Jen Rubio—Co-Founder of the Billion-Dollar Start-Up, Away—Covers Inc. Magazine
Going the distance.
The new disruptors.
Jen Rubio, co-founder and creative director of Away says that “When you're starting a business for the first time, you're doing everything for the first time.” It’s a perfunctory explanation as to why startup founders struggle. The ins, the outs, the ups and downs; it’s turbulent. But Rubio along with her co-founder Steph Korey have weathered the storm and come out on top.
The company (which made the Forbe’s 2018 Next Billion-Dollar Startups list) was recently valued at $1.4 billion after raising $100 million. Last year, the company was on track to do $150 million in revenue and was valued at roughly $700 million. So it only makes complete sense that Rubio would be on the cover of Inc. Magazine today.
She shared the exciting news on her Instagram, graciously congratulating the team at Away for the achievement.
“This cover is for @stephkorey, team @away, all of our customers who rolled with us through the airline battery ban and continue to spread the love, everyone who said we couldn’t do it, everyone who said we could obviously do it, my mom, my dad who would’ve driven all over NJ to buy all the copies, and for every single entrepreneur out there—regardless of your background or pedigree or MBA or no MBA—who is busy doing the work and making things happen. Grateful to the wonderful team at @inc and @youfoundchristine. Cover photo by @tawnibannister”
But when Jen and her co-founder, Korey, both former execs at Warby Parker, left to launch Away, they knew that luxury travel accessories needed retooling and they were ready for a bumpy ride. Dedicated to a piece of luggage for the way "people really move" that didn't come with a first class price tag, the first product was a beautiful, high-end minimalist carry-on without the zeros. Away made traveling in style a whole lot easier. Vogue called it, “the perfect carry-on.” Forbes 30 Under 30 took notice. They had accolades in the bag, but they didn't stop there.
Away now offers varied sizes and chic travel accessories. Steph says the goal is to “be a part of the company that’s the first thing anyone thinks of when they have travel needs.” They're changing how we travel, one charged up suitcase at a time.
Read a little about their journey below.
What is the most important step you took this far?
Steph: I made it a point at every step in my career to always look for opportunities to go above and beyond. That mentality really prepares you for all the unexpected challenges that come your way when starting a business.
Jen: Having conviction in an idea and committing to seeing it through all the way.
What keeps you going?
Steph: Coffee? Just kidding, the biggest thing that keeps me going is the excitement for the game changing travel company we're building and the mind-blowing members of the Away team who constantly inspire me.
Jen: Relationships. I'm energized by people and conversations and am at my most creative when I find myself really connecting with those around me.
What is the best piece of "real talk" advice you've received?
Jen: "You will never be great on your own if you don't learn how to work with other people." That snapped me out of my early 20s "I can do it all" hubris and got me thinking about how to be a team player and people manager.
Steph: "Hire slow, fire fast. Better have a hole than an a-hole." - Neil Blumenthal, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Warby Parker
What are some challenges you’ve encountered along the way?
Steph: The list goes on and on. If you push yourself in your career, you're constantly being challenged because you're always taking on things that push your boundaries. I wouldn't have it any other way.
What is your favorite life advice?
Jen: "Ships are safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are built for." Take the risk!
What is a habit or routine you swear by?
Steph: My clothes all look pretty similar to each other: black, white, grey, denim. Taking out the day-to-day thinking about clothes frees up brain space for other things.
Jen: Every night before bed, I think of five things from the day that I'm grateful for. Gratitude is a practice.
International Women’s Day is coming up. It's a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. If you could steer the conversation around International Women’s Day, what would that dialogue be about?
Jen: I'd want to highlight the disparity between the opportunities of women in different places around the world and bring attention the the incredible, resilient women I've met in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Haiti, etc. and their stories.
Steph: That the goal should be to one day stop celebrating it because men and women are so equal across the whole world that there would be no need.
What does female empowerment mean to you?
Steph: Historically, women haven't always had the same legal rights as men. It's really in the last generation that it became socially acceptable for women to have the same career potential. To me, female empowerment means reminding women that if any person can do something, so can they.
Jen: Being open, honest, and vulnerable with the women I call my friends, and as a result, encouraging each other to do better and enjoy the process.
What do you do to support other women, either professionally or personally?
Steph: I treat them the same as men, both personally and professionally. The whole point here is that people are people, so when it comes to hiring, promotions, or supporting your friends, everyone should get the same great support.
Jen: I try to be active in mentorship, panels, and discussions that help women, and while doing so, try to be as transparent as possible about my own experiences.
This article is part of our Create & Cultivate 100 List created in collaboration with KEDS, you can view the full Entrepreneur List Here. This post was originally published on January 23, 2017, and has since been updated.
This Photographer Shares How She Sets a Fair Rate
Hint: Don’t compare yourself to others.
You’ve seen the gorgeous photography from our #createcultivate100 list. Now, meet Annie McElwain, the woman behind the camera. Below, Annie shares her process for setting her rate, her dream client, and advice for young creatives.
How did you get into photography?
I used to be an actress and started photography as a hobby in my early 20s. I had no previous artistic background and never intended it as a career—I actually was a lot more academic in nature than artistic. However, there was something in me that has always wanted to tell stories of and share the beauty in the human experience.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a photographer?
Photos (especially portraits) often become more valuable, more cherished over time. The sentimental side of me finds this greatly rewarding.
In a dream world, who would you like to shoot?
The first female president.
What advice would you give to young artists and designers who are struggling to support themselves with their work?
It helps me to remember that without the struggle, we really wouldn’t appreciate it once we got wherever it is we want to go.
Where does your passion/drive come from?
It’s hard to say. I think everyone has drive once they find what they are passionate about. And sometimes finding this takes a lot of self exploration first.
“I do my best to live in a world where ‘likes’ don’t matter and real relationships are always more valuable than follower counts. ”
What keeps you up at night?
It varies between my ongoing to-do list, finances, and thinking about the next earthquake.
What advice do you have on knowing how to set a fair rate?
First, don’t compare yourself to what other people are charging, find what works for you in your life.
My basic approach to setting a fair rate comes from how much money I need to bring in each month and how many shoots I can handle each month. This gives a general idea of how much to charge for a shoot, though it’s not a perfect formula of course. Basically, I try to really understand the scope of the project before I send over a quote. With enough experience, I’ve come to really understand what my time is worth.
In a world where likes and follower counts are so coveted, how do you stay authentic and true to yourself/your brand?
I do my best to live in a world where likes don’t matter in the grand scheme of things and real relationships are always more valuable than follower counts.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? How do your hobbies influence your art?
Yoga keeps me balanced, surfing reminds me to let go of control and to be present. Long walks and hikes allow my mind to wander freely. I escape with music. Travel, dinner with friends, podcasts— expand my horizons.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
If you always do your best, you will never regret anything.
When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find new roads + switch gears to find success?
I think just knowing that you WILL hit bumps and hurdles in your career makes it a bit easier to deal with them when they come. I find peace in knowing that things like this are relatively cyclical and most artists careers have peaks and valleys. I had a business coach once who really helped me with the idea of failing. She taught me that we only really learn when we fail, not when we succeed. So while it can be humbling, making mistakes or trying things out that don’t work are what make us better.
What are you most excited for in 2019?
I’m really excited to experiment more creatively and collaborate more with other artists this year.
Create & Cultivate 100: Entrepreneur: Jeni Britton Bauer
THE UNICORN.
THE UNICORN.
Jeni Britton Bauer makes life taste good.
And the founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams says that if her business was a flavor it would be Dark Chocolate: "Complex and game-changing, hard to replicate."
That's not to say others haven't tried.
But with over two decades dedicated to the scoop game, Jeni knows a thing or two about packing a pint, finding new flavors, and running a team. She started in her car, so hitting the sweet spot didn't come easy. There were learning curves, major lessons and hard, trailblazing work.
But life right now is sweet-- and well deserved.
More from the Ice Cream biz's master maker below.
First things first. Pink hair, don't care?
My outward expression of myself has played a big role in my career and success. I quit art school to start my first ice cream business back in 1996. I had very pale pink hair back then (I mixed Manic Panic Flamingo Pink into my conditioner to dye my platinum blonde). I always loved it— should have been born with it. I also used to wear thrifted clothes back then and punky outfits. It was all part of my thing. What I didn’t realize until I closed that business and wanted to start again is that your look can unintentionally alienate a lot of people. I was not portraying a person in charge. I simply wasn’t. We can debate about it all day, and I wish I could say that it didn’t matter, but it did. When the food critic came over, he had no reason to believe I was the one in charge, and, believe it or not, how you look helps set the tone of the conversation. That first impression is everything, and it will make the ice cream taste better or worse. Believe me. Also, your own perspective is altered by what you believe about yourself. I believed I was a counterculture artist, or wanted to be—and that isn’t very warm and welcoming to the rest of the world. Even more, I had not even done the work to earn that reputation! It was all a bullshit exterior. I was identifying with others’ work, not my own. And that is so transparent. When I started my second business, after my first failure, I wanted to convey personal strength, professionalism, humility, and self-control (literally the opposite of my former self). The ice cream was the same, but I had changed. This time the same food critic loved the same ice creams he’d written off before. I took all emphasis off of me and put it on my ice creams, and more importantly, the wide array of wonderful human beings who were potential customers. By cutting my hair short, dying it back to dark blonde, and choosing to wear a starched white shirt and apron as a uniform every day, I got into character. I was an ice cream maker and shopkeeper in a busy market. This helped me fit into the vibe there and be accepted into the community—and begin to build a brand and a company that means something to people. I put a lot of credit on this transformation for my success. It got me the important first impressions I needed to build a trusted small business in my city and beyond. It was how I put myself aside and truly got into the spirit of service. It has made all the difference in my life.
But now is different. I’ve put in the time (22 years, half my life), laid the groundwork and foundation for what I do.
"I can take risks and not risk my own credibility. I’ve earned it."
Tweet this.
So the pink hair is back—so are my outfits. The lesson to me, and advice I give as I look back on two decades of hustle is to get into the character you are trying to convey— nerdy as it may be. And let it start with humility. Make the character about the work, and then focus on the work. Build equity and trust and credibility in your name, not your clothing or hairstyle. It’s the only thing you actually own.
Now. The way you talk about flavor profiles is like the way people talk about great loves. Do you think loving what you do is an important part of being an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur, and more importantly, a maker is an emotional endeavor. It’s like listening to a singer delivering a beautiful song. You either feel the melody in your soul or it falls at. That comes down to whether the singer is emotionally into it enough to care about the tiniest details, and whether they are brave enough to put themselves out there—put everything on the line for it. That comes from experience, of both love and, to some extent, suffering. Making things, communicating with people, and building a culture of service is emotional just like a beautifully delivered song. It’s about making people’s lives better, even for a moment. And it’s about every perceivable detail.
For me, it isn’t that I love what I do. I am obsessed with it. I care so deeply that it feels good and also it hurts. I love being in it every day, and when I’m not, I crave it. I know it sounds ridiculous, but that is the thing. It’s emotional. You cannot build a community unless you care so deeply that you will risk everything for it. That’s not dramatic. That’s what it takes (at least for me). And no money in the world can buy that passion. You get it by building slowly on a shoestring and truly getting to know what you do and who you do it for and why. By making decisions every day based on what you believe is right. It’s about staying true to your ideas and building upon them as you learn. And never taking things at face value. You can’t teach it or explain it. You get it or you don’t. And it’s everything
What are the common challenges you've seen among female business owners and entrepreneurs?
They don’t trust themselves. But the great thing is that, as a collective, we do trust ourselves. And together we are such an incredible force. We encourage each other and inspire each other. So we can overcome our insecurities together.
Where do your drive and passion come from?
Honoring the work that I and countless others laid in those early years and that continues all over our company. When I was young and trying to figure out who I was going to be I didn’t have a strong family to fall back on. I was either going to make it or I was going to end up like so many others I knew— without power and hope. So I decided I wasn’t going to live in a basement my whole life. And I wasn’t going to blame others. And I wasn’t going to ever say, “Why me?” I was going to fight like hell and make it out or go down trying.
It literally was life or death to me. And I am grateful for it. Many kids I grew up with had safety nets and what ended up happening is that they took no risks! I had nothing. So I had nothing to lose. The jump off the cliff without a parachute was safer than the wolves on the other side. But I owe my passion and success to all of that. And I am grateful for it.
When you run into a career obstacle or a speed bump, how do you find new roads?
I nd a way over them. I like to say: “Those are not bumps in the road. They are the road.” But it’s not exactly a perfect metaphor. Roads are too predictable to be a good metaphor for a life of entrepreneurship. They are at and, once laid, they are relatively easy to travel even with the bumps.
The truth is that every entrepreneur I have ever met is really good at going up against the odds. It’s the only thing that gives you your edge over anyone else. When most people see bumps or brick walls, they turn and run. But not entrepreneurs. They are too curious about the “what if” to turn around. And, often it’s actually not that treacherous. Sometimes it is, but you just go. The hard thing is when everyone else in your life wants to jump in and save you from YOURSELF! Don’t do it Jeni! It’s too dangerous! Get back on the easy path. Nah. There is no easy path. But there are some that are greater adventures.
Speaking of roads, I've probably told a hundred women your "these aren't bumps in the road, this IS the road," quote about running a company. Have any more gems you'd care to share?
Lately, I prefer a sea analogy. To get to point B you’ve got to be brave. You’ll swerve up and down, in and out, go all topsy-turvy and still when it’s all added up, you’re moving toward your North Star. Everyone will think you’re fucking nuts. And by their definition, you are.
But remember you are the captain of your ship. You did your homework, built the ship, got to know its power. Now convince people to get on your boat and help you. And trust yourself that no matter what storm hits, you are good enough to correct course, figure it out, fight through it. Learn. Pretend you are the only one who has ever done it. Do not compare your work to others.
Don’t expect certainty. The people I know who are the most certain are the least likely to get anywhere interesting because they can’t learn and adjust and freestyle. So much of this is training yourself to be good enough to not have to think but to act correctly without thinking. That’s Jedi shit, and it only comes from testing yourself.
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
I have no fears in business anymore. I have battled the Balrog of the Misty Mountains and won. I am a white fucking wizard. My only fears are as a parent. That said, I work every day to be better, and if that’s not enough then it’s not enough.
What's the Jeni's legacy you hope to leave behind?
You know this is something we, as a company, are thinking about more and more. We want Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams to be the next great American ice cream company. In other words, an ice cream company that sets the standard for service, integrity, transparency, and deliciousness for generations to come. As Jeni the person, I just want to have a good time and make people’s lives better while I’m here.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
I work constantly. I’m never not working. And I’d rather be doing that than just about anything else. For me it all starts from a place of love.
I grew up making things with my artist grandmother. While she always moved on to the next thing, I wanted to get so good at the rst thing that I could make dozens. Build inventory. Then sell them. Baskets made out of dried and dyed weeds, doll sweaters. And I was always the neighborhood organizer. We’d have a fundraiser or something. It was all play.
I’m still doing that every day now. Exactly the same feeling. Still just as fun.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE ENTREPRENEUR LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Food: Natasha Phan
PHAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC.
PHAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC.
Whomever said “No Guts, No Glory” must have heard Natasha Phan’s story.
As the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants who owned and operated an Echo Park supermarket, Phan is no stranger to the LA food biz. After graduating from UCLA and accepting a digital advertising position with Martha Stewart, Phan seized an opportunity to pursue her true passion. During a panel discussion with culinary mogul Roy Choi, Phan went out on a limb and asked her future-boss for employment. Despite initial rejection, Choi ultimately accepted. Now the Director of Business Development for Choi’s Kogi Group, Phan is shaping the future of Korean-American food.
More from Natasha below.
Name: Natasha Phan
Instagram Handle: @natasha_phan
Business Instagram Handle: @eatatpot @kogibbq
Where do your drive and passion come from?
My parents. They came to America at the end of the Vietnam War with very little and figured things out pretty quickly. For over 30 years, they independently owned and operated an Echo Park supermarket that brought immigrant families together. My career is an extension of their story.
Your journey begins with a 'no.' You in person cold-pitched Roy Choi. And he said no. What did that moment feel like?
Total rejection and confusion. I believed there was a spiritual force that led me to meeting Roy, so I trusted my gut and put myself out there. The last thing I expected was to be told “no.” It didn’t make sense because everything felt so intentional.
And what did it feel like when he emailed you later that evening?
Pure joy and relief. My instincts were right! I was supposed to meet him and I was supposed to introduce myself! I remember feeling anxious because I knew that my life was going to change very quickly.
What did that teach you about being persistent in biz?
It taught me the importance of checking in with your gut. As business owners, we often let facts, data, and others guide our decision-making. But I’ve learned it’s crucial to take a pause, or two or three, and give time for your brain to align with your instincts.
"It’s crucial to take a pause, or two or three, and give time for your brain to align with your instincts."
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What did working with Roy teach you? And how did you take those lessons and turn them into Commissary?
Working with Roy has taught me to never get too comfortable. If you start feeling like everything’s at ease then there’s likely something wrong or something you’re not paying attention to. In the last 10 years, I’ve been trained to look deeper and deeper, corner to corner, and more often than not, I’ve found something else to make better.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
Many people don’t know that I’m heavily involved in the creative development of all our businesses. I work closely with Roy on ideation as well as vet and guide all the designers, photographers, and artists we collaborate with.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
I stay original by engaging in a world that’s not curated by a set of algorithms. I actively seek out tastes and ideas that aren’t easily acquired or accepted by the mainstream and pop culture.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
What makes me feel the most complete is that there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing than feeding people. It’s more than a career, it’s my life’s purpose. I know this is my calling.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
Oprah is my ultimate inspiration. She is beyond the beyond.
"Oprah is my ultimate inspiration. She is beyond the beyond."
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At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
When I left my job at Martha Stewart to work for a taco truck.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I talk it through with my advisory council – my best friends, mentors, and therapist.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
"Dancing on My Own" by Robyn.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE FOOD LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Shiva Rose
THE NON-TOXIC NINJA.
THE NON-TOXIC NINJA.
Shiva Rose is holistic and happy.
Almost a decade ago Iranian actress Shiva launched her beauty platform, The Local Rose, a platform celebrating a holistic, healthy life style without sacrificing taste & glamour.
She's dealt with divorce, major health issues, including lupus and other autoimmune disorders, and the grief of being told she only had a year to live at 26, but Shiva's personal agenda and holistic messaging includes taking responsibility for her own health. And her life. She's been a fighter from the beginning. Raised in Iran until the age of ten, Shiva and her family were forced to escape to Paris. They then moved to Los Angeles, where she remains today.
Now the wellness-and-beauty entrepreneur heralds her brand Shiva Rose Beauty, which creates 100% toxic and chemical free skin, body and beauty products, handmade in California and Oregon, USA
Her book Whole Beauty is coming out next Spring.
More from the Shiva goddess below.
Name: Shiva Rose
Instagram Handle: @localrose
Business Instagram Handle: @shivarosebeauty
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is what we choose to see, how we choose to live, what we want to cultivate in our lives on a daily basis. The ability to see beauty in the most simple moments, and to live in that is the ultimate gift.
Do you remember a moment when you first felt beautiful?
I think I have always felt most beautiful when connected to the natural world. There have been moments when I've been soaking in some wild hot springs with dear sisters, and have felt totally divine and in my feminine beauty.
"I have always felt most beautiful when connected to the natural world."
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Where do your drive and passion come from?
From my connection to the source. From being in nature. From wanting a better world for my daughters.
What was the impetus for launching The Local Rose?
I started my holistic lifestyle brand before wellness was becoming mainstream. I began it 9 years ago to document my path towards healing from various autoimmune issues. I felt at the time there were not many sites that showed wellness and holistic living in a chic, modern way. I wanted to also bring some love to the many wonderful artisans and healers I was meeting.
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
I try not to think or live in fear. It's a daily practice to substitute love for fear but it can be done with conscious thinking and meditation. I would say some challenges that I do come across are having the stamina and strength to deal with the heavy load. We must create strong nervous systems so we can hold the space for success and abundance.
"I try not to think or live in fear."
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What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
That I do most everything from writing the posts on my site and making many of my products by hand. I also handle the day-to-day dealings.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
Listen to your unique, authentic intuitive guide. Truly don't do something just to make others happy, but something that lights you up in a deeply powerful way.
Don't do something just to make others happy, but something that lights you up in a deeply powerful way.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
When I receive emails from people who have tried the line and see that it works for them. Also from the comments on my blog about certain stores that have touched them. My book Whole Beauty is coming out next Spring and that makes me feel pretty complete, at least for the moment.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
To be honest I love what I do and truly don't want to trade with anyone. I would just like to create more of this and bring some healing to people in pain. I have been in the depths of despair from divorce, from health issues, from childhood traumas and I want to just let others know that there is a light at the tunnel, once you realize you are the light.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
I feel it was a gradual journey where I began to listen to my inner voice and guide. I did have a light bulb moment after a Kundalini class to create my beauty line. It wasn't so much confidence, but rather deep knowing that this was something I would do. I feel when we open ourselves in meditation, our egos get out of the way and our spirits or souls will guide us.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
I Say Yes to life and life says Yes to me!
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I take a moment a feel the bump fully. I then will take some time away to refuel myself with the love I receive from mama earth and father sun. I also will try to take a Kundalini class by one of my teachers. These things will usually realign me and help me get back on my path.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Usually mantras! If not mantras then I love the music of Van Morrison, Dan Dyer, Zeppelin, classical and the blues.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE BEAUTY LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Megan Lytle
THE GLOW UP.
THE GLOW UP.
U Love Megz.
For vlogger Megan Lytle, aka ULoveMegz, embracing herself—and her natural hair—has been a lifelong journey. With her (new milestone!) of over 50 million YouTube viewers, Lytle’s mission of harnessing beauty as a means of “self-expression and mental wellness” is far from small. Beloved for her contagious positivity, inspirational tutorials, and real talk, Megz recently surprised followers with the announcement that she was retiring relaxers and celebrating her natural hair. After posting the “big chop” to her channel, Megz told her audience she felt relieved and liberated. “There are a lot of things that happen behind the scenes when it comes to the beauty world and even more when it comes to being an African American influencer,” she says.
Get the full “Megz experience” below.
Name: Megan Lytle
Instagram Handle: @ulovemegz
You've captured the hearts and attention of 40 million women. What do you think it is that draws women to you?
I've actually made a new milestone of catching the love of over 50 million lovies on Youtube alone. Sometimes I wonder to myself why are people watching or what makes someone want to watch me? It's truly a blessing because I never thought that I would be where I am today back when I started late 2009. If I could think of what it might be, I think its because I'm completely myself and I love talking and being a girly girl with all of my homegirl friends online. I don't act like I'm above and beyond anyone because I am just like them because we can relate to one another. I'm their best friend, sister, their auntie, daughter, cousin, etc.
I imagine it's a great feeling. To be able to positively impact the way someone feels about themselves. To help other women feel beautiful...
It's an amazing feeling, and I always get emotional when I think about it. I never intended to have any of what I've gained over the years! I started my channel when I was lost about what I wanted to do with my life and trying to figure things out and to know that I'm helping women all over the world truly warms my heart. While I'm sharing videos about how I'm trying to be my best self, it was rubbing off on those who watch to be their best selves.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty means choosing happiness. Being happy with the person you are right now and most of all having a positive attitude! Say if you aren't feeling the best, bettering yourself in some way is beauty to me because we all have to work on that from the inside out.
Do you remember a moment when you first felt beautiful?
I think the first time I TRULY felt beautiful was this year. I always knew I was beautiful but knowing your beautiful and feeling beautiful are two different things. This year I've found my way to happiness within myself and to know that I am the bomb just the way I am. I started doing things that make me feel good about me!
Where do your drive and passion come from?
My drive and passion come from all the love and support from my online beauty homies. Being able to connect and help people all over the world when it comes to beauty drives me to continue and grow and build. They've really encouraged and motivated me during some tough times that they aren't even aware of! The support of my family plays a major role also.
What are your biggest fears about running your brand?
I have no fears. Fear holds you back, and I plan to go all the way to concur my goals for a better me and a better brand. If I fail at something I just dust myself off and try again.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
It's not all just lipgloss, edge control, and the perfect selfie. It's hard work to continue to stay afloat and on trend with whats going on. There are a lot of things that happen behind the scenes that people would be surprised about when it comes to the beauty world and even more when it comes to being an African American influencer.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
Being yourself makes your content original. When you bring yourself to your content even though it might be the same genre, it already becomes different from someone else's because people watch for mainly YOU. They tune in to get the "Megz" experience.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
I feel the most complete when I see that I've helped someone or when I'm told that I gave someone joy by putting them in a happy mood with laughter. That's the biggest reward for me!
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!
"Give someone a hug and sing 'oooooh cchhhillllld, things are gonna get easierrrrrr!'"
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At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
I would say a lot of the confidence that I have gained came from taking a step back and taking time out for myself in my personal life. I'm still learning and growing so much so I would say once you are comfortable and happy with yourself it will spill over into your career.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
I get daily advice from my Dad, and I would say one of the best pieces of advice or what we live by is to never make excuses but to make things happen.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
Honestly, I just figure it out. I feel like with everything that I've ever been through I just stayed positive and figured things out. Things don't always go our way or are always full of sunshine, but those bumps get smooth eventually! Pimples pop, the scare fades away with a little tender love and skincare. That's how I look at it.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
The Five Stairsteps - Ooh Child I scream sing this song all the time and it puts me an inspirational good mood. I sing that really loud when people try to annoy me or when someone else is frustrated or trying to be negative. Give someone a hug and sing "oooooh cchhhillllld, things are gonna get easierrrrrr!" It works!
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE BEAUTY LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Food: Gem & Bolt
THE MEZCAL FIRECRACKERS.
THE MEZCAL FIRECRACKERS.
The ladies of Gem & Bolt are wild.
Before alchemist-artist duo Adrinadrina and Elliott were Gem & Bolt, they almost ran off to join an eccentric Mayan circus in the Yucatan backwoods. The unorthodox makers of the plant-based “clean spirit” are on a mission to restore personal elevation to the art of celebration.
Produced by fourth generation master distillers in Oaxaca, Mexico using a sacred herb called Damiana, Gem & Bolt is organic, sustainable, and rooted in the mystical. Because mezcal chooses you, you don’t choose it—discover how the founders were seduced by this radical, healing elixir.
Join their party below.
Name: Adrinadrina and Elliott Coon
Instagram Handles: @adrinadrina @elliottcoon
Business Instagram Handle: @gemandbolt
"Positive life elevates consciousness." What does that mean to each of you?
We're dedicated to conscious evolution and find that teaching innovative ways to celebrate and creatively express oneself is fundamental to a positive life.
And how is that ethos imbued into the spirit of Gem & Bolt?
Positive forms of celebration and a clean plant-based botanical spirit elevate rather than deplete the human experience. Damiana is a connective and expansive herb connecting heart and mind which helps people celebrate in a more holistic manner. We call it Spirit in the Spirit.
How did you know that you wanted to launch a mezcal company?
They say Mezcal chooses you and you don't choose it. We were called to mezcal as artists, to bridge art and plants through celebration.
How did you know you wanted to do it together?
We were an artist duo and decided to create a project bringing together our shared passion for art and plants - born and raised together in a radical community of artists and visionaries, we share a deep-seated trust in one another and core values. It's the well-spring of all our cocreations.
Where does each of your respective drives and passion come from?
Bringing people together through art plants and celebration.
What are your biggest respective pet peeves?
That creative roles within companies are not always appropriately valued or honored. But this does seem to be changing. The most pioneering and successful new companies are those that do understand the value of balancing creative within the business.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
That the biggest responsibility we have as founders is to keep the heart and soul of the brand vital and vibrant in every respect, every day.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
Our perspective is that information is a gift and it's all about how you filter it through your own lens. We grew up outside of conventional society and we learned how to observe culture anthropologically and to curate our personal sources of inspiration and then reflect it back to the world.
What about your careers make you feel the most complete?
COLLABORATION !! & The fact that we've been able to take a heartfelt creative concept and turn it into a brand that reaches such a large audience.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
In the early stages of GEM&BOLT we were very close to joining an eccentric Mayan circus in the backwoods of the Yucatan. We often fantasize about the path that may have taken us down. So, perhaps we'd trade places with a past possibility of ourselves.
At what point in your careers did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the women you are today?
Yesterday. And every day.
"We recommend singing and dancing throughout the day as a preventative measure to bad moods."
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What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
"Lead your team from within" - Bobby Klein, friend, healer, and advisor to GEM&BOLT
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
We learned early on to reach out to advisors and mentors for perspective & also the power of creating our own realities, as well as our own roads. Bumps in the road are a phenomenal opportunity to revise and refine the vision.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
We recommend singing and dancing throughout the day as a preventative measure to bad moods.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE FOOD LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Jen Atkin
THE MANE EVENT.
THE MANE EVENT.
No one can stop her, she's all the OUAI up.
But for real. Jen Atkin, the celeb hair stylist and founder of Ouai Haircare and Maneaddicts.com is really at the top of her game.
The number of mag covers she's styled is beyond impressive. From Kim K.'s Forbes cover (#notbadforagirlwithnotalent) to Gwen Stefani's Vogue and Nylon covers to Lorde's Rolling Stone cover, there are few places her magic hands haven't touched. From Bella to Chrissy, Kendall to Kaia, Jen's made a name for herself as one of the industry's most sought-after.
Instead of riding the celeb gravy train, she launched a company. Ouai Haircare has minimalist packaging with cheeky messaging. Her frizz sheets come in a white "cigarette box," with the phrase Frizzy Hair Kills, on the side. The #OuaiSquad is strong.
And honestly, she's just cool. And calm. Even though she's straight running shit, we've never seen her lose hers. It makes sense that the hair boss says, "One of the biggest keys to success is try to say YES instead of NO."
More from Jen below.
Name: Jen Atkin
Instagram Handle: @jenatkinhair
Business Handle: @theOUAI & @ManeAddicts
Part of your success can be attributed to the fact that you didn't listen to people in the beginning. You had your own ideas, your own vision. Was it ever hard to stick to your guns?
Two major things come to mind that people told me not to do and I stuck to my guns.
1. Once I started working with certain clients I had my peers and agents worried about who I was working with and didn’t think it would be good for my career. I’ve always chosen to work with people who have ambition and are inspiring and lovely to work with. I always trust my gut.
2. When I decided to not call my haircare line “Jen Atkin”. I was adamant about creating a line for real women and it was never about ME or how I do hair. I wanted to create a cool brand that could live on its own and have people like it regardless if they knew I was behind it or not.
Where do your drive and passion come from?
I grew up with a working Mom. She taught me how to juggle and she never skipped a beat. I realize as I grow older that I try to emulate a lot of what she instilled in me about hard work and being a kind person. I also take pride in how many of my girlfriends are entrepreneurs in fashion, beauty, and tech. I get so much inspiration from watching all of them and the way they push boundaries every day.
At what point did you realize, woah, this big! And how did you handle and manage your success?
My a-ha moments in my career for sure have to be when I got the cover of Vogue with Gwen Stefani when I got to work with John Galliano and assist on Guido’s team at PFW when I launched Mane Addicts when I launched OUAI. In my classes, I try to tell my students: Be humble, work hard, and don’t try to compete with anyone else. There’s enough to go around for all of us to be successful. Don't expect success overnight. It takes years of hard work to start to build a long-standing career. And no matter what, remember we are in a service industry and it’s never about us it’s about our clients and them feeling comfortable and pretty.
"There’s enough to go around for all of us to be successful. Don't expect success overnight."
When did you know it was the right time to launch OUAI?
I struggled to find a haircare brand that I identified with or spoke to me or my clients. A brand that engaged with its consumers, a relatable brand. I was starting to feel like there was a major lack of realistic communication with haircare. It’s always been my dream to have my own hairline. I’ve been listening to my clients and followers for years and they all have the same complaints- they want healthier hair and they have a lack of time. I created OUAI as a real line for real life- it’s for the girl on the go that only has 5 minutes to do her hair. No more unrealistic hair campaigns- just multi-use products that cut styling time and nourish hair health. We are trying to create a brand, but also a culture. We are fighting against conformity, against boringness, against drudgery. More than a product we are selling an idea- a spirit.
What was the learning curve like in the beginning?
I think in the beginning I was so naive about what was needed to create OUAI. Looking back it's insane that nothing went wrong. Production, the messaging, packaging, etc... We are still such a small team and the whole HQ is full of amazing hardworking multitasking people. I’m excited to see whats next for us.
You've said that every client and every girlfriend has been part of the process for OUAI. Why is it important to you to be surrounded by other strong women?
I think that more brands are trying to empower women to learn how to do their own hair and creating tools, products, and content that make that easier to do (without a stylist). From a social standpoint, women are most active on social because we tend to share things more. We are changing the conversation in business and beauty!
What is your biggest pet peeve?
A "no" person. One of the biggest keys to success is try to say YES instead of NO. Or people letting their fear and doubt keep them from fulfilling their goals.
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
Now with social media, there aren’t boundaries when it comes to product. My biggest fear is not getting our product to consumers in a swift enough way. Supply and demand is always the root problem in business. Its hard to come up with, make and market a product, but then the challenge of getting it to the people who want it, when they want it- is one of my biggest concerns.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
Working as a hairstylist isn’t just about doing hair. There is a lot of scheduling and politics involved when you’re working with multiple clients. You also have to be up with current trends, etc.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated by other people's work?
I think everyone is inspired by every genre, era, etc. I think there is so much out there with Pinterest, Instagram, Magazines that we are foolish if we don’t get inspired by it all. Also, don’t be scared to try new things it may be the next big trend.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
Making women look and feel good about themselves.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
Honestly, I have always wanted to be Sade. It’s so random. But I dream of being as cool as her and having that voice.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
I listened to my gut and have always been super proactive. I never shy away from hard work and my parents thankfully instilled confidence in me from a young age. I was always taught to write down and accomplish goals.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Serge Normant said not to be threatened by your peers, but be inspired by them. I truly believe there is enough work for all of us to go around and we should support and encourage each other. And Tracey Cunningham always says “Rejection is Gods protection”.
“Rejection is God's protection” - Tracey Cunningham
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When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I always try to look at the bigger picture and consider all options available.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
I don’t sing in the shower, I brainstorm.
I don’t sing in the shower, I brainstorm.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE BEAUTY LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Fashion: Jennifer Meyer
THE MOST KICKASS.
COOL. CALM & TOTALLY KICKASS.
"You know when it’s a Jen Meyer piece. Her pieces have an identity.” So says stylist Karla Welch of jewelry designer Jen Meyer. A top-seller at luxe stores like Barney's New York, there is no mistaking when someone is rocking a Jennifer Meyer piece. Whether that someone is Jennifer Aniston or Gwyneth Paltrow, both of whom support the designer who has been hard at work since 2005 when she launched her jewelry line.
Now over a decade later, she remains Hollywood's go-to red carpet jewelry designer as well as the designer women look to for casual, every day jewelry. Her versatility and ease is part of her charm. And it doesn't hurt that she's always rocking her own pieces-- she believes in them. It's the kind of jewelry you can wear on a first date. The kind of jewelry you can sleep in. Something you'd be proud to gift a friend.
Kind, smart, creative, and opening her first boutique in LA... read more below.
In addition to being one of THR's top 20 red carpet designers this year, you have two kids. You're busy. Is that why you haven't watched a show since Sex and the City?
I haven’t watched a show since Sex and the City, until Big Little Lies. I’m obsessed with Big Little Lies and I think the next show I will watch will be Reese and Jen’s new project because I love them both so much!
What's your secret sauce to getting it all done and doing it well?
It’s all about balance! I have an amazing family, support system and an awesome team at work! It’s important to prioritize each day. What needs that little bit of extra attention? Is it work? Kids? A best friend? You stop and concentrate on the things that need it most.
What's your biggest pet peeve?
I have to say dishonesty and cattiness. Nothing is more important to me than being honest and supportive of one another – in all aspects of my life.
What would you consider your superpower?
As a mom of two, a CEO and someone who loves margaritas with her friends, I shock myself how well I function on such little sleep!
When you run into a career obstacle, what drives you forward?
I look at obstacles as learning experiences. I always try to take my time and assess the situation and respond with a clear head. What drives me forward is knowing where there’s a problem, there’s a solution.
Speaking of superpowers, if you had to build an apocalypse team of 5, who would be on it and why?
My dad – he always knows what to do and say. My kids Ruby and Otis – of course, I can’t live without them! My two favorite Sara(h)’s: Sara Foster and my sister Sarah Meyer – for moral and comedic support and the balance they bring to my life. And probably Nobu Matsuhisa – for the best sushi… we gotta eat!
Not to go too dark, but who would be the last one standing?
This is the ultimate team – we would all stand together. No one would be left behind!
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Let's go back to biz. What's been the most challenging part of running a company with your name attached to it?
As the company grew, I had to let go of being involved in every single moment and decision, but lucky for me I have an incredible team behind me that represents the brand beautifully.
What would you like people to know about your job and day-to-day that they might not know?
I love that I get to start my day by taking my kids to school and end it with family dinner. In between, I collaborate with my amazing team, have business meetings, attend important events, and have weekly taco dates with my girlfriends. I have a lot of balls in the air and somehow manage not to drop too many. My kids remind me when I start the day and end the day that I have everything in the world to be grateful for. I try and remind myself, and those around me, that your day to day attitude determines the outcome of it all!
Any other exciting projects you're working on that you can tell us about?
Yes! I’m so excited to be designing and opening my first boutique in Los Angeles. It’s always been a dream of mine and watching it actually happen is beyond exciting. I finally feel like I’m giving my jewelry a home.
How do you continue to engage the Jennifer Meyer Jewelry audience in this digital age?
Social media is key, which is no surprise! I love to oversee our Instagram, so my team and I come up with all of our content. I find it really important in this age of social media to be authentic, and I think my audience is savvy and able to tell the difference. I’m just as excited to post a great earring shot, as I am a picture of my best friends. It’s all part of the brand. It’s me. It's my life. When you see me and my friends, my family, my quotes, etc… that comes straight from the heart and is exactly what I want to share at the time.
As someone who grew up in LA before the dawn of IG. Do you feel like you understand digital and social media well?
I’m learning something new every day! Lucky for me, I have smart, young awesome people on my team that know a lot more about digital and social media than I do – they give me lots of tips!
What's your favorite piece of biz advice you've ever received?
Be kind always. And my dad has always said to me: “Assumption is the mother of all fuck-ups”
What's a piece of biz advice you ignored, but you kinda wish you hadn't?
I never ignore good advice!
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE FASHION LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Entrepreneur: Lisa Sugar
THE DIGITAL PIONEER.
THE DIGITAL PIONEER
Lisa Sugar is as OG as a digital pop culture trailblazer can be.
As founder and president of POPSUGAR, the eponymous global media empire she started with her husband “when social media wasn’t a thing and the iPhone wasn’t invented yet,” Sugar oversees the business side of company she built from the ground up.
With a global audience of over 400 million and 3.1 billion views, POPSUGAR is an addictive information destination for the digital generation, spanning entertainment, fashion, beauty, fitness, food and parenting. “I took a risk and started something completely different on my own,” says the former ad exec, noting that managing excel spreadsheets and budgets were not her calling.
For more on how this internet maven made it, read on below.
Name: Lisa Sugar
Instagram: @lisapopsugar
You were an internet trailblazer. A pop culture digital pioneer. What was it like in the early days?
It was a blur of writing, writing, writing — digging for the next story and writing some more. I became so addicted to how fast I could write and finding something first. I had to force myself to take breaks. I also knew I needed to stay in touch with my readers to maintain momentum and I was addicted to the feedback and the thrill of cultivating an engaged community. We spent so much time in the comments and creating forums for our most passionate and active users. Everything was so new and there was no playbook yet!
We had to test and try new things all the time and figure out what our audience responded to the most and do more of it. We had such an amazing time finding stellar talent. There are so many creative people who are passionate about learning more about their fields and becoming experts. I also loved partnering with similar sites and working together in ways that were considered totally taboo by traditional companies. We had to exude our passion for what we were creating at POPSUGAR so investors, employees or partners would feel confident and take the risk to work with us! Oh, I also had my first daughter, Katie, in the midst of the first year launching POPSUGAR. It was a family affair — I started the company with my husband, Brian, and some very close friends joined us early on. We were such a tight group — we still are. Katie was born literally on our first official day of team training. Those first few years, she was in the office with us every day. POPSUGAR was a creative explosion we were all caught up in.
What from your past prepared for such a massive undertaking?
So many experiences from growing up prepared me to become a leader. Most impactful was seeing how much my father loved his job and how well he treated every person in his office. He greeted the mail room attendees, the receptionists and his assistants with the same smiles, hugs or handshakes as he did his partners or his own bosses. I loved seeing that. I was an avid soccer player growing up and loved team sports. I learned not only to play at the top of your game but also how crucial it is to encourage others and to collaborate. I also married young and moved across the country three months after to a place where I knew no one but my husband. Starting life over was a challenge. Not only did I make new friends that are like family, but I was also able to get my self-confidence strong enough to take a risk to start POPSUGAR with Brian. We became a husband-wife team who could tackle anything together.
Did you have a feeling it would be huge?
I had a feeling we were on to something when I saw the audience grow so quickly. Within a year of starting POPSUGAR, I had 1 million readers, and that felt incredible! That said, if you had told me when we started that I was founding a company with 360 employees and a global audience of 300M, I’m not sure I would have believed you ;)
What are the common challenges you've seen among female business owners and entrepreneurs?
Being an entrepreneur is extra challenging for a woman, so it’s important to not go at it alone. In my case, I built POPSUGAR with my husband, Brian, but for others just starting, it’s about finding support through a community that includes anyone you think may be helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, recommendations and connections from those you think would be interested or helpful. Another obvious challenge is the everyday juggle of family and work. When you find a job you love so much, you want to spend time investing it in, but you also love your family more than anything imaginable. That is a tough push-pull that never goes away, and unfortunately, it also is the basis for the larger gender bias that exists around the world. We all need to be more conscious of it. I am personally very tuned in to the challenges of balancing a family and a career, and at POPSUGAR, we have worked hard at making the transition back to work as easy as possible. In my life, and in many women’s lives, balance is important but often hard to achieve. I find it helps to be very present wherever you are at any given time.
"Being an entrepreneur is extra challenging for a woman, so it’s important to not go at it alone."
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Where do your drive and passion come from?
Our audience and fans and my family continue to drive me to keep going, whether it’s challenging us to reevaluate our content, to think differently, or to get excited about a new product or site launch. The beauty of being such a young company is our jobs have grown and changed so much over the years that every day seems like it’s a new job. I want to make sure it’s also just as much fun and fulfilling for our new hires as it is to those who have been with us for the entire 11 years.
When you run into a career obstacle, what drives you forward?
So much of the media industry involves change. I learned early on you need to keep moving forward and innovating to survive. When we started, social media wasn’t a thing and the iPhone wasn’t even invented yet. Now, new platforms and mobile are an extremely important outlet for us. We can reach millions of more people thanks to them. It also means we have to think about how to budget more efficiently or adapt content for various audiences. As much as we’ve grown and changed, one thing I draw the line at is our voice and tone. I protect our supportive and kind POV. That's built into POPSUGAR’s DNA and it’s here to stay.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I am the person who would give you a look of death if you were tapping your pen in class. I can’t stand annoying small noises when I am trying hard to concentrate.
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
Maintaining our success, of course, is always on my mind. Brian and I have so many people and their families depending on our continued growth. From there, fostering an atmosphere where people can thrive and are really be happy is a perpetual thought. I want to make sure kindness is part of everyone’s experience at POPSUGAR and I’m vigilant about banishing any whiff of a Mean Girls culture from taking hold. :)
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
What people don’t know is that I am a total beauty junkie! I love beauty products and have to test items for our Must Have subscription box and also for our upcoming beauty line, Beauty by POPSUGAR. It’s one of my favorite “work” demands :)
Every day there is someone in your shadow. How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
We see ourselves as a family and I do my best to be really supportive of all of our entire staff. We’re successful because we let our great staff shine and find their unique voices. Every writer is original, and that’s why people keep coming back to us. If our competitors are imitating us, it’s a compliment, but we will continue to be first, purposeful and feel-good as always. Also, it’s extremely important to take the extra time to figure out the unique angle — what is the POPSUGAR POV for each story? We make sure our team works smarter to avoid going down the most obvious route.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
Our team! I love growing up with them. We started this company when I was 29. It’s been such a wild ride. It’s been so fulfilling to watch so many of our early staff members grow into tremendous, confident leaders. I love that. It makes me feel great. Our company mantra is “work hard, play nice,” and seeing that infuse every aspect of POPSUGAR makes me go to sleep with a smile on my face.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
Oh, this is a fun but tough question. I love the idea of a day in the life of Victoria Beckham. To be able to design clothes, create a beauty line, be a mom to 4 adorable kids and a wife to David Beckham seems like a dream job ;) I’d say the same of Drew Barrymore too — wine, beauty line, clothing line, plus entertainment — seems like the best variety of ways to be creative. These women have worked hard and created their own paths in life to success. They continue to be creative in new ways and juggle new challenges each year.
You've said that one of the reasons you saw success was because you learned to speak up. At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
I spent the early years of my career in advertising and it didn’t exactly foster a speak-up environment. I knew it wasn’t for me. Managing multimillion-dollar budgets in various Excel charts was not my calling. In my spare time, I was writing reviews, testing beauty products and taking any work breaks to search online and go down rabbit holes to be the first to know something new. Ultimately, it led me to speak up in a totally new way — through my writing by starting POPSUGAR. I took a risk and started something completely different on my own, and that was the first step toward truly finding my own voice. Since we started the company from scratch, I was comfortable speaking up and made sure all new employees felt the same way. It was always very collaborative. I’ve had to rend my voice as we’ve grown or my job has taken me down new roads to do more keynotes, panels, and presentations to complete strangers. This was scary at first, but I find the more I do it, the more I feel confident in who I have become today.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
The best advice I’ve ever received was from my dad when I was little: he told me to do what I love. It sounds so simple, but it’s not and sadly most of us don’t. His advice has never failed me.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Ha, I’m not much of a sing-in-the-shower girl, but I am happy to always blast music in my kitchen or working out. If I’m having a bad day, I’d probably throw on “Freedom!90” by George Michael, Rihanna’s “Must Be Love on the Brain” and/or “May I Have This Dance” by Francis and the Lights featuring Chance the Rapper.
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE ENTREPRENEUR LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Myleik Teele
THE QUEEN OF CURLS.
THE QUEEN OF CURLS.
If you didn’t know that America’s first black millionaire was haircare entrepreneur Madam C. J. Walker, now ya do. And yet, despite the well established buying power of women of color, the market for black beauty is still shockingly scarce.
Myleik Teele, creator of Curlbox, aims to give black women options. With her subscription box of curly hair products, Teele is making the “black hair experience fun and beautiful for black women” by creating a service that lets women experiment with multiple products for the price of one. “The hardest part of launching curlBOX was convincing brands how important and needed this service was,” explains Teele, of the industry’s close-mindedness. “We aren’t always at the top of the marketing budgets though we're spending a lot.”
More the Myliek below.
Name: Myleik Teele
Instagram Handle: @myleik
Business Instagram Handle: @curlbox
What was the impetus for starting the CurlBOX?
I wanted make the black hair experience fun and beautiful for Black women.
We love the advice you've doled out on Medium. Specifically, do the worst first. What was the "worst" or the hardest part of launching CurlBOX?
The hardest part of launching curlBOX was convincing brands how important and needed this service was.
The beauty industry seems a little split-- there's natural and there's contour. And there doesn't seem to be a lot of in between. What direction do you hope the industry is heading?
I hope the industry is heading toward freedom and options. A woman should be able to do whatever she sees fit.
And how will CurlBOX be a part of that convo?
We are here to provide women with another option. If a woman chooses to wear her hair in it's natural state, we have something for her.
Where do your drive and passion come from?
I am deeply passionate about creating solutions for women of color. Seeing those things come to fruition and seeing women who have long been neglected excited about their hair is what keeps me going. I'm here to make things better.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is being comfortable in your own skin.
Do you remember a moment when you first felt beautiful?
I can't recall the exact moment but I'd say around 19 or 20 when I found ways to enhance my features
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
I don't really have any fears running a business. I'm here to do my best and in the event, my services are no longer needed I'll move on to something else.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
I am an advocate for women of color. While the business has gotten popular over the years, I've spent a lot of time explaining our process (what we want to buy, how we want to feel, how we'd like to be sold) to companies. We aren't always at the top of the marketing budgets though we're spending a lot.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
While it's OK to be inspired by others, there's someone out there that's looking for the original you. Someone is looking for you so that they'll have permission to be themselves. Why be a second-best someone else when you can be YOU?
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
My company is ran mostly by women. The future is female and we are proof.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
I'd love to trade jobs with Guy Raz, the host of "How I Built This" podcast. He gets to talk to some amazing entrepreneurs. I love hearing stories of success because there's always a hurdle and love hearing how each person made it over.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
I spent about three years as an executive assistant to a high prole PR VP and after working with her and learning the ropes, I felt like I had something to offer. Once I learned a skill I was unstoppable.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
The best piece of advice I've ever been given is to network with people who are currently on your level. Don't break your neck to befriend the CEO if that's not where you are. You and your peers will rise together.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
A bump is an opportunity to learn a new skill. I'm excited to find ways to get over it. I'll either knock it down or build a bridge around it but I won't be stuck.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
"No Weapon" by Fred Hammond.
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE BEAUTY LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Denise Vasi
MINDFUL AF.
MINDFUL AF.
Denise Vasi has it Maed.
The actress (lead on the hit show Single Ladies) mother to Lennox Mae, wife to director Anthony Mandler, and founder of Maed, the soon-to-be launched lifestyle site committed to impact. Self-care tops her list of priorities. As does fostering open and honest convo, whether that's with Lennox, or her hundreds of thousands of IG followers. Denise is constantly dolling out her truth with her own spin on old adages.
"One day, or day one. You decide."
"The past is a place of reference. Not a place of residence."
"Be soft, kind, and loving. But also take nobody's shit."
She doesn't settle and she doesn't want you to either. She has it "made" because she made it herself. A Brooklyn native, Vasi signed to Ford Models at the age of 12. "For modeling they said I was too tiny, I wasn’t Caucasian enough, I wasn’t African American enough, I wasn’t Latina enough. They kept saying no but I kept moving forward and fighting my way in everyone’s door."
And we're glad she did.
More from Denise below.
Name: Denise Vasi
Instagram: @densievasi
Where do your drive and passion come from?
Launching Maed has always been about creating impact. Surely there will be shifts while the brand evolves but Maed strives to inspire others and that will always remain the heart of my brand. Being impactful is the force that drives me.
When you run into a career obstacle, what drives you forward?
I used to be easily stymied by obstacles, so I had to change my way of thinking. Knowing that any challenge at hand was actually an opportunity to educate myself, a chance to dig deeper, ask myself more questions and that ultimately from it all I would grow--- holding on to that is what pushes me through.
"Any challenge at hand is a opportunity, a chance to dig deeper."
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What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who don't deliver all that they say they will.
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
Letting my mind get in my way of my creative process.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
That it's not a job it's a passion project. I love what I am creating and I love the community that I'm creating it for.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated by other people's work?
I think because of the access we have today, it's hard to say 100 percent that we are not somewhat informed by others. That's not necessarily a bad thing. I do believe that the past informs the present and that to be great at what you do, you should study those that came before you. That being said there's a slippery slope between being influenced by and imitating someone's work or style. For me, I stay original by sticking to what I immediately gravitate to and staying true to my creative eye. When something does inspire me, I look at how I can dig deeper or build on the concept. Adding value to something is the most positive way to pay homage IMO. Also, you should always give credit where credit is due!
Being impactful is the force that drives me.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
That the path laid out for me is my own.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
OPRAH... need I say more?!
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
I've always been on the journey to becoming the woman I am today whether I knew it in those exact moments or not. Things definitely changed after I gave birth to my daughter. Soon after, I figured out I wasn't ready to go back to acting. While I didn't exactly know what was next for me I felt so incredibly empowered-- I knew I could do anything.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Build meaningful relationships and look at others in your space as potential partners. Rather than viewing them as competition try to create dynamic ways to collaborate.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I sit back and evaluate the situation, then I make a list of all the possible solutions. Writing things down really helps me work thru things. I also have a group of 3-4 people that I reach out to when I need to brainstorm.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Whichever nursery song I listened to 72 times the night before while putting my daughter to sleep :)
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE CONTENT CREATOR LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Lauren Ash
CREATING SPACE.
NAMA-SLAY.
photo credit: Deun Ivory
Lauren Ash is putting the OM in HOME.
A wellness visionary, yoga and meditation teacher, creative writer, and founder of the culture-shifting lifestyle brand synonymous with black women’s wellness—Black Girl In Om, Lauren is creating safe and honest space.
A space where women of color can close their eyes and feel surrounded by sisters.
Through BGIO, Lauren creates and cultivates meaningful experiences and content for a hugely marginalized community. From the BGIO podcast—which has reached more than half a million listeners—to holistic self-care retreats, Lauren considers her work an act of compassion, belonging, and ultimately a space she once needed and didn’t see.
More from Lauren below.
Name: Lauren Ash
Instagram Handle: @hellolaurenash
Business Instagram Handle: @blackgirlinom
Your site says, “Black Girl In Om creates space for women of color to breathe easy” what does breathing easy consist of?
Consider what it takes to breathe easy in the physical body: clean and safe air, lack of mental stressors causing you to breathe at a constricted, accelerated rate, and perhaps even the removal of constricting external forces on your chest, belly, and throat. Women of color are disproportionately faced with a greater number of challenges, ranging from economical and social, to health and psychological, so breathing easy is often a task much more complicated for us. However, when we remember that wellness is our birthright, and not some new, elite thing reserved only for the privileged, we begin to shift our paradigm and realize the possibilities that come with approaching breathing easy through simple, accessible practices such as compassionate exchanges with each other, a few moments of silence during the middle of a stressful day, and arming self-talk. Preventative and holistic self-care and selflove allows us all to breathe a little easier and slowly but surely it can become a lifestyle. This is what Black Girl In Om is all about.
What is your definition of holistic health for women?
Holistic health for me refers to experiencing wholeness in mind, body, and soul. Sometimes we feel fractured, and that’s okay. It’s important that we experience those fractures to know what wholeness feels like.
It’s important that we experience fractures to know what wholeness feels like.
When you were launching your platform what fears or doubts did you have to move past?
The fear that I would get in my own way. I experienced a tremendous amount of support from an intimate group of people who mattered a lot to me in the very beginning. I experienced some external fear and doubt from those who didn’t know what great resolve and determination I had and I allowed that to only fuel me. I believe that I’ve always known that the only force that could stop me would be me.
What’s the legacy you want to leave on your community?
The same legacy that my Grandmother Lillian Lazenberry-Martin left for me and everyone blessed by her presence: the feeling of true affirmation and support; the power of resilience and determination; the beauty in good vibes, a brilliant smile, and how good it feels to be taken care of. Also, a feeling of belonging and deservedness. Thanks to technology, I’m able to reach even more women than my Grandmother and continue to be an extension of the amazing legacy she left.
What advice do you have for women working towards cultivating the career of their dreams?
Don’t leave your Self out of the equation. When you dream up your ideal career, ensure that it involves prioritizing your energy, your spirit, your personal development. Approach your career from a holistic perspective.
"When you dream up your ideal career, ensure that it involves prioritizing your energy, your spirit, your personal development."
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What is your biggest pet peeve?
When someone interprets someone else’s glow-up as their downfall. Can’t we all shine together?
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
I work in my pajamas and headscarf more than half of the time.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
That at thirty years old, and in my third year of being a creative entrepreneur, I finally feel empowered and equipped to thrive in my career while simultaneously thriving in my wellness journey. It’s been an ebb and ow thus far, but I’ve made recent decisions, changes, and investments and 2018 I’m making it all happen. The amazing thing is that this moment has been so tremendously supported by my team, our incredible global community, and my close friends and especially my Mother. This goes back to what I said earlier: only I can stand in the way of my own growth and potential!
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
I feel enormously blessed with my path and wouldn’t trade it for the world. However, if you absolutely forced me to, I would swap with Issa Rae. She, like me, cultivated a very specific platform, Awkward Black Girl, on her own terms for quite some time. She did so with limited resources because she knew it was a narrative worth telling and knew that there was a community of people longing to see themselves represented. Now, she has overwhelming support and resources at her fingertips to continue to do what she’s always done. And she keeps it real. She is unapologetically Issa. On and off the screen. Always. I love her for that.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
Honestly, I’ve always been confident. Thankfully, from a young age, my family poured encouragement and affirmation into me and supported my creativity and expression. But I think that the confidence level has boosted from the stories of women in my community who has been inspired by my work and the mission of Black Girl In Om. Ranging from how BGIO has inspired them to prioritize their wellness and seek out support to how I have personally inspired them to become a yoga teacher or dramatically change their career to be in alignment with their values, it is these stories that remind me that I can be confident in my purpose and my path because it is quite literally transforming countless women’s lives. That’s what it is about. I’m simply a vessel; a vessel of inspiration and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
My Grandmother always told me “don’t take any wooden nickels” which basically means don’t put up with bullshit, ha! Seriously, though, she was speaking to a certain level of spiritual discernment and intuition which I’ve always tried to hone. My best friend Chelsea shared with me years ago what remains to be my favorite mantra: what is for you can’t be taken from you. This helps me time and time again as it reminds me to let things go, trust, and move on.
"What is for you can’t be taken from you."
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When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
Challenges breed innovation and creativity. I try to embrace challenges as opportunities. This is a must for anyone who wants to be in it for the long haul as a creative entrepreneur. My strategies include meditation and yoga, talking about the “bump” with people outside of my industry, and (importantly) not freaking out.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Jamila Woods’ “LSD” (and any song off of her HEAVN album!) because it’s such a beautiful reminder of self-love, my divinity, and my worth.
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE WELLNESS LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Fashion: Jasmin Larian
THE CULT (GAIA) LEADER.
THE CULT (GAIA) LEADER.
Meet Jasmin Larian, the LA-based designer behind Instagram’s coveted crescent-shaped bamboo “Ark” bag.
As founder of Cult Gaia, a lifestyle label known for its feminine yet sculptural silhouettes, Larian created an accidentally iconic handbag beloved by blogger babes and Beyoncé. But before there were sold out carryalls, there were festival-favorite flower crowns. Handmade by the FIT grad, it was boho-headwear that first put her on the map.
While the internet has a tendency to make success appear as though it happened overnight, it actually took two years before the Ark compelled anyone to bite. “Start with one iconic product and be patient. I think it takes much longer than one season for a 'it' item to reach critical mass.”
More from Jasmin below.
Name: Jasmin Larian
Instagram:
You side-hustled flower crowns before they hit critical mass. We're always curious about trendsetting and trendsetters. What made you think, this is gonna be a thing?
It was an easily recognizable piece which is what makes it iconic. It also had an emotional element to it where it made you feel special in one way or another when you were wearing it. I think those are two important things that are built into our brand DNA.
What kind of a kid were you? Creative? Outgoing? Dressed yourself?
All of the above!
What was your fave book as a child?
Richard Scarry's "Best Storybook Ever."
What most inspires you now?
Nature and vintage chairs are often a source of inspiration, but I nd inspiration in almost everything.
Obviously having a celeb like Jessica Alba helps brand recognition. But it's so much harder than that. What would you like people to know about launching an "it" bag and brand that they might not?
Start with one iconic product and be patient. I think it takes much longer than one season for an 'it' item to reach critical mass if happens organically, which is ideal. I also think content and imagery are key to having people understand how they can pull a piece off.
"Start with one iconic product and be patient."
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And now, you've expanded into full ready-to-wear. As a business owner how did you know it was time?
I was making my own clothes my whole life, and people were asking me if they could purchase them anywhere. I also didn't want to do any shoots with other brands clothes so decided it was time to round out the lifestyle aesthetic of our Gaia girl.
What do you think is your secret weapon?
Product innovation, restlessness, and my team.
As a woman in the world of fashion, what are some obstacles you've come up against?
I'm learning to be a better manager, leader, wife, daughter, friend, communicator, and creator all at once and there's a lot of pressure as a woman to do it all gracefully- but I'm learning.
What are you most excited for in your industry?
Less waste, less seasons and more focus.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE FASHION LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Music: Lion Babe
LIVING OUT LOUD.
LIVING OUT LOUD.
Hear her roar.
Never has the name of a musical group so perfectly encapsulated it's lead singer.
Jillian Hervey is Lion Babe.
One half of the electro soul duo hailing from NYC, the singular songstress is enigmatic both vocally and visually. She is king of her jungle. After Pharrell watched one of the duo's first music videos on his phone, he flew Jillian, and band producer Lucas Goodman to his Miami studio.
That song, "Treat Me Like Fire," released in 2012 was only the beginning of Lion Babe's spark. With songs like "Wonder Woman," which talks about female empowerment. Jillian has soul in her DNA. The daughter of singer/actress Vanessa Williams and music manager Ramon Hervey II (Babyface, Natalie Cole), she was raised listening to the likes of Chaka Khan.
She fierce, fresh, and unapologetic, recently explaining, "I honestly think that any women or person that says you should be dressing [or behaving a certain] way to avoid unwanted sexual advances, or else, is inviting negative behavior . . . Please, I have no time for it.”
But man, do we have time for her. (And you should too.)
More from Jillian below.
When you first made the jump from dancer to singer, was it as smooth as your voice? (JK but not really. We jam to your music in the office all day.)
Thank you for the love, I definitely know my dance experience informs my rhythms and influences. The transition to singing was actually pretty drastic for me. With dance, you are moving through large spaces with lots of light, bodies, and sweating, whereas with singing, it's more introspective, still, and you're usually creating in dark small spaces. I've never been one to sit still, so that was hard to adjust to. The creative space is crucial to me.
Your mom was the first black Miss America but had her titled unfairly taken away. And then went on to have an amazing career. What has she taught you about resiliency and strength?
She has taught me that we come from a long line of strong individuals. She always told me and my siblings about women and men in history who are black that have paved the way because of their resilience. It's in our blood. But mainly her teaching is by example. She always stays true to herself. She always takes risks and does the things she wants to do, because she knows she can. She has that will and believes in herself.
You've been compared to the likes of Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. What does that feel like?
It doesn't really feel real still, those two women, in particular, have such a special place in my upbringing, that it's too nice of a compliment. I wanted them, The Spice Girls and Brandy to join a supergroup. The only thing I think people really are comparing is the feeling. Both women have super unique tones, flows and artistry and a very strong sense of self. Those are definitely attributes that I value and try to do for LION BABE.
What do you know about self-love today that you weren't so sure of ve years ago?
5 years ago I was just getting out of college, so I was still very scattered and was just beginning to dive into myself. I now know through more experience, practice, break ups and time, that I have a formula that when it's honored I am good. Staying creative and dancing always gives me confidence, traveling always keeps me grounded and allows me to experience and know myself differently, and gratitude for the things from the littlest to the biggest helps to put it all into perspective. The more your honor your spirit and soul, the more that energy grows around you. Also, I remind myself that life is always transforming, each moment, so there is always the opportunity to change.
"The more your honor your spirit and soul, the more that energy grows around you."
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When you come across a career obstacle what drives you forward?
The vision. If you can see something, the battles aren't so scary, you just have to adjust your map on how to get there.
What makes you feel powerful?
Being on stage is powerful because it is pure energy.
What would you call your superpower?
My intuition.
Did you always know you wanted to be a performer?
I have been performing since I was little so it was just a part of me. I didn't know exactly how it would manifest but I have always loved it.
What's been the hardest part of the music industry world for you?
The number of egos, fear, and pressure that get created for no reason.
Since the beginning, you've chosen to work with and be represented by a group of women. Why did you make this decision?
Being a woman, and writing as a woman, I can't help but think of our perspective so it just came naturally. I've always wanted to lift women up. Lucas aka Astro Raw and I are LION BABE together though, so I think there is just as much of a male presence as well. Our goal is to be universal and inclusive.
What's your favorite time of day to write?
Anytime after 3pm. I need my sunlight.
What do you sing in the shower?
Warm ups, jazz or Christmas songs (when it's in season.)
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE MUSIC LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Music: Lauren Ruth Ward
THE WILD CHILD.
THE WILD CHILD.
Baltimore-born barber-turned-badass-bluesy songstress, Lauren Ruth Ward is not your honey...she can make love to herself.
With her guttural rasp and unruly edge, the emergent singer-songwriter has drawn comparisons to legendary industry outsider Janis Joplin. “I’m a grower, question asker, an empathetic rebel,” says Ward, who left a comfortable living as a colorist and hairdresser to pursue the call of the wild child. With a forthcoming debut album and a weekly residency in Los Angeles, Ward is taking on the notoriously misogynist music scene with her brazen brand of alt-country. Check her out at the Echo on Jan. 22 and Jan. 29 at 8:30 p.m.
And read more below.
Name: Lauren Ruth Ward
Instagram:
You've said that "within reason" you were always allowed to be who you wanted to be. So, who are you? What are you all about?
"Within reason" meaning my mother wouldn't let me leave the house naked - she supported me through my outlandish phases. When others would try to change me, My mother supported my self-expression. I'm a grower, question asker, an empathetic rebel.
Do you recall a moment where you really came into your power as a woman?
Every time I cross something off my to-do list I come into power as a human (woman).
Where do your drive and passion come from?
From my experiences.
When you run into a career obstacle, what drives you forward?
Knowing I am doing what I should be doing makes me want to do more.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Chewing with your mouth open.
What are your thoughts on the music industry and being a woman in a male-dominated field?
My approach, when I come in contact with the ones who are either subconsciously or consciously misogynistic, kill them with kindness and talent. That always makes them think.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
I've been a barber and a colorist for nine years. I did updos for weddings for five years. I really miss my brides!
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
I don't look at others work as competition. I look around to stay connected to my community and to connect with them on a human level.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
I'm doing exactly what I need to be doing.
"I'm doing exactly what I need to be doing."
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If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
No one, skipping steps makes me nervous.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
"there's enough to go around for everyone " - Kimi Recor
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Anything Frank Sinatra.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE MUSIC LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Music: KING
FREAKIN' ROYALTY.
FREAKIN' ROYALTY.
King is the title given to a male monarch.
But the Queens of KING said nah. They're taking the title crown.
The musical trio—comprised of Anita Bias and twins Paris and Amber Strother, released their debut EP in 2011. It was called The Story, but it was only the beginning of theirs. Immediately, the industry took notice. Prince and ?uestlove praised their magic. (When Prince first heard their debut album, he said: “Don’t change a thing.”) Kendrick Lamar sampled "Hey," one of the three songs on the EP, for Section.80 track "Chapter Six."
In February of 2016, after what felt like decades of waiting, the women released the full-length We Are King. The album was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 59th Grammy Awards, making them the first independent artists to be nominated in that category.
Like we said, freakin' royalty.
More from KING below.
Where do your drive and passion come from?
Paris: All of us are lifelong lovers of music- there’s something so touching about being able to communicate in this universal language. It’s been incredible to reach and inspire people by expressing our emotions through sound, and it’s that connection that keeps us going.
What's behind the name?
Anita: When we were first starting out, it was just the three of us independently creating this landscape of sound. The word KING was like a revelation- it was the first and only name that came to us. It reflected that we were kings of our own musical kingdom, and the name gave us the space to tell our own story.
We are kings of our own musical kingdom.
It took five years between the EP release and the debut album. What was going on during that time?
In hindsight, I can now say we were growing up and growing into being KING. Those five years saw us not only finding our sound and creating the album but learning tons about the business side of music. We’re so grateful we had the opportunity to take our time to learn more about ourselves and create an album that we were proud of.
Prince, Erykah Badu, Solange. KING has worked with some of the most amazing artists. Is that empowering?
Amber: It’s incredible when people you’ve always looked up to recognize something in your music also.
You've said that you'll never compromise the music for any reason. So when you run into a career obstacle or a roadblock, what drives you forward?
Amber: Knowing that the music is special to our fans, friends, and family keeps us going. There will always be obstacles, it’s just important to remember why you were drawn to making music in the first place.
Paris, you also produce for the group. There aren't many female producers in the music world. How are you changing the game?
Paris: I’d love to break down barriers that any woman feels when it comes to following your art. One of the highest compliments I’ve ever been paid was a fellow musician telling me that by just being who we are, we gave so many others permission to do the same.
"I’d love to break down barriers that any woman feels when it comes to following your art."
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Do you think it's surprising to people (or male producers specifically) that you're producing?
Paris: I think some people are surprised that it’s produced by a woman, I think some people are surprised that all the music so far has been produced in entirety by just one person. It’s an incredible time though, and super inspiring to see so many other women making great music. It’s becoming less of an anomaly.
We hear the words "male-dominated" so much that it's almost like white noise. And yet, almost all industries are dominated by men. What shift have you seen in the music industry that's exciting and/or empowering for you as women?
Anita: It’s a great time to be an independent artist. It’s so cool to see the way that women are able to create communities in the internet age- now it’s easier than ever before to connect with people who love and appreciate your art and vice versa.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
Amber: It’s all about finding balance, and knowing when to put your blinders on. It’s important to immerse yourself in others work- let all the art around you inspire you, and never forget the perspective you bring to the table. Hone in on your own originality.
What about your career makes you (each respectively,) feel the most complete?
Amber: Doing what I love with the people I love.
Anita: The ability to touch people that you’ve never met.
Paris: It’s incredible to watch something grow from just your imagination to being a fully- fleshed out piece of art
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
Paris: The support we received from so many people on the day we released our first project in 2011 will stay with us forever. Hearing from so many new fans and artists we admire gave us the spark to know we were on the right track, and that it was moving people the same way it moved us. That experience made us confident that we had something special with KING.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Anita: When Prince first heard our debut album, he said: “Don’t change a thing.” It was something we kept with us throughout the creation and release and gave us the backbone to know that even if nobody else had our backs, he thought it was perfect.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Amber: Any song by Stevie Wonder.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE MUSIC LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Food: Candace Nelson
THE INNOVATOR.
THE INNOVATOR.
Candace Nelson has figured out the recipe for success.
It's pizza, cupcakes, and a cupcake ATM. The founder and pastry chef of Sprinkles Cupcakes, the world's first cupcake bakery, legit started a cupcake craze in 2005. Barbra Streisand sent Sprinkles to Oprah. Jimmy Kimmel saw the cupcakes on Oprah's show, and stood in line for 45 minutes to buy $80 worth of them. In 2012, a pregnancy craving inspired the company’s first cupcake ATM in Beverly Hills. It was 24-hour access to freshly baked red velvet.
But with over 20 Sprinkles locations under her chef's apron, Candace decided to test her hand at another comfort carb: pizza. She's a woman after our own hearts.
Pizzana launched in L.A.'s Brentwood neighborhood, with Daniele Uditi as chef and Candace as executive pastry chef, and once again, people lined up. People, including L.A.'s most notable food critic Jonathan Gold, who willingly waited in line for hours. In June 2017, the critic bylined the article, "Jonathan Gold willingly waits in line for hours at Pizzana, where Neapolitan pizza goes L.A." Enough written.
Her successes are many, her recipes superb. Though we have to wonder how does she find time to do it all? We really can't tell-- though it may have something to do with the fact that she doesn't have to wait in line for her own food.
More from Candace below.
Name: Candace Nelson
Instagram Handle: @candacenelson
Business Instagram Handle: @pizzana_la
In 2005 you created a cupcake craze. It's been over ten years of lines out the door now. What do you think is your secret sauce for success?
Innovation! We innovated 13 years ago by creating the world’s first cupcake bakery, and by elevating the cupcake itself. And we have continued to delight, surprise and innovate along the way with Sprinkles ice cream, the Cupcake ATM, whisper word programs and more.
And yet, Sprinkles came about after you lost your job. Where do your drive and passion come from?
Well, I’m a Taurus, so I’m very stubborn and determined. But really, I think challenges are often opportunities in disguise. I would never have quit my high paying job to attend pastry school, but when the bottom dropped out of the internet world in 2000, I was forced to consider what I really wanted to do with my life.
What does it mean to be a "cupcake expert?"
I think experience and training is the key to creating an expert in any field. Between the 13 years of founding and running Sprinkles and the 100+ episodes of judging Cupcake Wars on Food Network, I have quite a bit of both. I also have a new dessert competition show coming out on Netflix this year. Yes, more “expertise!"
Is there a specific smell from your childhood that brings up a great memory for you?
The smell of Toll House chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven!
What's something about the pastry biz that surprised you? And you think most other people would be surprised by.
When my husband and I were first starting Sprinkles, we went to a bakery convention in Las Vegas. As we were new to the industry, we figured it was a great place to learn a lot about the services and products available to us — all in one place. We were dismayed to learn that most of the companies there were focused on chemical additives to help extend the shelf life of baked goods. Everyone thought our plan of baking our cupcakes fresh from scratch every day was bound to fail.
Everyone thought our plan of baking our cupcakes fresh from scratch every day was bound to fail.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I love problem-solvers so it irks me when someone can only see the obstacles in getting something done.
What's something you'd like people to know about your work that they probably don’t?
I am the executive pastry chef at Pizzana, a neo-neapolitan pizzeria in Brentwood. If you haven’t tried the desserts there, please do! Sometimes people fill up so much on our incredible pizza that it’s hard to save room!
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
I love the fact that I do something that my children can understand and even participate in. They are constantly offering ideas for new cupcake flavors and desserts at Pizzana. It’s a true family business!
I do something that my children can understand and even participate in.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
A contemporary art advisor. To travel the world looking at and advising on contemporary art, connecting with artists and collectors would be fascinating and exciting.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
That is a generous assessment, however, I consider my career to be a journey with room for growth and learning every step of the way.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
My friend Reese Witherspoon says that women should embrace ambition and stop shying away from that word. She has inspired me to acknowledge my own ambition and to encourage other women in my life to do the same.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I think self-compassion is key to any bump in the road. It’s hard to fail, but important to honor the fact that you didn’t take the easy or expected path.
"It’s hard to fail, but important to honor the fact that you didn’t take the easy or expected path."
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What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
"Free Falling" by Tom Petty.
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Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Daina Trout
THE KOMBUCHA QUEEN.
THE KOMBUCHA QUEEN.
Daina Trout is running the kombucha game.
And yet, the CEO and co-founder of Health-Ade Kombucha, AKA the fastest growing kombucha company in the United States, spends her free (ahem, what?) time mentoring younger entrepreneurs. She says it’s an important part of the process that she didn’t have when starting her company in 2012.
Trout explains that often, after speaking with younger entrepreneurs, she'll “discover that they’re trying to have their cake and eat it too. The whole thing about being a successful entrepreneur is that there is some major risk you have to take. That’s the price of the game. Whether it’s a financial or personal risk, whatever it is, you’re taking a risk. I don’t think you’ll meet any successful entrepreneur who didn’t have the moment where they thought, ‘Oh shit, everybody is telling me this is stupid, I’m the only one who thinks this way. I have to quit my job. I have no money.’ Everybody has those stories. So when I talk to the entrepreneurs who are trying to mitigate that risk by keeping their job and their apartments, I tell them, ‘We had to live out of our car, what do you think this is?’”
Not for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure. “When they talk to me like that, I say, ‘OK, you’re not ready to start a business. Give up your apartment for four years. You can’t live the life you have from a corporate, steady and sturdy job, and also start a business. That’s the whole point.”
It's exactly what she did when she launched Health Ade with her two co-founders.
Alongside her co-founders, husband, Justin, and BFF, Vanessa Dew, the now-CEO quit her job. She calls it her most important jump. “I had steady job, where I was moving up and getting awards, to start a kombucha company in the farmer’s market,” she laughs. At first she did attempt to split her time.
For about four months over the summer of 2012 the three co-founders tried working the farmer's market circuit on nights and weekends while keeping on with their day jobs. “I was completely driving myself into a brick wall," Trout says. "I was starting to lose my mind." Adding, "And there is no physical way I could do this if I had a kid.” Noting that at the time, she didn’t.
Right around November 2012 is when the trio knew they couldn’t continue at this pace, nor were they doing at good job at either. They weren't going to expand, “certainly not into Whole Foods,” Trout shares, if they didn't commit. So in December they shook hands, made a pact, and as of January 1, 2013 they were full time Health-Ade.
More about Daina and her badass kombucha journey below.
Name: Daina Trout
Instagram Handle: @dainatrout
Business Instagram Handle: @healthade
From pharmaceuticals to kombucha takeover. We know it's been a wild ride. What's been the craziest twist on your journey?
Having a child while at the same time growing a business past its start up phase was the craziest most challenging "twist" of time at Health-Ade. Now it's a lot easier to take on, because I have more employees and processes to manage the work, and I have 2 years experience at being a mom. But when we were still a start up and he was just an infant--WHOA--was I in for a ride.
You're about to double *I think* your staff... how do you go from managing yourself to managing thousands?
We currently have 107 employees and yes, that was double how we started the year in 2017. This has both been a challenge and a blessing. The challenge: with numbers come complexity. Managing yourself, or even a small team of something like 10 employees, is a lot simpler. With less employees, you don't have to worry as much about leadership skills, communication styles, engagement, and culture. The reason is that YOU as the founder ARE the culture. So, as long as the founder is strong in these areas, the team breathes it. A larger employee number has layers, sometimes far away from the founder, so culture and leadership doesn’t just “happen.” It can easily slip away. You have to be seriously deliberate with how you build your team, your style, your values, your culture once you’re bigger. For me, I noticed a BIG difference when we passed 50 or so employees, and it helped to get an experienced lead in HR to help me tackle the right build. The blessing: with numbers comes support. More people get more work done, and we can hit our goals both strategically and quickly, without too much sacrifice to personal life.
You risked it all. Where do your drive and passion come from?
It comes from different places. In the beginning, I had something to prove...I knew I had something game-changing in me, and I needed to make my mark and show the world who Daina really could be. I got all my drive from that dream and the hustle. Now, that's not as much an influence on me--I'm good with what we've accomplished from that respect. Today it's 2 things that drive me: 1) the importance of bringing real food to the commercial shelf and being a part of this great movement and 2) my team. I am so inspired by my employees. I don't know what I did to attract so many magnificent and intelligent people, but they get me up every morning--it's an honor and a privilege to work by their side, and I don't take it for granted.
What's something you wish you had known about beverage production?
I had no idea how much money it would take. I don't "wish" I would have known this though, because it may have deterred me from starting. I don't think I could have fathomed back then how I'd raise over $30MM in 4 years. In a lot of ways, I'm glad I didn't know it then. You figure it out as you go, just like you always have.
"You figure it out as you go, just like you always have."
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What's something about the biz that surprised you? And you think most other people would be surprised by.
The business can be pretty cut throat. You'd think beverage and food, especially kombucha, would be hippy dippy. But it's not! It's like the wild wild west, and everyone is looking out for themselves.
It's like the wild wild west, and everyone is looking out for themselves.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Troller law suits just out to make a buck.
What's something you'd like people to know about your work that they probably don’t?
I do my absolute best in every single moment--i give it my all--but part of being at the top means your best always has to be even better tomorrow. So I kind of always feel like I'm chasing and never there. It's lonely and tough to be proud of yourself.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
Hands down the people. When I see my team of 107 people truly gather around our tagline--aka my motto for life--FOLLOW YOUR GUT! and work for it and believe it and breathe it, I am in awe. That's so fulfilling.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
Our pomegranate farmer Gene Etheridge of Etheridge Organic Farms. I miss getting my hands dirty. I love food and nature. I kind of fantasize about working the fields and harvesting fruits.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
There was no inflection point where I switched. It's been more like a constant climb. Each tough experience gets me closer to the woman I was meant to be. The toughest moments in life have gotten me further along. Questions like this make me take a breather and look back at how far I've come--and baby it's fucking far! But I'm only half way up the staircase still. There's a lot more of me to come.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Just do it. You will figure it out, just like you always have.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
The most important thing you have to do is accept that it's just a bump in the road and not a dead end. You have to accept that this is where you are, you are not a victim, you are not helpless, and there's no denying it. Once you do that, you're 99% there. Chances are, you can problem solve like a champ already, and it was just your own ego in the way of you jumping on it. Business is a game of CONSTANT detours. It's the people who can pivot the quickest and with the most ease that go the furthest.
Business is a game of CONSTANT detours. It's the people who can pivot the quickest and with the most ease that go the furthest.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Katy Perry. IT gets me re-motivated every time. Especially the "you're gonna hear me roar" part.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE WELLNESS LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Garance Doré
THE FRENCH ICON.
THE FRENCH ICON.
In case you needed yet another reason to lament the fact that you weren’t born French, enter the effortlessly-iconic Garance Doré, Parisian fashion blogger living in Manhattan. Chronicling stylish women on her namesake personal blog since 2006, the dynamic writer, illustrator and photographer has recently rebranded and expanded as Atelier Doré—a lifestyle website and creative studio devoted to cool women, inspiring people, and “the art of life.” From a one woman show to full-fledged (and self-funded!) media site, Doré’s approachable and amiable take on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle have made her both an addictive household name and accidental guru.
Read on to discover what keeps this creative tour de force grounded, inspired, and living in the moment.
Where do your drive and passion come from?
I want to live a free and creative life.
When you run into a career obstacle, what drives you forward?
Keeping grounded in myself and trusting my dreams.
"I want to live a free and creative life."
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What is your biggest pet peeve?
People taking my phone charger :)
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
Letting my business run me.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
Some of most important things are the things we don't do and don't talk about.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated by other people's work?
By staying grounded in our true desires.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
That it allows me to grow and change.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
No one, except maybe Kelly Slater.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
There is no specific point. It's an ongoing process and it's never-ending.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
To stop overthinking.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
Like in martial arts, I try to use any force (positive or negative) to learn and grow.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Feeling Good by Nina Simone.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
