7 Ways Successful Women Say Yes to Their Day

Moaning about Monday is very 2015. This year is all about finding ways to infuse our days with happiness and joy that lead to a sense of fulfillment and empowerment. Shifting your mood and what you say YES TO affects your career (and life) in more ways than you know.

So we checked in with our friends at “Yes to” who know a whole lot about just that. So yes to you with these 7 tips that will make your day naturally brighter.

1. SAY YES TO MUSIC IN THE MORNING 

Music isn’t just entertainment. It can also give you the sense of power needed to get you through the day. Scientists have found that songs with heavy bass (hello #LEMONADE #sorry #formation) motivate us and give us the energy needed to make it through the day.

So whether you sing in the shower (while detoxifying with Yes to Tomatoes Charcoal Cleanser), drive to work, or rock a headphone while on the subway, you can play tunes that inspire feelings of power and more complex conceptual thoughts. 

2. SAY YES TO FLOWERS ON YOUR DESK

Everyone knows that fresh flowers look pretty, but studies have shown that florals in an office setting can also help reduce stress (yes, please) as well as pollens in the air.

You may not be thinking about air purification when decorating your space, but when you breathe easier, your head is more clear. Which means, you’re working smarter. A lot of people assume air plants and greens are best for desks, but did you know that gerbera daisies pack quite the air-purifying punch? They are a pop of color that also work to filter out benzene that is spread in the air by inks.

3. SAY YES TO A COFFEE BREAK 

As if you needed an excuse to take one, a mid-morning java run is good for the brain (and body). It’s important to keep moving during the day and leave your desk from time to time.  

A coffee break also boosts workplace culture two-fold. One, there is something about a coffee break that feels like you’re rewarding yourself. It sends signals to your brain that you’re doing a good job and you deserve it-- which, let’s be real, you do. Two, if you snag a co-worker and bring them along, they are receiving the same reward benefit and you’re also building non-competitive office culture.

4. SAY YES TO SOMETHING SURPRISING 

No matter what, you are going to have to say “no,” to certain projects, people, and proposals. That’s part of any job. But sometimes we tend to say “no’ to things because of an unaddressed fear. Maybe you don’t want to take the lead on a meeting. Maybe you think that you’re not quite capable of taking a client meeting alone. Maybe someone offers you an in-person interview when you’d rather send an email Q & A. There are a lot of ways we say “no” to things during the day at work out of fear-- oftentimes without even realizing it.

Next time your knee-jerk reaction is to say “no,” say “yes” instead and inject your career with a bit of confidence when you realize you are capable of handling the situation.

5. SAY YES TO WIPING OFF YOUR MAKEUP BEFORE HEADING TO THE GYM

If the work week is a marathon, the individual days can feel like sprints. And sometimes we forget to do the most simple tasks. From remembering to drink water (proven to increase productivity and focus) to taking off our morning makeup before we head to the gym to let off some steam, these small actions are important. Keep Yes to Cucumber Facial Wipes in your work bag and be sure to remove the day’s ups and downs from your skin. Sweating is great for our mind and body, but if we’re sweating with pores clogged from makeup it can create impurities known to affect self-confidence. This in turn, affects our work.

6. SAY YES TO A HEALTHY DINNER 

On average you can raise your productivity by 20 percent if you are eating the right foods. Fish is the classic brain food fortified in Omega-3 fatty acids and rich in oils essential to brain function and development. Omega-3s also help our memories as we age. Sushi for dinner anyone?

7. SAY YES TO GETTING A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP

A good, restful sleep is imperative to starting the next day with a fresh perspective. That means, keeping the tech out of your bed--sorry! How many of us sleep with one hand on our phones? Or scroll Instagram before snoozing? Or get locked in a three-hour Netflix binge on accident? It’s affecting our sleep-- we know you know this. Get a calming night sleep, do your skin a favor with Yes to Cucumber Calming Night Cream, and say yes to you and wake up refreshed.

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Kelly Ripa Is Not a Diva For Taking the Week Off

We've all found ourselves in tricky work situations. An unexpected firing. A demotion. A bad performance review when you were expecting a glowing one. When your boss hires outside talent for the job you were gunning for. (But you were promised they promoted from within!!) 

It's always "difficult" to process (read as: fire alarms, bells ringing, hot body, time moving differently and slow) when a bomb gets dropped on you in the office. But these kinds of situations don't only happy to lower-level employees. Even the top dogs get "blindsided." 

Case in point: Kelly Ripa. Last week after Tuesday's taping of Live! With Kelly and Michael, the longtime host was called into a meeting where she was told her co-host, Michael Strahan would be leaving to take a full-time role at Good Morning America. The next day Ripa was not on set when Strahan announced his departure alongside Ripa's stand-in, Ana Gasteyer of Saturday Night Live fame. And that's when the media went ham on Ripa, who was labeled as a "diva" for taking the rest of the week off. 

“She is acting like a child, a diva and hurting her reputation with this sort of behavior,” a source told the Daily News. “It makes her look bad and makes all the horrible rumors about her bad attitude off camera seem true.” But is diva the right word? Not exactly, but we'll split hairs over that another time.  

Voice of reason, Oprah, came to Ripa’s defense, telling Entertainment Tonight: “Blindsided is never good. I don’t know who’s in charge, but somebody should’ve said, ‘This is gonna happen.’ You shouldn’t have to read it in the paper. Ever.”

1. HAVE THE INITIAL EMOTIONAL RESPONSE SOLO

It's OK if you get emotional about office politics. Robots and machines haven't replaced us in all capacities after all. And while we don't think you necessarily have to step outside to cry, if you are going to have an emotional response, it's best to do outside the presence of your co-workers or boss. No matter what, it looks unprofessional to have a fit-- even if it's justified. This is the time to phone a friend. (Or if you're in a position like Kelly, take a few days off-- a luxury we understand is not available to all.) And then approach the situation with a cool head. 

2. TRY TO SEE IT FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE TABLE 

You're mad as hell. We get it. For Ripa, this was the second time in her career similar events occurred. In 2011 Regis Philbin also informed Ripa of his departure 20 minutes before announcing it live on air. It's not great to feel so disrespected in the workplace, especially when you are clearly dedicated to your job. However, if and when possible, think about the possible reasons as to why the blindsiding occurred. It may help alleviate some of the anger, and actually motivate you to do better. 

3. SET A MEETING AND ASK SOME QUESTIONS 

If you don't know how you're doing, ASK. If, instead of promoting from within, your company brought in outside talent-- ASK WHY. Instead of brooding in the corner with your headphones on and talking smack at the Nepresso machine, set a meeting and ask specifics. Your boss has expectations of you, but that doesn't mean you aren't allowed to have expectations from the company-- especially if they were discussed as options upon hiring.

"Your boss has expectations of you, but that doesn't mean you aren't allowed to have expectations of them."

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You can't always know when it's going to rain, but you can always have an umbrella in your trunk. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of dodging the droplets. 

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Why Fostering Relationships Is Key to Building a Business

Real success is not only hard won, is rarely won alone. Balancing all those spinning plates takes know-how, long hours, and the skilled helping hands of others who support your career.

What we’re talking about goes beyond “It’s not who you know, it’s what you know.” This is about true connections, the kind that our friends at French Connection know all about.

It’s an attitude we most often apply to romantic relationships— that the next person we meet could be the one to change our life, but the same is true for business connections.

YOU NEVER KNOW…

Remember when your dad told you that story about the guy he met on a plane who turned into his business partner, which in turn led to the company that fed your college fund? OK. Maybe it’s not that exact story, but you hear this bit of knowledge from executives time and again: do not be dismissive of people because you think they can’t benefit you. It’s the wrong way to do business.

In fact, you should be more concerned with flipping the script. Head into every interaction thinking about what you can do for the other person. Over time this creates trust and makes you an invaluable asset, both personally and professionally.

That said, how do you:

MAKE YOURSELF INVALUABLE? BY BEING VALUABLE

We often hear about people who are successful in business finding a solution to a problem the client didn’t know existed. When you’re trying to build new relationships try to answer the question that’s not being asked.

"When you’re trying to build new relationships try to answer the question that’s not being asked."

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Behind the curtain of small questions is often a much larger question that needs answering. If you are able to address the larger issue and get to the crux of what is being discussed in an initial meeting, you’ve built a solid foundation from the gate.

It doesn’t hurt to you look great while doing so. Like in a smart casual outfit perfect for keeping comfortable while making the right first impression.

MAKE CONNECTIONS, GET CONNECTIONS

“I don’t do favors, for favors.” A helpful bit of business advice that applies to building authentic relationships.

Because another way to make yourself valuable is to offer services that are not a loss to you. For example, an email that connects people costs you very little time, but what you're showing confidence in recommending them.

The person you help out is likely to help you out down the line— often without you even asking. You’ll be top of mind as a good contact they’ll want to introduce to someone else. So don’t hoard your contacts. No one likes a hoarder.

SLOW DOWN, YOU’RE GOING WAY TOO FAST

It’s not a country song, it’s the truth. Fostering IRL relationships has taken a backseat to social media connections, but it’s effecting that speed with which we communicate in person.

Divided attention and half-hearted will never equal success. Focus in, put down the phone, and have a conversation that lives outside the social bubble.

THAT SAID, DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

Liking a photo or updating your Facebook status is not connection. But there is power in social media and real connections can be made.

Is there someone on Instagram that you follow that you could see yourself potentially working with one day? Go beyond the like button and DM with a short message about how you admire their work, give a small elevator pitch, and sell them on a small idea that you could collaborate on. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Trust.

FINALLY. BE AN EXPERIENCE, WOMAN. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

It’s a concept that we find easy to apply to brands. “Be an experience brand.” You should think of your business self in the same capacity. You want to give people the experience of you that’s accurate, honest, innovative and dynamic. You want to ensure that you are amplifying every opportunity given to you to make for a great business opportunity in a smart way.

Don’t FCUK this up. Or rather, do. And make the connection.

French Connection + Create & Cultivate want you to look your best when building key business relationships. Which is why we’ve teamed up to giveaway a $500 shopping spree with FCUK. To enter fill out the below and go meet someone new today. Sure we have no way of checking if you do, but it’s only to your benefit. Contest ends Friday, April 29th. 11:59pmPST.  

This giveaway has closed.

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Help! The 80-Hour Work Week Is the New Norm

It’s 10PM on a Monday and I’m still working. As painful as it is to say this-- it’s pretty normal. I expect it is the same for many of you reading this.

Work has taken over our world in this never-ending cycle of touch base, make moves, move the needle, squeak the wheel, hustle, bustle, go get ‘em, I can’t turn my phone off on the weekend, because nobody else does-- BUT HOLD UP! Hooooold up, slow that gravy work train down. What are we doing to ourselves?

We’re guilty of doling out advice about how to work smarter on a Sunday. In recent years there has been a steady rise of U.S. employees not only working after hours but also during lunch breaks and over the weekends. And while the U.S. does advocate for work-life balance, we are a country of "overloaded" workers.

We’ve talk a bit in the past about France, their commitment to the 35-hour work week, and their ban on emails past 6pm. There are other female-led companies that have taken similar steps to alter the course. Shani Godwin, CEO of Communiqué USA, a leading marketing strategy and creative content company serving small businesses and Fortune 500 brands has implemented this approach. Shani has a number of work-life balance policies, including no emailing after work hours, as a way to ensure her employees have time to manage their personal lives and spend time with their children and families.

The problem is that Godwin is part of the minority of companies that enforce such policies.

We’ve all bought into the myth of the hustle, in part because the fear of failing or “getting in trouble” as an adult is very real. What if my boss needs me at 2pm on a Saturday? What if there is a last minute crisis? If everyone else is doing it, and I’m not, will I be seen as a less valuable employee? Will I be replaced?

"The reality is we have to keep up with the Work Jones'. Even if that means responding to weekend emails."

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The answer is likely yes. The reality is we have to keep up with the Work Jones'. Even if that means responding to weekend emails. 

***

Do you remember as a kid first learning about peer pressure? When your mom or dad would ask, “If everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you?”

“NO!” You’d yell indignantly, at that point secure in your sense of self and autonomy. Well, we’re a little less indignant these days and a lot less free-- at least from our phones, and we’ve jumped. But since we've all jumped it's up to us to figure out how to make it work, and understand the breaking point of our own burnout. 

Most of us agree (even our bosses) that we have to give ourselves permission to take a break. Some creatives set ground rules about emailing, and will put up an away message telling emailers that they will be available from 8am-8pm, and that all weekend emails will be returned on Monday AM. Try it out. It might work for you. It might only add to the anxiety you feel about not responding immediately. 

Carly Kuhn, an LA-based illustrator (@thecartorialist) who has worked with brands like Absolut, and just took over Coachella’s Snapchat this past weekend, says “You have to take advantage of situations, and hustle, especially when it’s your own thing, but that makes it so hard to turn off.”

But she sees a positive. “Our world is more collaborative than it's ever been, and work and life are similar. But for me, that makes those special gem moments when you meet someone new, and you realize we don’t have to talk about work, this is not about work, all the more special.”

Rachel Mae Furman, leisure expert (yes, that is one of her real titles, bless) of Smoke & Honey says, “The problem with the current work culture is that it doesn’t leave any time for leisure, and leisure is vital to working better. To be on top of your career game, you need to be on top of your leisure game.”

“To be on top of your career game, you need to be on top of your leisure game.”

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So how do we put an end to the imbalance?

You have to make a choice-- and it's a personal one. What are you willing to commit to your job? What are you willing to give up? Do you even see working toward a goal as giving something up? Are you OK with having after-work drinks be "work?" 

In part, it depends on what industry you want to work in. If you work at a startup, you know you're going to be clocking insane hours. If you want a job that clocks out at 6pm, you can find one.

But very successful people work this hard. All the time. Don't shoot the messenger. 

Arianna Schioldager is Create & Cultivate's editorial director. You can find her on IG @ariannawrotethis and more about her on this site she never updates www.ariannawrotethis.com

This Wedding Company Made One Simple Switch to Help Couples Realize Their Happily Ever After

Your big day can be full of big stressors. It's only supposed to be the best day of your life. No pressure. 

Which is why Zola took the wedding registry into the future-- and online. 

Gone are the days of roaming the department store with a store associate and scanning items into your registry wish list. Zola streamlined the process so that couples can focus on more important things-- like cake testing, something that *thankfully* online will never replace. 

So we checked in with Jennifer Spector, Zola's "Newlywed-At-Large" to find out why making this switch was imperative for a happily ever after, and what today's couples are looking, and registering, for. 

What is the most rewarding part about being in the wedding industry?

The most rewarding part about being in the wedding industry is intersecting with couples at such an electric time in their lives. Taking the next step to get married is just the beginning, and being a part of a couple's journey as they build their home and their lives together is really gratifying.

How do you think Zola is inspiring couples to build their lives together?

We focus on what couples of this generation want and need to build their lives together. Zola offers gifts, experiences, and opportunities that uniquely reflect the couple - like cooking classes, camping equipment, artwork and funds - instead of gifts that don’t feel personal.

I used Zola before I started working for the brand, and it was a lightbulb moment for me - wedding planning could be fun! So much of wedding planning is solely focused on the bride, and Zola made registering feel inclusive for both me and my husband. That carried through in the products that were offered, and the way we could adapt the platform to our needs as we envisioned our future together.  We registered for home goods, experiences, and even a fund for boxing lessons before our wedding to help take the edge off. Registering for certain items, like a nonstick pan we would use to make Sunday pancakes, made our marriage feel way more real and special than which color napkin would be at our reception.

Why was it important to take the wedding registry online?

Because couples live online! Zola is a digital first experience with best-in-class iPhone and iPad apps, as well as desktop versions that help you manage your registry wherever you are. Zola allows you to manage thank you notes, fulfill gifts, add new items to your registry, automatically transfer funds directly into your bank account, and import items from anywhere online. Couples expect a seamless digital experience and anything less does not reflect their needs, and is also extremely frustrating.

Do you think streamlining parts of a wedding makes it easier for brides and grooms to focus on the big day?

Weddings are incredible celebratory milestones, but they are also major events, which come with lots of emotions, expectations and frustrations. Plus the added pressure for it to be the best day of your life! Streamlining wedding planning helps couples focus on having a good time and what is truly important - celebrating the love they share. Using Zola helps streamline because you have everything in your pocket and on your phone - so you can delay shipping if you need to, exchange a gift digitally, or add/remove things on your registry as your wedding date gets closer.

The goal should be to focus on the big day and beyond - a wedding is only one day but a marriage should last a lifetime - so you don’t want wedding planning to take a toll on the relationship.  

"You don't want wedding planning to take a toll on the relationship." 

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What is the modern couple looking for when coming to Zola?

Couples are looking for a well-designed registry that has gifts that reflect their personal style and helps them build their lives together. Thousands of couples have shared with us that Zola was their favorite part of wedding planning, and many couples continue to shop the site after their wedding day because it still represents their tastes.  

Are you seeing more of a shift from traditional gifts to gifting experiences and honeymoon funding?

When Zola first started 2.5 years ago, the hypothesis was that couples were moving away from traditional gifts. But what we saw instead was that couples wanted it all - they wanted a KitchenAid mixer, they wanted the experience of cooking together through Blue Apron, and they also wanted a fund for their trip to Thailand. Our couples register for a mix of gifts, experiences and funds because all three categories reflect what couples need and want in this next chapter of their lives.

"Happily ever after may be starting a family, traveling around the world, or enjoying a lifetime supply of avocados."

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What does Happily Ever After look like today?

Previous generations had a very cookie cutter ideal of happily ever after, which thankfully is no longer the case! For Zola couples, happily ever after means so many things. Happily ever after may be starting a family, traveling around the world, or enjoying a lifetime supply of avocados (a couple really registered for that). For me and my husband, happily ever after right now means living in a tiny apartment in a great neighborhood, traveling to new places, and continuing our boxing lessons!

Photo credit: Claire Esparros

Is There Really "A Special Place In Hell" For Women Who Don't Support Other Women

A job market that is low on jobs, high on applicants has a pretty serious supply and demand problem. So for creatives in the similar industries, competition can be cut-throat.

So we asked three photographers and one filmmaker who work in similar creative fields, how they feel about competition, and if there is enough space in the creative world for everyone.

Hint: yes. There most certainly is. 

We’re chatting competition. So we want to know, do you think there is enough space for everyone to be successful?

Monica Wang, Interior and Lifestyle Photographer

Emily Henderson, shot by Monica Wang. 

Monica: 100% yes BUT you have to create your own voice and brand.  The photography market is over-saturated and copying another person's style or imitating their every move is not going to get you anywhere long-term.  For me, I noticed very early on that the wedding photography market was very crowded so I had to shift gears and create my own niche with interiors photography.  

Laura Dee, Wedding Photographer

Laura: A common complaint I hear in our little North East corner is that the market is over-saturated, so filled to the brim with wedding photographers, that you can't throw a rock [or toss a bouquet] without hitting one. And it's probably true, that there are more photographers now than ever before. Technology has made taking a decent photo much simpler for the masses, and the days of needing to have double-majored in technical engineering and chemistry to develop a dang picture are long gone.

That being said, roughly eleventy-billion people get married in this country every year, and of all of those weddings taking place, I need like 0.00001% to find me and my website full of awesomeness, in order for me to make a good living, and buy nice shoes.

I think there is plenty of space for the true go-getters, hard workers, movers, shakers and troublemakers to be successful, and I firmly believe in community over competition.

Sarah Natasha, Fine Art Destination Photographer

Photo by: Sarah Natasha. 

Sarah: Competition is healthy for us. It keeps us alert and fuels our passion for creativity. My biggest competitor will always be my inner self- everything I’ve ever created could’ve been better; there’s always something I could have moved or fixed just slightly to make my eyeballs happier.  But when it comes to the outside world, I believe that there is plenty of success to be shared despite the heavy amounts of competition, which seems to increase exponentially year after year.  

"My biggest competitor will always be my inner self."

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Trisha Vuong, Filmmaker Juice Box Media

Trisha: With our current obsession over all things visual, the marketplace has expanded. We’ve seen businesses pioneer their way into new open market space by offering fresh concepts that weren’t available before. Or businesses collaborating to create new experiences for their clients.

The industry has really developed into a community, and it’s breaking barriers creatively.

There’s a lot, a lot of talk about women in business and how "There's a special place in hell for women who don't help each other.” Thoughts, feelings, concerns about this concept?

Monica: I’m not much of a fan of the quote to be completely honest.  I believe that women do need to support one another, but we don't all have to get along.  That is just an unrealistic expectation. Yes shit happens, situations are unfair, and girls can be mean, but you have to move on.  

"I believe that women do need to support one another, but we don't all have to get along."

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Laura: I wouldn't be where I am today, making a living as a photographer, if it hadn't been for my tribe of peers who supported me through the thick and thin of it all. One of my BFFs fo' life is a stellar wedding photographer, and we have talked each other's ears off simply trying to figure shit out. That's just what you do. You should support all of your friends, and especially the women folk. Plus, you gotta put good juju out there in the world, unless you want to get hit by lightning. 

Photo by: Laura Dee

Sarah: I try to stay away from all negative thoughts. I just worry about what I am doing and how I act.

Trisha:  I’ve never heard that quote, but it’s funny! I appreciate and look up to the women in business who lift others up and can go so far as publicly promote another. It takes assurance of self and professionalism to be able to accomplish that in a genuine way.

How do you support a peer, while also making sure you’re carving out a space for yourself?

Monica: I try to set boundaries.  Sharing photography notes and referring potential clients to a peer are okay.  I am not okay with sharing all my editing techniques and secrets. Anything that makes you feel semi-uncomfortable should probably be kept to yourself. That goes for anything... your addiction to The Arrow, the tattoo you got in Mexico, your grandma's spaghetti recipe, etc.  

Laura: Support to me, means being a cheerleader when they level up, bringing over a magnum of wine and two straws after a tough gig, giving advice on 'the obvious stuff' [technical mumbo jumbo, general marketing, the basic how to’s of running a small business] and being a sounding board for their thoughts and ideas, if they need one.

The stuff that makes me the ridiculously fantastical unicorn that I am, isn't all that poachable. It is how I interact with my clients, the way I present myself, my online persona, lots of wine, and really just me being me. My clients hire ME, and the great work they get as a result is just the cherry on top of a colorful and tasty sundae.

“The stuff that makes me the ridiculously fantastical unicorn that I am, isn't all that poachable.”

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Laura: Oh, and keep your very best ideas to your dang self until you are ready and able to put them out into the universe.

Sarah: I love cross-promotion. Just make sure you are getting credit where you deserve it. Remember that it won’t hurt to kindly remind someone to tag you or your business in their posts, images, etc., or to make sure they give you a shout out for helping them put a project together. Just remember to do the same for them.

Trisha: We try to support our peers by referring work to them when we cannot do the work ourselves, whether that’s due to date conflicts or some other reason. It’s very rare for us to tell a potential client that we’re not available for a date without giving them a couple of our favorite industry peers' contact info. We also try to support new upcoming businesses that have shown an interest in what we are doing. The more we share with them our processes, philosophies, and techniques, the more we learn about ourselves. It’s an opportunity to be kind and also leads us to reevaluate our business as a whole. Win-win!

Have there been times when you’ve recognized an unhealthy competitive edge in yourself? Times when you've realized, this is not useful energy?

Monica: Yes, and it stemmed from an unhealthy amount of scrolling on Instagram, which I now limit.  It has gotten a bit out of hand... hasn't it?  The moment I notice myself feeling an inkling of jealousy or competitiveness I stop myself!  Cold turkey.  

Laura: Dude. When I first started a Facebook business page in 2010, I had a crazy stupid obsession with getting a ton of likes. I would stalk other pages and set goals to surpass their amount of fans by 'x date', like a jealous jilted lover stalks her ex while eating a pint of Ben & Jerry's under the covers late at night. It was bad.

The good thing that came from my Single-White-Female-Fatal-Attraction Era was that I learned A LOT about Facebook. It really helped me cultivate a good following of legit fans and I can honestly say that 85% of my business I owe to Mark Zuckerberg's desire to score chicks.

Sarah: There have definitely been moments where my healthy competitive nature has taken a turn to an unhealthy obsession with being better than someone else vs. just being the best I can be.  Sometimes you have to check yo self!  Never forget that the one thing no one else can be is YOU!  Be authentic. Stay true to you.

Trisha: There have been times when we would hear about other businesses working on a high profile project, and I would wonder if we were considered. Part of that allows us to examine our style and see what our brand positioning is. However, the other part is time wasted, because we might spend valuable energy dwelling on something that has already occurred, and making assumptions that could be totally incorrect.

The Grunion Run Styled Shoot [ ] "Man Shower" from Juice Box Media on Vimeo.

Video by Trisha Vuong, Juicebox Media

Where do you get your inspiration? And how do you balance the delicate line of being inspired by someone’s work, and copying it?

Monica: I get inspiration from reading books, playing the piano, going to the flower market, watching classic movies, and traveling.  Doing it the old fashioned way!  Everyone copies to some degree and I think it is ok.  The best way to balance it is to get inspiration from something and then, twist it and make it your own version.

Sarah:  Traveling inspires me more than anything.  Leaving the comfort zone and forcing myself to explore personally unchartered territory expands my brain and really gets my creativity going.  From the vivid colors of India to experiencing the northern lights in Finland, it all comes home with me and helps me add more layers to my artistic soul.  You have to take it all in then magically morph it into your own expression.  It’s an art form which takes a lifetime to perfect. I live life in the pursuit.

Trisha:  I love watching documentaries about business owners who started small and went thru growing pains. Or reading about Pixar’s model for teamwork. We also look to our peers on social media. I love seeing what they are working on and how they are developing as visual creators. Their editing styles, equipment, and even what they ate for dinner is interesting! However, it’s not about trying the same drone shot or purchasing the same lighting. It is just wise to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses in your industry to be capable of meeting the needs of your client. I may need to copy what they had for dinner though!

Laura: So, I don't follow any other photographers' work, because the great ones [and there are plenty great photographers all over this planet] sometimes make me look at my shit and say, "well, this is shit." I have a hard time getting out of that headspace, so instead I get my inspiration through other means, mainly architecture, talking to people, and literature. I also have a really vivid imagination, so there's always ideas floating around that I try to flesh out into a photographable concept.

"Complacency in a creative industry is a nail in your well-planned, well-designed, well-photographed coffin."

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Laura: As for 'being copied'; you might think you're the first to do something, but chances are you're probably not. And if you are, and people are copying your hard work, use that indignation to light a fire under your bum to take your stuff and make it even better, newer, shinier. Complacency in a creative industry like the wedding world is a nail in your well-planned, well-designed, well-photographed coffin. And just imagine that first planner to style a wedding with mason jars, wild flowers and burlap galore...he or she probably wishes they trademarked that ish.

Arianna Schioldager is Create & Cultivate's editorial director. You can find her on IG @ariannawrotethis and more about her on this site she never updates www.ariannawrotethis.com

Let's Make Every Day #EqualPayDay

First put into law in 1963, The Equal Pay Act was aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on gender. It’s a law that has not changed, despite the fact that women still make less than men.

"Because it's hard enough to get your dream job, you shouldn't have to dream about equal pay too." 

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Today is #EqualPayDay. A symbolic day that marks how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the previous year. We believe that women should earn equal wages for equal work, and that this is a battle all people should fight.
 

7 Must-Know Biz Tips from Rachel Zoe

Digitally-forward, socially-savvy, the fashion empire of Rachel Zoe is decidedly a stylish one— but it’s also built on the know-how of the entrepreneur. 

From an open-door office policy to taking the high road, Rachel is dishing seven of her best business tips. 

ALWAYS WORK LIKE YOU HAVE FIVE DOLLARS IN THE BANK.

My first job was as a sales associate at the Nine West store in Short Hills Mall in New Jersey. My biggest piece of advice for anyone starting his or her first job would be to make sure to never act entitled. It’s important that no matter what your situation is, you work like you have only $5 in the bank.

"No matter what your situation is, you work like you have only $5 in the bank."

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TRUST THAT SOMEONE WILL TAKE A CHANCE ON YOU.

If you show up every day and give your job 110% at all times, eventually you will get noticed. It may not happen as quickly as you like, but at some point the stars will align and you will get your first big break. For me, that occurred when Tommy Hilfiger hired me to style his huge White House ad campaign. I was only about a month into my freelance career at the time, and I was terrified. The job came with a big budget and took two weeks to execute. We shot a cast of young Hollywood actors, models and singers both in Austin and Los Angeles. To this day, it is still one of the most incredible productions I have worked on. I am eternally grateful to Tommy for taking a chance on me, because it not only led me to book many more jobs, but it also gave me a huge boost of confidence and proved my competence!

REALIZE THAT YOUR PATH MIGHT BE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET.

You need to consider whether you're on the right career path. Who says you can't have an "I'm going to be a...just kidding!" moment like I did? Before I started my career in fashion, I was a student at George Washington University majoring in sociology and psychology. At the time, I thought I was going to be a psychiatrist! Looking back, making the jump to fashion was a natural choice for me. Bottom line: It's never too late to start over. We hear stories all the time of people later in life going back to school for something completely new and different. Those stories are inspiring. If you're lucky and you're honest with yourself, you might realize that you need to make a change.

"Bottom line: It's never too late to start over."

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FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS, NOT THE PROBLEM.

Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them can set you apart in the workplace. When something goes wrong, find a solution (or twenty) before you present the mistake to your boss or colleagues. Then, use the misstep as a chance to come out on top. As a designer, often times I will conceptualize and sketch a design for my collection only to have the prototype turn out differently than I expected. Rather than starting from scratch, I work with my team to find a middle ground that will work for the customer while not compromising my vision.

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

When drama arises, it is tempting to want to set the record straight to everyone within the workplace. In my experience with the media reporting false stories about me or my company, I have learned that silence is almost always golden. If you try to deny or defend yourself, you are ultimately just fueling the fire. On the other hand, when you are quiet, the drama tends to fizzle much more quickly. Bottom line: take the high road and save the venting for when you are at home behind closed doors. Believe me, this is not easy.

KEEP YOUR OFFICE DOORS OPEN.

As a leader and CEO of a company that is constantly growing, it is important for me to have an open-door policy with my employees and always be honest with them. I do believe having transparency with my team shows that I trust them—I always want the lines of communicate to be open. In today’s corporate culture a lot of leaders choose to sit with their team, and not have separate offices, and I like that. The offices of my company headquarters have glass doors for a reason, to advocate transparency and openness. 

DO WHAT YOU LOVE.

My number-one piece of advice? Do what you love. It is the only thing that will keep you going through long days, stressful situations and a low bank account balance. When I was a fashion assistant at YM magazine, I worked literally on my hands and knees all day long, doing everything from packing and unpacking boxes to running around New York City in blizzards on foot (in heels!) moving full wardrobe trunks solo. It was physically taxing on a person of my height and build, but I did it all with a smile on my face. I never once complained because I felt it was such a privilege to do what I love.

Is a Social Media Presence More Powerful Than a Degree?

It started with an Instagram post. "I remember the old days when you needed a degree and a resume to get a job. Now you need 10k followers and a mediocre blog." 

It's a little painful to read because there is some truth to it. 

Let's look at the numbers first, because based on these alone, it appears much more lucrative to focus on growing a following. (Don't despair yet.)

The graduating class of 2015 was the most indebted in history. Prior to 2015, the graduating class of 2014 was the most indebted in history. Sense a pattern? As of March 2015, according to the Federal Reserve, the outstanding student loan debt in the U.S. stood at $1.27 trillion, and that number is only expected to grow.

That's right. Not millions. Not billions. This is literally a trillion dollar issue. 

Complicating this problem is that according to government data published by Edvisors.com, the average graduate in 2015 had about $35,000 in student loan debt, double what it was in the late nineties. The number of students taking out student loans has also increased sizably. In the nineties less than half of college graduates had taken out student loans. Today, over 70% of students leave school in the hole. 

Adding insult to costly injury, guess what the average starting salary was for the class of 2015? According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers the average starting salary for those with liberal arts degrees (think most creatives) is under $38k. See the prob?

If your loan is 35k and your starting salary is approximately the same, how long do you think it's going to take to pay off that debt? Outstanding debt of this magnitude prevents the new working class from saving for retirement. It delays marriage and first home purchases. 

It also has many asking, WTF? Should I have grown a following instead? And: 

Is a social media presence more powerful than a degree?

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While studies show that college graduates consistently earn more than students with only a high school degree, this matter is complicated by research that suggests that while the Millennial generation is the best-educated in history, they are not earning more than earlier generations of young adults. According to the Pew Research Center the overall median earnings of today's Millenials are not that much different than the earnings of the Early Boomers ($34,833), Gen Xers ($32,173) or the Silents ($30,982). 

And while the numbers still suggest that overall, college is a smart investment, we can't deny that there is extreme economic disparity between what a degree will get you and what a huge following can offer. Or even what a medium-sized following can produce. An Instagram user with 100k followers and decent engagement can earn 5k for a post-- and that is on the low end of the scale. Some bloggers are making 100k a month.  

Though most bloggers zealously guard their income, Reward Style, the affiliate marketing network that helps bloggers monetize their content, keeps data on their top performers. They report these bloggers can make $80k per month on affiliate sales alone. Add in paid IG posts, brand deals, and book deals that come from strategic content, and you're looking at a revenue stream previously reserved for top business-people-- those with college degrees or masters. 

But while these blogs have turned musings into a business, it will always be the bloggers who understand the who, what, why, and how of their brand that will be the most successful. They are the ones that understand the numbers beyond the following. 

It's yet to be seen how this will play out, but there is a system of checks and balances seemingly in place. Sure graduates with student debt are starting careers from a disadvantageous position-- saddled by debt that effects nearly everything. But what they should be banking on, and working toward, is career longevity. Their salary, while initially low, will grow. 

A blogger's career -- or rather, an Instagrammer with a large following-- might be making big dollar deposits in their life bank now, but there are a few inherent sustainability issues. One-- technology is always changing, and the ability to retain followers across multiple platforms so that you're giving a brand proven ROI is growing increasingly difficult. It's why we often hear successful bloggers at Create & Cultivate tell the audience that a high follower count should not be your end goal. Two-- in a more standard job market, you cannot put a junior employee in a senior position. Same cannot be said for bloggers.

A lot of followers is not a business plan.

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A blogger's career is in many ways much more precarious, in the same way a models' has always been; there is always someone younger, more connected, more tapped in, and ready to pull that Boucherouite rug right out from under your #shoefie. 

While majoring in #selfies might feel like the career move to make (at least if King Kylie has a say), the best idea is to get a degree, simultaneously grow your following, and then use those blog dollars to pay off your student debt. 

Arianna Schioldager is Create & Cultivate's editorial director. You can find her on IG @ariannawrotethis and more about her at this site she never updates www.ariannawrotethis.com

10 Cost-Saving Tips for Your Wedding

On 100 Layer Cake, we share a variety of weddings from DIY to Glam, and Bohemian to Romantic Elegance. All of these weddings tend to have one thing in common... they're super creative! While each wedding has an unique and varied budget, we're always so inspired when we find out that the couple was able to create their dream wedding on a small budget. To help you in your wedding planning process, and maybe save some $$$ along the way, we've combed through our site to give you a few of our favorite cost-saving tips.

USE OUR VENDOR GUIDE!

Our vendor guide is a place to find fabulous vendors as well as place service request for your wedding day. Yep, that's right, you can post a particular request for your wedding (from photography to music to flowers) and vendors in our guide will bid on your event!!! Our vendors are looking for creative brides, so pop on over and give it a try. These two New York brides found their vendors on our site.

This bride found her planner and photographer in our vendor guide.

This bride hooked up with photog Lauren Rae Photography after making a proposal right here on 100LC for wedding photographers within their budget. 

RECRUIT FAMILY & FRIENDS TO HELP WITH FLORALS

Not only is this a cost saving tip, it's fun, and a great way to bring people together.

Simple one stem florals placed into antique medicine bottles can make such an elegant statement on your table.

For the adventurous bride, try foraging for your bridal bouquet.

Store bought florals popped into whimsical vessels by family and friends. So cute!

ALTERNATIVE WEDDING DRESSES

Okay, here's the deal, you don't have to go to a huge, well know bridal store to find your dream wedding dress. We're not saying you shouldn't go and try a few on, but there are other options. These creative brides found the perfect dress for their big day and saved lots of $$$!

We love that this bride spotted her vintage wedding dress on Etsy for $400.

This DIY bride found her dream wedding dress from Free People.

If you fancy an unconventional wedding, maybe think about forgoing the typical white dress for something more stylish. This bride really knew how to make a statement with her bright Mara Hoffman wedding dress.

CREATIVE CATERING 

If you’re having a casual wedding, think about a potluck! This is great for an early afternoon wedding. All you need to do is create a menu and pick a few reliable friends and family member to bring a super yummy dish. Voila! 

FAVORS

Try giving something really thoughtful and cost effective with these DIY colorful potted succulents.

CREATIVE DECOR. 

Think beyond florals for wedding decor. The cost of hiring a florist can really rack up the cost, so think beyond a typical floral centerpiece or bouquet. 

In lieu of florals, collect potted cactus or your tablescape. Bonus, you can decorate with them in your house or send them with a guest as a parting gift.

Paper flowers can be a festive, fun activity for you and your maids to create for your wedding decor.

DIY CEREMONY BACKDROPS & ARBORS IDEAS

Go bright and whimsical with this paper decor backdrop.

This couple had their family create this meaningful arbor for their ceremony.

The groom is a woodworker so he created this greenhouse structure for his bride, who's a floral designer. How thoughtful!

ALTERNATIVE CAKE 

Behold the donut cake! Don’t get us wrong, we love a big dramatic wedding cake, but this donut cake concept is just too cute and a fraction of the cost.

SAVE ON YOUR LIQUOR BILL 

This couple is really into beer, so instead of a full bar, they opted to pour their favorite blend. Talk about HUGE savings! We love how they stayed true to their passion.

CONSIDER A FREE VENUE 

Save on your venue cost by hosting an intimate backyard wedding. 

These are just a few of our favorite cost-saving wedding ideas. Be sure to pop over for more wedding ideas for your big day!

The Blogging Business Key Nobody Is Talking About

Being a style publisher in 2016 is a multi-faceted job if there ever was one. Creating blog posts, photoshoots, running a website, liaising with brands, networking, researching, snapping, Instagramming, and more - all within a week’s work. If you categorize all these tasks, you’ll see they fall into three block pillars: Content, Business Management, and Tech.

This division is technically right, but it doesn’t identify the most crucial factor: that all three pillars overlap, and understanding the intrinsic relationship between them is the key towards the longevity of your blogging business.

So what is this mysterious intersection between the pillars of your business? And why is it important to understand and develop it?

WHAT IS THIS MYSTERIOUS INTERSECTION BETWEEN THE PILLARS OF YOUR BUSINESS?

Translating an overarching business vision through your digital presence is the one thing most publishers should consider when thinking of all the tasks their job entails. And it’s not even their fault. To put it simply, nobody in the industry is really acknowledging it. Well, almost nobody.

I launched my company, chloédigital, when it became clear to me that there was a gap between the fashion and tech worlds that was stopping great publishers from moving forward. Through our membership, my team and I now offer bloggers access to an all-rounded support system to strengthen their personal brands and power their online empires.

At chloédigital we look after some of the most successful blogs in the industry and the common factor that makes top-tier bloggers stand out from the competition is very clear: their business vision is holistic and cohesive.

Working closely with leading influencers around the world (a few of which will be panelists and mentors beside me at C+C DTLA!) has put me in a unique position to gain insights on the fashion industry whilst still having a foot in the tech world myself.  I have seen first hand how working with a multidisciplinary tech and strategy team can be a pivotal point to grow a blogger’s online authority. But there is still much more to be done in terms of connecting all aspects of an influencer’s presence and decisions, on and offline. Working with a PR agency on one end and a tech team on the opposite end, with any content decisions torn in the middle, is just not an efficient way of approaching your business anymore.

The future of digital publishing lays within integrating every team and detail cohesively to reach new goals.

A very extended misconception about style publishers is that, as mainly creative professionals, content creation is the aspect of their business that drives most of their strategic decisions. But the reality in digital publishing is that, when there is a disconnect between the technical and creative side, it is actually the technical side that holds the veto power in key decisions. Let me give you a couple of examples of things that are commonly heard:

“I would love to add a new awesome functionality to my blog that I’m sure my community would love, but I’ve never seen anything like it so I doubt I can do that on my site,” or “I was very excited about the new style of blog post I published recently but it seems my readers didn’t respond very well to it; I’m not quite sure how to look deeper into these reasons, so I will just go back to standard content”.

Great ideas, content, and opportunities for innovation that get lost in translation as soon as a tech barrier is encountered. This is exactly why bridging the gap between fashion and technology is essential in order to keep digital publishing thriving. When there is seamless communication between content creators, agents, sponsors, designers, developers - that is when new things can be both conceptualized and well executed.

"Bridging the gap between fashion and tech is essential to keep digital publishing thriving." 

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If you’re a style publisher truly looking to create a sustainable business, stop thinking of tech and fashion as opposites. Connect your teams, think always big, and start creating a multidisciplinary space within your working process that allows you to push boundaries.

5 Steps To Creating Charitable Content For Your Brand

90% of Americans are more likely to trust brands that back social causes. What’s your social cause?

If you think that your brand is going to run on just the product or service that you’re selling, you need to expand beyond being one-dimensional and tap into a social cause that you can bring attention to. 

Take it from our friends at EMU Australia. They specialize in premium footwear using the best natural materials and offer beautifully simple, innovative and luxurious products, however, they’ve made sure to also be the brand that has attached itself to a social cause. 

They recently teamed up with WaterAid, a global non-profit, to support access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in the world's poorest and most marginalized communities. To kick off their partnership and create buzz among the blogger community about their partnership, they focused on building #Blue4Water, a global campaign for World Water Day last week (March 22), one of the largest fundraising days of the year for WaterAid. 

If your brand is looking to tap into a social cause to bring attention to a global social issue, take notes from EMU Australia on how to dip your toes into charity work and make the campaign work for your brand successfully.

1. Find a cause that aligns with your brand’s goals and visions.

When collaborating with other companies, make sure that your goals and visions align. WaterAid and EMU Australia were able to come together in helping 15 communities across Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, two locations that are near and dear to EMU’s HQ in Australia. Not only that, EMU Australia and WaterAid were able to come together in a clear vision of what their campaign’s messaging and look needed to be, which helped make the campaign more impactful. 

When collaborating with other companies, make sure that your goals and visions align.

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2. Team up with social media influencers, and make it easy for them. 

EMU Australia created a #Blue4Water blogger kit, which included DIY elements to allow bloggers to create customized, blue boots for World Water Day.  These kits were sent to several influencers in the US, Canada and Europe and all posts went live the morning of March 22nd for a bigger impact. Also, they outlined everything down in a fact sheet that included key messages, social media handles and hashtags as well as some social copy for their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.  This ensured a consistent message was delivered across the globe.

3. Keep it simple and consistent. use your resources.

EMU used the same DIY kit in each region and used the same hashtags so they didn’t their followers were not confused by the message. Regardless if your audience is in Australia or the U.S., your message will always stay consistent the minute you publish it, so make sure that stays consistent across the globe, especially if the message is a global effort.

4. Set your goals.

With every campaign, you should always set your goals and make sure that the campaign was effective for you and your collaborators. Set your web traffic goals, newsletter signups, sales and donation goals, and follower goals and regroup at the end of the campaign to see successes and losses, and see how you can make your next charitable campaign better than the last.

With every campaign, set your goals and make sure that the campaign was effective for you and your collaborators.

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5. Have fun with it and engage inclusivity.

While charities are done in all seriousness, engage your audience and followers into participating by letting them get creative and having them show how they support the cause on their social channels. Although Emu had a campaign set with 10 bloggers to ensure they were getting enough traction on their campaign, they made sure that the followers felt included as well just like the 10 influencers. 

How to Craft a Resume That's Full of Flavor

In the last fifty years the way we do business has evolved exponentially. One, the Internet: we work on-the-go and on planes, from the back of our Ubers and on Sundays. Traditional work hours have become a relic of the past. There is no office normcore. Nor do we want their to be.

Yet despite the changes we’ve seen-- even in the last ten years alone-- there is one antique that keeps hangin’ on: THE RESUME.

If business has changed, why hasn’t the resume?

So, we asked Bai, the better-for-you beverage company that believes “taste is temporary, flavor is forever,” how to create a resume that's full of forever flavor. Flavor is the promise to not be dull. And let’s be real: when you’re sending your resume to a company that receives hundreds of applicants, you need to stand out to gain the competitive edge.

In short: you need to ditch the dull. Here’s how to make yours a forever resume with these 6 tips from Bai.

1. KEEP IT ONE PAGE.

You’ve had a lot of jobs, but your career resume is different than what you cobbled together to land your first job. Internships or summer jobs you held in college, those can go. Bulk is not better in the case of your resume.

“Bulk is not better in the case of your resume.”

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Listing jobs that are not directly related to the position you’re applying for is fine, but you don’t need to laundry list Every. Single. Position. you’ve ever had. Edit your resume so that it’s ONE PAGE ONLY and highlights your best work.

2. DEVELOP YOUR POINT OF DIFFERENTIATION, BUILD OUT YOUR STRATEGY FROM THERE.  

Speaking of your best work, have you ever sat down and asked yourself what you want your resume to accomplish? WE KNOW! A job, that much is a given, but beyond a job. What do you what your resume to communicate about you?

Most applicants don’t think of their resume in terms of strategy. They think that starts after they snag the position-- but that’s a dated way of thinking. To bring your resume into 2016, make sure that every line counts and that you can answer the ‘why’ as to why you’re including it.

3. USE KEYWORDS

Employers are optimizing across the board. Most Fortune 100 companies use something known as the Applicant Tracking System. Doesn’t sound sexy, but it’s critical to understand in the current job market. Even small companies who don’t have the bandwidth for hiring departments are relying on software that searches job-seeker databases for keywords related to the position they are a looking to fill. Skill-related nouns are one of the most searched keywords. Think: marketing campaigns and special events— i.e. nouns related to the skills the employer wants in a candidate. However, don’t front-load the top of your resume with a list of words. They should be integrated into your resume to show how you’ve best used that skill.

“Integrate keywords into your resume to optimize your chances of being seen.”

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4. NO MORE REFERENCES, INCLUDE SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES AND LINKS

You know they are going to be looking, so make it easy and include your social handles at the top of your resume. They are equally as important (if not more) than your phone number. Companies want to see who you are, how you engage on social media, and yes, how many followers you have.

5. CALL-OUT BOXES

You see this on blog posts— call-outs of the most interesting quotes or content. There’s good reasoning behind it: it’s the most interesting. Also, it breaks up what you’re looking at. You don’t need to InDesign your resume, but bullet points and line breaks are so 1998. Really want to show that you have resume flavor? Call-out your strengths. If you grew a brand’s Instagram following from over the course of a year with social programming, highlight those numbers. Give them stats. Companies love stats. You know what they don’t like...

6. HEADSHOTS -- BE GONE

Research shows you have six seconds to snag a potential employer's interest. So you should use this opportunity for them to focus on your skills, not your new haircut. That’s why you’re including your social media handles.

A lot of people think that a photo is a great addition to a resume— adds a personal touch, but what it’s really adding is a distraction, and stealing precious seconds away from you accomplishments.

Your Blog Is Money and You Don't Even Know It

SO YOU'VE GOT A BLOG.  

Your analytics are telling you that people are reading your content. Now you know you want to make the leap into monetization on your website without losing your authentic voice. What’s next?

AFFILIATE MARKETING.

I know it doesn’t sound sexy, but I can assure you, it is. This is your gateway to $$$!

Affiliate marketing at its core is simply placing trackable links within your content to get paid when your users shop. Aside from the obvious benefit of getting paid for promoting products you already love, affiliate marketing will give you data around your shoppers’ behaviors. This data will be crucial for you as you learn about your demographic. You’ll gain insights into what products and brands your readers respond to. You can then use these statistics and success stories as part of your media kit and story when speaking to brands and marketing yourself. You’ve just armed yourself to become an insanely professional, money-making machine.

[define it: Affiliate Marketing: At its core this practice is simply placing trackable links within your content to get paid when your users shop.]

You are probably wondering where you go to get these mysterious monetizable links. If you haven’t already, create an account on ShopStyle Collective, ShopStyle’s influencer network. You’re going to be able to access links, data on your link performance, and insights into your shoppers’ behaviors in one handy login. There’s even an app so you can monetize on the go!

Now that you’ve got your ShopStyle Collective account, there are a variety of ways to create links. You can do so within the interface, use the toolbar link generator, or create widgets for your blog. It’s fairly self-explanatory.

Now that we’ve discussed why and how, let’s talk about the most important issue: where.

You don’t want your site to look like one big advertisement, nor do you want to miss out on opportunities to earn revenue. The goal with affiliate marketing is to build upon content you are creating organically and simply add another layer of visual interest, while driving your readers to brands and products you love.

"The goal with affiliate marketing is to build upon content you are creating organically."

 

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Affiliate marketing also gives you a lens through which to think about your content calendar — do you want to create entire style guides for a season with looks for every occasion? Link those products! Create gift guides for holidays and special occasions. I personally love content where bloggers create how-tos and share ideas for how to wear trends or incorporate statement pieces. One of my favorite bloggers, The12ish Style, does a series where she re-creates celebrity looks in her own unique style. I actually just bought a sweater today from one of these posts (proof they actually work!).

KEY TIPS FOR PLACING LINKS 

Make sure you are hyperlinking any photographs on your blog to the primary item you are showcasing.

• Always use text and hyperlink, describing your products right underneath the top photo of your post — many readers won’t scroll down to read your entire post.

• Hyperlink any text that describes a product throughout your post.

• Provide alternatives — if you are showing a $2,000 Chloé bag, you can contrast that with a more affordable bag in a similar style as an added opportunity to drive traffic and convert your readers into shoppers.

Another great spot for links is within a scrolling widget beneath your post. ShopStyle Collective’s widget helps you generate a scrolling visual where you can add multiple product options beneath each post. These products can be directly related to your content or they can be another place to get fun and creative. Let’s say you are posting an amazing recipe for truffle french fries or a crazy-cool birthday cake. You can include your favorite cooking tools, new apron, dishes, or serving pieces in the widget beneath the post to impart additional visuals, stylish objects, and drive more traffic to shopping partners. The idea here is to give your readers access to your aspirational lifestyle, which they already want to re-create for themselves (and their own Instagrams).

One more idea: use the widgets for vacation packing lists — so necessary (and shoppable) with all the summer travel opportunities right around the corner!

Hilary Sloan leads ShopStyle’s North American business development team and works with top brands like Net-a-Porter.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barneys New York to monetize via affiliate and creative partnerships. In building relationships with brands and working with ShopStyle and ShopStyle Collective’s blogger community, she realized that many young bloggers don’t quite have the tools to get started on building their business. She’s spoken in the past at Create + Cultivate, IFB, and other blogger conferences on the topic of monetization, revenue, and brand partnerships. When not at ShopStyle, Hilary can be found applying all her skills to her own mini influencer, her dog, Ella Bean.

3 Mantras You Need to Say in the Morning

Repeat after me: you are more than your job, more than your 9-5, more than that paycheck. 

It’s not uncommon to get caught up in the whirlwind of work. There are meetings and coffee dates, presentations to buildout, Keynotes to edit, and brands to partner with. Are you still there? Have we lost you in your coffee cup? We know it takes hard word, determination, and more than a handful of late nights and early AMs.

Sometimes the need to keep up can get us down. Especially when we feel like we’re falling behind and losing sight of work-life balance. But Michelle Wahler, co-founder and CEO of Beyond Yoga encourages women to embrace who and what they are right in this moment-- “perfect.” 

We’re using a few of Beyond’s core values as mantra to remind ourselves to stay balanced, positive, and that we are more than what it says on our LinkedIn profile. 

MANTRA #1: I WILL PERFORM

Beyond Yoga’s mission is to empower and celebrate women, just as they are. Which means having the confidence that you can handle whatever lands on your desk or in your inbox. 

There is power in simply telling yourself you can do it. Whether in the morning before heading out the door, or taking a mid-day break to breathe in these words. 

MANTRA #2: I CAN MAKE A GENUINE DIFFERENCE 

What you do matters, both in the office and out. More often than not, we put our interests andhobbies on the back-burner when we are consumed by work life. But when you feel better, your ideas are better. 

The energy you bring into your job seeps into your work. Taking care of yourself and nurturing who you are as an individual is just as important as taking care of business at work. Not only will it help you be more productive, but by taking time from your day to celebrate the things that make you who you are outside of the office will keep you inspired as well.

MANTRA #3: MY WORK IS TACTILE AND REWARDING  

This is not a chicken and egg issue. When you bring good vibes into your work, you will feel rewarded by the end result. You will look at what you’ve produced and feel excited to share and carry it out into the world. You are beyond your work, because that when that work makes a difference, it goes into the world. 

So, as you're reading this now, take some time to go to that spin class you've been meaning to hit up for weeks. Pick up the hobby you haven't practiced since you started your new job. Schedule your Sunday as family time. 

Resource Roundup: Ignite Your Business With These Four Tools

When you’re starting a business, you’re going to need an arsenal of tools to help you make all the right connections and teach you the tricks to get your business off the ground. You could go on LinkedIn and reach out to your entire network and pick everyone’s brains on their best marketing tips, or cold email a few founders and see what were their biggest hardships when they started their company, but you still have to go beyond that. 

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite resources that take you away from hours of online research and let you make IRL connections that are meant to make a lasting impact.

General Assembly

General Assembly (GA) is a global educational company on a mission to empower a global community to pursue work they love. Focusing on the most relevant and in-demand skills across data, design, business and technology, GA is confronting a skills gap through best-in-class instruction and providing access to opportunities.

GA works with students online and in person across 15 campuses in 4 continents. GA also works with companies as partners in course development and graduate placement as well as helps companies stay competitive in today's digital landscape. Additionally, GA’s focus on affordable and accessible education combined with their education-to-employment approach is helping to create a diverse talent pipeline. 

If GA sounds like the place where you want to start taking notes to apply to your business asap, you’re in luck! If you’re in Los Angeles this Monday, March 21st, our founder Jaclyn Johnson will be having a keynote as a part of GA’s #OffCampus festival.  Find out all the details and RSVP here!

Creative Mornings

Created in 2008 by Tina Roth Eisenberg, aka Swissmiss, Creative Mornings came to life out of a desire for an ongoing, accessible event for New York’s creative community. The concept was simple: breakfast and a short talk one Friday morning a month. Every event would be free of charge and open to anyone.

Today, Creative Mornings has grown far beyond its New York border and has taken over 137 cities worldwide and has brought some of the most creative minds from music, business, design, marketing, advertising and so many more. Not only that, Creative remains free thanks to the support of their generous sponsors and partners. Anyone is welcome to attend, just RSVP to their events, and you’re all set.

The Book Shop

If you work in marketing or advertising and are still looking to sharpen up your skills in the field, The Book Shop is for you. The Book Shop offers you the chance to work harder than you’ve probably worked at anything in your life with some of the biggest creative professionals to create big ideas that change companies. With the one-on-one interaction that they offer, not only are you getting knowledge from some of the biggest head honchos in the biz, but you’re making amazing connections that will help you career in the long run. The Book Shop works to be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life that will ultimately land you the career you’ve been dying for.

ThinkLA

If you’re based in Southern California, thinkLA is a non-profit association founded to promote LA as a network of creativity and innovation in media, marketing, and advertising. With their memberships, you’re able to tap into their unparalleled networking and social activities, year-round knowledge-building through their events and programs, and be able to volunteer at their industry-related charities like Ad Relief and MAT Program. ThinkLA has been able to bring in some of LA’s biggest visionaries, dreamers, innovators, and creators into their network, so if you want to hang with the cool kids in LA, join ThinkLA.

What the Seed Fund Boom Means for Raising Series A

TIME TO RAISE. 

It's not uncommon to hear from founders about the time-consuming nature of fundraising. Katherine Power, co-founder of Clique Media Group told Create & Cultivate Dallas audiences that as a founder you should expect to spent at least six months of your fundraising year dedicated to only. Leura Fine, Founder of Laurel & Wolf told Create & Cultivate that, "Fundraising can be an enormous time suck. It’s not a waste of time. Because bringing in great investors is really important part of building your business and the dollars are there to help you grow." 

Echoing this is the fact that there has never been a better time to be an entrepreneur, or a female at the wheel of a startup. The number of seed-funded companies has quadrupled over the last four years.  Top line data from Crunchbase reports that in 2009, 9.5% startups had at least one woman founder, but by 2014 that rate had almost doubled to 18%. However, Crunchbase also found that female founders are most heavily represented in seed and angel financed companies — 19% of that total. Yet their participation rate drops to 13% during the Series A or B stage of financing. 

So what gives? Why the drop? And why are companies finding a harder time in their second round of funding? There are a couple reasons that you, as a founder or entrepreneur, should consider. 

THE 'SIGNALING' ISSUE 

It used to be uncommon for VCs to invest first (or seed) rounds. However, with tech startups its more common to see VCs come in during the seed round. There is an old saying in venture capital, “Fill your canteen when you are by the river and not when you are thirsty.” 

To a new company, this initially sounds great -- you get the money you need to launch, and can move the needle forward on your business. However, if a VC that invested in your seed round does not invest in you future rounds, a thorough investor will look into why that VC decided to pull out. It signals to other investors that if VC Company X was not interested or willing to invest in the next round, something must be wrong within the company. 

The first VC investor is seen as someone with insider information. Whether it's true or not, it doesn't look good for you or your business. 

That's why getting to know your investors and building a relationship and terms that you're comfortable with is crucial. FROM DAY ONE. Taking a check to take a check can screw you down the line. 

There is an old adage in venture capital, “Fill your canteen when you are by the river and not when you are thirsty.” 

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THE OVERCONFIDENT ISSUE 

Many seed rounds are super fast. Laurel & Wolf was oversubscribed in their seed round within a month and a half. Their target goal was $500k. They raised $650. 

[define it: Oversubscribed: Situation where a new stock (share) issue has more buyers than there are shares to satisfy their orders.]

On paper, that paper sounds great, and it worked well for Leura. However, there are plenty of startups that launch, but have a problem performing, executing, and raising money when it comes to Series A. Why? With crowd-funding and the boom of VCs raising Series Seed many entrepreneurs are heading into meetings with big VCs overconfident that they can raise. They don't understand their business model, their metrics, or their data, and according to Leura, they don't understand as founder how vital it is for them to control their fundraising process. 

This makes the fundraising process significantly longer, and young startups are finding it much harder to secure a term sheet. Plus, the longer it takes to raise, the more you're prolonging the long-term goal: building a successful business. The goal should be to spend the minimum amount of time required to raise your funding goals. 

[define it: Term Sheet: A bullet-point document outlining the material terms and conditions of a business agreement. After a term sheet has been "executed," it guides legal counsel in the preparation of a proposed "final agreement".]

THE WAY, WAY MORE COMPETITION ISSUE

Simply put, the more companies that raise their seed funding, the more companies that are going to be looking to raise Series A. Even though their is a influx of funds at the seed level, the same can't be said for Series A. So if five companies secure seed funding, and five companies go into Series A, the competition is that much harder. 

In part, many entrepreneurs require less money to hit their first round targets, so this is also over-saturating the market. 

The safest bet is to know exactly what you want, how you want to do it, and understand your metrics. That way when you go to raise Series A, you have a leg-up on the competition, and are more likely to give your company the legs it needs for the journey. 

If a seed round is the sprint, you should still be prepared to go the distance. Ready, set, raise. 

Making Statements: Your Guide to Being Bold in the Office

STANDING OUT IN THE WORK CROWD. 

It's a tricky balance, because what you want is to be a team player while also advancing your career and showing that you're bold as brass. Or perhaps diamonds, in the case of Simon G. The jewelry company knows all about making statements-- from pieces that celebrate achievements and love, to brilliant necklaces that elevate an entire outfit. 

We're breaking down the 6 ways you can be bold in the office. 

1. POWER POSING IS GOOD FOR THE BRAIN AND BODY

Online, content in king. In person, it’s confidence. One of the best ways to “fake it till you make it” is with your stance. Your body language has been proven to shape who you are, affecting everything from the way people view you and your intelligence to the way you speak. The most common power pose is “opened up” and indicates a position of control. Instead of a closed off body language that communicates a more meek personality. 

A power pose can actually change the way you view yourself, even change your body chemistry. Posing for just two minutes can increase your risk tolerance, which makes for bolder and more executive office decisions. 

2.  POWER DRESSING, WELL THAT ALSO MATTERS 

When you look good, you feel good. And making a statement when getting dressed to go before the board or you boss can be as simple as adding a Simon G. necklace that says, my outfit is boss, and so are my ideas. A successful work uniform saves time, energy, and also lets people know what kind of work you do. 

There’s a reason it’s called dressing to impress: it works. You project confidence and earn the trust of people entrusting you to get the job done. 

Fabled Collection Pendant, 18K Rose Gold - $3,740 USD

3. ESTABLISH YOUR CONFIDENCE EARLY

Everyone claims to love the story of the girl who came into her own, but in truth, it’s much more impressive to own the room or a job without being primped. If you’re about to host a meeting, set an agenda, talk about priorities, and ideas moving forward in order for your team to work most efficiently. 

If you have expectations or if goals are changing, put those on the table. The tone you set is crucial for not only establishing confidence but also getting the results you want. 

You are in charge. So act like it. 

4. DON’T FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM

This may feel counterintuitive but it’s so important to bring your past into your present, and allow it to inform your future. In fact, confident but humble is the way to go when it comes to power moves. Being bold doesn’t mean having an ego about what you do, and it certainly doesn’t mean that it’s an excuse to belittle your team or workmates. 

You’re only as good as your team, whether you’re at the top of the ladder or the bottom.  Sparkle and shine in the office or at a meeting in a piece like this from Simon G., while remembering your roots. 

Caviar Collection Pendant, 18K White Gold - $5,280

5. SHOW, DON’T TELL THE WHY AND HOW YOU’RE A UNIQUE ASSET. 

Like a gorgeous piece of statement jewelry that speaks for itself, you need to make sure that you are engaging your peers with tangibles without telling them why you’re great at your job. 

Show them with success. Meeting booked. Partnership deals in the works. A cold call that proves you have the stomach to be fearless. 

6. LOOK AHEAD, INSTEAD OF AROUND YOU

This is simple: comparison is the thief of joy, but it’s also the buzzkill of confidence, and ultimately success. Own the position you’ve found yourself in and you’ll find that all of the sudden you’re no longer faking it. 

(And when in doubt or you feel yourself feeling not so bold, ring up a mentor who will tell you next steps.) 

Best Practices: How to Engage Users with Facebook Live

IN 2015 FACEBOOK VIDEO AND FACEBOOK LIVE WERE ONLY AVAILABLE TO CELEBRITIES. 

But the Facebook floodgates have been opened to the masses, and the kings of social in Silicon Valley have noticed that the content that performs the best is interactive. 

Facebook Live enables users to share experiences and opinions in real time, from broadcasting events to friends and family, to connecting a brand to people around the world. Consumers are engaged by events happening in real time, and Facebook has seen that on average people will watch a video more than three times longer if it's live, compared to when it is not. Which might be the best reason to start using the platform.

On average people will watch a video more than three times longer if it's live.

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THE BASICS: HOW TO GET STARTED 

To start using Facebook Live, simply click "What's on your mind?" on the top of your News Feed. Select the Live Video icon. 

BEST PRACTICES: DO IT RIGHT, DO IT RIGHT NOW. 

1. Announce ahead of time when you'll be using Facebook Live: Build anticipation and excitement by letting people know when to tune in. 

2. Encourage followers to subscribe so that they get notifications the next time you go live. 

3. Don't go live without a point. There should be a rhyme, reason, and strategy behind your Live. Whether you're answering questions, showcasing how to use a new product, or giving a 360 fashion sneak peek, your audience should understand what the broadcast will be about. An engaging and compelling description is a useful tool for this. 

4. Shoutout to people in real time with their real names. The more involved you make people feel, the stronger the sense of community you build, and the more likely people are to stick around. 

5. Don't go live without a strong connection. People tend to think that using Facebook Live is perfect when they're on-the-go, but a "Broadcast Paused" message can be fatal to the success of your convo.

6. The longer the broadcast the more people you're likely to reach. People will tune in and drop off, but give an audience the opportunity to discover you. Facebook recommends going live for a least five minutes . 

7. Be as creative as you can. If you're CEO of a company, host "Office Hours" where entrepreneurs can ask you questions. If you're a lawyer with a great law practice, host "Beyond the Bar," where law students can ask you about life after law school. If you're a fashion brand, take fans on a tour of your factory and show them your best practices. Maybe you're responding to backlash your brand has experienced. There are so many ways to use Facebook Live and connect it to your other social programs. So start throwing ideas at the wall. 

WHY IS THIS GOOD FOR YOU BRAND?

Fractured attention spans have made capturing and engaging an online audience incredibly difficult. But Facebook Live is real time feedback. You'll see the number of live viewers, the names of people tuning in, and you can respond to real-time stream of comments. It's as close as you'll come to your audience, and they'll appreciate the effort. 

It's putting the humanity back into an online and fabricated "personal" experience. Though you will most likely use strategy, it's showing that there are people behind the machine. There's a reason people tune in longer to real time video-- they want life, personality, and off-the-cuff truth that doesn't come with curated content. 

Roundtable: 5 Career Women Talk 'Having It All'

March is women’s history month, and there are currently more female-owned businesses than ever before in the American workforce. "Having it all" was one of the first empowering messages that helped redefine the role of woman, but for some this cornucopia of to-dos and sea change in the workplace has complicated work-life balance.

Is it possible? Is it a myth? What is about gender roles that we can’t seem to stop talking about?

In anticipation of #CreateCultivateSXSW, we checked in with some of our panelists to find out what having it all means to the modern working woman, especially when “normal working hours can sometimes become all of the hours.” 

LET'S START WITH THE BASICS. WHAT DOES 'HAVING IT ALL' MEAN TO YOU?

Silvie Snow-Thomas, Director of Strategy, Elle Communications : 'Having it all' suggests that we can get everything in both our personal and our professional lives that we think we want at the exact time we want it.  What women have been striving for, for generations, is having the same range of opportunities to choose from as men – if a man stays late at the office for example, does he face the same pressure of getting home to his spouse or kids as he would if were a woman? 

Julie Hays Geer, Director of Partnerships, Laurel & Wolf: In terms of what it's "supposed to mean," I see it, for a woman, as being able to have a career and family simultaneously. 

Bianca Caampued, Co-Founder, Small Girls PR : 'Having it all' is being being happy with everything that you have going on in your life - both personally and professionally. When someone asks you how your day was, your answer is always, "Today was the best day ever." 

Sarah Kunst, Founder, PRODAY: It means choosing a life you want to live on your own terms. I ignore other people's definitions of 'it all' and the timelines or "how it's supposed to look" that others might want me to adopt. 'Having it all' means being happy with my life and how I fill my time day to day. If I can do that, I'm winning. 

HAS THE IDEA SHIFTED AS YOU'VE GOTTEN OLDER? FROM EARLY TWENTIES-NOW?

Gabby Etrog-Cohen, SVP PR & Brand Strategy SoulCycle: In my early twenties, 'having it all' was a great job, a sick handbag, good hair, a decent body and a boyfriend. It's funny, I don't think about having it all now.

Silvie:  As I’ve gotten older, the balance I crave has shifted toward striving for a combination of great friendships, quality time with my partner, enlightening adventures and figuring out how to excel in my career. Oh, and sleep.

Julie: My view has shifted as I've gotten older, and my perspective now is to be able to have what makes you happy - whether that's a job and family, a freelance lifestyle, or the ability to travel frequently. 

Silvie: I think an important distinction for all women is to separate the idea of 'having it all' from "having it all at the same time." 

"Separate the idea of ‘having it all' from 'having it all at the same time.’" 

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DO YOU THINK YOUR "ALL" IS SIMILAR OR DIFFERENT, TO SAY, YOUR MOTHER'S GENERATION? WHY?

Gabby: My mother worked two jobs-- she ran central intake at an inpatient mental institution and had a private psychotherapy practice at night, and was an incredible mother. So she was juggling just as many balls as I am BUT, when she was home, she was home. No emailing, no conference calls...there is a different sense of connectivity, of always-on-culture that exists today that never existed for our parents.

Silvie: My mother’s generation of women who came of age just before and after Title 9 and Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act, and they faced much more overt discrimination and blatant sexism than we younger women do.

Julie: The opportunities for women are greater now. Perhaps it's all relative, but with more opportunity there's more "all" to have. Which makes having it that much harder. 

"With more opportunity there's more 'all' to have. Which makes having it that much harder."

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Bianca: I think that having it "all" used to involve starting and supporting a family, but you can have it all without that; it depends on what your priorities are in life.

Silvie: Another thing to consider: in our mothers’ generation, there were rarely female bosses. This new(er) paradigm has begun to change things, but I think we’re all still striving for more of this storied work-life balance, and as women we still are working to end discrimination, however subtle it may be, in hiring and advancement.

Gabby: I am definitely less present with my children, sadly, then my mother was with me and I have to try really hard to disconnect when I am home. 

Sarah: My "all" is personal. It's not going to look the same as another woman's now or in the past or future. It shouldn't. When 'having it all' means "having all that someone else wants you to have," you're failing. 

DO YOU EVER FEEL THE PRESSURE OF PERFORMING BOTH GENDER ROLES SIMULTANEOUSLY?

Silvie: Overall I think the societal pressure now imposed on women (and men) to work longer hours and be essentially on-call all of the time in professional jobs, while still ensuring the quality of work is exceptional, has made work life more stressful on women whether they work in a mixed gender environment or work in a female-run firm. The way of our world is for everyone, especially if you work in client services, to work harder and to ask for more.

Julie: I didn't come from a household of gender role norms, so this isn't a mindset I grew up within. My dad ironed, both parents were home on different nights to cook dinner for the kids. I started my career in a predominantly female industry with great female role models. I recognize the issues at hand for our society, but in my day to day life I luckily don't feel this pressure. 

Bianca: By cultural definitions I guess the answer is yes, but I can be pretty androgynous in style and I think that translates to personality. I don't usually think about things falling into gender role categories - it's just a role. Societal constructs have labeled certain actions or personality traits as skewing male or female, but I'm just doing things that need to get done or based on my intuitive reaction.

Gabby: I don't really think about gender roles. I am constantly striving to be a good person. Not a good woman. 

"I am constantly striving to be a good person. Not a good woman."

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ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE TIME-MACHO CONCEPT? HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT? WHAT DO YOU THINK NEEDS TO CHANGE IN THE AMERICAN WORKPLACE FOR WOMEN?

Silvie: I am. I believe the term was coined by Anne-Marie Slaughter, who went from an academic job at Princeton to the State Department as Under Secretary for Policy for Hillary Clinton. I agree with Slaughter that the intense competition to demonstrate one’s professional value by working longer hours, having more “face time,” doing more travel, etc. is wearing professional workers down physically and mentally just as stagnant wages and on-demand scheduling is harming lower income workers.

Sarah: Some women want to be a slave to their job and some men want way more free time. The problem is finding a job and work culture that fits what you want out of life and if you do choose to work the 80+ hour workweek, making sure that you're actually producing valuable work and not just amping up face time.

Gabby: I fall prey to that as well. But the truth is, it's OK to go home, take time for yourself and then go back to work, versus staying at the office until midnight without a break. As a mother, I have learned to be incredibly resourceful with my time. I make every single minute count. I just don't have the luxury to waste time. So if I am getting a manicure, I am on a conference call at the same time.

Bianca: Boundaries are extremely important and time in the workplace isn't everything. Time in life, however, is everything. All we really have is time, and it's precious and should be protected, not racked up as a currency for worth in the workplace.

"Time is precious and should be protected, not racked up as a currency for worth in the workplace."

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Sarah: We need room for much more broad roles in society and work than "men love working and women want time off to see their families." We need to allow everyone to be their real selves at work and have the roles and flexibility that allow for more than one kind of job or worker. 

Silvie: I think a lot of my friends in the same age bracket have been working like this since we were in our early 20s. In the U.S. the number of salaried workers clocking 50 or more house per week has grown steadily since the 1970s when 9-5, 40-hour work weeks were the norm.

Bianca: I don't believe that putting in more time or all-nighters in the workplace means more value.

Silvie: The technology we have today allows for a great flexibility, but the flip side of that is "normal working hours" can sometimes become all of the hours. Here’s one thing I’ve learned slash have been forced to understand: sleep is crucial to clear thinking, and to keeping your passion and energy levels high.

Bianca: The most important thing is trying to manage time so you're not putting in all of those additional hours at work, yet are still maintaining productivity, while allowing space for your personal needs.

IS WORK-LIFE BALANCE A REALITY OR MYTH IN OUR ON-DEMANDS WORK ECONOMY?

Julie: I like to think of it more as needing to have a separation between the two vs. a balance.

Silvie: I wonder often, is there a way we can change the mindset in this fast-paced economy and always-connected life to concentrate first and foremost on people’s long-term health and to ensure continued creativity? Can we measure productivity and product quality differently to ensure continued success but also to ensure peace of mind? 

Julie: When you spend 5 out of 7 days each week at a job, that's not balance.

Bianca: I often say it doesn't exist, from my own personal experience, but there is a part of me that has hope it is real.

Julie: Striving to not always bring your work home with you, or taking time to shut down and live your life without checking your email on the weekends, that separation can be a reality.

Gabby: There is no such thing as work-life balance. At least, I don't think so. There is integration. Some days I bring my kids to work. Some days I have conference calls from home. Some days I am failing as a mom, some days I am failing at work and some days I am failing at everything! But, then there are those days when you think, damn, I can actually do this. 

Sarah: For those not in poverty, work-life balance is more about the choices we make and relentlessly pursuing the life and lifestyle we want. Balance doesn't mean a 9-5 job for most of us, it means having the space to be human.

"Balance doesn't mean a 9-5 job for most of us, it means having the space to be human."

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Arianna Schioldager is Create & Cultivate's editorial director. You can find her on IG @ariannawrotethis and more about her at www.ariannawrotethis.com