How to Not Harass Women as Told Through The Office Memes

Dear Men of the World, 

We need to talk. 

Seriously, we like sex. When it's consensual. But when it comes to office culture and harassment, and like, whipping it out in public, it's pretty simple. 

Because when you do sh*t like that, especially in an office environment, or when you're our boss, it's really freakin' confusing. Because we like our jobs, want to keep our jobs. And then we're all: 

And this. 

Look, it's a massive bummer that Harvey Weinstein ruined bathrobes for everyone. 

It's an even bigger bummer that he's a predator. 

Yes, that kind of predator. Kind of like this: 

Which makes us feel a lot of this: 

And this. 

So next time you're wondering if you should grab a woman without consent. Or tell her she'd look better if she lost weight. Or you're sitting at your desk thinking: 

Or. 

Or.

Keep it to yourself. 

Love,

Women everywhere. 

Arianna Schioldager is EIC at Create & Cultivate. You can follow along with her @ariannawrotethis. 

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

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

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

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

Study the agenda

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

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

Make your own agenda

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

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

Browse social media

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

Be business card ready

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

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

Attend the pre-game

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

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

Pay attention to the pre-event emails

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

Create a conference buddy

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

Venture away from your conference buddy

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

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

Written by Jocelyn Valencia 

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

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WTF: A Super Unsettling Trend Among Female Abuse Lawsuits

There is a growing and unsettling trend among high (or "higher") profile women. 

Elsie Hewitt, a model who dated Ryan Phillippe for two months this past summer, filed a lawsuit against him alleging that he assaulted her on July 4 when she showed up at his house to pick up her stuff post-breakup. She claims he beat her and threw her down the stairs. She went to the cops after the incident and a temporary restraining order was granted. According to Hewitt she also saw Phillippe “repeatedly abusing a panoply of legal and illegal drugs, including without limitation: cocaine, ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms, and steroids…Phillippe increasingly combined these drugs with excessive alcohol consumption and often exhibited symptoms attendant of poly drug and alcohol abuse, including mood swings and bouts of anger.”

She’s posted photos (somehow deemed "glamour shots"), which can be seen here and is asking for no less than one million dollars in damages. 

Cue: the money-grabbing, whore narrative. Cue: the lawyer’s rebuttal. 

To undercut that “whore” narrative we so often see associated with public cases like this, Hewitt’s lawyers have said that the accusations that she is out for money and fame aren’t true, and that if she wins, she will donate the money to domestic violence charities. The suit was filed only yesterday, and Hewitt is already on the defense. 

This is becoming an all too familiar plot point and smells a bit like victim-blaming's cousin. In order for women to be taken seriously by the public, they’re required to take extra measures to ensure that people know they’re telling the truth. i.e. not take a pay day. (This is theme all too familiar among women in general. We’re asking for too much. You can’t be feminist capitalist. Women have to pretend that they aren’t running for-profit businesses.) But specifically as it relates to narratives and accusations around abuse, more women feel compelled to pay up (or pay it forward) when the men are required to pay out. If they want to be taken seriously, they can’t ask for a dime. 

Or rather, they can only ask for a dollar. 

Just last month Taylor Swift’s federal-counter lawsuit against former radio host/ass groper DJ David Mueller made headlines when the Grammy-winning entertainer won the suit where she testifies that Mueller stayed attached to her bare backside during a photo op with him and his then-girlfriend Shannon Melcher. Her winnings?  A symbolic $1 as a chance to stand up for other women. Mueller, on his part, should he have won, could have received $300,000. There was no way he was donating that money or making symbolic gestures. 

In closing arguments, Swift’s lawyer Douglas Baldridge said, “That single dollar is of immeasurable value in the scheme of things. It says no means no for all women.”

But I’m not entirely sold on this. Sure, it’s not about the money. It’s about calling men out on their shit and holding them responsible. But it enforces the ongoing storyline that women have to prove the validity of their story by foregoing funds. 

Yet another recent example is that of actress Amber Heard, who settled her divorce and domestic abuse claims against ex-husband Johnny Depp for $7 million dollars. Heard, 30, filed for divorce in May and obtained a temporary restraining order, alleging her Oscar-nominated husband assaulted her after a drunken argument in their LA apartment. Those claims were met with similar jeering as Hewitt. Some cried blackmail. Others like actor Paul Bettany tweeted: tweeted: “Known Johnny Depp for years and through several relationships. He’s the sweetest, kindest, gentlest man that I’ve ever known. Just saying.”

Of her settlement, Heard has said, ”As described in the restraining order and divorce settlement, money played no role for me personally and never has, except to the extent that I could donate it to charity and, in doing so, hopefully help those less able to defend themselves." She went on: "As reported in the media, the amount received in the divorce was $7 million and $7 million is being donated. This is over and above any funds that I have given away in the past and will continue to give away in the future." Amber added that the $7 million will be divided amongst charities with "a particular focus to stop violence against women," including the ACLU and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, where she has volunteered for over a decade.

While we admire these noble acts surely beneficial to foundations in need, something about this is hard to swallow. Is it necessary for women to donate their winnings or take symbolic stands to be viewed as honest? Or to be taken seriously?  

Is proof no longer sufficient? (Side note: proof has never really been sufficient when it comes to dudes getting away with things.)

Apparently not, according to the uptick in these kinds of cases. 

Women are still required to be the sweetest, kindest, gentlest victims. Donating all money to charities. #Justsaying. 

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

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How To Reclaim Your Time & Your Meetings

If you were super-duper, pep-talk in the mirror honest with yourself, how would you answer this question: Where are your eyes during a meeting? Are they on your phone? Scrolling through emails?

Liking photos on Instagram…

We’ve all been there, to the point where we at C&C have a company-wide policy that at all-hands meetings, it’s all hands off phones. That’s right. They stay in our pockets or at our desks. Because ACTIVE listening is how we truly get into action.

And while you might be thinking, hold up, wait a multi-tasking minute. That’s how I stay productive. Studies show that you’re not actually getting as much done as you think while “multitasking.” The truth is, our brains can’t handle jumping from task to task.

Just. Not. Possible.

However, thanks to Bamboo, we've found a solution to the meeting madness. They introduced us to the idea of Mindful Meetings and their new smartpad is unplugged digital note taking at its finest! All you need is the Bamboo Folio and the accompanying pen, and it does the rest-- tracking your notes, sending them to your device-- it will even auto-type your handwritten notes with its Inkspace app. It’s been a HUGE timesaver for us. It also helps us focus on the meeting at hand. And the less you’re distracted in meetings, the less meetings you have to have! Who isn’t keen on that? (Your boss will love it, for one.)

And speaking of bosses, we asked 3 successful CEOs their best advice for having more mindful meetings in the office. This is what they said.

WEEKLY TEAM MEETINGS

"Something Social values weekly meetings to their core. We meet weekly to discuss major team goals, updates on clients, new initiatives, and more. While it may seem really easy to do all of this while also being on your laptop and phone, we make sure we don’t waste this time by fully focusing on the conversation. We leave our laptops and phones at our desks. Oftentimes, we’ll also take a few moments to discuss personal goals as well as professional, which helps us tie our work to our personal growth. Ironically, one of the things that most helps us stay mindful at the office is a piece of technology – the Bamboo Folio. The Folio lets us write meeting notes and ideas with a pen on any paper and then save the work as a digital file with the touch of a button."

Cali Cholodenko, Founder/CEO of Something Social

Read more on Something Social’s mindful office practices here.

TIME BLOCK YOUR SCHEDULE

"If you’ve been around these parts for a while, then you know time blocking is a method that I absolutely swear by! I give each hour of my workday a specific task and I focus solely on that task during that allotted timeframe. This keeps me from spending hours in my inbox or getting caught up on one client project that eats away my entire afternoon. Plus, having a consistent schedule for my workday allows me to plan accordingly and know what’s next. Rather than floating from task to task, I know that I’ll spend 30 minutes answering emails, one hour working on client design projects, 15 minutes brainstorming future content ideas, etc. If you haven’t tried time blocking before, I highly recommend it!"

Bonni, Founder/CEO of  B is For Bonnie Design

Read Bonnie’s Time Management Tips + Tools For Running A Business here.

STAND UP!

"When your body is active, so is your mind! Have a standing, no-tech meeting. You’ll be surprised how fast people will try to get things done in that meeting. You could also invest in a standing desk. We use them for when we are really ready to bust out tasks. Plus, it’s easier to do a victory dance when you’re already standing."

Promise Tangman, Founder of Go Live HQ

Read more on how the Go Live HQ Team tackles their to-do lists.

Want to learn more about how you can apply mindfulness to your office culture? Read more about Bamboo’s Mindful Meetings movement + see what their Smartpads have to offer. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

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Blogger Ali Edwards Shares the One Word You Need in 2018

How do you think about yourself? And how do you think about others?

The words we think, write and speak have so much influence on our daily lives. If we wake up and start the morning off with a smile and a proclamation “I’m going to be happy,”--  it may not set the course of the day in stone, but it definitely makes a lasting impression.

Words are so much more powerful than we give them credit for. They are able to directly influence our day, so we have to be sure we’re speaking life into our surroundings.

It’s something blogger Ali Edwards knows a lot about. Says Edwards, “In 2006 I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January-- a word to focus on, meditate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life.” Her words have included: play, peace, thrive, and whole. They are now embedded into who she is. She shares, “They’ve helped me to breathe deeper, to see clearer to navigate challenges, and to grow.”

One Little Word® Inspiration Card set. 

HEAD INTO THE NEW YEAR WITH ONE LITTLE WORD

Imagine directing the entire year of 2018 with just one word. How would you choose it and what would it mean to you? What do you want out of the next year? Claim it, speak it, go for it.

Think about your one word for 2018, one word that you want to define your progression for this next year. It can seem like just a little word, but it can have a big meaning and an even bigger effect over the course of this next year. When we put intention and clear direction behind our actions, it can be transformational.

If your word for 2018 is Joy, imagine taking everyday of 2018 with a joyful spirit and filling your work with energy and happiness. Could your word be Intention? That way every decision you make in 2018 is directed and focused. What if you pick Love and everyone you meet is affected by your word within their first impression of you.

With One Little Word®, Ali, with the help of Inked Brands, wants you to set the tone of your year.

Join us and them, and take control over your next year.

So what’s your word? Share in the comments below. 

To find out more about Ali Edwards and the One Little Word® project click here. & be sure to use the code CULTIVATE5OFF at checkout.*

*Offer valid till 11:59pm ET on 01/01/18. Offer valid on purchase with minimum subtotal of $35. Promo code can not be used with another promo code. One time use only. Must enter promo code at checkout. Not responsible for forgotten or misused promo codes. Not valid on subscriptions or preorder items. Some additional exclusions may apply. Offer subject to change. 

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How These Co-Founders Are Revolutionizing the Jewelry Industry

Gold is element 79 and its symbol is Au. And Sophie Kahn and Bouchra Ezzahraoui, the co-founders of AUrate, have struck their own version of the shiny element with their jewelry brand. Inspired by Warby Parker, the duo launched in 2015, with the intention of offering high-quality gold jewelry direct-to-consumer. 

What began as a friendship forged in the hallways of Princeton University's graduate school, where they met studying Finance, became a life-altering, business-founding partnership for the women. Both had recently moved to the US, Sophie from the Netherlands and Bouchra from France (and previously Morocco), and they connected over a love of fashion and a keen ambition to do things differently. I.e. smarter and better. "We realized that many fine jewelry brands have higher price points because of the wholesale markups and the customers’ lack of education about gold. For that reason, we decided to start a fine jewelry brand with a direct-to-consumer model, cutting out the middleman," says Bouchra. 

The powerhouse duo share a remarkably complementary partnership, combining Bouchra's sharp expertise in business and passion for artisanship with Sophie's fashion industry experience and design savvy. And this month, the brand is opening 3 new retail stores in Boston, Williamsburg and DC.

So we had to know, how are they doing it? And making it look so good...? Read on.

Turning a friendship into a business relationship can be challenging. What made you both know you were up to the challenge?

Sophie Kahn: Bouchra was a Derivatives trader at Goldman Sachs and I was doing strategy & Marketing at Marc Jacobs after a stint at The Boston Consulting Group. Our different backgrounds and our shared love for fashion and business were the reasons we came up with the idea, we saw a need in the market and wanted to address it. Instead of seeing it as a challenge we saw it as an opportunity, not only to turn “a friendship into a business relationship,” but to build a strong foundation for AUrate.

Piggybacking on that a little. You’ve said that you have a complimentary partnership. So what were each of your strengths and weaknesses that made you confident in each other?

Bouchra Ezzahraoui: We both realized very quickly we wanted to do build something of our own that is bigger and more meaningful while at our corporate jobs. Our complimentary personalities and skill sets enabled us to strike the balance you find in your ideal co-founder. Sophie built a great toolkit combining fashion industry knowledge along with her consultant skills, I on the other hand really learned how to work in a very fast-paced result-driven environment that forged my business and risk taking experience. I believe you need a business partner who shares the same vision but who can bring something different to the founders’ table.

To answer the last part of your question: We’re both very impatient and that’s the common denominator that keeps the AUrate journey going.

"You need a business partner who shares the same vision but brings something different to the founders’ table."

Tweet this.

Bouchra, from a BSc in Mathematics and an MsC in Applied Mathematics, your road to AUrate co-founder has certainly been an interesting one. You obviously bring a wealth of business knowledge to the team. So what would you tell young entrepreneurs just starting out that they need to be aware of on the numbers side?

BS: Make sure you keep the big picture in mind, know your market (all the numbers and your competition) and invest very early in your team and your product. Cashflow management is primordial but it all comes down to taking calculated risks. Your investors would appreciate that.

Sophie, similar question to you— because a successful company is not just about numbers. What should young entrepreneurs be focusing on in terms of branding and creative strategy?

SK: Use a consumer-centric approach to business – creating a brand with our consumers in mind, getting to know of what they want and appreciate, what are their preferences, instead of what we think they want. 

How much of business is going by the numbers? 

SK: Most of it, if not all. Our team focuses a lot on collecting data and executing on findings. We just opened 3 stores at 3 locations where our customers wanted an AUrate physical presence. We also just designed a whole collection based on customer feedback. 

How much is going with your gut?

BS: ALL of it. Really. You can simulate all the possible scenarios but in a startup environment, you won’t have enough data to allocate the appropriate probabilities to those very scenarios. It comes down to following your gut and just going for it. 

How did you each know that it was time to turn AUrate into a full-time gig?

SK: We had the proof of concept after a few months of operations. We saw a void in the market, we tackled it and our customers were receptive to our product and our mission. It was a no brainer. 

Was the transition hard for you?

BS: Neither of us had the jewelry background nor went through the traditional fashion route. We learned how to run a business from scratch. The market structure, hiring the right talent, looking for strategic manufacturers and partners all had to be done at the same time. You have to build structure within an endless list of priorities without having the traditional set up at a corporate job. The hardest part of the transition is learning how to be patient and dealing 100% with unexpected scenarios.

What was the hardest part of leaving your jobs and striking out on your own?

The trajectory is less obvious, you become your own boss and have to take all the decisions.   

What was the easiest?

SK: For me, it's having a real impact on this world. My parents are doctors, so I've always had this thing of wanting to give back. But I like fashion, so I felt very conflicted for a very long time. Now, we've got our company where we're a) helping kids read, b) creating jobs, and c) doing that all by ourselves.

How is AUrate revolutionizing the industry for the consumers’ benefit?

BS: We felt a true void in the marketplace, as we found it hard to find fine contemporary jewelry that was accessible. We realized that many fine jewelry brands have higher price points because of the wholesale markups and the customers’ lack of education about gold. For that reason, we decided to start a fine jewelry brand with a direct-to-consumer model, cutting out the middleman, empowering our customers, giving back in a transparent way and providing the same to better quality jewelry at a fair price without any concessions.

What is your hope for the company?

BOTH: We believe that the new generation of consumers cares not only about the aesthetics of the product but also its quality, how it is made and what it stands for.
It is important that we invest ourselves in more than just beautiful jewelry and business growth but we also strongly believe that true corporate social responsibility is increasingly critical in this world– we’re hoping AUrate will lead by example in a much bigger impactful way in our industry.

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You Should Def Think Twice Before Doing This On Social Media

It’s estimated that 81% of Americans are on social media, (up 5% from last year) so it’s more than likely that you’ll come across professional contacts on various social media platforms. While it might be second nature to connect with those in your professional network, it’s important to think twice before adding a professional contact on social media and make a conscious decision about whether or not connecting is the right move. There are a few extremely important things to consider first.

Nothing is private

One of the reasons why you should think twice before adding a professional contact on a social platform is because nothing is private. This goes for anything you put on the internet, but it becomes even more important when you’re dealing with your career. Regardless of privacy settings, it’s important to remember that everything you put out there can be seen by those in your network.

The first thing that comes to mind may be party pictures, but it’s important to think about the other factors of social media that others see. Are you posting pictures of a relaxing mental health day? Or did one of your friends post a funny meme that your boss might not like? Just remember that when you connect with someone on social media, you are giving them a window into your personal life. If you’re someone that likes to keep your work life separate from your private life, it’s best not to connect with professional contacts on social media.

You’re putting yourself in the line of judgement

It’s human nature to judge others, but when you add a professional contact on social media, you’re opening yourself up to a new line of judgement. Think about it this way: If someone sends you an email and you don’t respond, but you’re actively posting on social media, it sends the message that you don’t care enough to respond to your professional contact, or that you are spending more time on social media than handling your professional obligations. 

This can negatively affect you and cause others to judge your work ethic and level of respect. Similarly, if you’re sneakily (or not so sneakily) on social media at work, others will be able to see it. Depending on the office culture and social media rules, this may or may not be allowed, so you’ll want to make sure that you consider this when you’re posting.

If you’re someone who often posts social updates and pictures, you might want to think twice before adding a professional contact on a social platform so it doesn’t affect your reputation at work. If you are going to make a social post, be conscious of who will see it and what they will think.

Sometimes it’s best to keep your work and personal life separate

An industry-wide study of over 2,500 people found that 55% of workers would take less pay to have more fun at work. With that in mind, fun at work is still different than fun outside of work, and it’s important to note the difference. Regardless of your company culture or how relaxed your office is, it’s still important to remember that work is work, and you need to uphold your professionalism. 

Remember that you can’t un-see something. If someone sees a picture of you hanging out at the beach in a bathing suit, they will remember that at the office. If you’re comfortable with your office contacts seeing you in that setting, there’s no problem, but it just depends on what you’re comfortable with. It’s a very personal decision that only you can make.

This goes back to the judgement issue, but one of the reasons why you should think twice before adding a professional contact on a social platform is because you don’t want your personal life, outside hobbies, or personal opinions to have an impact on your work. In a perfect world these issues would not affect one another, but it’s human nature to take everything into consideration. With that said, it would be a shame if a personal opinion or weekend activity affected how someone viewed your work or your professional reputation.

_______________

In a society where we’re all connected and plugged into various social platforms, it’s important to think twice before adding a professional contact on social media. Ultimately it comes down to what you’re comfortable with and what you want to share with others. Social platforms are a window into our personal lives, so when you’re considering adding a professional contact, consider if your personal life outside of the office is something you’re willing to share, or if it’s something that you want to keep private. 

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

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Ask: Jaclyn Johnson, Create + Cultivate founder

We put out a call on Instagram to find out what you wanted to ask Create + Cultivate founder Jaclyn Johnson about starting and running a business. We got tons of amazing questions, and here Jaclyn is addressing one from South African jewelry designer A Ring To It: "Any tips when interviewing or hiring potential staff members and what has been your approach to managing a team that executes your creative vision?"

• Get referrals

When it comes to hiring, I start with friend referrals and fans of the brand before I look anywhere else. Send an email to everyone you know in your industry and ask if they know of anyone; and also put out a call on social media. If someone is already familiar with your brand, it will likely be easier for them to jump in and get up to speed. (If you're the one who wants the job, email and email—and follow up—to show that you want it.) Also, intern! Three of our current employees are former interns :).

• Do a trial run

Once you do find someone, start them out with a test period. I think three months is always good for new employees—that way, you can find out if they're the right fit. It's always good to have an open dialogue about how they're feeling and performing in the job. Not everyone is right for every job, so if something doesn't work out, it's not necessarily because they or you failed.

• Know what characteristics are important to you

I tend to look for and hire self-starters. Our business is always changing and I need people who can think on their feet. With new employees, I like to give them a few projects and situations that they can own and run with so that I can see how they think and how comfortable they are with autonomy. Also, be brutally honest—I never pretend to have the fluffiest work environment—it’s hard work! Also understanding your employees' goals are key! Where do they see their career going? What is their dream? That way you can map back to that at all times.

 Our business is always changing and I need people who can think on their feet.

Tweet this.

• Expect that there will be a learning curve

As a business owner, you sometimes have to remind yourself that people aren't mind readers. In most cases, it's going to take at least six months for people to understand how you think and work, and how you expect them to perform.  Also, assign mentors—as a business owner you might be too slammed to be on top of everything, but having senior employees mentor junior employees has been a super helpful program for us!

Entrepreneurs, do you have any hiring and management tips? If so, share them in the comments below.

Treat Yourself to the Best New Influencer Program-- Seriously

Amazon may be the spot where you order all your last minute holiday gifts, but it’s also the hub where influencers are taking their content this Winter. That’s right.

Earlier this year when fashion blogger Cynthia Andrew of Simply Cyn joined us on panel at Create & Cultivate NYC, she talked about jumping at the opp to be a part of Amazon Associates— the online retailer’s affiliate program that helps influencers get a share of the revenue. As Amazon has grown its fashion footprint to become one of the largest online apparel retailers, its Associates program is also adding new opportunities to help fashion influencers monetize their blog, including special financial incentives and premium content for qualified influencers. Every piece of content that you create is shoppable and has the ability to be linked to affiliate links.

Now Amazon Associates is taking it even further, with the launch of The Amazon Influencer Program. A natural extension of the Amazon Associates Program, the Amazon Influencer Program provides content creators and social media influencers the ability to create a curated shopping experience on Amazon and share that shop through an Amazon URL customized to their social media handle.  

Curious as to how it works? Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Apply for the program here.

• You’ll need to verify your YouTube, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram account.

• As people visit your shop on Amazon, you will have the ability to earn affiliate fees for all qualifying purchases.

• Products are added to the shop through the “Add to List” function on a product detail page and the shop product list is managed through the “Your Lists” section of the influencer’s Amazon account.

• Through the shop product list, items can be removed, moved to a different order on the page and comments can be added to specific products.

There are plenty of ladies who have already tested it out. From Instagram’s Director of Fashion Partnerships Eva Chen, who describes herself on the platform as “Mom, Fashion Enthusiast, Bookworm.” Her children’s book recommendations are on point.

To Lauryn Evarts, known as the Skinny Confidential to her followers, who has already started using the Influencer Program. Use her page to get her skincare recommendations or nab a Cube Timer— which the influencer carries around in her purse to help her time block.

Evarts also encourages future bloggers to not simply think about monetization. “My Instagram can go away tomorrow,” she told the crowd at Create & Cultivate NYC this year. Which is why she continually works on growing her audience on channels that aren’t beholden to someone else’s platform. “I didn’t go into blogging solely to monetize,” the outspoken blogger explained. “I went in to provide value. That’s one of the most important things. You need to establish value and trust with your readership before you think about money.”

“I didn’t go into blogging solely to monetize. I went in to provide value."

Tweet this.

The Amazon Influencer Program helps you do just that— provide value and community. If you get a little affiliate dough in the meantime— pay it forward this Christmas and buy grandma that sewing machine she’s always wanted.

Once you sign-up there are a couple of helpful tips to make the most of your page.

1. Be sure to use your vanity URL wherever pertinent.

   For example: Use it in a Facebook or Twitter post to drive traffic to the page or in your YouTube video description. *Pro tip: you can even go back through old videos and add the vanity URL to drive new viewers to the page.*

2. On Facebook use the Shop Now button to link to your vanity URL.

Monetizing content on your platform with affiliate links and programs like Amazon Influencer are vital to the longevity and success of your business. And creating community is what it’s really all about— especially this holiday season. So. Why wouldn’t you sign up for the Amazon Influencer Program? It’s a Holiday Gift from you to you. And (like the best gifts do) it costs nothing.

For questions on the program, email influencerprogram@amazon.com and use the subject line “Create & Cultivate Influencer Question.”

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4 Steps to Do Away With That Pesky Five-Year Plan

Photo credit: Vibe Tribe 

As the bartender made his way over with four birthday shots in hand my girlfriend looked at me and said, “Chels, I don’t want to turn 26.”

At first I thought it was a bad attempt at making a joke but the look in her eyes told me she was actually being serious. I gave her the biggest hug as I tried to wash away the confused feeling in my chest. Despite having a passionate budding career under her belt, a loving man by her side and the greatest friends behind her, she still felt that she wasn’t exactly where she “needed” to be. As we raised our glasses in honor of the birthday girl I found myself distracted by the elephant in the room that apparently now comes with turning a year older. Instead of celebrating it with arms wide open, society has cast a spell over us saying if we don’t have x, y, and z by the time we blow out a certain amount of candles then we must be doing something wrong. We than proceed to beat ourselves up and never take a moment to stop and realize that possibly, we are doing everything right.

Let me ask you this, have you ever thought that you could actually plan out your entire life?

Half of you are currently laughing at me while the other half know exactly what I’m talking about. If you fall into the latter category, you aren’t alone. I am completely guilty of being the college senior who sat at her desk and wrote out a 5-year plan. I put my heart and soul into that color coded timeline so it may come as a surprise when I say that I am forever thankful that the plan on that piece of paper never became my reality. The person I loved, the city I wanted to call home and the job I strived to land were all meant for the girl who I was then, not the woman I am now.

Here are a few steps you can take to say goodbye to the 5 Year Plan:

1. DON'T DRAFT A TIMELINE BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S

As cliché as it may sound, playing the comparison game will only lead you to a dead end. Comparisons can either make you feel superior or inferior and neither of those feelings serve a useful purpose. Write your own story, learn from your own experiences and live your life through your eyes.

"Playing the comparison game will only lead you to a dead end."

Tweet this. 

2. EVALUATE YOUR GOALS

Saying goodbye to the 5-year plan does not mean you should wash away your goals, no ma’am! Instead, use this as a chance to check-in with your personal and professional goals and know that it is absolutely OK to tweak them if you see fit to do so!

3. BE NICE TO YOURSELF 

When you are your own best friend, you don’t seek out validation from others because you realize that the only approval you need is your own.  This is your life, your journey and once you recognize the value to that then no one, not even a ‘plan’, can get in the way of your happiness.

"The only approval you need is your own." 

Tweet this.

4. WELCOME NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Since life doesn’t always go according to plan being able to welcome new opportunities with open arms is key. How silly would it be to close the door on an opportunity just because it wasn’t color coded on a piece of paper you drafted up three years ago? Don’t sell yourself short out of fear of not sticking to your 5-year plan, learn to ride the wave of life with a smile on your face and motivation in your heart.

Life is going to take a different path for every single one of us so constantly comparing your journey to someone else’s will only hinder you from making the moves that are meant for your life. Just because your best friend is engaged, your roommate landed her dream job or your younger sister purchased a house with the white picket fence all before you did does not mean that you are screwing up. With each new day and each year that you are lucky enough to blow out an added candle know that this is your life to live and your journey is uniquely beautiful.

Keep dreaming, keep loving and as always, just keep swimming.

Living on my own terms,
Chels

Chelsea Briche runs the popular blog The Millennial Miss. A platform for young women surviving their twenties with grace and a lot of humility. The platform is Chelsea's "pledge to you, the ones who haven’t quite figured it all out yet. That we, together, will immerse ourselves in every single thing possible; explore, love a lot, love a little, and never touch the ground."

More from our blog: 

3 Entrepreneurs Share Their Secrets of Building a Smart Brand

We're ever curious about what makes a brand successful-- and if there are certain tenets that will always remain important, especially in the face of shifting technology. 

So we asked three of our upcoming Create & Cultivate DTLA panelists to share. 

Joy Cho: Founder of Oh Joy! 

Ask for help and to let people help you whenever possible because you can’t do it all yourself. Also, find people that are better at you to handle the things that you don’t have time to do. 

Work hard, be persistent, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. 

Don’t try to imitate the success of others. Instead let their success inspire you to find success in your own way.

Carly de Castro, Co-Founder, Pressed Juicery

Defining a brand mission and building every facet of your brand with this in mind. Also learning from your mistakes.  No brand is perfect and I would be lying if I said that we made some choices that we maybe thought were good for our company but in the end were not.  What we learned is that it’s not only about the good choices you make, but how you learn from the not so great ones - this learning process has truly helped create and strengthen the Pressed Juicery brand DNA. I also think it’s extremely important to stop and just be grateful every once in a while.  As a growing and rapidly expanding brand sometimes it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. We’re always thinking about the next step and striving to be better – but once in a while it’s necessary to just be thankful for what we’ve accomplished in these short 5 years, it’s a great boost of energy for me as we move forward.

"It’s not only about the good choices you make, but how you learn from the not so great ones." 

Tweet this. 

Emily Henderson: Founder, Style By Emily Henderson

1. Steer away from anything generic. I’m not saying be controversial, I’m saying be interesting and if you feel strongly about something but are scared of the outcome - just do it. It’s fine. Most of the time you aren’t alone and your audience will respond to that opinion and if not, you’ll still get traffic. 

Obviously if you are a big companyyou have to be a little more careful, but I’m much more attracted to brands that have more of a personality, make a statement ,and stay away from cliche social sayings or really bland expressions. 

2. Trust is EXTREMELY important. There are times when you’ll be tempted to sell out, there are times when you will sell out (I have) but man, just know that your audience is watching and while it may not be the death of you it can be hard to recover if you endorse something that you know people think is cheesy. 

3. Think about your end goal for each new project. Is it money? Exposure? To broaden your network? New portfolio work? Fun? Ideally it's a combination of those things. Then cater how you handle that project based on your end goal. 

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

How to Road Trip The Right Way

Photography by: Jessica Bordner

They’re all part and parcel to the superpower of the ROAD TRIP. Road trips have captured our imaginations since before we ever landed behind the wheel. They have the power to make us feel free. And unencumbered by emails and office work.

So, looking to roll down the windows, and get a little sunshine on my face, I set out on a mini road trip in an Acura MDX to Palm Springs this past weekend. With a half a tank of gas, the car’s killer newly designed front grill, and my husband, sister, and dog by my side, we were ready to let the good times roll.

So, in honor of the fun we had, I’m sharing my four secret major keys to road-tripping your way to happiness.

1. YES, YOU READ RIGHT. I SAID HALF TANK.

Some people like to over-prepare. But part of the fun of a road trip is the impromptu turn-offs. You never know what you might find out your way out of town and off the beaten path. So contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to over-prepare your tank by filling it up all the way. Now, wait. I’m not advising you to run out of gas, but I am suggesting that you pull off the road, fill up your tank, but then hit up the nearby town. Pick up a trinket or two that will always remind you of your time at the mom and pop shop off the interstate.

Since we were riding in the Acura MDX and getting about 27 highway miles per gallon, a half tank got us pretty far!

Half talk, full heart. Can’t lose.

2. YOU DO NEED TO PREP THOSE TUNES

A family and friend sing-along is exactly what you need to fill up some of the hours of the road. But this is not the time to be selfish with your music. You want to pick jams that everyone can sing along to. Nothing too known, but nothing so obscure that you’re the only one singing. This isn’t your shower after all. My personal road trip playlist can be found here.

The Acura MDX even has a 7-inch on-demand multi-use display screen. It's positioned within easy reach of the driver and front passenger and controls the audio system and there's even surround sound!

3. DON’T TRY TO RUSH IT

So you hit rush hour? It’s not a problem. Road trips are 100% about the journey and not the destination (though a nice destination doesn't hurt.) Bring along a pack of Table Topics and play in the car. Go old school and play 20 questions. Get to know the people you love even more. There is something to be said for treating the road like part of the vacation.

With super spacious leg room, new leather piping and comfy captain’s chairs the new Acura MDX is the perfect place to be in traffic, if you have to be there.

4. GRAB GREAT CONTENT

I can’t help it. It’s the OG blogger in me, but every time I set out on a road trip I know there are going to be spots for perfect road trip content grabs. Plus, the desert during magic hour is too good to pass up. My professional photographer sister happened to be in the car with us, but it was the all-wheel drive and V6 performance capability in the car that really got us to the shot spot.  

Have tips you want to share with us? What are your must-haves for Road Trips?

This post was created in paid partnership with Acura.

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Boo Hoo Babe: When, If Ever, Is it OK to Cry At Work?

Crying at work. We’ve all done it— some of us more openly than others. Whether it’s hidden in a bathroom stall **allergies** or in the middle of a conference room, business environments can be tense and, at times, move us to tears. 

Unfortunately, there’s a shame that comes with crying at work, especially when you’re a woman— like you’ve failed some kind of litmus test for feminism (not true). There’s this underlying assumption that if you’ve got boobs and working tear ducts you’re either A. on your period or B. not tough enough to be a part of the boys’ club. You cry at work, and men judge you. So (ugh, sorry!) do other women who act like it sets us back in the workplace. It’s a tricky territory to navigate. 

Thankfully, there are CEOs and Founders who are attempting to change this stigma. But let’s be real— very real: We can’t pretend that there isn't a difference between crying when you own the company and crying when you’re the intern.

There are different tiers for tears. So let’s break it down by rank. 

CRYING WHEN YOU’RE CEO.

Jen Gotch, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of ban.do  (who spoke on a panel at C & C this past March in Los Angeles), posted a selfie 14 weeks ago of her crying at work on Instagram. In the caption she wrote: “Ever wonder what it looks like, really looks like to be the chief creative officer at a rapidly growing company? This is me, today, after my efforts to make something work, well, did not work. In fact they kind of back fired. So I cried, ate some cool ranch Doritos, contemplated getting in my car and driving far far away and never returning and then I did something crazy. I challenged myself to own the part where I failed.” The photo is an un-retouched, raw selfie. Her eyes are wet. There are tears on her nose. 

Crying when you’re the CEO is awesome. It allows your employees to see you as human (even if you have superhuman boss powers where you're fully operational on three hours of sleep). That you have bad days like they do, that you feel your failures instead of blaming them on other people, and it signals a shift surrounding the "humiliation" of crying on the job.

When you work for yourself or you own the company, it’s obviously OK to say, of course cry at work. Let it out. It’s good for you. In conversation with Lena Dunham for Lenny, Gloria Steinem said: “Because I am crying, I will live longer than you.” 

But no one is firing Gloria Steinem (or Lena, who also has copped to copious amounts of tears) at this point. 

CRYING WHEN YOU’RE MID-LEVEL, ALMOST BOSS

It’s a hard position to be in. You have some power, but you still answer to your boss, and you want to be sure that the employees below you, respect you. However, you need to trust that you've gotten this far for good reason, even if there have been a few tears along the way.  

Jen Stith, VP of Communications and Brand Development at Bumble told us, “I work for a startup so I wear so many hats. I don't even know what day it is, I don't have time to cry. Although, sometimes I almost cry when I can’t find Red Bull when I land.”

Which brings up an interesting point about the current office environment. So many of us work on-the-go, and the old office model no longer applies. Crying at work might mean crying alone. In which, have at it. It doesn't make you weak. It doesn't mean you've failed. In fact, releasing that tension has proven to lead to better concentration.  

"Sometimes I almost cry when I can’t find Red Bull when I land.”

Tweet this. 

Another employee of a major fashion brand, who asked to remain anonymous told us, "One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Some days you’re the dog, some days you’re the hydrant.’ And some people are more comfortable being the hydrant all of the time. But if you want to make moves, you have to be willing to stand your ground, and sometimes that can lead to tears. That doesn't mean you're weak, often times it means you really care about your job."

"Some days you’re the dog, some days you’re the hydrant."

Tweet this. 

CRYING WHEN YOU’RE A MINION. 

Every. Single. Assistant in Los Angeles has a crying story. Or a thousand of them. People like to pretend it’s character building, that being knocked down a few pegs is all part of climbing the corporate ladder.

When I was an assistant I had a boss who was determined to make me cry. He used to say, “I will break you. I’ve made everyone cry, you’re no different.” It became a sick game, especially given my position within the company. I had no clout, and therefore in my mind, there was no crying. (Not in the office anyway.) I cried in the car, at home, to my mom, basically to anyone that would listen, until finally in between sobs someone talked some sense into me, and I left that job. 

I never would have felt comfortable crying at the office, but that was due to the fact I was the lowest on the totem pole in a high-stakes, high-pressure environment.

When we aren't in charge, we worry about jeopardizing our standing or reputation in the company. That is a very real threat and a very real fear. That's not to say you can't cry, but you have to understand your individual situation and make that decision. (Even if that means realizing you might be in the wrong job.) 

TO TEAR OR NOT TO TEAR

There is a difference between bringing your personal life to work and crying because of say, a failed relationship, and crying out of frustration when, like Jen Gotch, you're really feeling a failure.

If you're feeling down because something goes wrong, or you feel disrespected and forced to put your tail between your legs, take a moment. Feel your feelings. Where you want to do this, is up to you. There is no one-size-fits-all model. You were hired by your company because they saw something in you that they trusted. Bank on that and your gut. If that means stepping outside to cry, go for a walk. If that means tearing up in front of your co-workers, then so be it.  

Even the strongest athletes get overwhelmed by emotion when they cross the finish line, whether they come in first or last. 

New Royalty, Meghan Markle, Shares 6 Pieces of Advice

photo credit: David Rosario. 

Take some advice from a real (almost) duchess ladies.

It's been said that a woman who knows exactly what she wants is one of the most powerful creatures in the world. And when the newly engaged (to ahem Prince Harry) Suits actress Meghan Markle took to the Create & Cultivate stage she gave attendees a glimpse at what that looks like. 

Charming, intelligent, and not afraid to let her guard down, Meghan is the definition of the modern woman and soon to be princess! Here are our favorite moments and six best pieces of advice the princess, actress, editor, and activist shared with #CreateCultivateATL attendees. Watch the full video here.

1. "DON'T GIVE IT FIVE MINUTES IF YOU'RE NOT GONNA GIVE IT FIVE YEARS."

Tweet this.

Passion was a hot topic at the conference all day. Meghan echoed this sentiment by telling the crowd that if they couldn't see themselves dedicating five years of their life to their endeavors, what was the point in even giving it five minutes? 

"Five years sounds like a long time," she said, "but it's really not." 

Time is precious. Focus your efforts on your passions and success is sure to come. "That's when you see your long-term goals payoff," she added.  

2. "BLIND OUTREACH IS JUST LIKE AUDITIONING, IT'S A NUMBERS GAME."

Meghan started developing The Tig after receiving advice from The Coveteur co-founder Jake Rosenberg, to do a site herself. A company had approached her to essentially create MeganMarkle.com, but after giving herself a gut check she knew it didn't feel right. She wanted her site to be less about fashion and include more "think pieces and op-eds about empowerment." 

But just because she's on a show, the actress said she still had to blind email people. "No one knew what The Tig was at the beginning," she said, "but I kept putting out outreach. At the time some people loved Suits and some people hadn't a clue what it was. It seems like I had more of an in, but it wasn't the case." 

She told the audience about cold emailing Heidi Klum's assistant for an interview request. "I don't know Heidi Klum," Megan said, "but she said yes."  

"We all do cold outreach."

photo credit: David Rosario 

3. "STOCK EMAILS WITH TYPOS? FORGET IT." 

Meghan is all about a personal touch, explaining that she still sends out handwritten thank you notes.  "I can't tell you how few of them I get," she said, "but one hundred percent of the time, I end up remembering that person." 

And even though she acknowledges typos happen, she says it's vital to make sure you're proofreading. It shows the recipient that you're paying attention and that you value their time. 

4. "YOU DON'T HAVE TO PLAY DRESS UP TO BE A FEMINIST. YOU ARE A FEMINIST EXACTLY THE WAY YOU ARE."

After an audience member asked Meghan how she balances being a feminist with being feminine, Meghan answered that there is no difference. "They are not mutually exclusive," she shared. "You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women."

"You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women."

Tweet this. 

You're allowed to be a feminist in whatever way that looks like to you. 

5. "DON'T TRY TO WIN THE PART, JUST WIN THE ROOM." 

Meghan shared that as a biracial actress she has heard 'no,' an endless number of times. "Because," she said, "I was going in for the ambiguous girl, the black girl, the white girl, even the sassy Latina girl-- even though I'm not Latina and I'm not even that sassy."

"It's very hard to not question something about yourself in those moments," she said of the endless parade of nos. "But at the end of the day it does not matter if you get that part or you get that dream job. It may see like it at the time, but if you make fans of the people who saw you in that room, that carries on so much longer than what that job might have become."

6.  "IT'S ALL STILL EXCITING. BE GRATEFUL FOR THE LITTLE THINGS. THAT'S HOW YOU ENJOY IT."

Meghan told the audience that for five months she climbed into the back of her trunk after auditions because she couldn't afford to get the broken locks on her car fixed. "This epic day happened where the locks stopped opening with the key," she shared. "And the clicker wouldn't open the front doors. I couldn't afford to fix the doors and this was my girl, this is how I got from one audition to the other." So she would drive to auditions, park in the back of the lot, and once they were over, she'd wait until no one was paying attention and climb back into her car through the trunk. 

Never in her dreams did Meghan think she'd be on a show that has run for six seasons, but in sharing real and humbling moments she's able to enjoy and stay grateful for the journey. 

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Links From Our Group Chat: Let's Talk Turkey with Teigen & Nuns with Chainsaws

If the weekend's activities have left you feeling stuffed to the brim, fill up on something else tonight before you head back to work tomorrow. Namely, Links from our group chat. Sure, we took a break from the office, but do you think we actually took a break from our C&C Dream Team Group Chat? No way. 

1989 was the first year a turkey was given a presidential pardon. And other odd facts about the world's ugliest bird. 

Chrissy Teigen is rarely wrong. And she is def not wrong about turkey. 

Turkey talk aside, since this week was all about giving thanks. We're throwing it back to this nun who took matters into her own hands. We are sure grateful for her holy badassery.

It's always hard to get back on track the week following time off. For one, there's no pie. So, stop doing meta-work.  

There's one day left to nab amazing deals from the C&C x Google Store. Did we purchase items from our own gift guide this weekend? Not even gonna pretend on this one. Yeah. We did. 

Want more? Check back every Sunday night. We're always reading the good stuff. 

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5 Boss Women Share What They're Thankful For

There is something to be said that we kickoff holiday season with a day of giving thanks. The focus on family and friends, not presents. On full bellies and full hearts. People gathered around a table or the smells in the kitchen. We put our hardships, grievances, and worries aside for a moment and really soak into what we do have.  Because no matter who you are or where you come from, or how rough the last month has been for many of us, there is always something to be grateful for. There is always something worth toasting. 

We asked four boss women what they're thankful for.

Cheers to them and you and from the team at Create & Cultivate, have a warm, wonderful, and love-filled Thanksgiving. 

SONJA RASULA, FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR, UNIQUE MARKETS, UNIQUE SPACE, CAMP

"I'm most thankful for the rediscovery of my intuition, such a powerful and important tool we all have yet often ignore... I've always been very in-tune with it and the energy that surrounds me, but this year was hard and I realized it's because while I was giving others the advice to 'trust your gut,' I hadn't been listening to my own intuition which impacted my work/life. " 

NICOLETTE MASON, WRITER AND FREELANCE CREATIVE CONSULTANT 

photo credit: Nicolette Mason 

"I'm really, really grateful and appreciative of my queer and POC communities. It has been remarkable to see groups come together to share resources, provide support, and help one another."

EUGENIE GREY, FOUNDER FERAL CREATURE 

photo credit: Anna Demarco

"I'm thankful for my chosen family, who align with my political beliefs and support me in all my endeavors. Times are extra hard for some of us right now, and the sense of community is the most valuable it's ever been."

CHELSEA SONKSEN, FOUNDING EDITOR, BOSSLADIES MAGAZINE

photo credit: Bossladies Magazine

"This year I'm especially thankful for the warm reception that women around the world have given my little magazine. When you start a new publication (or any new project for that matter), there is no way to know if people are going to resonate with it. I’m so grateful that Bossladies has touched on something that inspires and moves people at their core. There isn’t anything more you could ask of your work than that."

BETH KIRBY, FOUNDER LOCAL MILK

photo credit: Local Milk Blog 

"I'm grateful to have a job that allows me to be creative and travel—whenever I'm stressed I remember that stress means I have work and having work means I get to do what I love for a living." 

What are you grateful for? Share in the comments below!

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How Bri Emery Plans to Work More Effectively (Yes, Even Over the Holidays)

Bri Emery's life is a Design. Love. Fest. She designed it that way. As the Los Angeles-based founder and editor of designlovefest, her lifestyle blog that she says was never supposed to be her day job. 

But since her first post in 2009, she's collabed with Target, art director for Benefit Cosmetics, Gap, Nespresso and so many more. She even launched a limited run wine brand in the summer of 2016. Does that make you need a drink?

We checked in with the powerhouse creative to see how she handles the stress of work and holidays. Plus, how she's using her Google Home to stay even more on top of her ish. It's her hands-free assistant that's going to help her cook a turkey. We're into it. 

You're so freakin' busy! What’s your trick for staying on top of everything this holiday season?

I’ve learned my lesson not to completely bombard myself with tasks right before the holidays, because then I usually get sick the moment I have some time to relax. I’m staying on top of my to-do list this year and trying to finish up jobs earlier, so that the transition is less abrupt. The holidays are so important to be with the people we love and enjoy our down time.

We spy a Google Home. How did you think it will streamline your life and biz?

I love how it’s there to answer any little question I have. What’s the weather like in a city I’m traveling to for work? What’s on my calendar today? Setting reminders for appointments. It’s always helping me out.

Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Gift Guide click here. 

Ok, so any little question.... What’s was the first question you asked your Google Home?

Hey Google, "How do I cook a turkey!?"

Where are you using your Google Home the most? How is Google Home making your life easier?

I use my Google Home in the kitchen mostly. I'm constantly playing music while I’m cooking, using it for a timer, or asking it questions like "Hey Google, how many teaspoons in an ounce?” It’s like my sous chef!

What else can you do with it? What are your favorite podcasts to listen to on your Google Home?

I’ve been listening to the podcast “Where Should We Begin” with Esther Perel. She gives a peek at relationship counseling and has awesome communication advice. It’s fascinating. I also became obsessed with the crime podcast “Up and Vanished.”

Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google is offering all kinds of holiday deals. 

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How Whitney Leigh Morris Is Staying Connected This Season

Whitney Leigh Morris and her Google Wifi. 

Whitney Leigh Morris and her Tiny Canal cottage are expanding. It's true. The woman who has perfected the art of TINY living, is branching out-- with an extra couple hundred feet. It might not sound like much to you, but for Whitney, her husband, baby, and two dogs, it's going to be a game-changer. So she's also changing up her wifi situation because she works from home. As Whitney shares, "A strong Google Wifi signal is the single most important factor in creating these efficient little pop-up offices.

What’s your technique for staying on top of everything this holiday season?

This time of year is delightfully tricky— there is so much more business to manage and wrap-up, and yet there’s also a marked uptick in social events to attend and vacation days to enjoy. The reality of running your own small business in this era is that you’re rarely ever able to fully unplug. But as long as my digital files are efficiently organized and synchronized, it is quick and painless to oversee activations, reply to requests and inquiries, and keep projects rolling from my phone over the holidays. When I can manage all of my tasks without having to open my laptop our power-up my desktop, I feel like I’m balancing the work/play nature of December.

What Christmas movies will you be streaming with your Google wifi?

I’m excited to show my son and his cousins "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street." It’s from the ‘70s, but that Jim Henson magic never fades. (We don’t have a TV, so we’ll stream the movie on my computer and project it on a screen or wall near the tree.)

Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Gift Guide click here. 

You’re expanding your space, so why is Google Wifi the smartest choice for your expansion?

Our cottage is also my full-time office and studio, so I’m constantly working to varying degrees while at home. We recently acquired the neighboring tiny house as an expansion, and even though our increased square footage only totals under 800, our wifi signal now has to carry through exterior walls, and even reach into our “new” front garden. Before using Google Wifi, the strongest signal was near my desktop computer. But as my business continues to expand, and as my family’s daily routines evolve, I need to have flexible, functional work stations for myself and others throughout the cottages. A strong Google Wifi signal is the single most important factor in creating these efficient little pop-up offices.

Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google is offering all kinds of holiday deals. 

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How Simply Cyn Is Keeping It All Together Over the Holidays

Simply Cyn and her Google Home Mini. 

Need a little handsfree help this holiday season? Everyone does. Including Cynthia Andrew AKA @SimplyCyn, who is a fan of the Google Home Mini for more reasons than one. We checked in with the full time blogger and lawyer on how her Google Home Mini is helping her keep it together. 

What’s your trick for staying on top of everything this holiday season?

Staying organized for me means calendaring, setting alarms/reminders and making lists.

What’s the first question you’re gonna ask your Google Home Mini?

Hey Google, can you please set the following reminders.... long list to follow.

How do you think your Google Home Mini will help you balance your two FT jobs?

It's easy to get distracted or completely absorbed in one so you have to set specific boundaries and timelines for different projects. Sometimes, I have to force myself to move away from one in order to dedicate the appropriate amount of time and energy to the other.

Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Store Gift Guide click here. 

What feature of your Google Home Mini are you most excited to use and why?

I love to use the pure speaker function at night and mornings to stream music. It'll most likely just be me playing rain sounds before bedtime.

How does your Google Home Mini make your life easier?

Quick access to Google Assistant - I’m on-the-go and sometimes just need to know what’s happened with emails, my calendar, traffic or weather- it’s a real game changer.

Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google Store is offering all kinds of holiday deals.

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How Kristin Ess Is Streamlining Her Crazy Busy Life This Season

Kristin Ess and her Google Home.

We all get by with a little help from our friends. And this holiday season, you just might want to consider Google Home your BFF. It's hands-free help. You can ask it questions. Tell it to do things. Make it play your favorite jams. Time your turkey so perfectly that your mom-in-law asks you for the recipe. OR. If you're a working BOSS like Kristin Ess who launched her Target line last year and styles the coifs of babes like Lucy Hale and Create & Cultivate keynote Lauren Conrad lives by her schedule.

Find out why the hard-working redhead says she "almost died" of happiness when she found out Google Home can do this...

How do you think your Google Home will streamline your life? Your biz?

I'm used to opening 5-7 apps on my phone first thing in the morning alone-- emails, my schedule, I turn on music/news, read my to-do lists for the day, adjust the temperature in my studio, etc... I always thought it was incredibly convenient to be able to do those things by phone, but the fact that I can now just request these things vocally into "thin air” it allows me to keep moving and truly helps me multitask, which I’m not naturally good at.

What’s your trick for staying on top of everything this holiday season? Can you list 2-3 ways you are juggling the busy season + incorporate google home into one response?

First things first, I almost died when I figured out I can ask her to make me various shopping lists because I have a lot of people to shop for these days, running 3 different business, and I can’t manage the all on one list, so that’s exciting. Second, I love that I can say “Hey Google, how long do I cook a sweet potato?” or “Hey Google, what’s in a hot toddy?” and it tells me the most popular results and/or gives me a recipe. That is incredibly helpful to me when I have people over. I don’t necessarily have time to stop and look it up. Last but certainly not least, I can keep that Michael Buble, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Justin Bieber holiday mix flowing like fine wine.

What’s your #1 jam to play while clients are in your chair?

There’s not one jam. It’s just Aretha, Alabama Shakes and Adele all day, every day in my chair.

What’s was the first question you asked your Google Home? Hey Google...

I asked her to play NPR radio. I like to listen to the news while I set up for my day— it gives me interesting topics to discuss with people.

How does your Google Home make your life easier as a hair stylist?

My hands are always busy when I’m in the salon and my assistant is always doing a million things as well, so there’s not a lot of time for using my phone, tablet or computer because you literally need hands to do that! I love being able to vocally set timers for client’s colors, I can ask when my next client is coming, shout out a Google Search (because if you’ve ever been in a salon you know we discuss very random things in the chair sometimes), I can order food, we can verbally order inventory, which is a life changer, and when my client is cold or warm I can adjust the temperature for them. I’m also constantly losing my phone around the studio so it’s really nice that I can ask, "Hey, Google, call my phone for me."

Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Gift Store Guide click here. 

Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google Store is offering all kinds of holiday deals. 

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