"Your Voice Is Power": Dynamite's Director of Product and Brand on How to Boss Up Your Career

Ever wondered what people do at work? If you’re a voyeur like us, then you’ll love our series A Day in the Life where we get a real behind-the-scenes glimpse into the professional lives of CEOs, directors, business owners, and entrepreneurs we admire. From their morning routine to the rituals that set them up for success and questions such as “do you ever reach inbox zero?” because we all want to know how to streamline our lives.

“Your voice is power— speak up and don’t be afraid to show some passion.”

—Jessica Lutfy, Director Product and Brand, Dynamite

You don’t get to a director level in your career without some serious hustle and hard work but it all stems from the passion first. Jessica Lufty is definitely a result of all three. As the director of product and brand at Dynamite, she certainly has her work cut out for her but her love for the job and being able to work with “so many badass women” keeps her motivated and inspired.

To find out just exactly what a day-in-the-life of a director looks like, we tapped Lutfy to give us a glimpse from her morning routine to her greatest lessons, and productivity hacks. Grab your notepad, you’ll want to write these down.

What does an average day in your life look like?

“I wake up at 6 AM if I’m heading to spin, or 7 AM if I’m not. I prepare a cup of drip coffee and do my minimal makeup routine (most days just concealer and a tinted lip—mascara is for special days). I then check the weather app to curate my outfit for the day. Meetings start at 9:30 AM, which usually consists of assortment reviews, marketing/visual/photography/styling reviews, and strategy alignment meetings with my amazing team.

“If I didn’t make it to spin class in the morning I usually head over to the gym at the end of the day to reset the endorphins. Spinning is a major stress and energy release for me. When I get home I usually have a 15 minute (at least) conversation with my husband about what dinner should be. I like to keep it simple, while he thinks it’s an episode of Chopped. After dinner, we find some time to decompress before bed (which means Netflix of course). Lights out at 11 PM.” 

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

“I’m a bit of both, to be honest. I can work out early and get things ticked off my ‘admin’ to-do list earlier in the day, but the real magic happens in the second half of the day when the creative juices are in full force. By the end of the day, I have been stimulated by so much creativity, passion and strategic conversations that it keeps me going until my head hits the pillow.”

Being a product and brand director means you wear so many hats across different facets of the business. How do you manage your time effectively?

“It’s all about communication and alignment. I regroup with my team twice a week to make sure we are all collectively working towards the same ‘north star.’ This allows us to focus on our priorities and execute on our mandates in the most effective and creative way possible. Each department within the banner has a piece of the puzzle to set in order for the brand to come to life the way we want it to. By consistently getting together and reviewing our goals, we keep each other accountable.”

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

“Never! I need to have clear goals established at the beginning of a season along with a bulletproof process to serve as a roadmap. The truth is that you can’t do it all, so it’s about doing what will help you achieve your goals and delegate (or drop what doesn’t). When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I make myself a physical priority list and pin it in my office. Somehow the act of writing makes it more attainable.”

“When you set a goal that is fundamentally important to you, you will inherently make strategic decisions that will allow you to reach that goal.”

—Jessica Lutfy, Director Product and Brand, Dynamite

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

“8 hours—anything fewer shows!”

What’s your go-to outfit to feel confident at work and how does fashion play into your outfit choices?

“My go-to confidence outfit would be an all-black look made complete with a menswear-inspired blazer.”

What’s the most rewarding part of your day?

“Working among so many badass women then coming home to my sweet husband.”

 What advice do you have for aspiring female founders?

“Your voice is power. Speak up and don’t be afraid to show some passion. Using your voice is a learned behavior that you can practice. You won’t always be right but the more you put yourself out there and make yourself uncomfortable, the more you will learn in turn.”

“The truth is that you can’t do it all, so it’s about doing what will help you achieve your goals and delegate (or drop what doesn’t).”

What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned along the way?

“People work for people. You can have the best product and the nicest workspace, but at the end of the day, you want to spend your time with real people who are passionate about what they do.” 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“Set goals for yourself, either in your personal life or in your career. I set a financial goal for myself three years ago, and just by writing it down and planting the seed in my subconscious I was able to achieve it. When you set a goal that is fundamentally important to you, you will inherently make strategic decisions that will allow you to reach that goal.”

What are some exciting projects you’re working on this month? What are you most excited about in 2020?

“In 2020 we will be elevating our product line as well as our brand image in order to better serve our customers through iconic fashion, thought-provoking imagery, and more personal connections. I am so excited for what’s to come as we take our brand to the next level.”

To learn more about Groupe Dynamite, visit dynamiteclothing.com.

20 Successful People Share the Books That Transformed Their Business

In this age of information, we have everything we need to start a new business, create a website, or set up a budget right at our fingertips—Google is a powerful tool. But sometimes you need a deep dive into the topic to truly understand the scope of what’s required from every angle—that’s when we turn to books. In our new series, Turning a Page, we ask successful people to share their go-to tomes that helped transform their business. Whether you listen to them or need to physically flip the pages (and write notes or underline the text like us!), there is so much power in self-educating. Ready to turn a page in your career? These books will help take you there.

Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate

Even if you do go to school for an MBA, there really is no better education than the school of life. Even when you plan (and you should be prepared as much as possible) there comes a time when you just have to press go and figure it out along the way. Luckily, everything is figureoutable (thanks Marie Forleo) and making mistakes is all part of the process (in fact, some of the best learnings and improvements are made as a result of mishaps or missteps so don’t be afraid of failure).

While you’ll always have Google, we wanted to find out from people who’ve been down that road and read a few books along the way to share their favorites with us. So, turn a page and discover some of the best business books from 20 successful people and how it changed their business.

Amanda Greeley

Founder and designer, Thelma

The Book: The Diamond Cutter by Michael Roach

The Business Takeaway: “We are operating in a world where we are constantly made to feel that we need to push ourselves and others harder, that we need to fight or be loud to be heard, and that we should put the health of our business ahead of our own personal health. We seem to wear stress, exhaustion, and 'being busy' as a badge of honor. This book disproves all of it.

”This book proves that being generous and kind isn't only about feeling like a good person but it also leads to creativity, innovation, ultimately financial success. I don't think it's possible to start a business where absolutely everything goes as planned—and so, in those instances, how you respond and how you treat others is critical.”

Alyce Tran

Co-founder and creative director, The Daily Edited

The Book: The Dual Purpose Playbook by Julie Battliana, Anne-Claire Pache, Metin Sengul, and Marissa Kimsey

The Business Takeaway: “I am so inspired by the Veja (sneaker brand) business model and ethos and am working out how my business can play a better role in the community. It is changing the way I look at opportunities and issues in my business to ensure I am taking the most environmentally sustainable path possible in creating our product and getting that to our end users.”

Olivia Carr

Founder, SHHH SILK

The Book: The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein

The Business Takeaway: “This is a book I read again and again as the messages within prove a constant reminder that crystal-clear thinking and focus (otherwise known as manifestation) has the unbelievable ability to change your world. This book changed our business! We use it as a daily tool to practice manifesting what we’re working on or the strategic goals we have for the business. This is definitely a book I would recommend for business owners.”

Kelly Barker

CEO and founder, Prep Your Skin

The Book: Essentialism: The Discipline Pursuit of Less by Greg Mckeown

The Business Takeaway: “I read Essentialism because the company was growing so fast that we could not take on any more collaborations, products or projects unless I changed how I was prioritizing our team, our resources and our time. This book taught me how ‘less is better,’ how to say no so I can focus on the big goals, and how to really prioritize decisions and tasks. Often, females are taught to say yes as if they are obligated to be socially accepted and not let others down. As a result, we all become over-committed and exhausted. This book is super easy to digest, and really helped me simplify the decision-making process.”

Alexandra Baker

Founder, Féroce

The Book: Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio

The Business Takeaway: “I decided to read Ray Dalio's book, Principles after a close friend recommended it to me. The book has enabled me to set up and implement guiding principles to live by personally and in my business. When running a company, especially a start-up, your personal and life principles are very much intertwined with your business outcomes. Egos, lack of decision-making experience, not wanting to disappoint anyone—these are just a few examples of how poor financial business decisions can be made.

“That being said, this book has helped me form principles for seeing and interpreting things as they are not as you would like them to be. Understanding this helps make the most precise educated decisions. I recommend this book to any entrepreneur, especially a start-up, as Ray Dalio has taken years of his own life and business experience and gone the extra mile by creating a method that anyone can replicate and apply.”

Kat Hantas

CEO and founder, 21 SEEDS

The Book: Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

The Business Takeaway: "On the low hanging fruit side, he is a maniac about brand which I appreciate. But the bigger lessons have more to do with his honesty and his humility—a lot of these books tend to be brag-y and this book allows you to see the common denominators in yourself and this iconic brand builder—a real inspiration. In addition he does a great job of showing us how he weaved the power of relationship into the building, which is so important as you grow from project to company. Great beach read as you’re sipping on a 21seeds margarita this summer.”

Alix Peabody

Founder and CEO, Bev

The Book: Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio

The Business Takeaway: “While the book itself is full of helpful guidelines in building and running your business, Ray's view on money is particularly helpful. Numbers are important, numbers are information but they are not objective. What is most important is the application of those numbers, the insights behind them and how (and when) you let them guide you.”

Simona Rozhko

Founder, Evna Media

The Book: Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t and Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

The Business Takeaway: "I loved it because Simon takes a digestible approach to business, leadership, and human behavior. He makes it easy but informative to understand why we do the things we do as a leader and how to be great, not just better. He’s a big believer in being a good, kind, and compassionate human and when I decided to start my business I felt the exact same way—that if I was leading people or consulting clients, it had to be mutually beneficial and feel good from the inside out. We spend most of our lives working and I want to live a life that’s fulfilling and positive emotionally, mentally, and physically.”

Mariah K. Lyons

Founder, ASTARA

The Book: The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer

The Business Takeaway: “I find a fascinating dance between surrendering to the experiences and opportunities that organically show up in business, and setting goals and working diligently to manifest new opportunities and hit target goals.

“This is not a traditional business book, however, it is a really great book for helping business owners let go of stringent expectations of how things should be and build a business more intuitively. Michael Singer discusses how he built a billion-dollar public company by staying present, surrendering to a larger flow and allowing synchronicities to unfold into larger manifestations of great proportions.”

The Book: The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy : An Economist Examines the Markets, Power, and the Politics of World Trade by Pietra Rivoli

The Business Takeaway: “I read this book in college and it was one of those books that greatly expanded my understanding of the global interconnectedness we all share. It fully shifted the way I look at the world, especially in regard to manufacturing, production, shared natural resources, and the global economy. It has stuck with me for many years and certain key concepts presented in this book were integral in launching my company ASTARA.  It helped me understand the impact of my decisions from seemingly small decisions to larger ones such as production and manufacturing, to packaging, to materials to shipping.

 “This book gives an insight into the complexities and politics of world trade. It is a great book for any business owner that manufactures, produces, or distributes physical goods in that it gives both a macro and micro view on the many levels of environmental, political and historical impacts of global trade. The author presents information and data on ‘free trade’ to inform the reader and gives space for the reader to develop their own opinion on the subject matter.”

Jodie Fried

Co-founder and director, Armadillo & Co

The Book: The Art of an Idea and How it Can Change Your Life by John Hunt

The Business Takeaway: “I was gifted a copy by a dear friend, and I was captivated not only by the concept of a book based on the power of an idea, but also the very poignant quotes, gorgeous paper, and beautiful illustrations. I could pick this book up any day of the week and read it with a different situation in mind. It taught me to trust my instincts and made me realize that you don’t always need to have all the answers—something I’ve applied creatively to my work as a designer, but also to our business and team.

“Every time I read this book I feel beyond inspired. It triggers me to open my mind to a new perspective. Over the years it has given me the courage to follow my own ideas and perhaps run a business in a non-conventional way, to take risks on change, and to challenge logic that often kills good ideas.

“The best advice I took away from it was: ‘When things are going well, taking no risks seems like a very smart strategy. When times are tough, though, you’ll notice expediency, which is meant to create all those happy, smiley faces, is suddenly wearing a smirk.’”

Sally Pottharst

Owner, Terrace Floors + Furnishings, and co-founder and director, Armadillo & Co

The Book: 12 Rules for Life: An Anecdote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson

The Business Takeaway: “I read this book a couple of years ago when I was looking for some clarity in my life, and it resonated with me both personally and professionally. It imparts a set of practical and enduring principles that were easily applicable as our business has metamorphosed into a larger, more sustainable operation. I am a very practical person, so I valued the real-life anecdotes—they are also super entertaining to read. His old-school truths provide a great framework for us to live by and make decisions with.

“The biggest lesson I learned was, ‘compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today’—the perfect reminder for anyone who feels self-criticism. It has really helped me to view our business journey with great context and optimism for what I can bring to the table. As Armadillo & Co now celebrates its 10th anniversary, each of these rules has made me stop and think about how we can bring incremental improvements to the way we run our business.”

Shel Pink

Founder, Sparitual

The Book: Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming by Paul Hawken

The Business Takeaway: “The book is about the environmental movement and how great movements don’t have one charismatic leader they are led by a multitude of voices, of people who are passionate, resilient and disciplined about doing things daily to express their concerns and works towards change. I was inspired to read it to see how this concept could apply to the green beauty movement.

“Use your brand as a platform for change. That we all need to and can do something to do our part to contribute to the greater good. We are citizens of the world and we have a responsibility to live responsibly. Many people think that their single voice does not matter. It does. One voice, when joined with many others who are passionate about a particular issue, matters greatly. This is what defines a movement that can make a huge difference. This book is very exciting.”

Dr. Shuting Hu

CEO and co-founder, Acaderma

The Book: The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries

The Business Takeaway: “It’s a book for entrepreneurs, and I learned a lot about how to develop and manage a startup business, which is quite different from a standard business. It reminds me of the importance of innovation, as a core value of our business. This book helped me look at Acaderma from a different perspective.

“Before, I would look at larger businesses as a model for how to build and operate my brand, but I now realize that we should focus on bringing disruptive technologies and products to market more efficiently and maximize our advantages in ingredient innovation which would eventually help to maximize my business financially. A lot of times we spend too much time looking at what we're doing wrong and trying to improve upon it, this book taught me to focus on what I'm doing well right now and strengthen that further.”

Mignonne “Maggie” Gavigan Smith

Founder, Mignonne Gavigan

The Book: The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You: Command an Audience and Sell Your Way to Success by Lydia Fenet

The Business Takeaway: “By reading this book, I’ve learned through Lydia’s personal situations, how to take hold of situations and make the most of them. Her book has helped me identify situations within the business that could be handled the best way possible. Women today are juggling so much— jobs, kids, life—and she enables the reader to know they can do all these things well.

“Lydia’s book has shown me that I’m not alone. She has given me the support to continue to run my business efficiently, be as creative as possible, organize my child and personal life and feel like I’m doing a good job. There are so many women out there in a similar situation as I am and they need her advice as well. She pushes you to keep going, to work harder, to maybe sleep a little less sometimes but to also take some time for yourself when you can. It’s an amazing book.”

Nancy Pellegrino

Owner, NP Aesthetics and co-founder, The Route Beauty

The Book: Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty by Nancy Etcoff

The Business Takeaway:  “Survival of the Prettiest is not your typical business book but it impacted my views about the medical aesthetics industry, gave me a new understanding of patients and their cosmetic concerns and the clear notion that my business was not just about vanity but more about biology. We are hardwired to gravitate towards those who are deemed more attractive and we ourselves, in turn, want to be and look more attractive. 

“This was the first time I learned that people who are attractive can more easily find mates, get better jobs and potentially live happier lives. My business—the business of making people look better—also makes people feel better about themselves. I have seen this over and over in my practice—unemployed patients will spend their last dime on Botox to help them feel more confident when going in for that interview. Older patients need that competitive edge—I could go on and on.

“It solidified my feeling that beauty is extremely important to my patients and is a serious business. To quote from the book: ‘Beauty influences our perceptions, attitudes, and behavior toward others.‘“

Nicci Green

Founder, Articolo

The Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

The Business Takeaway: “This book made me more mindful of how I make decisions and grow and form Articolo. It also made me realize that I've always been operating with a forward-thinking approach rather than a subconscious one.

“The biggest lesson I learned from the book was ‘sharpen the saw.’ This is all about looking after yourself and making sure you have a balance in significant areas of your life; emotional, physical (haven't managed this yet), mental and spiritual. It made me aware that downtime is as important as the ‘push.’”

Amanda Baldwin

President, Supergoop

The Book: Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne 

The Business Takeaway: “The president of Clinique gave me this book when I first started at the brand. The entire premise is why try to compete in ‘bloody red waters’ when you can find the ‘blue ocean’ aka be different, be unique, find your white space. I have always thought about this advice in every business I have worked on, and most especially at Supergoop!. When it comes to innovation, we like to say, if someone has done it before, why bother? It's a mantra that runs through everything we do, and you can't change the world by thinking any other way.

 “I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention that I think it applies to a career too-—find what makes you stand out and harness that. The best career advice I ever got was to stop worrying about fixing what I wasn't good at and to start focusing on what I did uniquely well. Kind of like swimming in your own blue ocean.”

Yolanda Cooper

Founder, We Are Paradoxx

The Book: Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull

The Business Takeaway: “I read this book as it's my goal to build a brand with creativity and innovation at its core so I wanted to learn how Pixar scaled the company to the heights it did whilst maintaining an inclusive, creative culture along the way. It didn’t so much ‘change my business’ rather it has helped me bear in mind some philosophies as we continue to grow.

“For example, Catmull believes that a company’s organizational structure should not mirror its communication structure and that true creativity and potential can come from everyone. So, there should be an open communication structure across the whole business to support ideation. The biggest piece of advice I took and would recommend to others is that the cost of preventing errors is more than the cost of fixing them so don’t be afraid to be bold and take risks as they just might pay off!”

Raisa Mirza

Founder, Rella Beauty

The Book: Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur by Cara Alwill Leyba.

The Business Takeaway: “At first, I was a little apprehensive to read this book because I felt like I had read a few female-focused entrepreneurial books that all sounded very similar to each other. I didn’t want to read something that was cheesily motivational. As I started reading, I realized that Cara hit on so many things that I often dwell on in my own mind—negative thoughts, fear of failure, female connections, competition, backhanded compliments, the list goes on. I read her book at a time where I was second-guessing myself, what did I get myself into?!. There were moments where I questioned our brand's beautiful mission: for every lipstick purchased, we give one to a woman in need. Cara blatantly says so many things that I needed to hear (and still need to hear).

“While some might be obvious, it affected me to hear it from someone who wasn’t my husband or my friend or my mom. I needed to hear from a fellow female entrepreneur that everything I think and feel is normal and it’s okay. So much of what she says pop up like little lit up billboards in my head when I’m veering down a path of self-doubt. There have been the weeks where I’ve sent hundreds of emails and gotten no response—those have been moments where I’ve wanted to throw my hands up. Cara says, ‘[female entrepreneurs] send that email. They make that phone call. They follow up a thousand times. They don’t take rejections to heart; in fact, it only makes them work harder… successful women don’t wait for an invitation. They invite themselves to the party.’

“I strive to be that woman, I want to carve out my success and reading this pushed me to believe that it’s okay if I send 100 emails and hear nothing, and it’s okay if I follow up 1000 times. I have nothing to lose, only to gain. As she says, if I persevere from a place of passion, failure won’t reach me—this keeps me going, every day. The idea of bringing the gift of beauty to women who don't have access to it excites and motivates me, I have to keep that passion alive.”

Sarah Belzer

President, Coconu

The Book: Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski.

The Business Takeaway: "Though I appreciate all the business and self-help books out there, I'm not talking about either. The book that changed my business is about the female experience of sex! Emily Nagoski wrote Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life, and reading it really helped me understand the nature of and challenges to feminine sexuality. Even though I am a woman with my own experience, understanding the science behind it and the variety of experience was a game-changer for focusing on my customer and aligning my company's mission.

“The book informed our goal to empower women and make it easier for them to be self-directed in their intimate relationships. Coconu sells all-natural, safe and effective personal lubricants, but our business is really about helping women increase their confidence and capacity for connection, intimacy, and pleasure in all areas of life."

Amy Lacey

Founder, Cali'Flour Foods

The Book: Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller

The Business Takeaway: "This was a game-changer for Cali'flour Foods. I truly believe that when we made the conscious decision to make our customers the hero, our business boomed in e-commerce. This book focuses on building relationships that laid a strong foundation for us both internally and externally. We focused on the customer and our ‘why’ and the finances took care of themselves. We did exactly what the book said in regards to clarifying our message so that the customers will listen, and boy did they. Our sales skyrocketed in 2017 and have continued to grow ever since.”

Jordana Kier

Co-founder, LOLA

The Book: Work Rules! by Laszlo Bock

The Business Takeaway: “Laszlo Bock, the author of Work Rules!, previously ran Google's people organization and shares a lot of wisdom in this book. Bock provides actionable insights on how to build, develop, and maintain the culture of a company. He says, ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast’ and after building the team at LOLA for the past five years, I can't emphasize enough how true that is! The people you hire to help you grow your business should be smart and talented, but tantamount to those traits is the ability to live up to the company's core values and contribute in ways that go above and beyond a functional skillset. This book reaffirmed my aspiration to build our company deliberately and meaningfully and to prioritize and nurture our culture of community and empathy as we grow.”

Up Next: Turning a Page—13 Successful Business Owners Share the Best Money Books That Changed Their Bottom Line.

Slow Stories: "My Best Ideas Happen When I'm Offline"—Nichole Powell of Kinfield

One of the best ways we can inspire actionable change is to lead by example. In fact, many of the women I've spoken with on the Slow Stories podcast are innately championing more thoughtful processes across the board. Nichole Powell of Kinfield is one of these game-changing businesswomen. And to celebrate the recent launch of Slow Stories Podcast season three, I'm thrilled to share an exclusive follow-up portion of my chat with Nichole here on the C&C blog.

To preface the below interview, Nichole is the Founder and CEO of Kinfield—a modern wellness brand that is creating great essentials for the great outdoors. With her previous professional endeavors (which include leading business development at Modern Citizen), Nichole has extensive experience in building memorable brands. In this episode, we spoke more about how Nichole is translating her industry knowledge into this exciting new chapter, the importance of creating (and living) with intention, and why taking a slower approach to content is essential.

Enjoy the full episode here and discover even more insights from Nichole below.

Why is it important to slow down as a digitally-minded founder? Can you share an instance of when slowing down inspired innovation at work?

“As a founder, I receive more digital notifications now than I ever have in my life—emails, text messages, Slack, app notifications. It can be overwhelming! If you spend your entire day responding to inbound notifications, then you never have an opportunity to reflect or create. My best ideas happen when I'm offline, so I try to build space into each day and week to allow myself the time to do that.

“Sometimes it's as small as taking a 20-minute walk around the block and intentionally leaving my phone behind, while other times, I'm able to get away for a day or a long weekend to hike and reset in nature. I always come back from those moments refreshed and re-energized, with plenty of new ideas.”

What would you say are the pillars of "slow" content?

“When creating, ask yourself is my content,

1. Genuine? The most interesting content comes from a genuine perspective—why do you want to share this message? Why now?

2. Unique? This is something we've considered carefully at Kinfield. Any number of brands or websites could give you content like ‘5 Great Places to Eat Dinner Outside in Brooklyn.’ We wanted to push ourselves as a team to develop our own unique voice and to be able to say something different and new.

3. Thoughtfully edited? Time is the most precious gift that someone can give you. If they're taking the time to read or take in what you've created, be respectful of that and edit thoughtfully. Give them the very best.”

In our podcast episode, you talked about making space for vulnerability in brand storytelling. What are your tips for fellow brand builders looking to do this in a way that makes sense for their community?

“Vulnerability can be intimidating, especially for new brands who might be worried about saying something different or even potentially controversial. But the best content comes from a genuine place, and that often involves some vulnerability. Take comfort in knowing that there will inevitably be missteps or times when you share something and immediately have doubts (I don't believe in regrets), but that the authentic community that gathers around that vulnerability and soulful storytelling will be well worth it.”

Do you have any parting words of wisdom that you would like to share regarding slowing down, creating enduring content strategies, or building a conscious business?

“Consider people first—your community, your team, yourself. An authentic connection happens when you take the time to slow down, have a meaningful conversation, listen carefully, and reflect thoughtfully. It is from there that a conscious community is created.”

About the Author

Rachel Schwartzmann is the Founder and CEO of The Style Line LLC. She created The Style Line in late January 2011 via Tumblr and has fostered The Style Line’s brand in its growth since then. Rachel has been featured in esteemed sources including Forbes, Refinery29, and MyDomaine and has also spoken at Create & Cultivate and Columbia University on establishing a unique brand point of view and entrepreneurship. On October 1, 2015, Rachel took The Style Line in a new direction as a boutique content company with the introduction of its slow content agency CONNECT(ED)ITORIAL.

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From Scratch: How One Founder Is Giving the Beauty Biz a Makeover, One Natural Ingredient at a Time

We know how daunting it can be to start a new business, especially if you’re disrupting an industry or creating an entirely new one. When there is no path to follow, the biggest question is, where do I start? There is so much to do but before you get ahead of yourself, let’s start at the beginning. To kickstart the process (and ease some of those first-time founder nerves) we’re asking successful entrepreneurs to share their story in our new series, From Scratch. But this isn’t your typical day in the life. We’re getting down to the nitty gritty from writing a business plan (or not) to sourcing manufacturers and how much they pay themselves, we’re not holding back. If you want to know how to start a business, you’ve come to the right place.

“Always be your own biggest fan. If you don’t truly love your own product or believe in your own brand, people will know.”

Lauren Jin, Founder, CLE Cosmetics

In the highly saturated industry of cosmetics, there is an abundance of brands that sell makeup to look good but, what about makeup that is designed to feel good, on both the skin and the mind? Sounds groundbreaking but disruption wasn’t part of the plan for CLE Cosmetics founder Lauren Jin. Her objective was simple: to create quality beauty products that nurture your skin and enhance your natural beauty, not hide it—disruption was a side effect.

Using all naturally-sourced and cruelty-free ingredients, Jin’s brand mission is based upon the concepts of universal beauty, transparency, and the allure of individuality. Initially pursuing a career in fashion, Jin switched gears and started from scratch, setting out on a mission to redefine beauty with a brand that celebrates all facets of femininity.

Among the many factors of CLE that set it apart from other beauty companies, the cosmetics brand derives inspiration from Korean Beauty technology and prides itself on the quality of its unique ingredients. Jin aims to make CLE’s products dual-purpose, creating makeup that looks great while making your skin feel great.

By selling products that invite customers to embrace their inner feminine, Jin has created a brand that stands out among a sea of more conventional cosmetic brands. In this feature of From Scratch, Jin clues us in on the unconventional beauty of taking the road less traveled.

Photo: Courtesy of CLE Cosmetics

Did you write a business plan? If yes, was it helpful? If no, what else did you use instead? Why did you not take that approach?

“I’m not sure if it counts as an official business plan, but I created a yearly goal and a list of things that I wanted to achieve. From there, I worked backward to solidify a step-by-step plan to execute these goals. Of course, over the years, I’ve had to tweak the plan as I went along. However, I’ve found that creating a concrete list of goals and plans has not only given me a strategy forward but also confidence in myself. 

“I had to chart out each specific quarter of the business—one of my goals was to break even within five years through retail partnerships and sales. Though this felt daunting given that my background wasn’t in business, I felt that I had the right intuition to move forward. So, I honed in on that intuition instead of taking on a more conventional approach. Previously, I studied womenswear at Parsons and the Royal College of Arts in London, then went on to work for brands such as 3.1 Phillip Lim and VPL, where I learned about business infrastructure. I saw the inner workings of their business operations, as well as what it takes to create a company’s culture. I had the experience of working at VPL, which was quite a niche, as well as Phillip Lim, an international brand. Though the companies’ goals were mainstream, experiencing each department at these companies like it was its own individual design house was invaluable to me. 

“VPL folded in the mid-2000s because the founder/designer and the financial advisor didn’t share the same vision. After that experience, I’ve been extremely careful to create a brand that seamlessly marries both the creative vision and business goals. My goal now is to lead the brand for ten years, then revisit the overall business later on, especially if there are possible acquisitions. I believe that ten years will give us enough time to build a strong brand. 

“My vision for CLE Cosmetics is not to be “the best,” then suddenly die out. I’d rather focus on slowly building the right foundation for the company—creating a true namesake brand, as well as a cult following. I’d like for CLE to stand as its own solid figure in the beauty industry. And honestly, it’ll take time to achieve that. Instead of any aggressive campaigning, such as billboard ads, I’d like to move the company forward in a strategic way. I also don’t want to be burdened by any external finances, so ideally, we’d work with angel investors and break even later on. Amidst the onslaught of beauty brands and the saturation in the industry, I believe that slow and steady wins the race.” 

How did you come up with the name? What was the process like? How did you know it was the right name? What are some of the things you considered during that process?

“The name CLE occurred to me while I was walking around London. At the time, I was playing around with abstract words—I wanted to create something that didn’t have a specific definition and that wasn’t too complicated. Ideally, it’d be something light, airy, and quick to say. No fuss. I knew that CLE was the right name when I realized how easy it was to pronounce. It just rolls off the tongue and feels nice to hear out loud. 

“However, it doesn’t mean anything—the brand, as a whole, embodies the name and meaning. Also, it’s not an acronym, but more of a representation of the community of people who use our products for its functionality and beautiful design.”

Photo: Courtesy of CLE Cosmetics

What were the immediate things you had to take care of to set up the business? (Website domain/setup, trademark, name, business name listing social channels, etc)

“Once I settled on the name, I immediately checked to see if it was legally available to use. Thankfully, it was. I then signed up for a business license in Los Angeles, then secured the website domain and social media handles (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter). After that, I worked with an attorney to set up the trademark, the corporation, and then the necessary infrastructure to hire a team.”  

What research did you do for the brand beforehand? Why would you recommend it?

“The idea of CLE was actually a continuation of a concept that I’ve developed over the years as a womenswear designer. I’d highly recommend putting in the necessary prep work with extensive research, planning, and simply even letting yourself marinate on your concept. There’s value in taking a step back and revisiting your ideas with fresh eyes. By doing so, you’ll be able to back up your brand and its ethos that you’ve developed. 

“Over the course of seven years, CLE was an ongoing idea of a certain woman that I envisioned in my mind. I didn’t research any competitors because the brand was an extremely personal concept for me. I think I’m better off for doing so, because it was only me, and there’s only one of me. Ultimately, I was able to keep the brand true to who I am, instead of being influenced by any other competitors in the industry.“

Photo: Courtesy of CLE Cosmetics

How did you find the manufacturer/production facility that you use? Did you have any bad experiences? What did you learn? What advice do you have for other founders looking for a trustworthy manufacturer?

”Luckily, I haven’t had any bad experiences. I’ve had some hiccups on production timelines, but that came about more from unforeseen circumstances. The best advice I can give is to make sure that you find people with excellent communication within their company structure. By doing so, they’ll be able to relay information and updates as quickly as possible to you. Efficient communication is definitely the key to working with others.

“In South Korea, the manufacturers are very open to working with new businesses. They’ll try anything you want, so long as you’re able to clearly communicate with them. Of course, it helped that I’m fluent in Korean!
I’ve learned that the product development phase is crucial. Our Melting Lip Powder was our first product, and it took over one year to make. While the technology was there from the start, we had to ensure that the product launched with the correct shades.” 

Did you self-fund the company? Did you raise seed money or initial investment money? Why/Why not? What would you recommend?

”Luckily, I was able to raise funding for the company with an angel investor, who’s been very supportive from the start. There wasn’t any seed money involved. The difference between both is that an angel investor allows for freedom by being pretty hands-off. As CLE’s CEO and creative visionary, I’m thankful that we started off in this way because it’s enabled me to build a brand on my own terms. Venture capitalists would’ve wanted to take control of the brand, so I’m thankful that I can maintain autonomy over it.” 

How much did you pay yourself? How did you know what to pay yourself?

”Based on my past freelance work experiences as a student, I came to a conclusion of what my pay per hour should be. I then calculated that on a monthly and yearly basis, which gave me a good idea of how much I should be paid.” 

“Lately, we’re interested in the women who aren’t just conventionally beautiful, but are unique. We want to reach a specific demographic of women who were real—your everyday girl.”

How big is your team now? What has the hiring process like?

”Our team is still very small—we have two full-time employees and two freelancers. I was fortunate to meet some bold individuals who actually reached out to me about an opportunity at CLE first. I’ve seen that hiring can be very organic, where the right people will come onto the brand at the right time. 

“I’ve also had the previous experience of trying to hire through a recruiting site but would get discouraged by some candidates who weren’t right for our company culture. Ultimately, it’s about finding the individuals that align with your brand ethos. I’ve found the best candidates when I’ve tapped into my own network of contacts. And as I mentioned earlier, one of my employees reached out to me organically, and we eventually hired her to join the team full-time. So, a lot of it falls on the right timing and a bit of luck.” 

Did you hire an accountant? Who helped you with the financial decisions and set up? What do you recommend (programs etc) / advice do you have for that?

”Yes, hiring a third-party accountant was one of the first steps I made. I also made some financial decisions from simply learning as I went and researching as much as I could into any relevant topics. My advice would be to have a clear budget, but not be completely bound to it. I’d also be very cognizant of it while planning out the rest of the business. Also, just start anywhere! I used Excel.” 

What has been the biggest learning curve during the process of establishing a business?

“The biggest learning curve has not only been managing my team but also myself. I’ve often neglected my own personal needs while trying to establish this business. I became so focused on building this brand that I started to put my own self on the back burner for the majority of my time.”

Photo: Courtesy of CLE Cosmetics

How did you get retailers to start stocking your product? Were you told no?

”Since I changed industries by starting CLE Cosmetics, it was difficult to find stockists at first because I didn’t have the right connections for it. So, I took the traditional route of going to trade shows and forging my own connections from the ground up. We’ve definitely gotten our fair share of no’s, but have learned from them and have moved onto other opportunities. Overall, I try to keep a positive outlook on these things—if a retailer says no, I believe that it wasn’t meant to be.” 

Do you have a business coach or mentor? How has this person helped? Would you recommend one? How do you get one?

”I don’t have a business coach. Instead, I look up to women such as Stella McCartney, who has found success despite all the preconceived notions about her. Phoebe Philo is another example of someone who’s stayed true to herself. At the height of her career at Chloé, she took time off to be with her kids, then came back to take the helm at Céline. There shouldn’t be fear around spending time with your family, then reentering the workforce. I admire these qualities in these two women—how they carry themselves, how genuine they seem, and how they’ve excelled in both their career and personal lives.” 

“Overall, I try to keep a positive outlook on these things—if a retailer says no, I believe that it wasn’t meant to be.”

How did you promote your company? How did you get people to know who you are and create buzz? Did you know anything about marketing before this venture?

”Our main source of press and marketing was Instagram, at first. I quickly came to understand that Instagram was the best platform to spread brand awareness. Fortunately, I was able to work with freelancers and third-party agencies to help me with this marketing, as I didn’t know much about it in the beginning. 

“Lately, we’re interested in women who aren’t just conventionally beautiful but are unique. We want to reach a specific demographic of women who were real—your everyday girl. The type of woman who’s natural, effortless, and doesn’t want or need to pile on the makeup. We want to speak to the working woman who wears makeup for all-day wear, as well as the fun, quirky woman who appreciates more of the creative aspects of makeup. We also honed in on micro-influencers, who, on their own, are big influences in their own communities. We’ve never gone for top-tier influencers.”

 What is one thing you didn’t do in the setup process, that ended up being crucial to the business and would advise others to do ASAP?

“I’d advise any new business owners to always think two steps ahead—whether that’s in planning, product development, press schedules, as well as any foreseeable speed bumps along the way. I also wish that we had focused more on brick and mortar opportunities for our consumers to experience our products in a tactile way. You just don’t get the same experience on an e-commerce website. I also wish that we had a better video strategy—we’ve focused on educational video content, but we’re not seeing the lift from it yet.”

For those who haven’t started a business (or are about to) what advice do you have? 

“My advice would be to always be your own biggest fan. If you don’t truly love your own product or believe in your own brand, people will know.”

Slow Stories—Literally, Slow Down: How Taking a Content Break Can Lead to Successful Storytelling

Photo: Courtesy of Slow Stories

Ahead of the season three launch of the Slow Stories podcast, I'm thrilled to return to our namesake column after a summer-long hiatus. When I wrote the most recent article in July, I was on the tail end of a period where I had essentially been operating on autopilot. Naturally, this ran counter to the idea of slow content and the themes that we explored last season on the podcast.

While my work certainly didn't stop this season, taking a brief pause from this particular initiative allowed me to recalibrate how I am able to fully implement a slower and more thoughtful approach to content across my personal and professional channels. As things kick into high gear for the upcoming fall/holiday content craze, I'm sharing a few things to think about if you're planning to rethink your content strategy during a high energy time.

Create Context

The most direct way to set the tone for a slowdown in content is to establish context as to why your audience can expect changes. This can range from a formal announcement outlining concrete details and timing of a content hiatus, or if you're unsure as to how long you need to recalibrate, subtle changes in your content calendar over an extended period. If you're a personality or individual content creator, I also encourage revisiting my April article, which also touches on the importance of boundaries. At the end of the day, whether you're a personal brand or business, it is at your discretion to decide how much you share online about the choices you're making within your company.

Adjust Your Posting Cadence

If you don't want to shock your followers with an unexpected silence, ease them to the changes by establishing a routine that is more in-line with your current content calendar. For instance, if you're in the middle of a visual rebrand and don't know how to incorporate this transition in your content, include elements that are reflective of your upcoming relaunch (i.e., inspiration imagery that contains colors from your brand color palette, behind-the-scenes creative imagery, etc.).

Or if it's a matter of the kind of content you want to step away from for a while, think about alternative ways to stay engaged with your audience. For example, if you are looking to step away from more highly-produced content, you don't have to stop publishing entirely. Instead, you can focus on "off the cusp" content geared towards mediums like Instagram Stories or Snapchat versus content that traditionally requires more planning on a blog, website, or Instagram feed.

Consider What a "Storytelling Sabbatical" Might Look Like

Regardless if you're in a marketing or content-focused role, creating content can be a full-time job in our current business landscape. Many modern companies have introduced sabbatical programs for tenured employees to take time off away from work and come back feeling recharged. The same thought-process is worth exploring in roles that require "always-on" responsibilities. While it would be challenging to step away from digital storytelling completely, if you are in a leadership position, consider implementing breakpoints that allow your team to immerse themselves in their field outside of the office.

Perhaps there is an opportunity to facilitate an offsite retreat or outing. For individual team members who may need to recharge, consider covering charges for a co-working space or an industry conference (like Create & Cultivate!) that will enable them to still add value to the company while also providing space for personal growth. The most compelling content and stories derive from innovative thinking. Sometimes all it takes is stepping back for a moment to inspire a considerable leap forward in the long run.

With the above points in mind, if you can take a content hiatus (either personal or professional) here are a few ways to maximize your time:

Regroup with Your Team or Collaborators

Whether you're in a corporate team or a solopreneur, storytelling is a collaborative effort. Use the time away from your devices to encourage face time to brainstorm and reconnect with those you work with closely.

Relaunch and Revise

When it comes to creating content with longevity, timing is crucial, so take the added time off to experiment and refine your content strategy, branding, or medium.

Redefine Your Definition of "Content"

Finally, think about how content exists in a modern landscape. Can events or experiences be content? Does content take shape in the form of a book or printed entity? Posing these questions will inspire new ways of thinking about how to disseminate your brand's story so that it keeps people on their toes while still connecting with in-the-know consumers.

These are just a few thought-starters to think about as you plan an upcoming content break and how to make the most of that precious time away from your screen. And if you need some inspiration during that time away, I encourage you to listen to the slow stories contributed by creative professionals in CONNECT(ED)ITORIAL's community.

I'll be back with my next article in October, but until then, check out these highlights from our season two podcast contributors:

Episode: Brandy Pham of PLANOLY on Creating Content with Purpose and Empathy

Opened by fashion illustrator Jeanette Getrost. Jeanette shares why The Florence Academy of Art Instagram page inspires her.

Episode: Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge on Using Slow Content to Create Honest and Lasting Connections

Opened by digital strategist and Written Coffee founder Ellie Eckert. Ellie shares why the book Applied Empathy resonated with her.

Episode: Larissa May of #HALFTHESTORY on Using Social Media to Create Sustainable Relationships Both Online and Offline

Opened by jewelry designer Grace Wong. Grace shares how Company of One speaks to what she's trying to do as a solo, small business owner.

Episode: Kathryn Duryea of Year & Day on Fostering Vision, Values, and Enduring Stories

Opened by Michelle Toney, co-founder of Morrow Soft Goods. Michelle shares a couple of books that have inspired her to slow down and lean into her imagination.

Episode: Carolyn Witte of Tia on How Content Can Shape How We Think About Modern Healthcare

Opened by Matisse Bustos-Hawkes, founder of Otro Lado Communications. Matisse shares why a podcast snippet featuring Sabrina Hersi Issa inspired her.

Episode: Alisha Ramos of Girls' Night In on Storytelling That Inspires Self-Care

Opened by Erin Allweiss, co-founder of No. 29. Erin reflects on two notable talks that resonated with her at the TED Conference.

Episode: Michael Ventura of Sub Rosa on Applying Empathy in Business and Storytelling

Opened by Veronica Souza of Vero Branding. Veronica shares why rediscovering a manifesto from her favorite cookbook reinvigorated her to slow down.

Episode: Tanya Taylor on Slow Content, Sustainable Style, and Standing up for Women Everywhere

Opened by Avery Cox, an interior designer. Avery shares why a compelling photography series by Anna Boyiazis inspired her.

To learn more about what slow content means and what it can mean to you, check out my first column here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Schwartzmann is the Founder and CEO of The Style Line LLC. She created The Style Line in late January 2011 via Tumblr and has fostered The Style Line’s brand in its growth since then. Rachel has been featured in esteemed sources including Forbes, Refinery29, and MyDomaine and has also spoken at Create & Cultivate and Columbia University on establishing a unique brand point of view and entrepreneurship. On October 1, 2015, Rachel took The Style Line in a new direction as a boutique content company with the introduction of its slow content agency CONNECT(ED)ITORIAL.

You can follow Rachel at:

The Style Line: @thestyleline (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)
CONNECT(ED)ITORIAL: @connecteditorial (Instagram)
Rachel Schwartzmann: @rachelschwartzmann (Instagram) @RMSchwartzmann (Twitter)

From Scratch: How This Founder Turned the Gut Health Trend Into a Best-Selling Beauty Brand

We know how daunting it can be to start a new business, especially if you’re disrupting an industry or creating an entirely new one. When there is no path to follow, the biggest question is, where do I start? There is so much to do but before you get ahead of yourself, let’s start at the beginning. To kickstart the process (and ease some of those first-time founder nerves) we’re asking successful entrepreneurs to share their story in our new series, From Scratch. But this isn’t your typical day in the life. We’re getting down to the nitty gritty from writing a business plan (or not) to sourcing manufacturers and how much they pay themselves, we’re not holding back. If you want to know how to start a business, you’ve come to the right place.

Photo Courtesy of: Create & Cultivate

Of all the interviews we’ve conducted at Create & Cultivate, one of the main messages we hear from successful founders is find a need, figure out the white space, and turn it into a business. But here’s the thing, finding your niche or that untapped market can be tricky: You could list all of your interests and passions and still come away feeling as if you haven't hit upon the singular thing you were meant to do.

When you do find it, you’re often faced with anxiety-inducing panic because you now realize you have to execute it and if you don’t move fast enough, someone could copy it! But the question is—is it better to get up and running and be the first to market, or wait around and do it right?

For Carla Oates, it was always about doing it right. Her entrance into the startup world was ignited by her desire to see change. During her time as a beauty editor, Oates felt frustrated by the industry’s lack of transparency about the potentially harmful effects of their products and couldn’t stand idly by while people used ineffective chemicals to treat their skin. This is how she came to start The Beauty Chef, a company revolving around the concept that “beauty begins in the belly.”

Oates is no stranger to struggles with health and skincare. Dealing with eczema and allergies since childhood, she learned from an early age the strong connection between one’s mind and body. Oates is a firm believer that taking a holistic approach to skincare and wellness will make your skin brighter and healthier than any cosmetic product could achieve.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Oates to share her journey from blogger and stylist to beauty guru and author of best-seller Feeding Your Skin, The Beauty Chef Gut Guide, and The Beauty Chef recipe book.

Did you write a business plan?

“When I first started out I didn’t have a business plan. I had no idea about the business. I had created the product now known as GLOW™ Inner Beauty Powder and developed a simple website where customers could purchase the product online. From there the business grew very organically, and it wasn’t until the third year when I saw a substantial increase in demand across various different retail channels that I felt it necessary to create a strategy and business plan to support the additional growth.”

How did you come up with the name? What was the process like?

“In 2009, when I brought my first product, GLOW™ Inner Beauty Powder to market, the business was actually called Carla Oates Beauty. At the time I was also giving a lot of talks at various organic and beauty expos around how to make natural recipes for skin health using raw ingredients. I’d been deliberating on whether I wanted my name to be the brand name or to keep it separate. Around this time I started titling my talks—as well as my regular column in Australia’s Sunday Telegraph—as The Beauty Chef.

“As the business grew it made more and more sense to streamline my talks, the brand, and the products to this name. My very first product that launched in 2009 was called Carla Oates Beauty Inner Beauty Powder and in 2012 I decided to change the name of the brand to The Beauty Chef as I felt it was a strong, more cohesive representation of what I was doing. This decision also helped in separating me from my brand—our mission to help people be the healthiest, happiest versions of themselves has always been bigger than one person.” 

What were the immediate things you had to take care of to set up the business?

“All of the above! Website domain, business name, and trademark. Setting up our socials didn’t come until a little later.”

“I knew looking after your skin properly was an inside out job.”

What research did you do for the brand beforehand? Why would you recommend it?

“Research came in the form of my personal journey to creating The Beauty Chef, which really stems from my own skin and gut health issues and that of my family’s. As a child, I suffered from eczema and allergies and my mum took me to see a naturopath who dramatically changed what I ate, removing processed foods as well as allergens such as gluten and dairy from my diet. My allergies and eczema subsided, so I experienced firsthand the connection of food as medicine—that what we eat can affect our skin and health.

“As a journalist in my early career, I landed a job as a beauty editor for a mainstream newspaper and was inundated with lots of beauty products from mass-market brands. My excitement soon dissipated, after researching the ingredients and becoming increasingly concerned about the many toxic chemicals in skincare products. Women from all over Australia were writing into my column asking for advice on what products to use for their eczema, psoriasis, acne and other chronic skin issues. I knew looking after your skin properly was an inside out job from my own experience with eczema, and knew that none of these chemical-laden products would actually help, heal or regenerate their skin.

“I decided to make it my mission to help change the paradigm in the beauty industry and help educate women on how to look after their skin in a healthier and more holistic way. So I left the newspaper, wrote a book with Penguin books in 2004 called Feeding Your Skin and became the natural beauty writer for Wellbeing magazine, who I still write for today. I also penned a natural beauty column called DIY Beauty for the Sunday Telegraph newspaper for eight years, and during that time wrote hundreds of articles on natural health and beauty. I was the ambassador for organic skincare for the Biological Farmers of Australia for nearly two decades and am currently an ambassador for Australian Organic.

“Interestingly, when my daughter also experienced eczema and allergies, around 12 years ago, when she was about ten, I eliminated trigger foods like dairy and gluten from her diet, but I also started researching the link between gut health and skin health and found some of the studies very interesting. As I explored this link more closely, I decided to put my family on a gut-healing protocol which included eliminating certain foods from our diet but also introducing lots of Lacto-fermented wholefoods teeming with beneficial bacteria aka probiotics into our diet. These included foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi. As I began to experiment in my kitchen at home, Lacto-fermenting a variety of whole foods, I realized I was onto something.

“Friends and family also took notice, asking what I was doing differently as my skin was glowing and I quickly became the local beauty pusher and supplier of these fermented foods as they became in high demand from everyone from neighbors, friends, and family. They found they had better energy, happier tummies, and healthier, more radiant skin. From here in 2009, the first iteration of GLOW™ Inner Beauty Powder was born, my first inner beauty product containing 24 bio-fermented superfoods with prebiotics and probiotics for gut health, glowing skin, and wellbeing.”

How did you find the manufacturer/production facility that you use? Did you have any bad experiences? What did you learn?

“Like a true journalist, I found our manufacturer through research. I did have some interesting experiences, to begin with as I was just starting out. The orders and quantities I was placing were modest and not in line with their usual requirements for minimum runs so I had to convince them and gain their buy-in that the business would grow. A key piece of advice I would pass on to anyone starting out is to ensure you have all correspondence in email so that there’s a record of the conversations. Also, be very clear about what you will and will not accept in your products.

“The processes and ingredients must be compliant with your brand philosophy; it’s important to be persistent, strong and dogged with your manufacturer from the onset as you don’t have the buying power and protection of bigger brands. Ensure that you obtain a solid, rigorous supply agreement from them early on to guarantee best practice is maintained between both parties.” 

““I began the company with a few thousand dollars.””

Did you self-fund the company? Did you raise seed money or initial investment money? Why/Why not?

“The Beauty Chef products came from a genuine need rather than the approach of setting out to start a business, so I began the company with a few thousand dollars—$5000 to be exact. My first big break in a commercial sense came when I was approached by an agent at TVSN, the TV home shopping network here in Australia to sell GLOW™. In order to facilitate this opportunity, I funded the first run of products myself. GLOW™ was received very positively, meaning I needed more money to up the quantities that were being produced, so my sister and a best friend invested in the business and are still shareholders. To this day, GLOW™ is the number one seller in TVSN’s health category—and the continued success helped inject capital into my business.

“My biggest piece of advice to those starting out would be to do as much as you can yourself and remember that debt is always cheaper than giving away equity in your business. For me, keeping control of the brand in order to execute the vision without it being diluted has been paramount. That said, it really depends on the individual brand. Variables like growth and capital requirements can be important for attracting investors from a strategic and funding perspective, but it must be the right person(s) who can further amplify your growth and share the vision. The right partnerships are very important—PR, manufacturing, investors, etc.”

How much did you pay yourself? How did you know what to pay yourself? (You don’t have to give the $ value, just the percentage)

“Nothing for the first year. Following that, I paid myself $600 AUD a week for another year, and it went up incrementally from there. I supplemented this income by doing writing work for magazines.” 

How big is your team now? What has the hiring process like?

“We now have 30 full-time staff at our head office in Sydney, Australia. Up until about two years ago when I brought on an external HR company, I did it all myself. I had no experience but knew I needed to find the right people with the right skillset. Do not compromise to fill a headcount. Be sure to follow your gut and to ensure that the person is the right cultural fit for the company. It also helps if the person has an interest in the brand mission, as their passion will run deeper if they have that personal interest that pulls them towards the product and philosophy.”

Did you hire an accountant? Who helped you with the financial decisions and set up?

“Yes. I hired an external accountant to help with taxes but I made all the financial decisions to begin with, which was a huge learning curve. I hired my first in-house account two years ago which helped alleviate the pressure from me enormously. One of the most important things I’ve learned when you start a business is to find a good accountant. In my experience, this is not easy.  It is really important to understand the finances of your company and have a good understanding of taxes, tax concessions, grants, etc. So even if you are not all over the small details, you can pick up if something doesn’t look right. My advice is to ask questions! Continue learning and use your common sense. I ran a lean ship at the beginning, and kept overheads really, really low checking on cash flow and production flow charts each week and often on a daily basis.”

“Do not compromise to fill a headcount. Be sure to follow your gut and to ensure that the person is the right cultural fit for the company.”

“Look after your gut, be gutsy and follow your gut instinct!”

How did you promote your company? How did you get people to know who you are and create buzz?

“I had worked as a fashion stylist and beauty editor for several years so I had exposure to PR and marketing but no direct experience. I remember when I first launched GLOW™, beauty editors, while being baffled, were also intrigued, so it received a lot of attention from the media. As a result of a piece written on the product in Vogue Australia, the buyer from the Farmers department store in New Zealand called me and said that she had seen a story on the product in a magazine and bought it from my website. She was amazed by the results and said she would love to stock it but there was nowhere to put it on the shelves—no category for it, and that it was way too ahead of its time.

“As you can imagine, pioneering a category means you need big marketing spend to educate people about a new concept. So with very limited marketing spend, and no awareness of the category, how was I to market this new product and concept? With no shelves to put it on?

“You can’t ever underestimate the power of word of mouth! Our product worked—and people talked about it— they told their neighbors who told their aunts, their work colleagues, their cousins. And then once TVSN caught wind of it and asked me to sell it on live television this gave me national reach and a fantastic platform to educate the customer about the concept and it resonated with them.”

What is one thing you didn’t do in the setup process, that ended up being crucial to the business and would advise others to do ASAP?

“Not creating a business plan from the outset and not having a deeper understanding of margins and profitability. I had picked the most expensive raw ingredients and chosen a fermentation process that takes 6-8 weeks. Neither of these things is commercially viable yet ultimately has set the brand apart. Funnily we haven’t been able to partner with a distributor as our products cost so much to manufacture however it has worked in our favor, as The Beauty Chef has become known for quality and efficacy and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” 

For those who haven’t started a business (or are about to) what advice do you have? 

“Look after your gut, be gutsy and follow your gut instinct!”

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Day in the Life: A Freelance Publicist Shares What It's Really Like to Go Out on Your Own

Ever wondered what people do at work? If you’re a voyeur like us, then you’ll love our series A Day in the Life where we get a real behind-the-scenes glimpse into the professional lives of CEOs, business owners, and entrepreneurs we admire. From their morning routine to the rituals that set them up for success and questions such as “do you ever reach inbox zero?” because we all want to know how to streamline our lives.

“Most of my daily activities are intentional, which makes me feel in control (like a real boss).”

—Kamari Chelsea

Photo: Courtesy of Kamari Chelsea

Confession: Sometimes I scroll through my own Instagram page (when I’m fighting late-night insomnia) and I reflect on old memories and how far I’ve come. When I scroll back to May 2016, I’m surprisingly nostalgic for the then 30-year-old me, staring away from the camera with bright-eyed expectation perched on a violet velvet couch inside the Mondrian Hotel lobby, Los Angeles.

The real context of that moment was even more alluring. In only a few minutes, I would be whisked away in an Uber to attend my first-ever Create & Cultivate conference. I envisioned myself rubbing shoulders with badass founders like Jaclyn Johnson and hearing megastars like Jessica Alba and Rachel Zoe share the secrets to building a wildly profitable yet chic business.

Needless to say, I was not disappointed by my experience (the VIP gift bag full of beauty products was a cherry on top of a surreal day). In fact, I attended the next two subsequent conferences in Atlanta and New York, soaking up all the business advice I could possibly get. It was a millennial pink whirlwind of networking, knowledge, and endless perks. By the end of a year, I was on a complete high.

As all highs do, though, mine slowly dissipated when I found myself sitting back at a desk job in late 2017, depressed because I had no idea how to create my own entrepreneurial lifestyle. I also had no perception of what that lifestyle actually looked like. Between the Insta-glam moments and breath-of-fresh-air conferences, I thought to myself, What does it actually take?

To answer the questions I once had—and to give an insider’s POV for those reading this who are also asking similar questions—I’m going to break down what my day-to-day life looks like now, three years into my journey. Since then, I’ve signed three major communications consulting clients, took a leadership role at a non-profit, and got married!

While this may feel far off for you, take a glimpse at what it takes, and you may realize in only a few steps, you’ll be on your way, too.

7:00 AM: Wake at Your Own Pace!

Listen, most business owners rave about waking up between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM to take on the day. So, I’ll be brutally honest: No freaking way!

Unless I have a flight to Los Angeles or a train to New York (in which case, consider this quick tip: always travel early AF in the morning, so you can have a full day in the city you’re arriving in), I try to stay in bed with my husband until at least 7:00 AM. That means more time to playfully nudge each other and whine about who is taking up more space or comforters. There’s true value in being someone who gets eight hours of sleep a night; the benefits show up in everything from your skin to your attitude. I’ve learned to listen to my body and not what other people do, and it’s worked out gloriously for me. 

So by 7:00 AM, I get up and give myself two full hours of peace. I try to leave the house within 25 minutes of waking up to go for a nice long walk in a local park. The fresh air, music (I play Jhéne Aiko on my headphones because she’s so pleasant in the morning), and the time spent moving slowly and intentionally is a luxury I won’t take for granted. It also allows my body to fully wake up on its own.

Ok, well, coffee also helps, so I religiously dash into the Starbucks by the park before heading home to shower and prep for the day. Basic, I know. So sorry.

9:30 AM: Finances, First!

Now it’s time to get down to business. I start with the most important thing: my finances. I recently hosted Kristin Lee, a celebrity financial planner, on my podcast and she emphasized the importance of checking your accounts and actually looking at your money. Literally everyone, with every size bank account, from Kylie Jenner to a 21-year-old intern, should be checking their accounts regularly.

I do just that. I review my personal and business bank accounts one-by-one, every day. This even includes my savings and stocks. Mainly, I do this to ensure there are no major surprises (the more you invest, though, the more you’re inclined to sometimes see good surprises like dividends).

Then, I review my business books. I start by opening up my accounting software, to ensure I don’t have any outstanding invoices or invoices that need to be sent to existing clients. Then, I check the ratio between my business expenses and my business income. This will help me keep a pulse on whether I should cut costs, pursue more client work, or set aside more money for quarterly taxes.

For some people, books can be boring; trust me, I used to be “some people.” Today, I’ve learned that a little pump-you-up music (Megan Thee Stallion, anyone?) plus some financial moments to look forward to (again: dividends!) can actually make this part of the day fun.

10:30 AM: Emails; I Make My Own Rules!

Once the money is squared away, I dive head-first into emails for legitimately two-and-a-half whopping hours. Since I work in PR and media, a lot of my time is spent pitching. I pitch partnerships; I pitch stories; I pitch for new business; I pitch potential podcast guests… I’m a pitching machine.

To be clear, “pitching” is a fancy way of saying “selling.” Any entrepreneur will tell you that selling is essentially the key to a successful business. You always need to be on your toes, making a sale and connecting people to what they need.

Inbox zero is not a goal (remember, I try not to do things just because other people do it). Instead, I pride myself in making sure I have at least five opportunities (pitches) going out every day, and five opportunities coming in. In my book, an opportunity can be anything from someone wanting to have a coffee date to an offer to be a guest on a new podcast.

Setting an email rule that makes sense for me and my goals is one of the best things I’ve done in my business.

“Inbox zero is not a goal.”

—Kamari Chelsea

1:00 PM—6:00 PM: Meetings, Meetings, More Meetings, and Surprise Meetings!

By 1:00 PM ET, I’m geared up and ready to relinquish my day to the whims of others. The minutes leading up to 1:00 pm are usually like the nerve-racking few seconds one feels when they’re riding a rollercoaster and it’s creeping up toward the edge of the tracks, begging to careen over into topsy-turvy mayhem.

Ok, maybe that’s dramatic, but I usually need to take 10 minutes to exhale (or inhale a salad) before the day of meetings begins. Most of my clients are on the West Coast, while I’m in the East, so having my mornings to myself is a God-send. However, this is the moment when everyone is wide awake, caffeinated, and working, which means… I am up to my ears in meetings, calls, and surprise issues.

6:00 PM: Networking: Required for Entrepreneurs!

By “quitting time” on the East Coast, I’m technically still knee-deep in meetings. However, by this time, I’m rolling into a different type of meeting.

I exclusively block off evenings in my calendar for networking meetings. The only way to grow a business and keep new opportunities in your inbox is to nurture your network. That’s why I try to take at least four nights a week to meet up with someone in my professional circle.

These meetings can include anyone from media to mentors and mentees, to cold-invites I send to people I really want to get to know. Actively networking (which is really just fancy language for “making new friends”) has become one of the most foundational building blocks of my business.

If you’re just starting out, begin by setting aside four hours a week to meet new people in your industry. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have an excuse to go out for a drink or appetizers in new spots around your city.

“The only way to grow a business and keep new opportunities in your inbox is to nurture your network.”

—Kamari Chelsea

8:30 PM: Dinner and Educational Leisure: A Book, Documentary, or Course

While the day is far from over, by 8:30 PM most of my clients are winding down, which means I can finally leave my phone in my bag for more than five minutes at a time. Since I try to commit one day on the weekend to being completely work-free, I maximize my evenings to do more work-adjacent activities.

The biggest myth of being an entrepreneur is that once you work for yourself, you’re completely free from anyone’s demands. But the truth is, the most successful entrepreneurs demand a lot of themselves.

For me, that means whipping up a 30-minute healthy dinner for me and my husband (vegan tacos are my specialty). And immediately after eating, I kick my feet up to crack open a new business book (right now, it’s Ted Talks by Chris Anderson), turn on a documentary (my current fave is Netflix’s The Black Godfather), or catch up on an advanced-skills course (today, I’m learning more about Facebook ad-buying).

Overall, it can sound like a gruesome day, but most of my daily activities are intentional, which makes me feel in control (like a real boss). My routine is a result of years of trial-and-error (no, I can’t wake up early to save my life; yes, I can eat healthier). It’s also centered on doing what is right for my unique business.

So, the real lesson is, once you know what industry you want to go into, get out there and network and then build your time around the goals that matter most to you. Before you know it, you’ll be building something of your own.

About the Author

Kamari Chelsea Guthrie is a multi-hyphenate media consultant, specializing in PR and content creation. Past and present clients include Coca-Cola, Parkwood Entertainment, Vote.org, DJ Spinderella, and TheKnot. She is also the host of The Truth Report podcast. Find her on Instagram @kamarichelsea.

So, You're Building Your First Team—Here's 5 Things to Know Before You Do

Photo: Angie McPherson

Building your first team as a startup entrepreneur is one of the most exciting parts about starting your own business. At last, the time has come for you to delegate responsibilities and get assistance. Let’s be real: you’ve probably needed more help for a while—now you get to actually hire the talent.

Human capital is what makes your business go (and grow) forward. For startups, the first 10 employees hired are crucial to the success or failure of the business. The hiring decisions you make will shape your company’s culture, and your employees will represent and express your brand to the world. 

Want to know how to build a team? Here are five critical things to consider when you’re recruiting your first team.

1. You’ll Attract What You Project

When it comes to hiring, you’ll attract the job candidates your postings appeal to. Finding qualified candidates is one thing, but discovering applicants who truly connect with your messaging requires branding yourself with this purpose in mind.

Think about it as a second layer to your brand: there’s what everyone sees, then there’s a look at the corporate culture beneath the brand. Is your startup all about the beer fridge and billiards, or are you more focused on fair pay and benefits? The values and purpose you espouse on your careers page via your social media presence and in your job postings are crucial to finding the right fit.

Forty-seven percent of surveyed recruiters believe that social media is the best way for you to establish and promote your employer brand. Plus, your general audience will also enjoy the transparency; consumers love a peek behind the curtain.

2. Choose From Full-Time Employees and Gig-Economy Masterminds

In lean startup culture especially, it’s customary to harness freelance talent during a growth phase. You can hire freelancers on a per-project basis and you don’t have to contribute to their benefits, though generally their hourly or per-project rates will be higher. Freelancers are independent; they can come and go as they please and as you need them, and they won’t have the loyalty to your business that a full-time employee might.

Your full-time employee, however, has a vested interest in stabilizing and growing your startup. This employee’s livelihood, and most, if not all, of their working hours are devoted to the success of your venture. However, your investment is more concrete.

Your business, and its needs, will best determine this decision; most startups get a core team of full-time employees and freelance as they grow. Some of your best freelance employees may become full-timers eventually.

Whatever you decide, ensure you abide by IRS guidelines about contract workers vs. full-time employees. Many startups make the mistake of confusing the two, leading to potential penalties.

3. Save Money with Virtual Workspaces

Traditional, physical office locations bring a sense of community to your team, but they also contribute to a lot of overhead. As a startup, you can likely use some of your funding elsewhere.

Unconventional workspaces are nothing new to startups, long lauded for beginning in garages, basements and at Starbucks locations across the nation. Before you fill your workspace with people, think about what it looks like. Experts predict that the majority of the American workforce will be remote by 2027. If you’re hiring remote employees, consider candidates who have worked for startups before, people who have worked remotely, and those who indicate they’re self-starting and self-directed.

Tools like time-keepers, Trello, Asana, meeting-free Mondays, and carefully scheduling calls can also help you and your employees, whether virtual or ever-present in a physical location.

4. Recruit Online and by Recommendation

As a startup founder filling a specific niche, you’re probably already acquainted with many people in related industries. These connections are a rich resource. Harness your network to find top talent, especially when it comes to recruiting those initial core team members.

In a survey of over 3,800 recruiters, 43% indicated their primary source for quality hires was from social professional networks, followed at 42% by internet job boards and 32% from employee referrals. Therefore, recruiting online and asking your existing network for direct referrals can support your success.

When it’s time to find your core team, consider these methods. Don’t be afraid to ask a more advanced industry connection questions like, “If you had extra budget, who would you hire?” and “Where did your top entry-level candidates go to school?” 

5. Focus on Analytics

As you build your team, it’s imperative to consider the importance of tracking your success. Metrics provide data that can inform your decisions to grow and expand your team, and if you’re planning to receive outside funding, proving your success is mandatory.

It’s also about your customers and clients. Regardless of your industry, every customer you serve is interested in at least one of two things: recommendations and/or metrics. Think about your average e-commerce customer. Shaped by online shopping experiences provided by the likes of Amazon, they’re used to receiving recommendations based on their browsing history and previous purchases. 

Providing those recommendations means having a handle on browsing history and customer behavior data. If you want to compete in e-commerce, you’ll need employees who are skilled at working with big data to ensure customer and client success.

In a B2B (business-to-business) market, your customers will be interested in metrics. Their investment in your tool or service may not be useful to them if you can’t prove ROI (return on investment), meaning analytics are also essential components of what you do.

Additionally, there’s the success of your growing business to think about, and that will require productivity and financial analyses. Your core team members must address how to organize, finance and market your organization, and those high-level tasks require detail-driven analytics.

When you hire an analytical mind, consider how they will work with your most creative marketer or your dedicated developer. While “synergy” is a buzzword of the past, the concept still applies; especially in the early stages, you need a team ready to collaborate and weather startup challenges. On opening day, you have the best sense of what your business needs, so trust the data, qualified recommendations, and your business needs. Trust yourself to assemble the best team possible.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jori Hamilton is a feminist writer from the Pacific Northwest who enjoys discussing social justice, empowerment, and how to improve the workplace. You can find more of her work in her portfolio here.

Nature Needs Heroes—Timberland Is Calling on the Next-Gen of Conscious Creators to Put the Planet First

We’re coining them the “zeroes”—this new generation of zero-waste heroes are conscious creators, plantfluencers, and eco-crusaders that are marching to the beat of a green drum towards a sustainable future. They’re also keeping the fashion industry accountable for its high waste-producing reputation. (For context, the EPA estimated rubber, leather, and textiles make up more than 9% of all solid waste within the US.)

According to the Pulse of the Fashion Industry 2019 Update, more people are choosing to look for fashion brands with an eco-friendly focus. In fact, 75% of consumers in the report view sustainability as either extremely or very important to them. But we’re at a critical point where the environment can no longer wait for the consumer to lead this movement—it’s up to fashion leaders to make the bold moves and switch to a sustainable business model. That’s why we’re so thrilled to be partnering up with Timberland for their Nature Needs Heroes event at their stunning NYC flagship on 5th avenue.

Photo: Courtesy of Timberland

While the lens on sustainability has been magnified in recent years, Timberland’s environment-first commitment has been ongoing. In a bid to alleviate the fashion industry’s impact on global C02 emissions, they’re going to plant 50 million trees over the next five years—they’ve planted more than 10 million trees worldwide already.

We’ve invited four conscious creators for an enlightening conversation on why putting the planet first is good for all—and we want you to join us!

Photo: Courtesy of Timberland

Read on to learn more about each of our panelists, the work they're doing, their mission, and why we should get behind them—be sure to RSVP NOW as space is limited and this will fill up fast!

Aditi Mayer

Photojournalist exploring sustainability and social politics, founder, Adimay.

You can’t talk about sustainable fashion without mentioning Aditi Mayer. The creative force by sustainable fashion blog, ADIMAY, she has been exploring the ties between style, sustainability, and social justice for four years. *Read: Before it was a buzzword. Frustrated with the lack of representation and intersectionality within the sustainability movement, ADIMAY became a space that looked at sustainability with an eye that was equally curious, curatorial, and critical.

Deborah Shepard

Digital Content Creator, Clothed In Abundance

The 25-year old writer and speaker founded Clothed In Abundance to teach people about the benefits of minimalism and how the art of decluttering can positively impact our mental health, and finances. Deborah teaches spiritual women to care about things, deeper than things. She’s also the founder of Broke Not Broken a clothing line and upcoming podcast that supports and uplifts mental health survivors through the power of storytelling. Follow her minimalism journey on Youtube, Instagram, and find out how to support her work.

Lauren Singer

Founder, Trash Is for Tossers

As the founder and CEO of Package Free, Lauren Singer is on a mission to make the world less trashy by offering products that help you reduce waste daily. Her zero-waste editorial platform, Trash is for Tossers is an extension of that MO where she showcases how to live a low or zero-waste lifestyle that’s cost-effective, accessible, and fun.

An Environmental Studies graduate from NYU, former Sustainability Manager at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, and popularizer and pioneer of the Zero Waste Movement, the amount of trash that she has produced over the past eight years can fit inside of a 16 oz mason jar. Singer has empowered millions to reduce their waste and has kept over 100 million pieces of trash out of landfills through her work at Package Free.

Erin Boyle

Founder, Reading My Tea Leaves and Author, Simple Matters

As the writer and photographer behind popular lifestyle blog, Reading My Tea Leaves Boyle writes about all things slow, simple, and sustainable. In 2016, she authored her first book, Simple Matters—a nod to the growing consensus that living simply and purposefully is more sustainable not only for the environment but for our own happiness and well-being, too. Boyle embraces the notion that “living small” is beneficial and accessible to us all—whether we’re renting a tiny apartment or purchasing a three-story house.

Please come and join us on October 2 at Timberland’s NYC flagship on 5th avenue from 6:30—9:00 PM for our panel conversation “Conscious Creators—Why Putting the Planet First Is Good for All” and celebrate a more sustainable future. Make sure you RSVP HERE because this will be sure to fill up fast!

A Day in the Life: The C&C Photographer, Becki Smith on Routines, Founder Depression, and the Inbox Zero Myth

Ever wondered what people do at work? If you’re a voyeur like us, then you’ll love our series A Day in the Life where we get a real behind-the-scenes glimpse into the professional lives of CEOs, business owners, and entrepreneurs we admire. From their morning routine to the rituals that set them up for success and questions such as “do you ever reach inbox zero?” because we all want to know how to streamline our lives.

“Always be open to the pivot. If I had been hellbent determined to stay on the same path forever, I would absolutely not be where I am now.”

Photo: Courtesy of Smith House Photo

There’s something incredibly special about Becki Smith. Her eye has captured hundreds of images at our Create & Cultivate events and despite the organized chaos behind-the-scenes, she is always the grounded, enigmatic, effervescent girl who smiles the widest through it all—and that energy goes straight into every single capture. You can almost feel it when you look at them. It’s Smith’s gift.

But the founder of Smith House Photo wasn’t always a professional photographer by trade. One day, Smith quit her corporate job to see if “I could make this photography thing work” but she didn’t know that one day she would eventually be shooting for C&C, shooting weddings, and for major brands like Chandon. Smith just took the leap and hoped that her feet would find solid ground eventually. It’s safe to say, she has landed safely and is now leading a very successful business—with more exciting projects launching soon—shhh!

So, we took five with Smith recently to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the day in the life of a photographer. She was incredibly candid sharing her experience with founder depression, her typical routine, and why she believes inbox zero is a myth. Read on!

Photo: Courtesy of Smith House Photo

What does an average day in your life look like?

I have never been particularly great at routines and I get bored fairly easily, which is why being a photographer and business owner is the best fit for me as a career. Every day is different. Whether it is a shoot day, an event day, an office day, or an off day, I get to work in so many different roles, stretch my creative muscles, learn something new constantly, and explore places and people I never could have imagined. But no matter what, every single day includes coffee (usually an Americano or a coconut milk latte), my skincare routine (because in addition to wanting to have great skin as I get older, it is incredibly relaxing), and puppy snuggles. 

What time do you get up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?

I have an alarm that goes off every day at 7:30 am. It is a “hey its morning!” kind of alarm. Sometimes I wake up and make breakfast, sometimes I lay in bed and read for a little while, sometimes I go for an early walk with the pups. It really just depends on the day and the calendar or to-do list for the day. The one thing I don’t do (as hard as it is) is check my email—Jaclyn Johnson also follows this rule. I have to give myself time to get moving and caffeinated in the morning before I dive into the inbox. It is life changing and mood changing. I highly recommend it.

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

For as long as I can remember I have been a night owl. But as I get closer to wanting to start a family I have tried to make adjustments so I don’t work deep into the evening (and evening is generous because if I’m being honest, it was deep into the dark morning hours). I read the book The Power of When earlier this year and it helped me to figure out my most productive hours are actually around 2 pm to 5 pm, so I make the most of these hours by getting organized in the morning so I am ready to run during those peak times.

“I went down a deep path of depression when this loneliness first set in because I was certain I had a job that would bring me joy. Everyone was always telling me I should feel ‘so lucky’ to pursue my passion and work from home but it didn’t seem so lucky, and it didn’t always bring me joy.”

Photo: Courtesy of Smith House Photo

Being a founder means you are wearing so many hats and across so many facets of the business. How do you manage your time effectively?

Time management? What’s that? I kid, I kid but this is definitely not my strongest suit. The best thing I have done for my own time management is to hire and outsource. I did an audit of all of my tasks, which ones I excelled at and which ones only I could do. Then looked at the other side of what were my pain points and what caused the most stop in my workflows. What could other people do as well, if not better than, me? And then I surrounded myself with people to fill in those tasks—and they are rockstars. 

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

Oh, inbox zero. I used to think of that as a huge goal, but I realized it is truly a false hope. If I am actively working with clients, or getting inquiries for new work, I don’t actually want my inbox to be at zero. So instead, I make it a goal to keep my inbox cleaned up and organized so that I don’t miss anything and aim to respond to all emails within 48 hours. I still fail at this sometimes—usually on the days where there are 100+ new emails or I have been shooting/out of the office for multiple days in a row.

My saving grace is to always be honest. Own up and apologize when you miss an email or take too long to respond. We’re all human, we all do it, and the person on the other end of the email is much more likely to respond favorably and with kindness if you own your mistake instead of trying to cover it up. 

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

Staying healthy is not talked about nearly enough in our entrepreneurship and “hustle” world, but it is so important. I struggle with anxiety, and it flares up the most when I’m not taking care of myself. So, no matter what is going on or how busy I am, I give myself time to rest and time to walk with my dogs. Both of these things stave off anxiety for me, which enables me to stay on track with my goals. I am better off being behind and needing to outsource something extra for the month than being exhausted, lethargic, and anxious.

Keeping this time for myself is also helpful in saying no to projects or clients who aren’t the right fit, and setting future goals. I am constantly learning how much space and time I need, how many projects I can handle simultaneously, etc. So rather than just aiming for more, I am able to set new goals that steer me in the direction I want to go and ensure I have ample time and energy to follow them through.

Photo: Smith House Photo

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

Oh, sleep, how I love thee. The only thing in the world I love more is my dogs. I was very guilty of having no work life balance for the first few years of my business. As I get closer to starting a family I have given myself boundaries, which includes cutting off the computer in the evenings so that I can actually go to bed at a decent hour. (I’ll say, cutting off the computer about 95% of the time, because deadlines, am I right?) 

On a regular basis I need a solid eight hours. During event or large shoot weeks, I actually struggle to sleep more than five or six from pure excitement. But when I come home from such weeks, I typically have a 12 to 14 hour sleep night to make up for all of it at once—14 hours sounds crazy, and it totally is, but when your body needs it, it needs it! 

What’s the most rewarding part of your day?

Recently someone described me as “the girl next door who works her ass off so that she can stay home and snuggle her dogs” and it is so true. The most rewarding part of any day is when I can come home knowing that I have worked incredibly hard to serve and love my clients and my team well, crash on the couch, and snuggle my pups. 

When did you know you wanted to start your own company/brand? What was your journey like? What challenges did you face along the way?

I recently shared about my “Tequila and Two Weeks Notice” story on Instagram. But even after I decided that I wanted to quit my corporate job to see if I could make this photography thing work, I didn’t know that I wanted to start my own company. And I probably didn’t even know what a brand was for a little while. I was just picking up my camera and trying to convince whoever I could to get in front of it. This turned into inquiries and booking paid jobs.

My journey was all over the place; I have photographed families, babies, dogs, weddings, furniture… anything you can imagine. It took me about two years into my journey to really dive into branding, and I don’t think that was a bad thing. I knew more about myself, what I loved, what work I wanted to pursue long term, and who I was as a photographer and business owner by this point which made the branding process so much easier to go through. 

What advice do you have for aspiring female founders/entrepreneurs?

Always be open to the pivot. If I had been hellbent determined to stay on the same path forever, I would absolutely not be where I am now. I was given the opportunity to work with a handful of small, local brands when everything else I was shooting was specifically couples and weddings. If I had said “this isn’t my lane, I can’t do it” I would have never gained more commercial and event work, which I have learned is truly what sets my heart on fire. 

How do you combat the loneliness often felt by women at the top or branching out on their own?

It may be a cliche sentence, but the struggle is real. Starting off as a solopreneur was hard especially after working with coworkers and in fast-moving environments. I went down a deep path of depression when this loneliness first set in because I was certain I had a job that would bring me joy. Everyone was telling me I should feel so lucky to pursue my passion and work from home but it didn’t seem so lucky, and it didn’t always bring me joy. 

After some soul searching, lots of therapy, and realizing that I wasn’t the only person that felt this way, I was able put a network into place of other photographers, business owners, etc. that could be my “remote” co-workers; they were just a phone call away, or a coffee shop date down the road, when I needed someone to lean on. 

Now I have a small team, but they are all remote and freelancers. So there is still the work from home loneliness sometimes, but I have coping mechanisms and a great support system, so it doesn’t have nearly the affect that it used to. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

The best piece of advice I have ever been given was “Don’t be a Luke & Cat cover band”. Luke and Cat are fellow photographers and mentors of mine. They are incredible educators and are willing to tell all of their secrets and share all of their knowledge to bring up future photographers and build up the industry as a whole. But they give it all away with the advice that everyone should take the information and create their own brand, their own goals, their own journey because cover bands are never as successful as the real thing. 

What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

There is far too much bad advice out there to narrow it down to a single worst piece. I am a person who believes you can learn something from anyone you meet. But you have to take information, opinions, and advice from people with a grain of salt. Whether it is a stranger in the grocery store who thinks they can tell you how to get new clients without knowing anything about you or your business, or a trusted colleague or mentor, you should always be weighing the advice. Say thank you, take it home, and then decide if it is worth listening to or dismissing. 

What are some exciting projects you’re working on this month? What are you most excited for in 2019?

2019 has been a big year for Smith House Photo and we are just getting started. We have been working on a handful of long term projects (stay tuned!) that are launching in the next few months and the excitement is building up so strong that we are bound to pop like a bottle of Chandon once we get to shout it all from the mountains.

Up Next: A Day in the Life—Glitter Guide's Taylor Sterling Shares Her #1 Ritual for Success.

It's Here! Step Inside Our Chic (and Cool) Create & Cultivate Clubhouse in Los Angeles

Photo: Smith House Photo

Welcome to the Create & Cultivate Clubhouse! We’re so excited to finally reveal our new L.A. workspace where all the magic happens. C&C CEO, Jaclyn Johnson worked closely with interior designer Ginny Macdonald to create an office that not only reflects the unique vision, voice, and DNA of the C&C brand but also inspires and motivates its dynamic team. Ultimately, they wanted to create a collaborative working environment where people could work away from their desk or have smaller team meetings.

Designing every inch of the 5000-square-foot industrial-inspired space in downtown Los Angeles was no mean feet—the large open-plan office has a mezzanine level, three private offices, an open-plan kitchen, conference room, and two bathrooms—but as you can see, Johnson and Macdonald nailed it. The cool urban-industrial architecture style complete with exposed ceilings, double height black metal-framed windows, cinder block walls (painted white), and concrete floors was essentially a blank canvas for them both to put their stamp on.

The first thing people notice upon entering the space is the color scheme. For this, Macdonald really tapped into the Create & Cultivate DNA with salmony pinks and blush tones. “Jaclyn’s husband is a super talented artist so he created two amazing wall murals,” Macdonald recalls. “The first being the terrazzo inspired wall in the lounge area where he used a mix of different shades of pink, peach and gray from Dunn Edwards. The second mural is one of C&C’s mantra’s ‘Collaboration Over Competition’ which is such an inspiring quote so it had to be big and bold.”

Head over to Domino for the exclusive tour including Johnson’s morning routine, then scroll down to learn more about Macdonald’s design process—and shop the room!

The Kitchen

Macdonald considered swapping out the cabinets in the kitchen but it seemed “super wasteful” so she decided to work around them. “Black is such a good base color that goes with everything, especially pink,” she says. The designer stuck to three main colors—black pink, and gray—and added an 8’ long 4-sided waterfall island in a matte finish gray quartz with white veining.

“It looks absolutely incredible and adds a touch of drama in there,” she adds. “We also used the same material to swap out the countertops and added a pretty pink stacked glass tile from Fireclay for the backsplash. I’m so happy glass tiles are coming back because I love how light-reflecting they are.”

Shop the Room:

Dunn Edwards Translucent Silk Paint

Cambria Clareanne Quartz Island

Cedar & Moss Jane Brass Hardware

Cedar & Moss Bjorn Brass Drawer Pull

Joss & Main Darvone 1-Light LED Single Dome Pendant

e-Faucets Newport Brass Single Handle Pull-Down Spray Kitchen Faucet

e-Faucets Newport Brass East Linear Hot & Cold Water Dispenser

e-Faucets Kohler Riverby 33" Drop-In Kitchen Sink

Fireclay Tile Rosy Finch Gloss Tiles

IKEA Dinera 18-Piece Pink Dinnerware Set

The Reception

Photo: Smith House Photo

Macdonald was focused on creating pockets of space that went beyond just sitting at a desk all day. “We added two lounge areas and a few seating nooks where the girls can grab their laptops and hang out on a comfy sofa or take a call away from their desks to have a little privacy,” she says. “I love this pink reception area mainly because of the wall of patterned wallpaper. It’s a long and narrow space but we still managed to make two areas for people to work in—sofa or corner dining table. I would be super happy to sit in either of these rooms to take a break from my desk.”

Photo: Smith House Photo

Shop the Room:

Taylor Sterling Waves Wallpaper | Lulu & Georgia

Rove Concepts Anderson Sofa

Rove Concepts Bennett Coffee Table

Rove Concepts Tulip Table

Rove Concepts Holm Chair

Rove Concepts Asta Rug

Rove Concepts Dolf Side Table

CB2 Florence Glass & Brass Vase

Jaclyn’s Office

“The general vibe is badass CEO.”

Macdonald partnered with CB2 to design Johnson’s office. “The general vibe is badass CEO and while we have our bright pops of color elsewhere, we kept this room feeling über sophisticated,” remarks Macdonald. To do this, Macdonald used a marble-topped dining table instead of a traditional desk to create a large work surface.

Macdonald then installed an oversized art piece on the back wall and flanked it with two tall wood storage pieces to add warmth and height. The plants on top of each unit also help to break up the symmetry and add some softness to the room.

Photo: Smith House Photo

Shop the Room:

CB2 Paradigm Dining Table

CB2 Rouka Black Velvet Office Chair

CB2 Analog File Cabinet

CB2 Scatter Light Pink Rug

CB2 Hanna Pink Table Lamp

CB2 Kaishi Black Chair

CB2 Solis Glass Globe Floor Lamp

CB2 Suspend Tall II Bar Cabinet

CB2 Saic Together Pendant Light

CB2 Specchio Mirror

The Bull Pen

Both Johnson and Macdonald wanted to capture the playful essence of the Create & Cultivate brand in the bullpen which is colorful, fun, and high energy but also elevated and chic. “The company is incredibly inspiring to women worldwide so we really wanted the space to represent that,” she explains.

The bullpen space is a long and narrow galley, so they really played into that when setting out the furniture. “We laid out the desks back-to-back in a long linear line which followed the elongation of the space,” she says. “Not only does this create a feeling of openness it allows for a collaborative and inspiring shared workspace.”

The goal was to keep this section really clean and simple since it takes up most of the space in the building. Everything is essentially white—all the desks, chairs, file cabinets and lighting—so the pops of color came from the pink lamp base and the blue pin board screens which they added to tie in with the “blue cave” at the back corner of the office.

Shop the Room:

Joss & Main Method Writing Desk

Joss & Main Villalba Table Lamp

Alessandro Conference Chair

The Container Store Blush Poppin Tape Dispenser & Stapler

RH Teen Classic Metal Frame Pinboard

The Lounge

“We tried to make this room feel like something you’d have in your own home.”

If she had to play favorites, Macdonald would put the lounge area at the top of her list. “Work and home life tends to really collide these days so having break-out spaces that don’t feel corporate and stuffy are really important,” she says. “That’s why we tried to make these feel like something you’d have in your own home.”

Since the lounge area floats in the middle of the space, they decided on a pink channel tufted velvet sofa which looks pretty when seen from all sides. They paired it with two rust toned crushed velvet side chairs with black frames to help edge it up a little. The coffee table—a heavy sculptured marble in an irregular organic shape—makes a cool statement piece and despite how physically heavy it is, Macdonald says it feels light in the space because of the color and shape.

Shop the Room:

High Fashion Home Feizy Rug Emory

High Fashion Home Arno Sofa

High Fashion Home Ava Coffee Table

High Fashion Home Cyrus Chair

Hudson Valley Archie Chandelier

CB2 Camden Ivory Ceramic Vase

CB2 Bias Pillow

The Conference Room

Photo: Smith House Photo

The conference room was a challenge because they had to work with the existing black and gray carpet. “Since we were trying to be budget conscious we couldn’t swap it out and redo the concrete floors underneath, so instead we layered a brightly color rug on top to break it up,” she says. “This is a good tip for when you don’t love the floor finish you’re working with. We chose a rug that was bright but still had darker undertones so that it still worked with the carpet.” The light pink textured wallpaper on the walls also helped to soften the space and draw your eye away from the dark floor covering.

Shop the Room:

Joss & Main Zeno Dining Table

Joss & Main Carothers Dining Chair

Joss & Main Almazan Buffet Table

Joss & Main Asher 12-Light Sputnik Chandelier

CB2 Iman Natural Faded Rug

Wallpaper Warehouse Lepore Blush Linen Wallpaper

CB2 Marcella Brass Antique Mirror Tray

The Blue Cave

Both Macdonald and Jaclyn are big fans of blue so they painted the walls in the office nook aka “The Blue Cave” in a deep navy hue. “This helps the space to feel grounded and it’s also a break from all the pink,” she laughs. This room feels aligned with Macdonald’s personal design style which draws on her U.K. roots or what she coins “rustic countryside style.” She loves to fuse the simplicity of the Scandinavian aesthetic with Japanese design. “I like a room to feel calm, cosy and fresh, well-put-together without being stuffy,” she says.

Shop the Room:

Joss & Main Fallon 4 Drawer Writing Desk

Dunn Edwards Summer Night Paint

Joss & Main Mid-Back Task Chair

Joss & Main Alden Etagere Bookcase

Joss & Main Asher 12-Light Sputnik Chandelier

Joss & Main Deegan 31" Table Lamp

Joss & Main Diamond Motif Zen Light Gray Area Rug

Framebridge Be Cool Man (Repeller) Print

The Bathrooms

While there were no major structural changes to the space they did make some small updates to the bathrooms including replacing the vanities and adding patterned wallpaper in each room. “We also swapped out all the overhead lighting for more modern fixtures that worked with our design,” she adds.

Shop the Room:

Joss & Main Caldwell 36" Single Bathroom Vanity Set

eFaucets Brizo Jason Wu Two-Handle Bathroom Faucet

eFaucets Kohler Purist Towel Bar

e-Faucets Kohler Purist Wall Mount Pivoting Toilet Paper Holder

Project 62 Round Decorative Wall Mirror Brass

Hygge & West Slice Wallpaper

Cedar & Moss Leopold Sconce

Cedar & Moss Terra Surface Flush Mount

CB2 Lyle Round Vase


While this project is definitely a slight departure from the typical Ginny Macdonald Design style she really reveled in the challenge. “Not a lot of clients are wanting too much color at the moment,” she says. “They’re veering towards the all-white and natural California look (which kinda drives me nuts and we have to work extra hard to persuade them to stretch their boundaries) so it was really refreshing to get to use actual color in a space.”

To end this spectacular office tour, we want to leave you with Macdonald’s best piece of advice that applies to both decorating and life. “Trust your gut and dare to break the rules,” she says. “I try not to follow suggested formulas when it comes to decorating otherwise things can end up boring and no one wants that.” We couldn’t agree more.

Strong Suit: 12 People We Admire Share What They Wear to Look (and Feel) Powerful at Work

From the outside, Mindy Kaling is the definition of confidence. She’s never been afraid to speak out, she isn’t afraid to be vulnerable (she was so open about her fears of raising her daughter as a single mom), and she has redefined the outdated beauty (growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she wasn’t considered “traditionally cute”) and gender standards in Hollywood (for the first year, she was the only woman on staff at The Office) paving the way for the rest of us. But Kaling will be the first to tell you that she wasn’t born with confidence or as she calls it that “bulletproof feeling”—it was earned.

Just hearing that makes us all sigh a little in relief, and yet it also makes us acutely aware of the work that needs to be done to acquire it. One quick and simple solution is via the outfit you wear to work. Clothing can be an incredibly powerful tool to summon confidence and self-assurance—what that outfit is, however, is different for everyone. That’s way we launched our new series, Strong Suit where we ask people we admire what to wear to work and how it makes them feel.

Read on to hear from founders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs and be sure to let us know who you want to see featured next.

Jules Miller

Founder, The Nue Co

Jules’ Work Outfit:

Nike Air Force 1’s

“You can’t go wrong with AF1’s—they’re classic and I like these because they have a slight twist on the original design"

Stella McCartney Silk Shirt

“Wearing comfortable clothes that make me feel confident is important for my day-to-day wear. I really like the cut and the fit of this silk shirt."   

Mother High Rise Skinny Jeans

“Jeans are a staple in my wardrobe. I find Mother fit really well so I have these in a few different colors and designs."

Tibi Linen Blazer

“This oversized blazer is an easy addition for an updated work outfit. I throw it over a shirt and jeans or a dress."

Jennifer Fisher Gold Hoop Earrings

“I wear hoops daily, but my favorite are these Jennifer Fisher earrings. I’m a big fan of all Jennifer Fisher’s designs, especially these, as they’re simple, and elevate any outfit I wear.”

Comme Des Garçons Small Zip Pouch

“The Comme Des Garçons pouch is the perfect size for everything I need. It fits just the right amount of cards and I can throw it into any day bag or smaller bag when I’m out for the night.”

The Nue Co Topical C

“My go-to beauty product is our Topical-C. It’s the one product I can say consistently keeps my skin bright, glowing and smooth. I mix around 2-3 shakes in with my face cream, morning and night."

Natalie Alcala

Founder, Fashion Mamas

Natalie’s Work Outfit:

Anine Bing Becki Suit

“This is my dream suit. I'd wear it with a black or white bodysuit at work, and go bare under the blazer for a night out. Date night would inspire me to trade the pants for a mini skirt.”

Nanushka Tandi Belt Dress

“I love the silhouette of this mini dress, and the fact that it has buttons which I can easily undo for breastfeeding on the fly.”

UO Pennsport Plaid Button-Front Skirt

“Urban Outfitters is my go-to for quick mini skirts. I like to have an arsenal of them at all times. They're comfortable, accessible, and came be worn with both heels and sneakers.”

LACUSA Sycamore Dress

“LACAUSA is one of my favorite local L.A. brands. I love that this dress is beautiful for work but also cozy enough to keep on when you're hanging around the house after work. I'm one of those people who has to change into cozy clothes the second I walk into my home.”

Rachel Pally Linen Rocco Jumpsuit

“This jumpsuit screams I mean business. I love that you can work all day in this, in a variety of environments, and that it also zips down to your liking.”

Lillian Tung and Laura Schubert

Co-founders, Fur

Laura’s Work Outfit:

Pleats Please Pants by Issey Miyake

“As a business owner and mom to a toddler, I gravitate towards clothing that is versatile and durable without sacrificing style. I feel powerful in these knowing that I'll be ready to take on any situation, whether that's catching a flight, going to meetings, or chasing my daughter on the playground, who runs alarmingly fast for a two year old.”

Hanes x Karla the Crew t-shirt

“It's been said a million times, but having classic, go-to staples in your closet is a must. I love these updated Hanes classics designed by Karla Welch—it's the perfect boxy tee.”

Jill Platner Jewelry

“Jill Platner is a sculptor and jewelry maker who makes all her pieces on Crosby Street, only a few minutes away from where I used to live in Soho. In addition to being beautiful and durable pieces I can wear every day, I love that a lot of the metal she uses are made from recycled materials, in an effort to offset the environmental impact of mining.Z”

Zero Maria Cornejo Apron Dress

“Zero Maria Cornejo is a great woman-run brand that makes all their clothing in NYC, using sustainable practices. I recently got this denim apron dress that I love—I'll sometimes layer my Hanes x Karla tshirt underneath it so that I'm not shivering in the office.”

Lillian’s Work Outfit:

Fila Disruptor 2 Premium Sneakers

“I was recently told that the teens calls these ‘dinostompers’ but they're honestly so comfortable and fun. I wouldn't go as far as to call myself a sneakerhead but I like a good flashy sneaker that feels more dressy than athleisure. And you know what, I feel powerful dinostomping around in these.” 

Kiton Classic Dress Shirt

“While I was pregnant, I stole these from my husband's closet all the time—and now that I'm nursing, I'm not planning on giving them back. They're crisp, comfortable, and look great buttoned up or left open with a shirt underneath.” 

Issey Miyake Le Pain Trousers

“Laura had these on her list too, but I like the more wide leg funky shaped ones. Like she said, they're just such incredibly versatile pants and clearly very well designed.”

Stella McCartney blazer

“Having a power blazer in the arsenal is crucial. It's also the easiest way to dress up a t-shirt or whatever you have on underneath. It's cliche, but you can't not feel powerful in a good blazer.”

Laura Lombardi Franca Chain

“I love what Laura Lombardi is doing with her jewelry—they all seem to have such an eternal summer feel. She's an NYC based designer, and makes her pieces with almost exclusively raw or recycled metals, so it's a great brand I can get behind.”

Fur's Nothing-to-Hide Tote Bag

“We designed these tote bags with the slogan ‘Nothing to Hide’ as an homage to our mission at Fur of normalizing body hair, and being leaders in opening up the conversation. It comes with orders of the Fuller Frontal bundle, but lucky for me I'm always able to snag a few from the office supply.”

Anine Bing

Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Anine Bing

Anine’s Work Outfit:

Anine Bing Becky Blazer and Anine Bing Becky Trouser

“There’s something so rock ‘n’ roll about a power suit. I love pairing something timeless with a tee and statement boots—this is a uniform that leaves me feeling ready for anything which is why it’s one of my go-to’s. I love this pinstripe pattern because it's so timeless, but when paired with a tee, this style can feel new again and modern. It’s so easy to dress up or down.”

Anine Bing Annabelle Boots

“I wear boots every single day. They give every look that perfect amount of rock ‘n’ roll. I love our Annabelle boots in white to break up the dark suit.”

Mary Peffer

Los Angeles-based writer and photographer.

Mary’s Work Outfit:

Re/Done Levi’s Ultra High Rise Ankle Crop

“I’m polyamorous when it comes to my denim wardrobe and there’s something about old Levi’s that really allow you to move with confidence. Crucial since I’m always rolling around trying to take the perfect photo. Re/Done nails basically every design they conceive and their skinny jeans are no exception. Put them on and live your life as they mold to your body with each wear. “

JBrand Elsa Birthday Blazer In Black Leather

“Two words: power shoulder. Elsa Hosk’s buttery leather jacket makes you feel at once chic and like you can take over the world.” 

Acne Studios Technical Sneakers

“I’ve always been a black-boot girl but this summer I leaned into sneakers out of necessity due to living on set and now I rarely take my Acne’s off. Who doesn’t want to work with pillows under their feet?” 

Celine Medium C Bag

“When it comes to handbags, Hedi Slimane can do no wrong in my eyes. After some significant denial about my financial means I took the plunge and invested in the C bag for my birthday. Reasoning my emotional response was intuition telling me this cross body with compartment space for days was rare. But maybe most importantly for me, I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about seeing my industry peers rocking duplicates coming and going. Something I can’t stand when dropping a significant sum. Happy to report it has proven to be an extension of my body for its polished yet edgy vibe. “

Lauren Alexander

Founder, LNA Clothing

“My go-to, everyday office look, has been a white t-shirt and blue jeans for almost 14 years. We started LNA with just four white t-shirts in 2006 and it’s still my ultimate uniform. I grew up in California so classic relaxed dressing has always been my thing. I feel the most confident when I am being true to my personal style—in or out of the office. And plus, a perfectly worn pair of jeans and a crisp white tee is never going to go out of style.”

Lauren’s Work Outfit:

LNA Ava Tee

“My most worn LNA tee of 2019 is the Ava tee. It’s slightly cropped and boxy which a super thick neckband. I wanted it to look like you cut an old Hanes tee that was about 2 sizes too big for you.”

Ophidia GG Tote

“Because my daily uniform is pretty basic I really focus on accessories to elevate my look and keep it from getting boring. Shoes, earrings, and my workbag are always my focus. It makes my jeans and tee outfit so much more fun. It’s where I tend to spend more money because to be honest these accessories get the most use and also take the biggest beating. I never treat anything like its too precious—I love the way my Gucci work bag gets all scratched and worn from over stuffing it with fabric and lugging it around to factories.“

Gucci Quilted slide sandal with Interlocking G Horsebit

“The main area where I like to change it up and keep things from getting mundane is my shoes. Designer shoes are a splurge, but my twin sister always repeats a quote to me when we go shoe shopping—“you spend the majority of your life in bed or in shoes”—and I just love that quote. I was in Italy last week and brought these quilted Gucci slides. They look like bedroom slippers and they are just the most comfortable shoes on the planet. I have worn them every single day since I got them.”

AGolde Cherie High-Rise Straight Jean

“I currently have 10 pairs of blue jeans that I keep on rotation. I used to only wear Levi’s but since last year I have become a massive AGolde fan. They remind me so much of old Levi’s and are my current go-to’s.”

Luv AJ Cross Hoops

“My favorite jewelry to wear every day is Luv Aj. Amanda (the owner and designer) is a friend of mine but I would wear it even if I didn’t already love her. I sleep, work out, shower, swim in the ocean, and work in her jewelry. My most worn Luv Aj pieces are always the earrings. I live in her cross hoops and dagger earrings the most. I love the edge they give my outfit. They are also the accessories I get asked most about. The rest of my jewelry is either vintage or one-of-a-kind.” 

B-Low the Belt Baby Bri Bri Belt

“I grew up riding horses so I’m a sucker with anything that ties back to it. I love belts that have a western or ranch look to them. I saw a street style photo of Candice Swanepoel wearing one like this and I had to buy.”

Beautycounter Precision Liquid Eyeliner

“Another important element of my daily uniform is my make up. I always, always, always wear a cat eye. I like to think it’s my signature along with my red nails. It’s a way to instantly make me feel more dressed up and put together. I’m very big on natural and non toxic beauty so I use a lot of BeautyCounter products. I could go on and on about my whole routine, but, my eyeliner is defiantly the focus. The BC liquid liner is prefect for my every day cat eye and really stays put. I’ve tried almost every natural eyeliner, and this one is definitely one of my faves.”

Dr. Melissa Doft

Founder, Doft Plastic Surgery

“I almost always wear a dress to work. Being a female plastic surgeon is a rarity and I love to let my feminine side show through—it is also so much easier. Perhaps because I am a surgeon, I favor tailored clothing. To feel great in your clothes, you need to choose brands which fit your body well or have them tailored. I also love clothes with a fun detail or top stitching. Here are some things which I have my eye on.”

Melissa’s Work Outfit:

Zac Posen Asymmetric-Neck Sheath Dress

“I love the strong color of this dress. So often New Yorkers wear only black so I usually want to throw a color into the mix. This dress is tailored but sexy. I love it.”

Miu Miu Crystal-Embellished Ruffled Mini Dress

“I love this cady dress. I wear this style often as it’s both professional and classic. The pink makes it fun and more modern.”  

Gabriela Hearst Polka-Dot Silk-Twill Midi Dress

“Shirt dresses always work well. To me, they are equivalent to wearing a button down but so much better, and I like to be more playful with prints like understated polka-dots.”

J.Crew Fluted Hem A-Line Dress

“Tweed makes me feel grown-up, but the print and little ruffle are so fun.”

Melissa Jones

CEO and Creative Director, DTE Studio

Photo: Su Mustecaplioglu

Melissa’s Work Outfit:

Dries Van Noten Sateen Double-Breasted Blazer
Dries Van Noten Crepe Wide-Leg Trousers

"I love an oversized blazer and trousers, it’s comfortable, not tight and restrictive and the oversized look adds a playful touch but is still business. Dries Van Noten is my favorite for suits; tailored but casual and easy. His suits are perfect to wear together or as separates, you can’t go wrong with this kind of an investment."

Rentrayage GY/B Rosette Tee

"For an everyday look it’s always cool to dress down a suit so wearing a casual top is more my style. My friend Erin Beatty (formerly of Suno) started this awesome new brand Rentrayage to repurpose, reinvent and redesign existing clothes. I love this piece from her latest t-shirt collection but they sell out fast."

Stella McCartney Shirt

"For a super important meeting where you want to make an impression I love a clean, fresh white blouse. To avoid contributing to over-consumerism I try to buy these basics from outlets or designer warehouses so that I still get the quality I want but I’m helping to reduce waste by buying great products from unsold older collections."

Mejuri Single Mini Hoop

"With jewelry, I prefer pieces that I can wear every day and never take off. I’m not great with changing my jewelry everyday so simple clean styles like a tennis bracelet or gold hoop earring are my staple. Jewelry Designer Bliss Lau is a client and friend and I adore her work so she creates custom rings for me that expand on her Kaleidoscope puzzle ring—five rings in one that you can mix and match. I love creating new combinations with her pieces."

Balenciaga BB Slingback Flat Ballerina

"For shoes, my go-to is a flat pointed toe. It’s comfortable and stylish, not too frumpy. I’m obsessed with these Balenciaga flats lately."

Rachel Krupa

Founder, Krupa Consulting and The Goods Mart

Rachel’s Work Outfit:

Goop Annika Henley Bodysuit 

“ I’m obsessed with this bodysuit, it’s literally the one piece that I always travel with.  It’s so versatile. Great with jeans, shirt, under a dress, heck, I’ve even wore it under leggings to work out—a staple.”

Kosas Phoenix Red Lipstick

“I feel awake when I put on my red lip. This is the perfect red that can be worn day or night. It literally boosts my confidence.”

Everlane The Trainer

“I call these my cool grandpa shoes. They are sustainable which adds a pep to my step and they are comfortable.”    

Annie Bing Rosemary Slip Dress 

“Three words to describe this dress:  sophisticated, sexy and comfortable. I’m loving pairing this dress with my Everlane Threads.”

Annie Bing Juliette Sweater

“Hot outside equals cold inside. When the air conditioner is bumping, I love tossing this sweater on. It’s a beautiful color and sooo soft.”

Fleur Du Mal Straight Neck Cami 

“I’m all about how things feel and this cami feels incredible on. My work uniform is typically black, white, navy and grey with pops of red. This is my go-to red.” 

Rachel Comey Legion Jeans

“I love a good high waisted jean… it’s something about feeling like I’m getting a hug all day long.”  

AYR The Onliest Jeans

“If I were to live in a decade based on fashion, I would have been the 70’s and these jeans are the perfect pair. Soft to the touch, high waisted and really interesting.”

Evelyn Couzijn

La Prairie Vice President Sales, North America

Photo: Russell Starr @ Starr Digital Photo Inc.

Evelyn’s Work Outfit:

Dolce & Gabbana Half-Sleeve Jewel-Neck Sheath Dress

“This classic dress is perfect for a day in the office or to meet clients.  Classic, simple and sleek exudes confidence.”

Tom Ford Bell-Sleeve Silk Sheath Cocktail Dress

“This dress is great when the day moves into an evening function for classic elegance.”

The Row Devi Sleeveless Sheath Dress

“Another classic dress for the office or for meetings out of the office.  Classic no frills make this a comfortable style that is non-distracting.”

Giorgio Armani Formal Jacket

One can never go wrong with an Armani suit. The relax cut in the pants and jacket makes sitting and working at a desk super comfortable. This style takes it up a notch with a velvet blazer that works from day into the evening. The midnight blue is very flattering.”

Donna Karan Double Breasted Jumpsuit

”This Donna Karen jumpsuit is perfect for a no-fuss day touring malls. Easy to walk and sit in.” 

Dr. Lamees Hamdan

CEO and Founder, Shiffa

“I don’t wear full-on suits. I wear either a cool pant (by Marni, Chloe or The Row) with a shirt, or a suit jacket with neutral pants. I love midi and long dresses as well. Every season I buy a silk printed shirt from Isabel Marant. Comfort, good fabrics and great cuts rule above everything else for me. I would rather repeat something to death, than buy lesser quality, or buy more clothes. And I build on things—I expect to wear my clothes each season, so I tend to choose styles that don’t date, or that are “anti-fashion” such as Marni and Prada.”

Lamees’ Work Outfit:

Isabel Marant Jalford Ruched Roll-Neck Top

“Leopard print for me is a neutral, and I am so into nude palettes right now (my only colorful clothes come from Marni).”

Brooks Brothers Merino Wool Jacket

“This blazer is so beautifully cut, nice and sharp—I wear it all the time.”

J. Crew Silk Button-Up Shirt

“Silk shirts (black, white, and colors) from J. Crew are great value and beautiful to wear.”

Borgo De Nor Rafaela Orchid and Leopard-Print Crepe Midi Dress

“This dress is supremely comfortable, sexy yet professional at the same time.  I love this dress and it’s quickly becoming a favorite (I’ve already worn it many times).”

Chloe Caravan Silk Pants

“I find good pants are a must, so I usually get mine from Chloe and The Row.  They both look good on my body type, and, especially Chloe, always has interesting prints. Because I live in hot areas, I find loose silk printed pants very useful (T-shirt for a casual office look, with a blazer for a “meeting” look).”

Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Leather Low-Heel Slingback Pump

“For shoes I usually go for neutrals—Manolo Blahnik nude sling backs or gold Gucci gold pumps. I bought these Monolos in nude and wear them until I need a new pair. It covers me for so many outfits, both dresses and pants.”

Gucci Marmont Metallic Loafer

“ I bought these years ago when they first launched, and I find I use them a lot especially fall/winter. The block heel is strong and the gold color gives a little playful irreverence to your look. I don’t like a ‘too-stuffy-office’ look.”

Kim Perell

Angel Investor, National Bestselling Author and Tech CEO

Kim’s Work Outfit:

Karen Millen Forever Dress

“Black dresses are simple and always look good, no matter the setting.”

Ted Baker Michahd Dress

“This is a great comfortable dress with an exposed zipper up the back, which is always recognizable.”

Theory Travel Wool Classic Blazer

“A red blazer is a powerful color which stands out and makes for a great statement piece. Wear this for a professional look with a little bit of flair.”

Madewell The Reid Ballet Flat

“My job requires me to travel up to 80% of the time and a classic black flat will always look classy and comfortable for long walks through the airport or between meetings.”

Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps

“This is a great investment piece. Classic, professional, comfortable and will take you from meetings, to dinners, to after work events.”

Vince Camuto Savilla Point-Toe Pump

“A black classic pump with a wearable heal height. Perfect for a young woman building her wardrobe.”

Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag

“I love a big bag. It provides enough space to keep everything including my purse, laptop, and any business materials, as well as a change of shoes. This bag is easy to travel with and matches everything.”

Up Next: 3 Thoughts That Are Holding You Back From Everything You Want in Life.

I Want Your Job: Dyson's Marketing Director on the Power of Interning to Launch Your Career

Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate

Marketing. It’s a word we’ve all become familiar with but what does the job entail exactly? For many of us, the concept can seem ambiguous, but in short, marketing is really all about storytelling. Just ask category director of personal care at Dyson, Caitlin Murtha. Her career trajectory from intern to dream job is inspiring and proves that hard work, commitment, and grit are traits you can always count on to get there. After speaking with her for this story, we can say with honestly, I want your job.

Ahead, Murtha shares the importance of internships, how she scored the gig at Dyson, what their marketing secret sauce is, and advice for other young professionals who want her job too. Grab your notepad because you’ll want to write these down.

Describe your career journey—how did you get your foot in the door and land where you are today?

I received my college degree in marketing and always knew I wanted to pursue it as a career. I did several internships while in college, which were all very different such as working at Chanel (RTW), Women’s Wear Daily, and Estee Lauder (BeautyBank). I knew the importance of interning, getting that experience prior to graduating, but equally using those experiences to help guide me and give me a better understanding as to what marketing was. 

My first job was in retail working at Macy’s doing their events. After a couple of years, I moved to New York City to work at Bath & Body Works on their Public Relations team. While I loved the pace of that job, I knew I wanted to do more marketing, particularly around beauty. An internship opportunity came up at Coty working on the new Beyoncé Heat fragrance. While it was a huge risk going from being fully employed to doing another internship, I felt it was the right thing to do for my career and ultimately help reach my goals. 

I worked at Coty for a few years, moving from the U.S. brand management team to the Calvin Klein global marketing team. I progressed in my career while at Coty, helping to launch the CK One Color line and then eventually moving over to the fragrance side of the business. A move to Chicago afforded me the opportunity to work for a smaller beauty company for a couple years, which eventually led me to Dyson. Ironically, I had been following Dyson for a couple years as I was intrigued by the company as much as I was about their products and technology.

I didn’t want to pigeon hole myself too much by continuing to work in beauty and felt it was important to gain more experience outside of the industry. So I took a leap of faith by accepting a job at Dyson looking after the Environmental Control (purifiers, fans, heaters) products, but ironically was soon tapped to head up the personal-care category. It was a nice way of telling me that I belonged in beauty. 

Dyson is such a respected name in the personal-care category, with high-tech beauty tools loved by many. When a new technology is released, what’s the process you and your team follow to market it effectively?

The beauty about working at an organization such as Dyson is that the technology and products really speak for themselves. Every product launch is unique in its own right and may be approached differently depending on the overall objective of the launch and the audience we are trying to reach. However, there are a few critical pieces we try to follow:

1)    Having the right technology and offering for the consumer that truly solves a problem.

2)    Continuous testing and research pre- and post-launch. 

3)    Work hand-in-hand with our cross-functional team members—it takes a village!

We work well in advance of a launch to really understand the technology, the problems it solves, why it’s different (and better) and identifying what the white space opportunity is. 

Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate

Social media has changed marketing so much these last few years. Can you share a time you’ve pivoted your strategy to adapt to a new feature, algorithm, etc.? 

We always try to stay abreast of the newest technology within social platforms as it is a great way to engage with shoppers and our owners. As their moods and interest evolve with the technology, we need to be ready with the right message to the right person at the right time and being on top of trends and technology allows us to do that.

What advice would you give to young professionals trying to break into the marketing industry?

Don’t be afraid to take risks. It’s okay to fail, as long as you learn from it and keep moving. And don’t be afraid to work hard and ask questions especially early on in your career. I learned so much about marketing in my first few years of my professional career (and still am) by asking questions, getting my hands dirty to really understand the foundation of a business, how it works, etc. 

What’s a marketing initiative you’ve worked on recently that you’re particularly proud of?

We recently launched a campaign refresh of our SupersonicTMhair dryer, which was the first technology in our personal care category. It’s a big moment for Dyson because the campaign features a variety of models, influencers and real women with various hair types and needs that are relatable. This most recent launch stemmed from James Dyson’s desire to enable the Dyson SupersonicTMhair dryer to style better, while continuing to protect hair from extreme heat damage—irrespective to whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly or coily. It’s been exciting to see this come to life.

Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate

Where do you go to get inspiration?

Inspiration comes from a variety of places and while that differs for everyone, based on the types of things I am interested in, I always look outside the industry I play in. Look at the world around you and what impacts you. That can come from magazines, social media, music, books, friends, and family. 

Can you share one woman who paved the way for you to be where you are today? 

My mother is the one woman that has paved the way for me to be where I am today. She had a successful 40+ year career in the beauty industry and has taught me so much both personally and professionally having raised two children as a single mother. I can confidentially say I would not be where I am today without her. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Focus on empathy and perspective as it allows you to see the big picture and understand decisions from all perspectives.

Up Next: 17 Small Home Office Mistakes to Avoid, According to 7 Interior Designers.

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Money Matters: New Eyewear Startup Shares the Top 3 Biggest Monthly Expenses

You asked for more content around business finances, so we’re delivering. Welcome to Money Matters where we give you an inside look at the pocketbooks of CEOs and entrepreneurs. In this series, you’ll learn what successful women in business spend on offices spaces and employee salaries, how they knew it was time to hire someone to manage their finances, and their best advice for talking about money.

Photo: Courtesy of Zak.

I’ve had 20/20 vision my entire life and despite regular visits to the doctor or dentist to take care of myself, eye care has definitely been pushed to the bottom of my to-do list. In fact, I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve never had my eyes checked and with my 40th approaching next year, I suddenly started to notice a shift in my sight. It slowly creeped up on me and for a long time I thought my eyes were just tired and dehydrated from staring at a screen all day (and they probably were). But after speaking with the founder of L.A.-based eye health brand, Zak., Kyly Rabin I soon realized that it could be more, and that, unfortunately, I’m not alone in neglecting my eye health.

It’s one of the reasons she launched Zak and it’s bricks and mortar store on the popular Fairfax street in West Hollywood (next to Jon & Vinny's, across from Canter's Deli, LA's most walkable block) along with her father, renowned optometrist Dr. Myles Zakheim. Despite nine out of 10 people agreeing that eye health is important, only half of them actually see a specialist or do anything about it and just “1% of people know that signs of serious conditions like thyroid disease, high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders and certain types of cancer can be detected through annual eye exams.”

So, Rabin and her father set about creating a new way of seeing *pun intended* the world of eye care. Their 360 approach covers the spectrum of eye health including exams with an on-site optometrist, and exclusive frames with same-day fabrication in their on-site lab, and even blue light lenses for screen time. Rabin hopes to disrupt the eyewear industry making eye health as routine as dental, body, and skin.

My personal experience at Zak was extremely positive. Every step of the examination process was explained to me so I felt comfortable along the way and in control of the care I was receiving. Turns out, I did need a mild prescription and my eyes were also dehydrated so the optometrist recommended a few drops I can use before bed and in the morning as well as some eye exercises to help with the computer glare and strain. I stepped out of the exam room and ordered my pair of Zak frames which will be made in store and shipped out to me (they arrive today!)—super simple and they only cost $125 with prescription too.

Naturally, I was intrigued to learn more about how Rabin launched their startup especially since this model hasn’t been been done before and there was no roadmap. Ahead, Rabin shares her financial journey, what she’s paying herself, her team, and their top three biggest expenses each month.

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

Product, creative and team are all mission critical.  Each area fuels the other. If I had to choose one area for Zak. it would be product—core product, and the goods or services you’re providing, is the backbone of your business and deserves the appropriate resources (both time and financial). You have to get that core product right first and everything else can follow.  

What was your first big expense as a business owner?

Our largest initial expense was the design and build out of our brick and mortar space on Fairfax, Los Angeles. An elevated eye care experience is an essential part of our model and it was extremely important to showcase our aesthetic in a physical space that challenges the typically antiquated doctors office in both form and function. As one may expect, design, build, and investing in state-of-the art medical equipment are expensive, but in our case, necessary to nourish our brand and mission.  

The second biggest expense was developing our in-house eyewear collection. Zak frames are designed to change the way you shop for glasses. We’ve streamlined the shopping experience so selection is finally easy to navigate while providing styles that function like your favorite white t-shirt/everyday uniform. Our styles are timeless, to the point, unfussy, and at an accessible price point, but not cheaply made. Finding the right partners and vendors to bring our high quality product to life took time (and money).   

“We aren’t saving anything. Everything that comes in immediately fuels another area of the business in order to optimize growth.”

How did you decide what to pay yourself? 

We are still a very new and currently self-funded business. Before taking the leap into all things Zak., I assessed my savings as I knew a salary wouldn’t be possible for at least the first two years without external investment. I’m not paying myself to ensure that every dime is funneled back into the business, which is necessary at this crucial stage of infancy.  

How did you decide what to pay employees? 

Our full-time team is made up of optometrists and opticians who power the brick and mortar space. We determined wages based on market value and operational excellence. We believe that investing in our team means investing in our growth. I’m interested in working with people who are smarter and more talented than I am and sometimes that means paying more than I’m comfortable with as I’m betting on the productivity and efficiency that the right team provides, which inevitably drives results. 

What are your top three largest expenses every month?

Rent, payroll, and the bank loan.

How much do you spend on office space?

Our Fairfax location is our brick and mortar retail space, medical facility and office. It’s the hub of all things Zak and it comes with a hefty price tag—rent is 14% of our monthly gross.  

How much do you spend on employee salaries?

We’re currently a very small team made up of full-time and part-time salaried and hourly employees. Our payroll is approximately 25% of our current monthly revenue.  

How much are you saving? When did you start being able to save some of your income?

We aren’t saving anything. Everything that comes in immediately fuels another area of the business in order to optimize growth. Our projections anticipate a break even at the two year mark.

What apps or software are you using for finances?

We use a comprehensive all-in-one software that combines our POS with a fully integrated doctor system (EHR). All patient, retail and sales information live in the same place, which is extremely helpful for financial reporting, which we typically run ourselves.

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

All delays in the launch process were costly. In hindsight, more efficient decision-making and a clear establishment of roles would have expedited our opening. Delays in construction, delivery of product, and staff training resulted in increased expense.

Why should women talk about money?

Awareness. The more we know and share with each other about how we’re spending and what we’re making will allow for an equal playing field. 

“Identify the areas to be scrappy versus when it’s worth spending.”

Do you have a financial mentor?

My dad. We are co-founders and both bring different skillsets to the business. He still owns/operates a large multi-office optometric practice in L.A. that he opened over 35 years ago with a bank loan. He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to finances and specifically financial planning within the optical industry.   

What is your best piece of financial/money advice for new entrepreneurs?

Identify the areas to be scrappy versus when it’s worth spending. It’s fundamental to be resourceful and do things on your own that can eventually be outsourced but it’s extremely important to have an understanding of when a spend is essential to your brand.  

Up Next: "For 3 Years I Didn’t Pay Myself"—The Pai Skincare Founder Gets Real About Money in Business.

High Risk Hire: How to Interview While Pregnant

Written by Arianna Schioldager.

Photo: Angelica Marie Photography

Looking for a job while pregnant may seem daunting, but don’t let that stop you. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII bars discrimination in employment on the bases of race, color, sex, national origin, and religion. A little over a decade later, Title VII was amended to include the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which prohibits an employer from refusing to hire a pregnant woman because of her pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition. Simply put, an employer may not refuse to hire a woman because she is or expects to become pregnant. Not to say that these refusals don’t still happen. 

Looking for a job while pregnant is hard to hide. Unless you're in the first or early second trimester, it's pretty obvious when you have that baby bump. An employer doesn't have to ask, and no matter what the Pregnancy Discrimination Act states, as an interviewee you're a HRH. A high risk hire.

Hiring discrimination is very difficult to prove but to pretend it doesn't happen is turning a blind eye.  So how do you address the elephant in the room? In the words of Harper Lee, "It's when you know you're licked before you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what," that's where the bold as brass boss in you lives. 

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Never include a "disability" on your resume. Ever. 

Next, before you interview, you need to ask yourself an important question:  "CAN I DO THE JOB?" If the answer if yes, you should walk into that interview as confident as ever. Baby bumpin' or not.

WHEN THE RICH MAN ASKS YOU TO COUNT HIS SILVER...

Do you do it? 

Because interviews are scarce and applicants are high, there is a reality to the fear that the employer has the power and you should concede to "illegal" questions. Nothing could be further from the truth. The ball, in an interview, is in both courts, especially if you are good at your job. You need work. The company needs someone skilled to fill the position.  

By proving that you are the best person for the job regardless of physical condition. With every employee there is the risk that something unexpected could happen. 

You will quickly find out what kind of company it is if you respond to an inappropriate question by addressing it as such, and looking the interviewer right in the eye. 

Which is why you should also: 

DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THE COMPANY AND MAKE SURE YOU WANT TO WORK FOR THEM

You deserve the job but does the job deserve you? There are questions you need to ask yourself before saying "I do" to an interview, or a company. Look at how the company treats women. There are plenty of companies who have no problem—as they shouldn't—with a pregnancy. The White House, for one. In 2015 the WH took an influential position on the issue of economic, family-friendly policies when they announced that State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki would replace the President's outgoing communications director. Psaki was pregnant at the time of hire. 

There are companies most concerned with that first question you asked yourself: Can you do this job?

I was looking for a job while pregnant and was offered the position because the company recognized that my childbearing had no affect on how I could perform the requested duties. 

That's not to say it's not terrifying and there is an extra layer of pressure. But don't let your fear win out over your skills. A smart employer will recognize your determination. In fact:  

"Don't let your fear of interviewing while preg win out over your skills. A smart employer will recognize determination." 

Tweet this. 

USE PREGNANCY TO SHOW OFF YOUR STRATEGIC SKILLS 

When you're not showing, the advice as to whether or not disclose your pregnancy is split. But when you are showing, it's best to address it head-on. Use the pregnancy to your advantage by showing your potential employer your planning skills. Outline your flexibility. No matter what, the decision to interview while pregnant is brave and shows that you are capable of making bold business decisions, as well as a work ethic that should be admired. 

Keep that in mind when you walk in those doors. 

Oh and to also keep in mind: The United States is currently the only developed country that does not offer government-sponsored paid maternity leave. #Facts. 

About the Author 

Written by Arianna Schioldager, Director of Content and Marketing at Girlgaze Inc. You can find her on IG @ariannawrotethis and more about her on this site she never updates www.ariannawrotethis.com

Did You Know That Marketing Fraud Is Illegal? Here's 4 Ways to Keep Your Influencer Brand Ethical

Jori Hamilton is a writer and journalist from the Pacific Northwest who enjoys covering topics related to social justice, business, and feminism. You can follow her on twitter @hamiltonjori or keep up with her latest work on her Contently.

Photo: Smith House Photo

Have you ever seen a blogger or brand make an exaggerated claim about their product or service online? If you have, then it’s possible they were committing marketing fraud. Well, marketing fraud is illegal, and it’s not limited to intentional deception on the part of a brand or influencer. Laws prohibiting marketing fraud are in place to protect the consumer. 

False marketing can land you and your brand in a world of trouble. For instance, if you sell medications or supplements and a follower experiences harm such as negative health effects or a significant financial loss due to your advertising practices, you could set yourself up for a lawsuit—and your reputation and bank account could take a really big hit too.

Let’s explore some of the legal guidelines for marketing and how to market products and services ethically.

Always Disclose: Influencers Must Abide By FTC Requirements

Individual influencers, bloggers, and content creators need to be aware of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines for endorsements and disclosures. This means that if a brand gives you a free product in exchange for promoting or reviewing it, you have to disclose that you have been compensated in some way. 

The FTC provides guidelines for disclosure here, as well as rules for social media promotion. This also applies to brands who place content as advertisements. If you’ve ever seen a sponsored article on a website or in a newspaper, the “sponsored article” notification is the publication’s disclosure as required by the FTC.

Remember: If you have any conflict of interest (such as advertising a former employer or a family member’s brand), you need to disclose it to your consumers. 

How to Avoid False Claims: Be Authentic

When we go online, we’re inundated with information and advertisements. Thanks to effective content marketing, those things are often one and the same. Competition for consumers’ attention is steep—some state the average person sees at least 4,000 advertisements over the course of their day. When it comes to watching a video or reading a piece of content, Google searchers make a decision based on trust when they click on your link. 

It’s safe to say that the used car salesman is quite a trope. Stereotypically, they’re known to make false claims about their cars to move them off the lot and make a buck. Take a minute to think about why this trope is so unappealing to consumers. We think of used car salesmen as:

• Dishonest

• Disrespectful and sexist

• Putting the sale above the relationship with the customer — a critical failure in marketing

• Fast talkers

• Untrustworthy and unreliable

• Shady or even illegal

While most used car sales people aren’t actually like that in real life, the trope is pretty pervasive because the actions of bad salesmanship are reprehensible and vilified. Obviously, you don’t want your brand to be affiliated with any of these qualities. Brand reputation is invaluable.

By using an approach of authenticity as a core part of your branded experience, you can avoid developing a poor reputation. You want your brand to be considered honest, respectful, and engaging. You want to establish and strengthen your reputation, communication, and relationship with your customer. You want to earn that trust and execute business in a legal and ethical fashion. 

Consumers are engaged by brands that are authentic enough to stand for something. When Gillette embraced the #MeToo movement and tackled toxic masculinity in its ad campaign, it started a massive conversation but it also provided a look at who makes the household buying decisions when it comes to razors and shaving cream (hint: women often do). In this way, Gillette started a conversation that was important and relevant to them as a brand but also engaged their consumers. 

Behind the scenes, there was likely a lot of testing and debate about this as a business decision, but ultimately, they must have decided that it was worth alienating outmoded thinkers to engage an audience of women and men who would more enthusiastically purchase and engage.

Positive Side Effects of Transparency

Doing the right thing is ethically imperative and can keep you out of trouble with the FTC. Providing disclosure also has some other benefits for you. Namely, your audience will appreciate your transparency and they will trust you more. 

If your relationship with your audience is truly more important than landing another sponsor, it will benefit you in the long term. Your fans and community will support, defend, and forgive you for missteps. Those who have followed your brand for some time will be more likely to consider your behavior over time and less likely to drop you if you make a small mistake.

As an influencer or brand representative, you’re more likely to make mistakes than you would be if your posts had to go through several layers of approval. Transparency is an aspect, but without someone else constantly double-checking you, mistakes can and will happen. Your audience wants an element of unplanned, live, and raw reactions from you. You’ve got to build up the social credit to take a fall every now and then. It’s a natural part of the branding cycle. 

How to Protect Yourself

Have you done the work to become registered as a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)? Getting LLC or S-Corp status is the first step you can take to protect yourself against lawsuits about false claims and other legal troubles that are bound to arise as you grow in popularity. If your brand is big, it’s only a matter of time before you need legal and financial protection.

General liability insurance coverage for business can also help. This insurance protects you against liability claims. For example, if a follower tries a skin care product you recommended in a YouTube video and experiences a skin rash, liability insurance can protect you in the event that they sue. It should cover property damage claims advertising injury claims, court costs, libel/slander, settlements, and more. 

As you represent your brand passionately and authentically, remember to protect yourself and abide by the legal rules surrounding advertising. Your passion, transparency, and expertise will win you new customers and fans.

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From Scratch: How the Head of Marketing at Drybar Launched Their Wildly Successful Massage Business

We know how daunting it can be to start a new business, especially if you’re disrupting an industry or creating an entirely new one. When there is no path to follow, the biggest question is, where do I start? There is so much to do but before you get ahead of yourself, let’s start at the beginning. To kickstart the process (and ease some of those first-time founder nerves) we’re asking successful entrepreneurs to share their story in our new series, From Scratch. But this isn’t your typical day in the life. We’re getting down to the nitty gritty from writing a business plan (or not) to sourcing manufacturers and how much they pay themselves, we’re not holding back. If you want to know how to start a business, you’ve come to the right place.

Photo: Courtesy of Squeeze

Drybar. If you haven’t tried it yet then it’s highly likely (in fact, we’d say it’s a guarantee) that you’ve at least heard about the chic salon for blow-outs. The buttercup yellow is hard to miss along with its co-founder and C&C 100 nominee, Alli Webb—she’s taken her 117,000 Instagram fans along for the ride. But we’re not here to talk about Drybar, this story is about their former head of marketing, Brittany Driscoll who, after taking the company from $30M to more than $100M in four years, was asked by Alli Webb and her brother, Michael Landau to head up their revolutionary new massage concept, Squeeze as the CEO.

The industry-leading business is so much more than just another massage parlor. Squeeze is also a technology company. Their app allows you to book, pay, tip, and review all in the one place so you can walk in and float out without the hassle—it’s the Uber of the massage world.

We tapped Driscoll to find out how they launched this new concept from scratch—from writing a business plan, to choosing the name, and funding it.

Photo: Courtesy of Squeeze

Did you write a business plan? If yes, was it helpful?

"I did. I outlined our company's positioning based on market analysis and competitive research, identified our target audience, created a rough go-to-market plan as well as a longterm vision for scale, and built a financial model to determine my staffing mix, expenses, and to determine if my pricing strategy would ultimately result in profitability. While we knew we'd have a lot to learn once in-market, the business plan and financial model has been a helpful guide in measuring the initial performance of the business.

How did you come up with the name? What was the process like?

I can't take credit for this one, it was all my co-founder's idea, Michael Landau. The entire concept for Squeeze, including the name, was really his brainchild. But we all immediately fell in love with the name. We knew there was so much fun we could have with it. All of our services include the name—Mini Squeeze, Mid Squeeze, and Main Squeeze, my email sign-off for example is always "Big Squeeze," our Valentine's Day campaign was "Squeeze the Ones You Love," and of course the commonly used "Easy, peasy, Squeezy"— there will be many more to come.

What were the immediate things you had to take care of to set up the business?

The initial things we did when setting up the business included creating the business entity, developing our operating agreement, securing our web domain, filing for a trademark, and securing our social media handles. I'm sure there were plenty of other small things that I'm forgetting at the moment, but those where the big ones.

“If there’s anything for certain, building a business is a rollercoaster, you have to be up for the ride.”

What research did you do for the brand beforehand? Why would you recommend it?

Squeeze was really born out of personal necessity. So many of the insights of our experience came from frustration with the lack of options available in the marketplace. We are all avid massage goers who wanted a personalized, convenient, and quality experience. Since there really wasn't anything else out there delivering on those things, we decided to create it ourselves.

Did you self-fund the company? Did you raise seed money or initial investment money? What would you recommend?

The founding team put in the initial capital to get the business off the ground and develop our technology platform, and then we raised a small friends and family round to open our first location and begin the franchising process.

Photo: Courtesy of Squeeze

How big is your team now? What has the hiring process like?

Our corporate team consists of just myself and our chief product officer, David Werner. Our Studio City shop has over 30 team members and counting. I did have experience building a team from my time at Drybar, but the process of building a team never gets old. It's magical and incredibly important. We're in the people business at the end of the day so who you are at your core matters most in our business. We conduct a cultural interview before we assess your skills because so much of what we're delivering is a genuine, healing service and that has to first come from the heart.

Did you hire an accountant? Who helped you with the financial decisions and set up?

Yes, setting up your books for long-term success is critical so I definitely recommend investing in this from the outset. The longer you hold-off on this front, the messier it's going to get.

What has been the biggest learning curve during the process of establishing a business?

What isn't a learning curve when starting a business?! I am still learning something new everyday. There's so much you don't know, so much you're figuring out as you go, and really the most important thing is that you keep going no matter what. Anyone who says they had it all figured from the beginning is lying. Launching anything from scratch is hard and there are many moments of doubt, it's important we are all honest about that.

Photo: Courtesy of Squeeze

Do you have a business coach or mentor? How has this person helped? Would you recommend one?

I'm super fortunate to have the business partners that I do who are available to help guide me when I have questions or need to gut-check anything. I believe having a mentor is crucial when starting a business—there are just so many small, but critical decisions to make in the beginning. Even if you don't know someone personally, don't be afraid to reach out on Instagram or LinkedIn. We all thrive on helping each other so you never know who will respond.

How did you promote your company? How did you get people to know who you are and create buzz?

My background in marketing and the success of the founding team of Drybar helped to launch Squeeze successfully. We used a mix of PR, social, and local marketing to get the word out, however I think ultimately the strongest form of marketing is word-of-mouth so anything you can be doing to create authentic conversation, the better off your business is going to be. The true measure of success is to have your customers market for you.

“Entrepreneurship is a dance.”

What is one thing you didn’t do in the setup process, that ended up being crucial to the business and would advise others to do asap?

I'm not sure there's one thing per se, but I would definitely dive into as many of the details as you can in the beginning. Think through all of the what-if scenarios and how you would respond. You won't think of everything but the more upfront preparation you do, the less frazzled you'll be. On the flip side, try not to stress yourself too much. I can't tell you how many times I woke up at 3 a.m. worrying about things that never ended up being an issue. Entrepreneurship is a dance.

For those who haven’t started a business (or are about to) what advice do you have?

If there's anything for certain, building a business is a rollercoaster, you have to be up for the ride.

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FROM SCRATCH: This Founder Did Not Write a Business Plan But Here's Why She Recommends You Do

We know how daunting it can be to start a new business, especially if you’re disrupting an industry or creating an entirely new one. When there is no path to follow, the biggest question is, where do I start? There is so much to do but before you get ahead of yourself, let’s start at the beginning. To kickstart the process (and ease some of those first-time founder nerves) we’re asking successful entrepreneurs to share their story in our new series, From Scratch. But this isn’t your typical day in the life. We’re getting down to the nitty gritty from writing a business plan (or not) to sourcing manufacturers and how much they pay themselves, we’re not holding back. If you want to know how to start a business, you’ve come to the right place.

Photo: Courtesy of Able Cosmetics

Have you always dreamed of ditching the 9-to-5 to pursue your lifelong dream of starting a company? This is an alluring vision for many of us who would love to be the arbiters of our own time, but here’s the thing, you should probably weigh up all of the pros and cons before you take that leap, ensure that your “why” is stronger than your “what,” and that your desire to do it isn’t just about the money. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned through all of the interviews with small business owners at C&C, it’s that starting your own business is way more work than an office job (think late nights and working weekends) and it takes time before you see any money come in—the founder of Pai Skincare didn’t pay herself for three years.

You also have to level set your expectations. Society glorifies the 30-under-30 founders and the companies that go public, but your brand doesn’t have to be the next unicorn. You can start small and stay small. That’s okay, too. But, as ABLE Cosmetics founder, Dana Rae Ashburn advised us in our interview for our From Scratch series, it’s a good idea to think about that in the beginning, set your intentions, and write a business plan so you have some structure from the outset.

Read on to hear how the makeup artist turned her passion into a business, why she hasn’t paid herself a cent yet, and the many (many) lessons she learned along the way. You might want to write these small business tips down.

Did you write a business plan? If yes, was it helpful? If no, what else did you use instead? Why did you not take that approach?
I did not write a business plan. My plan was to launch a product that had not been previously introduced to the beauty/cosmetics industry. I assumed people would buy it because it was the first of its kind. I had the misconception that business plans were just an educated guess, so it wasn’t worth making one. Boy, was I wrong. As someone who dove head first into launching a company without a clear-cut business plan, I would absolutely recommend making one. Why? Because even if a business plan is hypothetical, it provides you with some structure. It can give you goals and guidelines that inform your decisions in real time. 

How did you come up with the name? What was the process like? How did you know it was the right name?
Deciding on a name was very difficult. My hero product, Cat Eye 101, was conceived long before the company name, ABLE, came to be. For me, the name “Cat Eye 101” identified the educational, instructional, and innovative design. When I first began exploring names, everything I was drawn to had been previously trademarked. It was very frustrating and this process took quite some time. One day, I decided to get out of my usual surroundings (New York City) in order to be inspired on the name front. I took a train to Philadelphia and spent the day with my most creative friend.

We went to Barnes & Noble, sat on the floor, and looked through books, all kinds of books. I came across a children’s book about a boy named Abel. Looking back, I wish I had bought it, but I was so thoroughly consumed by my “AHA!” moment that I rushed outside to share my revelation with everyone who had been helping me up to that point. Immediately, it made complete sense to call my brand ABLE. The tagline, “Your Face. Your Features. Your Skills,” immediately poured out once I identified the name ABLE. Long story short, sometimes you need to mix things up to get re-inspired. Sitting in the same spot, looking at the same thing, speaking to the same people is not the move. Step out of your comfort zone and surprise yourself.

What were the immediate things you had to take care of to set up the business?
Establishing a trademark, website, domain, Instagram, finding a publicist, regulatory reviews, liability insurance, UPC codes, etc. You know, all the un-fun, bureaucratic stuff that creative people like me run away from at full speed.  

What research did you do for the brand beforehand? Why would you recommend it?
I did very little research beforehand. I was a young makeup artist with a strong idea. I didn’t know about focus groups or market research. I put on a metaphorical blindfold on and wrote checks. Looking back, I would certainly change that approach. I would organize a group of demographically diverse friends and send them sample products, asking for honest feedback on all fronts. Next, I’d speak with industry professionals/mentors. I’d research the competition, maybe even asking a few cosmetics buyers what they think of my big idea. I’d take Instagram polls and attempt to decipher whether my blueprint of an idea is a realistic source of revenue or an undeveloped pipe dream.

How did you find the manufacturer/production facility that you use? Did you have any bad experiences? What did you learn?
My first (and only to date) manufacturer was recommended to me by an industry veteran. Unfortunately, I was naive and decided to launch ABLE in the most expensive way possible without considering all of my options. Due to product stability failure and high COGS, my manufacturing experience has been unstable. If I were to go back in time, I would either tackle product development with a packaging consultant and a formula consultant or take it on myself and reallocate those funds into strong sales and marketing teams.

Did you self-fund the company? Did you raise seed money or initial investment money? Why/Why not?
ABLE is self-funded with the help of friends and family. I didn’t know where the company would go and I didn’t want to have the pressure of strangers’ money, so I did not seek funding in that capacity. Everyone involved was aware that I was diving into uncharted territory. They understood that if things went well, it would be a win. On the flip side, if things didn’t go well, at least I wouldn’t be indebted. I always wanted to own 100% of my company with full control. Now that I have been at it for a few years, I’d certainly explore other options, but maintain that it’s crucial to protect one’s intellectual property when forging an unprecedented path in any industry.

How much did you pay yourself? How did you know what to pay yourself?

To date, I have not paid myself a cent. Furthermore, almost everything I make as a freelance makeup artist outside of ABLE is invested into the company.

How big is your team now? What has the hiring process like?
Currently, my team consists of myself, a general business consultant, a PR consultant, and sales consultant (my fiancé, who I pay in hugs). What I have learned along the way is that everyone you meet in business will tell you they are crucial to your success. SEO experts are going to convince you they can augment your traffic and customer conversion. Marketing teams will send you massive quotes because you “need them in the digital age.” At the end of the day, you need to determine what third party support your brand actually needs, and from there, who you can afford in those departments.

“To date, I have not paid myself a cent. ”

Did you hire an accountant? Who helped you with the financial decisions and set up? What do you recommend?
Yes. I have a fantastic bookkeeper and accountant who keep things organized for me. They don’t help me with any type of growth plan, but the financial organization has been key to my understanding, reassessment and growth over the years. 

What has been the biggest learning curve during the process of establishing a business?
The entire process of starting a company has been one big learning curve. I’m not sure it’s possible to be 100% prepared, I certainly wasn’t. In my experience, the financial contribution, sales funnel, and distribution have been the biggest challenges and learning curves.

How did you get retailers to start stocking your product? Were you told no? How did you handle that rejection?
Luckily (from a new brand’s perspective), everything is publicly accessible these days. You need to do research (Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) in order to identify the buyers you need on your side. Are you selling makeup? You need the beauty buyer or even better the beauty buyer’s assistant. Each category of every industry has a buyer. It can be difficult to get the buyers’ attention because they receive so many emails, but you should follow up with an unsolicited gift (your product) and reach out with an email that says  “Hi X, I popped a package in the mail for you to experience my product first hand. I have attached my digital catalogue. Please let me know if you are available to speak during any of the following times. Tuesday 10am, Wednesday 2pm, Friday 10am... Talk soon!”

ASSUME THE SALE. BE PERSISTENT. Even when they say “no,” you should keep a list of buyers’ information, so that whenever you have a new SKU launch or brand news, you can send a targeted email. I have had many buyers say “no,” and at first, I would be so offended, so angry. Then I started to tell myself “next time.” I continued to send my target buyers “ABLE News Updates,” which touched on everything behind-the-scenes. This keeps the brand at the top of buyers’ minds, so when the time is right, they’ll think to place an order. Sometimes, you’ll get an order that isn't actually “worth” it when you consider all of the backend expenses (shipping, packaging, employees). But it’s important to get your name out there, likely operating at a loss until you receive massive purchase orders and can scale up production.

“ I’m not sure it’s possible to be 100% prepared, I certainly wasn’t.”

Do you have a business coach or mentor? How has this person helped? Would you recommend one?

I had the honor of being a part of the 2017 Sephora Accelerate. I was introduced to a plethora of mentors and friends, all of whom have their own companies. I realized the importance of connecting with other founders. Now, I meet with fellow female entrepreneurs for coffee, or even just to share stories and find comfort in our mutual everyday struggles. It’s also great for networking and connections to share names and information of trusted consultants. You can always go to your industry friends and say “hey, do you have a good product shot photographer?” or “hey, who do you use to make your cartons?”

How did you promote your company? How did you get people to know who you are and create buzz?
ABLE’s buzz was created through strong press and social media presence. I spent time and money finding women on social media who really resonated with the brand aesthetically. You may need to gift to 100+ people to find five that will support you with unswerving commitment. As far as press, it’s ideal if you can connect with an amazing publicist to spread the word on your behalf.

However, it’s not always easy to find the right match in this department. Large PR companies have huge retainers and often treat you like a number, whereas smaller firms often lack the powerful connections of the former. In my opinion, the best situation is to find a freelance publicist who is genuinely invested in your brand and has personal connections with the media and influencers you are targeting. 

What is one thing you didn’t do in the setup process, that ended up being crucial to the business and would advise others to do asap?
A sales team and a marketing team. I launched with neither and it took a huge toll on my inventory. 

For those who haven’t started a business (or are about to) what advice do you have?
Have a story. Have a purpose. Have a differentiator. Know your competition as well as you know yourself.

Up Next: How a Successful Entrepreneur Built Her Beauty Brand From the Ground Up.

This Month in Money Moves: The RealReal, Away Luggage, Revolve, Reformation, Madewell (and the U.S. Women's Soccer Team)

In this monthly series, we take a look at the female-owned or led businesses that are making serious moves in the $$$ department. From raising funds to going public, these women are showing us how it’s done and giving us all serious inspo to finish out this week like a true boss.

#SupportFemaleOwnedBusiness

The Real Real

Within minutes of debuting its initial public offering on Friday, stock for the popular secondhand luxury retailer, The RealReal jumped 50% raising $300 million. But this isn’t Julie Wainright’s first rodeo. The founder and CEO of The RealReal took Pets.com public in 2000. What a boss.

The U.S. Women's Soccer Team

The headlines have been blazing this week with news that the U.S. women’s soccer team are suing for equal pay after their historic win. Sen. Joe Manchin proposed a bill that would withhold funding from the 2026 men's World Cup—jointly hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada—until the two teams are paid equally.

Here’s what ESPN told Broadsheet:
“FIFA will award $30 million in prize money for the Women’s World Cup. The men received $400 million last year. [FIFA president Gianni Infantino] said this week he wants to double the prize money for the women’s tournament by the next edition in 2023, but the gap between the genders could actually grow with FIFA expected to award $440 million for the men’s tournament in 2022.”

Does that seem fair to you? Sound out in the comments below.

Away Luggage

The founders of Away luggage are on a roll. Co-founder Jen Rubio was featured on the cover of Inc. Magazine after the brand became a unicorn after being valued at $1.4 billion after raising $100 million (they were also named one of Forbe’s 2018 Next Billion-Dollar Startups). This week Rubio and her co-founder Steph Korey are featured on Fortune's 40 Under 40 list. Congratulations, girls!

Revolve

One of our favorite online retailers renowned for their impressive social media and influencer parties (and trips around the world) surprised everyone this month when they announced their IPO and raised $212 million in their initial public offering. Color me impressed.

Madewell

In the spirit of IPOs, Madewell is also (reportedly) on track to announce theirs. According to a Reuters report, three sources confirmed that “J. Crew has hired banks to prepare for the public offering of the denim-centric brand, pegged for after Labor Day, as part of a strategy to revive the larger retailer.” This would position Madewell CEO Libby Wadle at the head of her own public company.

Reformation

While founder and CEO, Yael Affalo of Los-Angeles based clothing line, Reformation will remain CEO, the company will soon be majority-owned by private equity firm Permira Advisers. The brand is on track to deliver $150 million in sales this year.

Did we miss something? Share the money moves you’ve seen this month so we can add it to the list!