Wanna Be a Blogger? Rocky Barnes Shares 9 Inspiring Ways to Help

photo credit: Jessica Bordner Photography 

With almost a million followers on IG and years of blogging under her fashionable belt, Cali-bred Rocky Barnes knows a thing or 9 about how to build a following. "People want to see your fashionable life," she told the audience at our first Style Summit at Sawgrass Mills. We've got the 9 ways she's suggests doing so. 

So go ahead, have your own Super Bowl Sunday-- building your career.

1. "Some brands will elevate you, and vice versa. It's all about finding the right match when collaborating.

2. "There's always something you can do, and you have to find what platform works best for you."

3. "Quality over quantity, you don't have to stick to keeping up with the Joneses in social media."

4. "Instagram is a good archive for your content. It's not a home for all of your content."

Tweet this.

5. "Do what you feel is cool, forget about the likes. It's a bigger picture idea of what you want your world to look like."

photo credit: Jessica Bordner Photography

6. "I believe in the block and delete policy."

7. "Don't get lost in what other people are doing."

8."Don't take anything personally, because it's not about you."

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9. "You are the creator of your own world. Give your audience a view into it through your social media." 

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

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

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

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

1. SHARE YOUR IDEAS 

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

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

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

Tweet this.

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

2. THE TECH ADDICTION IS REAL 

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

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

photo credit: Josh Escueta

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

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

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

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

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

5. ABANDON DANGEROUS THINKING 

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

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

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

photo credit: Josh Escueta

5. ACCEPT 'VICES' 

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

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

6. WITHOUT RISK... NO REWARD

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

"You gotta give up to gain." 

Tweet this.

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

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

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The 5 Key Blogger Takeaways from Our First Style Summit

Photo by Jessica Bordner

What a 2017 it’s been for us at C&C! And it’s only January.

Last week alone, we launched our first ever Create & Cultivate 100 list, and then hopped on a plane to Florida for our very first Create & Cultivate Style Summit at The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills.

If you couldn't make it to Fort Lauderdale and missed out on Saturday’s Style Summit (and the amazing florals thanks to Designs by Darenda), we’ve culled some of the best tips from our amazing panelists. From how to utilize your Instagram feed as a business medium, to creating a brand and a business as an influencer, to diving into doing fashion full time.

IF YOU WANT TO BLOG FULL TIME, YOU HAVE TO GIVE IT TIME.

Contrary to what the outside world may think, blogging= not so simple. You don’t get 100K followers overnight, and brands don’t come running to partner with you because you own a blog.

Although they have established large followings, many of the bloggers from Saturday, including Stephanie Hill of The Style Bungalow, Nikole Powers of In High Demand, and Symphani Soto are still looking to grow their followings.

And getting to where they are has taken considerable time. “You have to give it time and invest the time and energy in creating good content and creating a great brand,” says Stephanie. “It doesn’t come easy.”

USE YOUR REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE AND APPLY IT TO YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Blogging full time may be a dream job for many, but for many influencers it started as a side hustle. Use this to your advantage. How?

For those starting out, a rule of thumb to follow is to absorb as much knowledge as possible, which seems obvious, but success is in the details. Pay careful attention to how your current role might help inform your business strategies as a blogger. Also be sure to cultivate relationships and don’t burn bridges.

“The industry is very small,” says Kristen Leahy of Fancy Things Blog. “I’ve applied my knowledge I’ve learned in the PR industry to running my blog, and the connections I’ve made have helped me grow my blog as well.”

Gorgeous florals by Designs by Darenda. 

ALIGN WITH PARTNERSHIPS THAT MAKE SENSE FOR YOUR BRAND

Making money. At the end of the day, that’s also what blogging is about. And when you’re first getting started it’s very tempting to say “yes” to dollars. Forget outfits, you need to pay rent.

However, when you’re building a brand, you want to make sure that you are committing to a collaboration that will help your brand in the end. “When working with a brand, you have to think whether they’re going to help or hurt your brand,” says Nikole Powers.

Also, it’s not all about the money. Keep in mind that you’re also creating brand that is a reflection of who you are. “If you become a blogger just to make a lot of money,” says Stephanie Hill, “this gig is not for you.”

In short: “Don’t be a sellout,” says Natalie Suarez, who took a moment in between dropping knowledge to hit the Sideshow Booth with sister Dylana (see below) and snap a few shots.  

INVEST TIME IN MAKING A MEDIA KIT

While your website and your social media channels serve as an archive for all the amazing content that you have created, when you’re looking to grow your brand and establish a professional presence, you have to invest time in creating a media kit.

All the girls on panel this weekend have created their own media kits, whether they made it from scratch or bought a template on Etsy to help them start. And it’s also not rocket science if you feel intimidated by creating one.

“My media kit is simple and states the facts. Report impressive numbers, add beautiful imagery that you already have on your blog, and showcase notable collabs,” says Stephanie Hill. “Also, make it as easy as possible for brands and potential collaborators to read your deck. They don’t have time to read essays.”

Natalie and Dylana Suarez in the Sideshow Booth. 

BUILD CONTENT TO YOUR OWN STANDARDS, NOT ANYONE ELSE’S, AND STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF

Last, but certainly not least, the one key to creating a brand as an influencer is to make sure that you’re creating YOUR OWN BRAND. Blogging is a very competitive field, to say the least, so you have to make sure that your content is able to stand out and not blend into what everyone else is doing.

“Don’t build your content to live up to everyone else’s standard. Do you,” says Kristin Clark of Living In Color Print. If you tune out of what everyone else is doing, you can create amazing content on your own. “Be inspired by others, but always make sure you are always doing you,” as Nikole Powers would say.

What were your favorite takeaways from Create & Cultivate Style Summit this weekend? Let us know below!

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

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

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

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

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

Who has influenced you most?

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

What is your definition of excellence?

Your own version of getting it right.

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

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

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

7 Tips to Doing Influencer Integrations the Right Way

Living In Color Print

Working with influencers is an essential part of growing your brand—they can help spread awareness, garner press and introduce you to a new audience. Here, our partner DBA —a digital talent agency that reps some of the top talent in the influencer sphere—put together some tips for building great partnerships and successful relationships that will keep everyone happy.

1. Identify goals for your campaign: Setting goals is one of the easiest ways to ensure your brand’s relationship with any influencer is a smooth one and most importantly, a productive one. Be it brand awareness, product sales or heightened engagement, make sure you have a clear outline of what it is you are trying to accomplish before the start of any campaign.

"Have a clear outline of what it is you are trying to accomplish before the start of any campaign."

Tweet this.

2. Investigate before you jump: Do your homework. Ask for media kits, and consider influencers and content creators who have a track record of helping brands reach their goals.

3. Mind the Details: When you do your initial outreach, have as many details ready to share as possible. This helps avoid surprises and keeps all parties on the same page.

4. Set a timeline: Timing is everything and that is especially true when working with influencers. Always be sure that your contract outlines set times for content previewing and posting. And don’t forget to be specific about which time zone the deadline lives in.

5. Provide a briefing document: A brief creates sets the guidelines so creativity can flourish and it’s a very necessary tool when working in the influencer space. Make sure your brief includes:
• All image requirements (do assets need to be in portrait or landscape?)
• Styling directions
• Share copy guidelines (key messaging, hashtags/tags, FTC disclosures)
• Do’s and Don'ts (do they need to avoid competitive products? does the outfit need to be head-to-toe? can talent use affiliate links?)

"A brief creates sets the guidelines so creativity can flourish and it’s a very necessary tool when working in the influencer space."

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6. Understand your influencer’s creative lens: When you work with influencers, you do so to capture their unique spin on your product or service, so keep in mind their voice and the types of content they are known to produce. Most importantly be sure to identify the style of post you are envisioning (collage board, personal style post, etc.)

7. Set up a kickoff call: This should be done before any work is done by the influencer.

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3 Steps to Hone Your Professional Speaking Skills

 “Well, you see, ummm, I just think that if we were to…”

Do you ever sound like this? Unsure of yourself and hesitant when you try to communicate in a professional setting? When you begin your career it can be tough to find your voice as a young professional. Conversing confidently in our personal lives is an accomplishment in and of itself, never mind the added pressure of the boardroom!

As a young woman starting out in the workforce, I have made my fair share of mistakes when communicating and have identified areas to improve. However, I’ve also found methods that work to speak in a voice that is true to you. Keeping these suggestions in mind will help you to grow and develop your style so you can best present yourself throughout your career.  

THINK ABOUT YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE

While communicating in a professional setting is certainly different than an everyday chat, this is where the root of your voice is found. Being a professional does not mean that you have to give up your signature sense of humor or your penchant for using words like “penchant”. In fact, when you tune into your natural tendencies you can better communicate your ideas and make connections because you are not preoccupied with what you think you should be saying.

KEEP YOUR AUDIENCE IN MIND

Just as you wouldn’t talk to your grandmother exactly as you talk to your friends, the same goes for your professional life. As young career women transitioning to the working world we have to get our bearings and understand the difference between a talk by the water cooler and a strategy session with management. Although it may seem obvious, we have to avoid being too familiar too quickly.

I learned this lesson when I first entered a new position and was going through training with my team. The extensive time we spent together allowed us to become comfortable and build a lighthearted rapport. When I interacted with my supervisor I was inclined to make jokes and behave as I had with my coworkers. After seeing his taken aback reaction, however, I realized that while it was perfectly acceptable to speak that way with my team, it was not an appropriate way to communicate with my supervisor. You have to look at the foundation you have laid with someone and should generally be more formal if you are unsure.

DON’T LET YOUR AGE DISSUADE YOU

As we are just starting out in our careers it can be difficult and downright nerve-wracking to voice our opinions and take a metaphorical and literal seat at the table. After all, we are new to the game, doing our best to build positive relationships, and don’t want to be the young person who said the “wrong” thing. What we must realize is that we were hired (or are making it as entrepreneurs for all of my self-starters out there!) for a reason: because we have experiences and skills that make us valuable and enable us to contribute productively to our organization. It is up to us to believe this and to act accordingly.

When you are struck with thoughts like, “I’m too young/inexperienced/new to the field for my comments to be valued,” it is essential to reframe your mindset. Appreciate that your fresh eyes and different life experience will bring up points that may not otherwise have been realized. Additionally, if you speak in a clear and concise manner I can promise you that the focus will be on your ideas, not your age.

When I was recently meeting with a manager in my organization (who I admire and aspire to be like) and her entire team, I was hesitant to make suggestions and speak up. I feared that if I said something that wasn’t well received in front of these senior leaders I would look bad and my qualifications would be questioned. However, I decided that the alternative of keeping quiet and missing an opportunity to add value would be far worse. When I shared my idea it was met with enthusiasm and I ended up taking a larger role on the project because of it. While every instance will not work out in this way (believe me, I’ve had my fair share of ideas that have been passed over), it is better to believe in yourself and speak up than to let your age be a deterrent.

If we want to be established and effective professionals, we must be true to ourselves, mindful of any situation we are in, and confident (never cocky!) in our abilities.

* * *

How do you foster a mindset that allows you to professionally contribute? What tips do you have for other women they define their voice?

This piece originally appeared on Career Contessa.    

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6 Quick and Dirty Tips for Marketing Yourself

photo credit: Bloguettes 

Are you looking to grow your following in 2017? Here are 6 quick easy to follow tips. 

1. BUILD TRUST

If you’re asking yourself what’s more important going viral or a steady band of dedicated users, think on this:

Exposure is great. It can make you feel like you’re doing something right and the world is catching on for good reason. But exposure can also leave you bare naked in the public eye with no plan to backup your following. Trust is the most important element to growing exposure and that doesn’t usually happen with a viral hit. You want to grow your influence steadily, giving your followers a reason to stick with you, not give you a 15-second-of-fame career.

2. MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY

If trust builds brand loyalty, than consistency builds brand recognition. According to Lauren Hooker, founder of Elle & Co, “recognition is key to branding. It's why we automatically think of Chipotle when we see a foil-wrapped burrito or Apple when we hear Siri's voice or an iPhone ringtone. These businesses don't switch things up regularly; they maintain consistency across all of the visual and invisible components of their brand.”

She advises, to “choose fonts, colors, and imagery and use them over and over again. Over time, people will begin to associate those design elements with your business and easily recognize your graphics.”

“Consistency,” adds Lauren, “also makes your brand appear professional.” Speaking of…

3. ALWAYS APPEAR PROFESSIONAL

We turn to Lauren again for this, who says, “First impressions are huge; they can make all the difference between someone taking you seriously or writing you off. If you're just starting your business, you don't have to look like you just started your business.”

4. DON’T EXPECT INSTAGRAM TO DO IT ALL FOR YOU

Instagram is an amazing tool that can broadcast your brand to millions of people. That’s the goal after all. But it’s not a magic app.

Instagram is the connector, it’s not the business. Use it wisely (and maintain consistency), but if you want to market yourself, you need to cast your net wider. There are a TON of fish in the Instagram sea and you need the social platform to funnel back into something else.

"Instagram is the connector, it’s not the business."

Tweet this. 

Whether it is a website, a service, or a product there needs to be something. Especially if you want to build out your brand to do more than schlock products in paid posts.

5. PARTICIPATE IN OFFLINE EVENTS

A like will never replace a handshake. And in many ways, they are not even comparable. You can pay your rent with a like, but you can bank on an IRL relationship. That means, attending conferences, like the upcoming Create & Cultivate New York, where you meet with like-minded professionals. Or pitch yourself to companies to speak on panels.

6. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR COMPETITION

Marketing yourself isn't solely about you. You can't change the game if you're standing in one place. While an authentic brand is a successful brand, you also need to have a leg up on the competition. That means keeping in tune with what they're doing. 

Fine tune your marketing efforts as you go. Pay attention to their audiences and see what they want and how you can provide a better service or product to them. Learn from their mistakes, and know that you can do much better.

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How to Rejoin the Workforce After Extended Time Off

Courtesy of Bloguettes

Figuring out how to get back into the workforce after extended time off can be frustrating. Many jobs want to hire candidates with recent work experience, and if you don’t have that, the job application process can be extremely daunting.

While it may appear as if you’re stuck in a perpetual state of unemployment, there are many ways to get back into the workforce after extended time off.

STAY ACTIVE 

Even if you’re not working for profit, one of the most important things to do when you’re trying to get back into the workforce after extended time off is to stay active. Start volunteering at a local charity or at local businesses/community centers.

When you have a large employment gap and you’re looking for a job, the worst thing you could do is sit around. Staying active in your community will give you something to put on your resume and it will help you network. You never know who you’ll meet and who will notice your work ethic. A recent government study found that volunteering is associated with 27% higher odds of employment.

Volunteering isn’t only about networking, but it gives you something current to put on your resume. If your last position ended years ago, your resume may often get overlooked simply because of the fact that there is nothing current on it. However, if you start volunteering, you can use that to fill in the time where you weren’t working. Even if you volunteer once a week or once a month for a span of time, you can use that to fill in employment gaps.

NETWORK

According to studies done by Glass Door, referrals are associated with a 2.6 to 6.6 percent higher chance of an accepted job offer. Reach out to recruiters, friends, and industry professionals to put the word out there that you’re looking for a position. Often people won't know that you’re in the market for a new role, and if they don’t know, they can’t help you. It’s a very small world, and you never know who might have an industry connection or information on an upcoming availability. 

Go out and get coffee with friends or family in your industry. Pick their brain and ask if they have any suggestions for how to brush up on your skills and get back into the workforce after extended time off. They may know of an opportunity which you can use to boost your resume or skill set.

Similarly, reach out to recruiters. People seem to have this notion that it’s better to get a job on your own instead of working with a recruiter, however, it is the complete opposite. Recruiters often have inside knowledge on positions that haven’t been posted to the public. They also have direct interaction with hiring managers and will be able to get your resume in front of someone immediately. How do you get in touch with a recruiter? Do a simple google search or look for recruiters on LinkedIn. Recruiters are always looking for strong candidates, so if you can reach out and highlight your motivation or skills, they will almost always be willing to help with your job search.

TAKE A CLASS

Are you volunteering and networking but still find yourself with extra time on your hands? Take the opportunity to learn a new skill or brush up on old skills by taking a course. If you want to get out of the house and have somewhere to go, look into community college courses. Don’t want to make that sort of commitment? Go for online courses which you can do at your own pace.

Platforms such as Lynda.com charge a small monthly fee and offer courses in many different areas. They’re all video based and let you take your time to finish them at your convenience. Aside from giving you something to do, this gives you the opportunity to add more to your resume. Have you noticed that a lot of the positions you want to apply for require knowledge of a specific software? Look it up and watch a tutorial video so you can put that you’re familiar with the software on your resume!

EXPLORE CONTRACT OR TEMP POSITIONS:

While there seems to be a negative connotation with the words “temporary” and “contract,” these positions can open many doors for you. Contract and/or temporary work can help you in 4 main ways:

• It will give you current work to put on your resume
• It gives you immediate income while you’re searching for a long term position
• It lets you network with industry professionals
• It gives you the opportunity to show off your capabilities

There is truly no downside to temporary work. While it’s not always smart to take a position in an industry or path you’re not interested in, temporary work gives you the opportunity to explore your options and networking opportunities.

__________

While it may be intimidating and daunting, there are many ways to get back into the workforce after extended time off. The most important things are to stay active and highlight your skills and abilities. Don’t be stagnant and wallow in your sorrows. Take charge of your life, get out there, and make something happen!

A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.

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How to Throw a Beautiful Boss Bridal Shower

photo by Jessica Bordner Photography

I've been engaged for the past year to my incredible fiance and it's been an interesting journey with many lessons learned, one of which I wasn't expecting--I'm not great at being a bride. I love throwing parties, hosting events and putting together our conferences, I'm not great at sitting opening gifts and playing the role of the blushing bride-to-be. Don't get me wrong I am so excited about getting married but I know one thing -- I'm better at being the boss than being the bride. 

However, going through all the traditions - my bachelorette and now my bridal party -- I've really enjoyed spending time with the amazing women in my life; hearing their stories of marriage, kids, career especially spanning generations. When we started planning the bridal shower, I told my sister I really wanted to work with all female-owned businesses and vendors -- this is something I have made a priority over the past several years, and it's been awesome getting to know so many incredibly talented women.

photo by Jessica Bordner Photography

For my dress, I teamed up with Megan, owner of Lighthouse Bridal and letterpress design in Fort Lauderdale (we met via her email to C&C!). Her selection was incredible featuring brands such as Daughters of Simone and Alexandra Grecco. We landed on me wearing the Farrah from Stone Fox Bride. For all the South Florida brides this is a must stop.

We also worked with Rockstar Catering owned by Rachel Pintarelli, a total boss babe, to come up with a super fun menu. The food and mimosa station was adorned with calligraphy menu's by Natalia from Papel & Co. The lush and bright florals ran across the entire table were orchestrated by Beth from Southern Floral Company and we had incredible succulents courtesy of Shop Succulent owned by Jessica De Gennaro .

The  bridal gift boxes filled with customized treats were from the owner and creator of Chic Sweets, Natalie Clamp. The styling and set up came together with the help Lauren Stewart of Urban Vintage. Guests sat family style at the handmade farm tables by Pat Ryan Designs, adorned with chairs and vintage rentals from husband and wife duo at True Love Decor. The boho antique screen served as a backdrop for opening gifts and was created by the talented Kathy Peterson Inspired. 

photo by Jessica Bordner Photography

Want more? The ladies at One Hundred Layer Cake have even more images and details about the tips and tricks that went into the event. 

The 31-Day Career Detox Every Woman Can Accomplish

Poketo

THESE ARE REAL RESOLUTIONS. NOT THE KIND THAT YOU MAKE JANUARY 1 ONLY TO DROP THEM BY MID-FEBRUARY. THESE ARE THE ATTAINABLE, SMALL-SCALE, REALISTIC COMMITMENTS EVERY WOMAN CAN MAKE TO CLEAN UP HER CAREER.

You can use this list in one of several ways. You can commit to completing one goal every day, going in the order we've suggested. Or you can print it out and cross each one off in any random order that suits your schedule. You can even tackle a handful of these in one Saturday. It's really a buyer's market—pick the process that suits you.

By the way, this isn't like your typical green juice detox, where eating a rice cake constitutes falling off the wagon. You're not required to finish every one of the items on this list or to start over if you miss one. Because think about it: even if you only manage to complete five or six of these tasks, you've still made major strides toward an easier and more fulfilling career path. Ready? 

31 DAYS, 1 ACTION ITEM PER DAY

1. Let's start easy: don't open Instagram today.

2. Go through your LinkedIn connections and remove anyone you don't recognize or no longer have a real and useful connection with.

3. Find your current resume and cover letter templates on your computer and organize them all into one folder on your desktop. Delete any outdated versions by searching "resume" in your files.

4. Send "touch base" emails to eight people in your network. Because everyone's pleased when you wish them a Happy New Year. 

5. Unsubscribe from three newsletters you no longer open. But maybe also sign up for Career Contessa's emails to keep the useful career advice coming.

6. Set aside a full hour to take an online class. There are plenty of courses you can find for free on different topics—even watching a handful of YouTube videos on a work-related topic can't hurt—or you can go nuts and sign up for a Skillshare membership to enroll in as many courses as you like.

7. Turn off push notifications on your phone for 24 hours. Then consider keeping them off for a week.

8. Install those pesky yet recommended Macbook updates. And, hey, update your phone while you're at it. 

9. Plan a girl date and don't talk about work. 

10. Plan another girl date and don't talk smack about any other woman, even if she's your most obnoxious coworker. 

11. Reread your LinkedIn summary. Is it still accurate for your 2017 goals? Is it too long? Just for the challenge, cut one full sentence from it. (For the overachiever, watch our LinkedIn Optimization webinar)

12. Good morning! Before you open Instagram or your work email, spend 15 minutes reading for fun. 

13. Update your resume. Cut down any descriptions of older positions that aren't related to your current career goals. 

14. Set an alarm clock instead of using your phone because tonight, you're leaving your phone in another room. 

15. Delete any apps you haven't used in the last month.

16. Practice saying "No." It's much harder than you think. Start by watching our webinar. 

17. Clean and organize your desk. 

18. Call a strong woman in your life (moms are great, as are grandmothers, but so are retiree neighbors and/or formal mentors) and talk to them about how they found their path.

19. Really figure out your monthly budget. 

20. Get outside. 

21. Unfollow people on Facebook who post political rants or comments that upset you, especially after the year we've had. It's both an emotional drain and undermining your creative productivity. 

22. Write a letter to yourself about your goals and plan to reread it next January. 

Write a letter to yourself about your goals and plan to reread it next January.

Tweet this.

23. Clean out your closet. Give any old work clothes to Goodwill—especially the ones you never wear but keep because they were expensive.

24. Chances are you've got some time off saved up from last year so brainstorm your next vacation. It doesn't have to be far away or long. If you're feeling particularly daring, plan a vacation you take alone. 

25. Organize your work and personal email folders. 

26. Change up your commute. 

27. Sign up for a class or watch a TED talk on a topic you've never explored before. Taking a basket weaving class counts.

28. Eat vegetarian today and/or pack a wholesome lunch. 

29. Connect with an old coworker for lunch or a drink. Ask them if there's anything you can do to help them.

30. Reach out to someone about an informational interview. 

31. Start a work journal. 

What are some other tasks you'd like to complete this January?

This piece originally appeared on Career Contessa.

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Dear College Graduate: Don't Rush It

Monica Friese

Graduating from college is such an exciting milestone. After earning our diplomas, there’s a whole brand new world out there ahead of us, one that’s equal parts exciting and daunting. On one hand, we’re filled with an entirely new sense of freedom: we’ve made it through the education system and landed on our feet, ready to make our mark in the real world. We can move to a new city or find a great job or hone a new skill (and there’s no more homework!).

On the other hand, we feel a sense of fear threatening to encroach on our good graduation vibes: from paying bills to finding a job we really love, we suddenly feel overwhelmed by how much there is to do, how much remains to be accomplished. Though we might feel overwhelmed by all that lies ahead, we think there’s value in taking things slowly by easing into the real world with patience and grace.

Check out some of our thoughts below, and chime in in the comments section with ways you’ve been able to transition into life after college.

ENJOY THE PROCESS

It can be challenging to even know where to start as we’re looking for jobs after graduation. We’ve always been taught that we can achieve any goal we aspire to fulfill, and while that encouragement is so helpful and valuable, it can also set us up with expectations that are just a bit too high.

While it’s true that we can (and will!) do anything we dream about doing, it’s inevitably going to take time (and lots of hard work) to reach our goals. The end result won’t just fall into our laps; we have to work hard to make our dreams become our realities. So instead of becoming intimidated by all that lies ahead, let’s try to enjoy each step of the way. Let’s practice gratitude for the small stepping-stones that shape our characters and prepare us for the future. Let’s celebrate little victories and revel in the small things that help bring us one step closer to achieving our goals. Let’s treat our selves on the days that we finish a project or come to the aid of a coworker or make our boss swell with pride as a result of our work.

Let’s enjoy the process and find joy in the skills that we learn along the way.

WALK THROUGH OPEN DOORS

We’re often presented with opportunities that don’t necessarily sound like the perfect fit for our lives. Instead of turning away from these chances, let’s take a minute to contemplate them and the positive effect they could have on our journeys.

When I graduated from Pepperdine University, my mentor set up several interviews to help me find a full-time job. While I appreciated the effort he put into orchestrating these opportunities, many of the job roles were not in my field of interest. However, I attended the interviews anyway and found immense value in walking through the open doors that were made available to me. I gained valuable skills by participating in these interviews and found connections that ultimately led me to another job, one that made me come alive in ways I never dreamed possible.

But I wouldn’t have found that job if I hadn’t walked through numerous doors beforehand. I had to put in the time and the effort and, ultimately, I had to trust the process. I had to have faith that if I kept moving, then the right opportunity would land in my path. Instead of remaining stagnant and still, I needed to be in motion and approach opportunities in stride, regardless of whether or not I viewed them as the perfect fit for my life.

I had to put in the time and the effort and, ultimately, I had to trust the process.

Tweet this.

The process reminded me that I truly didn’t know what was best for me; instead, I needed to embrace the wild ride I was on and realize that there was so much goodness in store, more than I could ever have planned for myself.

COLLECT NEW SKILLS

While we may dream of being a top player in our field of interest, it will take us time to get to exactly where we want to be. So in the meantime, we can work on honing skills that will equip us to achieve our goals. It’s a fact of life that at some point or another we will get stuck in a job that isn’t exactly what we’d hoped it would be, so we need to find unconventional ways to learn and stretch and grow while we’re there.

Instead of focusing on the things we dislike about a particular season or job role, let’s identify ways in which our current status can help prepare us for the future. Let’s embrace a less-than-ideal job by utilizing our time in productive ways: by forming great relationships with our coworkers, by learning a new skill, by making new contacts in our industry, by demonstrating that we can keep our chins up even when things aren’t perfect. All of these things will help shape us into the adults we were meant to become, ultimately paving the way for success in future roles that will lead us to our dream job.

Where do you find encouragement when you’re in a job that’s less than perfect? What tips do you have for transitioning from college to the real world?

This piece originally appeared on Darling Magazine.

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Is It Time For a Social Media Detox?

photo credit: Silke Labson 

Written by: Karin Eldor

Kanye, Kim, RiRi, and the Biebs have all done it. And now Gigi is the latest celebrity to add to the list. Hot off the heels of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and being crowned “Model of the Year,” Gigi Hadid announced she was unplugging from social media for a month, as an empowering move to live her life out of the spotlight and cope with anxiety.

Although we’d love to see NYE pics of Gigi and fam, we’re giving that a “like.” Or more like a “love” plus a string of heart emojis.

It’s enough to make us wonder: is taking a social media hiatus necessary for our well-being too (and not just for those of us with millions of followers)? And what better time to start thinking about this than with a new year in sight?

IS SHARING REALLY CARING?

TBH, there’s a lot to love about social media. There’s the sense of community and sharing that social media offers. It’s an integral part of building and cultivating a business and a brand.  It’s a strong networking tool to connect with others and share recent wins, and it’s a great way to stay on the pulse of trending topics and buzzwords. Besides, where else are you going to see updates of the Evil Kermit meme?

But despite all its strengths, it seems like social media is doing more harm than good. Teen Vogue and several other publications have been reporting about the correlation between social media and mental health -- and the stats aren’t pretty.

In its article about social media and depression, Teen Vogue featured this troubling stat: “In a survey of 1,787 adults between 19 and 32, researchers found that people who used social media the most were ‘significantly’ more likely to be depressed. People who used it the least, on the other hand, were the least likely to be depressed.”

If this isn’t scary AF enough for you, then shoutout to FOMO and negative vibes for making social media seem even less appealing.

Maybe in order to grow professionally and lean in, you need to log off. Here are five reasons to unplug RN:

IT CONSUMES YOU

You know the drill: checking your social media feeds is the first and last thing you do, every day. (Holler if you’re guilty of scrolling Snapchat while in the bathroom. We’re keeping it between us; pinky swear.)

"Maybe in order to grow professionally and lean in, you need to log off."

Tweet this. 

And the worst part is, even when you’re not on social media, a post you saw earlier seeps into your mind, hours later. This is no way to be your most productive self!

We love this quote from life coach Marie Forleo, whose brand of badassery gives us life: “Don’t confuse getting inspired with getting things done. Create before you consume.”

You might claim to be creeping social media for inspiration, but at a certain point, you need to just get off and get shit done.

Pro tip: Start your morning by creating, no matter what this looks like for you. Whether it means gratitude journaling or drafting a pitch, let the sparks fly. Slow your scroll and opt for a more mindful approach to your morning and nighttime routine.

IT CAUSES COMPARISON 

As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to constantly compare yourself to others, which can make it hard to focus. Social media becomes an open forum, begging for people to post their accomplishments, aha moments and big wins. Don’t get sucked in.

Freeing yourself of social media will force you to focus your energy on you—and you alone. It will shift the power from posting to thriving; from growing your social media fan base to growing your talents and expertise. It will create that space you might be craving, so that when you do return to social media, you’ll be looking at it with a refreshed lens.

IT CREATES ANXIETY

After a not-so-sweet ‘16, our Facebook feeds seem to be populated with more hate than love, more #DividedWeStand rather than #StrongerTogether.

Here’s the irony: while social media was intended to bring people together, it can also sever relationships. All it takes is a shady post from someone in your network to give you second thoughts about that person IRL. So even a virtual action can impact a relationship, for better or for worse. And this in itself is exhausting.

If the doom and gloom on Facebook and Twitter become too draining to bear, a social media hiatus might be the solution. While it’s important to stay informed, you can still get your daily news from other sources. The news will find you. Trust. If you’re concerned, sign up to a site like theSkimm or check in to your fave news sites throughout the day (morning, lunch and evening). And bonus: we’ve got you covered with our “Links We Love” every Friday.

IT FEEDS FOMO

If the hate-filled rhetoric and constant clap backs aren’t enough, how about the FOMO-inducing pics of a squad weekend in Palm Springs (giant pool inflatables included)?

It’s natural to fear missing out and in a sadistic way, you might scroll your feeds knowing it creates pangs of sadness and jealousy. Taking a break will free yourself of this guilty pleasure and will eventually help you feel JOMO: the joy of missing out.

IT'S A DISTRACTION

Put simply: social media is a distraction. Can you imagine all the time you would win back from your life if you stopped looking at others’ posts and stopped hitting refresh to see how many new notifications you received?

I don’t know about you guys, but when I’m in the mood to procrastinate, I turn to social media. And as it turns out, it’s my greatest enemy.

"When I’m in the mood to procrastinate, I turn to social media-- it’s my greatest enemy."

Tweet this. 

So maybe it’s time to add a social media detox to your list of other resolutions. It will force you to get to work rather than snapping about it. Be militant and remove the apps from your phone if that helps. And if a month is too drastic, try a week without social media and see how that feels.  

Your future self will thank you.

Karin Eldor is a coffee-addicted copywriter, with a long-time love for all things pop culture, fashion, and tech. Ever since she got her first issues of YM (remember that one?) and Seventeen in the mail, she was hooked on the world of editorial content. After earning her Communications degree, she spent 6 years honing her craft as a Senior Editor for AskMen.com. More recently, Karin enjoyed gramming and strategizing as Social Media Manager at ALDO. Today, she is Chief Content Writer at 818 Agency and a social media consultant. 

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How to Apply for Out of State Jobs in 2017

photo credit: Lovely Indeed

If your plans for 2017 include a move, here’s how to apply for out of state jobs. There seems to be a common fear of applying to out of state jobs, but it’s actually fairly simple. The best way to apply for out of state jobs is to apply as if you were in state. What does this mean? Keep reading to find out!

FIX THE HEADER ON YOUR RESUME

The first mistake many people make is that they don’t change the header of their resume. The first step to applying for out of state jobs is to change up your header so it reflects the location where you’re applying to. No need to include an address, but if you’re applying for jobs in Boulder, Colorado, include “Boulder, CO” in place of your current address. 

Employers often shy away from out of state or long distance candidates because they simply don’t want to deal with travel/ or potential relocation costs, and want to start scheduling interviews quickly. Eliminate the opportunity for employers to write you off because of your location when initially reading your resume by applying as if you were in-state.

The way I always explain it to clients is this: If it comes up, be transparent and explain that you’re going to relocate, however there’s no need to give people the opportunity to pass you up because of your location.

"There’s no need to give people the opportunity to pass you up because of your location."

Tweet this. 

If a company feels that you’re the right candidate for the job, location won’t matter. 

DO THE RESEARCH

This territory comes with applying for any job, but it’s especially important when you’re applying out of state. Because you’re going to have to relocate for the position, you need to show recruiters and/or hiring managers why you’re worth the hassle, and why you really want the position.

Do your research on the company and job so you can include company specific information in both your resume and cover letter. A great way to do this is to find an area which you believe the company can improve and discuss how you feel you can improve it for them.

BUDGET WISELY 

If you’re applying for out of state positions, you need to be ready to hop on a plane (or jump in the car) and get there for an interview. If you reached out and applied for an out of state job, it’s your responsibility to pay the cost of travel and relocation.

If a company is pursuing you, meaning they reached out first, you can expect cost of travel and relocation to be covered, however if it’s the other way around, it’s all on you. The easiest way to ruin your chances of landing an out of state job is to be fussy and unaccommodating. If you want to land a job (and move) out of state, you need to be ready to jump at the opportunity. If a company feels like you’re too much of a hassle or that you’re not willing to make the necessary arrangements, they will likely go with another candidate (probably a local choice).

________

2017 is a new year and holds new opportunities. If those opportunities include a big move, learn how to apply for out of state jobs the right way. The best way to apply for out of state jobs is to act as if you’re a local candidate, show potential employers why you’re the solution to their problem(s), and be ready to jump at any opportunity. 

When applying for any job, it’s important to show employers why you want the position and why you’ll be the best fit, however when you’re applying to out of state jobs, it’s even more crucial. If you can’t show employers that you’re worth the risk of hiring someone in another state, you won’t be able to land the job. The bottom line is that you need to show employers that you’re willing to do anything to get the position. Show them this and you’ll be good to go!

A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.

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The Time-Management Survival Guide for the Busy Woman

You’ve finally made it! You’ve worked your butt off to get to this point and now it feels like everyone and I mean everyone is counting on you. The worst part is that now you seem to have NO TIME to enjoy any of it ‘cuz you’re so franticly trying to keep a billion and a half balls in the air. You’ve tried just about every organizing technique ever created and often beat yourself up for not fitting in that relaxing cup of hot coffee right after your 20 minute morning meditation and yoga practice followed by a productive and fulfilling day with your hair, makeup, and outfit looking chic and finishing the day with a delicious and healthy dinner and quality time spent with your loving partner. Ah, to be a woman that only exists in the movies.

Don’t worry, there is hope... and lots of it.

The secret is that Time isn’t a thing to be managed. WTF?!? I know, right.

Time is just a form of measurement and those pesky clocks just keep ticking no matter how much we try to control them. Our relationship with it is what we have control over. If you’re on the edge of throwing a mini-tantrum I totally get it. As a fellow passionately multi-hyphenate who desperately wants to feel in control of some part of her life it took me a bit of kicking and screaming to come around to be willing to try a new approach since my current one left me exhausted and frustrated. So without further adieu here are three (not time consuming and hugely effective) ways to change your relationship with time.

RADICAL ACCEPTANCE

Radical acceptance is accepting life on life’s terms. You know those weeks when you map out exactly what you’re going to get done over the next couple of days and then your car breaks down or your son gets sick or your basement floods and there go all of your plans there are a few paths you could walk down in this moment.

•  You could flip out about how much time and money you’re going to lose and that it’s not fair that this had to happen now.
•  You could accept that this is what’s happening right now, it won’t last forever, and that your ship will right itself when this storm passes.

Then, grabbing a post it note (it’s that size on purpose) and making your To-Do List of 1 thing that would make you so happy to get done would be the way to go. Everything else you may get done is gravy.

THE POWER OF NO

Believe it or not people often respect someone who says “no” maybe even more than they do the person who says “yes” to EVERYTHING. It is not your job to do everyone else’s job. The key is to say “no” gracefully and authentically. Here’s how:

•  Empathetically acknowledge the person who is asking for your time and attention. i.e. “I could see how that would be really stressful” or “It makes sense that you’re really having a hard time with this.”
•  Be honest. i.e. “I wish I could give your situation the full attention that you and it deserve but I can’t right now.” or “Thank you for thinking of me but I, also, have a ton on my plate and wouldn’t be able to do my best work if I took on another project.”

 Short. Sweet. To the Point. Even if the person gets all snarky in the moment it’s not like they’re going to hate you forever this person already values your and your your opinions and abilities... and if they do who needs ‘em.       

CELEBRATION

Since you’re the type of gal who’s got her eye on the prize you may be whizzing past all of your wins along the way. That is NOT OK, Sister. Focusing on the process as opposed to focusing on the prize just may get you where you want to go faster, or at least getting there will probably be a lot more fun, and you deserve that.

 Make a three part celebration list.

•  Level 1: (I completed that thing that’s been weighing on me)
•  Living room dance party, happy hour with your best girl friend, and extra 30 mins of Netflix, a beautiful hike etc.
•  Level 2: (That was a ton of work and I did that s@#* like a champ)
•  That bag you’ve been eyeing, a new tech toy, a spa day, an impromptu three day weekend.
•  Level 3: (OMG! It really happened. I’m freaking out I’m so excited.)
•  That trip you’ve been hoping to take at some point, upgraded kitchen appliances, a new car.

Now you have to make it part of your routine (like every morning in the shower or when you brush your teeth at night) to acknowledge how cool you are then celebrate.

Maybe, you’ve only remembered to meditate once in the past two and a half months, you’ve been wearing the same shirt for three days, and you’ve ordered Thai every night this week. As long as you’re practicing accepting the fact that your life is rolling that way at the moment, releasing the fear of what everyone else thinks about you, and celebrating the victories that have gotten you to this moment you’re leaps and bounds ahead of most people on the planet.

If you have additional ideas of how to change your relationship with time and things that have worked for you in the past share the wealth with your fellow wildly busy female friends in the comments below.

Sharon Freedman has been a professional actor and voiceover artist for over 15 years and trained at The Coaches Training Institute with a desire to be more of service. A few years back she looked death in the eye and found that mindfulness and other evidence based therapeutic methods like DBT saved her life which inspired her to create her coaching practice Stress Reduction Joy Production.  She owns being a work in progress and practices bringing as much fun, creativity, and authenticity to the world as she can. Join us on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/stressreductionjoyproduction/

An original version of this post appeared on Blog Society. 

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Why These 3 Creatives Chose This Platform to Build Their Brands

Building a brand is like building a home. You need a great foundation. The right tools. Someone who knows what they're doing... 

As avid Squarespace users ourselves (seriously, shoutout to the platform that makes our blogging lives the best!), we wanted to know how these three creatives chose and best utilize the platform. 

A fashion blogger slash entrepreneur. A food stylist. And a designer. They all picked the same platform. By chance? Not at chance. Scroll through to see why these successful women all designed their sites with Squarespace, why, and what they're doing in the biz world. 

photo credit: Tyler Topacio photography via Profresh Style

CHRISTINA TOPACIO, FOUNDER PROFRESH STYLE 

Like many fashion bloggers, Christina Topacio started her blog in 2008 with a desire to express herself. The ultimate goal was to land a coveted job in the fashion industry. But what she created was so much more than a job. 

With a growing fan base and a new creative venture, JIG + SAW, we caught up with the OG blogger to see why Squarespace is the space for her. 

Why did you choose Squarespace as your blog platform? And why does the layout you use work for your brand?

Squarespace just works for me. Since Myspace days, you kind of teach yourself to code and it gets so time-consuming. For me, I wanted to think more about the content of the site rather than all the many design elements to be coded and placed. Squarespace gives me the ability to be unique and caters to exactly what I want my readers to engage with. The layout, Horizon, was perfect because it allowed my photos to shine while not overshadowing my written word. I literally sound like an advertisement but I'm not kidding when I say, Squarespace is the sh*t. 

What design advice do you have for those putting together a site now?

Think about what you want people to be attracted to first and foremost, almost like, the first impression rose (cue The Bachelor). I knew I wanted people to know about me and why I started this blog and what else I'm working on. I made sure that was the focal point. If your blog is your main priority, ensure you choose a layout that works for that. If it's your beautiful photography, make sure the layout highlights large-scale imagery. Just think about how you want people to view you/your work/your services. You only get about 5 seconds of their attention before they choose to leave... or stay.

"You only get about 5 seconds before they choose to leave... or stay."

Tweet this. 

Why do you have the option to “read in traditional mode?” Options, options, options?

Ohhh, good one. Back in the day (2008, heyyy!), content was read like an infinite scroll, reading blog post after blog post, without the need to click to view. After making marketing my profession, I learned about CTR and its importance and thus, the index view. Higher CTR, higher pageviews. HOWEVER, I also realized after activating that, some wanted to view in that typical blogger mode, where you scroll and scroll to read more + more. Thus, the traditional mode was made. Both are important and they cater to the users' experience. I wanted to captivate both. 

Let’s chat JIG + SAW for a minute. Why after years of blogging was it time to expand your offering?

JIG+SAW was born out of the idea that there are all these creatives, and what felt like, no place for us to go. JIG+SAW offers that live component of engaging on daily basis, with hopes to make something great together in the form of a cowork space. And, we also offer specialized services for young + growing businesses looking to expand in customer acquisition and brand awareness. The two business ideas go hand in hand at JIG+SAW and I can't wait to grow it. The blog will remain as its own little archive for the readers its cultivated over the years but I have so much more to do and say and create with others. And that needed another outlet outside of the blog, that still involved all the wonderful creatives + brands I've met and will meet over the next, coming years. 

What has been the most rewarding part of doing both?

I love the idea that blogging doesn't just stop at blogging. It cultivates (hey, hey!) ample opportunities beyond your little space on the web. So many friends have gone off to become creative directors, designers, consultants, entrepreneurs and all because of their blog's start. Profresh Style was a place to call my own when my friends didn't understand my love for fashion. It's grown into a community, sharing our vulnerabilities and growth with one another. My readers helped me gain enough courage to chase after the things that were important to me - that connection is irreplaceable. To be understood and accepted, it can't get any better than that. 

MEGAN, FOUNDER APPRVL NYC  

Megan Mussari launched Apprvl in the spring of 2014. With a background in fashion and textiles, she knew that she wanted to create products that were unique, crafted with "intrinsic personality."  Blending the Japanese art of Shibori with the aesthetics of curated vintage pieces, she's found her calling. 

2016 proved to be her biggest year yet, with collaborations with Nordstrom, and stockists from the west cost to Tokyo carrying her goods.  

Megan says her brand is made for the curious, so naturally, we had questions. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you developed your business? 

I have always been a doer. I'm 26 and feel extremely fulfilled that I get to physically make products everyday to share with my customers.  My business began developing when I was 23 and had a few years of fashion design industry experience under my belt and felt very very bored, and disgruntled.  I was dying synthetic fabrics with synthetic dyes for a larger fashion brand to make their showroom samples, and couldn't help but think there has to be a more environmentally friendly way to work with color.  In that same job I saw a lot of fabric being thrown away and barely being donated or re-purposed.  I would try to save as much as possible and would carry overflowing bags of lace and silk over to FIT to donate to their design program.  I began to learn the basics of natural dyes, starting with the gateway dye of Indigo, working with unwanted textiles to create more modern pieces that I wanted in my home.  I eventually had a few commissioned works of throw pillows, blankets and wall hangings which led to a my first wholesale accounts!  

You run the company from your artist studio in Brooklyn. Are there other people in the studio with you? What’s the design process like?

I am extremely lucky to have an awesome shared studio with my friend Alex Andrade who runs Burnin' For You Candle Co.  It always smells amazing while we work, which is especially beneficial if I am working with a dye that doesn't smell that great! We have become each others official Guinea pigs on new products and ideas.  We also share our studio with illustrator Matt Villaverde whose drawings are probably the only ones to make me laugh out loud. 

My design process stems a lot off of what I feel is missing in my home or wardrobe, and what of those I can make from mostly second hand textiles.  I also love to use materials in a way unintended for them, giving the customer a new perspective.  When I create the DIY kits, I poll a lot of my friends on what they would want to learn, how it could fix a problem in their home or wardrobe, and then begin to test my instructions on them making sure everything is understandable and that they get the results they want!  Our design process is very inclusive and very fun!

How do you decide on collaborations? 

When I am considering collaborations I have to keep my business guidelines in mind.  When I am approached I have to explain that most of the time with my work it can be a slower process. I only use natural dyes, and if the fabrics are synthetic or from animals they must be secondhand or unwanted scraps.  I really like to collaborate with brands and people who have similar values and aren't just trying to make a buck, but trying to spread a message or simply make an awesome product that is beneficial in one way or another.

Mudcloth and wool blanket 

Your site is absolutely gorgeous. Aside from beautiful imagery, how did you decide on the design?

First I will say that Squarespace makes web design extremely available and simple for anyone to create a beautiful website.  Especially for people like me who can be a little impatient with the digital age, their templates are clean and professional, and understandable to put together.  I went through a few different templates in my first few months of being in business before settling on my current set up which fits my needs perfectly. 

What were some key elements you wanted incorporated when you put it all together?

I needed something where I can showcase my process, have an easy to navigate e-commerce section, an event calendar and a place to blog all of my collaborations, travels and experiences through this business journey.  My products and images usually have a lot going on in them, so I wanted a clean site that doesn't add to the chaos, but compliment it.

How is designing a site in any way like designing a piece?

When designing a site it has to feel 100% you, not rushed and really thought out.  You design with the customer in mind.  You have to edit it, make sure that everything matches whether it is the fonts, spacing, inconsistencies in your language etc.

"When designing a site it has to feel 100% you."

Tweet this.

Just like if I were to be making a blanket, pillow or bowl, you wouldn't want a mess of different colored threads or varying stitch sizes holding it all together for everyone to see.

ABBY STOLFO, FOOD STYLIST

With a degree in finance and a baking story adventures of burning two batches of chocolate chip cookies, a career in food styling is not where San Francisco-Based Abby Stolofo "never would have imagined a career in food." 

And yet, her good taste trumps her baking skills. Her site, the food she shoots and her career, are positively yummy. We went behind-the-scenes of Abby's brain to find out more. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you developed your business? 

After a stint as a financial advisor and discovering that sales really wasn’t my jam I decided to go to culinary school.  It was a comprehensive program but I really fell in love with pastry.  I was living in Idaho where I’m originally from but after the program I started applying for jobs all over the country.  I ended up in a well-respected restaurant in San Francisco where I did 9 months as a pastry cook before a co-worker introduced me to her neighbor, a professional food stylist.  I’d never been on set before and barely had a clue what it was but it turned out to be a dream come true and the timing couldn’t have been better.  Everyone in the food styling world is freelance so I’ve technically been a small business owner for over six years now.  I learned food styling by assisting the very best in the industry for several years and in January of 2016 I went out on my own as an independent lead food stylist, hence my website.  

Why did you get into the world of food styling?

Well, like I said, it was kind of accident.  A very, very fortunate one.  Now that I’m here, what I love about it is the variety.  Most jobs last one to two days.  Cookbook projects will last a week.  Two at most.  And then you’re on to the next thing.  There’s a lot of problem solving involved.  You’re always working in new settings with new ingredients and new recipes and each one presents a unique challenge.  I love to cook and I think it’s one of the few jobs in the food world that you can actually earn a decent living from.  Especially in San Francisco.  I’ve gotten to travel and work with amazing brands and companies that I really admire.  I also love being a small business owner.  It’s the craziest most rewarding thing.  

What are some behind-the-scenes tricks that you can share?

Oh gosh I’m SO glad you asked actually.  I’m getting ready to share every behind-the-scenes trick I know through a series of food styling webinars and workshops made just for food and lifestyle bloggers.  I’m hosting the first free webinar this month actually and was inspired by my time at Create & Cultivate Atlanta.  I met so many brilliant content creators that really wanted to take their food photography to the next level but didn’t know where to begin.  So, yes, all the insider food styling and photography tricks you can handle coming your way soon.  Ha!  In the meantime what I can tell you is that 99 percent of what you see in pictures really is food.  And it’s the actual food.  So often people think that what I work with isn’t actually edible and that’s not true.  I don’t think I’d enjoy it if that were the case.  There’s a lot of oil brushed onto things to keep them looking fresh.  Lots of tweezing and water spritzing happening.  If what we’re selling is ice cream it’s actually ice cream but if what we’re selling is chocolate sauce, it’s pretty likely that what’s underneath that sauce is a mixture of vegetable shortening and powdered sugar.  Still technically edible ;)   Most any turkey see was probably only cooked for a total of 20-30 minutes.  Butter-Flavored PAM and instant mashed potatoes (for so many reasons) are in every food stylist’s kit.  

Your site is absolutely gorgeous. Aside from beautiful imagery, how did you decide on the design?

Yay! Thank you so much. Well, it was a team effort actually. Ultimately I wanted something that was entirely outside of what everyone else in the industry was doing.  When you’re breaking in you’ve gotta kinda make a scene, right?  Like I wanted people to open it up and go, “Whoa.”  And remember it.  I wanted the overall feel to be light and bright and for the design to be clean, fresh, and modern.  It had to be in order to showcase the images. There’s so much happening with the photography that the design had to compliment, not compete. For that reason I didn’t really integrate color into the design elements. It would have clashed with the food. I wanted a timeless logo and strong fonts that I wouldn’t tire of. I also wanted something that reflected my personality.  Food styling to me is seriously the best job. It’s so much fun and I wanted a site that reflected that take. I had Pinterest mood boards and a general idea of what I wanted it to look like layout-wise but what I lacked was graphic design skills.  I hired the insanely talented team at GoLiveHQ and they truly brought what I was envisioning to life. In ONE day.  It was insane.  

"When you’re breaking in you’ve gotta kinda make a scene, right? "

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What were some key elements you wanted incorporated when you put it all together?

I needed a clean, seamless way to organize and display my food photos.  My absolute favorite is the sliding banner where I get to showcase some of my favorite shots.   I also knew I wanted a fun headshot to round it out.  I hired a photographer friend to take them and my very best girls and I had a ridiculous time in the studio one day getting literally hundreds of shots (I’m much better behind the camera.)  There was cake and meringue and clothing everywhere.  I always knew I wanted one long scrolling page that was easily and quickly navigated. It all just came together so perfectly and the platform was pretty much non-negotiable from the start.  Squarespace is basically trendy cocktail party in the front, comfy coffee shop in the back.  I absolutely love it for so many reasons, one being how intuitive it is to use which has been key to easily keeping it updated with new imagery. 

How is designing a site in any way like designing a shot?

Pretty similar actually.  In designing my site all of the elements really needed to work together in order to create a clear, professional brand identity and something that truly catches your eye.  Designing a shot is like that too.  At the start we always ask, “Okay, what is the story we are trying to tell here?”  Everything is gauged against the answer to that question from the selection of props to the light to way the food is styled and presented. It has to be consistent and cohesive to tell the story.  A lot of the time you only get a moment in front of your audience.  The message has to be clear.  Your own online brand and presence should tell a story too. 

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A New Year's Resolution That's Easy to Keep

New Years cards from Papyrus. 

Lately, it seems that more and more invites for all things festive and fun come via email rather than the postal service, especially over the holidays. While tracking RSVPs online simplifies the party-planning process, it doesn’t mean we should give up on traditional correspondence. A card is a classic way to let somebody know you appreciate them while making a lasting impression. Don’t believe us? Take it from our C&C Atlanta keynote speaker, actor and activist, Meghan Markle, who told us that she often sends out and loves to receive handwritten thank you notes. "I can't tell you how few of them I get," she said, "but one hundred percent of the time, I end up remembering that person." 

It’s an approach to business and life that can easily be worked into your 2017 resolutions. Here’s how! 

SEND A WARM NEW YEAR GREETING 

So, you didn’t get around to taking the picture-perfect holiday card. Not a problem. The New Year is the perfect time to send someone special a card that wishes them the best in 2017. Thinking of others is a great way to start your January off on the right foot. 

Send fancy, fizzy wishes for the New Year with a card that sparkles as bright as you hope their new year will, like these cards from Papyrus. 

HANDWRITE YOUR THANK-YOUS

Make a “thank you list” and check it twice because they pile up as fast as the presents you receive. From grandparents to bosses, to hosts of holiday parties and gatherings, you will have a lot of thanking to do. Hit pause on sending out digital appreciation; just like it’s fun to open a present, there is nothing like opening a piece of mail.

"Hit pause on sending out digital appreciation; there is nothing like opening a piece of mail."

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Not only that - writing out a thank you note goes a long way to show your appreciation and will last longer than an email. People are more likely to hold onto thank you notes and beautiful cards to display around their office or living space. Think of a card as a sweet memory in return for their generosity. 

MAKE IT WORTH REMEMBERING 

Remember the old rule “show, don’t tell?” A well-written and memorable thank you note follows this line of thought. 

You don’t have to write a novel to create meaningful thank you notes or New Year’s wishes; you can express how much you appreciate their generosity in one or two sentences. Single out a memorable moment. What it felt like opening the gift. An instance in which you’ve since used it. Use these prompts to express your thanks and wishes for a happy and healthy 2017. 

BONUS: IT HELPS YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS 

We’re used to firing off emails. (Anyone else ever met their email quota for the day? Yep, it’s a thing.) Digital communication may be quick, but it isn’t necessarily the most meaningful or effective. It’s important to honor the practice of sending letters, writing notes, and thank you letters to keep relationships strong and grounded in real-life. 

Think of the last time you opened a letter and thought, “Wow, what a great feeling.” Be sure to pass that feeling on as we enter 2017. It will not go unnoticed. 

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Your Ultimate Holiday Survival Guide

Credit: @klassykinks

It’s the happiest season of all. And truth be told, it also happens to be rather stressful. Because while some people are already underway wrapping presents, you’re busy wrapping up deals. And still trying to RSVP with cheer to all of the invites that keep showing up.

People love the holidays. They love celebrating. But how do you handle the holidays? Make a list, check it twice, and then follow our advice on how to do the last two weeks of December with style and grace, all while smelling good.

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT RSVPs?

It’s hard to sort through the invites. You want to say “yes” to everything, but as in business you’ve learned that sometimes, it’s important to say “no” and give yourself a night off.

But there’s one invite you should always make time for: the boss’ house.

You’ve been invited to your boss’ holiday shindig, which is separate from the company dinner you’re attending. It’s at his/her house. His/Her friends will be there. Other important people you probably want to talk to. Shake hands with. Do you go? Yes. Always yes to this.

If the invite has been extended, it’s for a reason, and you should make the time.

BUT SHOW UP EMPTY-HANDED? PROB NOT.

You don’t need to bring the traditional bottle of wine. Everyone brings wine. Here’s a chance to show your boss that you remain a forever out-of-the-box and ahead-of-the-game thinker. So what do you bring? Try an Indian Khadi Napkin set. Traditionally used as men’s handkerchiefs, the shape makes for a great everyday napkin.

Offer the gift upon arrival and make sure to add a personalized note. If for some reason you don’t end up handing the gift directly to your boss, you want to be sure they know it’s from you.

WHAT TO WEAR? IS FORMAL WEAR TOO FORMAL?

Not in December!

Looking nice is not a simple formality, it’s a chance to wear all those clothes you bought with the intention of stepping up your 2016 outfit game. But the year is coming to a close and some of those clothes still have their tags on. Pull ‘em off!

From friends’ holiday fetes to a co-worker’s bash, ‘tis the season for dressing up. Even if it’s not a formal party, people love dressing up for the holidays. Those statement earrings you’ve been dying to let dangle? Wear them! The high-waist tuxedo pant with stilettos and off-the-shoulder blouse? That outfit is made for the holidays.

HOW TO STAY SO FRESH, SO CLEAN

With a pile of invites and a stack of work to soldier through before before the close of the business year, chances are you’re going to be heading straight from the office to celebrations.

So how do you make sure that you not only look good, but smell good too? We’ve partnered with Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant to answer all of your party-prep needs.

"Spread the love. That’s what the holidays are all about."

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Dove Dry Spray goes on instantly dry, lasts up to 48 hours AND cares for your skin. So, later that night, when a waiter is passing apps, you don’t have to worry about passing out holiday hugs to friends, co-workers, and new acquaintances. Lift those arms. Spread the love. That’s what the holidays are all about.

FINALLY DO YOU GIVE YOUR BOSS A HOLIDAY GIFT? WHAT ABOUT YOUR CO-WORKERS

If you go above and beyond for you boss, it might not look great. Your boss knows how much you make. So if you intend to buy a holiday gift for your higher-up, make sure it’s something reasonable.

Keep in mind the aforementioned and don’t think inside the box. You don’t need to get her cookies. But a small-batch bottle of whiskey that only becomes available during the holidays? Great. A candle from Le Labo always goes over well and will make their home or office smell amazing.

When it comes to co-workers, you know best. Especially if you have a BIG team. Instead of stressing out and breaking the bank, write the team members you work closely with a thoughtful greeting. A little goes a long way during the holidays. If you can make them smile, that’s a job well done.

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5 Hacks For the Over-Committed

Emily Henderson

If there’s one way to describe my schedule, it’s over-committed. My friends, family, and interviewers all know it as my biggest weakness. I have trouble saying no, which has resulted in some great opportunities... and also some not so great experiences. 

If you’re anything like me, you know it’s easy to overcommit, but extremely difficult to balance such a full schedule. 

Though I haven’t quite learned how to say no yet, I have learned how to manage all of my responsibilities, which can be summarized in 5 tips below:

1. Commit to causes you actually like.

At the moment, I have five jobs. Yes, five. This wasn’t unplanned, nor do I work 100 hour weeks. I absolutely love each job and have been learning completely different skills at each one. Though having one, full-time job is more customary, it’s just not for me. I enjoy exploring different areas and learning more about myself through things that I am passionate about. Curt Rosengren summarizes the benefits of loving your work, citing increased energy and confidence as benefits of being passionate about your job.

2. Be transparent about busyness.

A heavy workload can work - if you are upfront with friends, family, and people you work with. 

By letting others know you have a lot on your plate, you can best allocate the time you do have to work on a specific task. Those around you will be able to understand the type of efficiency you work with, and you will be able to be more productive during the time you allot for each task. 

3. Don’t allow other commitments to be distractions.

It is very tempting to work on several things at the same time. Your day at job #1 could be going a little slow, so you pull up a project you have been working on for job #2. Not a good idea. 

A heavy workload can work - if you are upfront with friends, family, and people you work with.

This distraction puts you at a lower focus for job #1, and your coworkers can start to view you as a slacker. Whenever doing any type of work, focus 100% on that task. The work you produce will be higher quality and result in higher satisfaction from others. 

4. Quality always trumps quantity.

The only thing worse than having 143 things to do is having someone on your team who is always late or missing deadlines. If your involvement is starting to take a toll on the quality of your work or your commitment to a team, take a step back. 

It is always better to be delivering your best self to a project or task, rather than a flustered and busy you. Those around you will notice when there is too much on your plate. Maintain the self awareness to know when it’s too much.

5. Organization, serious organization.

When you have multiple deadlines or several places to be, it can be difficult to remember where you’re supposed to be or what you’re supposed to be doing. 

Help your busy self out and put events and deadlines on a calendar (and set alerts!), make to do lists, and schedule things like grocery shopping, seeing friends, and going to the gym. You may have a lot of commitments, but there’s no reason to sacrifice your quality of life. Planning and being organized will allow you to maintain productivity while also avoiding copious amounts of stress.

The over-committed life is not for everyone. Having a lot of responsibilities is often stressful and can leave little you-time. If you’re luckier than I am, you’ve probably figured out how to successfully say no. 

If you’re in the same boat as me, take a deep breath and remember that having so many responsibilities is a blessing that most don’t have, and people like us might just be taking advantage of this wonderful world that we live in.

This piece by Kelsey Bishop originally appeared on Shine Text.

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Nailing the Perfect Office to Party Ensemble with Kate Spade

With winter here, we're on the hunt for the best holiday outfits that not only work for the office, but also double up as a perfect holiday party ensemble. Y'know - anything that makes our hectic schedules even more convenient. Because who has time to leave work early, change, get ready AGAIN, and make it to the party on time?

With the bulk of holiday parties still ahead of you, we tapped some of our favorite fashion bloggers and business ladies to share boss babe party style looks from Kate Spade. 

THE ALL-IN-ONE with C&C FOUNDER JACLYN JOHNSON 

For the busy boss who doesn't have time to pull in multiple pieces, what's chicer than a jumpsuit? Maybe these heels? In black and gold, you can strut from office to party with bells (or in this case, pom poms) on your feet. 

On Jackie: Metallic Dot Jumpsuit, India Heels, Cameron Street Lane Bag

THAT'S A WRAP with PURSUIT OF SHOES FOUNDER ASHLEY TORRES

It's not just presents that are for wrapping this season. In a sparkling wrap dress, that can be paired with flats at the office and heels for the party, you've got this in the (cutest little black) bag.

On Ashley: Metallic Multidot Dress, Cameron Street Lane Bag

BLACK & WHITE & OH SO EFFORTLESS with  EFFORTLESS CHIC FOUNDER JEN PINKSTON

Black and white was made for busy bosses. When you don't have time to pattern match, you can get dressed for the day and night faster than you close those deals. Oh, and if it's a rooftop party,  you'll be stylish and cozy in a gorgeous tweed coat.

On Jen: Faux Fur Collar Tweet Coat, Poplin Ruffle Shirt, Abbie Pant, Anastasia Heels, Cameron Street Lane Bag

BOSS PANTS NATION with JORDAN SANTOS 

Power babes in power outfits, with a few key accessories. In a high-waist pant and crisp white button-down, heading from your desk to festive drinks has never looked so good. 

On Jordan: Silk Alyssa Top, Shimmer Tweed Jacket, Cameron Street Lane Bag

THE LADY IN LILAC with NIKIA PHOENIX 

There may be songs about ladies in red, but this winter opt for soft colors like lilac because pretty pastel hues aren't just for spring. Go romantic and sophisticated. 

On Nikia: Jia Dress, Malerie Coat, Cameron Street Lane Bag

THE CASUAL CREATIVE with LILLIAN BABIAN, FOUNDER OF STUDS AND SAPPHIRES

Casual meets classic with a high waist denim and white button-down. Sometimes when everything is up in the air, you want something simple and sweet. And a monogrammed bag is the perfect addition to this classic look.

On Lillian: Malerie Coat, Poplin Ruffle Shirt, High Waisted Denim

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How 3 Harvard Women Regained Their Confidence Post Graduation

photo credit: Lily Glass Photography 

A week before starting college, I came across a quote that said, “Going to Harvard convinces everyone that you’re special, and you that you’re not.” When I read it, I wasn’t nervous because I had the hubris of a girl who didn’t apply to any safety schools and graduated at the top of her class. Less than two months later, I got my first midterm test grade, a D in Linguistics, and called home crying. I had been knocked down several pegs and my confidence took a significant hit. In the 10+ years since, my confidence has slowly returned, and I was curious to see how other women have dealt with losing confidence and gaining it back. I asked three of my closest friends from Harvard about the different ways they’re regaining their confidence since college and how it can apply to your careers.

HOW DID ATTENDING HARVARD ERODE YOUR CONFIDENCE?

Going to Harvard was a truly humbling experience. As one friend put it, “Harvard reinforced the ‘impostor syndrome’ that many women suffer from.” She asked herself questions such as, “Did I get in because I'm Hispanic? Did I really take full advantage of everything Harvard had to offer?” Beyond these feelings were the daily difficulties that came with trying to succeed in such a rigorous environment. One friend described the high expectations as, “Succeeding was the baseline. There were fewer opportunities to excel and do something praiseworthy.” My friend, Allyson, felt that no matter how hard she worked and how much she studied, she couldn’t catch up. She likened it to feeling as if some people were starting ten meters ahead of her in a race based on the higher levels of preparation they had received in high school. 

HOW HAVE YOU REGAINED YOUR CONFIDENCE?

Many of these situations translate to the workplace, and are well documented in articles on women’s confidence. However, I am more interested in how we can continue to improve our self-assurance when faced with demanding environments. 

Allyson is an eternal optimist and adventure seeker who has done business development at Disney Parks and Resorts and is now a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group. She is also the co-founder and CEO of easyBiodata, an online dating platform for the Indian community. She says she felt emboldened in college when she was successful in areas where other people weren’t. She says she “didn’t even know about Wall Street before college,” but she heard speakers such as Carla Harris and was inspired to try to enter the industry. She was hungry to get internships as early as her sophomore year. Her professional success with securing great internships much earlier than most people brought back some of the confidence that was rattled in her freshman year. 

Another friend is an opera aficionado, fishing fanatic, and startup and technology ninja with 10 years of experience in ecommerce and pet tech. She has found ways to build her confidence in everyday life. She feels powerful when she “uses critical thinking in areas that are not her expertise.” This could be anything from managing her own finances to making medical decisions for her parents. She knows she can find the information she needs and pull together the right people and resources to get the best possible outcomes. She stresses that it is important to “take a step back to get perspective on how far you’ve climbed, and give yourself credit for victories. Maybe your professor [or boss] won’t give you a pat on the back, but you can sure give yourself one!”

"Take a step back to get perspective on how far you’ve climbed, and give yourself credit for victories."

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My third friend is a tri-lingual artist, soccer player, and new mother who has worked in the consulting, public health, and software industries. Her confidence is influenced by both her professional and everyday life. She says her confidence changes based on the people she is surrounded by, including when she has a boss who believes in her and her abilities. It also improves when she participates in activities that make her feel strong and excited.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN IN HIGH PRESSURE JOBS?

What I found most encouraging in my conversations with these three women is that they never suggested shying away from tough situations. Two of them went back to Harvard for their MBAs, even knowing how difficult it would be. The other friend left a successful career in retail ecommerce to join a startup with a whole new set of obstacles to overcome. Their advice for women in high pressure environments boiled down to three things:

1. Continue to step up and take on challenging roles. “Heading into unknown territory lets you test your wings. Don’t be afraid to step out into scary places because you never know what you can do. Don’t be discouraged from trying, even if you don’t succeed at first.”

2. “Form relationships with everyone you can at your company from the mailroom worker to the CEO. People respect the effort and it will make you more efficient and productive.” Having that full perspective of your business will empower you even when you feel like you may not have all the answers on your own.

3. “Seek out mentors and supervisors who believe in you and want to give you opportunities.” During those times when your self-assurance may wane, it helps to have someone you admire to remind you that you’re great, and create opportunities for you to stretch yourself and grow.

I am excited to put their advice into action, and look forward to showing off some of that pre-Harvard swagger at the earliest opportunity!

  Florence Evina-Ze is a business strategist with experience at McKinsey, DevaCurl, and Deloitte. She is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School and likes writing about the intersection of beauty and business on her blog, beautyflo.co.

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