Hello. I’m Aminatou Sow, a writer and interviewer.
Chances are you found your way here because you like my impeccably curated IG stories. Maybe you’ve read my book or listened to my podcast? If so thank you. And if not, that’s OK too.
Welcome to Crème de la Crème, the best of the best in your inbox, every week.
What am I signing up for?
Wow you’re in for a real treat. This newsletter will feature thoughtful cultural commentary as well as my observations on tv, books, culture, politics, tech, capitalism, skincare, scams…basically anything that delights or infuriates me. There will also be occasional, tasteful product recommendations because I buy a lot of things and I have strong opinions about anything I spend my money on.
How much does it cost?
Good question! Anyone who knows me knows that I am really vocal about paying people and that I love money but this weekly newsletter is basically free. Yes, free.99!
There are 3 paid options: you can chip in $7/month or $50/year if you want a big discount. If you are very rich, there is a $100 high roller tier. Being a paid subscriber gives you access to the full archive, the ability to comment on or reply to the newsletter, access to the chat, the Gentle Suggestions column and occasional surprises.
The money makes it possible for me to do my best work every single week. It pays for all the hours I spend writing, researching, curating and thinking. It also pays for the hours I spend on the phone interviewing people or hunched over my computer doing admin. And you’re paying for my health insurance. Your support also means that many more people get to read this for free every week. That is very kind and generous. You’re the real crème de la crème around here.
Truth in advertising
Speaking of money transparency, let’s talk about a couple of things:
Affiliate links: from to time, I will make use of these and might make a commission if you click and buy something.
Free stuff: from time to time, I get sent free stuff but I am committed to only recommending books or products I have purchased with my own money. Sometimes though the free thing is actually very good and I just have to talk about it. Again, I will always disclose when that is the case.
Thank you to the good people at the FTC.
Terms and Conditions apply
Dear reader, we are most likely strangers to each other. I don’t know the details of your life but I suspect that like me you have your challenges and your life has its ups and downs. This newsletter binds us together for a few fleeting moments every week but all we owe each other on the internet is kindness and respect.
I say all of this because I am enabling comments on these Substack posts. They are only available to paid subscribers but I have to admit, I am a little reticent to do so. I welcome thoughtful critique and disagreement but I do not suffer assholes or any kind of boorish online behavior. You’re in my house now and as the host of this party, I feel a sense of responsibility for your decorum or lack of it.
My only real ask is that when commenting, we would all assume good intentions on the part of everyone else here. Please always ask for clarity on someone's position rather than jumping to conclusions. That’s it. My hope is that we will create a thoughtful and generous community here together.
I need to speak to a manager!
If you find yourself bored or annoyed by this newsletter, please unsubscribe—life is way too short. And feel free to complain about it in your group chats. It’s so much more satisfying than telling me. If however you find yourself enjoying this newsletter, please forward it to a friend. That is the highest compliment you can give me.
What else? If it’s an absolute emergency and you must get in touch, I guess you can drop me a line || hello@aminatou.com. Real emergencies only!
It really means a lot to me that you’ve read this far. Thanks for coming along.
