6 Tips for Creating a Productive Work-From-Home Environment

Working from home. It sounds great in theory, but it actually takes a lot of discipline to establish a routine that makes working from home productive and fulfilling. Given that many companies are currently implementing work from home policies to help flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19, I feel compelled to share my tried-and-true tips for creating a productive work-from-home environment.

As someone who’s been freelancing and working from home for the past five years, I’ve gone through all of the ups and downs WFH life can present—from feeling lonely and needing to talk to someone to needing to get out of the house and take a break (while practicing social distancing, of course). Scroll on for my tips on how to create a dedicated work space, set office hours, eliminate distracts, and more.

Create a Dedicated Work Space

Find a place in your home that you can dedicate to work. This will be different for everyone, and while I highly encourage having a desk, a dining room table or breakfast bar are great substitutes.

I don’t recommend your workspace be on your couch or on anything where you can recline. While I love being on my laptop and having my feet up on my couch, I am never as productive as I am when sitting upright.

When choosing a space for work in your home, try to find an area that has the following:

Find a space that you can check-in for work and check-out for everything you’d typically do while at home.

Set Office Hours

As a freelancer, it’s incredibly important to have office hours. Not only to manage client expectations but to give yourself structure.

Setting office hours should empower you to develop a routine for yourself like you typically would if you had a 9-to-5 office job. You’d wake up in the morning, enjoy your morning cup of coffee, maybe squeeze in a yoga class before you get dressed, and head to work. The same should be taken into consideration when you work from home.

Freelance life is supposed to allow you to do all of the things you want to do with your time. Don’t let it create an opposite effect where you convince yourself to always be on and working just because you’re able to do it from the freedom of your own home.

Eliminate Distractions

It’s so important to eliminate any distractions from your home that would take you away from getting work done. For me, I need my home to be clean - period. If the home isn’t tidy, I’m not focused.

Other distractions I try to eliminate are:

If you find yourself being distracted by a common theme throughout your days, find a way to eliminate that distraction so you can stay focused and do your best work.

Get Out of Your PJs

We all have days where we want to stay in our PJs, but it’s important to get out of the jammies and into something that says, “my day has started.”

Most of the time I will change out of PJs and into activewear or comfortable denim. I’ll wash my face, brush my teeth and hair, put on some CC cream and deodorant, and then get to work. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference.

Talk To Someone

One of the biggest things I didn’t realize about working from home is just how lonely it can be.

You are by yourself all day and unless you have clients who love phone calls, most of your correspondence will primarily be done through email. It’s important to talk to someone; anyone. Make time to pick up the phone and call a relative or an old friend. Schedule calls with people in your network so you don’t lose your conversation skills.

I realized a change in myself probably around my second or third year of freelancing, where I would struggle with conversation because I just wasn’t having any. I’d either talk too long or too fast, have difficulty forming sentences, and just felt awkward. This is not me.

Now I talk to everyone.

I am not shy when it comes to conversation and make an effort to have a casual chat with just about anybody I come into contact with throughout the day. That’s people I pass by when I’m walking the dogs, the barista at Alfred’s, Anthony who does my nails at Olive & June, Mary who delivers our mail… AN-Y-BOD-Y.

Get Out of the House

How many of you working from home and reading this typically don’t leave your house during the workweek? 🙋 I get it.

Your home is your office and your office is your home, but it’s still important to get out of the house every once in a while. Keep yourself active and engaged with things happening in your community so you can get out of your PJs, talk to somebody, and enjoy those office hours! (You like what I did there?)

It’s important to get outside and break away from work so you can actually stay engaged in work.

When I spend hours on my computer without any breaks my mind becomes fatigued, and I become less productive. So I’ll take the dogs for a longer walk, do a workout class on my balcony, or take my laptop to the coffee shop down the road and just take in a bit of new scenery to help adjust my internal boss mode.

So if you’re feeling uninspired or having trouble getting anything done, give yourself a break and get out.

About the author: Audrey Adair is a seasoned freelance communications professional and founder of The Scope, a platform providing resources and community to freelancers and the self-employed. Connect with The Scope on Instagram and join their email list to receive your free resource, The Freelancer Starter Kit.

This story was originally published on March 5, 2019, and has since been updated.

9 Secrets to Working Remotely From Your Apartment & Loving It

If working from home has become your new normal, then you’ve probably come to the same realization that we have: Working from your bed in your pajamas just isn’t cutting it anymore.

Maybe you’ve started missing the office and wearing blazers (and, dare we say, heels?!), but there are plenty of perks to WFH if you do it right. It’s all about creating the right environment, ditching distractions, learning what works for you, and finding your productive streak.

Working from home presents both advantages and disadvantages for any telecommuter, but for those of us who live in an apartment, telecommuting has its own set of challenges. Consider the following tips and tricks to turn your place into a work environment where you can get the job done.

1. Carve out a cozy workspace.

Apartments in cities tend to be tight on space, which can cut down on the available areas where you can work uninterrupted.

The most important thing to do before you start working out of your apartment is to think about where you plan to situate your home office to conduct business effectively. Identify potential workspaces that lie outside regular traffic patterns. Working at the kitchen table might be fine if you live alone, but if you live with a spouse or roommate or have children, you need a place away from the action.

For example, rethink your underused rooms. Consider using a small guest bedroom, place a cubicle panel or screen in a corner of your own bedroom, or modify a walk-in closet to accommodate a desk and bookcase. Wherever you set up your office, you’ll need to make sure you have excellent Wi-Fi and cell phone service in order to conduct business—so a room in the center of a brick building might not be conducive to your productivity.

2. Decorate your space.

Just because your space is small doesn’t mean you have to skimp on decorating. Turning your own quiet nook into a place with personality can increase your desire to be there for long hours. Hang your favorite photos or works of art, bring in plants, or add knick-knacks and keepsakes.

Studies have shown that certain colors have a direct effect on our mood and productivity. When painting, papering or choosing furnishings for your space, keep these ideas in mind:

3. Learn how to deal with distractions.

Nothing zaps your productivity faster when working from home than having to respond to distractions. Whether you have kids running in and out, a spouse looking for their favorite shirt, or the neighbors in the apartment above practicing their tap dancing skills, dealing effectively with distractions is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

To drown out barking dogs, traffic on the street, or even your roommate streaming a marathon of their favorite Netflix show, choose noise-canceling headphones that help you focus on the task at hand. Before you sit down to work, turn off noisy appliances or hang a fiberglass blanket over the door to block out noise. Plan ahead for conference calls or phone conversations with potential clients, or make sure to schedule them for times when you know you will be alone.

4. Store inventory off-site.

If you have a business that requires inventory and you don’t have space at home to store the merchandise, consider renting a storage unit. The extra space you’ll find after moving unnecessary items to storage can make it easier to stay organized and keep your personal belongings separate from items required for work.

5. Dress for the office.

While it may be tempting to sit around in your pajamas all day when you work from home, it can help to treat your remote work like traditional employment by wearing designated work clothes. Getting up in the morning and getting dressed for work helps you separate your private life from your professional one, further preparing you mentally for your job.

6. Identify a specific scent with work.

Another way to distinguish time to work from personal time is by designating a specific scent for work. Burn a candle, turn on a diffuser, or even wear perfume during your office hours.

7. Invest in productivity tools.

Make your home office feel more like a traditional office space by investing in appropriate supplies. Choose a notepad and pens—and perhaps even a computer—designated solely for work. Keep in mind that office supplies qualify as expenses related to your home office and are usually deductible at tax time.

The same is true for software. Countless apps and online services are available to help home workers with correspondence and communication, scheduling, collaborating on tasks across multiple projects, or measuring productivity to make sure you’re keeping up. Marketing software can help you enhance your client interactions, and accounting software can help with tracking time and expenses.

8. Give your day some structure.

Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you can’t implement some structure in your workday. Use your peak hours effectively. Consider the time of day when you are most alert and use that time to accomplish your biggest goals. Schedule work time and try to avoid personal activities (or at least relegate them to designated breaks).

At the end of the day, power off your electronics, turn off your work phone and move away from your desk or work surface. Also, avoid taking your laptop to bed to work or working from the couch. This can make it harder to separate work time from personal time and unwind later.

9. Communicate with colleagues.

If you are working for a company, be sure to communicate regularly with your colleagues. This can help you remain connected with company goals and stay up to date on any progress made for team projects. Regular dialogue with co-workers also reminds you that you’re a part of a team and keeps you from feeling isolated.

Working remotely can provide numerous benefits for employees, companies, and even clients. It also can be mightily challenging when space is limited. Take advantage of the work-at-home opportunity by setting up an optimal space, figuring out what keeps you motivated and connected, and sticking with it until each day’s work is done.

Written by Laura Gayle of BusinessWomanGuide.org.

This post was published on January 5, 2019, and has since been updated.

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Returning to the Office? 6 Tips to Help Make It a Smooth Transition

Photo: ColorJoy Stock

The day has finally come. You just received an email from your boss stating the official date employees are expected to return to the office. *Gulp.* Cue the mixed emotions.

Whether you're anxious or excited about the news, going back to the office is a big transition. Considering many people have worked remotely for about a year (or more), returning to a pre-pandemic workplace environment can take some preparation and mindset shifts. 

Here are six specific tips to help you prepare for the great return.

1. Limit the decisions you’ll have to make in the morning. 

Do you have those days where you just can’t decide on the right outfit? It’s not only overwhelming to make a lot of decisions before the workday, it can be time-consuming and mentally draining. It’s no wonder that some of the most notable business people wear the same outfit every day, eat the same things, etc. 

Though we don’t need to go to that extreme, it’s nice to prepare certain things beforehand to limit the morning decisions and stress. The night before going back to the office, plan your work outfit, prepare and pack your lunch, get your work bag put together, and make sure you have gas in the car and/or your public transportation pass ready to go.

2. Leave early. 

The return to work can feel like the first day of work all over again. Make sure to leave earlier than you usually would to reduce unnecessary stress. For those that have long commutes to work, traffic patterns may be different than they were when you were going into the office pre-pandemic. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to commute and get your mindset right. 

On the topic of commuting, use that time to get inspired and motivated by listening to an energizing playlist or inspiring podcast.

3. Don’t forget headphones. 

After a year or so in your own controlled environment, being back in the office can bring some distractions. If you’re working on something that needs your undivided attention, wearing headphones can help signal to others that you’re in the work zone. Also, listening to your own music or favorite podcast can add a little joy and comfort to your day as you work.

As we go back to the office, it’s so important to incorporate actions that make you happy throughout the workday.

4. Explore flexible options. 

As employees return to the office, many workplaces are extending flexible work options to get acclimated again. Work options like continuing to work remotely a few days out of the week or flexible hours to decrease the number of workers in the office at once. This is your reminder to look into your workplace’s policies and accommodations for flexibility.

If you have the option to slowly ease into going back to the office, it will definitely make the transition more comfortable.

5. Take your lunch break. 

Being back in the office can make it easy to fall back into old habits, like staying glued to your desk all day. We all love productivity, but you also need to take care of yourself. There’s nothing wrong with taking a mental break every now and then, whether you’re in the office or not. A great way to give your eyes and mind some rest is to close the computer and actually take your lunch break away from your desk. 

6. Practice gratitude. 

The last year has been emotional. Extend gratitude and grace to yourself. Not being in the office took some time to get used to, going back will surely take some time as well. As you’re adjusting back to office life, make sure to be kind to yourself and incorporate gratitude on the daily (I know you hear about gratitude a lot, but it really can help your mindset!). If you’re struggling with this workplace shift, focusing on the good things about it, like seeing your coworkers again, can help make it a more positive experience.

If you’re feeling anxious about the return to the office, for any reason, know that you are not alone. Take a deep breath, prepare in advance, and don’t be hard on yourself. You can do this!

“Not being in the office took some time to get used to, going back will surely take some time as well.”

—Abby Zufelt, Founder and Host of Working Girl Talk

About the author: Abby Zufelt is the founder and host of Working Girl Talk, a podcast that covers the latest business and tech news, specific career tips, and interviews with inspiring businesswomen. When she’s not podcasting, Abby oversees digital marketing at one of the nation’s top journalism schools and leading public media organizations. Follow @workinggirltalk.

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How the Founder of Loeffler Randall Opened Her First Retail Store During the Pandemic

Photo: Courtesy of Loeffler Randall

In January of 2020, my husband and business partner, Brian, and I realized a dream we’d had for nearly 16 years: we signed a lease on our very first retail store for our brand, Loeffler Randall. We chose Soho because that neighborhood has been home to our office for over a decade. It’s also where we had our first date; at Raoul’s Restaurant, complete with a visit to the tarot card reader upstairs.

Brian and I started our company in 2004 in our garden apartment in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. Long before we had children, we hoisted long whiteboards along the walls of our apartment where we plotted and planned the company we would create. I felt so much pressure to have my designs work, for this to be a success, that I couldn’t sleep at night. Bob, our life coach, asked us a question, “Even if you fail, do you think it might still be worth it? That you will learn something? That you will have created something that you are proud of? Isn’t there freedom in that? In knowing that even if you fail, it will be a success.” 

We channeled this same wisdom when we, up against many unforeseen challenges and delays, decided to stay the course and open our first Loeffler Randall retail store in NYC in February 2021. Here’s how. 

1. Accept What You Cannot Control    

In the middle of March 2020, the reality of COVID hit. Soon the full brunt of the pandemic’s impact smacked into our business. Our store, nearly completed, stood empty, its walls half smoothed with plaster and with shelves laying bare. 

March and April were cold and damp. I tried to take my three kids on long, windy walks on the beach in Long Island each day to get some energy out. Brian stayed home, enduring the bankruptcies of four of our important wholesale accounts. At home, I threw myself into sewing masks for front-line workers, with the message “Thank you, hero” embroidered inside. Without discussing it, Brian and I divided and conquered. I taught myself how to bake bread and busied myself feeding the kids, working on creative projects, and designing new, pandemic appropriate products like slippers.

2. Commit Yourself Completely 

Even after all these years, with all our company’s triumphs and steady growth, signing our first retail lease felt just as scary as first starting our line. Many of our friends and advisors told us to get out of our retail lease at all costs. Another suggested that someday, after a vaccine was developed, the city and our business might return to a new version of normal. Would we start then to plan the future? Or would we plan for it now? We choose to proceed. To commit to completion and see our vision through.

When we pressed pause on the store construction in March of 2020, we were 75% complete. Many months later, when we were able to resume, we dove right back in, selecting light fixtures, having reusable totes made from the fabric scraps from our development process. We were ready to open our doors in February, one of New York’s coldest and snowiest months. Was anyone shopping? It didn’t matter, we committed to this project, to that date, and we did all in our power to make it the best and most successful we possibly could. 

Unable to host a typical store opening party, we made cardboard tubes with masks, sanitizer, and photos of the new shop to send out. Instead of press previews, I held Zoom meetings with reporters, showing them the wall of pleated styles on my laptop. It worked, with the support of our friends and community, in the media, social media, and beyond, people were excited. The word was out, and customers did in fact start walking through the door. 

Photo: Courtesy of Loeffler Randall

3. Focus on the Positive 

After a year of bad news, our store opening was the beacon of hope and positivity my team and I needed. A reporter asked us over Zoom how we would know the store had been a success. And the answer came to me that for me, no matter what happened, it already was a success, because it exceeded my expectations for a physical representation of the brand. It felt warm and welcoming, just the way I wanted it to feel. And it continues to inspire me and my team creatively. 

In designing the space back in early 2020, my team and I collaborated with my friend Poonam Khanna, the interior designer and architect who designed our office. Zoe, on my team, pulled together the things we love and are inspired by: the tiles and earthy textures from our recent trip to Marrakech, pleated fabrics referencing our collection. Poonam set down slabs of terrazzo, hunks of pale oak wood, textured plaster, and rich pink velvet onto the floor of my showroom to see how it all worked together. We stood back and smiled—this was our brand coming to life in 360 degrees. To have us finally open our doors, and invite our community into the first Loeffler Randall retail space a full 14 months after signing the lease, 12 of which were consumed by the pandemic, was a proud, full-circle moment. The beginning of something new, something hopeful.  

The NYC I know and love began to emerge again like the bright bulbs on the flowering trees on our block. And shoppers crowd down Prince Street and into our shop, especially on bright, sunny days.

4. Know It’s All About the People  

This weekend, Lucy, from our sales and merchandising team got married at the Boat House in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The bridesmaids all wore Loeffler Randall pleated bow heels. As the sun set behind the chuppah overlooking the lake, I smiled seeing my beloved co-workers: Jessica who has helped build our company for over 10 years, Lissa who started as an intern so many years ago, and Miranda, our retail store manager, dashing into the ceremony just in time from a full shift at our store. We had just had our highest-grossing day at our boutique. 

Even though the pandemic still rages, there is hope in the vaccine and hope for a small business like ours, more happy occasions on the horizon, and many more weddings to celebrate in Loeffler Randall heels.

About the Author: Jessie Randall created Loeffler Randall in 2004 out of her garden apartment in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn with her husband, Brian. Fifteen years and three children later, they are still doing what they love, making distinctive products in small, considered batches with attention to every detail. Since 2004, they have expanded from shoes, adding handbags, ready-to-wear & accessories to their collection. Creativity is at the heart of what they do, they are always thinking about new designs they can offer to their customers from their signature point of view.

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3 Tips to Pitch (and Win!) Business Virtually

Photo: ColorJoy Stock

At this point in the pandemic, we’ve all learned how to set up flattering lighting and stage a professional background for video calls, making the most of our WFH attire and makeshift home offices. But pitching (and, more importantly, winning!) new business virtually is a brave new world requiring a completely different set of skills. Here are three tips to help you level up your virtual pitch game and close the deal from behind any screen.  

#1 Make time for a tech-check. (And then re-check!)

I know it’s tedious, but a thorough tech run-through and rehearsal are critical to the success of any pitch, let alone a virtual one.

While Zoom has become synonymous with virtual conferencing, plenty of potential clients, customers and partners use other platforms. Be prepared to learn and adapt to their preferred system—whether that’s Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, Cisco WebEx, etc.

And don’t wait until the last minute. Make sure everyone on the team has the latest software version installed (buy the premium subscription if necessary) and rehearse on that platform for every meeting leading up to the pitch. Get familiar with the interface, know how to optimize presentation mode for video and sound, and make sure you plan for hard-wired internet when necessary.

Remember to turn off notifications (that Slack ding will kill the vibe), charge all devices, double-check headphones, and do several tech rehearsals to work out any kinks well in advance. 

#2 Read the virtual room. 

Once you have the tech situation nailed down, plan for the chemistry and flow parts of the meeting. Remember that social cues like first impressions, handshakes, eye contact, and body language are trickier to read, so you’ll have to adjust.  

Avoid awkward moments like long pauses or people talking over each other as much as possible. Establish meeting ground rules and communicate them to the group during the introduction. For instance, if you prefer your client or prospect not to interrupt throughout the presentation, ask that everyone please mute their computers until the dedicated Q&A session at the end. 

Since you won’t have the usual verbal or visual cues to signal that things are going well, just assume they are! Jokes won’t always be met with laughs, but pretend they landed and keep rolling. Say people’s names, improvise, and find ways to connect—like referencing something one of the clients has said in the past. Remember that this is a pitch, not a TED Talk.  

#3 Plan for everything so nothing throws you off. 

Create a murder board of scenarios to mentally prepare yourself and/or your team that anything that could happen. What if the primary decision-maker is late—will you start without them or get going? What if sirens go by while you’re speaking? What sort of small talk can you prepare to avoid those awkward first five minutes where everyone is still joining the meeting? What if someone submits a text comment or question that the presenter misses? 

During the pitch, create a “second screen environment” where the team can communicate off video—phones with an open group text or Slack channel underneath raised laptops is an easy set-up. Designate a secret “cruise director” to help you navigate the meeting—someone from your pitch team who has a smaller speaking part so they can keep an eye on the potential clients’ reactions while others are presenting. They can send texts or Slack messages like, “Client X seemed to be really into that, lots of head nodding, go into that further.” This person should also have universal host privileges to be able to mute a participant who is accidentally causing background noise.

If you have smart plans for the usual (and unusual) interruptions, clients will appreciate that you’ve made the meeting feel more seamless and comfortable. 

Ultimately, once you adjust for logistics, virtual pitching is a lot like in-person pitching. You need to be prepared, think on your feet, and connect with your audience. Now you just need to make sure your kid doesn’t scream or your dog doesn’t bark while you do it. 

“If you have smart plans for the usual (and unusual) interruptions, clients will appreciate that you’ve made the meeting feel more seamless and comfortable.”

—Genna Franconi, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Trade School

About the Author: Genna Franconi is co-founder and managing director at Trade School.

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How I Launched an Online Business During Covid-19 While Pregnant

Photo: Courtesy of Liz McVoy

While safely huddled under a thick cozy blanket in my home office, smackdab in the middle of the stay-at-home orders, I hit the figurative launch button on my online video and marketing business. Oh, and I was 37 weeks pregnant with baby number two.

Yep, due in a matter of weeks and launching a business in the middle of a pandemic. No big deal right? 

Some backstory: A few years ago while on a walk with my hubby, I started to dream about what life might look like if I could work less, be more present with my family and yet somehow have a greater impact. At the time, I was taking on intermittent video and web design projects with a small number of corporate clients, but I’d hoped 2020 would be my year to grow my side hustle into a full-time job. And then COVID hit.

I’d love to say that I had this brilliant business plan from the get-go, but in reality, I just listened and responded to the needs I was seeing. Businesses were moving online as fast as they could and people were relying on video and social media now more than ever, but something seemed to be missing. I saw a gap. I saw incredible women business owners trying to scale to that next milestone and coming up short. I knew that adding video and storytelling to their marketing strategy was the answer. 

That’s when I realized I could leverage my 10+ years of experience working as a video producer, designer, and storyteller to help other women build premium brands through video, branding, and marketing. It was the perfect opportunity to combine my passions and skills. 

Long story (that should be told over a bottle of wine) short, I launched an online course to teach entrepreneurs how to create great video content for their business in April, I had my son in May, and then I began coaching other women in July.

Talk about a whirlwind of a few months. 

Thinking back, what began as a desire to have more freedom and flexibility quickly morphed into something else, something much bigger and more meaningful. Not only do I get to support my family but I have the joy of coaching other powerful, kind, amazing female entrepreneurs on their video, branding, and marketing. And I’m not just coaching these women on visibility strategies or the how-to aspects of video, but we’re tackling what it means to lead with authenticity and a posterity of service. I’ve watched my clients go from overwhelmed and insecure to boldly showing up as the leaders that they are and making positive waves along the way.

I used to discount myself thinking that my background and skills were too broad to ever lead to a successful corporate career. I loved video editing, storytelling, and design but I never identified as that super creative person who could come up with groundbreaking ideas. Rather, every personality and career test pointed me to relationship-driven work like teaching, managing and basically being the person to build everyone else up.

But now those “soft skills” are the heart of my business. I took my technical knowledge and industry experience and created a business that helps other women thrive and I wouldn't change it for the world.

If you are a mom or mom-to-be looking for another way to support your family or get unstuck from a dead-end 9-5, here is my advice to you.

1. Start before you’re ready.

Take the risk. It’s amazing how many reasons and excuses you’ll come up with if you’re waiting for the perfect time or opportunity. Becoming an entrepreneur is scary and it is not for the faint of heart. But you just have to start. Every success story has a starting point, don’t compare your day 5 to someone else’s year 5. 

2. Connect with a community.

When I had my daughter, people said it takes a village. They were right and the same thing can be said of entrepreneurship. Find your core people, support them with all you’ve got, and lean on them too. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, celebrate the wins, and journey through life together. You’ll get farther together than on your own. Leave competitiveness and ego at the door. 

3. Have faith and focus.

There will be hard days. There will be days when you are like, “Holy smokes, I can’t do this.” There will be days when you cry to anyone who will listen that you made a mistake. You have to have faith and focus on what you can control.  There’s so much power in hope. Entrepreneurship is a lot of work. It’s both super hard and super rewarding. Stay focused on those needle-moving tasks and trust the rest to work out how it should.

But beyond any of the advice above you have to believe in yourself. You have to remember, you are worthy of the big, amazing, beautiful life you’ve been dreaming of. Dream big and dream often.

About the author: Liz McVoy founded her creative marketing agency to help entrepreneurs and brands have greater visibility and impact in their field. Her mission is to help entrepreneurs build premium brands through video, branding, and marketing so they can position themselves as the authority, tell stories that convert, and scale their income to gain financial freedom. Liz is a west-coast native living in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband and two kids. For more tips, training, inspiration, and resources, sign up for her newsletter on www.lizmcvoy.com and follow her on Instagram @lizmcvoycreative.

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4 Ways to Adapt to a Chaotic Work-From-Home Environment and Still Get Things Done

Photo: Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

So you’ve gone from working out of your Pinterest-worthy office to a corner of the spare bedroom hoping the kids don’t barge in? While we’re all still learning to navigate this weird Groundhog Day-esque situation, we’re also figuring out how to adjust to the new way of working the pandemic has pushed us into. 

Right now, working from home is the rule—not the exception—which means the line between home and work has never been thinner. However, there are a few things you can do to help you navigate this new way of working and maintain your sanity! As someone who has been working remotely for years (and mom of a newborn!) here are my top tips for adapting to your work-from-home environment while maintaining productivity.

1. Create a daily routine that establishes work hours and family/life hours.

Sure, no one would technically know if you lived in pajama pants all day and maybe even finished working at 11 pm… but is that what you actually want? Not only can it hinder your productivity, but it can also make it harder to relax when you’re not on the clock. Working from your bed, for example, can hinder sleep when the time comes to wind it all down. 

Because of the current lack of external structure like a commute or office culture and community to separate work and home life, it’s important that we create a working structure for ourselves. The first big thing you can do to create structure when working from home is to set work hours and stick to them. Pick the times of day that you’ll dedicate to your work, and focus on work during that time. And when those hours are over, focus on your life beyond work! 

2. Use apps and tools that let you save ideas verbally. 

When you’re working from home, there may be distractions you didn’t experience in the office. For example, many of us are navigating work-from-home with kids at home. It’s easy to lose your train of thought or forget what you’re supposed to be working on when you have to keep one eye on your children and one eye on your work—but it’s possible to find balance and stay on track! 

Try using apps and tools that allow you to take verbal notes. Apps like Voxer allow you to record voice memos for yourself and other members of your team to secure your thoughts quickly in the moment. You can also use voice-to-text on Slack to take notes for yourself or others, or voice memos on your phone to record important memos for yourself. 

3. Set a priority list at the beginning of the week. 

Starting the week with a list of goals can help you stay on track. Set aside an hour or two on a Sunday night or Monday morning to map out the week’s priorities and tasks. When distractions pop-up during the week—which is inevitable—you’ll know how to bring yourself back. This also allows you to check work items off of your list and visually see your work moving through the week so that you’ll know exactly what you’ve done and what you still need to do. 

You can keep your list organized in a project management tool like Asana or ClickUp, in a personal planner or notebook, or even on an old fashioned whiteboard. All of these methods allow you to easily see your work in front of you and know exactly where you’re at, regardless of distractions. 

4. Build a feel-good practice into the end of each day.

Navigating working from home can feel isolating, frustrating, chaotic, and boring all at the same time. Making time to fill your cup will ultimately help you to feel better, work better, and get more done. At the end of your workday, make some time to do something that relaxes you, brings you joy, and takes you out of “work mode.” 

You could go for a walk, drink some tea on your porch, practice some yoga, read a good book, or even play a game. The possibilities are endless, but whatever you do, make it something that recharges your battery and allows you to unwind from your day. Your work—and your physical, mental, and emotional health—will be better for it. 

Remember, even though working from home can be overwhelming, it’s all about finding the right routine that brings some semblance of balance into your life. Your routine might be different from the next person’s, and that’s okay! It’s all about finding something that helps you work through the struggles and distractions that working from home—or living at work—can bring. 

“Navigating working from home can feel isolating, frustrating, chaotic, and boring all at the same time. Making time to fill your cup will ultimately help you to feel better, work better, and get more done.”

—Cait Scudder, Entrepreneur

About the Author: Cait Scudder is a former high school teacher-turned-entrepreneur whose work has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Business Insider, and more. An internationally-recognized online business expert, Cait is a TEDx speaker, host of the “Born to Rise Podcast,” and CEO of a seven-figure company—and she’s on a mission to reach and empower ten million driven, bold-hearted women so they can uncover their zone of genius and use it to create profitable, purpose-driven businesses that change the world. You can follow her on Instagram @caitscudder.

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Want to Feel More Productive While WFH? These Put-Together Outfits Will Inspire You to Tackle Your To-Do List

Photo: Tayla Santos

As we enter yet another month of working from home, it’s certainly no secret that signing online for a virtual Zoom meeting doesn’t exactly require the same sartorial standards as, say, getting ready for a day at the office or dressing up for an important meeting with a potential investor. While it's definitely convenient to wake up, toss your Zoom sweater on over your sweatpants, and open your laptop from the comfort of your couch, if you’re anything like us, you’re starting to feel like your productivity levels are dropping. But there’s a surprisingly easy way to regain your motivation while WFH: getting dressed as if you're going to work. 

Studies have shown that what you wear while working actually matters. Researchers who study "enclothed cognition" say that your clothing choices can affect your productivity, your thinking, and even your negotiating skills. That’s why we’ve partnered with Paige, a lifestyle collection for men and women, and DJ and creative Pamela Tick, style blogger Tayla Santos, and fashion and lifestyle influencer Pau Dictado to share put-together yet comfortable outfits (because comfort is still key) that will inspire you to tackle your to-do list while working from home. Keep scrolling to find out how you can dress for success while working from your living room.

Pamela Tick | DJ & Creative

How would you describe your personal style?

I never entirely know how to answer this question because my style has a strong foundation but is ever-evolving. It is also dependent on daily factors that make my outfits functional! 

It’s fair to say I gravitate towards minimal looks with bold pieces, usually, these pieces are leather or suede, denim, cashmere, etc. On the other hand, I can get playful sometimes too with a simple maxi skirt or long dress to bring out my fun free spirit personality.

How has this time in quarantine influenced your style? 

I have noticed a difference in the days I choose to throw on sweatpants versus the days I create a real outfit to wear. Sweats sometimes feel like an excuse to be lazy. Perfect for Sunday, but come the weekdays, I like to feel inspired and ready to work by getting dressed. The outfit I choose in the morning usually enhances my mood for the rest of the day. There is power in dressing up!

How have you adjusted to this new remote work life and what influences your styling choices each day? Do you dress for comfort or style or somewhere in between?

I fall somewhere in between dressing for comfort and style which is exactly why these Paige jeans speak to me. A happy medium! The vintage fit wears with time and molds to my body the more I wear them. These last few months have been an adjustment for all, which is why it feels important to not forget the little things that make you feel good.

Tayla Santos | Style Blogger

How would you describe your personal style?

I would say I have a neutral and minimal style. I like to keep it simple and casual whenever possible! This means I prefer a good fitting pair of denim and a hoodie paired with sneakers and a cute coat over any outfit featuring louder statement pieces. It’s the timeless and classy looks that never go out of style and you can’t go wrong with! 

How has this time in quarantine influenced your style? 

I’ve been wearing so much more athleisure! I’m all about the matching set lately. Love being comfortable while still super stylish and now it’s almost my mission to incorporate a hoodie,  into any look haha. I like to refer to my “three C’s,” casual, chic, and comfortable! 

I love wearing a WFH outfit that I can easily swap the slippers for some boots or sneakers, add a jacket and be out the door for a quick Starbucks drive-through coffee break!

How have you adjusted to this new remote work life and what influences your styling choices each day? Do you dress for comfort or style or somewhere in between?

It’s actually funny you ask this! My journey as an “influencer” started during this pandemic. On March 6th, I quit my full-time job as a teacher’s aid and told myself I was going to pursue blogging full time. Three days later, on March 9th, we went into lockdown. I was freaking out. Now I had no other option than to make this work! I went into full hustle mode and don’t regret a second of it! I’ve been posting every day since and grew my audience by over 20,000 followers in eight months! This has been a great journey and I can confidently say I love what I do.

As for how it’s affected my style, I would say the pandemic and lockdown has played a major role in shaping my style into what it is today. I remember (maybe two to three years ago) I used to try so hard to put together the perfect outfit. Now, knowing I at most will be grabbing a coffee through the Starbucks drive-through, I’ve turned to simpler outfits. I feel so much more confident and myself in casual and simple outfits. I love keeping it minimal, chic, and put together by maintaining a neutral color palette. It’s all about the fit of the outfit. For example, the Paige jeans I’m wearing here hug the body perfectly with luxurious comfort and super stretch fibers. It’s just a plus that it comes in tons of authentic washes to add some texture to my minimal outfits. 

What is your foolproof outfit formula for boosting your productivity and staying comfortable and stylish while working from home?

I am the biggest believer in getting up and getting ready for the day as if you actually had to go into the office. When I’m dressed and ready, I feel more productive and ready to attack that day’s to-do list. There’s a totally different vibe when working at your desk in a comfy pair of denim. I say grab your favorite pair of denim, add some fuzzy socks, your most comfy hoodie and you’re good to go! If it’s a little warmer where you are, swap the hoodie out for a crisp white tee tucked into your denim, layer some cute gold necklaces, and you’re ready to slay the day! 

How does getting dressed for the day in comfortable yet stylish clothing make you feel more motivated and ready to take on your to-do list?

You know when you put together that perfect “all day outfit?” The kind of outfit you’re kind of sad that you have to take off at the end of the day? That’s how you feel when you’re rocking the most comfortable and timeless pair of denim. What’s better than having a pair of denim that you can wear all day working at home, styled comfortably to elevate the look with over the knee boot heels and a long coat for an evening look!

Pau Dictado | Fashion & Lifesytle Influencer

How would you describe your personal style?

Edgy and effortless.

How has this time in quarantine influenced your style?

My priority has shifted to more comfortable wear and investing in high-quality pieces that will be a staple in my closet. Since I rarely go out and I’m mostly working from home, I don’t feel the need to shop as much. But when I do, I want high-quality pieces I can really feel good in!

How have you adjusted to this new remote work life and what influences your styling choices each day? Do you dress for comfort or style or somewhere in between?

I dress for both comfort and style. Comfort has definitely become my top priority, but I believe I don’t have to sacrifice my style while doing so! What I love most about my Paige jeans is that it’s stylish without sacrificing comfort. It has a luxe coating with super gloss pigment that gives the look of leather in a silhouette that you can live in! 

What is your foolproof outfit formula for boosting your productivity and staying comfortable and stylish while working from home?

My foolproof outfit would have to be a button up shirt with jeans. There’s just something about this formula that never goes out of style! Not to mention, it’s both comfortable and flattering, just like these jeans. I just love how it hugs my body in all the right areas!

How does getting dressed for the day in comfortable yet stylish clothing make you feel more motivated and ready to take on your to-do list?

When I look good, I feel good. And when I feel good, I feel like I can take on the world! Dressing up has definitely helped boost my confidence and productivity, and wearing a good pair of jeans can make a world of a difference. The WFH life can be mundane at times, so I always seek out ways to change things up and add some fun elements into my routine.

Shop the looks at Paige.com.

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Can Live Chat Increase Sales for Small Businesses During COVID? She's Banking on It

Although nothing can replace face-to-face interactions with customers, live chat is the next best thing during the coronavirus pandemic. And it’s certainly having an impact on small businesses. The more personal and direct form of communication live chat offers helps create deeper customer relationships that, in the long run, become stronger and more loyal, generating more revenue. Take it from small business owner Sabrina Zohar, the founder of Softwear who has seen a dramatic increase in sales conversions since she started using Messenger from Facebook to live chat with her customers in real-time.

According to the small business owner, the immediacy of Messenger has been crucial to the success of her business through COVID and, ultimately, changed the way she interacts with her customers for the better. “The ability to communicate instantly when someone is browsing on your website is like having a conversation with someone in real life, except COVID locked us up and took that fun away from us,” Zohar tells Create & Cultivate. “We have mere seconds to catch someone's attention and answer that question, which could be what closes the sale—you can't lose that opportunity.”

Here, Zohar shares how she’s using Messenger to cultivate deeper relationships with her customers amid the pandemic, why it was the right platform for her business, and how she’s keeping up with the influx of messages and DMs during COVID.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: What are some of the factors you considered when choosing the best platform to communicate with your customers, and why was Messenger the right fit for your business?

SABRINA ZOHAR: Accessibility, ease, and immediacy of the platform. It's 2020—everyone we know and their mothers (literally) have Facebook. Instead of making my client acclimate to a new way of doing things, I am meeting them where they are with something they are familiar with and comfortable using. Facebook pops up instantly on my phone and within seconds I’m having a full conversation with someone.

Have you seen a positive impact on your business as a result of using Messenger?

10,000%, yes. During COVID, I was tie-dyeing for 12 hours a day, packing orders, moving the factory into my apartment, and planning for a future collection with the hopes this would all work out. Having Messenger allowed me to chat with clients all over the world who had questions or wanted help ordering. It allowed me to create a relationship with my customers and a dialogue I think so many of us have missed. 

What are some of the most common customer questions you receive through Messenger and how has your ability to answer them quickly boosted your business?

Sizing is probably the most popular question, but during COVID, I got lots of questions about the custom tie-dye! Softwear products can be specific with fit and sizing, so being able to give a quick answer and help the client understand, leads to their satisfaction and, ultimately, a sale on my end. The questions evolve as the seasons pass, but the ability to answer instantly allows the boost in business to continue. 

Have you experienced customers asking questions via Messenger leading to sales? If so, what percentage of engagements would you say are converting?

Absolutely! I have seen almost 65% of the clients I speak to on Messenger become customers. The best part? We also become friends! I’m able to chat with them anytime and we develop a rapport, I love it. 

What advice can you share on how to keep up with the influx of messages and DMs during this period? 

Get it done. If you have an influx of messages and DMs, that means you’re doing something right, that's something you should be stoked about! The more eyeballs on your website, product, social the more sales and growth you’ll see. I answer instantly because I know a sense of urgency ultimately yields the best results. 

Are there any Messenger tools or features that have helped you better manage this increased volume? What tips and tricks can you share?

I have Messenger alerts on my phone which makes it really easy and efficient to reply quickly. Having the alert allows me to be immediate in responding, which is what will ensure you’re giving the best customer service possible. 

How have you approached marketing and messaging to resonate with consumers but also sell products and keep your business alive during COVID? 

I am super transparent and honest with everyone that follows either my personal Instagram or the Softwear IG page. I believe that being authentic with your audience will resonate versus pretending to be something you’re not. I struggled over COVID and I didn’t hide that from anyone because, guess what, we all struggled. I made videos to show how I was pivoting and really let everyone into my world to help lay a brick with me on the foundation of the business. 

What advice can you share for leveraging social platforms and customer service tools like Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger to help drive e-commerce sales? What learnings can you share?

Social media will change your business if you know how to utilize it. The only way to learn is to try. We have changed and tweaked so many things about the brand as a result of social media and will continue to evolve the brand that way. Instagram is a free look book that is direct to the consumer, utilize that. Put your chat front and center so that guests learn to interact with the chat and truly utilize every aspect of what Facebook is offering.

What advice can you share for fellow small business owners on building strong customer relationships virtually?

Be real. That's it, honestly. Just be real. Being authentic and warm with your clients shows how much you care. I always say, “If you own a piece of Softwear, you have a piece of me,” and that follows through beyond just wearing our hoodie. I handwrite thank you cards for all orders. Is it sustainable in the long run? No, but right now, I’m building a brand, so I have to go above and beyond while I still can do those things. It will change your relationships since virtual is all we have right now. 

How do you ensure that your consumers feel seen and heard and what advice can you share for how small biz owners can replicate your success? 

I answer every email/DM/inquiry to ensure everyone feels like they're important because they are! There is nothing worse than reaching out to a brand just to get a generic email that goes unanswered or a customer service rep that repeats the same thing over and over after a two-hour wait on hold. This is your business, and no one knows your business like you do. Make sure you’re there for your customers and offer that knowledge. 

How is COVID driving innovation in customer communication and what are your predictions for the future of the space?

It’s no surprise that COVID has changed the way things will be for a long period of time. Things we became accustomed to are shuttering and it is paving the way for new brands to rise from the ashes. I think social media and direct chats will be the new norm and offer even more immediacy than email. Every day, we as consumers, grow more impatient and want immediacy (remember dial-up modems?) Now more than ever, and with so much competition, you have to do everything you can to stand out and offer what the bigger guys CAN'T. 

Sentence Finishers:

In three words, customer communication is… 

Immediate, authentic, helpful.

My #1 tip for small business owners is…

Crawl before you can walk and learn to ask for help. You can't do it all alone (trust me, I should know) so don't be afraid to ask for help and understand it takes time. 

The best way to support small businesses right now is by…  

Sounds harsh, but try to not ask for a discount. Ultimately, every dollar spent keeps the brand going and it’s all appreciated. 

A fellow small business owner I admire is… 

Kate Davis of Knockout NY. Kate had a dream to help women feel safe and empowered through her jewelry. She inspires me every day with her mission and perseverance.

COVID-19 has taught me… 

I am stronger than I ever thought I was.

To learn more about Messenger From Facebook, head to their Marketing with Messenger page and their Business Resource Hub.

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5 Strategies for Building a Business That Can Weather the Ups and Downs

Photo: Courtney Jones Photography

It goes without saying, but 2020 has been a challenging year. As a business owner, there's no go-to “playbook” on how to survive a global pandemic. Our company, like many others, was impacted when much of the world went into lockdown in mid-March. When sales suddenly take a hit, it's hard not to start rethinking everything. Don’t do it. Resist the temptation. Instead, this is the time when you really need to focus on solidifying the fundamentals of your business. 

Over the last decade-plus, I’ve learned a lot as a business owner and entrepreneur. COVID-19 is certainly one of the greatest challenges we’ve faced as a business. However, it’s not the first hurdle, and it definitely won’t be the last. After a challenging early spring, we’ve managed to turn the corner and are expecting a strong holiday season. We didn't press the "reset” button. Instead, we doubled down on our long-term goals. No matter what comes your way, here are a few words of advice for weathering the ups and downs and coming out stronger on the other side. 

Don’t compromise your brand. 

Now is not the time to completely rethink who your customers are and what your brand stands for. I personally care a lot about authenticity. Early on in the pandemic, we took the time to look back at our mission statement and brand values. We’ve allowed them to guide us through this challenging period. Leatherology’s mission is the redefine simple, everyday luxury and celebrate the everyday. What does this mean for us today? We’ve always had a large gift business and we realized more than ever, customers wanted to send meaningful gifts to loved ones far and wide. We leaned into this and created a “Gift Joy” campaign. This holiday, we’re collaborating with four partners to create unique gift sets featuring some of our most popular items. 50% of net proceeds from each sale will go to a non-profit organization of the partner’s choosing.

Diversify opportunity and risk. 

Never put all your eggs in one basket. While direct-to-consumer online sales have always been core to Leatherology’s business, we consider ourselves more than just a DTC brand. Consumer shopping behaviors are constantly evolving, so we’ve challenged ourselves to think beyond just direct-to-consumer. We have invested in a variety of customer acquisition channels and diversified our marketing mix. As a business, your growth should never be solely reliant on a single channel, such as paid social advertising, where rising costs can quickly deteriorate profitability over time.

Drown out the noise. 

When the going gets tough, you start looking around to see what your competitors and peers are doing. While it’s always important to have a pulse on your industry, don’t do something simply because you see others doing it. Avoid the FOMO. What works for someone else may not work for you. Even though we've seen huge demand for PPE, we resisted the urge to suddenly offer new products like facemasks when they just didn’t fit our brand strategy. We also felt that the market would be incredibly crowded and prohibit us from being a leader. Instead, we made iterative changes. We planned up inventory in our home accessories line to meet increased customer demand while scaling back our travel accessories category.

Learn from the positives to prepare for the negatives.

How you get through a downturn is largely dependent on what you do when things are going well. Don’t get carried away by great sales. Business is cyclical, and you can’t assume things will always remain on an upward trajectory. Use this time to dig into the mechanics of your business. Track everything and gather as much data as possible to help you understand why things are going well. This will also help you uncover potential blind spots and get ahead of warning signals you may not have noticed otherwise. 

Take care of your people.

This is arguably my biggest piece of advice. Building a great team is the hardest but most important part of the job. Great people are the backbone of any successful business. Take the time to understand what motivates each individual and how to support them through ups and downs. Never ask them to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself. David and I are fortunate to work with an amazing and diverse team of creators, analysts, artisans, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Leatherology wouldn’t be where it is today without our team.

“How you get through a downturn is largely dependent on what you do when things are going well.”

-Rae Liu, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Leatherology

About the Author: Rae Liu is the co-founder and the creative director of Leatherology, a direct-to-consumer brand of beautifully crafted, personalizable leather accessories, built on the premise of providing attainably priced luxury. Rae graduated from Columbia with a BA in Political Science. She worked for several years at the World Bank before making a complete career pivot to pursue her passion for product design, studying accessories at FIT. in 2008 she helped Alexander Wang launch his accessories and footwear business.

During her years working in fashion, Rae was struck by the fact that as a young woman living in New York, she could not afford the very products she spent her days creating, and that the ones she could afford did not have the level of design thoughtfulness, craftsmanship or quality of materials she knew was possible. Thus in 2011, she moved from New York back to her hometown, Dallas, to build Leatherology. She lives in Dallas and has two young children.

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This Clean Beauty Founder Is Using Live Chat to Drive Sales During the Pandemic (and It's Working)

When it comes to providing great customer support in the midst of COVID, live chat is an indispensable tool to have at your disposal. By providing instant answers to customer inquiries, live chat boosts those all-important conversion rates and, in turn, increases revenue. In fact, a study found that more than 60% of consumers would return to a website offering live chat. Something that small business owner Gianne Doherty knows from experience. By using Messenger from Facebook, she’s successfully been turning customer inquiries into dollars and cents during the coronavirus pandemic.

In fact, the co-founder of the clean beauty brand Organic Bath Co. has seen the tactic work so well that she’s positioning it as a key strategy for continuing its rapid growth. “Skincare products are very sensory,” Doherty tells Create & Cultivate. “Being able to answer customer questions in real-time makes a difference when it comes to customer service, which improves both sales and brand loyalty,” she explains. “We typically convert over 50% of customers who reach out to us because we are able to answer their questions and create a great experience for them.”

Scroll on to learn more about how she’s using Messenger From Facebook to boost her business during COVID and beyond—and how you can too.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: What are some of the factors you considered when choosing the best platform to communicate with your customers, and why was Messenger the right fit for your business? 

GIANE DOHERTY: We need to be where our customers are. Nearly all of our customers have Facebook accounts, so it’s a platform they are familiar with. It allows people to connect with us in a seamless way.

Have you seen a positive impact on your business as a result of using Messenger?  

Using Messenger has allowed us to incorporate the element of speed into our customer service, which allows for better communication and a better customer experience.

What are some of the most common customer questions you receive through Messenger and how has your ability to answer them quickly boosted your business?  

We use Messenger’s Chat Plugin on our website to answer a wide variety of customer questions, from questions about the products themselves to questions about orders that have already been placed. The ability to answer customer questions quickly allows us to answer pre-sale questions and helps us to provide a great customer experience.

Have you experienced customers asking questions via Messenger leading to sales? If so, what percentage of engagements would you say are converting? 

Yes. When someone has a question about a product when they are already on your website looking to buy, being able to answer those questions immediately will have a positive impact on the customer experience and lead to more sales. We typically convert over 50% of customers who reach out to us because we are able to answer their questions and create a great experience for them.

What advice can you share on how to keep up with the influx of messages and DMs during this period? 

Create a template for your most commonly asked questions. Also, take a deep look at the commonly asked questions. Do your product descriptions need to be updated? Do your FAQs need to be updated? Is there somewhere on your company website that needs improvement to minimize the amount or types of questions being asked? 

Are there any Messenger tools or features that have helped you better manage this increased volume? What tips and tricks can you share? 

The ability to integrate Messenger into other tools where we can use saved responses for commonly asked questions has been incredibly helpful. Messenger integrates with so many other tools to make it easier to manage communication in one place.

How have you approached marketing and messaging to resonate with consumers but also sell products and keep your business alive during COVID? 

We are in a fortunate position to be selling products that people really need during this difficult time such as hand soap and hand sanitizer. We have made giving back an important part of our business and have donated products to organizations in need. 

What advice can you share for leveraging social platforms and customer service tools like Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger to help drive e-commerce sales? What learnings can you share? 

Lean in to what makes you different and unique. With the pandemic, more people than ever are online and online shopping. Your uniqueness is what will make you stand out in a sea of many many options. Answering customer inquiries quickly can be a key differentiating factor between your brand and others. 

What advice can you share for fellow small business owners on building strong customer relationships virtually? 

Customer service is everything. Customers want to know someone real is behind the brand. Communicating early on and effectively will make a difference to your bottom line. 

How do you ensure that your consumers feel seen and heard and what advice can you share for how small biz owners can replicate your success? 

Reply to every person who reaches out. When someone has a problem and you don’t respond, you will likely lose that customer. If you fix their problem, it gives you the opportunity to create loyalty. Respond, and respond with empathy. 

How is COVID driving innovation in customer communication and what are your predictions for the future of the space? 

COVID has pushed more and more communication online. Being accessible and approachable through platforms that people are already using will be vital to success in the future. We are going to see more ways for brands and customers to interact online from text-based messaging to audio and video solutions.  

Sentence Finishers:

In 3 words, customer communication is… 

Vital for creating trust and brand loyalty.

My #1 tip for small business owners is…

Over-communicate with your customers.

The best way to support small businesses right now is by…  

Voting with your dollars and purchasing from small businesses you believe in.

A fellow small business owner I admire is… 

Heather C. White from TRILLFIT. She is doing great things with TRILLFIT and making the fitness industry more inclusive and diverse. 

COVID-19 has taught me… 

To be flexible.

To learn more about Messenger From Facebook, head to their Marketing with Messenger page and their Business Resource Hub.

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We Talked to 5 Small Biz Owners About How They're Pivoting, Repositioning, and Resetting During COVID

Photo: Smith House Photo

If there’s one word we’ve heard over and over again this year, it’s pivot. 

When COVID-19 hit, small businesses were challenged to throw out the playbook and think outside the box, whether that meant pivoting to digital, driving sales through social media, or partnering with other small businesses in order to thrive.

Seven months later—with brick-and-mortar locations still temporarily closed and in-person events continuing to be canceled or postponed—it’s just as important as ever for small businesses to re-evaluate their business models, reposition their brands, and restrategize their revenue streams.

At our recent Small Business Summit presented by Mastercard, Ginger Siegel, the North America Small Business Lead at Mastercard, hosted a thoughtful discussion on how small businesses can pivot during COVID and beyond with Mattie James, the influencer behind MattieJames.com, Sonja Rasula, the founder of Care Package and Unique Markets, Marissa Hermer, the owner of Olivetta and The Draycott, Jess Rona, an actress, comedian, and the founder of Jess Rona Grooming, and Patty Delgado, the CEO of Hija de tu Madre.

Scroll on to find out how these five powerhouse entrepreneurs are skillfully navigating this unprecedented period and optimistically starting to plan for the “new normal” post-pandemic.

On experiencing COVID-induced delays or disappointments… 

“We are all human beings, and we have ups and downs, and I think all of us entrepreneurs have to be gentle and kind with ourselves.” -Jess Rona

“It’s all about your mindset as a business owner.” -Jess Rona

On practicing self-care and staying positive… 

“I focus on meditation and self-care because when you’re good, you can handle anything.” -Jess Rona 

“When I focus on the things that I do have, even if they’re teeny tiny, that is the real pivoting for me. The pivoting is actively being a puppeteer with your thoughts and pivoting into a positive mindset.” -Jess Rona

On being a DTC business in the current COVID climate…

“COVID has really pushed us to be more responsible for our own in-house production.” -Patty Delgado

“I’m really listening to the needs of my customers and adapting our business model, and all-around business decisions, based around the current climate.” -Patty Delgado

On owning and operating a restaurant during COVID… 

“It’s not just about health and safety, but trust in us—in any business.” -Marissa Hermer 

“We’re just not a restaurant. We’re a face and a family, and we care.” -Marissa Hermer  

On pivoting to digital during COVID… 

“We cultivated our community online.” -Sonja Rasula  

“I truly am a fan of email marketing, so we really cultivated our email list because those are people who have given us something of value. They have given us their email address.” -Sonja Rasula 

“We started talking to our email list a lot more and we are going to have a very specific plan for holiday months.” -Sonja Rasula 

On pressing pause and looking ahead… 

“For the last month or two, I did take a pause on doing as many things virtually.” -Sonja Rasula  

“For me, I pressed pause, so that I could really focus on what the business could look like in 2021 and start to put things into place for that.” -Sonja Rasula 

On changing your content strategy as an influencer…  

“I noticed that all we really had to shift our story and talk about home life.” -Mattie James

“I had to be really careful that I was authentic to my story and being truthful, first and foremost, but then make sure that anything I told my audience, whether it was organic content about what I’m currently doing or even in partnership with a brand, that I was really speaking to home life.” -Mattie James

“It was really important to me to make sure that I even pivoted the language I used day to day.” -Mattie James

On launching online business courses… 

“So many more people want to take online courses, want an online masterclass. Again, they are making that space to learn because people are a little bit more still right now.” -Mattie James

On making cybersecurity a priority… 

“I’ve been really active in making sure that I’m paying attention to little things like my passwords.” -Mattie James 

“We definitely do spend a lot of time working with the best third parties to ensure our customer and business safety.” -Patty Delgado 

On supporting small businesses during this time… 

“The whole idea behind Unique Markets was to feature and support small and independent businesses—designers, artists, makers—who are usually bootstrapped, independent, and own their businesses. And because we can no longer do that, I thought about how I could support all of these small businesses in a virtual space.” -Sonja Rasula

“So, I came up with this idea. My mom sends me care packages. No joke, I am a woman in my 40s, y’all, and my mom sends me care packages filled with random stuff, but it’s the thought that counts.” -Sonja Rasula

“I could take all these small businesses that I support and love and put them into a box.”-Sonja Rasula

“The idea is that everything in these care packages is curated by me or small independent businesses.” -Sonja Rasula

“This year it became very clear to me that I wanted to really help all of my fellow female founders, women-owned businesses and BIPOC businesses.” -Sonja Rasula

“Over 75% of the brands that are in all of the boxes are minority-owned or female-owned.” -Sonja Rasula

On paying it forward in the midst of the pandemic… 

“It’s been the silver lining to this pandemic for me and our teams to know that we are facilitating and have created a platform for people to give back to the heroes and front line workers.” -Marissa Hermer

“We’ve raised over $50,000 and it truly gives us such joy to be able to give back, but equally our heroes are more nourished knowing that people around the world are thinking about them.” -Marissa Hermer

“I think that community, even global community, now more than ever, when our country feels equally divided, it’s really really important.” -Marissa Hermer

“Spreading happiness now is the most important thing we can do when there’s just so much doom and gloom.” -Marissa Hermer

On being a source of happiness and joy… 

“I play with iMovie a lot and make fun videos. I’ll buy music from iTunes and tinker and play around, and tap into my creativity. If you are finding joy through that and you are getting that little fun out of that, I think people want to follow any joy right now.” -Jess Rona

“If you’re posting something that’s joyful, people will be attracted to it.” -Jess Rona 

On adapting your selling strategy… 

“Since day one, we’ve always been very digitally aggressive across every channel.” -Patty Delgado

“What has changed is our messaging. It’s really important for us to be mindful of our customer’s mental health.” - Patty Delgado

“We’ve shifted our focus from selling content to more mindful and empathetic content, and I think that’s been extremely beneficial for brand awareness and just overall brand-customer intimacy.” - Patty Delgado

On building community… 

“While the pandemic has been very intense for all of us, this has been a time where community really does just organically explode if you give people a reason to come together and congregate.” -Mattie James

On the future of in-person pop-up events… 

“For 2021, for all types of businesses, I think creating in-person experiences that can be safe and responsible are going to absolutely thrive.” -Sonja Rasula

Psst… If you’re having serious FOMO, join Create & Cultivate Insiders to get unlimited access to all of our Small Business Summit Presented by Mastercard content including video recordings of every panel and workshop download in C&C history.

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Ever Heard of a Shmask? Meet the Hybrid Mask Kids Actually Want to Wear

“I’m so motivated and so proud to make something that makes this super weird moment a bit softer.”

—Karine Nissim, Founder of Shmask

March 2020 was the month I cried myself to sleep every night. 

Between tears, death tolls, and hilarious coronavirus memes, I stewed on about what would be. On how my children's lives would irrevocably change and how ill-prepared I was to parent them in this new normal. 

It was out of despair and desperation that I wanted and needed to make this moment better for my children. I couldn't fathom mask-wearing in all its clinical glory as a reality for my family, so I created something better: the first-ever shirt with a mask attached for kids (and grownups).

It's called the Shmask! Shirt meets mask. It is super duper soft, breathable, adjustable, and just so easy to wear. 

If you know me, you know I've traveled with a pack of sanitizing wipes in my purse for the last ten years. My elaborate cleansing of all airplane surfaces around my seat is a source of embarrassment to anyone who's traveled with me.  

Suddenly, I felt validated.  

If I had a dollar for every time I barked at my children not to touch anything in a public bathroom, I'd probably have an extra $30,000.  

None of this eased my nerves. I stayed home. I quit my job as a film professor. I came up with the most elaborate routines to properly cleanse our Instacart groceries and Amazon packages. My hands were so dry that I even started to sanitize the sanitizer.  

And turns out I hate Zoom. I especially hate it when the image freezes and my four-year-old daughter walks away from the screen but all her classmates get to see me in my pajamas. Without a bra on. I really hate it when it is the only means to console my grieving cousins on the loss of their father.

I put out a question on my Instagram story.  "Would you rather send your children to school in a mask or keep them at home?" 70% opted to send them in masks. The thought was unimaginable to me.  I resolved to keep mine home. Maybe. I might miss the world though, probably. 

But then time went on, and well, it turns out I suck at being a school teacher. And, frankly, after cooking three meals and three snacks a day, doing all the laundry and dishes all the time, I'm not my most awesome self. Also, my kids needed other kids and other grown-ups who know the answers to things without asking Alexa first. Incidentally, Alexa knows a lot about space.

And then, we needed to renovate. A burst pipe left brown water stains across our ceiling which was a real eyesore in every single Zoom angle. Also, my kitchen was a relic of the ‘90s, and I couldn't fathom the idea of spending another six months home-bound cooking in that cave of a room.  

An impromptu road trip meant we were suddenly doing things well outside my comfort zone. Hotels. Shared elevators. Public bathrooms. People. Lots of people. 

The kids and their masks were such a source of stress. The little one dropped hers on the street and found it 20 minutes later with evidence of heavy foot traffic. My oldest kept playing with it despite touching every surface imaginable first. And my middle son had a habit of putting his on backward.  

Photo: Courtesy of Karine Nissim

At this point, I'm out in the world, and I'm living the challenge of required mask-wearing with three young kids. I'm experiencing how that looks for my family of five and for my in-laws who were with us.  And, it's a pain in the ass.  It could be better, so I set out to make it so.

But here's the thing: aside from pouring over every Vogue issue my mom got in the 80s, and a brief stint as an intern at Harper's Bazaar, I had zero experience in fashion. I loved it though and always have. And I knew the idea was good. So good that I was afraid to tell people who could do it faster and better than me.  

And then something supremely magical happened. I started asking "friends" on Facebook questions. 

"Are any of you in the T-shirt business?" 

"Does anyone know any patent lawyers?" 

I peppered these in-between images of my dream kitchen and asking for advice on which oven range to buy.  And you know what? People answered me! Lots of opinions on kitchen appliances, but also introductions. Offers of time chatting, getting into how they run their own business, and how I could create mine.  

I would look to my husband at night—as we clacked away on our laptops with Friends reruns in the background—and I would say, "I'm not sure what good I've done in this life, but well it's nice to know people will help me when I ask." And they did.  

My friends who have ever worked in fashion or who’s input I love would come over in the evening and sit six feet apart on my patio, in their masks, and watch my children model my first Shmask prototypes. They would chime in on the pros and cons of design.  

I'll never forget the resounding theme of one of those wonderful conversations. They all agreed: comfort trumped all. A comfortable shirt meant compliance. Compliance with an otherwise alien behavior. If it was soft, breathable, and we could hear their little voices, then they would wear it. And they wouldn’t mind. Neither would we. 

So began a slew of conversations with factories, brokers, consultants, and fabric mills. This was also a pain in the ass, and not what eight-year-old me dreamed being a fashion designer would be. 

But then my kids would hear me say that they inspired me. I called them my business partners. Mostly, they were reluctant models. But really, they are my muses. It’s their soft cheeks and little noses I want to protect. It’s all of ours. I’m so motivated and so proud to make something that makes this super weird moment a bit softer. And now I hear my kids tell their classmates in Zoom that their mom created something. Something they are proud of too. 

Shmask isn’t my first business, but it’s the first time I’ve felt so supported, not just by my family, but by a community of parents who love their children as much as I do. And as much as mask-wearing has been politicized, it’s also been required. And if it’s required, then I want the Shmask to make it easier. 

I am a woman of many ideas. Many, many ideas. My husband, also an entrepreneur, will always say, “The idea is nothing without the execution,” which is true. But, also, execution can’t happen without motivation, and that motivation was ever-present as we navigated this new normal.

So during a baffling pandemic, in the middle of a stressful home renovation, on an unplanned road trip, I developed the Shmask: a shirt-meets-mask concept that guarantees a safe and hassle-free solution for families and their kids.   

The shirt has an attached-face covering made of soft and breathable fabric with enough space in the nose and mouth area for kids to breathe and speak easily. There is a dip in the back, so it can seamlessly be worn or taken off. With the attached-face covering, Shmask helps eliminate the issue of kids complying with today's mask requirements. They can't lose it, drop it, trade it with their friends, or forget it at home. 

About the Author: In addition to being a mom of three, founder Karine Nissim, is also a three-time entrepreneur, an award-winning filmmaker, and professor and the co-founder of DogVacay (which is now called Rover, the “Airbnb for pets”). Shmask started as a passion project to help keep her kids safe during this super weird time. This is the first product of a broader line of apparel for luxe family living called Karine. Super soft clothing that solves the hard problems of our new world. Think protective layers, breathable fabrics, clothes that we can all play and work in, from pick up and drop-offs, Zoom meetings, park play dates, to workouts! You and your fam can look Insta-ready and feel pajama-party good.

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4 Small Business Owners on How to Pivot to Digital and Navigate the Future of Retail

Photo: Smith House Photography

It’s no secret that COVID is challenging small businesses everywhere to rethink the brick-and-mortar business model. With physical retail locations temporarily closed and e-commerce on the rise, it’s crucial for small businesses to pivot to digital to weather the pandemic.

In a Mastercard study of small businesses across North America, 76% say the pandemic prompted them to become more digital, with 82% changing how their business sends and receives payments. 70% say they are willing to invest in the technology required to advance their payment systems and 73% say digital payments are the new normal for their business going forward.

To learn more about how small businesses can successfully pivot to digital during COVID and beyond, Create & Cultivate partnered with Mastercard as the presenting sponsor to bring together four powerhouse entrepreneurs who are expertly navigating the increasingly virtual future of retail at our recent Future of Work Summit on Saturday, September 12th, 2020.

Ginger Siegel, the North America Small Business Lead at Mastercard, led a conversation with Michelle Cadore, small business owner and designer, Amber Tolliver, founder and CEO of Liberté, Sherly Tavarez, founder of Hause of Curls, and Whitney Rife Becker, fashion influencer and entrepreneur, to delve into the topic. Read on for some of the most noteworthy sound bites from the discussion.

On knowing when to strike out on your own… 

“I always said that by the end of the year, I’d be a full-time entrepreneur.” - Michelle Cadore

“Really think about laying out your exit plan. Lay out the steps, lay out the financial foundation, to move forward.” - Michelle Cadore

“I moved without any savings, I just took the leap. I just knew it was going to work out. Just have faith in your business and try.” - Michelle Cadore

On the self-funding and bootstrapping processes… 

“It’s really important to show a desire in the market for your product or service.” - Amber Tolliver 

“The more you’re able to show proof of concept within your space, the better of you’ll be when you go to bring on outside investment.” - Amber Tolliver

On knowing what to look for in a partnership… 

“Bringing on VC and angel investors, it's really like a marriage. You need to have a firm understanding of what they're bringing to the table, and it really should be about more than money.” - Amber Tolliver  

“You really have to take a diligent look at the parts of your business that need assistance, and look for a partner that can fill in those gaps.” - Amber Tolliver 

“You want to partner with people who will expand your name and help you reach people who you wouldn’t usually be able to reach.” - Amber Tolliver 

“The only way to get through this and to come out of it better than we were when we first went in, is together.” - Amber Tolliver 

“Bringing new products, bringing something different that their customers haven’t seen yet, as well as expanding our reach.” - Amber Tolliver 

On launching your own company… 

“I invested just $300 and a dream” - Sherly Tavarez

“Once I realized that so many people related to my story attached to the T-shirt, I knew I had to make it a business.” - Sherly Tavarez

On reaching a wider audience digitally…  

“Thinking more digitally, how have we been able to keep our community connected.” - Michelle Cadore 

“Hashtag everything, share everything, work with influencers.” - Whitney Rife Becker  

“Teaching yourself and doing your due diligence so that everything you’re putting out onto the internet has a direct link back to you.” - Amber Tolliver

On crisis-proofing your business… 

“Remain agile and have multiple avenues through which you can bring in revenue.” - Amber Tolliver

“At any moment in time, you can say that doors closed, but we’ve got the window and we’ve got the back door. We’ve always got people to connect with the brand in a way that's still driving revenue and keeping that community connected and engaged with you.” - Amber Tolliver 

On money tips for small business owners… 

“Only buy products you love, it’s easier to sell those products.” - Whitney Rife Becker 

On what COVID-19 has taught them… 

“That we are unstoppable. Even when you have to sit down for six months and be on pause as a business, it gave me the space to really plan and grow my business. Taught me to keep going, keep pushing.” - Michelle Cadore 

“It taught me to pivot.” - Sherley Tavarez

On the future of work… 

“It’s ours. Brands are trusting us, influencers, and businesses are trusting the world. We have everything we want at our fingertips.” - Whitney Rife Becker

“Digitally, you can do anything, there are no limits to what we can do and what we can achieve, I think it's a really incredible time to be an entrepreneur.” - Amber Tolliver

“The future of work is adaptable, you have to be flexible and move with whatever changes are coming and stay innovative.” - Michelle Cadore

Psst… If you’re having serious FOMO, join Create & Cultivate Insiders to get unlimited access to all of our Future of Work Presented by Mastercard content including video recordings of every panel and workshop download in C&C history.

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5 Steps Brands Can Take to Survive a Content Shortage During the Pandemic

Photo: Christina Jones Photography

In a bid to sell their products and services, forward-thinking brands typically identify and leverage passion points that they share in common with their desired audience. For some brands, these passion points could be music, sports, food, design, beauty, or fashion. Brands would often spend thousands or even millions of dollars sponsoring large scale music, fashion, or sporting events in the hope of reaching and connecting with both existing and potential consumers. Many go as far as planning their communication for an entire quarter around such events in order to amplify their brand voice and attract more people.

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, several businesses witnessed a monumental shift in their operations. Disruptions in supply chain processes, work culture, communication strategies, and brand activities were observed. Furthermore, brands that had made significant investments towards certain sponsorships have had to come to terms with the sudden cancellation of those activities. Not only has this greatly impacted their bottom line, but it has also eliminated a massive opportunity to recruit new consumers and build loyalty with existing ones in real-time.  

Picture this: Your entire marketing plan for a whole quarter has been strategically built around an annual sporting event. Each year, your brand activities and content would typically revolve around getting fans to look forward to the event, giving away tickets, live updates during the event, and also a post-event wrap up. Your hope is to utilize the sponsorship to create content that would remain relevant for more than a couple of months, but then suddenly the pandemic hits and that sporting event gets canceled! 

Brands who have sponsored major events and conferences often find ways to generate content that keeps the conversation going weeks after the event has ended. The absence of such activities and the halt in operations for businesses within certain industries has definitely resulted in a communication gap.

Even as cities gradually begin to re-open after months of quarantine, some brands are still grappling with the effects of interrupted activities as a result of COVID-19. This has resulted in what I like to call a “content shortage,” which is essentially a lack of content or simply not having much to communicate as a result of unexpected changes in business operations or brand activities.

What do you talk about when the major point of connection with your audience has been broken? 

The situation feels a lot like having an acquaintance who you only chat about football with; it might be difficult to have a conversation with such a person when football season is over. In the same vein, it can be challenging to find new ways to start a conversation with potential consumers who could have easily been recruited in the course of that major event. 

Content shortage is a real problem that a lot of brands (especially within the travel and entertainment industries) are currently dealing with. You might have seen some brands go completely silent during this period or observed a reduction in the frequency of their content. This is because they frankly do not know what to communicate and the platforms that they once had have been taken away. 

Photo: Christina Jones Photography

So how can brands survive this communication crisis? 

• Stick to your platform: If you’ve chosen to leverage music as a way to reach your consumers, there’s no need to shift gears just yet. Yes, the annual festival has been canceled but you could find new ways to engage your audience. Say for instance part of your sponsorship agreements gave you access to the headlining artist of that music festival, you could still work with those artists to create content that gives your audience a similar level of access. You could host live Q&A sessions or get the artists to share exclusive videos about they prepare for concerts. If your brand was meant to be part of an annual beauty summit, perhaps you could get one of the previously selected panelists to share beauty tips and tricks virtually. 

• Consider taking your event digital: Who says you can’t go ahead with your event? Currently, several sporting events around the globe are finding new ways to adjust to the effects of the pandemic. Fans are joining major events such as basketball games via Microsoft Teams. Say you were planning to host a huge fitness event as part of your brand activities for 2020; you could consider making it a digital event. Although it might not drive as much revenue for your brand, it will definitely keep the momentum going and stop you from experiencing a content shortage.

• Get to know your consumers all over again: Your consumers might have come to you because they shared your love for travel or fashion, but there’s more to them than you know. Now might be a great time to discover what other interests your audience may have that could possibly align with your brand and what it stands for. If you are a beverage brand that only focused on fitness activities, you could explore broadening your content themes to cover how to live a healthy lifestyle in general. It is important to note that you have to be careful as you do this, you shouldn’t steer too far away from what it is your consumers know and trust you for. 

• Bear in mind that the quality over quantity content rule still applies: It’s tempting to want to post content in the midst of a “shortage.” It’s great to keep the conversation with your consumers going but it’s better to stay silent if you have nothing relevant to say. Focus on offering your consumers valuable resources instead of trying hard to start a conversation that they aren’t interested in having with you. 

• Be transparent with your consumers: It seems counter-intuitive for brands to come clean about not having any activities, but being transparent is a lot better than turning into an online ghost. If your event has been canceled due to the pandemic or you can only host a virtual event, you should let your consumers know. Be open with your consumers about how the pandemic has caused a shift in your industry or business. This could help open up a new line of conversation. How are your employees adjusting to working from home or how has your business changed? Sharing all this not only gives you things to talk about but it also makes your brand more relatable and creates room for empathy from consumers. 

There’s no doubt that the pandemic has revolutionized the way industries operate and the way brands communicate, but your business can rise above the prevalent content shortage problems by adopting the steps above and more importantly by listening to the needs of your target audience.

“

Be open with your consumers about how the pandemic has caused a shift in your industry or business.”

—Elizabeth Ole, Author, Content Strategist, and Creative Director at Storyboard

About the author: Elizabeth Ole is a multi-dimensional storyteller, author, content strategist, and creative director at Storyboard. She has worked with several global brands to develop their content strategy as well as create original content to further drive marketing. She is a lover of travel, photography, and exploring food at cafes and restaurants. You can find out more about her and follow her @elizabethole on Instagram.

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4 Pro Tips for Navigating the Job Hunt During COVID-19

Photo: Vlada Karpovich for Pexels

With one-in-four young adults facing unemployment, there’s no better time to stay focused on your career goals. Though this might not be the easiest time to find a job, it doesn’t mean that opportunities aren’t out there—you just have to know how to find them and how to stand out in a sea of résumés. Here are a couple of ways to stay focused and remain successful in your job search during COVID-19.

Reach Out to Your Network

LinkedIn was made for times like these. Use it to your advantage and start networking! Take the time to reach out to friends past and present to see if they know of any job opportunities that might be of interest to you. Try to keep the conversation light and informative; explain what you’re looking for and how appreciative you are of their time and insights. 

Are you a college graduate? Don’t forget to connect with previous professors, old classmates, and alumni who are in your field, they might know of a company or a person who you can connect with. Utilize LinkedIn messaging and InMail to reach out and start a conversation. Twitter is another great place to get ahold of people in a more direct/personal way.

Stay Active

It’s easy to let unemployment bring you down and break your spirit, but don’t forget your passion and future goals. Stay active in your job search and keep a daily schedule in order to stay fervent in your mission. Structure your days and block off time to job hunt. Not only will this keep you highly productive but will keep you from feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Here are a couple of ways to stay active during your job search:

• Post a couple of times a week on LinkedIn related to your career path. This could be industry news, or even just motivational/inspirational content for others to see that you are active and using the platform for job purposes.

• Build out your profile on other job sites so employers can easily find you. 

• Send follow-up emails for job applications and interviews and always keep checking your email for any updates. 

Set Up Alerts

Job search sites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Indeed allow you to set up job alerts. These can be customized for whatever type of job you’re looking for, including distance, industry, type of company, salary, etc. You can also choose whether you want the alerts to arrive in your inbox weekly or daily. These reminders can be a quick way for you to stay on top of job openings and make it easier than ever to apply and get on with the rest of your day. 

Update Your Résumé

There’s nothing more important than an updated résumé, cover letter, and portfolio. Your résumé should reflect your career, for example, if you’re a graphic designer, show off some of your skills with a colorful and stylish résumé. Make sure your job descriptions are detailed and concise for the average employer to read through and understand.

While applying for jobs, don’t forget to tailor your cover letter to the position you’re applying for, and be sure to include keywords that will grab the employer’s attention and prove you have all of the right experience.

Depending on your career and job history, a portfolio is another great asset to carry with you to job interviews. For writers and people in the creative field, it’s an easy way to show off your skills and clips in a more formal way than just an attached PDF. 

Create the future you deserve by building your new job-hunt routine and staying on top of your goals and skills. Use these tips to your advantage and land that dream job!

About the Author: Abbey currently works at a full-service ad agency as a digital marketing coordinator. She also owns a music blog (blondieandthebeat.com) where she writes about music and artists she loves. Throughout her time as a writer and media maven, she’s remained passionate in her love of sharing stories, curating content, and inspiring women. You can usually find her cuddled up on the couch binging “Sex and the City” (for the 20th time) or caught up in a good book. 

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This Is What Founders of Successful Companies Wear to Work From Home

As we enter yet another month of coronavirus-induced telecommuting, it’s certainly no secret that working from home (in the midst of a pandemic, no less) calls for a very different dress code than working from the ole office swivel chair. After all, signing online for a virtual Zoom meeting doesn’t exactly require the same sartorial standards as walking into a boardroom meeting, especially when you take into consideration the fact that staying healthy is (and should be) priority #1 right now.

Now that our business-as-usual attire has been relegated to the backs of our closets, we reached out to founders of successful companies to find out what they’re wearing to work from home during COVID-19. Ahead, Babba C. Rivera, the founder of the brand marketing agency ByBabba, Anine Bing, the founder and chief creative officer of Anine Bing, Blair Armstrong, the founder of the lauded beauty brand Gilded, and more divulge their WFH style staples they’re turning to day in and day out.

Maria Markina

Co-Founder, Athena Club

What's your personal style? 

Very laid back, clean, and classic. I typically reach for jeans and a T-shirt or sweater depending on the weather. I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but I find jeans comfortable! I’ve collected my favorite pairs and could wear them every day in any situation.

What are you currently wearing?

Even though I’m working remotely, I like to get dressed in the mornings to keep a routine. Right now I’m wearing Levi's 501 jeans with a J.Crew popover shirt.

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

It truly depends. In a formal meeting, I would wear a suit (I’ve kept a few of my most comfortable suits from my consulting days), however a lot of my important meetings are business casual, so a dark pair of jeans and a simple blouse are my go-to’s.

Babba C. Rivera

Founder, ByBabba

What's your personal style? 

“Fashion meets business with a lot of colors and a playful Scandi vibe.”

What are you currently wearing?

“Right now, I am alternating between leggings-and-blazer looks or very colorful, more fun Scandi outfits to boost my energy.  Peak Performance leggings, paired with a Ba&Sh blazer and a tee from Jeanerica. Or Stine Goya pants and top.”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

“Suits are my go-to, but during quarantine times I've tweaked it slightly by pairing blazers with leggings, so that I still look and feel polished for video conferences, but can simultaneously be ready for a midday workout through Instagram LIVE.”

Ariyana Hernandez

Co-Founder & CEO, NORA the agency

What's your personal style?

“My personal style is very fluid, typically predicated on how I'm feeling in the moment. Generally, I gravitate towards unique stand-out pieces that make a statement and have a strong penchant for airy neutrals. If I had to wear one style for the rest of my life it would be minimalistic resort wear—lots of linens and crushed silks.”

What are you currently wearing?  

“Currently wearing a silk cami, a lounge set from Shaina Mote, and Objet Pendant from J. Hannah Jewelry. I love that Shaina Mote's pieces are timeless staples, super comfortable, and sustainably produced in Los Angeles.”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

“I can't bear to be uncomfortable while working from home but I still want to look professional (at least from the waist up)! I opt for a statement blouse or a loose jacket, simple gold jewelry, and lounge pants.”

Anine Bing

Founder & Chief Creative Officer, ANINE BING

What's your personal style?

“Timeless style with a rock n' roll edge.”

What are you currently wearing?

“Florence Jeans. I've been wearing these jeans so much lately—they're so comfortable. It almost feels like I'm wearing sweatpants but the fact that they're denim, they make me feel so much more put together. Milo Tee. Everyone knows I love a crisp white tee, this one pairs perfectly with my Florence Jeans. Fishbone Blazer. Our Fishbone blazer is always my go-to. Getting up and getting dressed in the morning like I normally would to go into the office has helped me be more productive while I'm working from home.”

Amy Voloshin

Founder & Designer, Printfresh

What's your personal style?

"Eclectic would probably put it best. It’s very dependent on how my morning starts off and what I’m up to. I’m also an aspiring (and failing) minimalist. Working in design, I’ve found that a bold outfit can really influence the color choices, pattern sensibilities, and other design preferences of the people around you. So when working with others, I tend to dress more simply, choosing neutral solids over bright prints. However, working from home has really changed that."

What are you currently wearing?

"Luckily we design and make pajamas, so wearing sleepwear during our weekly Zoom call with the team is totally appropriate. I alternate between wearing a full set and then sometimes mixing PJ bottoms with a sweater or a comfy solid or Grateful Dead tee (the only graphic tees I own). Our Blush Bagheera and embroidered Daughters of Triton styles are my personal favorites from our pajama collection.”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

"Since our team is super small and we’re currently working remotely, these days I almost always choose to wear pajamas to our meetings. But if I’m feeling fancy I’ll do my hair and put on some of our little stud earrings that are easy for wearing at home and small enough that you can sleep in them (which is always a bonus!).”

Audrey Merwin

Founder & Designer, Soluna Collective

What's your personal style?

"I love a good contrast, so I am always pushing the boundaries with how I style my clothing. Tight-fitting pants call for an extra loose top in my book and vice versa—bonus if texture and patterns are included in the mix. I like to build my wardrobe with simple silhouettes that can be paired with almost anything, the fun part is layering the different pieces! Layers are also essential living in Portland, where an afternoon sprinkle is to be expected, so I almost always carry an oversized jacket with me that can be thrown on at the slightest sight of rain. One of my favorite pieces to layer is a Woolrich jacket that used to belong to my grandma, and her brother before that. It's a rich royal blue color with a boxy fit, it adds the perfect pop of color and texture to any outfit. Finish the outfit off with wide-leg pants and a pair of boots and I call it good!”

What are you currently wearing?

“I am currently wearing our natural waffle pants (seriously the coziest work from home pants!) paired with a crop tank and an oversized vintage Pendleton shirt for an extra layer. During this period, where I have been home more than ever, I have found comfort in soft and cozy layers.”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

“For big meetings, I like to keep it simple. My favorite top to wear is actually from our new collection; the Wrap Jacket in Spruce Green Waffle. It has a belt that can be tied around the waist for definition and the textured waffle pattern provides an element of interest without being too distracting. I like to pair it with a wide-legged pair of pants, heeled boots, and statement earrings to finish the look.“

Blair Armstrong

Founder, GILDED

What's your personal style?

"My personal style is feminine, elegant, and classic. I prefer well-crafted, timeless, and transitional pieces. My wardrobe is 99% dresses and skirts that I pair with complementary jewelry."

What are you currently wearing?

"I am currently wearing BCBG tanks. They are so lightweight and comfortable and I’ve been pairing them with my Alexander McQueen trousers."

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

“My go-to for big meetings are power skirt suits and dresses.”

Philippa Brenninkmeyer

Founder & Designer, Indigo Swimwear

What's your personal style?

"I would say my personal style is pretty laid back beach vibes."

What are you currently wearing?

"I am currently wearing a white summer dress from Cleobella along with some of my favorite espadrille slides from Soludos."

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

"For big meetings, I really just go with the flow of how I am feeling that day but a dress like today or midi skirt with a cute top is usually my go-to!”

Clarissa Egana

Founder & Designer, Port de Bras

What’s your personal style?

"I’m laid back, so a tailored casual outfit that looks effortless but still makes a statement is a style that works for almost everything.”

What are you currently wearing?

"I’m so into these Chanel sandals I purchased from Farfetch through my personal shopper @paulaco_style, paired with our soon to be released summer capsule items—the Carla Top & Shorts. They are dressy and fresh, perfect for a sunset drink with friends."

What’s your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

"Anything with the Port de Bras Shay Jacket. I designed it especially for meetings and now to WFH. They look amazing paired with our Jazmin Pants but can also work over a summer dress or even a bikini!"

Aeshia DeVore Branch

Founder & Chief Exercise Officer, Pretty Girls Sweat

What's your personal style?

"Sporty chic.”

What are you currently wearing?

“PGS tees, Zara high-waisted pants, Kenzo sweatshirts, Nike sweatpants, UGG slippers.”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

“Black Gucci blazer, simple tank from naked wardrobe, sweat pants (since no one can see them on a zoom call), and statement earrings.”

Ariel Kaye

Founder & CEO, Parachute

What's your personal style?

“Comfort has always been my top priority when I’m getting dressed. I live by the beach and my style is definitely inspired by the outdoors. You’ll find me in an unfussy t-shirt, sweater, and Levis, or one of my go-to dresses. Much like Parachute’s aesthetic, I tend to gravitate to a neutral color palette and look for quality fabrics.”

 What are you currently wearing?

“I am currently in my Cloud Cotton Robe in Rose.”

 What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

“We are pretty informal at Parachute. We make home essentials that are designed to be enjoyed and lived in, and our dress code is an extension of that laidback and welcoming brand ethos. For big meetings, I’ll throw on a pair of slacks and a leather jacket. I recommend having a big meeting uniform–one less thing to think about.“

Clare Vivier

Founder, Clare V.

What's your personal style?

“My personal style is always evolving, but I have an affinity for cropped trousers, a great blouse, and the perfect brogues or loafers—but right now, it's about staying comfortable throughout the day while working from home. While I typically always have a CV bag by my side, right now, it's the Emma in Yellow, a bright spot that I wear crossbody—it's the perfect size to keep my phone with me at all times, which has never been more important.”

What are you currently wearing?

“Currently, it's Richer Poorer sweatpants and our Blue Long Sleeve Hoodie with Poppy Jaguar Print.”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

“Right now, since all of our meetings are on Zoom, it's typically business on top and cozies on the bottom. I have a soft spot (literally) for Richer Poorer sweats and my soft knits from The Great, and when I want to feel a bit fancier, I'll throw on a dress from Ulla Johnson or Doen. And always socks with Birks for walking around the house.”

Aisha Marshall

Co-Founder, Creative Label

What's your personal style? 

“Elevated streetwear/creative professional.”

What are you currently wearing? 

“An Asos blazer,  Urban Outfitters hoodie, and Amazon Fashion biker shorts.”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home? 

“Throw on a blazer over loungewear and it's instantly business casual. Some of my favorite loungewear items: Mayfair Group hoodies, Vida Moulin tie-dye loungewear sets (option 1 + option 2), and Asos blazers (option 1 + option 2.)”

Dianna Cohen

Founder & CEO, Crown Affair

What's your personal style? 

“My style is fairly simple and leans towards the casual side (even before we were all WFH!). I live in sweaters, denim, leather pants, silky wide-leg pants, and favorite vintage t-shirts and tanks. I'll usually pair that with a blazer or jacket to pull it all together. I like having my uniform, but then having variations on it that are a more playful, like tie-dye cashmere sweater instead of a neutral.” 

What are you currently wearing?

“Right now at home, I'm here for something that feels like you're wearing PJs, but doesn't look like it. I've been living in these black Serena Pants from Billie the Label. They're so comfortable and I like wearing an actual pant when working during the day. I paired it with this neutral but playful cardigan from Jacquemus. Comfy enough to wear all day at home, but still feel like you got dressed for work. Taking a few moments to change from loungewear to a more pulled-together look has been helpful in creating new structures and separate my home and workspaces. I usually only wear Birkenstocks in the house, but I just ordered these Chuck 70s, so I've been wearing them inside to break them in a bit.”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

“As all meetings have been officially relocated to a Zoom link, it feels more natural to not get too dressed up even if you would wear a blazer for that same meeting IRL. Right now I've been wearing cashmere sweaters and I'll add an earring or necklace to make it feel more polished.”

Pooja Bavishi

Founder and CEO, Malai

What's your personal style? 

“My personal style is comfortable but professional. I have a shop, and I'm often moving boxes around, and have to make sure that I stay comfortable. But my day also always involves speaking to vendors and investors, so I need to look professional. My style combines both of these things.”  

What are you currently wearing? 

“When I am not in my Brooklyn ice cream scoop shop, I am comfortably working from home in a Malai T-shirt with Lou & Grey linen pants. Our Malai tees are made with the finest California grown Supima cotton, and so incredibly comfy. The best part is that the T-shirts are created by my parents, who have owned their own textile company for the past 20 years. Their entrepreneurial journey and support has always inspired mine, so it brings me great joy that our businesses are united with our Malai T-shirts. Lou & Grey is my go-to brand for comfortable yet chic clothes. Their sunny-hue reminds me of saffron (one of my favorite spices that you find in our ice cream), and the airy texture keeps me calm during long days of our busy summer months. Most of all, they still make me feel super put-together (which is great when I have to jump on a video call or run down to the shop). While working from home, I basically have a rotation of both of these things: Lou & Grey pants and Malai tees!”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home? 

“When I actually need to get dressed up, I wear a Tory Burch dress from their pre-fall 2018 collection.  It's light, airy, comfortable, and most importantly, makes me feel happy and confident (key for any business meetings). I was a 2018 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow, a fellowship that supports women entrepreneurs and provides them with a resource and network. I honestly think of my fellowship experience every time I put on that dress, which made me feel ready to take on the world.”

Lauren Bosworth

Founder & CEO, Love Wellness

What's your personal style? 

“My personal style is a mix of high and low, and feminine and masculine. I love wearing baggy, high-waisted jeans with a spaghetti strap top, or a delicate dress with a men's cut corduroy jacket. I tend to stick to black, brown, white, and navy as my primary colors I wear.”

What are you currently wearing?

“Right now I'm mostly wearing sweatpants, just like the rest of the world. I love this Target brand I found on a recent trip to their headquarters in Minneapolis called Joy Lab. Everything is so soft and really affordable.” 

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home? 

“I like to wear a nice sweater and pull my hair back from my face in a nice bun. Definitely looks presentable and polished!”

Des Dickerson

Co-Founder, Creative Label

What's your personal style? 

“Chic, but I also love a good sporty and comfortable outfit.”

What are you currently wearing?

“Forever 21, Forever 21, and Forever 21.” 

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

“Typically a really cute top with a very casual bottom (no one would ever know!).  I also love The Mayfair Group and Vida Moulin they both have great options for work from home attire. ”

Shea Marie

CEO & Creative Director, Same Los Angeles

What's your personal style?

“My personal style is always changing! Right now, I’d say it’s very classic and chic but with an effortless twist. My style is always confident, that’s one thing that never changes.”

What are you currently wearing?

“Loungewear, but not pajamas! If I stay in the same clothes that I sleep in, I end up being less productive when working from home. But I’m also realistic and why would I dress up if I have nowhere to go and no one to see? So I’ve been wearing mainly cute loungewear sets! If I have to do a video conference call I’ll change my top to look professional, but leave my cozy pants on bottom!”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?  

“A chic pantsuit. There’s something powerful and confident about a woman in a suit! I usually add a fun twist to make it modern and cool- whether that be a pop of color purse, a loose tee, or white sneakers.”

Natasha Samuel

Founder of Sol Studio & Host of The Shine Online Podcast

What's your personal style? 

“Comfortable, minimal, boho, relaxed, with a pop of color.”

What are you currently wearing?

My go-to outfit is a comfy bralette and sweatpants from Aerie with a headband or hair wrap.

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

“I love to wear my favorite Everlane tee with a statement pair of earrings from Arlo Jean, probably with the same sweat pants.”

Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin

Co-Founder & Chief Digital Brand Officer, Summersalt

What's your personal style? 

“My personal style is casual, modern, comfortable and polished. I love being incredibly comfortable in jeans, a great pair of sneakers but with a structured sweater or shirt.”

What are you currently wearing? 

“I'm wearing my Summersalt Joggers and a white T-shirt from AYR. The perfect at-home look but still somewhat pulled together!”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home? 

“My go-to outfit for big meetings is usually a pair of jeans or pants that I feel incredibly confident in, a white button-down, gold bangles, and a pair of heels or sneakers. I have quickly learned that being confident and comfortable is the most important in big meetings, as opposed to trying to fit a predetermined norm. I'm not one for formal business attire.”

Lori Coulter

Co-Founder & CEO, Summersalt

What's your personal style? 

“My personal style is modern classic but with a twist.”

What are you currently wearing?

“Today, I'm wearing jeans and a black T-shirt with Summersalt's Throw-and-Go Duster—my go to for my work from home routine.”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home? 

“For big meetings, I love wearing the perfect blouse and Summersalt's Perfect Wide Leg Pant (sometimes a blazer) with my favorite Sarah Flint heels.”

Jenni Lee

Founder of Comme Si

What's your personal style?

“Menswear-inspired, classic with a twist. I like to wear clothing that's well-tailored and made from substantial materials; I prioritize comfort and softness when I buy things. My typical outfit recipe is a monochromatic or neutral base with colorful and fun socks, shoes, jewelry, and accessories to spice things up.”

What are you currently wearing?

“Lately, the concept of getting dressed revolves around whether I have a video conference that day or not. On days that I do, like today, it's business up top, comfortable on bottom. I'm wearing a Thomas Mason men's button-down (I like to shop from the men's department for a perfectly oversized fit), a pearl necklace, Hanes boxers, and cashmere Comme Si socks (ultimate WFH luxury). It's very Tom Cruise in ‘Risky Business’ meets Grace Kelly in ‘To Catch a Thief.’”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

“For big meetings, I don't really deviate from my everyday style because I want to feel like myself, comfortable. You can tell when someone has dressed outside their norm, and they exude discomfort; I try to avoid that feeling. My go-to is a navy cashmere sweater with tailored navy trousers and clean sneakers.”

Katie Sturino

Founder, Megababe and The 12ish Style

What's your personal style?

“Colorful and fun.”

What are you currently wearing?

“I am in Maine and currently am wearing Megababe x Day/Won Leggings and a J.Crew Tie Dye Sweater. On my face, I am masking with Megababe’s Le Tush mask, which is facial grade, so I can use it on my face!”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

“My go-to look is a Veronica Beard blazer. For summer, I will pair it with a Katie Sturino x Stitch Fix dress and a Lele Sadoughi headband.”

Nina Mullen

Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Hilma

What’s your personal style?

"I have actually never been asked to describe my personal style before, but I guess I would articulate it as casual but kind of modern? Is that a thing?! I am often wearing jeans and T-shirts but in varying degrees of nice. I will dress myself up or down based on accessories like earrings, shoes, and a blazer or sweater."

What are you currently wearing?

"Currently wearing old Acne Studio Jeans that I got seven years ago, an oversized Isabel Marant sweater that I love, and no shoes. I usually never work from home, but given today’s circumstances, that is obviously the new norm. For me, it is important to be really comfortable but to also not just be sitting in PJs all day."

What’s your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

"I am big on jeans, a crew neck T-shirt, a blazer, and a great flat or stacked heel. I keep my blazers for years (I even have one from when I was 16 and interning at Theory) and wear them over and over."

Brett Heyman

Founder & Creative Director, Edie Parker and Flower by Edie Parker

What's your personal style? 

"My personal style is comfortable. But before this pandemic, I did have a better relationship with a waistband. Not so much anymore." 

What are you currently wearing?

 "I’ve been wearing knit sweat pants for the past ten days—mostly from Alexandra Golvanoff. I feel like I haven’t given up completely. Today, I decided it would be smart to put my jeans on to make sure they still fit. It wasn’t great, so I settled on my trusty pair of oversized vintage 501s. It’s a compromise. My hemp Edie Parker flower tee is warm and cozy, and my Elder Statesman socks make me feel like all will be okay in the world."

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?

"I don’t have a go-to outfit for meetings. I’m pretty much always in vintage jeans and a sweater or blouse. But if I have to look a little more presentable, I’ll throw on some earrings and a kitten heel."

Camila Pierotti

Founding Partner, Sol de Janeiro

What's your personal style?

“Casual and chic. I like my outfits to seamlessly take me from work to dinner out with friends or a date with my husband. I always wear jeans with a fun top and cute flats. I love making my outfits super colorful.”

What are you currently wearing? 

“I am wearing Lululemon leggings with a fun and colorful T-shirt. While working from home, I need to be comfortable because my ‘office’ moves from the dinner table to the couch, to my bed.”

What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?  

“I basically wear what I usually wear and take it up several notches with high heels, a tailored jacket, and statement earrings and necklaces. Also, more eye makeup and more fragrance! I love working at Sol de Janeiro because we’re very colorful, which is exactly my personal style.”

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Slow Stories: Why It’s Important to Slow Down as a Digitally Minded Founder

Photo: Courtesy of Slow Stories

As we collectively experience an intense period of isolation and uncertainty due to COVID-19, we must also embrace the opportunity to (re)learn how to live in the moment. Since the inception of Slow Stories, themes around presence and slowness have informed so many conversations with my guests. Enter Jessica Latham of Social Studies. 

In honor of the recent launch of Slow Stories Podcast season four, I'm thrilled to share an exclusive (and particularly relevant) follow-up portion of my chat with Latham here on the Create & Cultivate blog. If you haven't had a chance to listen to the episode yet, Latham is the co-founder and CEO of Social Studies, a modern party rental company that offers a variety of tablescape designs and products that make it easy to plan the party of your dreams.

While this episode was conducted before any of the challenges that arose from COVID-19 began, the topics explored in this conversation transcend our current landscape and offer an essential reminder: community is a gift. Enjoy the full episode here and discover even more insights from Latham below. 

RACHEL SCHWARTZMANN: Why is it important to slow down as a digitally minded founder? Can you share an instance of when slowing down inspired innovation at work?

JESSICA LATHAM: Slowing down is so important for thinking about the bigger picture. Sometimes we can get so caught up in the day to day to-do's, and it's extremely important to find quiet time to think and strategize. I'll take a day or two a month for myself to work from home for this reason. I also find that my biggest ideas come from times of quiet and reflection—usually during a run or long walk by myself. 

Based on your professional experiences, what would you prioritize as the top three pillars of "slow" content? Are there any stories or content series from Social Studies that you can point to or that you think really embody this practice?

From my perspective, we're talking about content that is truthful, thoughtful, and authentic. We try to instill all three of those things into everything we do at Social Studies. How are real people entertaining and gathering? What's it really like to throw a big event? We have a section on our editorial site called Hungry, Sober & Mad that talks about party disasters. Authenticity is what Social Studies is all about. Gathering, slowing down, being together in real life, sharing moments and memories—but in a very real way. We always say parties are not perfect. What matters most is just getting together. Spill the wine, who cares! What's more authentic and real than that? This is the good stuff in life. 

In our podcast episode, we spoke a lot about being present. Is there a particular piece of content or story that made you "stop in your scroll" and inspire you to reconnect with the world around you?

I'm honestly inspired every day. I love to see how our customers are using Social Studies and how our product is bringing joy to their lives, helping them connect with others, and create memories. It genuinely makes me so happy and so grateful that I get to do this for work. 

With a literal slow down of content comes the need for more experiences. How do you think events can serve as a form of slow content/thoughtful storytelling?

The real content of life is our memories. The things that stick with you, in your DNA forever. The constant content and media coming at us on a daily basis is fleeting. What sticks are our experiences; our memories. These experiences become the stories of our lives. It's the most important content there is. We hope to inspire people to gather more, put their devices down, and truly let life in. 

Do you have any final words of wisdom that you'd like to share regarding slowing down, creating enduring content strategies, or building a conscious business?

I think, as founders, we have a responsibility to be thoughtful about what we are putting out into the world. We should be asking ourselves everyday questions like: is this authentic, is this true, how will this make our readers and customers feel? We should be inspiring each other, lifting each other up, and bringing people together. Community is what gives us hope, joy, and makes us feel alive. If you create content and business with these things in mind, it will endure. 

About the Author: Rachel Schwartzmann is the founder and CEO of The Style Line LLC. She created The Style Line in late January 2011 via Tumblr and has fostered The Style Line’s brand in its growth since then. Rachel has been featured in esteemed sources including Forbes, Refinery29, and MyDomaine and has also spoken at Create & Cultivate and Columbia University on establishing a unique brand point of view and entrepreneurship. On October 1, 2015, Rachel took The Style Line in a new direction as a boutique content company with the introduction of its slow content agency CONNECT(ED)ITORIAL.

You can follow Rachel at:

The Style Line: @thestyleline (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)
CONNECT(ED)ITORIAL: @connecteditorial (Instagram)
Rachel Schwartzmann: @rachelschwartzmann (Instagram) @RMSchwartzmann (Twitter)

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Julie Smolyansky on Leading with Resilience and Empathy During the Coronavirus Pandemic and Beyond

“

Trust the process, trust the universe. Trust that all of this is happening not to you but for you.”

—Julie Smolyansky, CEO, Lifeway

It’s safe to say Julie Smolyansky knows a thing or two about leading a company through tough times.

At 27, she unexpectedly became the CEO of her family business after the sudden death of her father—but it wasn’t just any family business. Overnight, she took the helm of Lifeway Foods, and in doing so, became the youngest female CEO of a publicly held, multi-million-dollar company. Despite the personal and professional challenges she faced from the beginning, the business immediately thrived under her leadership. Lifeway’s annual gross sales grew from $12M to $14.8M in her first year as CEO, and since then the company has even exceeded $120M in annual revenue.

She’s been named to Fortune’s 40 Under 40 List, Fortune’s 55 Most Influential Women on Twitter, included on Fast Company’s list of the Most 1000 Creative People in Business, and she was recently named a 2020 Champion of Wellness by VeryWell. Needless to say, we were so excited to hear the oft-lauded CEO speak on the topic of leading with resilience and empathy during the coronavirus pandemic—and beyond—at our Digital Summer Camp. Scroll on for some of the most memorable quotes from Smolyansky’s fireside chat with Create & Cultivate founder and CEO, Jaclyn Johnson. 

On stepping into the role of CEO… 

“Failure was not going to be an option.”

“I worked really hard. I used the business as a place where I could put my mourning and grieving pain and do something with it.”

“I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.”

“Tough times are where you’re called on to rise—and you either rise or you don’t. Sink or swim.”

On honing her vision for the company…

“Educating people around gut health has been my mission from day one.”

“You have to tell your story over and over again. You have to tell the marketplace over and over again.”

“We’ve doubled down on advertising and marketing during some of the more troubling moments of crisis like 2008 for example when the economy was flattering, we saw that as an opportunity and we doubled our advertising and that paid off. Some of our biggest growth happened during the recession.”

“We’ve adapted at every point in time and every point in our history.”

“We’re constantly learning and adapting and evolving.”

“What I know for sure is that what everyone wants is health. They want health, they want wellness, they want to feed their families good, nutritious food.”

On scaling a team…

“If I can delegate and let other people take the plan and execute it, it’s much more empowering for them and more fun, and then I can focus on the big picture.”

“It was a slow process of giving up that control because I was so used to doing it all myself.”

“It’s about working on your business, not in your business.”

On her advice for fellow female leaders...

“Even if you’re afraid, speak up. Use your voice. Keep raising your hand.”

“No one gives you power, you just have to take it.”

“If you’re not at the table, you’re the meal.”

“Keep being brave. Bravery is a muscle. It’s like your gut, it’s like your bicep—you keep using it, you keep getting stronger.”

On doing good during COVID-19...

“Lifeway was originally started with this idea to feed people.”

“My family survived war and famine and disease and all sorts of things in the Soviet Union during a painful time in history, so feeding people has always been super important to us.”

“30% of kids in the Chicagoland public school system are food insecure and rely on the school system’s lunch as their one nutritious meal a day—and suddenly they weren’t going to have it overnight.

“We immediately started unlocking and deploying our emergency response plan to reach those communities most impacted.”

“There is no more sacred purpose than to feed people and bring them wellness.”

“We’ve been working 24/7 just to keep food on people’s tables.” 

On finding the silver lining through COVID-19...

“This crisis has shown us how vulnerable we are and how in-lock and connected we are to each other. Our safety and security and health depend on each other. We are interlocked with each other.” 

“We’re starting to see that we are all really in it together and that we can show up for each other.”

On advice for anyone struggling during COVID...

“Don’t stop. Keep going. Hold your head up high. Find moments of joy for yourself. Trust the process, trust the universe. Trust that all of this is happening not to you but for you.”

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16 Female Leaders Share the Most Unexpected Lessons They’ve Learned During COVID

The word “unprecedented” has been used a lot over the past few months, and rightfully so—living through a pandemic of this scale is not something that we’ve ever done before. There’s no manual for navigating COVID-19, and everyone has been forced to tackle this new reality day by day.

But being stripped of all routines that make us feel like we are in control has revealed some unexpected, and valuable, lessons. For these 16 female leaders, this time has forced them to challenge their business processes, personality traits they thought to be true, how they get work done at home, and more. However, they each adhere to a clear pattern—starting with discomfort or unfamiliarity, followed by acknowledging the friction, and ultimately, leading to an important lesson that will far surpass this temporary season.

Their stories demonstrate that it’s not necessarily the problems we face or even the lessons we learn that are most significant, but rather how we intentionally integrate them into our lives as we inevitably fall back into familiar routines.

Amanda Aldinger

Founder of Antonym, a voice strategy and copywriting studio that conspires with beauty, culture, fashion, and lifestyle brands.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “Four and a half weeks into quarantine, I realized that I'd worked every day, all day, since New York City went into lockdown. My brain and creativity were completely tapped, I was exhausted and ultimately had to admit that the only person holding myself to this insane schedule was me. I set new boundaries with myself and clients, brought on extra support, created fresh weekend routines, and revealed in the new space to think and restore. Happiness, creativity, and energy returned instantly.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “I've experienced the stressful effects of over-extending myself for years, but have struggled to live at a slower pace while scaling a growing business. This forced slow-down gave me no choice. I have found grace in it and will be nurturing a new pace of life post-COVID.”

Isis Nyong'o

Founder of MumsVillage, a content and ecommerce platform for parents in Kenya.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “I haven't left my house for six weeks and don't feel caged in at all. I'm really surprised by this as I've never been a "homebody"—preferring to step outside at least once a day during weekends.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “I think I'll spend a lot more time at home as I don't have any desire to go anywhere. It's also given me permission to make all the "coffee chats" and meetings I didn't really want to have but did out of obligation into virtual meetings. That will be much more acceptable now and I'm so appreciative of this change as I can focus on what's important to me in terms of work and personal.”

Jessica Gupta

Founder and CEO of Taavi, a community platform that connects women in hand-selected small groups based on where they are on their pregnancy or parenthood journey.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “I've realized how much strength I get from meaningful conversations with my friends and family. The video chats and phone calls are deeper because we aren't focused on discussing or doing activities, but truly on talking about things that matter most—emotions, values, mental/physical well-being. What surprised me most about this learning is that it isn't profound or novel, but that it was just forgotten because I was always moving a million miles a minute.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “I'm going to continue the slower pace and focus on what serves me more fully—meaningful conversations.”

Nathalie Molina Niño

CEO of O³, which invests and advocates for women and the planet.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “Everyone who has ever met me would probably place me on the far end of the extreme extrovert spectrum, but it turns out, that might not be true after all. I've had very little human contact in weeks and I'm surprised to report, I don't miss it. Could be I was just traveling too much and needed a break, but relative to other people I know, I seem to be really taking to this quarantine life!”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “I'll take more time to be alone and be better at cultivating and honoring my need for alone time.”

Caitlin Iseler

Founder and CEO of Happyly, which encourages families to spend less time planning and more time experiencing life together by providing active lifestyle inspiration for families across the U.S.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “I am capable of slowing down. As someone who runs hard in all things, it’s been healthy for my family, my business and my well being to slow down. I used to think of slowing down as a weakness but now I see it as a chance to let my brain recharge and address challenges with a level of new found creativity and grace.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “I’m enjoying quiet time to be more present for myself, which in turn is good for everyone around me. It’s a new part of me that I’m embracing and plan to take with me!”

Wadeeha Jackson

Senior Director of Compliance at Blocx, a payment processing platform that utilizes block chain technology to increase the speed and efficiency in business transactions.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “COVID-19 has shown me that I cannot control everything and I have to manage the anxiety that comes from my inability to control external factors.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “I will take the importance of being more grounded and focus on managing my internal well-being. Surrendering doesn't mean giving up — merely it's managing how you internalize and manage dealing with the loss of ‘being in control.’”

Jackie Ghedine

Business and Life Coach at The Resting Mind, which works with Gen X women who are at a mid-career crossroads, struggling with weight loss, or navigating their next move.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “My 11-year-old daughter has severe ADHD. Most sixth graders can go and do their work on their own, but unfortunately for my daughter, she will stare at something that needs to get done and it overwhelms her. Every day we break apart everything that needs to get done into small chunks, one step at a time. COVID has been a gift to me. This precious time, seeing how she learns, understanding her struggles first hand and finding ways to help her manage has helped me to reevaluate my expectations, something I hadn't done and couldn't do.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “I am embedding in my memory, exactly the kinds of actions she takes when trying to do her work—from not being able to retrieve information to forgetting what she was doing four seconds after starting something—all so I can remember exactly what she struggles with every single time she opens a book or looks at a math problem. My expectations will not be how she did on a test and instead, reviewing the work together to ensure she just understands how to solve a problem.”

Nikki Bruno

Founder of The Epic Comeback, which helps high-achieving women in their 30s and 40s stage Epic Comebacks from divorce, illness, or loss.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “I've learned that quarantine conditions bring out massive surges of creativity for me, both personally and professionally. I used to think that creativity flourished with a lot of external stimulation, but it turns out the reduction in mobility and general noise freed up a fountain of ideas in my brain!”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “I'll honor my ideal creative set-up by sequestering myself in cozy places and eliminating distractions.”

Gabriella Ditalia

Founder of Mirror & Lens, which helps clients restore sacred balance by living in the space between their personal truth and the material world.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “I have weathered this experience with leadership and resilience, but in a way I didn't expect. I am philosophical and curious and I have always been able to connect those traits to real life experiences and actions. I built my business to help people wanting to make positive change in uncertain and transitional times in their lives using the tools I've always used to navigate challenging times in my own life. Sometimes uncovering the key to helping others is by learning to see your own unique qualities that are easiest to take for granted.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “I am much more committed to the values of my business, allowing the strategies to shift and evolve. I know that wisdom is in connection, not in information and I continue to embody that in my work with clients.”

Marta Subko

Founder of subko&co, a boutique digital marketing agency.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “I have always thought that office space is one of the most important factors in building company culture. Also, I’ve always been a firm believer that people tend to be less productive while WFH. To my surprise, I’ve discovered that I and my teammates are very efficient as a fully remote team.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “Our lease with WeWork is ending in May, and we decided not to extend it and to stay fully remote for the next few months. It’s cheaper, safer, and more productive in many ways. The situation forced me to be more creative as regards how I connect with my teammates so I came up with new ideas on how we can nurture our culture while working apart. Now we have regular weekly check-Ins, Office Vibe Surveys, edu-quizzes, and we even do pilates together via Hangouts once per week.”

Erin Halper

Founder and CEO of The Upside, a community and referral network of consultants and experts.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “I've learned that all businesses need to offer community and all professionals need to feel connected to like-minded people. The Upside was about to launch a membership cycle when COVID hit, forcing us to completely halt any and all well-planned promotions. What surprised me was how little our business was affected by COVID and the subsequent cancelled marketing campaigns, proving that people prioritize community and connections above almost everything else.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “I'm doubling down on programming that adds value and creates an even stronger community for our members.”

Keira Kotler

Founder and CEO of Everviolet, which designs, engineers, manufactures and sells high-quality lingerie and loungewear for women’s bodies after medical procedures and other life-changing events.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “During this time, I've learned how much I thrive in moments of change. Instead of focusing on potential losses, I am feeling stimulated by the prospect of opportunity and ways of offering myself and my business for the good of others. I've always been an adaptive and giving person, but I'm surprised by how quickly and intuitively pivots and success from pivots are taking place.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “The pivots I refer to are not just shifts in marketing or communications but actual changes in business practice and focus. I will maintain and expand upon those post-COVID. I've learned how authentic and smart consumers are, and I want to meet them in this place with transparency, benevolence and heart.”

Ellie Hearne

Founder of Pencil or Ink, a leadership communications agency that specializes in remote coaching, team workshops, and culture consulting.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “Leadership isn’t a title or a vocation, it’s present (or absent) in every decision I make—at work and at home. With the distinction between those areas of my life blurred, I'm recognizing that leadership wins look different than they did just a few months ago. For example, considering how to do something vs just what needs to be done is particularly important at the moment. And giving my children what they need to thrive on a given day might not mean a robust home-school curriculum—it might mean screen-time and a snack. And that's ok.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “Mostly, this has been an exercise in patience, boundary-setting, and considering what matters most—personally and professionally. Those are evergreen.”

Lindsay Tabas

Startup Strategist at Lady Engineer, which helps founders design and sell the right product before spending too much with developers building the wrong one.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “As Vail Resorts closed and, with it, my winter snowboarding hobby that kept me busy, I thought because I was already 100% work-from-home for the better part of six years that I could #KeepItNormal. Each adjustment to daily life and news item brought with it a tiny prick, and as those pricks added up, I learned about sensory processing sensitivity. I always thought I was being careless and ignorant by avoiding the news or turning away from overly anxious people, but it turns out that I'm really a highly sensitive person, and it's a trait that I need to consider before engaging with others.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “If a highly sensitive person beats herself up because she's being ‘too sensitive’ to daily life, then isn't that an unending circle of negativity? The diagnosis is always the first step, so now I can start setting boundaries with others when I feel my senses are getting overloaded.”

Michal Levison

Founder of Seasoned Moments, which shifts workplace culture and helps leaders build strong teams through food.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “I'm more introverted than I ever imagined. I was never a homebody before COVID-19. Turns out, I'm truly enjoying being at home, with my loved ones, with barely any action. I have been unpacking many of my issues in therapy this year, and I am more quiet and centered internally. I no longer need to run to the loud noise, the big to-do in order to escape my inner turmoil. I am much more at peace.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “I will definitely make time for myself to be still. I may not ever be able to recreate this unique environment again, but I can certainly make it into a daily ritual of stillness, quietness, and inner reflection.”

Lily Scott

Founder of Lily's Ladle, which crafts frozen bone broths with ingredients sourced from Southern New England.

An Unexpected Lesson COVID-19 Has Taught Me: “As an entrepreneur, I have been trying to think of ways to reinvent the wheel in the retail food business. This is such an old and antiquated market with many middlemen and it's been making me crazy. How to change the food system when I also have to feed my own two young children AND keep my small business afloat, it means I have to depend on this system. COVID-19 has knocked the grocery store business on its head, and I'm seeing beautiful things emerge—local companies created to deliver farm fresh food to local customers, small retail businesses creating online shopping methods and contactless pickup points, and wholesale delivery services pivoting from restaurant supply to home delivery in order to keep employees working and bring good food into homes.”

How I’ll Take This Lesson With Me Post-COVID-19: “I think I'm going to pivot away from grocery store sales and focus more on partnering with grocery delivery services. It cuts out at least one full warehouse of people that touch my product before you buy it. And I'm going to try and get Lily's Ladle on more restaurant and cafe menus—sipping broth is healthy, nutritious, and delicious and supports the immune system. Why not have the opportunity to buy some from our favorite lunch spots?”

About the Author: Dreamers & Doers is a private collective for extraordinary entrepreneurial women supporting one another in achieving audacious dreams.

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