How to Host a Socially Distant Dinner Party for the Holidays That Won't Break the Bank

The holidays are here and that means more fun, more food, and more time with family and friends. But it can also be panic-inducing with all of the gift-buying and party-planning that needs to be done—and all of this is on top of your end-of-year work schedule. Not to mention the current COVID climate, which calls for planning a whole new kind of virtual, socially distant gathering.

But as you know, the Create & Cultivate team has hosted a few dinner parties (and virtual events!) in our time so we’re very familiar with the preparation required to put on a successful evening. We know that sitting down to plan a party can sometimes feel scarier than putting together a business plan! So, we’re here to help with a few tips, short cuts, and ideas to keep it simple and exceed your guest’s expectations at the same time, whether you’re getting together via Zoom or safely gathering outdoors.

Due to COVID, we recommend following the CDC’s guidelines, as well as any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, when planning any holiday celebration this season.

Photo: Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

Gather the Guest List

A great dinner party (especially a great virtual dinner party!) is all about the mix—of guests, that is! You want to make sure that there is a variety of diverse thinkers, movers, and shakers from the introverted to the outspoken, the flamboyant, and the shy. This keeps the conversation interesting and ensures your guests feel entertained throughout the night and want to stay the three courses, plus dessert! And don’t just invite people you know. Pull people from all aspects of your life, of different talents, and all ages. Perhaps your childhood friend would really get along with your new office colleague, so sit them next to each other and watch them hit it off.

Timeline: 3 weeks out.

Create an Invitation

It’s often overlooked but you don’t want to miss this essential party planning ingredient. The design of your invitation will set the tone for the evening and is an opportunity to build intrigue and excitement for your dinner party. It is also a great way to keep yourself accountable. Once the invitation is sent, there’s no backing out. You can go old school and send printed invitations or you can use a digital invite such as Paperless Post which also conveniently tracks all of your RSVPs and responses too. Include all the important information such as time, location, occasion, dress code, Zoom link, etc. and any other details—don’t be afraid to have fun with it.

Timeline: 2 weeks out.

Design the Tablescape

This is the fun part. There are so many directions you could take but before you decide, start collecting inspiration for the tablescape from the napkins to the vases. We highly recommend setting a festive table even if you’re hosting a virtual dinner party to get into the spirit of the event! We love to use Pinterest or create a saved folder on Instagram. One of our favorites is Athena Calderone’s EyeSwoon for ideas and recipes. The goal is to transform your space into something that makes your guest’s jaws drop, even if it’s just serving as a Zoom backdrop. And it doesn’t need to cost you an entire paycheck either. Think fresh flowers (or garden clippings!), candles, napkins, vases, and a pretty tablecloth. (Pro tip: purchase linen from the local fabric store for the tablecloth and the napkins, wash them, and leave the ends unsewn so they have frayed edges. Choose to iron them or leave them crinkled for a cool, unkempt look).

Timeline: 2 weeks out.

Curate a Delicious Menu

A dinner party is all about the food so don’t forget to plan a delicious spread with enticing appetizers and tasty treats that keep everyone happy all night long. You don’t have to be a top chef either. Why not order it pre-made and ready to go? Whether you’re having an intimate gathering with the people in your household or preparing a virtual holiday feast for the whole extended family, our go-to specialty grocer is The Fresh Market. They have everything you need to elevate entertaining for a memorable and delicious holiday including tons of fully prepared offerings so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time connecting with loved ones. You can even arrange to send meals to friends and family from a distance if you’re gathering around the table virtually, or each household attending your Zoom dinner party can order the meal of their choosing!

Timeline: 1 week out.

Put on a Killer Playlist

If you want to good vibes all night long then compile a killer playlist on Spotify with a mix of old and new to keep the tempo upbeat and exciting. Be sure to plan a playlist that features several hours worth of music too and keep the cadence of the evening’s events in mind. Start the night off with lively tunes as you welcome people, then songs during dinner should be calming and mellow as people are eating and conversing, then pump it up again as guests move from the dinner party to the dance floor.

Timeline: A few days out.

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This story was originally published on November 1, 2019, and has since been updated.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Music: Sasha Sloan

Sasha Sloan isn’t here for filters, dramatic diatribes masquerading as captions, or any other Instagram BS, which is why we love following her. And given that the singer-songwriter (who goes by @sadgirlsloan on social media) has garnered over 202,000 followers, we’re certainly not the only ones who adore the irreverent artist.

Though she may have gotten her start penning pop songs for stars by the likes of Charlie XCX and Camila Cabello, Sloan has spent the last few years carving out a place in the spotlight for herself. With the release of her debut album and a slew of festival appearances on the horizon (including Coachella(!)), 2020 is poised to be a breakout year for the Los Angeles-based artist—and we can’t wait to see what she does next.

Below, the singer-songwriter lets us in on what it’s really like being a musician today, including where she gains her inspiration from, how she handles failure, and what motivates her on her toughest days.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You've been called the voice of our generation, how does it feel to be given such a profound title? Why do you think your music and lyrics have resonated so much with people today? What does 2020 hold for you musically?

SASHA SLOAN: Well, it’s super flattering but also pretty scary because that means our generation has a shit load of anxiety, lol. Half-kidding. I’m just writing from the heart, so the fact that people are connecting with it is just a massive bonus. I think there’s a lot of cool music out there, but I feel like it can be hard to find a song that’s saying something. We have a bunch of sexy pop songs, but I’ve literally never felt sexy in my entire life, lol. I’ve only ever felt anxious, out of place, and extremely uncomfortable in my body, and that’s what most of my songs are about. In 2020, I’ll be playing Coachella, as well as a bunch of other festivals that aren’t announced yet, writing and releasing my debut album, and touring a lot more. 

Your fan base is growing around the world, which means you're in the public eye more than ever before. How have you handled that? What advice do you have for others who are in the middle of that now? What have been some of the biggest lessons you've learned as a result?

I guess I don’t really think about it. I’ve never had a desire to be famous or idolized—I just like making music. It’s kind of weird, but the more people that listen to my music the more comfortable I feel being myself. Maybe that’s not weird. I’ve had a margarita, lol. The most important thing I’ve learned is to be real because people can tell when you’re not. 

You're not afraid to share vulnerability through your lyrics and bare your soul with your voice. Where does that confidence come from? Is it therapeutic in a way for you to share your emotions through music in this way? What message do you hope to send through the music?

Honestly, I never thought vulnerability had anything to do with confidence. I thought it meant the opposite. I always thought of confidence as the girls who were in bikinis dancing on stage. My god, how I would kill to be one of them, lol! Emoting through music is extremely therapeutic. I feel like when I write an emotional song it’s my way of saying something I can’t verbalize. I have a hard time being serious and I usually hide behind humor. Writing is the only way I can really get things off my chest and not feel weird about it. 

“The fear of letting my future self down is what really motivates me.”

Your “sadgirlsloan” brand continues to resonate with fans with your stories of an outsider who makes the wrong decisions but does her best to fit in. Where did this originate? How did you hope people would connect with it? Why?

Well, a lot of it stems from being a teenager. I was really overweight, and then in my sophomore year of high school, I lost 30 pounds and got my braces off. Just like that, I was homecoming queen and “in” with the popular kids. I think that really fucked with my head. I loved the attention, so I started doing things that weren’t natural to me like buying a bong and skipping school, lol. Being someone I wasn’t was incredibly stressful and ruined the relationships I actually cared about. I think there’s a part of everyone who wants to fit in with the cool kids, no matter how old you are. 

You have fostered an inclusive and engaged community of fans on Instagram who you have been very open with. How do you view your influence on social media? Why do you feel compelled to be so honest and vulnerable with your fans? What message do you hope to bring to your community? 

Honestly, I don’t really think about my influence on social media. I kind of view it as a necessary evil and don’t take it too seriously. I think there’s a lot of bullshit on Instagram. People are either boasting about some achievement, posting an edited selfie that took hours to perfect, or sharing some long dramatic deep saga. I feel like there can be a middle ground and that’s where I try to stay. I hope I can show people, especially young girls, it’s okay to be yourself and it’s okay to look normal. 

What advice can you share for other musicians reading this who are struggling with societies and the industry's expectations or limitations on them? How can they develop the confidence to be themselves and grow their own voice?

I think it’s really important to be yourself. I know that sounds very obvious and corny as hell but it took me a long time to figure out. If you’re an artist, songwriter, or producer, you’re going to run into a bunch of people who have a million different opinions on what you should do and who you should be. Take everything with a grain of salt and, at the end of the day, listen to your gut. Make music you like. If you keep trying to make music you think people will like, you’ll never be satisfied. 

How did you learn how to write music? What does your writing process look like now that you're writing for yourself instead of other singers? Where do you source inspiration? How has your music evolved?

I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, and I started taking piano lessons when I was 10. I would buy chord books from Guitar Center and I think that naturally made me curious about songwriting. My favorite books were by Queen, The Beatles, and Elton John. I always thought they had the coolest, most experimental lyrics and melodies. I just started writing like crazy. I pretty much failed the math section of my SAT because I spent every class writing lyrics. I keep a running list of titles in my phone and that’s how I usually start a song. I develop the concept and think about what I want to say and then start fleshing out melodies. For me, inspiration comes from everywhere. Since I’m so lyric-focused, I’m always picking up phrases from people talking, TV shows, and books. My music has evolved in the sense that I’m not afraid to take risks anymore. When I was first starting out, I was scared of what people would think, but now I’m listening to my gut more.  

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?

Whenever I hit a bump in the road I usually have a mental breakdown—lol, half-kidding. Once that is over, I take a step back and look at the big picture, which always makes me feel better. If I’m having writer’s block, it usually means I’m burned out, so I’ll take a week off. Sometimes grinding too much can backfire, especially when it comes to being creative. Breaks are huge for me, and I always feel recharged after taking one.  

You actually started out penning pop tunes for superstars such as Camila Cabello and Charli XCX as well as lending your vocals to EDM tracks before making the pivot to become a singer-songwriter. What was that earlier experience like? What made you pivot? Are you still writing for other musicians or just focusing on your own now?

Yeah, I started off writing songs for other artists. When I was 19, I signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell. I assumed I wasn’t supposed to be an artist because I was signed as a writer, which, at the time, I was cool with. Writing for others made me a much, much better songwriter. It was like boot camp. I was thrown in the studio with pros who really knew what they were doing. I learned a bunch of different styles, techniques, etc. Everyone has their own method to the madness. I had been writing for others for a few years, and it was great, but it wasn’t very rewarding. Creatively, it felt limiting, so that’s when I started to get the itch to put my own stuff out. I’ve always been an artist, I just needed time to find who I was and what I wanted to say. I’m still writing for other musicians, but mostly focusing on my own stuff now. 

The music industry is historically male-dominated but you are part of this new wave of female artists who are killing the game and dominating the industry. How does it feel to be part of that new wave? What hopes do you have for the future? What advice can you share for other female musicians coming up behind you? 

Honestly, the music industry has never felt male-dominated to me because my favorite artists have always been women. Regina Spektor, Karen Carpenter, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Eva Cassidy, etc. This new wave is awesome though. It’s shedding a light on artists that may not have been given a chance 10, 15 years ago. My advice for female musicians is: don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable. I’ve been put in a few situations where I didn’t want to wear a certain outfit or do something in a video and I had to get good at saying no. 

“I hope I can show people, especially young girls, it’s okay to be yourself and it’s okay to look normal.”

With success comes opportunity, but it also means you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?

The hardest part for me has been balancing opportunity with my anxiety. I know touring is a huge part of being an artist, but I hate traveling. Being on the road is really tough. I also tend to get really down on myself. I start to think I’m a bad writer, and then I start to spiral from there. My motto has always been: “Do things you’re scared of, otherwise you’ll regret it later.” So, I guess the fear of letting my future self down is what really motivates me. 

The filtered world of social media often hides a lot of the hard work and behind-the-scenes hustle. What is the reality of being a famous musician today? What are the key traits required to be a success?

Well, I’m not famous so I wouldn’t really know, lol. But for real, there’s a ton of bullshit that goes on. A lot of negotiating and people getting ugly with each other. It is a business, after all. I think it’s important to have a good team around you. Surround yourself with people you trust and don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve. I think creatives tend to be bad at business… at least I know I am. Just stick up for yourself. If someone isn’t willing to be fair or give you a decent deal off the bat, it probably means you shouldn’t do business with them.  

You have had incredible success already, but what does success mean to you? How do you measure success? Why? What characteristics make you successful in the music industry?

When I first moved to L.A., I worked at a coffee shop and then at the front desk of a gym. I would wake up at 4 am and work until noon. Then I would have an hour for lunch and head to a session. I remember thinking how happy I would be if I didn’t have to work in the mornings anymore and I could make music my full-time gig. Eventually, it did happen, and I feel insanely lucky to be able to do what I love for a living. For me, success has nothing to do with money. It’s all about being fulfilled and working hard. There’s no better feeling than busting your ass for something and seeing it come to life. As long as I can eat and have a roof over my head, I’m killing the game, lol. 

In a saturated industry, what do you think makes you and your music stand out? How can others reading this find their own unique point of view? How do you stay true to who you are and your voice?

I’m glad someone thinks my music stands out, lol. I always try to push myself to say things that haven’t been said yet. Love songs are great, but there’s so much more to life and so many different relationships and perspectives to talk about. I make music for me. If I like what I’m writing and it’s honest, I know I’m staying true to myself. The second I start making music that’s forced or I think people will like is when I’ll be going down a dark path, lol. 

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why? What is the #1 album you always recommend? Why?

Ah, it’s too hard to pick! I love to read. I guess my #1 book recommendation would be The Book Thief I read it in high school and I’ve loved it ever since. Number #1 album would have to be “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse. The raw emotion in the whole body of work gets me every time. She was just singing her life… not overthinking a word.

Photographer: David O’Donohue

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 MUSIC LIST HERE.



Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Cassandra Huysentruyt Grey

Cassandra Huysentruyt Grey created a cult-following of beauty aficionados with her editor-approved curation at Violet Grey. Her loyalists are devoted to this very curated selection of the world's best products—each is given the Hollywood stamp of excellence. Most of her Violetites travel from far and wide to visit her exclusive Melrose Place boutique (or shop her magazine-like online store.

With the beauty industry literally bursting with new products each week, it’s comforting to know there is someone helping us edit our choices down to the ones that matter. Now Grey is teaching us all with her “less but better” mantra and we’re all chanting it, willingly. Read on to hear more sage soundbites from the beauty visionary and how why she’s swapping the ‘never give up’ mentality for faith.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: Your beauty mantra is "less but better." Where did this mantra come from? How does this shape the way you run your business?

CASSANDRA HUYSENTRUYT GREY: I believe in quality and the power of simplicity. I don’t like to have stuff around that is offensive to the eye.  I think about possessions as an edit of stuff that I would want in my Christie’s catalog when I die.

You curate a collection of celeb favorites for your store and each product must pass the "Violet Code." What process do you use to pick these products? What is the "Violet Code" and what standard must products live up to?

The Violet Code is a proprietary testing process and set of standards by which our 150-strong community of top makeup artists, hairstylists, estheticians, dermatologists, and celebrity influencers distinguish the finest beauty products in the world from the tens of thousands on the market. First of all, our merchandising and edit teams identify gaps in our assortment and then scour the world and field submissions in order to find the next Violet Grey hero product. Once our teams have done an internal audit, we send it to a cross-section of our committee to rigorously test against the Violet Code which includes ease of use, delivering on its brand promise, packaging form and function and whether the product solves a beauty dilemma.

Our editors go through the feedback only accepting products that are truly coveted and championed by the committee—products that are essential for their kits.  Seventy percent or more of our committee must agree on the greatness of a product before slotting it onto the shelves at Violet Grey. These artists and experts also original editorial content on The Violet Files in relation to the product. It’s an exhaustive process but one we truly believe in and one that has helped us garner unprecedented trust amongst our customers. 

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?

I used to have this ‘never give up'‘ mentality until a few years ago when I realized the only thing I can control is my state of mind. I am successful when I have faith and trust in God’s plan. I now see hurdles as a sign I may need to go in another direction. I take it one day at a time and my faith always gives me the gut, grit, and grace to get through anything.  Also, I have learned that success isn’t at the end, it’s all in the process.” 

“I have learned that success isn’t at the end, it’s all in the process.”

What do you wish your younger self knew when you were first starting out in the beauty industry?

Don’t pet the snakes. I love the beauty industry so much, but much like any powerful and competitive industry, there are killers that secretly want you dead. There are good guys and bad guys, I ride with the good guys in the back.

You credit your team for much of your success. How have you built such a strong team? What advice do you have for those building teams for their own small businesses?

I’ve always loved people and I’ve always been obsessed with the motivation of talented people. The kind of people I get to work with is driven by excellence. I surround myself with people who are strong and accomplished in the areas where I am lacking. I empower each department head to run their area of the business with a focus on common goals and collective responsibility for success and then I get the fu$k out of their way. I always look for a producing mentality. I put a lot of value on hiring people with an entrepreneurial spirit. I encourage my team to see problems as opportunities. My crew never met a problem we didn’t have fun solving.

Where do you find the most inspiration? What drives your passion? 

Art.  If it weren’t for my late husband Brad Grey, an image of Coco Chanel’s couch, and Guy Bourdin’s Bloomingdale's advert ‘sighs and whispers,’ I would not have had the obsession to build Violet Grey. Brad had style, cared the most about talent, and always chose quality. The couch represented where great ideas happen, and the insert was advertising that then became iconic art that inspires people like me to think about art and commerce in a deeply emotional way.

You never went to college or had any formal business training.  How did this affect you when starting VIOLET GREY? What advice do you have for others who have no formal schooling? 

The wise learn from their mistakes, the wiser learn from the wise. I’ve been both the wise and the wiser. I have learned so much the hard way and probably just as much from books, Google, and mentors. Mentors are key. 

How do you set yourself apart from other major players in the industry? 

It really comes down to our relentless dedication to the quality of our curatorial process. We take our product recommendations very seriously and we are the best at what we do. We believe that the secret to a good life is curation. Our customers want to feel confident in their purchase decisions and they have come to rely on us to build and maintain their world-class beauty routines.

How do you define beauty? What makes you feel beautiful? 

That’s what’s so great about beauty, it can’t be defined. I only feel truly beautiful a few times a year and it’s usually after two to three hours of professional glam construction. I felt the most beautiful when Jules, my four-year-old said to me, “You know mama, I chose you to be my mama ‘cos you were the most beautiful one.

What is next for Violet Grey? 

We’ve just moved into Violet HQ which is our very own Warhol Factory for the beauty industry. Right now, we’re focusing on making this space—which includes our flagship office, a photo and video production suite—and an evolving product curation space that does double duty as a venue for beauty events and retail activations - everyone’s new favorite creative space. We really want to pull back the curtain on life at Violet Grey and give our customers a behind-the-scenes view on what it takes for a product to be violet code approved and therefore worthy of their consideration.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 BEAUTY LIST HERE.

The Cool Kicks Our C&C Team Is Wearing to Strut Confidently Into the New Decade

This post is in paid partnership with Vince Camuto.

Mindy Kaling will be the first to tell you that she wasn’t born with confidence or as she calls it that “bulletproof feeling”—it was earned. Just hearing that makes us all sigh a little in relief, and yet it also makes us acutely aware of the work that needs to be done to acquire it. One quick and simple solution is via the outfit you wear to work. There’s no denying the transformative power of a killer outfit to summon confidence and self-assurance—what that outfit is, however, is different for everyone. So, in our series, Strong Suit we ask people we admire what they wear to work and how it makes them feel.

Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate

With all of the travel and long hours we spend on our feet at the conferences and summits we host, the Create & Cultivate team needs comfortable work shoes. But just because we seek comfort doesn’t mean we should compromise on style. Fusing function with fashion in footwear is key because when we walk into a room, we want to enter it with confidence and assurance.

So, this year, we’re kicking off a new decade in style with the help of our friends at Vince Camuto. Their collection of stylish yet supportive shoes and boots is perfect for leading a meeting with certainty or kicking our heels up with friends on the weekend. Read on to learn about the shoes our C&C team is wearing to work this year to feel comfortable and confident.

Sacha Strebe, Editorial Director

Vince Camuto Leetey Flared-Heel Pump

$50

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Why I Love Them: “There is something so classic about the design of this shoe. It’s minimal in style with a medium heel to take any simple work outfit to the next level.” 

How It Makes Me Feel: “I always feel confident wearing these heels because they have that hint of fun while also looking professional at the same time.”

Megan Beauchamp, Managing Editor, agrees:

The Shoe: The Leetey Flared Pump

Why I Love Them: “They’re timeless yet on-trend with a flared heel that sets them apart from all the other black pumps currently in my closet.”

How They Make Me Feel: “Confident, which makes them ideal for an outfit that needs to transition from the office to after-work drinks.”

Alyssa Sage, Marketing Manager

Vince Camuto Marinsa Woven D’Orsay Flat

$70

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Why I Love Them: “I’m all about versatility, and the Marinsa delivers it. The style is elevated and can easily be transitioned from office to after hours.”

How It Makes Me Feel: “Confident and ready to take on whatever the workday brings.”

Carly Johnson, Sr. Director Brand Marketing

Vince Camuto Corrine Over-The-Knee Boot

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Why I Love Them: “These boots can be worn for so many occasions and take any outfit from the office to dinner. Styled with a high waisted, ankle-length silk skirt and a fun belt to accessorize and I’m ready to jump-start my day.”

How It Makes Me Feel: “These boots mean business and when I feel comfortable in the shoes I’m wearing, I have even more confidence in myself.”

Nairi Najarian, Sr. Director Digital Marketing

Vince Camuto Leddenta Knit Sneaker

$40

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Why I Love Them: “Whenever the C&C team is traveling to conferences or summits (and that’s quite often!), comfort is king, especially when it comes to airport outfits. I always rely on sneakers, loose-fit leggings or joggers, a cropped pullover and an oversized denim jacket. Too comfortable can start to look sloppy, so I love finding pieces that incorporate structure and cook shapes. I love that the Leddenta Knit Sneaker’s comfy tech knit offers the welcome wiggle room and the chunky, Dad-sneaker sole that pulls a travel outfit together.” 

How It Makes Me Feel: “I was nervous about Dad sneakers once upon a time, mainly because it felt like I was breaking the rules of traditional office attire—not the case anymore! They’re really fun, and keep me on my toes when planning travel outfits.”

Maeve Casey, Account Manager, agrees:

Why I Love Them: “I am all about comfort and something I can dress up or down. I love the Leddenta sneaker for this reason. They are so comfy yet stylish. Also, you can never go wrong with a black sneaker.”

How It Makes Me Feel: “I wear the Leddenta sneaker to work because I can run around the office or onsite at our events in these all day but can pair with a slip dress to create an edgy and confident look.”

Alexis Futterman, Junior Event Producer

Vince Camuto Frasitta Perforated Bootie

$65

Shop Now

Why I Love Them: “I love that the heel isn’t too high, but it is still a classy bootie that can go with multiple different looks.”

How It Makes Me Feel: “This shoe can elevate my outfit to another level, while also being comfortable.”

To shop more Vince Camuto styles, visit VinceCamuto.com

Why We're Celebrating the Good (and the Bad) From 2019 and Stepping Boldly Into the New Year

In paid partnership with Steve Madden.

The year that was 2019 is almost over and yes, it was definitely challenging at times but we all know that out of change and failure comes growth, right? And ultimately, that stretching and persistence to get through the bad times with the good is what will take us to the next stage in our career, and our lives.

So, we decided to celebrate the many tests and stumbles we experienced last year by partnering with our friends at Steve Madden during our Vision Summit in Miami. We want to encourage everyone to put the year behind them and step boldly into 2020 with confidence and style.

We invited local visionaries, bosses, and founders to join us and clink champagne in celebration of our achievements while enjoying the stunning collection from Steve Madden footwear. Click through the gallery below to see all the fun photos from the night and head to the comments to let us know how you’re stepping boldly into the New Year.

5 Ways to Pitch Your Boss to Pay for C&C Chicago

Newsflash: tickets for Chicago are going fast. And if you've been adding to cart, walking away, coming back, and obsessively wondering how do I make this work?

We have some tips on how to pitch your boss to foot the bill. It's more than a conference, and your attendance is a win for her, just as much as it is a win for your Instagram feed. This is a smart move, and we are here to tell you how to sell your boss on it. 

Some companies have established budgets for job-specific and career advancement training. Some don't. Either way, here are our 5 top reasons to get your capital B Boss to send you to the Windy City.

RELATIONSHIPS THAT COUNT

The connections and relationships you have access to at C&C are unparalleled. Where else can you interact with #squadgoals and #bossgoals on such an intimate level? Sure, it's easy to ignore an email. A follow-up email. Even a voicemail. But if you take advantage of the golden opportunities in Chicago it could open a myriad of doors-- not only for you but for your company as well.

Not to mention, the mentor sessions are heralded by our attendees as some of the useful stepping stones they've ever had. 

GETTING A FOOT IN THE DOOR EARLY

Big relationships and partnerships matter, but so does having your finger on the pulse. This is something that Create & Cultivate and our team members excel at. Sure, our past keynotes like Issa Rae, Gloria Steinem, Kim Kardashian, Catt Sadler, Jennifer Hu Brooklyn Decker, Jessica Alba, Rachel Zoe, and Chelsea Handler have seen huge success, but there are smaller, lesser known (though on the path to blowing up) women who your boss might not be aware of… yet.

The conference is your foot in the door, to introduce you to a wide array of valuable partnerships. Round up a list of all potential female entrepreneurs changing the game and brands that will be onsite, research their stats and why you think it would be good to get on their radar now and sell your boss. Check out the conference line up now to get started on your research.

DIGITAL EDUCATION BOOTCAMP

At Create & Cultivate NYC we had an Instagram panel, where the women of IG broke down some truths. Influencers who spoke on panel (some with over a million+ followers) were in the audience taking notes. (We recapped it for you here.) 

Sure there is fun to be had-- goodie bags and a power cocktail hour, but C&C gets down to brass tacks. The panel discussions, from putting brand before business to why content will always be Queen, gives attendees direct takeaways. You're learning from the best in the biz, like Chriselle Lim, Emma Chapman from A Color Story, Patrice Yursik from Afrobella.com, and CEOs who are sharing how they built their businesses. They're there to pass on how they did it, while also encouraging you to forge ahead.

IMPORTANCE OF GETTING OFFSITE

The work environment has changed, and working from a mobile office is one tenant of the new working world. However, beyond working on-the-go it's important to get out of the office and put your skills to good use. As they say, if you don't use it, you lose it. If you spent most of 2018 behind a computer or in an office, explain the benefits of hands-on experience. Whether you want to use C&C to work on interpersonal skills-- like sticking out a hand and introducing yourself to a stranger-- or as the first place to make your mark in the business world, there is nothing like practical application.

"To make your mark in the business world there is nothing like practical application."

Tweet this. 

CONFIDENCE BOOSTING

In the same way that a wellness retreat works to revitalize your body, a conference like Create & Cultivate works to boost your brain power, which in turn gives you a confidence jolt like no other. When you leave Chicago you'll feel energized and ready to dive back into your job with more fervor than ever. Which isn't to say you don't give it your all now, but there is something about the energy generated at C&C that gives attendees the focus and confidence to really assess and hone their strengths.

BONUS: TELL YOUR BOSS YOU'LL BRING HER HOME YOUR VIP SWAG BAG...

And remember when you're presenting this to your boss, it's crucial to nail down specifics that are relevant to your job. Find the speaker, panelist, or mentor that is most beneficial to you, your current position, and your company as a whole. Elaborate on how building a relationship with this person will be of merit to all three. Give your boss deliverables. If you tell her you're going to have a conversation with Jennifer Hudson, make sure you're breaking down why this is relevant. Bosses are interested in ROI.

So get to pitching and follow these words to tickets here.

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We've Got *all the* Tips If You're Rolling to Create & Cultivate Solo

Going anywhere by yourself can be intimidating. Let alone being solo amongst a thousand women!

Recently, I attended Create & Cultivate Seattle. I did a lot of things leading up to an during the conference that helped me make the most of it. Some of it I did intentionally and some I did unknowingly - only realizing how helpful it was really after the fact. 

That being said, I'm hoping some of these takeaways I'll be sharing with you below help you get your money's worth (because conferences aren't all that cheap!).

Study the agenda

All conferences are different but for the most part, they have a lot going on. Before attending Create & Cultivate Seattle, I *literally* did some brief research on every single speaker that was going to be there! This is a step you could also (should definitely) do before purchasing your ticket. That way you know if the content they're offering is even something you're interested in understanding more. 

When I received my track (sometimes conferences will assign you the discussions you'll be attending), I did even more research on the speakers that were a part of that track! You could also make notes on the people you want to try and approach or even make note of panels you're okay with skipping, so you can check out the pop-up shops instead (or whatever else is going on at the conference you're attending).

Make your own agenda

This may be the most important step if you're serious about making the most out of your time there! Because you may have so many options, really take the time to sit down and write out a personalized agenda for yourself. Take note of all the things you definitely do not want to miss and maybe add another column of things you'd also like to attend if you end up having the extra time for it! 

Did you end up seeing some individuals that you would like to try and introduce yourself to during your research stage? Write their names down! Also even take a brief note on what the individual does and why they inspire you. You'll definitely want to do that if you have a long list of people you're planning to try and meet.

Browse social media

Events nowadays typically create their own hashtag! And if they do it ahead of the event, explore that hashtag to see if you could find other people who will be attending too! Maybe you'll find someone you make plans to meet with ahead of time and you're ahead of the game when it comes to meeting people. I found a handful of women doing this and I think I only actually met one or two of them. But we still follow and support one another on social media (both the ones I met and didn't meet). 

Be business card ready

Okay. Some people say business cards are outdated but regardless, I always have them on me. Especially if I'm attending an event where "networking" happens and the chances of this or that person remembering my name, contact info, and "title" are slim! 

Don't have a business card or even an actual business? Don't sweat it. Head on over to Canva and use one of their templates or check out Moo.com! Put your name and contact info on there and call it a day. Just make sure you have something to hand all the awesome people you'll meet. 

Attend the pre-game

Some conferences may have a pre-event before the big day. Some only offer it to VIP. Regardless, do some research and check to see if there's a mixer the night before or something. If there is, definitely go! Yes, even if you're intimidated to go alone. To be honest, I was a little hesitant myself but the thought of meeting someone who ended up miraculously becoming my future business partner motivated me to go. (Hey you never know!)

Create & Cultivate had a "happy hour" the night before and I met a few girls there that I ended up seeing throughout the day of the conference, which was cool because we'd say hi to each other and briefly go over how our days were going. Plus I still keep in touch with some of them on social media!

Pay attention to the pre-event emails

I am so happy that I took advantage of the shuttle that Create & Cultivate offered via *email. (Make sure you're checking and reading all the emails the conference sends you if they're doing that sort of thing). The Create & Cultivate Seattle conference itself was actually located in town right outside of Seattle, so I saved myself from a couple expensive Uber rides. Not only that but I actually also met my conference buddy in there!

Create a conference buddy

This isn't required. Totally optional. And also totally not guaranteed to happen. Your "conference buddy" is basically the person you randomly end up meeting, connecting with, and spending the day(s) together! I lucked out. Though, I totally would've been fine having not found a buddy because I wasn't expecting to. But I will say it was awesome experiencing it with someone I had just met and debriefing all the panels right after we saw them. As mentioned, I met her on the shuttle on my way there! We clicked, found out we were on the same track, and (without verbally expressing it) decided to conquer the day as a unit.

Venture away from your conference buddy

Although it is awesome to find someone you click with enough to experience the event together... you still want to give yourself the opportunity to meet and network with other people! Conferences are cool because you and all the other attendees have similar interests. So allow yourself to click with multiple people by straying away from your conference buddy every now and then.

Attending Create & Cultivate Los Angeles in February of 2018 and have some more questions about the experience? Feel free to reach out or comment below!

Written by Jocelyn Valencia 

Jocelyn is an event planner and writer currently creating in Tucson, Arizona with an affinity for Hip Hop, food, travel and storytelling. Bienvenido!

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5 Reasons to Get a Jump on Nabbing Your Create & Cultivate LA Ticket

We're no sellouts, but we do sell out conferences. And, if you've been paying attention to Create & Cultivate for a while, we have a tendency to drop a final keynote name after tickets are already gone. 

So we're counting down the top 5 reasons you should hit Add to Cart and then Add LA 2018 to you calendar. 

#5 REMEMBER SEATTLE. REMEMBER YOUR FOMO?

If you were sleeping after Seattle thinking about the amazing conference you missed, we don't want that to happen again. Insomnia is no one's friend. From the amazing "Woman with a Plan" installation to the women WITH plans on the stages, it was 

#4 OK. WE DON'T WANT TO RUB IT IN, BUT REMEMBER SEATTLE? REMEMBER ISSA RAE?

We announced Issa Rae as keynote after tickets were already gone. We're not gonna say this is our strategy, but it's worth paying attention. In New York, we announced Gloria Steinem after tickets were sold out as well. It's a pattern. We might repeat it. Ya never know. 

#3. FIRST COME, FIRST MENTORED 

Our mentor power hours are legendary. And when you purchase a VIP ticket you get first selects at mentors before they fill up. VIPs also get to select their track. Don't wait. You want to be able to make the most of this life-changing day. 

#2 OUR LINEUP IS ALREADY STELLAR, AND IT'S DAY ONE

'Cause we're your day one conference. And we've got Lauren Conrad, Aimee Song, Jessamyn Stanley, Chriselle Lim, and Justina Blakeney-- to name a few boss women. They will be dropped their best life and career advice. And we've got so much for coming soon. 

(+ our stage game is always tight.)

#1 IT'S OUR HOME TURF, SO YOU KNOW WE'RE GONNA BRING OUR A+ GAME

There's something about playing on your home court where the stakes feel higher. The crowds are louder. The excitement is next level. So you bring it. You bring it home. #CreateCultivateLA is going to be a game-changer. We can't reveal everything quite yet, but you're in for some major reveals. 

Worried about the funds? Here are ways to pitch your boss to pay for C&C. We promise you (and them) it's worth the company's while. 

HIT THE LINK HERE TO GRAB TICKETS FOR #CREATECULTIVATELA

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RSVP Now! For An Intimate Evening in LA with Create & Cultivate & Club Monaco

We’re teaming up with Club Monaco to host a little GNO in our hometown of Los Angeles! Come mix + mingle with fashionable ladies, shop + enjoy a conversation with our very own Jaclyn Johnson, Geri Hirsch of Because I’m Addicted + Courtney Halverson of Pretty Little Fawn. Enjoy champagne while you shop the Fall 2017 collection + explore the ever-evolving notion of the modern woman. 

The evening is open to the public with RSVP, but it will fill up fast. Be sure to sign up + show up early to gain access! 

THE DETAILS 

Date: September, 14th 2017

Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm

The Location: Club Monaco 

401 N Beverly Drive

Beverly Hills, California, 90210

Our Club Monaco pop up event is free & open to the public. RSVP is required & does not include a plus 1! We suggest arriving early as space is limited! 

*By signing up, you are opting in for emails from ourselves and our partners. You will always have the option to opt out.

RSVP Closed

What to Expect at Create & Cultivate Seattle

We are so excited to get the Seattle party started! There are so many great things coming your way, but before we get any closer we wanted to give you a sneak peek of what to expect on the big day so you can start building out your plan right now!

ALL DAY FUN

First things first, you should be receiving your badge and box of goodies in the mail over the next week or so! Your box will have your mentor power hour selections & your badge with lanyard. If you don't receive your items, you'll be able to pick them up at registration the morning of the conference! 

POP-UP MARKET

At every C&C Conference, we have a roster of incredible brands that set up shop to give our attendees amazing and unique experiences. From professional headshots to clothing shops to PUPPIES (yes, puppies… OK one puppy), there's a little something for everyone. Here are the incredible things you can expect to see at the market in Seattle.

WeddingWire

If you’re looking for an IG moment, look no further. What's one of the biggest trends in weddings right now? Custom confetti! Visit WeddingWire's confetti bar to create and customize your own personal bag of confetti to bring home with you and learn more about how WeddingWire has spent the last ten years paving the way for couples to more easily plan their weddings online.

The Mine

Want to pet a puppy? Stop by The Mine booth to meet their mascot, Finn the Pekingese, snap the perfect polaroid next to their floral wall and enter to win a $500 basket of home décor goodies! Did we mention the puppy??

SOREL

The SOREL woman is bold and confident stop by our booth to see Fall and Springs that are just like you, ready for anything and willing to defy whatever comes your way.

Richer Poorer

Ever been curious about how to style your basics? Look no further than basic brand Richer Poorer booth who will have a styling station on hand. Tees, tanks, and totally awesome. Plus, they will be live chain-stitching from their booth, which means you can get anything you want on a tee. 

Blue Sky

Planning ahead should be part of your business model. So take your #CreateCultivateSEA notebook, provided by Blue Sky, over to their booth and see what else they have in store to help you on your way.

Stella and Dot

If you’re ever in doubt, put an accessory on it. And stop by the Stella and Dot booth where they’ll be gifting $100 in product credit to attendees that sign-up for their affiliate network. PLUS, they’ll be waiving the $199 sign-up fee and gifting $350 in product credit if you sign up as a Stylist! Oh wait, there’s more. They will also have a first look opportunity at their product (cutest tops ever) and the opportunity to see their new style sharing app. Too much good stuff. Don’t miss out.

Noosa

Bloody good yoghurt is their tagline and they aren’t kidding. With product offerings for every taste bud you’ll be sure to satisfy any craving at their booth.

Brahmin

For stop in your tracks handbags head to Brahmin’s booth to peep their latest fall styles. They release hundreds of styles every season, so there’s something for everyone to love. 

La Croix

Always one to make their booth sparkle, be sure to pop by La Croix for a highly ‘grammable moment. They also go above and beyond so you don’t want to miss out!

Inked

Head to the Inked booth to Craft the Story with Ali Edwards + Inked Brands. Edwards says that over a decade ago, she began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January – a word to focus on, meditate on, and reflect upon as she goes about her daily life.  During the break Ali invites you to come choose yours.

Shopstyle

Need a little R&R? It’s a long day and Shopstyle has your back. They are hosting a Recharge & Relax area where all C&C attendees can swing by to revive themselves throughout the day. With a luxe instagrammable lounge to hang out in and charge your phone, the option to get pampered while getting a foot or hand massage, drink a juice shot or wellness beverage, or connect with their team, there are plenty of fun activities planned at the ShopStyle lounge!

Simon G

Want a piercing? Simon G. Jewelry is offering lucky attendees the chance to receive a free ear piercing with one of their beautiful 14k Yellow Gold Pyramid Earrings, designed exclusively for Create & Cultivate and valued at $220. To get your ear pierced and receive a free Simon G. stud, all you have to do is stop by their booth, post a picture of the booth or trying on jewelry prior to your appointment and tag @simongjewelry #simongsparkles. To reserve your spot, please email (Elizabeth@simongjewelry.com ) to schedule your appointment at Create & Cultivate Seattle.

Burrow

Look, we know you love a good sofa. Grab a friend. Have a sit. And gram their Burrow’s booth to win one of their adorable and comfy sofas.

GoDaddy

If you don’t have a professional headshot, do you even exist? JK. It’s not something most of us think about, but there are many times a professional headshot will come in handy. For instance, if you ever plan on speaking on a panel… you’ll need a headshot that does you justice. Stop by the GoDaddy booth and snap a perfect pic. (C&C #protip: stop by the Beauty lounge first for a little pre-pic touchup.)

Express

Have a full closet and nothing to wear… to work? Stop by the onsite Express airstream and check out the latest from their “wear to work” collection.

BEAUTY BUZZ at the BEAUTY LOUNGE

We also always have a beauty lounge on site where our attendees are able to get glammed up, from makeup to hair to skincare we got your covered.  

Nordstrom Beauty

When you look your best, you feel your best! Nordstrom Beauty will have stylists onsite all day to do touchups and discuss products. Want to know what products work best for you? Don’t be shy! Ask a professional!

Secret

Secret was the first antiperspirant brand designed specifically for women, and for the past 60 years, Secret has been on the forefront of women’s lives, leading with innovation designed to provide superior odor and wetness protection. Secret’s activation will introduce guests to the new Invisible Spray. The product’s lively scent experience and the on-the-go application experience allows hustling entrepreneurs to freshen up with ease, no matter the circumstance.   

The Glam App

Get glam!! No booking necessary. The Cara Santana founded app will be offering all day HAIR & MAKEUP touchups.

#NOM

START THE DAY OFF RIGHT WITH BREAKFAST & YOGA

Get Fed

Chow down and prep for the full day with goodies from Noosa Yogurt and Purely Elizabeth Granola. We’ll have granola and yogurt bowls, muffins, and YES of course: coffee. Grab a cup from the Satellite cold brew coffee bar.     

Get Set

LIVESTRONG wants to start your day off on the right foot and the right mindset. So they are bringing yoga influencer @EliseJoanFitness to C&C Seattle to help guide you with intention setting, meditation and gentle stretches for your day. This will take place on the lawn between the main stage and pop-up market between 8:45-9:15am

Go get 'em. 

BREAKING DOWN THE **VIP PERKS**

You will be going all day long so the break is a great time to catch up and dive into all the amazing programming our partners have going on. Some are RSVP only so be sure to grab your spot!

WorkWorkWorkWorkTwerk with Sonja Rasula *RSVP REQUIRED*

Calling all VIPS to join Sonja Rasula for a unique 30-minute break-out session that will have you cheering and dancing as you learn new tools for success, get to know your neighbors, and rediscover your superpowers. Sonja's popular, and definitely unconventional, talks are enlightening, fun and super satisfying. Taking place at the Main Stage YOU MUST RSVP below! 

You will receive a confirmation email if you have secured a spot!

Molly Moon’s Scoops

If you’re inclined to indulge a bit, Seattle’s famous Molly Moon Ice Cream will be scooped from the Molly Moon Trike during break from 4:20 - 5:20p. Location: VIP lounge only.

Trophy Cupcakes Nibbles

Grab a sweet treat in the VIP lounge. Create, cultivate, and cupcake. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

The Glam App

Want to get a mini mani? The Glam App is offering all our VIP attendees the option to get a mani at their nail station in the VIP lounge only. Happening all day!

LIVESTRONG, Live Better *RSVP REQUIRED*

LIVESTRONG is offering is a free 30-minute consultation with nutritionists ($100-$200 value each) for 30 VIP participants who sign up in advance. The company is bringing 2 nutritionists with them and will give personalized consultations to VIP attendees who sign up in advance and track 3 days of their eating. Location: the LIVESTRONG booth!

Attendees can choose their primary goal from the following list:

• Overall health
• Healthy skin, hair and nails
• Weight Loss
• Weight maintenance
• Increase energy
• Build muscle
• Athletic training & endurance

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS RSVP ONLY FOR THE FIRST 30 SIGNUPS -- RSVP BELOW! 

You will receive a confirmation email if you have secured a spot!

**We will need to send an email in advance to the first 30 VIP sign ups. You will need to download and log up to 3 days of food in the MyPlate app. 

***Sign ups for waitlist will be available as well, but hopeful waitlisters will also need to log their food for at least a day in the MyPlate app.

HAPPY HOUR

After a long day of awesomeness, take a break and celebrate the day with Express . And because you've earned it, it's time to raise a cocktail! Kick-off Happy Hour with a delicious Crown Royal cocktail, or if wine or champagne is more your speed, they’ll have that too!

#PROTIPS

Don't leave this at home! Things you should bring to C&C:

Bring a schedule of all the things you want to hit up day-of, it’s a day filled to the brim with activities so coming with a game plan is a clutch move.

 In the spirit of good networking, pack extra business cards. You want to be able to hand them out throughout the day. Don't shortchange yourself.

The bulk of the Seattle conference will take place outside so we recommend keeping an eye on the weather forecast while prepping your look. Attendee attire varies but we'd describe it as fashionable business wear with an emphasis on fun! No matter what you plan to wear, it will be a long day so prioritize comfort (especially when it comes to shoes!). We'll be packing a light jacket just in case! 

Keep an eye out for your attendee welcome box that should be coming in the mail any day now! We are so excited for you to receive, make sure to share it on social with us using #CreateCultivateSEA!

Gift Bags

We know you want them! Gift bags are only available at the end of the night and will be handed out in exchange for your badge. If you have to jet early you will be forfeiting your right to come back in but we doubt you'll want to do that ;)

Where To Park

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C&C Classifieds Nº45: The Infatuation, Chatbooks, Lovely Bride & More

You want options? We've got options! On this week's listings we've got lucky number 45! If you're looking for a job or maybe you're in the mood for a fall move... check out the below. And if your job plans do involve a move, check out these tips on how to apply for out-of-state jobs in 2017. 

THE INFATUATION, NEW YORK, NY 

Account Manager: Partnership/Sales

---

CHATBOOKS, PROVO, UT

Social Media Manager

---

LOVELY BRIDE, SEATTLE, WA

Shop Manager

---

LA CROIX, MIAMI, FL 

Social Media Specialist

---

PRESSED JUICERY, LOS ANGELES, CA

E-mail Marketing Manager

---

CINEDIGM, SHERMAN OAKS, CA

Graphic Designer

 

WANT MORE?

SIGN UP FOR OUR FULL CLASSIFIEDS LISTINGS HERE

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What to Expect at C&C NYC!

Hey C&C NYC Squad! We are so excited to get the NYC party started! There are so many great things coming your way, but before we get any closer we wanted to give you a sneak peek of what to expect on the big day so you can start building out your day right now! 

ALL DAY FUN

First things First, you should be receiving your badge and box of goodies in the mail over the next week or so! Your box will have your mentor power hour selections, your badge with lanyard dictating your track (white = track 1 and black = track 2) and if you are a VIP lots of other swag as well! 

POP-UP MARKET

At every C&C Conference, we have a roster of incredible brands that set up shop to give our attendees amazing and unique experiences. From braid bars to influencer meet-and-greets to clothing shops to henna tattoos, there's a little something for everyone. Here are the incredible things you can expect to see at the market in NYC.

Flat lay tutorial with Papyrus

We love a good flat lay, and know you do too! Hop over to Papyrus for the ultimate tutorial on how to achieve the quintessential flat lay; it’s anything but basic.

Boomerang at the Instagram Pop Up

We know you’re obsessed with Instagram just as much as we are. So they will be on-site all-day for all of your Boomerang Photo Booth needs. Yeah Boomerang + Photo Booth = content heaven. 

DIY with Erin Condren

Drop by Erin Condren pop-up for a free gift and make your own elastic page holder for your notebook/ planner! They will have the crafts and supplies to make your own. Get ready to get your DIY on.

Henna Station with Simon G Jewelry

Looking to edge things up a bit? Head over to the Simon G pop-up to get a henna tattoo that you can sport all day. These are beautiful and will look perfect on your Insta-grid.

French Connection’s Mid-Summer Collection

We love some good summer fashion. And in the spirit of summer, French Connection will be showcasing their Mid-Summer Collection to help you get ready for all those summer bashes you inevitably have on the calendar. Oh and BONUS! You get a flower crown, courtesy of Crowns by Christy with all purchases.

Flower Power with Urban Stems

Stop by the Urban Stems pop-up and get your flower power on. Make sure to snap a quick pic of the flower-filled beach cruiser (we die) for your followers.. oh, and you get your own polaroid take home. Can you say, "Shake it, shake, shake, shake it"?

Aura Readings at Gorjana

The newest trend is health and wellness, and we aren’t mad about it. Gorjana is providing attendees with custom Aura Readings (complete with a photo for your posting pleasure). We’ve dying to try!

Mica May’s Signature Notebooks

Notebook designer and color master, Mica May of May Designs is bringing the personality to #CreateCultivateNYC. Stop by her pop-up to check out her latest collection of adorable paper goods and get a firsthand look at her new apparel collection that is so happy, you won’t be able to control your smile.

Monogramming Station at Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham is the king of customization. And they are bringing their talents to NYC. Get in on the action by purchasing any of their incredible leather goods and getting complimentary monogramming!

Learn the Art of Styling at Minted 

Stop by the Minted pop-up to explore Minted’s new art styling service, featuring limited edition art styled uniquely for you, and Minted Commissioned Originals, allowing you to work directly with one of Minted’s independent artists to create an original art piece as unique as you are. (Pro tip: bring a photo of a wall to receive a complication consultation with a Minted art stylist). 

Refinery 29 Brings the Heat

Refinery29 is partnering with Tictail and Cora to create a unique shopping experience with a cause! Stop by the Shibori tent to shop R29- and other female-designed merch that'll help you wear your values: All proceeds go towards She Should Run, a fund supporting women in public leadership. And before you go, visit the Cora table to donate some organic menstrual products to women in need (and snag a free month's subscription for yourself!) You'll leave looking good and feeling even better. 

Try Out the it Bed

Need a quick break? Wanna kick your feet up for a sec? Stop by the it Bed pop-up to test out the comfiest (and smartest) bed you have ever experienced. Seriously, the capabilities of this thing are insane. It can tell you how well you slept, when you got your best sleep, and it can talk to your fitness tracker.

Colorful Fun at La Croix

Craving a perfect photo moment to show your social media followers all the fun you’re having at C&C? Head to La Croix for a bright and jaw-dropping photo opt. Oh and there will be face painting and corn hole as well! Did we mention they’re a lot of fun?

Gallery Wall Tutorials at Framebridge

There is never a time when Framebridge doesn’t bring their A-game, and C&C NYC will be no different. Stop by their booth for some pro tips on how to create the perfect gallery wall in your home (or office). They are also doing a Gallery Wall Giveaway so really, STOP BY.

Polling Stations at Tinder

Everyone’s favorite dating app will be popping up collecting key information from C&C Attendees. Want to give them your thoughts? Head to their booth. We'll be publishing (the anonymous) results on C&C Blog! 

BEAUTY BUZZ

We also always have a beauty lounge on site where our attendees are able to get glammed up, from makeup to hair to skin care we got your covered. Oh and don't forget to nab your headshot! 

Make Your Own Box with Birchbox

Crazy about samples? Us too! Build your own box of cute samples at the Birchbox pop-up. It’s a great way to test-drive some new products and hear all about the buzzed about brand.

New Headshots with Laura Mercier

Need a new headshot? Laura Mercier’s got your back on this one. Stop by their makeup and photo studio and walk away with a new killer shot (and an added boost of confidence).

Essential Oils Tutorial at Saje

Essential oils are everything right now! Saje will be giving out tutorials on how to effectively use these options to cure all of your physical and spiritual needs.

Island Time with Kopari Beauty

Wish that you were on island time? us too! Kopari is serving up some fresh coconuts at the Kopari Cabana, perfect for those of who you can’t contain your wanderlust. Can you say yum?!

Grab a Touch-up with beGlammed

It's a long day, but beGlammed is on deck for all your hair and makeup touch-up needs. From a fresh lip to a festive braid, they'll have you looking fresh. 

Kendra Scott Airstream

The cutest airstream there ever was (especially if it's anything like the AMAZING Kendra Scott HQ!). Be sure to check out the latest in Kendra Scott Jewelry and now home decor near the Second Stage. 

*VIP PERKS*

ManiCab at Kendra Scott

Hey VIPs, you lucky ducks! Kendra Scott knows the way to a woman’s heart, so she’s serving up manicure’s in the VIP Lounge. Trust us, the Mani Cab is too cute not to drop by. 

GRUB HUB

START THE DAY OFF RIGHT WITH BREAKFAST

Start your day with a little Jamba Juice

To help kick the day off, our friends at Jamba Juice will be serving up delicious acia and pitaya bowls, as well as chia pudding for attendees. Get your camera’s ready, we can just see your Insta post now. And if you need a snack, they'll be serving blends at their pop-up all day. 

Create & Caffeinate with Coffee at the ATG lounge

Stop by the ATG Coffee Lounge to get your java fix for the day. We know that you don’t work until your coffee does, so drop by early for a cup of Rise Coffee to fuel your day.  

Lunch hosted by Saks OFF 5TH

Then comes lunch. Our friends at Saks OFF FIFTH have teamed up with sweetgreen to will yummy yummy salads for all of our attendees. Be sure to stop by the Saks OFF 5th booth to see what other goodies they have in store. (Scroll down, it's RSVP only and you don't want to miss it!) 

Saks OFF 5th with Helena Glazer of The Brooklyn Blonde (RSVP ONLY)

Helena Glazer, AKA The Brooklyn Blonde, will be holding fashion court at the Saks OFF 5th pop-up showing attendees how to strike some of those infamous blogger poses (they are NOT as easy as they look). Dying to attend her tutorial? This is an RSVP-only tutorial, so secure your spot here.

*VIP PERK*

Dig into deliciousness from The Meatball Shop during Lunch

Oh, and there’s more! The geniuses behind The Meatball Shop will be in the VIP Lounge providing their signature meatballs to keep you full and happy! It’s a long day, so staying properly nourished is tres important.

Go ahead. Grab a cocktail with Crown Royal! 

Feeling festive? Crown Royal will be serving up delicious cocktails all day for VIPs (make sure to show your badge). Find them in the VIP Lounge and at the Bar in the Ruins.

STAY HYDRATED & STAY SATISFIED 

It's beauty water to the rescue with Vital Proteins

Vital Proteins will be serving their brand new beauty waters at their pop-up (they come in three yummy flavors: Lavender Lemon, Cucumber Aloe, and Melon Mint). They'll be mixed into flavorful mocktails served by a professional bartender for all to try. But wait... there’s more: stop by to enter to win a year's supply of collagen!

Keep your energy up with Noosa Yoghurt

From down under to NYC, Noosa is bringing plenty of their creamy, delicious and "bloody good" yoghurt to keep attendees satisfied all day long.

BREAKING DOWN THE BREAK

You will be going all day long so the break is a great time to catch up and dive into all the amazing programming our partners have going on. Some are RSVP only so be sure to grab your spot! 

Chase Slate: Meet and Greets with Camila Coehlo & Brittney Castro!

Camila Coehlo, lifestyle and fashion mega-influencer, will be visiting the Chase Slate pop-up for a meet and greet! Visitors will also have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Chase Financial Education Ambassador, Brittney Castro, who will be providing the keys to #ConquerYourCredit. While you’re there, add some flair to your wardrobe with a custom DIY tassel keychain and come early to have an opportunity to receive a special gift. (limited quantity available) See you in the Chase Slate suite!

Pier 1 Imports Block Party hosted by Eva Amurri Martino

Summer is right around the corner, so Pier 1 Imports is throwing a Block Party hosted by Eva Amurri Martino (of Happily Eva After). She will be dishing out pointers on how to furnish your own block party just in time for summer. Check it out in the Pier 1 Picnic area outside.

Minted open forum discussion with CEO Mariam Naficy. (RSVP ONLY)

CEO of Minted, Mariam Naficy, will be hosting an intimate forum on the Second Stage from 3-4pm. This is an RSVP ONLY event, so sign up here and be sure to show up on time. They have something special for the first 100 attendees to RSVP and attend to the talk (shhh! It’s a $100 Minted art purchase). Run, don't walk. Link here.

A little about Mariam: A serial entrepreneur, Naficy co-founded cosmetics company Eve.com in 1998 and quickly sold it for over $100 million. Twelve years later, Naficy founded Minted based on her core belief that the Internet could surface hidden creative talent around the world. With perseverance, her online stationery company has turned into a burgeoning marketplace for the world’s best emerging artists. Reaching 70 million households globally with designs sourced from 50 states and 60 countries, Minted has arrived as the e-commerce darling for design.  

Sherry B Dessert Studio

Craving a midday pick me up? Grab a cookie (or brownie) from Sherry B! These will be at food stations outside so stock up for the rest of the day.

*VIP PERK*

Cool off with some Jeni’s Ice Cream

Perfect for a beautiful summer Saturday, our friends at Jeni’s Ice Cream are going to be scooping up some delicious ice cream for our VIP attendees. Make sure to get a napkin, this could get messy!

HAPPY HOUR

Happy Hour with Crown Royal & CAVA

After a long day of awesomeness, take a break and celebrate the day with CAVA who will be serving love some delicious hummus snacks. And because you've earned it, it's time to raise a cocktail! Kick-off Happy Hour with a delicious Crown Royal cocktail, or if wine or champagne is more your speed, they’ll have that too!

PRO TIPS

This isn't our first rodeo. Be sure to check out the pro-tips below to make sure you are making the most of the day! 

Phone Charging with Shopstyle

There is nothing worse than a dying phone battery. It can singlehandedly ruin a perfectly good day (or make you miss out on a perfectly 'grammable moment). But Shopstyle isn’t going to let that happen! Their charging station will be open for attendees to stop by and get some much needed juice (the battery kind... that is).

Pit happens, but Richer Poorer has you

We love to learn and network, but sometimes you need a mental break. Thankfully the Richer Poorer team will be providing a Ball Pit for our attendees… yeah, just like the ones you played in when you were a kid (except way cooler). Find them by the entrance for all the fun. They will also be highlighting their collection of basics in the pop-up market, because every boss needs her basics!

Need a break, check out this giveaway from Volvo

Craving a getaway? How about Sweden? Volvo is popping up with one of their newest car models available for you to check out in person. Stop by to snag a photo and enter to win the getaway of a lifetime.

Don't leave this at home! Things you should bring to C&C 

Bring a schedule of all the things you want to hit up day-of, it’s a day filled to the brim with activities so coming with a gameplan is a clutch move.

In the spirit of good networking, pack extra business cards. You want to be able to hand them out throughout the day. Don't shortchange yourself.

Keep an eye out for your attendee gift box that should be coming in the mail any day now! We are so excited for you to receive, make sure to share it on social with us using #CreateCultivateNYC!

Gift Bags

We know your want them! Gift bags are only available at the end of the night and will be handed out in exchange for your badge. If you have to jet early you will be forfeiting your right come back in but we doubt you'll want to do that ;)

For those who drive, there is Valet parking

We have 100 spots available onsite for valet parking which you can nab for $20 cash on site. However we DO recommend taking an Uber, Lyft, or catching our C&C Shuttle for VIPS at the Redbury Hotel.

International Attendees

You will pick up your badges and additional information at registration. Please let us know upon arriving that you provided us an international mailing address, and we will provide you with your conference goods! 

*VIP PERK*

Shuttle Service from the Redbury Hotel (RSVP REQUIRED)

Are you a VIP planning to take the shuttle from the Redbury Hotel in the morning and after the event ends? GREAT! If you could RSVP here to reserve your spot that would be great. Also note you will need your VIP badge or VIP confirmation email to board the bus!

WE ARE SO EXCITED! What are you most thrilled to see! Share in the comments below!

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The 5 Ways to Pitch Your Boss to Attend Create & Cultivate

photo credit: Tyler Joe for Elle

Tickets for C & C NY are about to SELL OUT, which means it's time to act. 

That might mean pitching your boss to foot the bill. This is a smart move, and we are here to tell you how to sell your boss on it. 

Some companies have established budgets for job-specific and career advancement training. Some don't. Either way, here are our 5 top reasons to get your capital B Boss to send you to NYC.

RELATIONSHIPS THAT COUNT

The connections and relationships you have access to at C & C are unparalleled. Where else can you interact with #squadgoals and #bossgoals on such an intimate level? Sure, it's easy to ignore an email. A follow-up email. Even a voicemail. But if you take advantage of the golden opportunities in New York, whether through our mentor sessions, it could open a myriad of doors-- not only for you, but for your company as well.

Not to mention, the mentor sessions are heralded by our attendees as some of the useful stepping stones they've ever had.  

GETTING A FOOT IN THE DOOR EARLY

Big relationships and partnerships matter, but so does having your finger on the pulse. This is something that Create & Cultivate and our team members excel at. Sure, our past keynotes like Jessica Alba, Rachel Zoe, and Chelsea Handler have seen huge success, but there are smaller, lesser known (though on the path to blowing up) women who your boss might not be aware of… yet.

The conference is your foot in the door, to introduce you to a wide array of valuable partnerships. Round up a list of all potential female entrepreneurs changing the game and brands that will be onsite, research their stats and why you think it would be good to get on their radar now, and sell your boss.

DIGITAL EDUCATION BOOTCAMP

Sure there is fun to be had-- goodie bags and a power cocktail hour, but C & C gets down to brass tacks. The panel discussions, from putting brand before business to why content will always be Queen, gives attendees direct takeaways. You're learning from the best in the biz, like Rebecca Minkoff, Aimee Song, and CEOs who are sharing how they built their businesses. They're there to pass on how they did it, while also encouraging you to forge ahead.

IMPORTANCE OF GETTING OFFSITE

The work environment has changed, and working from a mobile office is one tenant of the new working world. However, beyond working on-the-go it's important to get out of the office and put your skills to good use. As they say, if you don't use it, you lose it. If you spent most of 2016 behind a computer or in an office, explain the benefits of hands-on experience. Whether you want to use C & C to work on interpersonal skills-- like sticking out a hand and introducing yourself to a stranger-- or as the first place to make your mark in the business world, there is nothing like practical application.

"To make your mark in the business world there is nothing like practical application."

Tweet this. 

CONFIDENCE BOOSTING

In the same way that a wellness retreat works to revitalize your body, a conference like Create & Cultivate works to boost your brain power, which in turn gives you a confidence jolt like no other. When you leave New York you'll feel energized and ready to dive back into your job with more fervor than ever. Which isn't to say you don't give it your all now, but there is something about the energy generated at C & C that gives attendees the focus and confidence to really assess and hone their strengths.

BONUS: TELL YOUR BOSS YOU'LL BRING HER HOME YOUR VIP SWAG BAG...

And remember when you're presenting this to your boss, it's crucial to nail down specifics that are relevant to your job. Find the speaker, panelist, or mentor that is most beneficial to you, your current position, and your company as a whole. Elaborate on how building a relationship with this person will be of merit to all three. Give your boss deliverables. If you tell her you're going to have a conversation with , make sure you're breaking down why this is relevant. Bosses are interested in ROI.

So get to pitching and follow these words to tickets here.

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What You Missed from Our Work + Wellness Pop-up at Topshop

2016 was about balance, but this year the topic on everyone's mind is wellness. Sure, they go hand-in-hand, but we're widening our gaze. 

Which is why we gathered at Topshop at the Grove LA last night to chat with Lizzy Okoro, the founder and EIC of BUNCH Magazine, Christina Topacio of Jig + Saw, Maya Washington, also known as Shameless Maya, and Tara Sowlaty and Jessie De Lowe co-founders of How You Glow. 

The conversation veered from finding boundaries while pushing yourself to the bigger picture of wellness as vibrancy. Here our 5 of our favorite takeaways. 

1. SHARE YOUR IDEAS 

There is a fear that if you share what you're working on, someone will come along and snatch it up.

Lizzy Okoro says it isn't so. "Tell everyone your idea, no one will steal it," Lizzy told the audience. It keeps you accountable.

"Tell everyone your idea, no one will steal it."

Tweet this.

Christina echoed the sentiment. "If someone steals it, it was never yours to begin with; it was never going to pop off." 

2. THE TECH ADDICTION IS REAL 

Jessie, who in addition to How You Glow, works as an Art Therapist says that she's seen an upsurge in social media and tech addiction, and that it's not going away any time soon. To combat the blue screen haze craze, the glowing gal and mama-to-be practices a phone free bedroom. She doesn't have a bedside table, which makes keeping her phone out of her room at night easier. 

"I don’t bring it in bed with me, it’s not allowed. If you don’t look at it right before you sleep and right when you wake up, there is 20 minutes of clarity," Jessi shared. She also urged attendees to find healthy boundaries in how, when, and why they are consuming content. "The digital world isn't real," she said, while acknowledging that it's still an integral part of our lives and businesses. "You can't see it and you can't smell it," she said about digital, making it all the more important to get outside. 

photo credit: Josh Escueta

3. FIGURING OUT HOW TO 'THROW IN THE TOWEL'

Most of the women on panel had the ah-ha moment when they knew they had to leave one job to focus full time on their passion. 

Christina recently shut down her blog of ten years, Profresh Style, to focus full time on her new Jig + Saw venture. "The money can't be the driver of any entrepreneurial dream," she told the crowd. "You'll always fall broke." Lizzy, who was working as a school admin during the day and BUNCH at night, had her moment when she knew she couldn't do both. "I was sucking at being an employee, sucking at BUNCH, I wasn't a good friend, a good girlfriend, and at that point I realized, I had to go." Qualifying, "Well, 'go' in 6 months, I couldn't afford it." 

The Editor in Chief added, "When you literally. just. can't-- all the time, that's when it's time." 

Jessie kept it simple but straight-forward. "If your job is making you physically ill," she shared, "it's time to go." 

5. ABANDON DANGEROUS THINKING 

Lizzy brought up the cult of busy and hashtag glorifications that take us down the dangerous rabbit hole of wanting to work all the time. "#sleepwhenimdead," shouldn't be a thing. She was burning the candle at both ends when a friend told her, "Listen, if you take a night off, go to the movies and your business fails, you need to get out of that business." It stuck with her. 

Maya, who's social experiment with Shameless Maya and "shamelessly" promoting herself for 365-days was an act of truly accepting her whole self, told the crowd to "be aware of what’s trending, but be aware of what works for you."  

"It’s so easy to get caught up in the hype, but you’re going to lose," she said. 

photo credit: Josh Escueta

5. ACCEPT 'VICES' 

The How You Glow gals are all about balance. Working out, eating healthy, and indulging. Jessie shared with the audience that they should "build in allowed vices, so it doesn't feel like you've messed up."

Paraphrasing Picasso, Tara told the audience one of her favorite pieces of advice is to "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist."

6. WITHOUT RISK... NO REWARD

Maya brought it home telling attendees, "You gotta give up to gain."

"You gotta give up to gain." 

Tweet this.

"I had to give up so much," she shared about her career. "Personal relationships, sleep, everything came at a cost. So you need to evaluate what your priorities are, but also really examine yourself. You are in control of your life." 

We are heading to NY next Thursday for at Work + Wellness panel at Topshop Soho. Get in on the convo and RSVP now! Space is limited. 

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How the CEO of C&C Built a Truly Original Company

What’s does it mean to be a New Original?

It means you’re forward-thinking. A free thinker. You get outside the box and you pull people along with you. You see a hole in the market and go after it with everything you have. You trust your gut.

Which is exactly what happened when Jaclyn Johnson launched Create & Cultivate. After digging around the internet for answers about what it means to be a woman in business, she came up empty. What she ended up creating is a life and business fuller than she ever imagined.

With double-digit conferences under her belt and plenty more to come this year, American-made luxury eyewear brand STATE Optical Co. caught Jackie in between meetings to chat about what it’s like to be a boss in 2017.

Who has influenced you most?

I am consistently inspired by the women around me, I get to meet so many incredible women who are working hard to shatter the glass ceiling, push each other further and taking on challenges to pave the way.

What is your definition of excellence?

Your own version of getting it right.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

We need women in power, we need women taken seriously and we need real systemic change when it comes to women in power.

Head over to State Optical Co. to read the full profile on Jackie where she shares her key insights to success as their latest New Original ambassador. She also happens to look damn good in glasses.

C&C Classifieds Nº25: Be Our Next Social Media Manager!

Photo by Sarah Natasha Photography

Can you believe we're half way through January? Time is flying right past us, and while we don't mind that so much, we have to make sure that we're not letting opportunities fly right past us too. 

This week, we have a fresh new batch of classifieds to continue help you make 2017 the best year ever, including an opportunity to join the Create & Cultivate team! If you're not much of a Social Media Manager to join our team, then maybe the other options will catch your attention. Check out this week's listings below, and sign up for our newsletter for full access! 

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CREATE & CULTIVATE
LOS ANGELES, CA

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

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J PUBLIC REALTIONS
NEW YORK, NY

SENIOR LEVEL TEAM LEADER
[Click here to apply]

ELOQUENCE
LOS ANGELES, CA

SALES & CLIENT RELATIONSHIP EXECUTIVE

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LEAF GROUP
SANTA MONICA, CA

BUSINESS ANALYST

SAKURA BLOOM
ENCINITAS, CA

COORDINATOR, COPY & CONTENT

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SEPHORA
SAN FRANCISCO, CA

DIRECTOR, STORE DIGITAL BUSINESS STRATEGY

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If you have signed up for access to the C&C Classifieds before, click here.

Do We Still Need Female-Only Spaces?

The Wing, the women-only space that opened in NYC this past October from co-founders Audrey Gelman and Lauren Kassan, had some women asking, do we still need female-only spaces? 

Of the space's intention Gelman told Forbes, “The space is food by women, wine by women, designed by women, our lawyer is a woman. Basically, every inch of the space is the product of the minds of self-identifying women. You feel that."

Similarly, The WW Club (The Working Women's Club) founded by Phoebe Lovatt, is a space for working women worldwide. They host global events and have a strong online community, hosting group chat mentor sessions with boss women like Viceland's Executive Creative Director, Amel Monsur. And yet, in an very forthright Instagram post yesterday, Lovatt wrote, "I'll be 100% honest. Just last Saturday, I was speaking with friends about the future of The WW Club...about whether a gendered 'space' could still be considered a relevant need in the west in 2016 (and beyond), given the rapid strides that women seemed to be making in all spheres." 

There was a pause in the text. "How naive," she wrote. Lovatt went on to say, "I just didn't realise how much of it [work] was still left to be done." 

Lovatt is, of course, referring to the upset heard 'round the world on Tuesday night. #Election2016. What was presumed by all media and pollsters would be a night celebrating the breaking of ceilings and the ushering in of the country's first female President, became for many, a breaking of hearts. 

As a female founder, Jaclyn Johnson, founder of Create & Cultivate, which has a predominantly female demographic (though men do attend and occasionally speak on panel), has many times experienced the pendulum swing of the gender issue. Moments where it feels like everything is going to work out great and others that call for stiff drink, a recharge siesta, and a game plan. For many, this moment in history feels like the latter and has women championing the need of female identifying-only spaces as spaces for positive collective action.   

 "I’ve seen the clouds parting," says Jaclyn, "with more women at the helm of large budgets and leading prominent companies. Which is why it’s important for more women to excel in the financial aspects of running a business, especially funding, investing and raising money so we can help balance the gender inequality."

"It’s important for more women to excel in the financial aspects of running a business."

Tweet this. 

It's why spaces like The Wing, The WW Club, Create & Cultivate, and countless others remain vital. They give female founders and entrepreneurs the space to flourish, to dole out advice to those just starting out, and to network with new like-minded contacts.
 
"While the women-in-business movement is strong," Jaclyn says, "a 'girls’ club' has also formed, and the responsibility is now on female CEOs and others in powerful positions to give opportunities to deserving female entrepreneurs."
 
"But this girls’ club won’t usher in the gender inequalities that I've faced in the past," she notes. "Instead, it will be an opportunity to mentor young women looking for guidance and empower women-owned businesses."

It's not about keeping the boys about. It's about lifting other women up with both emotional and intellectual support. 
 
So, will the girls’ club be the new boys’ club?

It’s on us to make it happen.

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Links We Love: CreateCultivateATL Conference Edition

While some of us are busy planning our Halloween costumes or gearing up for #CreateCultivateATL, Snapchat is reportedly planning for a 25 Billion dollar IPO. 

BRB crying under our desks. 

Smiling again. This is why we do what we do. Who run the virtual reality world? Girls. 

Looking for some delicious motivation? Shonda Rhimes used Baskin-Robbins to learn responsibility. 

More ice cream stories that matter. 

It's a bloody mess out there. Have you gone through your social menopause yet? 

We're all crazy-making busy. This writer points out why it's going unnoticed. 

Working toward parity is tough. It took 35 years to narrow the pay gap by this amount. 

We talk a lot about authenticity at our conferences. But has it become a buzzword, marketing trap? 

This is making it almost impossible to wait for the holiday. 

And because we all deserve a little laughter. Here's an invitation to laugh together. 

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The Importance of Making Time for Your Skin

photo credit: Laura Dee Photography 

This post is in partnership with Cetaphil. 

Your approach to career is simple: every day you bring enthusiasm and dedication to your work. Two simple and effective practices that streamline your process. 

But can the same be said for your skin? When we get caught up in the hustle of our careers we tend to fall into a couple of bad habits. A great skincare routine isn’t one that should fall by the wayside. No matter how hectic work gets you can achieve great skin with a few gentle yet powerful products from Cetaphil.

Here’s how to get on the good side of great skin. 

THE NIGHT BEFORE IS CRUCIAL

You wouldn’t walk into an AM presentation without preparing. That’s just bad form. 

While your skin doesn’t need a thorough color-coded Keynote, a refreshed looking face starts with night before prep.

Dermatologists have been advising clients for decades that cleansing their face before sleep is one of the best steps to take for health and beauty. Skin has the ability to be replenished while you’re asleep.  

The best-selling, mild, non-irritating Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is designed to work on all skin types, gentle and soothing enough for even the most sensitive skin. It removes the residue that can clog pores without stripping your skin of its natural protective oils.

It’s so simple you have no reason to not opt for healthy and beautiful skin. 

If you’re in a rush, or working on your computer in bed, you can apply a liberal amount and remove excess with a soft cloth. You don’t even need water, it’s that gentle. That’s a skin routine that works for those of you who are constantly working it. 

GET A MOISTURIZER THAT DOES MORE THAN ONE JOB 

If you want a moisturizer that’s pulling double duty like you, Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is ideal for use on your body and face. It contains a blend of 6 moisturizers plus skin-essential Vitamins B5 and E to provide long-lasting hydration for healthy-looking skin. 

Moisturizing your skin helps keep it looking refreshed and it also helps keep makeup from looking cracked. Look, dryness and irritation can be distracting. You don’t want to waste time worrying about your skin. By incorporating a simple moisturizer into your day-to-day you’ll spend less time looking in the mirror and more time staring straight into your very bright future. 

"Spend less time looking in the mirror and more time staring straight into your very bright future."

Tweet this.  

Don’t underestimate the power of a healthy glow. Confidence is directly correlated to productivity. 

WHEN YOU’RE REALLY ON-THE-GO, WE GOT YOU 

If you’re the sort to squeeze in an AM spin class before hitting your email, or you have a tendency to go straight from the office to after work drinks, it can do a number on your skin.

Take a few moments in between dashing to wipe down the day’s dirt, impurities, and makeup with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths. These ultra-soft and gentle cloths are based on the classic award-winning Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. They're super convenient and will leave skin feeling fresh and clean in all situations-- even when you’re hustling through a 12-hour day. 

We’ve all been there, we know that sometimes the hustle doesn’t sleep, but we also know you can still look good while chasing your dreams. 

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Press Play: Create & Cultivate DTLA "What Have You Created & Cultivated?" P1

We asked speakers at Create & Cultivate DTLA to tell us one thing they created and one thing they cultivate. Hear from Oh Joy! Taylor Sterling of the Glitter Guide, Bri Emery of Design Love Fest & more.