As we move into month six of self-quarantine, it’s safe to say the past few months have been challenging for everyone. By shuttering schools, closing offices, and disrupting small businesses, COVID-19 has affected nearly every aspect of our everyday lives, straining our finances and impacting our mental health in the process.

Of course, we here at Create & Cultivate believe you grow through what you go through. And to extend the metaphor (if you’ll indulge us), much like a flowering plant, a person “blooms” after they’ve gone through a period of growth and reached a point of becoming the best version of themselves. Trials and tribulations are all part of growing pains.

That’s why we’re joining forces with the clean and cruelty-free skincare brand Beekman 1802 to celebrate women who have “bloomed” inside and out despite being challenged this year. Beekman 1802 is rooted in kindness, and as part of Beekman 1802’s “life in full bloom” campaign—a nod to their brand-new, clinically kind Bloom Cream, (which is high-performance and clinically proven, but also lab-tested and safe for all skin types, even sensitive skin!)—we’re shining a spotlight on women who share our “you grow through what you go through” mentality.

Scroll on to find out how three successful women have embraced a positive outlook, embodied bold confidence and showcased fearless enthusiasm in the face of adversity or unforeseen circumstances, and are encouraging others to do the same.

Amy Purdy.JPG — “I
n order to bloom, we need to take care of ourselves and nurture ourselves.
”

—Amy Purdy, Speaker, Author, Advocate, and Paralympic Medalist

Photo: Courtesy of Amy Purdy

On being challenged in 2020…

Like many, I have been challenged in many ways. With the pandemic has come a massive and sudden pivot in work. I had a year booked of travel, live events, and speaking engagements that canceled, and on top of that, I have had my own personal challenges including continuing to recover from a major vascular injury in my left leg. I actually just went through a major reconstructive surgery just last month that I’m currently recovering from.

But what’s amazing is that with change comes new opportunity. During this pandemic and even during my recovery I am doing a lot of virtual speaking now which was basically non-existent before the pandemic. So I’m able to heal and continue to do the work that I love speaking to groups and brands across the globe. You have to look at the silver linings!

On growing along the way…

Anytime we are challenged we are forced to grow and find new ways, and if there’s one thing I have learned through the challenges I’ve faced in my life, it’s that you have to remain flexible to change because you never know what your future holds! I have actually learned to relax and have a lot more grace with myself and my body.

I also have highly focused on skincare which was already a passion of mine as I used to work for top spas as an esthetician. So, for me, focusing on really taking care of myself mentally, physically, and emotionally has been something wonderful that’s come out of a challenging year.

On staying positive in the face of adversity…

I honestly think, at this time, that I have trained my brain to see the silver linings. See, you have to practice it. Many people think you are a positive person or your not. But I think the ability to see the sunshine in adverse situations is a skill that you can grow. I realize that I have practiced “reframing” challenging situations so many times now that it’s become natural for my brain to do that.

When I’m hot with a challenge, I instantly look at the edges to see where the good is and I focus on that and energy flows where your focus goes, so the more you focus on the things in your life to be grateful for, the more gratitude you have, which overall is the best way to live. To start building your gratitude muscle I recommend a gratitude journal. Write five things each morning when you get up that you are grateful for. Don’t just write them, but feel them. Feel those elevated emotions those memories or moments give you and it will help set the tone for the day.

On her “bloom” moment of 2020…

Honestly, I think I have had many but one of them was when I created my own live motivational online event called Bouncing Back With Amy Purdy. I had amazing speakers join me including Bethany Hamilton, Jim Kwik who has a New York Times bestseller outright, and also Lewis Howes who is also a New York Times bestseller. I created and organized the event where we had over 8,000 participants sign up!

I think it was such a bloom moment for me because just months before all of my speaking engagements and other work canceled and I thought, Ok well now what am I going to do?! So I decided instead of sitting back and waiting for an opportunity to come to me, I would create it myself! And I love connecting with my audience in such an intimate way that I a really grateful each time I can help others live their best life. Like a seed, we need cold, darkness, and pressure in order to bloom.

On the role of skincare in her ability to “bloom”…

Skincare is huge for me. I used to be an esthetician professionally and so I have a background in skincare and products, but outside of that I have to look at myself every day and I want to like what I see! Some things we can control and some things we can’t, skincare is absolutely something we can control. I think that’s why it’s been such a focus of mine this year.

Going through two surgeries in the last three months, I haven’t been able to focus on working out like normal, so I do what I can with what I have and skincare and making sure I’m using quality products has been a major focus. I believe beauty comes from the inside, but in order to bloom, we need to take care of ourselves and nurture ourselves. That’s what I have been doing and I see a difference each time I look in the mirror and I want to help others do the same!

Hayet Rida Beekman 1802.jpg — “I cannot change anyone, but I can change how much access their energy can have to me.”

—Hayet Rida, Creative Strategist at Instagram & Facebook

Photo: Alicia Fierro of Aesthetiica Photography

On being challenged in 2020…

I sometimes whisper, 2020 has been the best experience in my life. I went through a very emotional period at the start of the pandemic and I actually took time away from the world. For one month, I deactivated my social media and put my phone away. This was such an interesting time because I had to understand who I really was outside of the influencer and the boss lady. It was like doing a Marie Kondo number on my brain. I came back the best I have ever been and my spirit feels lighter. The Hayet everyone gets to see is the result of that time away.

On growing along the way…

I started setting crazy boundaries coming out of that time. We often forget that half of our life stress is a result of a lack of boundaries and the amount of access we give to people. I honestly learned that I cannot change anyone, but I can change how much access their energy can have to me. Try it, honestly.

On staying positive in the face of adversity…

I have been in lots of situations that have almost taken my life, and so, for the most part, that is all I need to always be my inner sunshine. I also pray a lot and really know that whatever is happening is going to make sense eventually. I mean, think back to when you were a child and thought the world was ending because something didn't go as planned—that should be enough to prove the point. Ha!

On her “bloom” moment of 2020…

Well, I mean, speaking at Create & Cultivate this year is toward the top of the list. Beyond that, I think this year was one where I really started connecting with my audience on Instagram. I started to see them less as followers and more of a community that allows us to pour into each other. That is what makes social media fun.

On the role of skincare in her ability to “bloom”…

I had a moment this year where I first thought, Well, if I am not seeing anyone, then why would I care about the condition of my skin? But wait, the lesson came when I realized that this is the only skin that I have, so a form of self-love is actually feeding it and nourishing it. Almost as a thank you. That changed a lot.

Kelsea+Olivia+Beekman+1802.jpg — “
We have a very long way to go, but the road is full of hope.”

—Kelsea Olivia, Founder, East Olivia

Photo: Kelsea Olivia

On being challenged in 2020…

The biggest obstacle I have faced so far this year is quite literally losing all of our business that had previously been booked for 2020 overnight, back in March, due to COVID. This is still the biggest obstacle I have faced and am still in the thick of it! And while there is much still to overcome, we have shifted the primary focus at East Olivia from large-scale floral installations for events and brand clients to an e-commerce shop selling our Forever Florals. This direct to consumer business is allowing us a chance to keep afloat as there is no end in sight for those of us who are in the events industry.

On growing along the way…

I am not sure there is a more intense way to grow as a business owner than to attempt to hold onto your business during a worldwide pandemic! I have learned many many lessons along the way but I think what continues to ring the truest for me is trusting my own gut and going with it. This can be an even more challenging task during the current climate—and I have found that getting quiet and calm so I can focus on “my knowing” (thanks Glennon Doyle!) really helps me anchor my efforts and energies into productivity that will continue to move the business forward.

On staying positive in the face of adversity…

Okay, this may seem silly, but funny memes, cute animal videos, snuggles with my Frenchie Henri (or really any dog!), flowers, flowers, flowers, and, of course, my friends. There is so much weight for us to carry right now as human beings alive in this time, then layer on all the other life things that are happening for one another personally, and some days, it can feel like it’s far too much to carry. Taking time to enjoy all of the above is so important and those little things are like pockets of play, silliness, joy, and camaraderie. All of those things really support me in regenerating my resilience in order to face any difficult days that may lie ahead.

On her “bloom” moment of 2020…

My bloom moment is successfully launching our Forever Floral shop and Flower Therapy in partnership with my incredible team. It is, above all, a win because we truly had lost everything in terms of incoming business due to COVID. It’s an achievement because we launched a stunning line that I was so proud of in less than a full week. We designed the products, shot them, built an online shop, as well as got our staff equipped with materials so they could make these bouquets safely from their home. Seeing as we were solely reliant on events six months ago, I would say our biggest milestone so far is staying in business for six months beyond the evaporation of events. We have a very long way to go, but the road is full of hope and I am so excited to keep sharing what we are creating with the world.

On the role of skincare in her ability to “bloom”…

I think skincare is pretty important to most people and how it plays into their self-confidence. For me, personally, I have most of my skincare routine items in a travel pouch that I keep in my bag because I’m constantly doing it on the go. If I’m not out at an event, you can catch me working in my home studio that’s literally filled to the brim with products and inventory or at the flower market during very early mornings. It’s kind of hard to muster up the energy to do your makeup when you have a 5 am or 6 am call time at the market, so I rely heavily on my skincare to be the foundation for my confidence in regard to my face.

On inspiring others to “bloom”…

I really hope to encourage any other business owners out there who might be struggling during this time. Remember that you are not alone, what you have created is so valuable (even if the world’s current assigned value doesn’t line up or if it’s impossible to function due to health restrictions etc.) and to not give up!