The Top 3 Questions All New Bloggers Should Ask Themselves

photo credit: Blame It on Mei 

With a degree in graphic design and a masters in business admin, Mei Jorge, the Cuban-born blogger behind the fashion blog Blame It on Mei, had her pick of careers.  But the Miami-based fashionista shares that, "It is very gratifying to know that I can inspire women to look and feel their best no matter the price tag, age, lifestyle, or even personal circumstances. Even though I love graphic design and have had a lot of fun in that career, I have always been passionate about fashion."

For years she skirted around the suggestion from friends that she should start a blog. "I pushed that idea aside," she explains. "Only to find myself wondering 'what if' a few years later. I finally took that big step and I couldn’t be happier about doing so."

We caught up with Mei to talk the importance of design, why her style is steeped in the traditions of Latin women, and the three questions new bloggers need to ask themselves. 

How does your background play into your content? 

My feminine style is flavored with the traditions of the Latin women. In our culture, feeling sassy is intertwined with timeless style, and our days are bursting with vibrant colors and music. Because Miami is an extension of my Cuban background, it’s easy for the customs, colors, and cuisine to inspire my colorful looks. Even when I wear muted or neutral tones, I always add a pop of color. 

What is it about the Miami blogging scene that is different from the rest of the country?

Miami is such a dynamic and eclectic city. There is always something to do, a new place to see, or a new restaurant to try. Events like Art Basel and Swim Week have made the Miami fashion scene one not to miss.  And because of our coveted beaches, warm climate, and especially large blogging community, many brands choose it as their destination to host events or launch products.

Since you studied Graphic Design, how important is a logo? 

A logo is one of THE most important aesthetics of a brand. That is how your audience will visually identify you so I strongly suggest with a professional if you are unsure about where to start.

How much time did you spend designing your own site? And what are some tenets of site-building that you think bloggers should consider? 

Initially, I took a few days to research, design, add widgets, and customize it to my needs. I am always trying to improve it, which makes it an ongoing project. Because of my graphic design background, I obviously had an advantage. However, building a website is not only about the pretty aesthetics. Finding a good host, searching for the right customizable template, whilst also learning the ins and outs of your publishing platform, takes time. If you are somewhat savvy, you can try to build it yourself but even then it takes time. It will probably take more time than if you hire a professional.

How did some of your first partnerships come about? Did you reach out to brands with a media kit? Did they reach out to you?

Most of my first partnerships reached out to me directly.  At that point in my blogging journey, I was hesitant to reach out to any brand. After I gained some confidence and became member of a few blogging communities, I finally designed my media kit and reached out to some of my favorite brands.

How are you working to evolve your brand? 

My brand is an extension of myself, my style, and my personality. By being consistent, adding value to my content, and being relatable to my followers, I keep true to my mission; which is to inspire women to be confident in their daily lives.

"I keep true to my mission; which is to inspire women to be confident in their daily lives."

Tweet this.

photo credit: Blame It on Mei

What is the “big picture” goal for you as a blogger?

I would love to work with a large retailer to create and design my own line of clothing and accessories. As an influencer, this would be a huge accomplishment and the climax of the hard work and dedication I have put into my brand. 

Where do you think the blog/influencer world is heading?

The blog/influencer world is experiencing a growth phase that will eventually reach maturity. Currently, brands and influencers alike are learning that influencer marketing will become more meaningful in the years to come. This type of marketing will take over traditional mediums, it’s just a matter of time for brands who are not already aware, to grasp the concept.

What tips and tools are you using in your day-to-day to keep up with the changing world of social?

I try to keep myself informed, thus I am constantly researching the newest changes to the different platforms. But more importantly, I see what my audience responds to. At the end of the day, social media may change but I want to stay as loyal to my followers as they are to me.

"Social media may change but I want to stay as loyal to my followers as they are to me."

Tweet this. 

Are you utilizing stories on IG?

Yes, I am really enjoying it and so are my followers. It can be hard to connect to your audience with a still image, but through the Stories feature, your followers get to know you on a one-on-one basis. They get to relate to your everyday life and see that you are no different than them. 

If someone wanted to start a blog today, what are the top three questions you think they should ask themselves before they get started?

1.  What is the main reason why I want to start a blog? Be specific; do you love writing and want a book deal? Do you have an on-air personality and want to be on TV? Do you want to help others? 

2.  Can I commit to blogging consistently? Blogging is a very self-sacrificing career, but it definitely comes with very rewarding opportunities and experiences. But if you want to grow your blog, commitment is a trait you will need to possess. 

3.  Am I willing to work hard? Blogging is hard work. It takes many hours in a week to plan your editorial calendar, reply to emails, pitch to brands, be active in your social media channels, prepping for a photo shoot, among other tasks. But with dedication and commitment you will reap the benefits. 

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5 Blogger Tips That Are Anything But Basic

photo credit: Pop Sugar

The sheer number of articles written about how to be a blogger proves at least two points:

1. That it is not as simple as taking a pretty picture and;

2. That there are a lot of people trying to be bloggers

We all know by now that it's not an easy job. So we’ve rounded up some of our favorite tips and tricks from past C&C speakers and bloggers we love.

1. Courtney Kerr says to keep it personal. Do you need to build your own app? Maybe not.

“I am a human and I’m not an app. If I want a nail apt I don’t mind downloading an app. If I want a car to come pick me up, that’s an app thing. I think an app takes away the personal encounter I have with my readers and almost seem like I'm saying, 'Well you’re not good enough to interact with me on Kerrently.com'— it takes all the personal out of it.”

The blogger and influencer says a large part of your success happens in that personal space. Don’t overlook that.

2. Caroline Harper Knapp of House of Harper says that to work your analytics you have to pay attention to where people are spending time.

What does that mean? In this multi-screen economy, really figure out where people are spending chunks of time digesting your content. The blogger says: “Your Google analytics can tell you where readers are looking at your content— mobile or desktop. Make sure that everything is just as user-friendly on a smartphone as it is your site." She also notes that" People really want to consume content via video."

The mom and influencer echoes what Kerr has to say about apps and personalization. “People want to see you and hear your voice. They want to know you. That’s a focus for us right now. Asking my audience to download something feels like too many steps."

3. Olivia Watson of Livvyland says to really focus on mobile experience.

Mobile is the gateway to your blog. If people are having an enjoyable experience with your content on their phone, they are more likely to convert to online (computer) readers.

“I would focus on having a really great mobile experience. And then call it a day. If your site is built the right way it will update across all of your platforms,” Watson shares. 

4. Build your email list from the start.

Everyone is very (verrrry) focused on growing their follower count, but zeroing in on that number isn’t the only thing you should train your sights on.

Your email list should be your day 1. You need to get into inboxes. Social platforms are awesome, but as an influencer or blogger you are beholden to that platform. Building your own email list is the way to connect with your followers directly in the exact way you want to do it.

Plus, if you ever want to write a book? Guess what? A publisher will ask you have many email subscribers you have. It matters.

5. Scratch your own itch

This is the new twist on being authentic. You need to create content that your readers love, but you also need to create content that is real to you.

Don’t look to the left or right of you when it comes to creating content. Hone in on what you’re good at and build a base from there. Austin-based blogger Camille Styles is great at this. She shares, "We want to empower women and show our readers how to be the healthiest happiest they can be. Topics around wellness and mental health are really important to us. Those have been some of the topics that perform the best.”

Arianna Schioldager is Editor-in-Chief at Create & Cultivate. You can follow her @ariannawrotethis. 

Do you have any great tips for blogging? Sharing is caring below.

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Why This CEO Says You're Not Firing Fast Enough

This past weekend, we gathered 150 female entrepreneurs and creatives in Maui at the Wailea Marriott Beach Resort to talk business, brand building and bold moves. 

Our Keynote Speaker, Leura Fine, CEO of the fastest growing interior design disrupter start up, Laurel & Wolf, left our audience feeling enlightened, entertained and inspired with her candid conversation with our founder Jaclyn Johnson on life as a CEO, the ups and downs of building a business and how to be a better boss. Below, we put together our 5 key takeaways from the conversation of which you can view in full here. 

1. The title 'CEO' means many different things along the way.

Leura explained that when she was CEO of 3 people vs. 10 people her role changed, from 10 to 25 another change and another change and so on and so forth. The point is, your role as CEO should change over time as you hire people.  The role should expand from a more tactical day to day role to more strategic. You have to get to a point where you are trusting the people you hire and then the people they hire in order to scale effectively. 

2. You are not firing fast enough. 

Firing, something no one likes to talk about, but is so crucial to growing your business effectively. Leura explained it's not only important to hire quickly but fire quickly as soon as you know someone is not a fit either culturally or with the work. Keeping an employee for too long that isn't a fit can be just as detrimental as not having anyone in the position at all. 

3. Keep your board small. 

Leura explained that many tech companies and start ups start putting together really big boards and start handing out equity right at the beginning. Leura says, for her, building out a small but highly strategic board is much better than having multiple voices in your head and in the room. Think long and hard about strategic partners, investors and money and make sure they also bring something to table besides just cold hard cash and opinions. 

4. Communicate differently to different people. 

As a founder, Leura says, you have to say things differently to different people. She explains, communicating with her development team vs. her marketing team can require different types of conversations and ways of communicating. Once your company gets to a certain size the communication structure can easily breakdown, even people who sit right next to each other might not be communicating effectively. Leura says they put into place strategic meetings and events to ensure everyone is on the same page and work is getting down as effectively as possible.

5. Don't overpay yourself. 

Leura says she is "the lowest paid person on her executive team" and that's okay. She talked about how she didn't pay herself at the beginning of the company and then eventually took a salary that basically just covered her costs of living. She stressed how important it is to hire super capable people especially in senior level positions and that often comes with a hefty price tag or the allure of equity within a company that is growing. For her, the big pay off will be her equity stake in the company not necessarily her salary and as a CEO this is a common strategy. 

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Your Best Bet to Getting Through Long Days at the Office

Long days. Long nights. It’s a routine inevitable in any job, and one many of us are used to. While we certainly don’t recommend doing it a lot (for your mental and physical health), sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do.

For those inevitable moments when you have to pull long hours but still have to perform and stay on your game, there are five ways to help keep your mind and body fresh. 

1. Stay Hydrated

Yes, coffee is very appealing when pulling long hours (hello lovely Nespresso machine!) but coffee also dehydrates you, which makes your eyes tired... which, is the worst thing ever. Make sure to counterbalance any cup of coffee (or shot of espresso, amen) with a glass of water. It will also keep you fresh

2. Take A Walk

Long hours, often comes with long sitting spells. And if you haven’t heard to saying “sitting is the new smoking”. YIKES! We suggest taking a quick walk, preferably outside. Not only will this get your blood flowing and help you up your steps for the day, it will also clear your head and give you a mental breather. Sometimes, stepping away from the one thing you’ve been looking at ALL. DAY. is exactly what you need to reignite your inspiration!

3. Eat Up

We’ve all heard the term “brain foods,” but it’s not just a buzz phrase. There’s actually merit to the notion that certain foods can help you focus longer and harder. If you suspect that you’re going to have a late night in the near, plan ahead! Stock up on blueberries, avocados, nuts, seeds, and if you’re feeling really adventurous, some salmon (known for its Omega-3 fatty acids).

4. Practice a Little Self Care  

If you’re anything like us, you probably have the tendency to neglect yourself when stressed or slammed with certain assignments. But there are always some quick things you can do to zoosh your spirit and self. And your eyes are one of the first giveaways that you’re feeling tired. The perfect antidote for long hours? A buildable, lightweight eye cream that will keep your eyes looking and feeling fresh into the wee hours of the morning. Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Eye Cream with SPF 20 will brighten the under eye area and will prevent premature signs of aging (damn you, computer screen), and will protect you from harmful UV rays. Just dab some on throughout the (seemingly endless) day to protect the delicate skin and look refreshed.

5. Wash Your Face and Moisturize

Seems simple, but splashing cold water on your face and dabbing an antioxidant-rich moisturizer on mid-day can feel like a cup of coffee for your skin. Origins A Perfect World SPF-40 Age Defense Moisturizer with White Tea is clinically proven to instantly boost hydration levels by over 60%. Super-charge your skin and then super-charge the rest of your day while protecting it from environmental stressors.

Have tips you feel like divulging? Share in the comments below!

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The 7 Culture Mistakes Startups Always Make

photo credit: Molly Winters

Every founder knows that culture is crucial to a startup’s success — as Fred Wilson says, “If you want to be in business forever, you need to build a culture that sustains the business” — but there are seven common mistakes that startups make when creating their culture:

1. YOU THINK CULTURE JUST "HAPPENS"

Running a startup means your burn rate is always in the forefront of your mind, and as a result, everything takes a backseat to getting to MVP. Culture can be fixed later, right? The truth is that “culture” is just another way of saying “how we work here,” and by the time you get to your MVP, it will be deeply entrenched.

FiveStars’s founder Victor Ho never took the time to officially define the culture— he felt it was too “cheesy”. But as they grew from 40 to 80 employees, their culture got diluted and as people clashed over ways of getting work done. As quoted in Fast Company, Ho described it as “one of the hardest periods of the company.” Rather than waiting to define your culture, consciously shape your culture while you build your MVP. You don’t have to go on an expensive company retreat, or write an elaborate culture deck. It can be as simple as writing down five words that describe your culture and once a month, as a team, discussing whether they’re still appropriate.

2. YOU ONLY HIRE YOUR FRIENDS

Hiring for a startup requires a high level of trust: you need your team to work hard and make the right decisions, and the team has to believe in you and your vision. So it’s only natural to look for people from your existing network. This can be useful at first — homogenous teams communicate better and demonstrate greater cohesion — but can quickly lead to trouble.

Hyperloop One was launched with great fanfare, but was hit with a lawsuit due to (among other things) the co-founder hiring his brother as general counsel, and dating their PR consultant, whose fees then nearly tripled. Avoid this by establishing the rules of engagement early on, including what happens in a worst-case scenario (such as firing your friend). You should also think about how you’re going to integrate people into the existing culture; your goal is to prevent cliques from forming or for people to feel excluded from an “inner circle.”

3. YOU THINK HIRING MORE PEOPLE MEANS SUCCESS.

Celebrating is so important because success at a startup can be so rare in the first months. It’s comforting to be able to point something that’s a clear sign it’s all working. And as Buffer’s founder noted, “Team size is easy to understand. Sometimes it impressed people when I told them how big the company was, and I was proud to share it.” But the company brought on too many people, too fast, and was forced to lay off 11% of the company. Protect team morale by tracking more accurate measures of success, and find ways to celebrate small wins regularly.

4. YOU SPEND TOO MUCH $$ ON PERKS TO COMPETE WITH OTHER STARTUPS 

Bribing employees is a common Silicon Valley practice — what else are meals by gourmet chefs, meditation classes, and laundry service but attempts to get more work out of employees? And those bribes don’t come cheap: shrinking VC funds forced Dropbox to cancel its free shuttle and and limit free meals.

If you really want your team to do their best work, regardless of your compensation budget, give them meaningful work. Show them how their work is directly impacting the organization, and how the organization is making a difference in the world. In other words, give them purpose. Oh, and don’t worry — “purpose” doesn’t necessarily have to be a product or service that saves the world (though that’s a plus); it just means that you have a compelling vision and mission.

5. YOU OVERWORK PEOPLE IN PURSUIT OF THE PRODUCT. 

Signing up for a startup is a commitment; long hours and outrageous goals are part of the bargain. But push too hard, and you’ll flare out. At Zynga, for instance, long hours, “aggressive” deadlines, and an obsession with performance metrics led to a talent drain, and even hampered its ability to acquire companies. To prevent burnout, hold regular check-ins with your team to help them manage workload and stress levels. And don’t forget to check-in with the founder: 30% of founders report being depressed, as opposed to only 7% of the general population.

Again, we’re not saying you won’t spend some long nights and weekends at this office, but don’t make it a cultural norm.

6. YOU DON'T FIRE JERKS BECAUSE THEY'RE SMART. 

Hiring the best talent is highly competitive, but ignore the “no asshole” rule at your own peril. Despite their superior skill set, their personality will destroy your team culture, not to mention their productivity. In one of our engagements, we worked with an executive whose attitude turned the rest of the team against him. This led him to protect his own job by guarding his data more and more closely, leaving the startup completely in the dark when making crucial decisions. Still not convinced? Jump to 4:30 to hear Paul Graham, founder of YCombinator, talk about his “no asshole” rule.

The best way to avoid this problem is to carefully screen for jerks during the interview process, listening for self-centered answers and trash talking past employers. (As Raylan Givens of Justified noted, “If you run into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole. If you run into assholes all day, you’re the asshole.”) But if one has slipped past your radar, talk to them and make it clear how you expect their behavior to change. If they don’t shape up, then it’s time to go your separate ways — the rest of the team will thank you.

7. YOU BELIEVE THE RULES DON'T APPLY TO YOU. 

Pushing the limits is a great way to get new customers and attract attention… until it isn’t. Zenefits was lauded as a major disruptor in the insurance industry, and its investors pushed it to increase its sales goals. Unfortunately, to meet those goals, the company ignored state regulations — which ultimately threatened to destroy the organization and forced the CEO out.

Before you even think about lawyering up, sit down with your founders and determine your company values. What’s most important to your team? When might you need to debate an action before moving forward? Check in every quarter so that when money’s on the line and deadlines approaching, you know what you stand for.

Written by: Paula Cizek, Director of Knowledge & Editorial at NOBL. NOBL is an organizational and team design consultancy that unleashes the creativity and capability of teams through new ways of working. Sign-up for one their upcoming team design bootcamps.  

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When This Editor Was Told 'Fashion Is Not for You,' She Did This

photo credit: Becki Smith/ Smith House Photography

"They looked me up and down and said, 'Fashion is not for you.'” That was the experience of Fashion Bomb Daily founder Claire Sulmers while working in the editorial department at a magazine. But instead of letting that slammed door stop her, Claire stuck to a mantra of "I will not lose," and built something different. Something inclusive. Something that matters. The @fashionbombdaily IG currently has over a million followers and the site serves as a platform for people who had the audacity to exist, when an industry told them otherwise. "We decided to take the bull by the horns," the editor and Harvard grad explained. "With a tremendous platform, you can’t afford to be silent." 

It is a sentiment echoed by all of the women who took to the stage for the Beyond the Binary panel at Create & Cultivate NYC, moderated by Bobby Kim. "If you're not going to give me the job, I’m going to go out there, find it, and do it better," said Deddeh Howard, the Liberian-born model who last year released her Black Mirror photo series, where she replaced models like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid in major campaigns.

“There are a lot of women who feel like they don’t fit inside a pretty little box, but there are a lot of people out there who are looking for something different,” shared Claire. 

“I worked in the fashion industry for nine years in public relations,” shared Katie Sturino of 12ish Style. “My mentality was always, ‘Why am I so fat?’ ‘Why can’t I fit into these clothes?’ But I flipped the script and asked why am I punishing myself like that?”  

Also joining them on stage was model Emily Sears who gained notoriety last year when she began DM'ing the girlfriends and wives of men who would send her dick pics. "There is no picture of what a feminist looks like," Sears told the crowd, acknowledging that her predominately male following hates when she talks about feminism, but that doesn't stop her. She's not excluded from the conversation simply based on her looks or the fact that she posts sexy photos. "That's my decision and it's not an invitation for abuse," the Aussie-born model explained. 

photo credit: Becki Smith/ Smith House Photography

The main thread pulled through the conversation by Bobby Kim, co-founder of The Hundreds, and, most recently JENNIFER, was the question of whether or not it's getting better. 

"Is the industry changing?" asked Bobby. "Is it open, more embracing?"

“There’s a lot of ‘token,’ explained writer and blogger Nicolette Mason. “Here’s our person of color, here’s our person above a size 12, here’s our gender non-conforming individual, and that’s supposed to be enough. But brands need to think what they’re actually representing, the passive choices they’re making in all of their collateral, in-store signage, language that is used, and if it’s not leading the conversation, if it’s only for those marketing and PR moments, then it’s not worth anything.” 

“We need to stop with the labels, the categories, and give more people more opportunities,” said Deddeh. “I wasn’t trying to attack the brands,” she said of Black Mirror. “I was simply trying to get them to see what I can do and what any girl out there can do.” It’s about consciousness and awareness.   

Right there with her was Venezuelan actress, writer, and executive producer, Maiah Ocando who told the audience, "First of all I’m a human, then I’m a woman, and THEN I’m Latina. What opens the door for me is also the thing that closes the door." Just because she's Latina, Maiah explained doesn't mean she likes tacos and is curvy. Not shocking: typecasting is a thing. She refuses to let it be her thing. 

"First of all I’m a human, then I’m a woman, and THEN I’m Latina."

Tweet this. 

“Look, if I can’t change their minds, I’m going to create my own path,” explained the actress in reference to “white men.” She was interrupted by enthusiastic applause from the audience. "Well, I am," she projected. "I’m going to be my own executive producer. My own writer." 

The conversation didn't stop at the jobs held by the women on stage. "You also need more diversity behind the scenes,” explained Claire, so that major mistakes don’t keep happening. “You need nuance and context.”

For Nicolette, politics in her “brand” are a “non-negotiable,” even if that means losing a job now and then. “It’s imperative to me. I’m a queer, Middle-Eastern woman, and I can’t imagine not using the platform I have to speak to intersectionality. Working together and being part of the resistance together is such an important part of how we’re going to grow as a society. The personal is political and hopefully that’s how we create a better tomorrow.”

"The personal is political and hopefully that’s how we create a better tomorrow.”

Tweet this. 

photo credit: Becki Smith/ Smith House Photography

Similarly, Emily shared that she has "absolutely lost jobs" because of the stances she takes, but she likewise encouraged the audience to “stand by what you believe in and the right jobs will come.” 

“The reason we’ve all found success is because we have a point of view and we’re vocal about it,” elaborated Nicolette. “It’s important to give visibility to our individual identities, our voices, and to show people that they’re not alone.”

This is not the easiest road to walk. And for every two supporters, there’s a hater.

Protecting the indentity of what she called a "family and Catholic" brand, Nicolette told the story of a prominent Italian designer that reached out to her and said, “We really love you, but you’re gay.” So she recommended ten other people they could use. "That’s one example,” she said, "but there have been many. I do talk about Black Lives Matter, I do talk about trans rights, and some brands won’t touch me. On the flip side," she furthered, "there are brands that are so grateful and supportive.” She cited Target as one her “biggest cheerleaders,” as well as Barbie, which has doubled down on diversity efforts. 

Claire jumped in to agree. “You have to stay true to yourself.” When honoring the lives of black men shot by police, Claire said, “We decided we were going to have a ‘black out’ day where we posted nothing." She paused, noting, "You can’t afford to be silent.” 

Arianna Schioldager is Editor-in-Chief at Create & Cultivate. You can follow her @ariannawrotethis. 

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Struggling with What to Get Your Boss on Her Birthday?

photo credit: Doran Poma/ Haute Beauty Guide 

The newest line of designer greeting cards from Papyrus and Judith Leiber Couture will meet your needs for multiple upcoming holidays.

Judith Leiber Couture is a name synonymous with elegance, style and sophistication. For more than fifty years, the brand’s incomparable evening bags and crystal minaudières have been recognized worldwide for their meticulous attention to detail and flawless hand-craftsmanship. Frankly, you can’t take your eyes off of them. The same can be said for Papyrus greeting cards, which have made a mark in the industry as the premium, handcrafted greeting cards people give for the most cherished and special occasions. 

As part of their Designer Collaboration Series, Papyrus and Judith Leiber Couture have teamed up to develop a beautiful collection of one-of-a-kind greeting card designs inspired by the signature crystal-encrusted evening bags Judith Leiber Couture is known for. Luckily you don’t need a six-figure salary to own a piece of gem-encursted art; if a gorgeous Judith Leiber Couture bag isn’t currently in the cards for you (pun intended), there is definitely a piece in Papyrus’ line that will catch your designer-loving eye. 

The line includes an assortment of 15 greeting cards for a variety of occasions, including everyday, birthday and wedding. Also,a large selection of blank cards allows you to customize your message for a number of different occasions, like certain career milestones or personal accomplishments. 

Here are our card choices for a variety of occasions that call for a fabulous card sending moment!

IT’S THE BOSS’ BDAY 

People often wonder, do I buy my boss a birthday present? Do I not? How do I know how much money to spend? Our response: you can never go wrong with a thoughtful card. In this case, we love both the cake slice or the koi fish designs. (We can already hear the koi/coy puns rolling off your tongue.)

A FRIEND’S RAISE 

Celebrating the success of others is paramount to your own success. So, when your best gal pal tells you she came out on top from her salary negotiations, be ready to shower her with warm wishes and congratulations. Tell your friend that they are the unicorn of their company with the unicorn card. If this card doesn't bring out your inner dreamer, we don’t know what will.

A MAJOR MOVE 

Is someone in your life taking a leap and heading to the Big Apple to deep dive into the next wave of their career? Reward them for their bravery and conviction with a perfect see-you-later card. And obviously, the meticulously embellished New York card is perfect for this. Not only will this show your encouragement for the big move, but the sparkly design and 1,500 gems also make it frame-worthy keepsake they can keep forever. 

LITTLE SIS IS GROWING UP

Graduating from college has so many emotions attached to it; it’s liberating, exhilarating and flat-out terrifying all at the same time. Show your little sis some support by writing her a warm note in the hot air balloon card like, “On to the next adventure, and on your way up”.  We think it perfectly captures this moment in her life she can reflect upon for years to come. 

These are cards are a ton of fun, but they certainly don’t skimp on the sentimentality either. They feel elegant, but entirely appropriate for all of your celebratory needs. The Papyrus X Judith Leiber Couture collection is now available online at papyrusonline.com. The collection is also launching in select retailers, with nationwide availability coming in October. 

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8 Working Moms Share Some Real Talk This Mother's Day

photo credit: Pexels 

To all you working moms out there we salute you. There is no harder job. And this Mother’s Day we hope you feel inspired by these 8 amazing women. They are founders and CEOs, women of Wall Street and champions for change. But above all, they are mom. 

KATIA BEAUCHAMP, CEO & cofounder, Birchbox 

Becoming a mom has made me better at time management, delegating and prioritizing. It has truly allowed me to identify my priorities and give me a mental break from always thinking about the business. Before I had children, it was hard to really turn my brain off from work. Now as a mom, I understand how important those mental breaks are in helping me bring a refreshed perspective and approach to my work. It is hard to achieve this ideal notion of "balance," but my approach is to recognize that there will be times when one aspect of your life needs more from you. Overall my goal is two-fold: be present in the place I need to prioritize (work, family, friends and me); be nice to myself. — on balancing a huge career while being a mother to twins (and pregnant) 

"Becoming a mom has made me better at time management, delegating and prioritizing."

Tweet this. 

YASMINE DELWARI JOHNSON, co-founder, Alliance of Moms  

"A man may work from sun to sun, but a woman's work is never done." My grandmother who had 12 kids said this over and over. I cannot tell you how many times I hear Nanny's voice and these words in my head. — on the best piece of advice she’s ever received. 

JULES LEYSER, co-founder, Alliance of Moms 

Society's narrative that women can have it all is creating an enormous amount of pressure and stress. I am definitely a feminist and never more so than right now but I think its fine for women to do it all just not necessarily all at the same time. Its pretty impossible to be a full time working mom who looks like she's ready to shoot a magazine cover on a daily basis as well as be able to debate the nuances of the refugee crisis in Syria. But that's what held up to us as the model for female success. I would like for the conversation to be more about self care rather than competing in some social media race for who can get the most followers.  — on changing the conversation for women

SARA FOSTER, producer, writer & actress 

I don't raise my daughters with the mind set of having to fight for their empowerment. Maybe that isn't smart, but I raise them with the idea that it's already in them. It's there, so no need to fight for it. Honestly, we have vaginas. We have all the power. -- on the power within 

MELISSA GRILLO ARUZ, VP of Platform, Forerunner Ventures 

"Stop pretending like you aren’t important.” I think every little girl should grow up with this one as it is something that many young girls struggle with especially during their early adult years. — on the best piece of advice she’s ever received

REBECCA MINKOFF, founder, Rebecca Minkoff 

Some days I do, but other times of course I don't. It's impossible to strike the perfect balance every day. I think a lot of it is trial and error and more than anything about trusting yourself. Knowing when to step in and knowing when it's okay to step back. — on whether or not she feels like “supermom”

JENNI KAYNE, founder, Jenni Kayne 

After I had my second child, I really struggled for that first year. It was really challenging to balance having to kids and running the business. — on a time in her life she found incredibly challenging

SALLIE KRAWCHECK, CEO, Ellevest 

Right after I had my daughter, I cried to my mother that I couldn't do my job and be a mother to two little ones. She brushed off my tears and said (in a pretty brusque way), "Of course you can. You're just going to be really tired for awhile." She was right. — on the best piece of advice she’s ever received

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The Top Career Concerns New Grads Have During Their Job Search

photo credit: Pexels 

Written by: Meredith Lepore

Here comes the class of 2017. Graduation ceremonies are already in full swing which means many members of the class of 2017 have (hopefully) already started their job searches. As much as college prepares you for many things, we know that there are a lot of knowledge holes actually when it comes to entering the real world and specifically the job market. New grads naturally have a lot of questions. Staffing firm Robert Half found some of the top concerns on the class of 2017's mind and provided some great tips.

Question #1: I don't meet all of the requirements listed in the job description – should I apply anyway?

This is a question you will often have throughout your career. Robert Half says if you meet three-quarters of the requirements, apply for the job. Job descriptions often depict a perfect candidate that doesn't really exist.

Question #2: I have a great internship. How can I approach the firm about parlaying this into a full-time role?

Robert Half says have that talk with your manager sooner rather than later. You need to convey that you would really like to stay and even suggest how you can play a role in the future but be flexible as to what the entry-level position may look like. If your manager doesn't have the budget to hire you, ask for referrals to other departments that might.

Question #3: The career I'm interested in has nothing to do with my major. How do I start my search?

Quite a common one. The strategy is to talk to everyone possible: Professors, parents, older siblings of friends, grads from your college from the previous year. Also research local firms online to see if they hire new grads. Build a Levo profile (here!) and join professional groups in your field of interest.

Question #4: I can't get a job without experience, yet I can't get experience without a job. What should I do?

The great chicken before the egg conundrum that all new grads face. Robert Half says be sure to highlight the experiences you do have, especially ones that show your soft skills and customer service abilities. This can be anything from restaurant and retail jobs, to volunteer work, internships and student activities like being on the newspaper. This shows you can balance.

Question #5: The well-known firm I want to work for just turned me down. Should I keep trying to get in there?

Definitely follow up with the hiring manager but don't only consider the biggest brands and well known firms. Be open.

Question #6: The salary for my first job offer seems low. Do I have any leverage to negotiate?

Always #Ask4More but do be aware of the market rates for an entry level role. Do your research. Check out The 2017 Robert Half Salary Guides.

The original version of this article appeared on Levo. 

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This Shocking Detail Is Going to Change the Way You Use Instagram

photo credit: Becki Smith/ Smith House Photography 

Photos came first and then Instagram changed the entire game. On a monthly basis Instagram is used by 700M plus people worldwide. And it's not only influencers. Brands have totally revamped their marketing strategies and rely on the social platform to grow their businesses. That’s huge. And it’s not going away.  

At Create & Cultivate NYC, we chatted Claudine Cazian, Lila King, Lauren Wirtzer-Seawood, and Virginia Nam, all of whom work in different verticals at the social platform, about how to do it right and drive impact in a meaningful way. 

It may come as a surprise that the concept of "get your grid right," is shifting. No doubt, people love pretty pics, but Cazian, Head of Entertainment Partnerships at Instagram, says that old way of thinking of the 'gram is wrong. (Don't stress, yet.) 

Social is changing. The way we use social is changing. And you should assume that your strategy should shift as the platform does.  

1. RIGHT NOW, FOCUS on MAKING STORIES YOUR NO. 1 

You may be surprised to hear that right now it’s more about your Insta Stories, and the “Explore” section, over the actual “feed experience.”

In the last year since Instagram added Stories, it has added 100 million global users to the platform. That means, those 100 million user have never known IG without Stories. It's a vital part of how they do social-- and it's where you should be focusing your efforts as well. 

As to how? Cazian says 5-8 great stories per day is a solid number and will help grow your following. 

"5-8 great Instagram Stories per day will help grow your following."  

Tweet this. 

If you’re working a big event, Virginia Nam, who works on the fashion partnerships team with Eva Chen, says that you should “front load the best content.” People don't love seeing a million tiny dashes, but if the first 5-8 stories are compelling it will draw them in to watch the rest. If you're posting so-so content as you go, you're more likely to lose their attention. 

When it comes to creating compelling Story content, Lila King, who leads global news and publisher partnerships, suggests using different formats (i.e. a still, followed by a video, followed by some Boomerangs) and mixing it up is key! Throw in some front-facing (#selfies) with some rear-facing camera action. People want to see the behind-the-scenes. And even though "news" isn't typically associated with selfies, King says people love to see "the human factor." 

2. YOUR ENGAGEMENT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR GRID

This might be hard to hear, but when it comes to engagement and content, Instagram is “mobile first.” So while we’ve been working hard to “get our grids right,” Instagram is all about “real-time” in-the-moment pics. All four women agreed that pretty, neat, "mosaic patterns," etc., are not what's driving new followers to your page. And four out of four said that making it pretty is currently the wrong strategy. "It's engagement over grid, every time," said Cazian. 

At the conference, panel moderator Arianna Schioldager asked the crowd, “How many of you don't post videos because you are scared of how messy it makes your feed?” A sea of hands raised. “GET OVER IT!” called out Cabizan. “It’s a huge opportunity you are missing.”

Most people are using Instagram via their feed, which means you have to hook them while they are scrolling.

3. THINK ABOUT THE EXPLORE PAGE & THEN STOCK THOSE SHELVES

When you think IG, your first thought should be how people consume social. To see it in real time, take a trip over to Instagram’s Explore page and look at how the content is displayed.

Since “Stories” are the first thing in the “Explore” section, followed by “Video” (which is super attention-grabbing), then followed by "Photos," you need to make sure you keep your “shelves” stocked with content.

If you aren’t creating content for all three mediums, you are missing out on exposure opportunities at every turn, shared Lauren Wirtzer-Seawood, Head of Music Partnerships. 

4. SHOULD YOU TURN YOUR PROFILE INTO A BIZ?

Are you a brand or a person? Or are you a little of both? If your goal is to grow your following and you have a business, it seems obvious that you should have a business profile. But some things are too big to see. 

Some bloggers and influencers have been reluctant to do this. They want to remain authentic to their audience. They don’t want to feel like they’ve ‘sold out.’ But it’s possible that you’re selling yourself short.

Business profiles have hidden benefits. You can access your Insights, have people contact you, and sponsor a post every now and then.

5. ACCOUNTS WHO ARE USING THE NEW FEATURES WELL

Virginia Nam highligted Philip Lim as a fashion brand using the carousel feature the right way. She specifically references this post, as a one that really got it right. It shows a final product and the behind-the-scenes content people crave. 

Lila King shared that the The NY Times does a great job with their IG Stories content. 

Arianna Schioldager is Editor-in-Chief at Create & Cultivate. You can follow her @ariannawrotethis. 

How are you using Instagram's new features to grow? Share in the comments below!

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We're Pretty Sure This Is the Easiest Way to Calm Presentation Jitters

Kiara LeBlanc, Saje Natural Wellness VP and Creative Director, knows it can be a challenge to stay on top of your personal wellness amidst a hectic day on the job. When she needs a reboot, she reaches for essential oil blends to help shift her mind and body into a greater state of wellness whenever she needs it, wherever she finds herself.

Whether you are running from meeting to meeting, or jumping from conference call to boardroom presentation, here are three wellness tips Kiara recommends for maintaining your well-being at work. 

BREATHE DEEP & CALM THE PRESENTATION JITTERS

“You’ve got five minutes until the big meeting – you’re feeling the stress, but you want to shine. I reach for a balancing blend of geranium, roman chamomile and orange to help me get in the zone in mere seconds with the help of a Saje Breath.” 

How to do a Saje Breath

1. Pick your favorite essential oil blend (we recommend Stress Release) and roll onto the palm of your hand
2. Rub both hands together to activate the essential oils
3. Cup your hands over nose and mouth and take a deep breath 
4. Hold your breath for a count of three, then release slowly 
5. Repeat as often as you like (and definitely before you deliver a big presentation)

GET OVER THE 3PM SLUMP WITH A MIST

“Instead of reaching for your second almond milk latté, recharge with uplifting peppermint, bright lemon and stress-reducing rosemary. Carve out a moment for yourself by spritzing Energy Revitalizing Mist and pick your energy back up, the natural way.”

Any time you need a pick-me-up, mist three pumps of Energy into the air above your head, close your eyes and breathe deep. 

DIFFUSE CALM IN A HIGH-TRAFFIC OFFICE SPACE

You’ve got an end-of-day deadline and it feels like someone has plunked your desk down on the subway platform during rush hour. Keep an Ultrasonic Diffuser (we love the sleek aromaOm) by your desk and create a natural sanctuary, no matter how busy your office is. Our Brainstorm Diffuser Blend was formulated to help you get back on track when your attention starts to fade. Myrtle and clary sage are powerful essential oils for bringing balance and calmness to the mind. 

“Diffusing essential oils is my escape to nature. Depending on the blend I choose I can create the experience I am craving. They act as a fast, natural way to tune out the buzz of my surroundings and that never ending to do list and to connect back to nature.”

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3 Influencers Share Why It's Vital to Celebrate Success

photo credit: Becki Smith/Smith House Photography

Celebrate good times. Come on! But, for real, come on! It's all too easy to get caught up in the one and done mentality, especially with startup life. Most of the time we're thinking, 'on to the next!' and that's what this environment decrees, but we also need to be patting ourselves on the back from time to time. (Or every day, your call.)

It's vital to celebrate your accomplishments. From raises to title upgrades to knocking a presentation out of the park, a sense of pride and happiness in our work is what propels us forward. We find motivation in joy. And it's something that Framebridge knows a lot about.

At their #CreateCultivateNYC popup, the company known for simplifying the custom framing process (legit providing a bridge between the frame and the framer), celebrated the wins of speakers by framing personal mementos and displaying them in their booth (see above). 

We checked in with three of the conference speakers to find out why they think we should honor these special moments, and in true boss fashion, each had their own take on what that means. 

photo credit: Tory Williams

"It’s important to celebrate the momentous milestones because in such a fast-paced, competitive, and evolving industry, it’s easy to lose track of why and how you are where you are. It’s definitely nice to take a moment to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in and acknowledge the people that have helped you accomplish that."  -- Arielle Noa Charnas, @SomethingNavy

"It’s easy to lose track of why and how you are where you are."

Tweet this.

photo credit: Tory Williams

"In a startup environment, it’s easy to blow through small achievements without realizing them because you’re already on to the next thing. But, the bigger we get, the more we realize how meaningful it is to set way fewer, way more aggressive goals and celebrate hard when you hit or beat them. It makes you better—it’s a part of growing up as a business!"-- Tessa Wolf, Creative Director @Framebridge

"Set way fewer, way more aggressive goals and celebrate hard."

Tweet this.  

photo credit: Tory Williams

"I'm a 'now what?' girl by nature. As I hit a particular goal, I'm already moving on to setting the next one. Instead, making a conscious effort to celebrate my success gives me a confidence boost to propel myself above and beyond my next goal." -- Carly Heitlinger, @TheCollegePrepster

"Making a conscious effort to celebrate my success gives me a confidence boost."

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What are you proud of and want to celebrate? Share in the comments below!

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Why Gloria Steinem Told the Audience at Create & Cultivate NYC "We are woke."

Photo by Tory Williams

On Saturday evening, to a crowd of hundreds of empowered women (and a few dudes) feminist icon Gloria Steinem took the Create & Cultivate stage. Over the next 40 minutes, Steinem, in conversation with fellow famous feminist Amy Richards, chatted everything from The Golden Rule to aging to finding your path, and why now, even in what she called the face of a disastrous Trump presidency, she considers herself a forever "hope-a-colic." 

Read through for our favorite takeaways from the woman who shaped the women's movement. 

1. YOU CAN BE ADDICTED TO THE GOOD STUFF. 

The 83-year-old icon, who started her career writing under a man's name, told the C&C audience that she's a "hope-a-holic." 

"I hope we're beginning to approach the end of one structure and the beginning of another," she said in regards to the Trump administration. Adding, "When it's no longer universally human, it's political." Therein lies the motivational rub to get moving and get political. 

2. AGE AIN'T NOTHING BUT A NUMBER. 

When an audience member stood up to ask the trailblazer what she would tell her 15-year-old self, Steinem laughed and said that though age changes, the person inside does not. "You can't live in future," she shared. "Hello, you can only live in the present. We only have our five senses in the present." 

Adding, “Here's the secret of age: You’re still the same person, but after you hit 50 or 60, you’re free like you were when you were a little girl." Joking, "Except now you have money, and your own apartment.”

3. NO ONE IS TRULY ALONE. 

As a woman with a self-actualized career, Steinem never married, never had children, but surrounded herself with a sea of motivated women (including Amy Richards, who shared the stage with Steinem and worked with her on the Viceland series "Woman").

"Being an organizer is being an entrepreneur of social change," Steinem said. "But the more you tell your story, your dreams, and your entrepreneurial hopes, the more you will see that you're not alone in either your striving or your doubts. You will be better able to move forward by sharing."  

4. WOMEN NEED TO REVERSE THE GOLDEN RULE. 

Though she said that men need to follow The Golden Rule (treat others as you wish to be treated), Steinem said that women need to do the opposite. "We need to treat ourselves the way we would treat other people," she told the millennial audience. It's that simple. Be kind to yourself.  

Photo by Becki Smith 

5. SHE'S FOUND THE GOOD IN THE FACE OF THE CURRENT ADMIN.

Steinem might have dubbed the current administration "a disaster," but she also said the sitting President is "a big-time consciousness raiser." (How's that for a hope-a-holic?) Bringing up the historical Women's March on Washington, Steinem said, "It was the first protest led by women that was joined by men." She also urged the women in the audience to, "Be honest. Speak the truth."

6. SPEAKING OF MEN, SHE'S NOT DISCOUNTING THEM FROM THE CONVO. (But she does want to change it for them.)

Steinem might have called the masculine experience a "prison" and "bonkers," but she also said that it is vital that we show males "the path to empathy." Noting that feminism benefits all people.

"They’re not supposed to show emotion or admit failure. It’s crazy and it shortens your life." She continued, "Show the ways in which it [feminism] is good for men. It lengthens their lives." She also said we need to "humanize the masculine role which is killing men. It’s not about asking for sacrifice, it’s about showing compassion. It is possible to go forward in a different way, and I think we are." 

7. SHE CALLED UPON EVERYONE TO FIND THE COMMON THREAD IN OUR HUMAN EXPERIENCE. 

The "patriarchal, hierarchical, bullshit," as Steinem calls it, has only been around for about 500 years. The social activist, who often cites indigenous cultures in her talks spoke of a time when, "People were linked. They were not ranked. Women controlled their own bodies. Languages didn’t have he and she. People were people. There was not a concept of ownership."

Arianna Schioldager is Editor-in-Chief at Create & Cultivate. You can follow her @ariannawrotethis. 

For more #CreateCultivateNYC recaps, check back this week. We'll be posting our favorite advice from the conference. 

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The 5 Keys to Conquering Your Credit

Sponsored ad by Chase Slate® 

How would you answer these questions: “Do you have healthy finances?” “Do you often spend more than you make every month and dip into your savings?” “Do you know where the BULK of your income is going?” 

Chances are good you said “yes,” to the first question, “maybe” to the second, and “no” to the last. Everyone wants to think that they are doing well (or at least OK) financially, but we also innately avoid looking at the nitty gritty dollar details. The ones that make us do a double take and realize, maybe our finances aren’t actually that healthy. The cost of living is high (!!) and that can be hard to stomach. 

So, what’s a modern working millennial woman to do? Rip off your blinders and look. According to Brittney Castro, Certified Financial Planner™ and Chase Financial Education Ambassador, it’s the only way for you to secure your future and status as a financially wise woman. 

“As a Certified Financial Planner™,” Castro shares, “I talk to modern millennial women all the time, and I think it’s important to recognize that women in this age group have a diverse mix of financial goals, from paying off student loans, to increasing their income, to improving their credit, to saving for a down payment on a house.”

What you do with your money today drastically impacts your future. If you’re wondering where to begin, read through Brittney’s five keys to conquering your credit and achieving financial health below. Then, check her out at #CreateCultivateNYC this May where she’ll be speaking on a panel on behalf of Chase Slate. 

MAKE A MONEY DATE WITH YOURSELF

You make regular dates to check in with friends and family. See how they’re doing and what’s going on in their lives. The same concept can (and should) be applied to your finances. If you don’t know where your money is going, there’s a good chance you’re not doing the best at saving. 

So, make a date. Put it in your calendar and don’t flake! 

Brittney suggests this plan of action: 

• Schedule a specific time, once a week, to review and plan your budget. This can empower you to keep tabs on your spending habits.
• During your money date, plan for upcoming expenses, such as birthday gifts or special outings, and adjust your budget accordingly.

PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME

“Another simple but powerful way to improve your financial health – pay all your bills on time,” says Brittney.

“Payment history is the most important factor when it comes to calculating your credit score (generally 35 percent of the score),” she says.

Building credit is an important part of financial health. There are many big steps (ahem, buying a home) that aren’t possible without good credit. Even if you think you’re going to be renting forever (get financially savvy and you won’t!) you need to take the steps right now to secure your future. 

According to Brittney, “The credit information that a lender requests could mean the difference between paying huge interest fees and potentially securing the deals we want.”

The gist? “Set up payment reminders or enroll in automatic payments so you’ll never forget,” says Brittney.

USE THE TOOLS THAT ARE READILY AVAILABLE TO YOU

The internet actually wants you to succeed. It’s true! The information superhighway is literally an information SUPERHIGHWAY that charts ALL OF YOUR SPENDING. You don’t have to balance a checkbook or tally up receipts. It’s all there waiting for you to explore. 

Brittney says, “Take advantage of tools that empower you to make savvy financial decisions and manage your credit and finances with confidence.” Whether you’re using your smartphone or your laptop, there are numerous services and apps that want you to succeed! 

“For example,” says Brittney, “The Chase Slate Credit Dashboard gives cardmembers access to their FICO® Score and a graphical analysis of their 12-month score history.”

Knowing your credit score helps you assess where you stand and how close or far you are from achieving your goals and creating the life you want. 

GO ONE STEP FURTHER BY CHECKING YOUR CREDIT REPORT

In addition to monitoring your credit score, checking your credit report is essential to making smart financial decisions.

“Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com to get a free, in-depth overview of your credit history,” says Brittney. “Review the report closely for any errors – late payments or amounts owed that are incorrectly listed – and immediately remedy with the credit bureau.”

And if you think checking your credit report might negatively impact your score – think again! When a lender makes an inquiry – a request for your credit report information – there is a small impact on your credit score. However, these so-called “hard inquiries," which can happen when you apply for new credit or a loan, begin to fade in impact after the first 12 months and drop off your credit report completely after two years.

WHEN IN DOUBT, USE THE 50-30-20 RULE

What’s that? Brittney explains, “Using this rule – 50 percent of what you earn (net income after taxes) is allocated to living expenses, 30 percent is spent on nonessentials (like eating out and shopping) and the remaining 20 percent goes to your savings account. This approach is easy to implement, and can be adjusted to your personal money priorities.”

While we tend to notice the big expenses (as they make the biggest immediate dent in our savings), it’s often the little ones that get us in the end. Every time you order takeout, press BUY on the pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing, or opt for a morning latte at your local coffee shop instead of making coffee at home, you’re spending money that could easily be put in your savings, or go toward paying your bills. 

Let’s think about the coffee example for just a second (and actually do the math).  If you buy a latte every morning at $4/cup, seven days a week, 365 days per year, that’s over $1,400.00 dollars in lattes (!). The cost of pressed juice is even higher. 

Use the 50-30-20 rule to determine exactly how much of your income you can safely allocate to these types of non-essentials. Then, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’re making steady progress toward your financial goals.

Watch how one millennial woman confronted her fear of roller coasters, and came away feeling confident in her ability to tackle other challenges in her life. 

Have other financial questions? If you’re heading to NYC, write them down and be ready to ask Brittney during the Q&A when she joins us on “Just Do It: A Real World Guide to Channeling Your Entrepreneurial Spirit” on behalf of Chase Slate.

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Ask the Expert: Pro Beauty Tips for Looking Polished at AM Meetings

photo credit: Spring

Look, most of us don’t have time to get ‘the world is my runway’ ready in the am. There are meetings to take, deals to close, coffee to grab, errands to run… the list goes on. But we know that looking the part, helps fuel your confidence. So how does one put their best face forward when they have so little time and so much to do?

Enter: The Expert. We got the scoop from Laura Mercier’s very own Benjamin Ruiz, LM’s Director of Global Creative Artistry, on how to feel put together while not spending a full two hours in front of the mirror (ain’t nobody got time for that).

So here you are! Your 6 need to know beauty questions answered. (Insert prayer hands here.) 

Q: I want to look amazing for an early pitch/investor meeting/interview. What are my go-tos for looking polished, but professional. Amazing, but not over-the-top. How do I achieve this?

Benjamin Ruiz:  Focus on your skin and creating a natural look that will look and feel pulled together.  Make the skin a priority by selecting either a foundation or Tinted Moisturizer that best complements your skin tone and use it to even out the complexion, rather than adding heavy coverage.  The goal is to ensure that your skin looks like skin.  If you have any redness or problem areas, apply a concealer, like Secret Camouflage, to conceal these concerns.  

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage

To ensure your makeup stays flawless, set your makeup with a translucent powder to lock in your complexion products.  Try using a velour puff to press-and-roll the powder onto your face, ensuring contact with the foundation for longevity.  For cheeks, select colors that are fresh and resemble good health, like a soft peach, rose or even a neutral brown.  Apply to the apples of the cheeks and pull the color outwards, fading as your move to the center of the year.  Keep your eyes polished and elegant with a long-wearing eye color, like Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour, which are incredibly quick to use, lasts all day and give a beautiful look with very little effort.  Simply swipe them on the eyelid at the last line and blend upwards towards the crease with your fingertips.  As you move towards the crease, begin to fade out.  Use a contrasting or deeper shade to smudge a soft liner look at the last line for contrast and definition, finishing the eye with mascara.  For lips, select a shade that is easy to maintain since you may not have the luxury to touch up during the meeting.  Select a color that complements your skin tone and brightens your teeth; you can never go wrong with a shade that is similar or slightly deeper than your natural lip color.

Laura Mercier Translucent Powder

"For lips: Select a color that complements your skin tone and brightens your teeth."

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Q: Are there products I can incorporate into my nighttime routine that will help me in the AM?

BR:  The rule of thumb is don’t skip skincare – you don’t have to have a complicated routine but have a routine nonetheless!  Commit to removing your makeup every night with a makeup remover and use a moisturizer.  These two steps will make your skin thank you and reward you in the morning.

Q:  I have been pulling all-nighters getting ready for this presentation, but I want to put my best face forward. How do I best disguise dark circles?

BR: Before concealing, make sure the eye area is well hydrated with an eye cream or serum.  When concealing, select a shade that matches your skin tone.  Apply a very small amount of concealer with a brush only to the areas of darkness and work in light layers until you’re confident you have the right coverage.  Set it and lock it in by applying a light set of powder.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour

Q: For women who don’t ‘do’ makeup. How can they achieve a very simple, but fresh face in the am that doesn’t require a lot of time?

BR: Keep it simple and use your fingertips to apply everything.  Focus your time on the features you want to accentuate, from glowing skin or using natural soft tones for the eyes, lips and cheeks.  Start by applying a tinted moisturizer to gently even out the skin. Now, add a cream cheek color to the center of the apple of your cheeks, melting it into the tinted moisturizer, making sure to soften the edges and set entire face with power.  Keep eyes and lips simple, you just want to gently enhancing these areas. With fingertips, apply a small amount of eyeshadow to the center of your eyelid at lash line and blend up, it should immediately fade into skin tone as it moves up the eyelid with less intensity. Finish the lips with a lip stain or gloss. For a longer lasting lip, line lips with a lip pencil and fill in and top with your favorite stain, balm or gloss.

Q: If I only have time for three products-- what are my go-tos?

BR: If you're in a pinch for time and need to get out the door quick, use these three products to create a complete look:  foundation, lipstick and mascara.  Apply foundation with fingertips where needed to even out skin and then come back with a light tapping motion to add extra coverage for spots and under eyes. This works fairly well when time for concealer isn't possible. Next, use a lipstick in a flattering color for you skin to the apple of the cheeks. Finish the look with mascara and since you won't be using a liner, wiggle the mascara wand to the base of the lashes to help define lash line, do the same to the bottom if you wear mascara there. With these three products you can have a fast and rather complete look in record time!

Q: I have meetings that are going to last ALL day. How do I make sure I look as bright-faced in the PM as I did in my AM meeting?

Laura Mercier Candleglow Sheer Perfecting Powder

BR: I cannot stress enough how important a foundation primer is to your overall makeup.  It creates a smooth, even surface for applying foundation to help your makeup last longer and stay color-true.  If you’re able to refresh your makeup, touch up with a finishing powder that adds subtle luminosity, like Candleglow Sheer Perfecting Powder, gently dusting all over the face.  Add a bit of highlighting concealer under the eyes to brighten the face.

Have other questions? Add them in the comments below!

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A Savvy President Shares Her Rebranding Secrets

Company president Michelle Newbery, who leads the team at online home furnishings retailer The Mine (née ATGStores.com), is fast becoming a recognizable player in a very competitive market niche. In the fast-paced world of interior design, where bright ideas often burn out as fast as they’re born, The Mine’s star is on the rise. 

And, thanks to this experience and many others, Newbery’s got some amazing tips on how to navigate the executive arena.  

She joined the company in December, 2011, as its chief financial officer, and is now spearheading the biggest rebrand in the company’s history as its president. Along the way, she’s also refining the corporate mission and establishing the importance of social responsibility through the company’s philanthropy program, which focuses on community giving and environmental stewardship. 

Read her four tips on how to stake your claim in the business world. 

POLITE PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF 

Just because you get a “no” doesn’t mean it will stay a “no.” And, turning things around doesn’t require being overly aggressive. For me, polite persistence has paid off. I was told ‘”no” when I expressed an interest in being president at The Mine. I had to ask more than once, and I’m so very glad I did. We often have a tendency to stop when we hit a wall rather than trying to find a way around it – or over it.  

BE VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE 

Make sure your team knows who you are and how they can reach you. At The Mine, I meet with each new team member after they settle into their new role to ensure they know who I am and where they can find me. I think the best way to let people know you care is to ask them how they’re doing, and doing that almost always results in great insight into what a person needs to be happy and excel. Everyone feels better when they’re assured they’re part of a great team and that management is ready to help. 

FOCUS ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS VS. COMPLETING TASKS 

How you get things done is just as important as what gets done. I’ve heard people say, “I don’t care how it gets done – just get it done.” But, how well does that set the stage for the next task, or improve the work environment? I find that encouraging teamwork and being aware of others’ needs results in better efficiency and quality.

“How you get things done is just as important as what gets done.”

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Our team does an amazing job of going above and beyond when working together as well as with our partners. In the e-commerce space, we move fast and there is no time for egos or attitudes. I absolutely love it when I hear, “Your team was so easy to work with.”

PLAY THE LONG GAME 

Put as much thought into your long-term future as you do your daily tasks. Before you commit to something today, make sure it’s aligned to what you want to accomplish tomorrow; in your work, your career and your life. I moved to Seattle five years ago and it was very intimidating in the short term, but it allowed me to immerse myself in the e-commerce space and take advantage of amazing opportunities I would’ve missed had I not made the leap.

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A Crippling Disease Won't Stop This Harvard MBA & Mom

Samantha with son Rocky. photo credit: Taryn Kent 

In 2014, I was a couple years fresh off a Harvard Business School MBA program, feeling pretty proud of myself as a 26 year old CFO for a large marketing and web development company in San Diego. I worked 55+ hours a week and loved every second of it. Most of the time. OK, some of the time. Once I found out I was pregnant in October 2015, I decided to venture off on my own and launch my business coaching company, Little Petunia Consulting. I knew there was no way I would be able to handle the work stress, a new baby, and my own health.

See, in addition to being a mama and a boss lady, I also struggle daily with a chronic disease known as Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is a rare vestibular disorder that showers you with fun symptoms such as —

• vertigo (attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours)

• loss of hearing

• tinnitus

• loss of balance

• migraines with aura (blackout blindness in my case)

• nausea, vomiting, and sweating caused by severe vertigo

• chronic fatigue

I had to learn really early on in this new phase of my life what my limitations were and how to cope so I wouldn’t lose my shit. It’s taken 9 months, but I feel like I finally have a healthy balance down thanks to some serious tricks and discipline.

I TAKE CARE OF MYSELF

The most important thing I had to learn in this new balancing act was taking care of myself first, so that I could take care of my baby, my clients and everything else afterward. I’ve learned to take a lot of precautions in order to maintain the flow. This means —

• No hour long trips to Target just for fun (the fluorescents trigger my attacks)

• Drinking a ton of water and resting my body more often than most

• Saying “no” when it doesn’t suit my schedule or will overwork me

• Disconnecting from screens in order to reset my vestibular system

Another huge precaution I take in order to maintain a healthy balance is by setting some serious boundaries and sticking with them. This means my designated work hours are my work hours, and that work life doesn’t trickle into my time with my kiddo.

"Work life doesn’t trickle into my time with my kiddo."

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Having everything mush together leads to more stress, which leads to more Meniere’s attacks. Boundaries are key.

I CULTIVATE & MAINTAIN AN IDEAL CLIENT BASE

One of the things I love about working with creatives is they tend to not follow the rigid 9-5 rules. They like to meet in coffee shops, and if there are times when my husband or my mom can’t watch the baby, there is noone more excited to hold him while we get down to business. Clearly defining my ideal client has been huge for the success of my business and allows me to work with like minded people who appreciate this season in my life.

I'M ORGANIZED TO A "T"

You guys, I live and die by Asana. I create documented processes for everything — client workflows, intake assessments, onboarding, you name it. I plug each tasks into Asana and assign myself deliverables and due dates. I always have a landscape view of what my week looks like so I can manage my time effectively and adjust as needed.

This also goes for my baby. I use apps to track feedings, diapers, sleep cycles, etc. I know every movement this kiddo makes. I can’t tell you how many times I cross-reference my Asana with my baby apps to get shit done. “Hmm, OK it has been 2 hours and 10 minutes since the last feed which means I have approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to get this client proposal done”. It’s life saving.

I KEEP MY BABY CLOSE

The biggest factor in maintaining work-mama-health balance? Babywearing. I wrap this kid up in a ring sling and get my shit done. Because, as most mothers will tell you, the time you really need to get stuff done is the exact time your child refuses to be put down. Babywearing for the win, forever.

Becoming a mama was the greatest life change that has ever happened to me. It allowed me to step back, reevaluate my priorities, and cultivate a career that I truly love. Balancing motherhood, my career, and my life with a chronic disease has been far from easy, but I’m grateful for finding tools and techniques that work for me and allow me to cultivate my best life yet.

Want to know more about Samantha Welker and her co? Head over to Little Petunia Consulting and follow the boss mom on Instagram here.

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You'll Feel Like Freakin' Superwoman If You Do This Tomorrow AM

photo credit: Ben Jorgensen

By: Katrina Bowden 

It’s a struggle to fit working out into a busy life. Between career, family, friends, social life...fitness often falls off the list of things to do. I get it! We are all super busy.

But think twice before letting this happen...

Working out has so many benefits beyond the physical ones we know of (hello: abs and a nice bum!). Fitness has major benefits for your mental and emotional well being...so if your life is moving a mile a minute, taking time to work up a sweat can help calm that whirlwind into something more like a nice breeze.

Your workout is YOU time.  And no matter how busy life gets, you need to make time for YOU. Always! Most people struggle to make fitness a priority. If you choose to make your health and wellness a priority, you'll be making huge strides in balancing out your mental, emotional, and physical states.

"No matter how busy life gets, you need to make time for YOU."

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My favorite time to workout is first thing in the morning for a few different reasons.  First, it gets me going and starts my day on a positive, healthy note.  (It also doesn't hurt that it gets it out of the way so you don't have to think about it again for the whole day!)  A morning sweat sesh has incredible benefits that impact your body and mind that will carry you through your busy day ahead.  Those benefits are:

STRESS RELEASE 

Starting your day by getting out some aggression and pent up stress? Yes please!  Working up a sweat is a huge stress reliever, so getting that done in the morning will set you up for an easier, less stressed day.

CREATE A STATE OF CALM 

Imagine feeling completely zen upon arrival to work or client meetings. Amazing right? Working out first thing can put you in a calmer state of mind, which in turn helps you think more rationally and productively through the day.

KICKASS SUPER WOMAN MENTALITY 

Completing a sweat session can make you feel invincible, like a total badass babe who can take on anything. And you are! That feeling carries you into your day with confidence. Having confidence is huge when you are hustling day after day to advance your career. Confidence is attractive and respected in all fields.

ENERGY BOOST 

When you finish a killer workout, or even just a balancing one (think yoga!) your endorphins will be running high and your blood will be pumping, making you feel truly alive.  Exercise gives you a natural high that lasts for hours after you finish.  Even when you are tired/not in the mood- I bet that once you get going, you'll feel energized and ready for anything.

SET YOURSELF UP FOR A HEALTHIER DAY AHEAD 

Studies have shown that people who work out first thing, tend to make healthier choices throughout the day.  I find this to be SO true for me!  On days when I work out, I am all protein and green juice for the win...which in turn keeps my metabolism revved and my body functioning properly all day.  You may also decide to take the stairs instead of the elevator or walk to your meeting instead of driving or taking a cab- these small decisions can make a huge impact on your mental, physical, and emotional well being.  Healthier and happier you!

Now that I have you thoroughly convinced about morning workouts, let's discuss how to fit it in!  I am a big class girl- I love working out with other people because I find it motivating and inspiring.  BUT when I am working on set or on location somewhere I have to come up with different ways to workout.  And those workouts have to be time efficient.  When I am shooting, I love running first thing in the morning.  I'll do 3-5 miles and it takes me about 25-45 minutes, then I jump in the shower, get dressed and go. It's fast and effective.  

You don't need to go to an hour class to get in a good workout.  And if you despise running (give it another shot please!!) you can totally get in a killer workout at home with nothing more than a mat or carpeted floor.  Here is a go-to do anywhere workout I LOVE to use when I am working or traveling.  

It starts with a light warm up, because you always need to get your body mobilized before starting.  Next you do two 5 minute rounds of certain movements, with rest in between the two rounds. THEN, you do a chipper, which means you chip away at the movements listed, trying to get through all of them as quickly as you can.  Time yourself to track progress!  

This whole workout, start to finish is about 30 minutes flat.  Push yourself during the whole thing because if you're only going for 30 minutes, you better make those 30 minutes worth it!

THE WARM UP 

Before you get started, stretch it out. 

Postion 1 Burpee

Postion 2 Burpee

Position 3 Burpee. 

Warm up, for 5 minutes: cycle through these movements without rest, paying special attention to any areas that feel tight.

3 walk outs (get those hips and hamstrings moving!)

20 jumping jacks

5 burpees

10 air squats

ROUND ONE: 

Push up form. 

What the top of your jump squat should look like. 

Postion 1 reverse lunge. 

Position 2 reverse lunge. 

Position 1 of V-up. 

Position 2 of V-up. 

Position 2 curtesy lunge. 

Position 3 curtesy lunge. 

1 minute burpees

1 minute push-ups (on your knees to modify)

1 minute reverse lunges, alternating legs

1 minute V-ups or bicycles to modify

1 minute curtesy lunges, alternating legs

Rest one minute

ROUND TWO (get that sweat going)

1 minute jump squats

1 minute push-ups

1 minute reverse lunges, alternating legs

1 minute V-ups or bicycles to modify

1 minute curtesy lunges, alternating legs

Rest 2 minutes.  Get ready for the Chipper!

THE CHIPPER

Chipper:  This should be done as fast as you can go.  Take little rests when you need it, but try to go hard!

60 Alternating leg reverse lunges (30 each leg)

50 Air squats (get low ladies!)

40 V-ups or sit ups

30 Burpees (chest to the floor)

20 Pushups

10 Jump Squats

If you are feeling super strong - go through the chipper again starting from 10 jump squats and working your way back up the list.  Extra points if you beat your first time!

COOL DOWN 

Feel powerful yet?!

Finish with some light stretches to cool down for 3-5 minutes. I recommend these:

Toe touches

Quad stretch

Figure four booty stretches lying on your back.

XO Katrina

---

Katrina Bowden is an actress living and working in New York City with a passion for health and fitness. Her lifestyle blog FitKat by Katrina Bowden combines health and fitness, with a sprinkle of fashion, travel, beauty-- and lots in between.  

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The One Design Hurdle That’s Got 66% of Millennials Down

photo by @taylorsterling

As active participants of social media, we are frequently bombarded with images of perfect-looking homes that feel so far out of reach. Perfect herringbone hardwood floors, custom fireplaces, antique crown molding, it’s all beautifully overwhelming because we want what we can’t have. 

With roughly one-third of millennials certified home-owners, renting is an unavoidable epidemic that most of us are dealing with (or suffering through… well, at least we’re in this together). 

One of the biggest woes about renting is the inability to make any drastic design decisions. Whether it’s updating appliances, new light fixtures, or the biggest of them all….. carpet *gasp*. We dislike carpet just as much as the next renter, but sometimes we’re stuck with it.  And what do bosses like us do when we’re stuck? We work through it, because we’re bad ass like that. 

To help you tackle this major design woe, we tapped three “cool-girl” interior designers for their tips on how to design around that dingy carpet (without compromising your style). 

 

Meet The Designers

Claire Zinnecker,  of Claire Zinnecker Design, a boutique interior design group based in Austin, TX. 

Kirsten Grove, the leading lady behind Simply Grove,  a creative outlet turned full-time interior design business. 

Ginny MacDonald, a designer and stylist, based in LA (though, she hails originally from England) whose extensive work can be seen here. 

photo by @FromTheGroundUp

LESSON ONE: Rugs are Your Friend

CZ: Layering the space with a bright patterned area rug will take away from your carpet woes. The color and texture draws the attention to it and pulls together the space. You won't even notice the carpet.

KG: When you are using throw rugs on carpet, try layering them to create a textured look that will take away from the first layer of carpet. You can play off of the color of the carpet by incorporating it in the colors of the rug.

GM: If the carpet has a crazy pattern to it then go for something solid and tonal that works with the colours in the carpet. If the carpet is light and neutral then you have the option to overlay something bright and colourful or go with something more tonal (i.e if you have cream carpet, you could overlay a sisal or jute in a slightly darker tone, this would also give more texture). Not all rugs work on top of carpet though. Low pile rugs don't sit well on top of thicker pile carpet and end up moving around so try to use a rug and a carpet with the same pile thickness and it should stay snug. You could also use a rug pad or carpet tape to make it stick even better.

photo by @simplygrove

LESSON TWO: Pull Focus To The Walls

CZ: Distract with paint. Adding paint as an accent wall or even a pop of color on the ceiling can change the feel of the entire space. It creates a fun distraction and gives your space personality. 

KG: Carpet can easily disappear when you focus on other aspects of the room. Creating a gallery wall with a variety of colors and textures can force the eye up instead of down.

GM: As well as adding a rug to your space you could also paint the walls in a brighter tone so that it helps to detract away from the carpet. A lot of rentals are painted in the contractors fave "swiss coffee" but painting it in a white or neutral grey will help a space feel more fresh and happy.

photo by @chrislovesjulia

LESSON THREE: Add Surrounding Textures

CZ: Bringing in textures through rugs, blankets, natural wood, etc. makes your home feel cozy and fresh. The carpet will practically disappear when you liven it up with a variety of textures.

GM:  Layer accent furniture on top of the carpet like fun colourful poufs, baskets for extra blankets and planters. This not only hides the hideous rug but also brings some life, texture and layering to a room.

Are there other design roadblocks you are experiencing as a renter? Let us know in the comments below!

An Honest Look At Working Moms and Postpartum Depression

I had a relatively normal pregnancy. There were certain complications, but when b-day arrived and push came to shove, I pushed and shoved and wailed for my own mama, who along with my daughter’s father, Chris, held my hand through a 36-hour, hell-on-earth labor. Pitocin went in like a lion, and my baby came out like a lamb, a tad purple and smashed, but perfect nonetheless with rose-bud lips, violet-blue eyes, only ten toes, and a birthday three-hours shy of the day her father and I met.

Fast-forward: we were a unit, dodging debris and diaper explosions with grace and confidence, and even in the face of the holy f-caboose that attaches itself to the newborn baby train, when we swerved, we never went off the road. In fact, I went back to work when my daughter was just 6 weeks old, and I thought, "I've got this." I danced at my desk my first day back. "Ohhhh, I've goottttt this."

Except I didn't. 

The first night the postpartum beast showed its rotten teeth I called Chris' mom at 12:30am. Chris was out of town working, as he often was, when my body jolted awake sweating and shaking.

“I know it’s late,” I cried to his mom over the phone, “but something is wrong and I’m too scared to be alone with the baby.” She rushed over and spent the night with me, petting my back until I fell asleep. “You’re OK,” she whispered in the dark. “You’re OK.”

Except I wasn’t. 

Despite the signs I refused to accept that my problems were psychological. “It’s my hormones readjusting, high blood sugar (I'm T1 Diabetic), my kidneys, neuropathy, a tooth infection,” I justified. It was only when the dentist, little mirror in hand, made clear that, “There aren’t even any cavities,” did I finally break down and ring my OB-GYN to convey the following: 

“I’m scared and shaky all the time, dizzy, terrified to be alone with B, and,” this was the kicker, “I think there is a ghost in the laundry room.” Rauschenberg’s ghost actually, who I thought I could keep locked up by placing the laundry basket in front of the room’s doors. Some crazy lady shit.  

“Why do you keep doing that?” Chris asked one night after catching me in my ritual.  

“You don’t want to know,” was all I said. “Rauschenberg in the laundry room,” sounds like a good novel, but not necessarily a sangfroid sentiment. 

I felt no relief having unloaded my secrets to a professional. Nor did I feel relief when she rattled off the following, “postpartum depression,” “panic,” “normal,” “number to a psychiatrist,” without a single non-lexical vocable in her voice. I jotted the number down, curled up on the floor of my daughter’s nursery and sobbed, “But I’m not depressed.” 

When I shared the diagnosis with Chris, he had the same response: “But you’re not depressed.” 

To the outside world, I wasn't. I was working. I was taking care of my baby. I was handling my business. Except I was also, sobbing in the bathroom late at night and at work. Hiding from a ghost artist. 

So HOW did I work? Looking back, I don't know. I really don't. It was the worst year of my life. 

I do however, have the following advice: 

Recognize when you do not in fact, "got this." 

For countless women, heading back to work, PPD or not, is not an option. We need to make money. And for some of us, certainly myself, we want to be able to handle life the exact same way as we did before. 

The problem is, postpartum depression grinds slow, but it grinds fine, and when you're dealing with it in the middle of your work grind, the symptoms can be hard to recognize. PPD isn't just tears and baby blues. Shit can hit the fan when you least expect it-- like a panic attack in the middle of the biggest meeting of your life. (Yep.)

Get help. 

I'm a little bit Type A. Or a lotta bit, depending on the day you catch me, and at one point I really, truly thought I could do this on my own. Acknowledging the issue is the first step, seeing someone is the second. You don't need to do this alone. Even if you feel like you can't share with anyone in your office, that's what the professionals are for. No one at work knew I had PPD (until now).

Sometimes being smart and independent means knowing when to ask for help. 

Figure out if you're protected by the ADA.

In hindsight, not telling my boss was def not the most intelligent move, and my pride could have cost me my job. If you work for a company of 15 or more, PPD is protected under the American Disabilities Act. A law enacted by the government in 1990, it provides civil right protections to individuals with disabilities. You need a doctor to diagnose you and you'll need to tell your boss.

In most case, your employer is not bound by the law if they don't know about the disability. And like any good lawyer will tell you: put it in writing. 

Use your vacation and sick days. 

I hoarded my vacation days, with the idea that I was stockpiling them for some impressive European vacation I was never, ever going to take. But there were days I was completely useless at work. Nauseous, anxious, tired; the sound of email in my inbox could send me into a dark rabbit hole.  

Use the days. You can picnic in Paris some other year. 

Delegate your work load. 

If you're in the position to not take on extra work, don't. You can prove that you are an invaluable asset to the company by getting better, and kicking ass when you're back to your normal self (it will happen). Taking on too much work in the midst of PPD and doing a half-assed job is only going to make you look worse. And then you'll feel worse. And then... so many tears. 

Remember, there is always someone out there who has been through it and thrived. Even though that first year was hell-- I'm still here, better than ever.