5 Tips for Finding a Great Career Mentor
You should know what you want before diving in, so that your communication is stronger and your confidence is higher.
When I was in college, there was a lot of talk about finding a mentor who could guide you through tough career decisions. And to be completely honest, I was a tad skeptical. Why would someone willingly help me? Shouldn’t I hustle to succeed all on my own?
Now that I’m securely on my own career path, I’m beginning to see the benefit of having a go-to gal (or guy) to answer questions I can’t ask my boss, celebrate the wins, and mutually support each other in exciting ways. It’s never too late to find a career mentor and lucky for you, we’re partnering with Bumble Bizz to share five tips on how to find an effective mentor. And once that hard part is over, we’ll cover how to make the most of your relationship.
Dive in below and get two free coins to enhance your experience on the Bumble Bizz app by downloading them here (new users only!).
Tip #1: Identify What You Want + Need
It’s important to start by thinking about the type of person with whom that you want to connect. Try answering these questions:
What industry? Or industries?
What job title? Or what career path?
What information are you hoping to gather?
Why is this career mentor important to you?
Your answers to these questions will help you find clarity, which is important when finding a mentor. You should know what you want before diving in, so that your communication is stronger and your confidence is higher.
Tip #2: Matching Made Easy
Now for the fun part. Finding your mentor! This is much easier than you could imagine, especially now that social media is breaking ground in exciting ways. There are two ways that you should approach this step of the process:
Ask those personal connections. Text, email, and call family and friends, letting them know what you’re looking for (thanks for Tip #1, you’ll be squared away here). If someone can make a personal introduction for you, amazing. You can also try searching on LinkedIn, but keep in mind that an expensive premium account will only let you get super specific with your search. And that’s exactly why I recommend Bumble Bizz instead.
Go digital. Bumble Bizz connects professionals who are actively looking to share and learn from each other. They believe that networking shouldn’t feel so hard or, worse, uncomfortable. What does that mean? You can make life-changing connections at your own pace and on your own terms. Bumble isn’t just about dating anymore, it’s helping you cultivate the career of your dreams.
After you’ve downloaded the Bumble app, you start by crafting a headline, which is essentially an elevator pitch. Focus on what you do, what you’re good at, and what you’re looking for. For example, mine might be “Partnerships Associate looking to expand her passion for writing and developing brand narratives.” This headline will be what first catches someone’s eye, in addition to the photo that you choose. Speaking of which, your photo should be the perfect combination of LinkedIn professional and casual. Headshots are great, but don’t feel inclined to select something that’s not reflective of your true personality.
Another great part of Bumble Bizz? The Profile Prompts. You can answers questions like “The career person I admire the most is,” “Where do you want to see your career 5 years from now,” “My work mantra is...” and more. These will serves as great ice breakers when first starting a conversation with someone new.
“Another great part of Bumble Bizz? The Profile Prompts. You can answers questions like “The career person I admire the most is,” “Where do you want to see your career 5 years from now,” “My work mantra is...” and more. These will serves as great ice breakers when first starting a conversation with someone new. ”
Tip #3: Lean In
Don’t be afraid to reach out first, especially on Bumble Bizz. You’ll want to express what excites you about a person’s professional experience and what you’re looking to connect about. You can follow this simple template for sending that first message:
Hi [First Name],
I’d love to connect with you about [insert interest]! I’m also [mutual ground], so I know that we could both benefit from joining our networks.
Here’s what that looks like in real life:
Hi Chelsea,
I’d love to connect with you about your experience as an Editorial Director! I’m also passionate about writing and have worked in editorial for several years, so I know that we could both benefit from joining our networks.
Then, you’re off! Ask for their email address when the timing feels right so you can easily transition from the app and into “real life.” Emailing will allow you to schedule a time to chat on the phone or in person.
Tip #4: Schedule Monthly or Quarterly Check-Ins
After you’ve had your first conversation, whether that’s over the phone or in person, and you’ve determined that this is someone you’d like to lean on in the future, schedule monthly or quarterly check-ins. Be courteous of the other person’s schedule, and ask them what structure is mutually ideal. Having a recurring call or in-person coffee means that you can save any big discussions—like career transitions, negotiating contracts, etc.—for when you have their undivided attention. You can, of course, talk to them in the meantime, just don’t be messaging them every single day.
Tip #5: Keep Them Updated on Your Wins
Talking about your accomplishments might seem awkward. But it shouldn’t be. It’s not bragging to share your wins (both big and small) with your network! When you get a raise, promotion, secure a new client, or anything that makes you feel successful, share that with your career mentor. They’ll celebrate with you, keep it in mind, and help you get to the next step when you’re ready for it.
What are your best tips for finding a career mentor? Share in the comments below!
This post is sponsored by Bumble Bizz.
MORE ON THE BLOG
The Importance of Mentors & How to Find Them
They are out they and they want to be found.
"Get mentors." That's Alexa von Toble's advice to young entrepreneurs.
Von Toble, who remains CEO of LearnVest, the financial planning company which sold for more than $250 million in 2015, echoes something we've always promoted at Create & Cultivate.
Mentors are not only a wealth of information for the career-driven young-preneur, they also help boost your confidence by given you actionable advice. Something we consider vital when you're starting out.
So why mentors?
Mentors are inspiring
Ask any successful person about their career trajectory and they will always cite people who have inspired them. They have stories that push us to work harder. They've made mistakes we can learn from. They have wins that keep us going.
It's like having an inspirational professional playbook.
Mentors tell you when you should do better
Constructive criticism is easier to take from a mentor than from a boss. If you've chosen one or two people who you really trust, then you can remove any workplace issues or resentments that make it hard to hear what your boss (or superior) is saying.
No one likes being told that they're wrong. Or that their work needs improvement. But when it is coming from an objective third party, it's much easier to stomach and will likely inspire you to *gasp* do better.
Mentors have key relationships
If you impress your mentor, chances are they are going to find a way to connect you to other people who matter, professionally speaking. Often this can happen naturally. People who are willing to be mentors like connecting the dots and as such, will connect the dots.
Plus paying it forward is a win-win. When you are in a position to introduce them or connect them to new clients, do it.
Mentors know what it takes to make it
Work. Work. Work. Work. Work. That's what it takes, and when you're midnight-deep in another oil burner at the office, and you don't think you can do it anymore, a text to your mentor that reminds you they were once (and probably still are — because making it means even later hours) in the same boat, goes a long way.
They've also heard "NO" a million ways and never gave up.
A little bit of encouragement from someone you respect and trust? That's the juice that turns into a money-making smoothie.
Just because you’ve made it, doesn’t mean you don’t need a mentor
Sophia Rivka Rossi co-founder of HelloGiggles, has “made it” by most professional standards. The feel-good company online platform was acquired by TIME last year for an estimated $30 million. And yet, when speaking with Elizabeth Rice and Julie Cutler, co-founders of SoulCycle, she cited both women as her mentors, and who she continues to look to for for inspiration. Smart, savvy, successful business women never stop learning. It's how you grow. Even when you think you're tall AF — there are still professional inches to be gained.
Where to find them
One, at Create & Cultivate. Have you become an insider yet?
Two, six degrees of separation is real. One very simple way to see who knows who you want to know, is to look through who your friends follow on Instagram. You'd be surprised to find out how interwoven our lives are. Then, craft that DM and tell person X that you'd love to bring them coffee and take 15 minutes of their time.
It could be the beginning of an amazing working relationship.
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The Career Tactic That Will Get You One Step Closer to Becoming A Boss
Guide your mentees -- and yourself -- to greatness. (It’s a win-win.)
(Credit: #WOCinTech)
“They” say those who can, do; those who can't, teach.
We’re flipping the script and calling BS on this one. Because those who “teach” in a mentorship role are doers and next-level leaders. So much so, they serve as role models to the eager protégées who learn from their wins and their fails.
We know that having a mentor (or four) is a critical component to success. It’s a two-way street, really, because becoming a mentor and imparting your wisdom on the lucky candidates under your wing will serve you in more ways than you know.
Mentorship has always been an important tenet at Create & Cultivate; in fact, the mentor sessions are a key component of the Create & Cultivate conference. And while the Bosses imparting their truths to keen attendees are at the top of their game, they are clearly honored and stoked to be advising the ladies in their mentoring sessions.
So if you’re looking to take your career to the next level, it might be time to consider becoming a mentor.
Here are 6 reasons why:
IT MAKES YOU AN EXPERT
Whether you’re meeting with your mentee(s) on the regular or serving as their mentor on the phone or via Google Hangouts, they will try to absorb every tidbit of wisdom you’re sharing. And when you’re focusing on your trade, you’re becoming an expert on the topic as a result -- whether you realize it or not.
So if the pesky feeling of Imposter Syndrome creeps its way into your psyche every now and then, kick it to the curb with your renewed “expert vibes.”
After all, even though you’re slaying career-wise, every now and then you might second-guess your path, passion or purpose. This is normal!
Sometimes our inner critic / doubter / hater gets the best of us and makes us wonder, “Have I got what it takes?” Being a mentor and the ensuing validation it offers might just be enough to give you the confidence boost you need.
IT CAN OPEN YOUR EYES TO A WHOLE NEW PERSPECTIVE
Imagine being a mentor to the next Uber founder? They might be right there, in the next batch of millennial leaders. And if you are currently mentoring a high school student, then you are likely gaining amazing insight into the generation younger than millennials, dubbed Generation Z (a.k.a. Gen Edge).
You’re getting direct access to these brilliant and ultra tech savvy minds, and this can open your eyes to a whole new business idea or new way of doing things. So enjoy and stay dialed into these a-ha moments.
YOUR PUPIL MIGHT JOIN YOU ON YOUR QUEST FOR WORLD DOMINATION (#SQUADGOALS)
As you impart your truths and help pave the way for the bright young leaders of tomorrow, you might spot a spark in one of them and realize they should join your team.
Whether they join you on a freelance or full-time basis, imagine the magic that can be created when you find the right people who share your vision and complement you in the best ways possible.
IT'S REWARDING AND FULFILLING
Throwing it back to Create & Cultivate Los Angeles this past May, where kindness was one of the key themes. All the keynote speakers emphasized the importance of being nice, and Rachel Zoe shared her open-door philosophy as a boss.
Helping someone else make the most of their career is the ultimate way of paying it forward. When you feel fulfilled and happy to help an up-and-coming dynamo, it adds to your gratitude bucket, which is a popular element in becoming successful. So make karma your kween and pay it forward by helping others as a mentor.
"Make karma your kween and pay it forward by helping others as a mentor."
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Eventually the student might even become the teacher -- the ultimate “yaaasss!” moment.
IT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED
When someone is looking to you for advice and wisdom, you need to make sure you’re up for the challenge. This is the perfect motivation to keep your expertise sharp, on-point, and always ahead of the game. After all, if they’re looking to you for inspiration, you need to make sure you’re worthy of their spotlight.
IT KEEPS YOU GROUNDED
The appreciation your mentees experience when receiving your expert advice and dedication is enough to light up your day, and give you all the feels.
Remember that you can be a mentor to different people, at different stages of their careers. This is a great way to stay on your toes and be reminded of what it’s like to be in the very early stages of your business.
As well, online platforms like Glassbreakers allow you to sign up as a mentor to modern women from diverse backgrounds, and you get matched up with women with common career goals.
READY TO MENTOR?
The whole “mentor-mentee” relationship requires chemistry, kind of like finding a partner. So try to be in tune with the people you encounter throughout your day-to-day, who might just become your protégées, pretty organically. Or seek out some lucky candidate(s) to take under your wing, with a local “Big Sister” program or mentoring organization.
However you go about it, embrace it, because being a mentor is the gift that keeps on giving.
Karin Eldor is a coffee-addicted copywriter, with a long-time love for all things pop culture, fashion and tech. Ever since she got her first issues of YM (remember that one?) and Seventeen in the mail, she was hooked on the world of editorial content. After earning her Communications degree, she spent 6 years honing her craft as a Senior Editor for AskMen.com. More recently, Karin enjoyed gramming and strategizing as Social Media Manager at ALDO. Today, she is Chief Content Writer at 818 Agency and a social media consultant.
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How to Build the Ultimate Support Network
It's 2017. Where's your support squad?
C&C is all about hugs, not mean mugs. And if you want to build out your support squad in 2017, we tapped major marketing boss and founder of BuzzMG Tina Wells to give us insight on how to do so.
JOIN LOCAL SOCIAL CLUBS
It’s important to build your personal network, and joining social clubs is a great way. Not only will you be exposed to great events, you’ll also meet potential clients, employees, and friends. Check out clubs like the Union League for “Young Friends” memberships, as well as the Young Friends clubs at your local museums, orchestra, and ballet.
JOIN ASSOCIATIONS
If you’re a female entrepreneur, look into local chapters of the National Association of Women Business Owners. If you are starting a plumbing company, check out the local chapter of a national plumbers association. You’d be surprised how many fields have associations. You can receive great product discounts, invitations to great conferences, and a network of peers. Entrepreneurship can be lonely, so cultivating a group of peers is important. And of course, there is the newly formed Young Entrepreneur Council (I’m a board member!).
CREATE A SMALL GROUP OF 5 LIKE-MINDED ENTREPRENEURS
You may have already heard of these “mastermind” groups. But what do you call a group for those who haven’t yet mastered something? Call it whatever you like, but build one – quickly. Make sure that the four other people you engage don’t have competing businesses, and think of ways you can help each other. I know of groups that meet monthly and each member has to come to the meeting with at least one lead for another member of the group. Also, be mindful of time. You’re all very busy entrepreneurs, so don’t schedule more than 60 to 90 minutes once each month.
HOST A DINNER/HAPPY HOUR EACH MONTH & INVITE NEW PEOPLE
Consider this your start-up marketing expense! Host an event for a select group of people you want to get to know. Be strategic in your invitations, and make sure you personally meet and greet each person who’s on your list. Allow each person to bring a guest if it’s a happy hour. If you’re hosting a dinner, it’s OK to extend the invitation just to that person. Also, make sure that the people you’re inviting can benefit from getting to know your other guests, not just you! I love to cook and entertain people in my home, so I usually host dinner parties once a month. At this point in my career, my parties are more about hanging out with my friends and mutual support. But they’re always fun! So don’t make it all about business!
DON'T MAKE WITHDRAWALS WHERE YOU HAVEN'T MADE DEPOSITS
It’s really unfair to email people asking them to mentor you when you have nothing to offer them. I know it sounds harsh, but it’s true! I get hundreds of requests for mentorship each year, and the ones I normally respond to (outside of the tip sheet I give to everyone) are the people who say, “can I take you to coffee?” The reason is, that small gesture shows that the person believes in a mutually beneficial relationship.
"Marketing #Protip: Don't make withdrawals where you haven't made deposits."
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I have a good friend who built his entire business off of taking people for lunch – even when he barely had the money to do so. And he was able to convince some pretty important people to have lunch with him and eventually fund his business. If you ask him his secret to success, he’ll tell you it was simply asking people to lunch.
GIVE BACK
My most important contacts professionally have been a result of my philanthropic work. I tend to join the marketing committees of non-profits I work with, and meet other people and collaborate on ideas. They get to see my skills firsthand and evaluate me as a colleague. You shouldn’t join an organization you’re not passionate about just to meet people, because that will backfire. But if you have an opportunity to partner your skills with a deserving organization, generating new business will be a nice result.
PARTICIPATE IN CONFERENCES & PANELS
I really like to spend time working – whether it’s at home or in the office. And while I love to travel, I don’t like being away from the office during the week. But I will make the exception for the right speaking engagement. Panels have been a great way for me to make new friends and expand my professional network. I’ve met some of my best friends on panels, and it makes sense. The best organizers work to place people with synergies on panels together. If you can have an hour conversation together on a stage, you probably will want to spend more time getting to know those people.
Tina Wells, founder and CEO of BuzzMG, earned her B.A. in Communication Arts graduating with honors from Hood College in 2002. Currently a Wharton School of Business student for marketing management, Tina continues to create innovative marketing strategies for numerous clients within the beauty, entertainment, fashion, financial, and lifestyle sectors. Tina has worked with clients including: Dell, Girl Scouts of the USA, Maidenform, SonyBMG, PBS, P+G, Sesame Workshop, and American Eagle Outfitters.
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Meet The Mentors: #CreateCultivateATL
As we’re gearing up for Create & Cultivate ATL this October, we’d like to introduce you to the amazing women that will part of our mentor sessions this fall.
Our mentor sessions are perfect for those of you who are looking for advice on how to manage your blog or business from some of the best female entrepreneurs in the digital space today.
If you're wondering what mentor is the best fit for you, check out of the ladies below that will be sitting down with you this October. Also, if you haven't gotten your ticket yet, what are you waiting for? Get your ticket now here.
Stay tuned as we add more mentors to our lineup too!
Nicolette Mason, Creator of NicoletteMason.com
Best for: Social Media, Blogging, Writing, Strategic Partnerships
Nicolette is a Los Angeles native who lives and works in NYC & LA . She is a freelance creative consultant, contributing editor at Marie Claire, and pens her blog nicolettemason.com, where she shares personal style snaps, travel, and the many things she loves.
Since launching her blog and graduating from Parsons School of Design, she’s contributed to dozens of publications including Marie Claire, Vogue Italia, Brooklyn Magazine, The L Magazine, Refinery29, Glamour Italy, and more, and has partnered with brands like ModCloth and Addition Elle, where she has a cocktail dress collection launching this spring, to design collections. She has also partnered with Target on the heralded launch of their plus-size brand, Ava & Viv.
Maxie McCoy, Creator of MaxieMcCoy.com
Best for: Life Coaching, Soul Searching, Career Development
An inspiration luminary, Maxie’s work is a new framework for using inspiration to create a life you’re jazzed to be living. It’s an experience that will put inspiration in your driver’s seat and shine a spotlight on your escape route from mediocrity. Her website provides weekly soul-busting writings, videos, and more inspiration than you know what to do with.
Maxie has also written for the Create & Cultivate blog and you can find her pieces here:
Professional Opinion: Maxie McCoy on Cultivating Inspiration
Professional Opinion: Maxie McCoy on When -and How-To Take a Sabbatical
Professional Opinion: How to Take a Leap of Faith in Your Career
Screw the Cue Cards: 5 Tips for Mastering a Live Audience
Don’t be a Bore: 4 Ways To Engage Your Audience in a Meaningful Wa
Jessy Fofana, Founder of LaRue PR
Best for: PR, Marketing, Social Media
Jessy Fofana is our go-to for all things PR. With her PR agency LaRue PR, she has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to utilizing PR to strategically grow brands and get them on the right radar. Not only that, she is our seasoned PR correspondent for the Create & Cultivate blog.
Jessy founded LaRue PR over seven years ago after successfully directing public relations initiatives for an impressive list of well-known fashion, lifestyle and cosmetics brands and retailers. She brings a unique perspective of understanding what every player in the PR game needs. Having worked in magazine publishing, she knows what editors are looking for, and as the co-creator of Femme Arsenal, an indie cosmetic brand, she understands what business owners need to grow to the next level. Get her advice in-person at Create & Cultivate Atlanta!
Mandy Kellogg Rye, Founder and Creative Director of Waiting On Martha
Best for: Blogging, Entrepreneurship, Creative Directing
It all started with a blog and a desire to unite all of the things Mandy loves the most in one place. From how-tos for setting the perfect table and custom crafted cocktails, to what Mandy’s wearing and the beloved “currently coveting” roundup, a glimpse of what’s on her ever-expanding want list, readers know that when they’re in need of a little inspiration, Mandy is just a click away.
Soon after the blog took off and Mandy could no longer keep up with the “where can I buy that?” requests, she decided it was high time to expand the brand. With that, the Waiting On Martha shop was born. On any given shopping day, you can find a variety of products spanning the home décor, tabletop, entertaining, paper, gift, men’s, women’s, kids and even pet categories.
Courtney Kerr, Founder of Kerrently.com and TV & Radio Personality
Best for: Blogging, Strategic Partnerships
Courtney’s life took an interesting turn when she was cast on Bravo’s 2011 docudrama, “Most Eligible Dallas,” which eventually led to a 2013 spinoff show, “Courtney Loves Dallas.” Female viewers were eager to know everything about Courtney’s wardrobe, which was her lightbulb moment to leave her longtime, successful career as a retail shopgirl and venture into the world of style blogging. For two years, Dallas woke up to her every morning on the panel of opinionated women on KTXD’s 2-hour morning show, “The Broadcast.” In 2014, CBS Radio also scooped up Courtney to co-host afternoon drive show, “UNcorked with Leigh Ann & Courtney Kerr,” which airs on their Dallas hot adult contemporary station, 103.7 KVIL. In January of 2016, “UNcorked” went nationally syndicated and began as a weekly online podcast for Play.It.
After 5 years of juggling it all & going 100mph in designer heels, Courtney recognized that it was time to elevate “What Courtney Wore” into a online magazine, appropriately named “KERRently.” In January 2016, “KERRently” was launched and it is where Courtney shares her thoughts on fashion, beauty, travel and just life in general.
You can read our Q+A with Courtney here on our blog.
Cailli & Sam Beckerman, Creators of Beckerman Blog
Best for: Blogging, Strategic Partnerships, Fashion Design, Creative Directing
Sam and Cailli Beckerman have been showcasing their fashion sense and outfits of the day since 2009. Living out the ultimate millennial dream, these twins flew to Dubai just to check out Chanel’s new collection for their blog. The twins’ bold styles revolve around bright colors, eclectic designs, and edgy ensembles. Even their ridiculously adorable Pomeranians dress to impress. From being designers to becoming bloggers, these twins have seen it all and have accumulated a following of over 163,000.
You can read our Q+A with Cailli and Sam here on our blog.
Daniela Ramirez, Creator of Nany’s Klozet
Best for: Blogging, Fashion, Strategic Partnerships
Daniela launched her fashion blog Nany’s Klozet in 2011 to be a fashion diary. Now five years later, she has gained 270,000 followers and over 43,000 YouTube subscribers in both the English speaking and Hispanophone spaces. Some of her partnerships have included Guess, Pantene, Lucky Brand and TRESemmé.
You can read our Q+A with Daniela here on our blog.
Jessi Malay, Creator of mywhiteT and Recording Artist
Best for: Blogging, Fashion, Music, Strategic Partnerships
Jessi Malay, a Los Angeles native, doesn’t just document her her daily outfit inspiration on her blog My White T, but she also has a successful music career. With over 100,000 followers on Instagram Jessi has successfully merged her love of music, fashion and beauty and turned it into a full-time career. Check our Q+A with her here.
You can read our Q+A with Jessi here on our blog.
Keiko Lynn, Creator of KeikoLynn.com and Founder of Brooklyn Brigade
Best for: Blogging, Creative Directing, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Partnerships
Since 2009, Keiko Lynn has shared her fashion, beauty, and lifestyle musings that have served as inspiration to her followers. Not only that, the Brooklyn based blogger has gone beyond the realm of being a blogger and turned into a creative entrepreneur when she founded Brooklyn Brigade creative studio with follow blogger Helena Glazer.
She is constantly creating and looking for inspiration, and shares a peek into her daily life, style, and beauty tips on keikolynn.com.
Kelly Mindell, Founder and Creative Director of Studio DIY
Best for: Entrepreneurship, Creative Directing, Strategic Partnerships
Kelly Mindell, a modern-day artisan and professional celebrator, launched her blog, Studio DIY, during her senior year of college. Her clever, colorful creations has attracted a growing audience of over 306,000 followers that has caught the attention Pocky, Tic Tac, Method Home, and Grease Live. Based in Los Angeles, Kelly pulls inspiration from the West coast culture and has been expanding Studio DIY’s scope by experimenting with fashion, travel, and drool-worthy food, like donut burgers!
Rachel Martino, Creator of RachMartino.com
Best for: Blogging, Strategic Partnerships, Fashion
Rachel Martino is a Francophone fashion and lifestyle blogger based out of Brooklyn that has been able to create an international brand right from her home, with over 384k followers. Not only that, she is 25 and just last year became a full-time blogger after leaving Esteé Lauder Brands as Origins’ Community Manager.
Now, Rachel is fully focused on creating amazing content for her blog, making strategic partnerships that make sense for her blog, and travelling “across the pond” to market to her French audience as well.
You can read our Q+A with Rachel on our blog here.
Adrianna Adarme, Creator of A Cozy Kitchen
Best for: Blogging, Book Writing, Cooking, Crafts
Atlanta-native Adrianna Adarme started her blog in 2009 as a place to celebrate pies and corgis - more specifically, her corgi Amelia. However, her blog has been a haven for countless of recipes and projects that have inspired her 230k followers online.
Following the growth of her blog and social channels, Adrianna launched her first book called The Year of Cozy which has various original recipes and projects for the perfect “cozy” home, and is getting ready to release her second cookbook, A Cozy Coloring Cookbook.
You can read our Counter Culture feature with Adrianna on our blog here.
Carrie Morey, Founder of Callie’s Charleston Biscuits & Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
Best for: Entrepreneurship and Food
Carrie Morey became a culinary entrepreneur when she founded Callie’s in 2005 and from then on, she expanded the southern biscuit making tradition by making her brand Callie’s Charleston Biscuits accessible across the country, along with another restaurant in Atlanta’s vibrant Virginia Highlands neighborhood.Today, Callie has authored a cookbook that also includes her entrepreneurial narrative, and also is a guest lecturer at the College of Charleston School of Business, presenting the program’s Entrepreneurship Class.
Jeni Britton Bauer, Founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Best For: Entrepreneurship & Food
Jeni has been making ice creams professionally for two decades. Before that, she studied art, worked in a bakery, and had a serious hobby blending perfumes and collecting essential oils. Jeni founded Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in 2002. Her ahead-of-the-trend vision—using whole ingredients and dairy from grass-pastured cows, rather than synthetic flavorings and commodity ice cream mix—coupled with inspired flavors sparked the artisan ice cream movement more than a decade before it would become a top food trend. Jeni is a James Beard Award-winning author of two cookbooks and has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the most creative people in business.
Meet The Mentors: Create & Cultivate DTLA
Get to know the amazing lineup of mentors we have set for #CreateCultivateDTLA.
Create & Cultivate DTLA is going to be our biggest and best conference yet, which means we have another group of amazing mentors ready to give you the best tips to bring your business, brand, or blog to the next level.
If you're wondering what mentor is the best fit for you, check out of the ladies that will be sitting down with you this May at Hudson. Also, if you haven't gotten your ticket yet, what are you waiting for? Get your ticket now.
Paola Alberdi, Creator, Blank Itinerary
Best for: Social Media, Blogging
Since 2011, Paola Alberdi has been to document her versatile and flawless style on her blog Blank Itinerary. 5 years since its launch, Paola has been able to grab the attention of over 250k followers on all her social channels, and continues to grow her brand with strategic partners like ShopStyle, Aveeno, People Magazine, Tresemmé, and Neiman Marcus just to name a few. Get the best tips on how to step into the world of blogging at her mentor session.
Natasha Case, Co-Founder, Coolhaus
Best for: Entrepreneurship, Business Development
Natasha Case founded Coolhaus in 2009 with Freya Estreller. They launched their architecturally-inspired, gourmet ice cream sandwich company from their barely drive-able postal van at the Coachella Music Festival to an audience of 100,000. They built a loyal following over the festival weekend and returned to LA to an abundance of viral press and an eager foodie audience. Since then, Natasha has been named a Forbes 30 under 30 and Zagat 30 Under 30, and has also been featured in many national publications and TV shows including Food Network’s "Chopped" and "King of Cones". Learn how to jumpstart your brand and grow your product fan base by selecting Natasha as your mentor!
Erin Condren, Founder, Erin Condren Designs
Best for: Entrepreneurship, Graphic Design, Branding
Erin Condren started her stationery company after coming down with a terrible case of “cabin fever” and trying to find a way to search for new career opportunities that she could so from home as a “stay-at-home” mother of two. She then began creating note cards for friends, birthday gifts, new babies and hostess gifts, and after her friend encouraged her to sell her designs at a “shopping party” at her home in June 2004, the rest was history. Now, 12 years since its inception, Erin Condren Designs is thriving business, and has helped Erin build a business that fits into her life as a wife and mother. If you’re looking to launch a business but still need that inspiration to find your direction, or are running a business while raising a family, hear from Erin on how she has gotten to where she’s at during her mentor session.
Mara Ferreira, Creator, M Loves M
Best for: Social Media, Blogging
Mara Ferreira’s M Loves M is a lifestyle blog focusing on a classic, feminine and fun approach to style, food and entertaining, and living. This site started in 2009 as a creative outlet and online diary for her as she was working towards law school while working at a law firm. Since then, she transitioned from aspiring to be a public interest lawyer, and has moved to documenting her love of fashion, cooking and home design. If you’re in the same shoes as Mara was, and want to transition to fashion from law or totally contrasting field of work, be sure to pick Mara’s brain at her mentor session.
Chloé Watts, Founder, Chloé Digital
Best for: Brand Development, Tech, Web Design, Branding, Marketing
Chloé Watts is the mastermind behind Chloé Digital, the destination for premium Wordpress tech support for style publishers. As a fashion technologist, Chloé has been able to marry tech and fashion into a cohesive way that has allowed bloggers to present their blogs into dynamic and fully functional sites. Who said women in fashion couldn’t run tech? Learn from Chloé on how to tap into the world of tech, and bring your blog to its full potential during her mentor session.
Nicolette Mason, Creator, NicoletteMason.com
Best for: Social Media, Blogging, Strategic Partnerships
Nicolette is a Los Angeles native who lives and works in NYC & LA . She is a freelance creative consultant, contributing editor at Marie Claire, and pens her blog nicolettemason.com, where she shares personal style snaps, travel, and the many things she loves.
Since launching her blog and graduating from Parsons School of Design, she’s contributed to dozens of publications including Marie Claire, Vogue Italia, Brooklyn Magazine, The L Magazine, Refinery29, Glamour Italy, and more, and has partnered with brands like ModCloth and Addition Elle, where she has a cocktail dress collection launching this spring, to design collections. She has also partnered with Target on the heralded launch of their plus-size brand, Ava & Viv.
If you’re looking to start your blog, or are looking for tips on how to become a contributor for publications like Nicolette has written for, make sure to attend her mentor session!
Grasie Mercedes, Creator, Style Me Grasie
Best for: Blogging, Social Media, Acting, Modeling
Grasie Mercedes is an actress, model, and author of Style Me Grasie, a blog dedicated to all things style and Grasie’s personal life, which include her adventures in acting & beyond. You can call Grasie a serial multitasker, with having a seamless blog and a great acting resume that includes roles in NCIS, Criminal Minds, All My Children and Masters of Sex, just to name a few. However, her blog she’s able to keep her own character alive through her blog making sure it keeps its readers in the loop with current trends, style how to’s, beauty & lifestyle. If you’re looking to see how to balance being a multi-hyphenate boss or looking how to find your voice within your blog, sign up for Grasie's mentor session!
Danielle Yadegar & Heather Serden, Founders, Above The Glass
Best for: Entrepreneurship, Branding, Business & Career Development
Women are natural leaders, creative thinkers and problem solvers. We also get paid less than men for the same work while juggling family responsibilities. Every day, more of us realize that working for others no longer works for us.
That’s how it went for Above the Glass founders Heather Serden and Danielle Yadegar. From finance to business school to start ups, Heather experienced the effects of the glass ceiling that push so many of us into entrepreneurship: traditional careers that fail to meet our economic, personal and professional needs.
But even with her MBA and career experiences, Heather still wondered: Do I have what it takes? Finding the confidence she needed to launch her own business led right to her own pivotal moment. Heather realized her skills and knowledge could be just the edge so many women need to find the confidence to strike off on their own. She knew she could demystify intimidating things like business plans and fundraising. And she believed without a doubt that economic empowerment and the capability to start businesses should be available for all women.
Danielle’s experiences as a fashion editor, stylist and business owner were all preparation for her role as Co-Founder of Above the Glass. As an entrepreneur herself, Danielle faced many challenges in starting her business, primarily lack of understandable information.
She knew she could use the expertise acquired over the course of her career to communicate traditionally complex subject matters in an approachable way. By creating engaging content, she hopes to empower women to pursue their own entrepreneurial endeavors.
Childhood friends who noticed the same gap in the market knew that they could join forces to make business approachable and empower other female entrepreneurs. Sign up for these powerhouse ladies as your mentors to give you the knowledge, the tools and the edge to own your working lives.
Promise Tangeman, Founder, Go Live HQ
Best for: Brand Development, Tech, Web Design, Branding, Marketing
Promise Tangeman, the founder and designer of Go Live knew there could be a fun, efficient, and helpful way to create your home on the web.
She envisioned a quick turnaround time, technical support at your fingertips, designers everywhere, and collaborating together in a fast-paced, energetic environment to create a site that you would be proud to call your own. And that is when the Go Live workshop was created in 2012. Creative small business come from all over the continent and we help them build, design, and launch their brand and website in person in two days flat. With rave reviews and thousands of websites launched through our brand our passion for fun, efficiency and web design has spread to several other avenues including our website themes, custom design services, and in-person experiences. If you’re looking to dive into tech, or find the best ways to make your website even more dynamic, let Promise give you the best tips on how to do it at her mentor session.
Jessy Fofana, Founder, LaRue PR
Best for: PR, Marketing, Social Media
Jessy Fofana is our go-to for all things PR. With her PR agency LaRue PR, she has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to utilizing PR to strategically grow brands and get them on the right radar. Not only that, she is our seasoned PR correspondent for the Create & Cultivate blog.
Jessy founded LaRue PR over seven years ago after successfully directing public relations initiatives for an impressive list of well-known fashion, lifestyle and cosmetics brands and retailers. She brings a unique perspective of understanding what every player in the PR game needs. Having worked in magazine publishing, she knows what editors are looking for, and as the co-creator of Femme Arsenal, an indie cosmetic brand, she understands what business owners need to grow to the next level. Get her advice in-person at Create & Cultivate Los Angeles!
Natalie Willis, Head of Business Development, ShopStyle
Best for: Business Development, Marketing, Strategic Partnerships
Natalie Willis leads ShopStyle Collective’s business development team. She partners with the industry’s leading influencers on scaling their business and growing their brand. In a market that is increasingly competitive and ever changing, Natalie and her team work closely with influencers on content strategy, brand partnerships and monetization. She is proud to partner with so many creative, intelligent women and support them as entrepreneurs turning their passion project into a business. Understand how you can inspire, be creative with clear business goals in mind with Natalie as your mentor.