Day in the Life: Ariel Kaye, Founder & CEO of Parachute

We’re back with another installment of our Day in the Life series! Today we’re sitting down with Ariel Kaye, founder & CEO of the beloved home brand Parachute. We’re obsessed with her focus on responsible sourcing, customer happiness, and smart scaling. Read on to check out her wisdom for yourself!

Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?

I definitely prefer life as a morning person. My baby girl, Lou, was born in January – she tends to dictate my mornings these days! Now that I’m back to work, mornings are when we get to spend a little extra time together. I also like to work out early in the day, and then I’ll come home to go through my emails.

By late afternoon, I typically start to feel a bit foggy. So if there’s something really important that I’m working on, I like to make sure to carve time out for it earlier in the day. It’s a big change from when I used to do some of my best work into the wee hours of the night!

What’s your commute like? Do you listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks? Any current faves?

My commute typically takes me about 25 minutes. What I listen to during my drive really depends on my mood. Some days I actually prefer silence, using that extra time to think. But I’m also a big fan of SiriusXM – some of my favorite channels include ‘90s on 9, ‘70s on 7, The Beatles Channel, Soul Town, The Groove, and Yacht Rock Radio. It’s quite a range! I also listen to several podcasts, including The Daily, WorkParty, Goop, How I Built This, and Pod Save America.

Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office/to your desk?

As soon as I get into the office, I immediately fill a large glass with water, get to my desk, open my emails and scan for anything urgent. Then I open my calendar and decide how I’m going to use my time between meetings. Hyper-efficiency is a major focus for me right now.

“Creating something that people care about and that has an impact are my favorite parts of being an entrepreneur.”

What are you working on this week?

I’m currently working with my team on some exciting potential partnership opportunities, strategic new hires, and preparing for an upcoming board meeting.

What’s been the most rewarding part of running Parachute? The most challenging?

Creating something that people care about and that has an impact are my favorite parts of being an entrepreneur. Our customers are at the center of everything we do, from developing new products that help them start and end their days feeling their very best, to creating unique and engaging shopping experiences right in their neighborhoods. Thinking of the looks on our customers faces when they touch or feel our products for the first time, or find the exact inspiration they are looking for in one of our stores, is extremely rewarding.

As we scale, so do the magnitude of the decisions and the effects they have on the organization. For that reason, I’m always concerned with staying flexible and supportive as we continue to grow. Start-ups are often measured by the speed of their growth, but growing a brand does not happen overnight – and scaling a business while protecting company culture gets challenging.

Ultimately, I try not to focus on the optics of start up success, but rather the true health of the business, my team, what customers are saying, and how we can provide them the best home essentials and shopping experience in the world.

You’re super involved in the production process for Parachute. Do you still travel a lot for work? What trips do you have coming up?

I do tend to travel pretty often. The majority of my business travel these days is for press opportunities, speaking engagements, visiting potential new store locations and spending time with members of our new communities during our grand opening celebrations. I’m also still very involved in the process of selecting the best possible manufacturing partners to bring our products to life.

Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication CEOs are so familiar with?

Very rarely! I’ve probably only achieved “inbox zero” twice in the past few years.

When it comes to managing my inbox, it’s all about prioritizing my email responses based on their degree of urgency, and delegating when it makes sense. I also probably wind up deleting 30-40 emails every morning that aren’t relevant to me or my business, or are clearly spam.

What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?

I make a point of taking a break during the workday to go for a walk around the block, clear my head, and make sure I get some fresh air. I’m also better and more focused when I’ve worked out in the morning, and took some time to get the blood flowing. Being organized and keeping a to-do list definitely helps me make sure that I’m accomplishing everything I need to do. And maintaining good lines of communication with my team so I know where I can support is critical.

“Maintaining good lines of communication with my team so I know where I can support is critical. ”

What are you reading/watching right now?

I just started reading Educated by Tara Westover last night – so many of my friends and Parachute team members have been raving about it. In terms of TV, I’m currently watching “The Act,” “Billions,” and “Queer Eye,” and I just finished “Shrill.”

When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” # of sleep hours?

I typically go to bed between 9-11 p.m. There’s no such thing as optimal sleep right now – I’m waking up with the baby!

What’s the most rewarding part of your day?

Getting home after a productive day at the office and spending quality time with my husband and baby girl.

What’s something not a lot of people know about you?

I’m a trained opera singer – though you’d probably only know this if we’ve been out to karaoke together and I’ve had a drink or two!

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Money Matters: Christina Stembel of Farmgirl Flowers

In today’s Money Matters series (see the others here!), we’re diving into the wallet of Christina Stembel, founder of the company we’ve all got our eyes on, Farmgirl Flowers! Christina is one of those rare gems who doesn’t just have a stellar eye for visuals, she’s got the left-brain financial smarts to make a successful company out of it. Read on to find out how she spends her company money—and her best advice for other business owners!

Where do you think is the most important area for a business owner to focus their financial energy?

Really knowing their numbers. Not the pie in the sky financial model that looks great if everything goes exactly as planned numbers, but the nitty-gritty do our unit economics truly work, where’s our money going, and how much is costing us to acquire a customer kind of numbers numbers.

What was your first big expense as a business owner?

My first website cost a little more than 10% of the total amount of savings I had to launch my business and get it to the point of being self-sustaining. That was super scary to spend that before I had any way of knowing if it was going to work.

How did you decide what to pay yourself? 

I didn’t pay myself for the first five years. I could have earlier but chose to reinvest the money back into the company instead. This helped me to afford a tiny marketing budget long before I would have been able to if I had instead used the tiny profit we had to pay myself with.

How did you decide what to pay employees? 

It’s always been based on what we can afford to pay them. Back at the beginning, this started at minimum wage and has grown. Offering benefits was also a goal early on, but it took a few years before I could afford to do it. Next came the 401K. As a bootstrapped company we add pay tiers and benefits as we can afford to financially.

What are your top three largest expenses every month?

1. Shipping (FedEx), which we actually subsidize by over a million dollars a year. It’s also our biggest customer complaint [shipping cost]. We often hear that we’re gouging them in shipping prices in order to make profit off the extra charges, but in truth, we pay FedEx much more than we can charge our customers.

2. Labor

3. Flowers

How much do you spend on office space (dollar amount or % of expenses)?

4% of expenses

How much do you spend on employee salaries (dollar amount or % of expenses)?

We separate out employee salaries into both COGS and expenses. Blended it’s 20%.

How much are you saving (dollar amount or % of expenses)? When did you start being able to save some of your income?

We intentionally run as close to 0 as possible and reinvest all margin back into growing the company. Being bootstrapped that’s what we’ve needed to do in order to grow our business.

“Knowing your numbers personally and professionally is power - it helps you to control what’s happening and take charge of where you’re going.”

What apps or software are you using for finances? How did you decide when to hire a financial advisor (if you have one)?

We use Bench for accounting.

Do you wish you’d done anything differently in your financial journey as a business owner?

I can’t wait until I can afford to hire a CFO or Director of Finance, but haven’t been able to yet due to budgets (#bootstrappedlife). I brought on a part-time CFO last year and it did not work well, so wish I hadn’t wasted the money.

Why should women talk about money?

To de-mystify it and make it less overwhelming. I think many times women think that they’re not good at finance just because they don’t understand it, but they probably are better at it then they give themselves credit for. Knowing your numbers personally and professionally is power - it helps you to control what’s happening to you (or you business) and take charge of where you’re going.

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Four Reasons Why You Should Create a Separate Email Just For Your Job Search

Most people don’t think about it, but it’s always a good idea to create a separate email account when beginning your job search. In a time when we’re constantly bombarded with emails about everything from sales, to job postings, to birthday parties, and work requests, creating separate email accounts can make a big impact on your productivity and sanity. Here are four reasons why you should create a separate email just for your job search.

Your old high school email account shouldn’t be on your resume

Let’s be clear: Your old high school email account (i.e. your old AIM username) should not be on your resume. If you have an email along the lines of doglover101 or hottamale3000, it’s important that you create a new email account to use for professional emails. Create an email with your first and last name, or some combination of your initials to create an account that is acceptable to use on your resume. Your friends might not mind that you use an old email address with a silly username, but potential employers will. Make things easy and create a simple email address to use for all things job search.

It allows you to prioritize emails accordingly

Finding a job is hard. There’s no way to get around it. This gets amplified when you’re trying to juggle your job search, your current job, and other responsibilities like family, friends, and self-care. Creating an email account for your job search allows you to prioritize emails accordingly, so you can be sure to see job search emails quickly after they come through.

When it comes to finding a job, it’s important that all emails you send are timely, clear, and free from errors. By creating a separate email dedicated to  your job search, you create separation so you can prioritize whatever comes specifically to that email. Messages about the big department store sale can wait; however, an email from a potential employer cannot. When all of your emails end up in one inbox, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by sheer volume or simply lose an email within a sea of messages. If you create a separate email account just for your job search, you’ll know exactly when you get a high priority email and can ensure to respond quickly, professionally, and efficiently.

“Creating an email account for your job search allows you to prioritize emails accordingly, so you can be sure to see job search emails quickly after they come through.”

It will free up your everyday email inbox

Depending on how you go about your job search, you may be getting emails when new jobs become available. This is a great tactic to help you stay abreast of new opportunities, but it can begin to clutter your inbox. By creating a separate email, you can free up some space in your main email account. Doesn’t it sounds nice to have an inbox that doesn’t have a million unread messages in it?

It removes any potential conflicts that could arise from using a work email

A lot of people use their work email to apply for jobs and for personal use, which can become an issue. Companies can legally look at employees’ work emails to monitor activity and ensure it aligns with company policies. If you’re applying to other positions from a work email, chances are that you’re violating some sort of code of ethics, and you’re likely sharing personal information such as why you’re interested in leaving your current role. This kind of information can be used against you.

If you feel like this is unheard of and don’t feel like your company is paying attention to these details, you’re likely wrong.
A recent survey conducted by Alfresco, a digital business platform, suggests that 98% of companies monitor their employees’ digital activity, while 11% of employees aren’t aware that their company captures digital activity at all.

Specific results showed that 87% of companies monitor email, 70% look at your web browser history, 55% monitor Slack or Chatter, 41% check your work voicemail, and 34% look at Facebook or LinkedIn.

If you’re trying to create a more organized inbox, one of the easiest ways to start is  creating a separate email account for your job search. This will give you a professional email address to include on your resume, help you prioritize job search related emails, help you organize your current inbox, and ensure that you keep your current work email and job search emails separate.

Michele Lando is a certified professional resume writer, personal branding expert, and founder of Write Styles. 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 provides resources to enhance your resume, professional appearance, and boost your confidence. Michele strives to help others gain the confidence to put their best foot forward in a personal and professional light.

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"Confidence Comes From Knowing Your Worth" & Other Key Takeaways From Our NYC Priceless Conversations Panel

How did you turn your business idea into something priceless? At our New York conference, we partnered with Mastercard on our Priceless Conversations panel to ask five of our favorite ladies in business exactly that. Women are contributing more than $3 trillion to today’s US economy, and Mastercard is putting the spotlight on several of those incredible business owners through a new national advertising campaign that celebrates and tells the stories of women business owners who are driving impact. We at C&C are so excited to be a part of the program with our Women’s Business Advisory Council and a small business marketplace at our NYC conference.

Moderated by Cheryl Guerin, Executive Vice President of North America Marketing & Communications at Mastercard, our Priceless Conversations panel was filled with incredible advice from Kelsea Gaynor, Founder of East Olivia; Bliss Lau, Founder of Bliss Lau; Brianna "Breezy" Dotson, Co-Founder of Coco and Breezy; Piera Gelardi, Co-Founder of Refinery 29; and our own Jaclyn Johnson, Founder & CEO of Create & Cultivate.

Want to hear some insider advice from these boss ladies? Read on for some of our fave mic-drop moments from the event!

Jaclyn: You have to start saying, “This is a business, and I’m going to take it seriously.” It completely changed the trajectory of all things Create & Cultivate for me.

Piera: You do need a strategy, but it doesn’t always need to be a five-year plan. Agility and following our intuition has allowed us to deliver what our audience is looking for, work on new platforms that didn’t previously exist, and work with brands as well.

Breezy: [My sister/business partner] and I had anxiety about raising capital. As black women, we were afraid to ask for money. When we started this company, we didn’t know sh*t, and we made it work. Stepping into this new lane of asking for funding and understanding it all makes me realize, I know I’m going to figure it out.

Bliss: If there’s one thing I’ve always done, I always knew exactly down to the penny how much money I wanted to make.

Breezy: Our goal is to take away the anxiety from asking from funding and share our knowledge with everybody else. Know that you are worth it, and it’s OK to ask for money.

Kelsea: I funded my business off relationships and intuition. It was really about staying true to what the brand meant to me. My PTO days were my funding.

Piera: It’s critical to maintain majority control of your business. When you give away 80 percent of your business, you lose the ability to move your business in the direction you know it should go.

Jaclyn: If you’re going to go the self-funded route, there’s a big level of sacrifice. I didn’t pay myself for a very long time. You are the driving force; you are the one keeping an eye on cash flow, but you’re also the one who takes all the flack when things go wrong.

Breezy: Don’t be afraid to fail. Have self-awareness so that when you do fail, you know how to do better next time.

“Our goal is to take away the anxiety from asking from funding and share our knowledge with everybody else. Know that you are worth it, and it’s OK to ask for money.”

— Breezy Dotson

Jaclyn: When my business took off, my mom told me to fall in love with the business side of my company. Not only as a business owner, but as a woman, it’s really important to know your where you stand with your financial health.

Piera: I think about how I can take my strengths into areas that are less familiar for me. I had this pivotal moment where I was sitting in a meeting with all these executives and a lot of people who’d gone to business school and I remember having the most severe imposter syndrome—feeling like a kid at the adults’ table. It was really alienating for me, but I said, “you know, I’m just going to bring curiosity to it.” I would start asking clarifying questions. I thought i was going to be laughed out of the room, but what started happening is people would lean in to hear the answers and thank me afterward, because they didn’t understand it either. That’s when I realized i could take my strengths into meetings and leverage them to grow, learn, and develop all sides of myself.

Kelsea: Be unafraid to partner with people who will support you.

Breezy: It’s important to wear all hats, so when you do hire a team, you can understand all sides. That way, you can be a leader who can delegate well, so you can focus on the bigger picture.

Kelsea: Confidence comes from knowing your worth. When you get turned down, you’ll know it’s not because of you, but because it’s not a good fit.

Breezy: If you don’t know something, ask. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to be your mentor.

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How to Build a Successful Corporate Career After Years As a Stay-at-Home Mom

The summer after my oldest daughter’s freshman year of high school, I had a mini identity crisis when I suddenly realized my kids weren’t going to need me forever. I’d been a stay-at-home mom for 15 years and had no idea what I wanted to do or even could do. For years I had been fully focused on my kids, and my former life as an ad agency copywriter and freelance writer were distant memories. “You need to get it together,” I told myself. And I did, landing a writing position at a Fortune 100 company (Target!) – with just a handful of current writing samples, no idea how to use Outlook, and almost no experience interviewing. Getting the job felt like a freaking miracle, and entering corporate America for the first time at age 43 (!!)  was both daunting and empowering.

But I did it, and you can too. Here are a few tips.

Get some experience - it’s not as hard as you think

I hadn’t worked in years, so before I started applying for jobs, I did some freelance writing for our local newspaper. It happened almost by accident: I had an idea for a story and emailed the editor. She liked the idea and suggested I write and submit it. I did, they published it, and that led to many more writing assignments. Without those published articles, I’m not sure I would have been considered for any jobs, since my other published writing samples were ancient. If you’re in the same boat, try getting current experience however you can. It doesn’t matter how small the project or organization. You don’t have to get paid for it. Just get out there and do something in the area you’re looking to get back into. Try volunteering your time at your kids’ school or reaching out to small companies or nonprofit organizations and offer to help them out. You’d be surprised by how many will say yes. (I recently did this myself - I reached out to a nonprofit organization in Seattle that really touched my heart, and I’ve been working with them doing pro bono writing for the past few months.)

Get your family on board

Going back to work will impact your whole family. Make sure they’re fully on board because it’s going to be a big adjustment and will mean more work for them. A friend with an intense career who has three kids told me that her husband, a professor, does more than 50 percent of the work when it comes to taking care of the kids and the house – and that for them, this division of labor was the only way to manage their crazy schedule. I shared this with my husband and made sure he was up for it. (He was, and his awesome support made the transition much smoother for all of us.)

Get the inside scoop from friends and connections

A friend of mine worked at Target headquarters, so before I applied for the job I reached out to her and asked a million questions. She helped prep me for my interviews by explaining how the company was structured and what the company’s culture was like. She also gave me advice on what to wear. (Three separate days of interviews meant three interview outfits! Stressful!)

If you know someone at a company you’re interested in, reach out to them and offer to take them to coffee or lunch. They can provide valuable insight and will likely be very happy to do so. Have good questions ready and be respectful of their time.

Give it six months

I was very nervous about the thought of working full time and how it might impact my three daughters. I was also afraid it might turn out to be a huge mistake. The same friend who told me to make sure my husband was on board also gave me a piece of advice that saved me. “Give it six months,” she said. That’s enough time to get over the hump and truly assess if it’s right for you. And if it’s not, you can leave. Six months felt very doable. Knowing it didn’t have to be permanent if it truly wasn’t right gave me the freedom to move forward.

Be realistic

The job I applied for and landed was a perfect fit for me, but it was also at a lower level than most people my age. And it was fine. Since starting that first job seven years ago, I have switched companies, been promoted several times, and doubled my initial salary.

Ask for help and Google like crazy

If you’ve been out of the workforce for any amount of time, you’re going to have a learning curve. An embarrassing example for me was when my boss asked me to pull together a best practices document for a project I was working on. I literally did not know what a best practices document was. But I googled it, figured it out, and got it done. Sometimes asking for help or asking questions is the right approach. And sometimes you just need to figure it out yourself.

Nancy Brandt is a Twin Cities copywriter and editor who spent years in corporate communications at both Target and 3M. She now spends her days writing, editing, brainstorming, and collaborating with companies of all sizes. She also helps high school students find their voice when writing their college application essays and does pro bono work for several nonprofits. Find Nancy at NancyBWriting.com or follow her on Instagram.

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How to Fire Someone (Without Getting Sued)

On paper, it looked like the perfect fit. The applicant had all the experience you wanted, an engaging interview, and proficiency in three languages. But a few months (or years!) into the job, and you just aren’t feeling it anymore. That’s usually the time I get a call from the entrepreneurs I work with saying, “It’s just not the right fit. Can we fire them?”

Of course you can. But…how to do it and what the risk level is depends on the individual facts. Here’s the process I walk through with clients contemplating a termination:

Is termination fair? Does the employee know that their performance or conduct isn’t up to par? If they have violated a company policy, is the policy in writing, and has the rule been enforced equally?

Does the employee have any potential legal claims? Have they been paid properly, given mandatory meal breaks or overtime?

Consider the timing. Has the employee recently complained about working conditions or pay? Has the employee taken sick leave or had any medical issues? You want to be careful that the timing doesn’t seem retaliatory for any complaint or protected time off.

Once you’ve decided to move forward, you have to prepare for that difficult termination meeting. I can offer some pointers to hopefully make a tough transition a bit less painful:

Don’t wait.

There’s never the perfect time, and there’s always an excuse not to do it today. There’s no best day of the week or time of day that makes it easier, but waiting to notify the employees comes with the potential risk that they get injured at work, diagnosed with an illness, or even get pregnant, making the termination timing seem retaliatory.  If you must wait to conduct the termination, document your decision internally and the reason that you are waiting. Perhaps draft an email to your business partner saying, “I agree we need to terminate Sally because of the performance issues we discussed. Let’s plan to do this next Tuesday when you are back from vacation.” That way, if something comes up before the termination date, you have some protection against a retaliation or discrimination claim.

Identify the best way to communicate.  

Make every attempt to do it in person rather than by phone or Skype.  Have a company witness present. Give the employee a chance to respond or tell their side of the story, even if it can’t change the outcome. Tell the truth about the reason for termination; don’t make it a fake layoff if you are replacing the position. Whatever you say can be used to discredit you in the event an employee does pursue legal action.

Consider any security issues.

This includes employee security, data and technology resources, and confidential company information. Be sure you have electronic access to everything you need for business continuity purposes, get any confidential material before the employee leaves the premises, and if you think the employee is prone to violence, hire security to assist.

Have the paperwork ready.

Some states, including California, require that employees be paid at the time of termination, so check the state in which your employee is located to make sure you are issuing final pay properly (including accrued but unused PTO if required by law or your policy). Also check on any state-mandated termination documents or letters that you need to give a terminating employee.  You may also want to consider whether offering severance pay in exchange for a release of legal claims makes sense. It’s usually cheaper than resolving a claim on the back-end, and if you are seeking capital, it’s helpful for potential investors to know the company has cleaned up any potential employment liabilities. Check with an attorney who can assist in preparing all termination documents.  The dollars spent up front are far less than those spent to resolve a claim on the back-end.

Communicate to the rest of the staff.

While you need to be mindful of employee privacy, you can’t really ignore the fact that they just watched a coworker pack up their desk or just received a text from. Address employee morale with empathy and a plan for moving forward, e.g. “I know Sally was an important part of the team, and we have already taken steps to find someone with XXX experience who we think will be a better match for the upcoming team projects.”

Sahara Pynes is an attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP whose practices focus almost exclusively on minimizing liability against lawsuits through preventative counseling on a range of employment issues.  She works directly with business owners and their management teams to enhance company culture and provide practical strategies to manage human resources and risks. Sahara was named one of Angeleno Magazine’s Most Dynamic Women of 2018.  If you’re a business owner who doesn’t know what forms to give a new hire, how to properly classify and pay employees/contractors, or just wants to button up their HR issues, reach out to Sahara at SPynes@Foxrothschild.com to see if she can help.

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Desk-Side: This Fitness Influencer Shares Her Best Tip To Grow Your Following

Katie Austin’s energy is infectious. The fitness personality and TV host genuinely wants to make people feel good—including herself—and that work all starts in her home office (where she keeps a set of weights, of course). Today, we’re partnering with Glade® Essentials Room Mist to share the story behind Katie’s successful brand. Read on to hear what motivates her and what she loves most about her job.

Q: Where’s home to you?

A: I was born and raised in Alexandria, VA, so I’m an East Coast girl at heart. But I went to USC, so I now live in Los Angeles. I’ve been working here for approximately three years post-grad and am absolutely loving LA.

Q: What is self-care to you?

A: So it might seem a little bit cliche, but the thing that I love to do for self-care, and my definition of self-care is obviously taking care of my body inside and out.

Q: What’s your go-to treat for a productive day?

A: I like to make myself a smoothie to keep me energized throughout the whole entire day.

Q: What productivity tips do you have?

A: My number one tip for productivity is to wake up early in the morning. I always feel more ambitious. There’s just something about a morning vibe where you just get stuff done. I also love to keep my home office fresh to keep my mind up to par. I like natural light, I can’t have clutter, and I love the Glade® Essentials Room Mist to keep my space always feeling fresh.

Q: What have you been working on lately?

A: So I am currently working on some new app updates for my membership program, which is a new workout every single day. So if you haven’t checked it out, make sure you check it out! Plus, I am always working on revamping some of my activewear line, which is always entertaining and fun.

Q: What’s the hardest part about being an influencer?

A: The hardest part is definitely scrolling through Instagram and comparing myself to other girls and other influencers out there. So always remember that comparison is the thief of joy. You are you, and that is your power.

“Always remember that comparison is the thief of joy.
You are you, and that is your power.”

Q: What advice do you have for someone looking to grow their following?

A: The advice that I would give to someone trying to grow their following is just to stay authentic and true to yourself. Plus, that consistent content will always take you far.

Q: You keep weights at your desk—why?

A: Yes! I like to just pump it up every now and then when I feel like I’m getting in a little bit of a work rut. It helps boost your brainpower actually.

Q: What would you do if you had more free time?

A: If I had more free time, I would definitely be traveling more (as if I don’t travel enough already). But that’s definitely on my list. Plus I love sports a lot so I want to be involved in more sports any way I possibly can. Anything recreational or club, even ping pong.

Q: What do you think you would do if you weren’t a fitness influencer?

A: I would have to say what sets me apart, why I’m different is my bubbly personality. So in my next life I would have to say that I would be a pop star because I’m an amazing shower singer, I love to dance, and I love to be the center of attention. Just kidding!

Q: What’s the best part of being an influencer?  

A: I would have to say the best part about my job is being my own boss, which is so fun. But at the same time that means I have to keep myself accountable 24/7, which can be kind of hard to stay motivated that much. Then I’d have to say the most rewarding part about what I do is helping other girls live their best life. It’s so gratifying to hear when other girls have gained that confidence and gained that self-love.

See Katie’s full interview below:

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How to Protect Yourself on Social Media

Social media is arguably the most powerful tool currently circulating in our society. Whether you use it for marketing, networking, business or personal pleasure it’s a part of our daily life. For me, I use it for all of the above – every single day of the year. I spend hours a week ensuring that what I post is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and that my followers gain something by reading the caption / link attached. 

Recently, an incident occurred that I wanted to bring to light in hopes that you will never find yourself in a similar position -- or, if you do, you will know the proper steps to take.  

I was sitting in the middle of a work lunch when I got a Facebook notification from an acquaintance that I hadn’t spoken to in well over a year. Intrigued by what she could possibly have to say, I threw my table manners aside and opened up the message. To my surprise I saw the words “Cosmetic Dentistry” plastered next to my smiling face. I thought to myself “what in the bleep is this?!”

Click link

New web browser opens: Yoursmilebecomesyou.com appears

I see the below.
 

At first I thought HEY! THAT’S ME! and then I thought wait, that’s me…

As I sat there staring at the website like a deer in headlights I didn’t know what question to ask first. How did they get my picture? Where did they get my picture from? Is that legal? Shouldn’t they have asked my permission? Do I call them? Do I call my mom? Do I call anyone? Am I being a baby for feeling completely freaked out that my face is being splattered across a major association’s website without my consent? 

Pause. 

For the record: I have never, ever, had any version of cosmetic dental. This smile of mine is au naturel and I would like to take this moment to thank my parents for blessing me with it.

Once I cooled down I put my business hat back on and broke down the appearance of this matter. Here I am, an author of a blog and face behind a growing brand with a smile to reflect my positive outlook on life. How in the world is it going to look to have a young woman who consistently preaches positive life reminders yet hides the “fact” that she went under the dentist’s drill. 

To be honest, before that moment I had never given serious thought to safety issues when it comes to social media. All of my social media accounts are public: Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, Pinterest – you name it, you can see it. I let my followers into my life on a daily basis. From traveling across country to visiting my boyfriend to candid moments with my best friends. From huge career steps and everything in between-- it’s all there when you type in @MillennialMiss. The thing is, I want it to be there. There as in my social media platforms or the sites I've given permission to use my image and link back. But not to a company that has ripped my picture off my photographer's Pinterest page without acknowledging me as a person, let alone asking for my consent. 

So I did something that I had never done before in my entire life – I called a lawyer. After I brought him up to speed, he hardly batted an eye lash before telling me that using my photo to promote cosmetic dentistry without my permission was against the law. The following day we dove head first into procedural steps to file a lawsuit.

To be crystal clear – this post is not about me standing up for my rights as a person let alone a person with a brand attached to her name but instead I want to take this unfortunate situation and use it as an opportunity to provide some simple tips on how to stay safe on the internet. The truth of the matter is, you never know where your picture may end up. Scary thought, huh?

I know that to the naked ear this all may sound a bit silly, but social media holds a lot of power. It is crucial that we, as women, know how to protect ourselves. 

Combining research with personal experience, I have compiled a list of tips of safety measures to take when using social media:

1. When creating social media accounts make sure to use a password that is stronger than your pets name. Use a password that no one would be able to crack and keep it private! 

2. Provide minimal information about yourself as possible and stay away from publicly listing your address. Always double think when filling out these forms, what wouldn’t you want a complete stranger to know?

3. Even though “check ins” are of the norm, be cautious of when you do so. Tagging your exact location (i.e: where you’re brunching) in real life gives a further glimpse into your whereabouts which, can lead to someone easily following you. Enjoy your time with the ones you’re with and save your posting for afterwards.  

4. If you tend to use a public, work, or friend's computer log out of your social accounts after each use.

In hopes this post served as an eye opener to consistently be mindful of what you post online and that every single one us is entitled to exercise our rights. 

Tag me,
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."

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What You Need To Know To Fight Blog Envy

Blog envy feels really shitty, and it happened to me too!

I was merrily browsing the blogosphere… getting inspired and happily devouring all sorts of fantastic-ness that people in the world are creating. I happened to stumble onto a lifestyle website… and was instantly drawn into all the shiny pretty-ness she had on offer. I started dreaming of all the fun I could have if I created a blog just like that! I imagined having an incredible studio where I created all sorts of cool creative things that I shared with the world, and then I saw myself in a floaty kaftan in some exotic location, sharing snippets of me with  a cocktail in hand on some sandy beach...

Sigh… it was a fun moment.

But I was snapped back to reality pretty quick when I realized that I don’t have a lifestyle blog. I was just wanting what someone else had… and that it isn’t ME!

Ugh… Blog envy was a little sneaky right there!

It's super easy to get caught in a whirlwind of comparison and jealousy… whether you see someone doing something way more incredible than you, their business is so much bigger than what you have created, or whether they create prettier stuff, they have cleverly managed to infuse who they are into what they do, or maybe they are just soooo much cooler than you see yourself!

Whatever the motive for comparison, whilst it’s more natural than we’d care to admit, the only thing it’s offering you… is distraction. You're being called away from what you are created to do.

Let's imagine what happens if you chase that shiny object.

You start blogging about cocktails, then you share your kaftan holiday at home, you remember that your blog was actually about ____[insert chosen topic here] - so you quickly write a ____ [insert chosen topic here] type tutorial, then you spotted someone's blog about their shoe love… oh yes, must share that new pair of shoes I bought! Then you found a cool quote - so you share that, plus your supper recipe, that webinar you wanted to do, then there was that piece of art you created, oh- and your favorite color this month, then that pen you bought, oh shit… another _____[insert chosen topic here] post needs to be written.

Very soon, you’ve found yourself floating in all sorts of directions… and quickly feel a sense of restlessness… knowing that something just doesn’t FEEL right…. experiencing confusion and overwhelmed and just feeling all over the place.

Shiny objects can be dangerous! So how do we get around it? It’s important to remember that we are all on our own blogging journey.

1. It all starts with knowing why you blog in the first place!

By being powerfully intentional, knowing what your dream is, and why you do what you do… everything else starts falling into place. It makes it so much easier when you have clarity and know what your purpose is!

2. Once you have your core pegged… you need to work out your Awesome Sauce [that special something you offer the world].

Know what makes YOU special… that you were born to do in this world!

3. Then it comes down to continually sharing that AwesomeSauce, people will naturally become attracted to you…

4. Rinse and repeat… Keep at it, keep persisting and sharing your awesomeness with the world… so that you create a business and live you love!

Et Voila! 

So the next time a little bout of jealousy hits… remember that you have something incredible to offer this world… that ONLY you can give… and there is no need to focus on what others are doing, but if that twinge of blog envy hits again...

Here are some ideas to help you when blog envy hits:

When someone’s business appears incredible, bigger, and uber successful:

• First remember… it has come with a lot of effort, and as you implement your plan, your business will also grow…

• Then spread some love and good vibes their way

So if someone has built a really great business:

• Let’s celebrate that they have found their AwesomeSauce, and have been able to make a go at it!

• Then go back to your big dream… and do what you’re called to do!

When someone is doing something that is shiny and exciting:

• There are many incredible ways to position yourself, but if their method is not right for your business, don’t feel pressure to “have to” follow their path!

• Repeat after me: "That has been wonderful for them, but it isn’t where I’m taking my special offering right now…"

• Then get back to working on that special something you are creating.

When someone has become really successful in a similar blogging space to the one you’re in:

• Let’s remember that there is enough space in this world for all of us!

• Spread a little love instead!

When they are just so much cooler than you think you are:

• We are all cool in our own special way… to our tribe… and anyway - you don’t want to be a copycat.

• Find your AwesomeSauce… that “thing” that makes you “cool”

• ...and rock your AwesomeSauce baby!

This piece originally appeared on Blog Society. Emma Weise wants to live in a world where entrepreneurs feel confident in the brand they are putting out in the world. She gets to help coffee drinking, lipgloss rocking, sneaker wearing entrepreneurs create a brand experience their clients will adore, helping them serve their AwesomeSauce to the world - and she has some delicious treats for you here. 

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5 Adulting Lifehacks You Should Know by Age 30

Being a grown-up is tricky sometimes. Whether you’re a new grad (congratulations!) or have been working in the real world for a few years, knowing the ins and outs of how to “adult” can feel intimidating. But don’t worry – we’re here to help! Below, we’ve partnered with Fair to put together a guide for a few lifehacks to navigate some of the trickiest matters of adulting.

Remind yourself (and others) that you’re worth it. 🌟

Negotiating your salary and can be tricky – and almost always is. Know your worth and don’t be afraid to ask for what you believe you deserve – employers actually expect it. Practice pitching with someone you trust, and be sure to include tangible reasons why you deserve a higher salary. Remember that benefits like PTO, flexible hours, resources needed for your job and other perks are always negotiable too. Lastly, expect your boss or prospective boss to say no at first. It is a negotiation, after all. This is where your practice comes in handy – you might not leave with the exact salary you want, but you won’t leave anything on the table.

Get a car without owning one. 🚘

Having a car is the ultimate hallmark of adulthood, right? But buying or leasing a car can be confusing and exhausting. With Fair, you can avoid going into a multi-year debt and getting a car without actually owning it. They let you pick a car, drive it for as long as you want and cancel at any time. Limited warranty, roadside assistance and routine maintenance is included in the monthly fee. And – you can do it all on your phone, just like you do everything else. So simple!

Save for your next big adventure. ✈️

We all have dreams for the next big trip (hello, Bali!), but regardless if you’re dreaming about a vacation or that next designer handbag – none of that stuff is cheap. How are you supposed to save when you don’t have any savings? In this case, every little helps – so start small. Banking apps like Chime and Acorns grow your savings automatically, so that you don’t have to stay on top of it yourself. Before you know it, you’ll be on that flight. Bingo.

Stay out of debt. 💸

Okay, so one tricky thing about adulting is that not all debt is bad – you just gotta know which one is which. Buying a home is great – because it goes up in value. Buying a car is not – because it decreases as soon as you drive off the lot (again, check out Fair). Another one you want to stay away from is credit card debt. Free financial services like Credit Karma can help you manage and stay on top of your debt, loans, and payments. Don’t get trapped!

Stay a free agent. 🕊️

Scrambling to change your whole life around in order to fit your job is a thing of the past. Times are a-changing and even though a 9-5 is still a very common and stable option, over 50% of the workforce will be 1099ers by 2021 – finding jobs that match their flexible schedule and passions. You don’t have to tie yourself down with only one employer. It’s 2019! You can form the way work fits into your life, and not necessarily the other way around.

Have your own adulting lifehacks to share? Let us know in the comments!

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This Trend Director Shares How Social Media Has Revolutionized Style

Have you ever wondered who makes all those big decisions about what’s “in” in fashion? Us too. We sat down with Erin Fletcher, trend director at Cotton On, one of our Desert Pop Up partners, to find out how her team tackles trend forecasting, buying, and merchandising for the brand.

Below, Erin shares the most rewarding parts of her job, how the industry has changed since she started, and the best advice she’d give to anyone just starting a career in fashion.

Working in trend forecasting/direction sounds like a dream job for a lot of women. Can you tell us a bit about your career path?

I studied design at University and was lucky enough to move straight into the industry once I graduated. I started my career at an iconic Australian retailer which I’d grown up wearing! After working my way up for a few years I took the leap and moved from Australia to the USA where I landed a dream job working for a retailer in Philadelphia – stepping outside my comfort zone, moving across the world was one of the best things I’ve ever done. After a few years in the USA, an opportunity presented itself at home in Australia working for Cotton On which I have always admired. I started my role as the Cotton On Women’s Trend Director in January. My day-to-day role includes creating and setting a vision for trend stories, ensuring the brand’s DNA is protected.

What’s the most rewarding—and most challenging—part of your work?

Rewarding: I work with a creative and dynamic team to deliver amazing and affordable fashion to people on over 18 countries. Working for an Australian based global brand like Cotton On and creating a product that I’m proud of is something I could have only dreamed of when I started out in the industry.

Most challenging? With the introduction of social media new trends are constantly emerging. We’re always working to tight deadlines to deliver the new trends that meet our customer’s needs across the globe.

What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out in the fashion industry and would like to be where you are someday?

Do more than what’s on your job description! Take every opportunity to learn as much as you can. Don’t be restricted, push yourself to learn from other people and areas. You never know what door it might open in the future.

“Don’t be restricted; push yourself to learn from other people and areas. You never know what door it might open in the future. ”

What are your go-to sources of inspiration for trend forecasting?

Instagram has been a game changer in trend forecasting allowing me to see different trends from around the globe as they’re emerging. I also love to look back on nostalgic references like TV shows and movies from the 80’s and 90’s.

I’m always on the lookout. I find that my weekends are a great time to see what people are wearing on the streets and in my role I’m lucky to travel a lot, which I love! I’m always inspired seeing how people dress differently not only in different countries but different neighbourhoods within a city. New York is a huge inspiration, each borough has a unique look.

Let’s talk about this season in the US. What were some of your trend references for what’s out now?
We’ve been so inspired by 90’s street and surf revival - hello TIE DYE!!!! Being an Australian brand, born on the shores one of Australia’s most iconic surf breaks, Bell’s Beach, I think we really can talk to this first hand! We’re also loving that natural hand crafted vibes like crochet and straw bags. All paired back with your classic denim is going to be huge this summer.

What pieces should we be investing in for summer 2019?

Anything tie dye! The new longer length Bermuda denim shorts, a flippy printed wrap dress and a strappy sport sandal!

How has trend forecasting changed since you started working in fashion?

Global accessibility – geography doesn’t play a part anymore, we’re so connected. I can open my phone and see what people are wearing on the streets of Korea or on the beaches in LA. When I first started you had to physically get on a plane to see global trends. Nothing beats travelling but the introduction of social media and the internet has certainly changed the way we forecast trends and the pace it moves at.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Fortune favours the bold - I accepted a job in a city I had never even set foot in! I moved to the USA and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding & creatively fulfilling times in my life.

If you could go back and tell your 18-year-old self anything, what would it be?

You’ll learn more from the things that you perceive as a negative than those that we’re easy. There will be some bumps along the way, if you can learn from those experiences it makes the success all the more worthwhile.

This post is sponsored by Cotton On. Sign up for Cotton On & Co Perks and get a $10 reward!

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Have a 9-5? Vacuuming Everywhere You Go Will Keep You Fit

As an avid traveler, I’m often caught doing tricep dips in airports and lunges down the hallways of hotels. It may not always be the most convenient to exercise while traveling, but it is always possible! I love sharing easy workouts you can do no matter where you are traveling or how small your hotel room is. These are also great to keep you active at the office!

Exercising doesn’t have to mean a full-out, hour-long workout. It can be as simple as making a few adjustments to your day.

TAKE THE STAIRS

It sounds obvious, but all too often we skip the stairs only to stand and wait for that all too temping elevator. If you can commit to take the stairs instead, you will actually save time and burn calories fast. You can expect to burn about 10 calories for each minute of stairs you climb!  So enjoy the fresh air and take those stairs! The only thing you’ll miss about the elevator is the awkward silence between you and five other strangers crammed in there. 

VACUUM EVERYWHERE YOU GO! 

It’s not quite what you’re thinking…. I’m not talking about cleaning your floors. This is all about tightening up your tummy.  No one can deny the inevitable travel belly bloat that ensues after days of eating new foods and sipping delicious cocktails. One of the best ways to keep your stomach in check is by “vacuuming.” This is where you pull your belly button into your spine, keeping your core tight and engaged. Try to hold this position while breathing regularly for about 60 seconds, relax and repeat. If you can do this regularly, your will notice your lower belly begin to appear much flatter. This is a perfect exercise to do while driving, sitting on an airplane or even just touring your favorite destination. 

DON'T SIT DOWN!

Well, not on a chair at least.  Next time you are stuck in an airport for hours, don’t spend the entire time slumped in a chair waiting for your flight. Instead, try holding a wall sit. Stand with your back against a wall and feet about hip distance apart. Slowly slide down the wall and step feet out 2 feet form the wall.  Make sure your knees are stacked right over your ankles to create a 90-degree angle.  Try to hold this position for 30seconds, come to standing to rest and then repeat. This is an excellent way to build lower body strength and keep you busy while you wait!

Katie Dunlop, CPT is a health and fitness expert. After her own 45lb weight-loss transformation, Katie created Love Sweat & Fitness to inspire women to live fit, healthy, and most importantly, balanced lives. She believes you have to love what you’re doing or you won’t keep doing it. Her goal is to provide fun and effective workouts women will love at any fitness level and with little to no equipment needed. 

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6 Ways To Brush Up Your Networking Skills

Our New York Conference is inching its way closer to us, and as we get ready for the big day, we want to make sure you’re prepped and primed for the big day.

And that definitely includes networking on site at the conference.

While networking can always seem intimidating, it’s something all of our attendees have mastered on site and have been able to take advantage of for their own professional development, and you should too. If you’re looking for ways to brush up your networking skills, we’ve got you covered with the tips below to make sure you don’t lose out on any opportunities.

Nail down your elevator pitch.

When you’re in a room with 500 other women, you’re going to have to nail down your elevator pitch. Make it concise and straight to the point. No beating around the bush, and no overtly selling yourself. BS tends to reek in a crowded environment.

Put your best foot forward.

When you feel your best, other people take notice. No matter how big or small you are in your career, as long as you continue to engage and ensure that your strategy is always to make a lasting impression, you will see that people will be more inclined to establish a deeper connection with you. Confidence is contagious… and while it may seem simple, a smile goes a long way — it's hard to hate a smile!

Practice makes perfect.

If you’re feeling antsy thinking about what you should say to start a conversation with someone, practice with your friends and see how you can nail down the starting a conversation with a stranger. From the approach, to how you introduce yourself, to what you talk about, make sure you can simulate the an entire conversation with a stranger via your friend. Come in ready with a game plan and see that networking anxiety go away.

Engage with the crowd, but don’t be an attention seeker.

It’s easy to fall into the hole of talking about yourself and letting people know about all the things you do in a networking setting. But take a look back and think about the last person who wouldn’t stop rambling about themselves.

Exactly. Don’t be that person.

This is why it’s important to nail down your elevator pitch and keep it short, clear, and concise. Give people the Cliffs notes to your story, and leave them wanting more so they are more inclined to email, call, or text you and get to know you more. Rule of thumb: always keep them wanting to know more.

However, make sure you’re treating the crowd with the same level of interest as you would want them to give you. Be genuinely engaged in knowing who they are, their career, and their story, and see how you can start building a strong connection.

Don’t give out your cards, trade them.

Of course, we should always come handy with a stellar set of business cards that we're ready to hand out. It’s an obvious tip, but one we have to remind you of. Make sure that your business card isn't generic and can show off your creativity and brand effortlessly.

Also, a rule of thumb to have when you’re networking is to make sure that you’re sure you get as many business cards as you hand out. You don’t want to leave empty handed.

Follow-up.

After you’ve finished meeting a new person and have hopefully gotten their contact information, make sure that you’ve written some notes and remember one key point in your conversation (doesn’t have to be business related, it can be something about your mutual love for Honey Nut Cheerios).

Wait a day or two to follow up, and use that key point as a conversation starter for the next time you reach out to them. Not only is this a good way to remind them that you met, but it will let them know that you were genuinely engaged in what they had to say and who they were.

And if you happen to meet someone at our happy hour on Friday, feel free to email or text them that same night so you can meet on site at Create & Cultivate New York the next day! #BuildYourCCSquad

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How to Spring Clean That Overflowing Inbox

According to internet memes there are two kinds of people in this world: those who keep their inbox at zero, and those who don't. 

If you happen to fall in the latter camp of "I'll get to this later" but never do, your email inbox probably feels like an exponential problem — the number rising every day a massive source of anxiety. But thank goodness it's spring, a season for showers, flowers, and cleaning. A season that, without which we might not ever get anything clean.

If your inbox needs a major overhaul here are four steps to slaying this spring cleaning and preventing yesterday's emails from becoming tomorrow's to-do list. 

COMPARTMENTALIZE 

You need to set aside some time to do this. No one said spring cleaning was easy, but write down the most important categories. For example: 

ACCOUNTS>IMPT TO DO*>BOSS**>COMPLETED PROJECTS>FREELANCERS>SYNDICATION PARTNERS>HOLDING***

People tend to overcomplicate their filing system, and they never end up using it. Try to keep the number of folders you create to under 10. That search bar in your email? It's actually incredibly efficient and more advanced than ever before. It does the work of all those sub-categories you're unnecessarily creating. 

* By creating a folder like "Impt. To-Do" you can stop using your inbox as a to-do list. You know what we mean — those emails you send yourself with tasks that need to be completed. Use a different program for this, and create a folder to help you manage projects. 

** By creating a folder like "Boss," you can easily search your boss’s name and drop all emails in this folder. 

*** By creating a folder like "Holding" you can drop cold pitches and emails that you're interested in responding to, but don't have the time to do so in the moment. But then when you do have the time, it's easy to find. You waste so much time searching for that one email, where you can't quite remember the idea, the name, the company... create this folder and start dropping those stray emails in. 

DON'T BE AFRAID TO TAKE ACTION

We tend to think of online space as unlimited, and as such, we never delete anything. But there is no reason why you have to keep every email you receive. 

If it's just taking up space, donate it to the delete button.

DEVELOP A SYSTEM

Once you get it cleaned out, the most important task at hand is developing a system you can stick to — that way you don't find yourself in the same mess all over again. Jaclyn Johnson, Founder of Create & Cultivate likes her inbox at zero when her head hits the pillow — so she developed this attack plan: 

"I get anywhere between 900-1200 emails per day, 1/4 of which I can delete. The rest I put through a tried-and-true system, where I sort my inbox based on a few different categories. Namely: urgent, where I respond right away; non-urgent, which I typically forward to someone else to answer; important and in need of a thoughtful response, which I mark as unread; and inquiry, which could be new business, press, or general questions which I drop and drag into a marked folder. Twice a day (noon and 4pm) I will answer the thoughtful emails, taking time to craft a response. At the end of the day, I will go to the marked folder and answer the less urgent emails. While I strive for a zero unread inbox, it’s unrealistic. The important part is prioritizing and organizing as to not let anything slip through the cracks."

You know what system will work for you. (Email hack: Use the color-coded flags, they are so unbelievably useful.) The best thing you can do is create it and follow through. 

FOR FUTURE ISSUES: CREATE A SPAM EMAIL

We give out our email to a lot of sites. From Netflix to Staples, to sites we can't even remember signing up for. Create a second gmail account where you send all product offers, spam — anything that you know you won’t need to check on a daily basis. If you ever feel like you need 40% off at the GAP, head to your spam email and you'll be sure to find a code. Otherwise, that bulk of AM emails from companies you have no desire to hear from is clogging up your inbox, space in your brain, and might even be causing a few too many unnecessary purchases. This is one tip that will save you time, space, and money. 

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Don't Be a Bore: 4 Ways to Engage Your Audience in a Meaningful Way

We all know how integral it is to have a following. To have an audience. Whether those people are reading your blog, buying your products, or double tapping your pictures, in order to have a brand or business you must have an audience.

However, if there’s one thing potentially more important than the size of your audience, it’s how likely that audience is to engage with you. Do they convert? Will they buy? Are they sharing insights? Are they so invested in what you’re building that they tell everyone they know? If they’re engaged, they’ll do all of the above.

So while it’s important to build that audience, it’s equally as important to engage with them. Here’s four valuable (and easy!) ways to do that:

STORYTELLING. STORYTELLING. STORYTELLING.

Even the most perfect shot won’t mean high engagement. So if you feel like your images, blog posts, or messages aren't nailing it, think about how often you’re sharing relatable stories. You can close the delta between your beautiful brand and meaningful engagement that adds to your audience's lives via storytelling. It’s in your stories, which naturally communicate trials and rumbles and victories, that someone will feel more connected and engaged to you. No, you don’t have to get all existential about the details of your morning in order to tell a good story, but don’t forget to open up about the life behind the brand. The message. Or the service. Through storytelling, you’ll build trust – which is the north star of any well-executed brand and business.

“Open up about the life behind the brand. The message.”

SWIPE RIGHT...TO 'VIDEO'

Ain’t nothing hotter right now than hot sauce in your bag, and video. Everything, all the stats, point to video. I could source and quote a million articles that make the point that we already know intuitively (“is video engaging?”). The better question to ask regarding the topic is... how. No, you don’t need to hire a full production team, yet. No, you don’t have to invest thousands of dollars in equipment. But you should try getting a feel for how video best integrates with your goals. Maybe in blog format? Swipe right in your iPhone to change from photo to video and get rolling. Or maybe you want to show your audience what’s going down at the event? Hi, SnapChat and Instagram stories. Or maybe you’re having lunch and an epic convo with your fellow boss biz woman of a friend, go live on Facebook and give audiences an insight into your problem-solving. Video rocks engagement like no other, and the barrier to entry is the lowest it’s ever been, both financially and in effort.

Example: Easiest of easy? Facebook videos shot on your iPhone in Bali. #justsaying

TWO WAYS WILL GO A LONG WAY

Think about your most avid readers, buyers, followers, share-ers… Have you followed them back? These ambassadors of your work are the entire reason you likely do what you do. It seems so simple but treating your audience and being there in return to follow what they are up to can go a crazy long way. Do you need to follow every single person that follows you? No and no. Always follow back your biggest supporters. Nothing encourages engagement and loyalty like treating your biggest supporter with a little support back.

Example: Take a cue from Sophia Macks of @beyondthemag. She does this. And I do say it’s workingggggg.

HAVE A CONVERSATION. LIKE, A REAL ONE. 

If you had a friend, advisor, boss, or sibling who was always giving her opinion, thoughts, and ideas but never asked for yours, how would you feel? If engagement with your audience isn’t where you want it to be, consider the opportunities that you’re giving your audience to ask. Have you opened up the space for them to do so, whether it’s with a final question before the comment section on your blog, or in the comments of your Instagram? Have you given your audience permission to chime in? Often, that’s all it takes.

Example: Take a look at this post from Amy Locurto. Lesson 101 on how to do this well. She not only asked, she demanded!

At the end of the day, engage with your online audience in the same way you would if they were sitting right in front of you. Which reminds me, if they ARE sitting right in front of you, share your energy and love. Show up as that fine person you are. Ask questions. Tell stories. Give hugs and high fives. Engagement goes a very long way in garnering support and business.

 Maxie McCoy is the energy designer of Maxie, where she shares soul wisdom on the digital video series #maxie and her weekly writings. If you want your spiritual and emotional IQ shooting to the stars, Maxie is the place to be.

Let Maxie be your guide to unlocking your brilliance by following along at maxiemccoy.com. Maxie offers soul sessions, workshops, one-on-one coaching, and words of wisdom you really shouldn't miss. 

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Millennial Burnout Is Real. The Question Is: Do You Have It?

We want to do it all—but what happens if doing it all drives us to a place where we can't get anything done?

Millennials are not invincible—but we love to tell ourselves we are. I recall multiple occasions when concerned friends and family members warned me, "Careful you don't burn out!" And I recall as many occasions when I just shrugged it off before heading to my next commitment.

For most millennials, it starts in high school when you’re expected to take on countless extracurriculars. College is no breeze, but you get through it with the grades your parents expect and with a smattering of internships you somehow tuck between classes. Your friends are right there with you, juggling it all and joking that “overworked” is the new “normal.”

But then there’s adulthood.

I dove head-first into my first job while handling two apartment moves, a hectic social life, and then—because I wasn’t stressed enough—I took on additional volunteer work. My high school and college self could handle juggling, but I quickly realized I hadn’t accounted for the real world pressures of independence and a competitive work environment.

The trouble with burnout is that it strikes when you least expect it. You're overworked, overstimulated, and striving for excellence in a world that sets the bar high. And as a millennial, you’re setting your own bar even higher.

“The trouble with burnout is that it strikes when you least expect it.”

We know ourselves better than anyone, yet we internalize societal pressures and put aside our needs. We want to strengthen our personal brand, maintain an active social life, all while striving for that sweet work-life balance—when balance means we just sort of never stop working.

We. Are. Tired.

And who can blame us? Fortunately, though, we can change that. Here are signs you’re nearing burnout and some ways to stop it before it happens.

SIGN 1: Someone asks what’s most important in your life and your answer is ‘everything.’

We want to do it all. But what happens if doing it all means sacrificing healthy sleeping and eating habits? Not worth it.

You know the word “prioritize,” but a lot of millennials struggle with the concept. There's so much to do, and in the Digital Age, it feels like everything needs to be done immediately. Ever have someone give you a hard time about not texting them back immediately? I hate to break it to you, but you can’t do it all at the same time. You’ll burn yourself out, guaranteed.

SOLUTION: SLOW DOWN + STREAMLINE

I say it's time to cut some of the dead weight. Start by taking a look at your schedule for the next week. Is there anything you'll be doing that fills you with dread? See if there's a way to maneuver yourself out of it. Our entrepreneurial tendencies mean we often say “yes” to every opportunity. But people will be supportive of your need to take a step back. Be honest about your concerns, say no, then stick to it.

Next, try making a to-do list. It may seem archaic, but listing out what needs to be done per day and then checking those items off your list can give you a great sense of accomplishment. It will also allow you to visualize what’s most important and what can be left for another day. 

SIGN 2: You panic if you leave your iPhone (and thus instagram) at home

As millennials, we've been raised with limitless information and countless ways to communicate. We’re encouraged to build our identities on social media, reinforcing our public image with well-edited photos of party going and staged selfies. That’s a lot of pressure, and it’s time consuming. Suddenly, the need to share means we’re permanently plugged into our devices.

SOLUTION: DON'T GIVE IN TO THE PRESSURE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Remember that you exist in the present and that person is enough. If your work life isn’t contingent on your social presence (meaning you’re not working as a social media marketer), reevaluate your participation on social platforms.

How often are you pulling up Twitter or Instagram to share? Try actually counting how many times a day you open the app. The results might be staggering, but you’ll have to face your problem honestly.

That time can be better spent sleeping, cooking healthy meals, or exercising. Yes, these options may initially seem less appealing (thanks to social media, too many of us have no sense of how to be alone), but they can drastically improve your overall health and energy levels.

• Put your phone in another room before you go to bed so you won’t be tempted to check it in the middle of the night or immediately when you wake up.

• Consider committing to only checking Instagram (or Twitter or Facebook) once a day.

• Disable your push notifications. They’re both tempting and distracting. You’ll be more productive without them.

• The next time you plan a fun activity or take a trip, commit to not photographing it. Instead, just focus on enjoying it.

SIGN 3: You know your body needs a quiet night in, but when friends text, you wind up going for yet another night out. that’s five days in a row.

This may seem like an obvious point, but we often forget to take care of ourselves. We get a text from a friend asking to meet for dinner as the workday comes to an end. Instead of heading home to get an early night’s rest, we talk ourselves into meeting for happy hour and feel pressured into the next bar or restaurant down the street.

SOLUTION: MANAGE EXPECTATIONS AND PRACTICE SAYING “NO”

It’s difficult to tell your friend no because you want to sleep. Chances are, they’ll put on the pressure and make a few jokes at your expense. But that extra time for self-care is crucial to avoid burnout. You will miss many more happy hours if you’re completely exhausted, depressed, stressed, or even physically ill. As hard as it may be to make time for it, self-care is crucial.

• If you’re like most millennials, you may need to actually schedule your nights in so you don’t make plans on top of them. Put them on your calendar and stick to them.

• Consider limiting drinking to weekends. Late nights are exhausting, but you’ll only feel more run-down if you’re dehydrated and hungover.

• For the friends who tend to pressure, make advanced plans and offer them the specific days you’re available. Then they won’t expect you to text on the nights you’re not.

• Single? Delete your dating apps. If you’re feeling frantic and exhausted, you’re not going to be your interesting self anyway. Make your self-care your priority until things calm down. Trust us, Tinder will be there when you get back.

Whether you’re on the cusp or already drowning in a pool of burnout, it’s never too late to take your life into your hands. Reflect on how you got to where you are, cut yourself some slack, then use our tips to get back on track. As millennials, we hate the thought but: sometimes we need to take a step back to move forward.

Do you think millennial burnout is a real thing? Why or why not? Chime in below. 

An original version of this article appeared on Career Contessa. 

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The Evolution of Celeb Seeding & If It's Still Worth It

Give it away, give it away. Now.

While celebrity endorsements have always been a “thing,” celeb seeding really took off in the '90s and early 2000s with the rise of brands and products like Juicy Couture and the trucker hat. 

Back in the day it was almost impossible to leaf through a magazine without a glimpse of Paris Hilton in a fuzzy pink track suit or Ashton Kutcher topped off with an ironic mesh hat.  

If it was not a paid for endorsement or gifting suite, celebrity seeding was a tricky process that involved multiple steps and a lot of finger crossing. PR pros tasked with gifting had to identify the best contact (stylist, manager, assistant, best-friends-little-sister’s-cousin) and pray that the item landed in the hands of the actual celebrity rather than some handler along the way. 

There was also the mind-numbing time spent pouring over photo databases hunting for a celeb wearing your brand on their most recent Starbucks run. Finally, someone in PR typically needed to pitch those hard-won images to media contacts and hope the photo was strong enough for inclusion in a story. There were few guarantees and lots of product was sent out into the void never to be heard from again. 

With the evolution of social media, seeding has evolved. The playing field has opened up and now includes influencers who can go direct to their audience via their own Instagram, Snapchat, or other. Social media has given brands hungry for endorsement new and more direct avenues for both outreach, contact, and end-consumer visibility. 

Outside of the products that influencers are personally fanning out for, now, with a little luck, a well-timed tweet, comment, or share has the potential to catch the eye of an actual tastemaker with a larger social following. In a sense, social media has helped reduce those six degrees of separation to just one and has given brands a more instant gratification with fewer obstacles to navigate.  

To seed or not to seed

At some point it seems every woman is offered the following euphemism, maybe by an old-fashioned parent or an overprotective brother, “Why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free?” This passive-aggressive advice would certainly not win any praise from Amber Rose, and it doesn’t play well in the world of influencer marketing either. 

Seeding and gifting are a necessary part of most consumer-product marketing strategies, and while they come with very few assurances, one strategic placement has the power to move the needle right off the scale.

Like every marketing initiative, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of gifting and to always consider timing and target. 

A few basic tips for giving the milk away for free: 

Find Your Muse - If you sell leather handbags, don’t gift a vegan celeb or blogger. If you make anti-aging cream, don’t go after a YouTuber with a fan base of 10 million 13-year-olds. Consider the look and feel of what you’re hoping to promote and who the tastemaker is reaching. 

Become A Subtle Stalker For Good (not evil) – If you don’t have a relationship in place, try to suss out the best point of contact. Maybe you can find a way to go direct, via a mutual contact or find a reliable team member to start the conversation. 

Pick A Winner - Make sure you are sharing a product that is so new and hot it will stand out or a tried and true classic that everyone would be happy to have. Don’t use gifting as a time to get rid of your “clunkers.”

Keep It In Your Pocket – Identify whether you have a product that makes sense to gift. While more outreach and product seeding is likely to increase the potential for a return, it’s important to really look at your costs and margins and come up with a cold hard number gifting budget that you can stick too.  With seeding, more is often more, but not if it puts you out of business. 

Feeling Myself  - If you design fine jewelry, coordinate trips to Bali, or are offering something with a very high price point, gifting needs to come with some kind of guarantee. A high price tag will often create leverage to secure just the kind of coverage you’re hoping for.

Continue To Subtly Stalk (without being annoying) – Follow up is important. Influencer, celebs and the people who work with them are inundated and harangued by people trying to give them stuff all the time (tough life).  It is important to try and get a definitive sense of interest via reasonable follow-up. Don’t be too extra; after one or two follow up emails let it go… otherwise you just seem crazy. 

Channel Your Inner Bad Ass and Dig In – Seeding should be done consistently with the launch of each new product or collection. Just because you want Kylie Jenner to IG your natural lip balm it doesn’t mean she will, but if you work at it long enough and hone your approach, you will develop a few tried and true contacts that will give your brand the love it deserves. If all else fails and it’s within your budget, hire a pro to handle your seeding initiative(s) for you.

Jessy Fofana founded La Rue PR over ten years ago after successfully directing public relations and marketing initiatives for an impressive list of well-known fashion, home décor, lifestyle and cosmetics brands and retailers.  Having worked in both digital and print magazine publishing as well as co-founding a fashion and lifestyle brand that she later sold, Jessy and her team at LaRue PR understand exactly what it takes to create the kind of take-notice, multi-faceted campaign that delivers brand-changing buzz.  With an experienced team of professionals, LaRue PR covers all the bases including print and digital media coverage, influencer relations, synergistic brand partnerships and more.  LaRue PR provides the skill and experience of a large agency with the creativity, dedication and affordability that can only be offered by a boutique firm.

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15 Signs to Step It Up at Work

In an ideal world, your boss tells you when you're doing something wrong. But sometimes people avoid the hard conversations. We've got some common warning signs to watch out for. 

1. She stops giving you large assignments

If you were initially given a chance to work on large assignments, but now you’re only assigned small (maybe even seemingly unnecessary) tasks, something’s gone awry. It’s possible your boss wasn’t impressed with your prior work. Whether it’s paying better attention to detail, logging longer hours, or having a direct conversation with her to get some feedback, you should do something about it now. Tackling bigger projects is your bargaining chip for future promotions. 

2. She reassigns your work to a coworker

Take a look at your current work load. Is it different from when you first started? You might have felt like you nailed your last project, but if you notice that your coworker seems to be taking on more work, while your assignments dwindle, stop to consider. This may be your boss’s attempt to balance, but if you feel like you could be doing more and aren’t getting invited to do so, consider approaching her about it. You want to make sure she knows you’re ready and able to assume additional responsibility.

3. She does your work herself

Some of us may have completed an assignment or conducted research for our manager only to find that she redid it herself (ouch!). This might not actually be as bad as it looks. Sometimes the instructions were unclear, or she wanted you to focus on something else so she finished it up herself. But it doesn’t hurt to clarify. If she’s unhappy with your work, you should discuss ways to improve for next time.

4. She calls a lot of meetings to “discuss your work”

We’ve all experienced a manager who loves meetings. However, if your boss calls a meeting more than once to discuss your work, or the quality of your work, then she’s probably trying to guide you. She may be subtly telling you that your work isn’t up to par. Try to listen without taking offense. A simple fix may make it better, for her and for you.

5. She edits most of your work

I cringe sometimes at the red underlines and blue scribbles I see when my manager edits my writing, and the meetings afterward to discuss the edits are awkward, too. If you embrace the feedback, though, over time the reds and blues will decrease. If you don’t see a marked change after a few attempts, chances are you’re at an impasse with your writing styles. That’s when you’ll want to consider addressing it directly with her.

6. “I love it... but...”

We’ve been programmed to expect the worst when we hear the word “but,” and it’s usually for good reason. Some managers are sensitive to their employees’ feelings so they add a cushion to their negative response when reviewing work. Watch out for these phrases—it may take some reading between the lines to determine what your boss actually wants from you. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification, either. Just because she’s not always comfortable with direct feedback doesn’t mean you don’t deserve it.

7. She drops you from a group project

If you start working on a team project, but suddenly you find yourself removed from the email chain? Warning sign. The change in guard could have to do with work load and strategy rather than you specifically, but it’s always good to address it. Letting your boss know you were excited about the project and would love to be considered for a future one is one way to open the conversation. Ask her if there’s anything you could do better for a future opportunity.

8. She micromanages

All bosses have different management styles, but if she feels the need to give you step-by-step guidance on every project, even those you’ve done before, there might be a trust issue. Consider broaching the subject from the perspective of her time. Tell her you don’t want to take up her limited work hours and ask whether there’s a better way for you to work independently. The conversation should reveal any concerns she might have about your work.

9. “You should know by now” 

When you first get a job, you’re given a probation period where you get the chance to show what you can do but also learn the business. If you find that your boss starts to bring up the fact that you’ve been at the company long enough to know how something works without feedback, she’s probably hinting (in a not so subtle way) that you need to step up your game.

10. She starts nitpicking and sniping

As time progresses at your company, you may notice that your manager is becoming more irritable when you approach her.  Maybe she starts pointing out every little error you make, leaving you with this feeling that you can’t do anything right. We’re all personalities beyond our job descriptions and, frankly, that means we sometimes get on each other’s nerves. If your boss continues to lash out in small ways, you can still make a comeback. Triple-check your work before turning it in so those small mistakes don’t happen. After all, they really shouldn’t, should they? If it truly feels like unfair treatment, though, consider addressing it with her or your HR department.

11. She condescends

Yes, she has more experience than you but professionalism dictates that she should treat you with respect even if you aren’t on her “level” at the company. If she condescends from the start, it’s probably just a sign she’s not a great manager (and that’s another story entirely). But if your boss suddenly starts talking to you as if you’re a child or not on her level when she’s previously worked well with you, she may be tired of the less-than-excellent work you’ve been turning in. The key word here is ‘suddenly’.

12. You ask her for a certain opportunity but it goes to someone else

All of us love to take on new and exciting opportunities, and we should relay this to our bosses or managers. However, if an opportunity comes up, and you make it known you’re interested in taking it on, and your manager gives it to someone else, she may not think you’re up for the job.

13. She gives you poor scores on your annual review

This is probably the most obvious sign (if you can even call it that). If your scores on your annual review seem to be decreasing every time, there’s no doubt about how your boss feels about your work

14. She "inadvertently" skips you in update meetings

This can be totally disheartening, but if she stops asking you for updates on your projects or doesn’t ask you to share in team huddles, she’s probably hinting that she’s uninterested in the work you’re doing currently.

15. Her energy toward you has just... changed

Interaction styles vary among managers. Some are open and approachable while others prefer to keep their office door closed most of the time. If you were once “cool” with your manager and for some reason she starts avoiding your morning chats over coffee, she’s probably intentionally distancing herself for one reason or another. It doesn’t hurt to ask her why.

What you can do

If you notice any of these signs, here’s what you can do:

• Ask your manager directly how she feels about your work and areas where you can improve

• Ask a coworker who seems to be thriving to give you some pointers regarding your manager’s preferences

• Ask for feedback from your manager and coworkers monthly

• Evaluate your work and ask coworkers (whom you trust) to review your work before turning it in

What did you think about this article? Let us know in the comment box below.

An original version of this article appeared on Career Contessa.

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Desk-Side: This Actor & Blogger Shares How She Finds Balance When Working From Home

Courtney Halverson is a busy woman. An actor by day and an influencer—well, also by day, she spends her waking hours running lines, shooting content, and blogging about all of it on her site, Pretty Little Fawn. So when she gets time to relax, she really takes advantage. We partnered with Glade® Essentials Room Mist to hear how Courtney puts a little balance in her hustle—read on below!

Q: How long have you been in Los Angeles?

A: I’ve lived in LA for about six years.

Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?

A: Fun fact about myself, I can turn the shower on with my feet.

Q: How long have you been acting? What do you love most about it?

A: I have been working as an actress since I was a kid. I actually just had a film come out set in the 1950s, which is great because I love all things vintage. But the best part about being an actress, is getting to become a lot of different people. I mean, I have worn a lot of different hats.

Q: What are your essential tools when prepping for a role?

A: A cup of coffee (needed), a highlighter, and whatever script I’m currently working on.

Q: What’s your favorite room in your house?

A: My favorite part of the house is definitely the cloffice (closet-office). It’s definitely my happy place in the house because it’s where I get to work on my other job of being a blogger. It’s where I style looks, create content, and do what I call “research,” a.k.a. reading magazines.

Q: Since you work from home a lot of the time, how do you instill work/life balance in your space?

A: After a long day of learning lines and writing blog posts, I like to relax in my living room. For me, it’s all about unwinding and setting the mood. The Glade® Essentials Room Mist is my go-to—I love the Mandarin & Mimosa scent. It helps clear my mind and let me know work is done for the day.

“The best part about being a blogger is getting to connect with women from all over the world. ”

Q: Who is your style icon?

A: 100 percent Alexa Chung.

Q: What’s the best part about being a blogger?

A: The best part about being a blogger is getting to connect with women from all over the world. Second best part? Creating content.

See Courtney’s full interview below:

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The Importance of Mentors & How to Find Them

"Get mentors." That's Alexa von Toble's advice to young entrepreneurs.

Von Toble, who remains CEO of LearnVest, the financial planning company which sold for more than $250 million in 2015, echoes something we've always promoted at Create & Cultivate. 

Mentors are not only a wealth of information for the career-driven young-preneur, they also help boost your confidence by given you actionable advice. Something we consider vital when you're starting out. 

So why mentors? 

Mentors are inspiring 

Ask any successful person about their career trajectory and they will always cite people who have inspired them. They have stories that push us to work harder. They've made mistakes we can learn from. They have wins that keep us going. 

It's like having an inspirational professional playbook. 

Mentors tell you when you should do better

Constructive criticism is easier to take from a mentor than from a boss. If you've chosen one or two people who you really trust, then you can remove any workplace issues or resentments that make it hard to hear what your boss (or superior) is saying. 

No one likes being told that they're wrong. Or that their work needs improvement. But when it is coming from an objective third party, it's much easier to stomach and will likely inspire you to *gasp* do better. 

Mentors have key relationships

If you impress your mentor, chances are they are going to find a way to connect you to other people who matter, professionally speaking. Often this can happen naturally. People who are willing to be mentors like connecting the dots and as such, will connect the dots. 

Plus paying it forward is a win-win. When you are in a position to introduce them or connect them to new clients, do it. 

Mentors know what it takes to make it

Work. Work. Work. Work. Work. That's what it takes, and when you're midnight-deep in another oil burner at the office, and you don't think you can do it anymore, a text to your mentor that reminds you they were once (and probably still are — because making it means even later hours) in the same boat, goes a long way. 

They've also heard "NO" a million ways and never gave up.  

A little bit of encouragement from someone you respect and trust? That's the juice that turns into a money-making smoothie. 

Just because you’ve made it, doesn’t mean you don’t need a mentor 

Sophia Rivka Rossi co-founder of HelloGiggles, has “made it” by most professional standards. The feel-good company online platform was acquired by TIME last year for an estimated $30 million. And yet, when speaking with Elizabeth Rice and Julie Cutler, co-founders of SoulCycle, she cited both women as her mentors, and who she continues to look to for for inspiration. Smart, savvy, successful business women never stop learning. It's how you grow. Even when you think you're tall AF — there are still professional inches to be gained.

Where to find them

One, at Create & Cultivate. Have you become an insider yet?

Two, six degrees of separation is real. One very simple way to see who knows who you want to know, is to look through who your friends follow on Instagram. You'd be surprised to find out how interwoven our lives are. Then, craft that DM and tell person X that you'd love to bring them coffee and take 15 minutes of their time.

It could be the beginning of an amazing working relationship.

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