exploded' on a plane after a cat-eye surgery
Influencer Weronika said her head "exploded" during an airplane ride after a neck lift and cat-eye cosmetic surgery (which she detailed on her Instagram). The October 21 TikTok has since been viewed almost 7 million times. In a series of storytime posts, Weronika explained that she had fallen asleep on the plane from Turkey to the UK and woke up to a lot of pain in her ear and the back of her head, where she had stitches from the top of her ear to the back middle part of her head.
This dog DNA test helped me figure out what breed my rescue dog is and what health conditions to watch out for
mleighton@insider.com (Mara Leighton) This dog DNA test helped me figure out what breed my rescue dog is and what health conditions to watch out for : When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Even if you picked up your puppy from the pound with no information — and you've been guessing or making up breeds to satisfy strangers' curiosity ever since — there is a way to actually know the precise origins of your furry best friend.
Coursera is offering 90% of its online classes to college students for free until September 30, 2020 — here's how to enroll
mleighton@insider.com (Mara Leighton) When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Online learning platform Coursera is giving current undergraduate, graduate, and recent graduates with a verified school email access to 90% of its site for free. For $0 (and no credit card even needed at checkout), students gain access to 3,800 classes, 150 Guided Projects, 400 Specializations, and 11 Professional Certificates.
These retail companies are lending clothes to women political candidates
mleighton@insider.com (Mara Leighton) When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Running for public office is demanding. It's time-consuming, exhausting, and expensive. And, for women candidates, research shows that it may require jumping through higher hurdles than those required for male candidates.
The EPA recommends using these home-cleaning products on surfaces to protect against the new coronavirus
mleighton@insider.com (Mara Leighton) The EPA recommends using these home-cleaning products on surfaces to protect against the new coronavirus : When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Editor's note: Many items on this list are currently out of stock, but we've kept the links in just in case they become available again. We'll continue to update this article with accurate pricing information as often as possible.
We've reviewed dozens of Everlane styles over the years — here are our 20 favorites and what to expect from each
Everlane's Mary Jane puts a retro spin on the basic ballet flat. It comes in three materials — black leather, black velvet, and tan velvet — and has a sleek almond toe that makes the classic style feel a bit more grown-up. After sporting a pair, former style and beauty editor Ashley Phillips suggests ordering a half size up to get the perfect fit. She also says her black velvet pair is less durable than leather and warns the sole is a bit slick despite its textured rubber.
Your guide to all 14 of Nordstrom's in-house clothing brands
Nordstrom is known for carrying everything from luxury designer goods to buzzy new startup gear. It also has a lesser-known wealth of 20+ in-house brands that deliver on style for a lower cost. Below, you'll find a cheat sheet to Nordstrom's in-house brands. Nordstrom is home to both luxe designer goods, buzzy new startups (ever heard of Pop-Ins?), and the sort of loyal customer base that comes from having in-store pickup, loyalty perks, and lovely customer service.
The 59 best graduation gift ideas
Whether your grad is going to college or leaving, they'll want a handy pouch to show their school spirit. We love these customizable pouches from Uncommon Goods, as they are functional and artistic items. Celebrity-loved luggage brand Béis makes one of our favorite carry-on bags. Help your graduate jet-set to wherever they need to go in style with a roomy, durable suitcase. Our Béis Carry-On Roller review has more details on why we love this bag.
The 39 best gifts for music lovers and musicians
Top gift ideas for music lovers include headphones, speakers, and fun music-themed accessories. Updated Copy link Email Facebook WhatsApp X LinkedIn Bluesky Threads An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link Shopping for a music lover can be tricky, so we've rounded up a versatile lineup of gifts for anyone who loves to listen, play, or create their own tunes.
The 39 best gifts for music lovers and musicians
Top gift ideas for music lovers include headphones, speakers, and fun music-themed accessories. Updated Copy link Email Facebook WhatsApp X LinkedIn Bluesky Threads An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link Shopping for a music lover can be tricky, so we've rounded up a versatile lineup of gifts for anyone who loves to listen, play, or create their own tunes.
48 best gifts for aunts, from luxurious scented candles to a high-end cooking class
The viral Bogg Bag is perfect for moms or anyone on the go. It's spacious, durable, easy to clean, and endlessly customizable with dozens of color options and add-on accessories. It's the bag your aunt never knew she needed. For a personalized gift at the affordable price of just $35, you can't go wrong with this personalized pet portrait ornament. It'll make a unique and festive addition to your aunt's holiday décor.
The 35 Best Gifts for Music Lovers and Musicians
Updated Facebook Email X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky WhatsApp Copy link An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link While nearly everyone enjoys music, it's more than a passing interest for some. Music lovers derive great enjoyment and inspiration from listening to, playing, or even creating their own music.
After sleeping under this bestselling $50 weighted blanket, I think it lives up to the hype — here's why
Written by Mara Leighton and Kinsley Searles edited by Jaclyn Turner When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more The YnM weighted blanket comes in a variety of styles, sizes, and weights for a comforting feel. Kinsley Searles/Business Insider 2025-09-12T20:36:56Z Facebook Email X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky WhatsApp Copy link An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.
21 best women's workwear brands for standing out at the office
Written by Samantha Crozier , Gabrielle Chase , and Mara Leighton When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more The best workwear brands have pieces that are stylish, can take you through multiple seasons, and are high-quality enough to last a long time. Rebecca Strong, Sally Kaplan, Samantha Crozier, Sarah Chiwaya / Business Insider Updated 2025-05-02T20:01:42Z Facebook Email X LinkedIn Copy link An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.
100 książek, które musisz przeczytać choć raz w życiu. Klasyki i nowości, które zmieniają spojrzenie na świat
W 2010 r. podliczono, że na całym świecie powstało blisko 130 mln książek (dokładnie 129,864,880 według wyliczeń Google). Po ponad dekadzie jest ich już z pewnością o wiele więcej. To oznacza m.in. że nawet gdybyśmy rzucili pracę i przestali sypiać, nie istnieje możliwość, by udało nam się przeczytać wszystkie książki, jakie powstały. Co to oznacza dla miłośników literatury? Przede wszystkim, że warto zacząć mądrze dokonywać wyboru.
Blue Bottle Coffee Subscription Review
Written by Mara Leighton edited by Lily Alig When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more With the Blue Bottle At Home service, you can get the same perfect, but hard-to-find coffee sent to your door as frequently as you like. Blue Bottle Coffee 2023-08-01T14:17:05Z Facebook Email X LinkedIn Copy link An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.
Takeya Cold-Brew Coffee Maker Review
Written by Mara Leighton edited by Sally Kaplan When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Save money and time by making cold brew at home with the Takeya Cold-Brew Coffee Maker. Takeya Updated 2023-07-24T18:46:00Z Facebook Email X LinkedIn Copy link An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account?
12 places to buy wine online to try something new or stock up on favorites — from Wine Insiders to FreshDirect
Written by Mara Leighton and Connie Chen When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Updated 2022-07-15T17:19:14Z Facebook Email X LinkedIn Copy link An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? . Online wine stores are a convenient place to shop for vino without leaving your home.
This crossbody is actually a sophisticated DSLR camera bag in disguise — it was the only purse I used for a 12-day trip to France
Written by Mara Leighton edited by Lauren Savoie When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more I've owned a DSLR for four years, but the Claremont is the only reason I've started packing my "real" camera for trips again. Lo & Sons Updated 2025-05-28T18:29:40Z Facebook Email X LinkedIn Copy link An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.
21 best women's workwear brands for standing out at the office
Everlane may seem too casual for workwear, but the brand is a go-to for foundational basics for any office wardrobe. Everlane is an internet darling, partly thanks to transparent pricing in an industry that has traditionally relied upon markups. We shop here primarily for basics that are above-average in quality and below-average in price. We like Everlane's shoes, leather bags, cotton shirts, and work pants.
Thrive Market review: Worth it if you regularly buy organic and non-GMO pantry staples
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more When I first tried Thrive Market, I was just coming out of essentially a reverse cleanse: a 12-pack of macaroni and cheese that I bought at a "great deal" discount on Amazon groceries. After a couple of months of eating that and an unrelated health scare, I was ready to commit to a complete pantry overhaul. That's when I started shopping at Thrive Market.
Revisión del suéter de cachemira Naadam 2024
Naadam es una marca de cachemira directa al consumidor que llamó mucho la atención hace unos años cuando anunciaron su famoso “Suéter de cachemira esencial de $ 75”. Lo rebautizaron como “Jersey de cachemir original” cuando subieron el precio a $98 en octubre de 2023. Solo durante este fin de semana, volvió a bajar a $75. Un jersey de cuello redondo de lujo con un precio accesible y que combina con todo.
The Brooklinen Down Comforter has held up for 1,000+ nights. Here's why it's the most comfortable duvet we've tested Original
I've been researching and testing products for five years, and one of the products I recommend most to my friends and family is the best comforter we've ever tested: the Brooklinen All-Season Down Comforter. I've used it every night I've slept at home for more than three years, and it's held up perfectly.
This $98 cashmere sweater from Naadam looks and feels way more expensive than it is — there's a reason I keep choosing it over the pricier options in my closet
I've gotten so much use from my Naadam cashmere sweater that the cost-per-wear has been whittled down to the single digits by now. This soft, cozy crewneck keeps me warm, even in the wind-tunnel like streets of New York in the winter. I love to wear it as a base layer because it's naturally insulating, but it also looks smart layered atop a button-down when I'm at the office. And best of all, it's barely pilled in the year-plus I've worn it.
The Brooklinen Down Comforter has held up for 1,000+ nights. Here's why it's the most comfortable duvet we've tested
I've been researching and testing products for five years, and one of the products I recommend most to my friends and family is the best comforter we've ever tested: the Brooklinen All-Season Down Comforter. I've used it every night I've slept at home for more than three years, and it's held up perfectly.
ClassPass trial: How to sign up for a free 2 weeks
If you love to mix up your workouts with Pilates, spin, boxing, HIIT, yoga, reformer classes, and more, ClassPass is worth considering. The class-booking platform lets you try thousands of workouts from coveted boutique studios in person to live streams from tried-and-true trainers and brands, all for a monthly subscription. More appealing than its wide range of offerings is that ClassPass offers a free 14-day trial.
31 quirky white elephant gifts under $50 Original
A tortilla blanket Amazon CASOFU Tortilla Blankets Wrapping up in a cozy blanket is always nice, but wrapping yourself like a burrito in a tortilla blanket is a completely different experience — especially for foodies. A weird but comfortable prawn neck pillow Amazon Shrimp Neck Pillow Comfortable but unabashedly bizarre — the perfect white elephant gift.
Naked Wines review: We used the $100 voucher and loved our case of easy-drinking, indie wines
If buying unique wines at wholesale prices and having them delivered to your doorstep sounds ideal, you should check out Nakedwines.com. The company invests in over 150 indie winemakers around the world and uses a lean business model to bring unique, high-end wines to market for cheap. For shoppers, Nakedwines.com is a relatively inexpensive way to get good, unique wines sent to their door and be part of the wine community.
The Insider Reviews team tests hundreds of skincare brands each year — these are the 24 we keep coming back to
Cocokind Cocokind All of Cocokind's products are 100% organic and tucked away in reusable or recyclable packaging. The brand also consistently donates a portion of its profits to organizations focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Affordable and gentle, the brand's products even and smooth out my dry, sensitive skin. Plus, I love supporting a small, woman-owned business.
39 creative gifts for music lovers, from custom vinyl to inspired decor
While everyone enjoys music, for some, it's more than just a passing interest. Music lovers derive great enjoyment and inspiration from listening to, playing, or even creating their own music. If this sounds like someone on your shopping list, we found 40 gifts that will make their heart sing, from the best music players and turntables to accessories that nod to their favorite hobby. No matter their musical experience or favorite genre, these gifts are sure to hit all the right notes.
33 Best High School Graduation Gifts for Him in 2024
A smart suitcase that charges devices and has 360° wheels Away Instagram Away Carry On The Away suitcase has become extremely popular for a few good reasons. It's lightweight, comes in a variety of colors, and has both an ejectable battery built-in to charge all devices and 360° wheels. Especially if he's headed more than a car's drive away after high school, he'll be extremely grateful for a nice suitcase. It'll also come in handy when the time comes to travel.
The 55 Best College Graduation Gifts for Her in 2024
A savvy suitcase Away Away The Carry-On The Away Carry-On is a fantastic gift for college graduates who are ready to embark on their next adventure. This sleek and durable luggage piece is designed with functionality and style in mind. It features a compact size that meets most airline regulations, allowing for hassle-free travel. The thoughtful design includes a built-in battery to charge devices on the go, a compression system for efficient packing, and a durable shell to protect belongings.
45 Best College Graduation Gifts for Him in 2024
A sleek wallet he can keep forever Bellroy Bellroy wallets last pretty much forever, which is one reason why they take the top spot in our buying guide to the best men's wallets. This Note Sleeve is a best-seller. It's compact but big enough for 4-11 cards — the most important cards go in the easy-access slots and the rest can be stored in a pull tab. A popular, stylish suitcase The Medium Flex looks quite similar to the original Away Medium suitcase.
Casper now solves the most annoying thing about ordering a mattress online — by recycling your old one for you
Reviews It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Home Reviews Casper will deliver your new mattress, set it up, and take your old mattress and box spring with them to be recycled. Casper JUMP TO Section It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.
A timeline of Chris Chan's incest charge and dismissal, which came after years of online trolling that documented the creator's relationship with her mother Original
Culture Chandler was arrested in August 2021 and charged with one count of incest. Christina Chandler/Facebook This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? . A recording of internet creator Christine Chandler admitting to having sex with her mother went viral in 2021. Chandler, known online as Chris Chan, was arrested in August 2021 and charged with incest.
The 20 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos
Sulfates get a bad rap in the beauty industry — mostly for a good reason. While typically a safe and effective cleanser, sulfates can simply be too good at their job — washing away more oil than is necessary, leaving hair feeling dry and brittle or the skin and scalp feeling itchy and irritated. "Since sulfates are harsh cleansing agents, they are prone to drying hair out," Shab Reslan, a certified trichologist and NYC hairstylist, told Business Insider.
The 36 best Mary Janes for stepping into summer mode
The Mary Jane is a classic for several good reasons. And because the style is currently back in full force this summer, we've gathered our favorite style editor-approved Mary Janes to suit a range of personal tastes. There's a pair on this list for everyone, from bedazzled ballet flats to the sophisticated G.H.BASS Mary Jane Weejuns that combine everything you love about loafers with a Mary Jane.
We put the cult-favorite Spanx Perfect Pants to the test and it felt like we were wearing leggings to work
Updated Facebook Email X LinkedIn Copy link An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link What you wear to work — much like what you wear on an eight-hour flight — can make all the difference in your day. The best women's work clothes have a stacked résumé: professional, versatile, easy to care for, comfortable, and affordable.
We put the cult-favorite Spanx Perfect Pants to the test and it felt like we were wearing leggings to work
Written by Mara Leighton edited by Amir Ismael When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Sally Kaplan/Business Insider Updated 2024-05-21T20:09:20Z Facebook Email X LinkedIn Copy link An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? .
7 behind-the-scenes secrets from the daredevil filming of ‘The Blue Angels’ documentary
Hop in and buckle up: It’s going to be a wild ride. Amazon Studios’ new documentary The Blue Angels offers an inside look at the Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron, placing viewers in the cockpit for a thrilling display of aerial derring-do from the world’s premier jet team. The documentary will play exclusively in IMAX theaters for one week beginning May 17 and will be available to stream globally on Prime Video beginning May 23.
Body-positive startup Parade makes some of the most comfortable underwear we've ever tried, and pairs start at $8
Reviews It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Style Parade When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Parade is one body-positive brand waxing in popularity as longtime industry icons such as Victoria's Secret wane. You've probably seen its ads for the best underwear for women on Instagram by now, full of unapologetically bright colors and models that look like they all hang out in real life.
M.Gemi's Felize loafers are my holy grail of suede shoes
Updated Copy link Email Facebook WhatsApp X LinkedIn Bluesky Threads An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link The Felize loafers by M.Gemi are a perfect showcase of the brand's tagline: "Made in Italy the old way and sold the new way." Founder Maria Gangemi grew up along the olive tree-lined streets of Sicily.
The 20 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos
Reviews It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Beauty The best sulfate-free shampoos guarantee a more gentle, nourishing cleanse for every wash day. Amazon; Sephora/Business Insider This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? . When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission.
Finally, someone made a work-appropriate backpack that makes sense for professional women
Reviews It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Style Dagne Dover's Dakota Backpack has so many pockets for convenient storage. Dagne Dover When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more I've tried a dozen backpacks in my time testing products. And while I've enjoyed many, there's one that stands out for its excellence across the board: Dagne Dover's Dakota Backpack.
Everlane Day Glove review: 7 years later, these flats are still the most comfortable pair we've ever worn
Everlane's Day Glove flats have deservedly become one of the brand's signature pieces. Our team has tested dozens of the women's flats over the years, but these chic, minimalist-style ballets remain the ones to beat. Their padded insoles are supremely comfortable for walking, and the soft, pliable Italian leather only gets better with age. They even have ventilation holes so your they don't end up smelling like sweaty feet.
Harper Wilde makes affordable bras in sizes up to 42F — here's what 4 people of different sizes had to say about the fit and feel
Reviews It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Style Harper Wilde This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? . When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Feminine underwear has gotten markedly better in the startup age, with companies bringing innovation to basic items and leaner business models to the market.
Why Everlane's Day Ballet Flats are the perfect shoe to pair with all your fall outfits
Reviews It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Style In Pale Pink, you can fully channel your inner Prima Ballerina. Ashley Phillips/Business Insider This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? . JUMP TO Section It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.
20 perfect rom-coms to watch on Prime Video for Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, love is in the air—and that may put you in the mood for a cozy night in with the perfect rom-com. Overwhelmed by options? Don’t fret. Below you’ll find 20 romantic comedy films available to watch now, all directly on Prime Video.
Naked Wines review: The $100 voucher is a legit deal, and members get to support the indie wine community
Reviews It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Kitchen Nakedwines.com sells affordable bottles that are what I'd call "easy drinking" wines — perfect for casual drinking. Nakedwines JUMP TO Section It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Mara
Contact Mara, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack