Banana Republic's Art Director Says Having a Life Outside of Work Is Critical to Success

We often look to the iconic leaders of our time for motivation and wisdom, but for many of us, this is purely inspirational and not as applicable to our everyday lives. We truly believe there is more benefit in looking to your left and seeking out a peer-to-peer mentorship with a colleague or friend you admire. Why? Firstly, they will likely have the time to be your mentor, and secondly, their advice will be relatable and allow you to see your path clearly while keeping your mind open to new ideas, identifying new opportunities, and helping you self-advocate.  We call them Everyday Superheroes. In this new series, we talk to the people who are paying it forward, lifting others up and paving a smoother path for the next generation to come.

Photo: Courtesy of Banana Republic.

It’s safe to say that the traditional career model has been completely disrupted. The path to your dream job is no longer linear—it takes many twists, turns, and jumps along the way—and the days of choosing one job for the rest of your life are officially over. Now, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure journey and which way you turn is completely up to you.

Kimara Mitchell’s story is proof that every job, no matter how big or small, all contribute to the end goal. When she was working at her local Macy’s in the Esprit shop-in-shop or studying to be an engineer, she didn’t know that one day she’d end up in her dream job. Fast forward to today, and Mitchell is now working as the associate art director at Banana Republic leading photoshoot art direction, research, and hiring a team of photographers, illustrators, designers and more to bring the brand to life.

Everything about Mitchell’s career path has been non-traditional including how she landed her current role. Read on to hear how the award-winning designer went from the agency side to in-house, what she does to prevent burnout, and why staying true to who you are at work is key to your success (and the business).

And if, like us, this has you feeling inspired and motivated to kick off the new decade with a whole new perspective, then head over to the Banana Republic career’s page to learn more about how you can get involved and embark on a new, and exciting career path for 2020.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: What did you study in school? And what did you want to be when you grew up?

KIMARA MITCHELL: “Initially I was an engineering/urban planning major. I’ve always been obsessed with cities—how they are planned, transit, green spaces, community buildings—and thought it would be the right career path for me. I didn’t realize how technical it was and after taking an illustration class in my sophomore year, my professor told me about something called communications design. I took a summer seminar at Parsons and then switched my major to advertising the next semester.”

What are some of the earlier jobs that helped to shape your career/path?

“One of my first jobs was working in retail at my local Macy’s in the Esprit shop-in-shop. I’ve always loved fashion, especially the marketing side. When I was young, I would have ads on my wall from magazines, not posters of celebrities. I never knew how to get from admiring ads to creating them.”

“I don’t believe in the idea that you need to hide the real you at work.”

What challenges have you faced along the way? What did you learn from them? How did they prepare you for your job now?

“When I graduated from college, I worked at advertising agencies and it was hard to get a job in-house because they wanted someone with in-house experience. Agency life tends to be very fast-paced and you have to be detail orientated and able to juggle multiple jobs, clients, and deliverables at once. Interestingly, it prepares you for working in-house, especially given the shifts we have to make based on business. On the in-house side, you also work much closer with cross-functional teams, like marketing, merchandising, inventory management, finance, and design. There were a lot of acronyms I didn’t know when I first came to Gap, so I studied up.”

Tell us about your role at Banana Republic? What does it entail? Did you work your way up? What were the positions along the way?

“I am currently the art director for Banana Republic Factory and my job is two-fold. First, I come up with the concept and art direct our seasonal photoshoots. I work with the global creative director and senior director of photography for Banana Republic on evolving our photography, model choices, and how we show up as a brand. Secondly, I manage a team of designers who create marketing with photography, like store signage, direct mail, site, emails, and social.

“I started here as a senior designer on the outlet shared services team, then moved over to the Banana Republic side. From there, I started working with the former creative director on shoots until he would let me run them myself. After two years of that, I was promoted to art director.”

What do you love most about your job and why? Does the reality of your career match up to your expectations/why/why not?

“I love the flexibility in my job and that every day is something different. I could be pulling inspiration for an upcoming shoot, art directing someone on my team for a digital editorial or working with our copywriter on an Instagram story. I never imagined that I’d be in this spot, so I didn’t really have an expectation of what it would be like.”

What can you tell us about the culture at Banana Republic? What has encouraged you to stay?

“I’ve stayed because it’s been a challenge and not become stale. People here are very passionate and extremely intelligent, and it makes you want to step up your game. That being said, we also care about each other and like to have fun.”

Talk us through your daily tasks and what a day in the office looks like for you? What’s the most rewarding part of your day?

“One of the things I love is that no two days are the same. I like to check email and get a head start on that on the commute in. Then I’ll come into the office, check-in with my team, probably work on a project or two and attend meetings like project reviews or kickoffs, brainstorm some upcoming initiatives, or work on some image retouching notes.”

What does your morning, pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?
”I’ve been into sports since I was young, and I started running in high school. I usually start off the day with a three-mile run, then come home, check email, and have breakfast. I’m a bit obsessive about having breakfast every day without fail. I like working out in the morning because I feel it sets me up better for the day; I’m more energized. I also like to write things down. I have two datebooks, a smaller personal one and a larger one to plan out the shoots, milestone meetings, and creative reviews. I have weekly and daily checklists to keep myself organized.”

Your role requires you to be across so many facets of the business—how do you manage your time effectively? What is your greatest productivity hack? How do you get it done?

“It can be challenging for sure! One of the great things about our office is that you can work anywhere. Sometimes in an open floorplan, it can be hard to concentrate, so I’ll work in the café or one of the couches we have around the 8th floor. I’ll also turn off my email for a few hours so I don’t get distracted. I also make priority lists for myself and I always ask business partners when something is needed by—they feel their needs are being met, but I’m not stressing to get everything done ASAP.”

Do you ever reach inbox zero? Do you believe in that? What is your inbox philosophy?
”To me, having an inbox at zero means that I have read and acknowledged everything in my inbox. If I need to reply, then I’ve done that or forwarded it on to someone else who can better answer someone’s question. Having my inbox at zero means those things have been checked off my list and I can move on to other tasks.”

What is one of the biggest misconceptions about your job?

“If you work in fashion, people tend to think it’s very glamorous and your days are spent with samples, on set, or around models. It is a ton of hard work that starts way before the actual photoshoot. It’s the pre-season planning, pulling inspiration, collaborating with styling, marketing and merchandising on stories, working with prop stylists and photographers on getting all the details nailed down, and much more. Once you get to the shoot days, hopefully, everything is ticked and tied and the day(s) will run very smoothly.”

If someone wanted your role specifically, what advice would you give them on how to land their dream job/your current job? 

“Be a cultural sponge. Inspiration really comes from everywhere, so it’s not just about going to school and studying art direction. I’m constantly looking beyond fashion and in popular culture, art, music, books, current events, politics, sociology, and more to influence what I’m doing. I also think with the advent of social media, you don’t have to live in a large city to work in fashion or retail. Seek out local photographers or stylists where you live and do test shoots, or collaborate with your favorite local boutique on editorials. Many of them don’t have a huge budget and would love help with marketing or social media.” 

“Be a cultural sponge. Inspiration really comes from everywhere.”

Have you seen a consistent standout quality or personality trait of successful people in this industry?

“Be someone who is constantly learning and willing to pivot. The industry is changing so rapidly and it’s the people and the brands that are evolving that will succeed.”

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

“The best piece of advice is ‘you are not your job.’ The interests I have outside of work keep me inspired and motivated when I’m in the office, and you need to carve out time for yourself to be with friends, family, travel, etc. You can’t work at your best if you’re burnt out. I don’t believe in the idea that you need to hide the real you at work. I’m a proud African-American woman, and the things I’ve experienced give me a unique viewpoint. As someone who never saw women like myself in fashion growing up, I want to make sure young people know that this is an option for them and you can be uniquely you while doing it.”

If there was one person you admire that you could power brunch with, who would it be?

“I would love to meet Shiona Turini. She started in PR at a high fashion brand and then segued into being a fashion editor and now a wardrobe stylist for television and movies. I’d love to pick her brain about that and also just talk fashion.”

In your mind, what’s a perfect interview outfit? Why? Explain?

“It really depends on your chosen field but at Banana Republic I think it’s something that shows your personality and creativity. It could be a fun midi skirt and leather jacket or sleek denim and a blazer. You should always dress up though and not be too casual, even in a ‘casual’ workplace.”

Visit the Banana Republic career page to learn more about their exciting job opportunities and career options.

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What I Learned About Success From Women Who Have Raised $1 Million+ for Their Businesses

Photo: Godisable Jacob from Pexels

The connotation around the word success doesn’t mean what it once meant to me. Growing up I can remember thinking that success equated to wealth, status and excellence. Honestly, to be successful felt intimidating and unattainable. The intimidation around success was one of the main reasons that I felt it necessary to explore the idea.

I was recently asked to run down a list of accomplishments, and I had at least 10 things that I rattled off, but does that mean that I’m successful? Being the host of the personal development podcast Switch, Pivot or Quit, I wanted to take the opportunity to consult with other women about their thoughts on success.

In the last year and a half, I’ve interviewed more than 75 women in business and more recently, through producing the new Mayzie Media podcast A Milli, I’ve had in-depth conversations with a variety of stellar women who have amassed one million-plus in business.

When asked: what does success mean or look like for you? I discovered an honesty that was refreshing among the women interviewed for A Milli, despite collectively having $60 million in annual revenue, 5 million in social followers, and more than 116 million in funding.

“I'm not sure what success means to me,” said Abyah Wynn, a 29-year-old Vice President of Business Development at Trimantium Capital. “I think that giving back in a big way and being able to use my talents and everything I’m learning and doing now to help others would be my definition of success.”

Ahead, my takeaways on success.

Personal Wealth Is a Non-factor

Not only has our idea of success as a society began to shift, but we are also seeing an evolution in how we allow success to play a role in our lives day-to-day. Many of us are realizing that there's more to life than the flashy outward perception of success, especially from an emotional perspective. Abyah also said, “I could drive the car and buy the house and wear the shoes and the designer labels, and that's great, but that is absolutely not my definition of success.”

Definitions Are Changing

Pre-social media many of us had this fairytale idea of what success looked like, but now we see that success can come in different ways, take different forms and evoke different feelings and that’s okay.

“I think success, in general, is very personal,” said Christina Stembel, Founder and CEO of Farmgirl Flowers. “I think for myself it means building Farmgirl into a company that I'm really proud of, meaning that I did it the right way. I didn't do it the way that just maximizes profits in order to get the highest sale amount. It's building a company that I'd want to buy from, sell to and work at.”

Success Is in the Little Things

Daily, we have the ability to feel successful in the most routine ways. We can also help inspire those around us to feel a sense of accomplishment and success as well. Speaking on her feelings regarding success Drybar founder, Alli Webb immediately defaulted to the emotion that her business draws out of women. “We’re doing over a million blowouts a year, which means we're making a lot of women happy and I very quickly learned, which I don't think I completely realized when we first started Drybar, how incredible Drybar and a great blowout makes a woman feel.”

Happiness Means the Most

A common theme that surfaced during my interviews was happiness. We all just want to be happy, and we are starting to realize that we have to prioritize our happy. “I think success is just being happy with myself wherever I am and with whatever I'm doing,” says Nicole Gibbons, Founder, and CEO of Clare. “I think when it comes to family and my personal relationships I think having those relationships be healthy and happy is also what makes me feel really accomplished and successful because when you're running a big company having a support system is really, really important. My measure of success is not tied to any one accomplishment it’s more tied to my own personal sense of contentment and happiness, and that's really how I look at the idea of success and how I define it.”

We Can All Be Successful

Determining whether or not you have been successful in your life can only be made by you. Your interpretation of self and your accomplishments dictate whether you choose to believe that you are successful or not. One definition of success points to it being the accomplishment of one's goals, and you can do that right! Think about it, something as simple as establishing that you want to begin a routine of morning meditation for ninety days straight is a goal. If you follow your plan and achieve that goal for the next ninety days, then you were successful. Success can be accomplished daily, and we are the ones that complicate it with expectations.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ahyiana Angel is the Founder of Mayzie Media, a podcast network with content curated for women, and host of the Switch, Pivot or Quit podcast. A traditionally published author, Ahyiana is a seasoned executor who eventually blocked out the world’s ideas of success, quit her highly coveted position at the NBA, moved to London and traveled the world for a stint, then followed her passion in writing to find her purpose in encouragement through podcasting. 

Mastering the art of note-worthy ideation, Ahyiana taps into her more than 12 years of professional business marketing experience to lend her thoughts on professional development, digital marketing, contemporary brand styling and more. However, Ahyiana enters her zone of genius when speaking to audiences about her 4 Ps: publicity, publishing, personal development and podcasting.

This post was originally published on October 25, 2018, and has since been updated.

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How Much Do You Make? Here's How to Tackle the Uncomfortable Questions

Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate

“Do you mind if I ask… ?”  These are six little words that almost always preface questions about money, especially among female friends. “Do you mind if I ask how much that cost?” “Do you mind if I ask how much your rent is?” “Do you mind if I ask how much you make?”

Women have traditionally shied away from discussing personal finances, instead choosing to tiptoe rather clumsily around these conversations. But like anything else, if we don’t talk about it, we won’t get good at it. From asking for a raise to investing in a 401(k), there is so much good advice to be gleaned from your friend group.

Keep reading to learn a few ways to broach money talk with friends.

TALK SALARY OPENLY AND HONESTLY 

Have an honest conversation with your friends about what they are making and their financial goals. The second part of this is equally as important as the first. Talking salary with friends can boost your financial confidence, which in turn can have a positive impact on your career. It can also highlight if you should be making more.

If you know your friends are making more money than you, use it as motivation to achieve your financial goals. Journalist Moira Forbes once told me, “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.” See it, hear it, and share it—because the highest wave floats all boats.

ASK FOR ADVICE ABOUT RAISES 

The raise conversation is a tricky one to have with colleagues because we don’t generally divulge our salary to our co-workers. If you’ve already had the salary talk with close friends, chatting over the realistic and unrealistic expectations of your raise will prove beneficial to all parties. However, because money is a sensitive topic, try to have the conversation with a friend who is paddling in a similar financial boat. Talking to a friend that makes significantly less than you could potentially strain the relationship. Talking to a friend that makes significantly more than you might have you reaching toward an unrealistic branch on the money tree.

Aim for the middle and be prepared to have a real talk about what you’re worth and why. A true friend will not only help prepare you for the convo, but will steer you in a realistic direction toward your goals. Understanding how to price yourself is paramount, and the more we understand the realities of others’ financial situations, the better we understand our own.

“Sharing salaries: if we don’t talk about it, we won’t get good at it.”

SHARE FINANCIAL MISSTEPS 

Our relationship with money can sometimes feel like a bad marriage. We don’t talk about the things that bother us, instead choosing to sweep problems under the rug in the hopes that they might disappear. The great thing about true blue friendship is that you can talk about anything—especially when you’re not in the green.

Our friends are there to remind us that the idea of "keeping up" with others is one of the biggest illusions out there. If you thought you’d be making more, saving more, or wrapping up those student loans, it’s time to assess and call up a friend. Talking through missteps or how much you’re putting on your credit card every month will lend a little financial clarity.

MAKE A PACT TO BUDGET 

Oh, the expensive inconvenience of convenience. Are you spending an absurd amount on apps like Uber and Postmates? It’s easy to push a button, but not so easy to stomach the end-of-month tally. If you have a habit of spending money on easy-come services, it’s time to sit down with friends and chat about how they save for their future. Make a pact with your BFF to delete apps like Postmates from your phone. You don’t need everything to be delivered to your doorstep, and doing it together makes it less painful.

BE AWARE OF OTHERS' FINANCIAL SITUATIONS 

The friends who are married with kids. The single friend with a disposable income. The one who created an app and is rolling in dough. The reality is that most of your friends will be in very different financial situations. When you're the one trying to make ends meet, a simple dinner can be anxiety-inducing. Your friends may be buying bottles while you can barely afford a glass of the house red. A couple of things: If you know you can’t afford dinner, don’t go. The more transparent route is to make it known from the start of the meal that you can’t simply split the bill evenly. If they are truly your friends, they won’t care one little bit.

On the other hand, if it's your pockets that are heavy and you want to invite a friend to dinner, make sure to suggest a restaurant that you both can afford. What's better than Taco Tuesday? Be realistic and your friendship won’t become tense.

How do you talk about dollars with friends? Share below!

This post was originally published on December 22, 2017, and has since been updated.

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Domino's Digital Content Director Says Nothing Beats On-the-Job Experience

How many times have you peered voyeuristically into the lives of people you admire via social media, video, or published interviews and wondered what it must be like to do their job? We’ve all been down that research rabbit hole on our quest to create and cultivate the career of our dreams, but often we’re still left pondering about the realities of their day-to-day—so, what is it really like? Well, in this series, I Want Your Job we uncover the truth by getting down to the nitty-gritty on what it’s actually like to work in your quote-unquote “dream job” and if the reality stacks up to the expectation. Up next, Sophie Miura, Digital Content Director at Domino.

“Give yourself time to test and learn before you specialize—it might feel like lost time, but it’ll be worth it in the long run.”

—Sophie Miura, Digital Content Director at Domino.

Photo: Sean Litchfield

When it comes to your career trajectory, there really is no clear path anymore (or a gold watch at the end!). Today, it’s fraught with twists and turns, ups and downs, curves, and sideway maneuvers but that’s what makes it so exciting. Sure, there are challenges along the way, even a few mistakes, and wrong turns, but ultimately, we all land where we’re meant to be. And oftentimes, it’s in a position you never expected to be in either.

This was the case for Sophie Miura. While she had a passion for media, she was unsure of which area to pursue, so she tried them all—from radio to broadcast, print and digital—until she found the one she really loved: magazine publishing. But breaking in and landing a job in the very competitive world of magazines wasn’t easy.

Read on to learn how Miura interned her way to the Digital Content Director at Domino (where she has helped to launch compelling new series, such as New Voices, that spotlight and celebrate women who are shaping the design world), the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why she believes in the importance of on-the-job experience.

I Interned Everywhere to Get My Foot in the Door

As soon as I finished high school, I started interning and worked at almost every type of media outlet, from broadcast radio to television, until I found one I really loved: magazine publishing. When I wasn’t studying media and communications at university, I was interning at Hearst, and, after three months of fetching coffee, organizing the fashion closet, and sourcing rare purebred dogs for a cover shoot (yes, really), I scored a full-time offer as the assistant to the editor in chief—I was ecstatic! 

I spent four years working my way up, from picture and production editor to health and features writer. Then, the magazine closed. I was devastated, but ultimately, there was a silver lining: I was invited to join the launch team of Elle Australia. It was a crazy experience, and I learned to be incredibly resourceful and do whatever I could to just get the job done. By age 25, though, I was totally burnt out. I took a giant leap and quit my job, bought a one-way ticket to Bangkok, and spent five months backpacking without a plan. It was so liberating after spending my early twenties working so hard. 

I was so worried that it would halt my career but it actually did the opposite. I knew two things by the time I finished traveling: that I wanted to live overseas and that I loved writing about travel. I reached out to every person I knew in publishing, sent a lot of cold emails, and after a lot of hustling, landed a job as a lifestyle editor at MyDomaine in New York. It was a whirlwind. I traveled to far-flung destinations like the Arctic Circle and Bora Bora to write about new hotels and airlines as I cut my teeth as a digital editor.  

All in all, I must have done at least six internships before landing a full-time role. It was the best way to figure out what kind of career I actually wanted. Certain media roles sound impressive but are completely different in reality. Interning helped me to fast-track that learning experience and really zero-in on what I wanted to do. 

On-the-Job Experience Often Trumps a Degree

I have a Bachelor of Arts in media and communications. It was a great entry course but the best experience I had was on the job. If I hadn’t consistently interned while studying, I don’t know where I’d be.  

I Set an Agenda Each Morning and Prioritize Tasks

I’m the digital content director at Domino, which means that I oversee digital editorial as well as the social media and email team. My days are pretty varied, but typically, I’m in the office early and use that first hour of silence to do the most important tasks: I set an agenda for the day (I find that three priority tasks are realistic; any more is a stretch), review our daily content mix, take stock of industry news and competitor coverage, and dive into overnight traffic to make sure I’m across any fluctuations. The rest of the day tends to be dominated by meetings! I manage a team of eight and work with the print and branded content teams so face time is really important.  

I Have My Dream Job, But Reality Doesn’t Always Match Expectations

It’s much more strategic and team-facing than my last role, which was a senior editor at MyDomaine. Fortunately, Domino is a pretty flexible workplace and we’re really encouraged to shape our own roles. When I crave a dose of creativity, I jump into a brainstorm or workshop stories with our editors.  

There’s much more to my job than overseeing the website. What you see (whether it be on Domino.com, Instagram, or our other social channels) is really a fraction of the role. It’s much more numbers-based than you’d expect.  

I Worked in Several Adjacent Roles and Industries Before Landing on This One

My advice is to try as many different roles within media or publishing before you choose a path. The industry has really evolved in the last three years, and chances are, there are roles that you don’t even know exist. The most valuable thing I did was to intern in radio, television broadcast, and publishing, then, within publishing, I tried advertising, brand partnerships, and editorial. Give yourself time to test and learn before you specialize—it might feel like lost time, but it’ll be worth it in the long run. 

I Chose Jobs Based on Who I Wanted to Learn From, Not What

Apply for positions based on the people you’re excited to work with. Your manager plays such a formative role when you’re starting out—learn good habits from the best! My first editor in chief, Lizzie Renkert, helped pave the way for me today. She offered me my first job in publishing and consistently challenged and supported me.  

I’m Constantly Paying It Forward and Leading With an Outstretched Hand

I’m always impressed when someone cold contacts me, and even though my schedule is packed, I try to grab coffee with students and interns when possible. Unintentionally, it’s also how I’ve found some really talented employees. 

I Found Mentors Over Time, But I Didn’t Force It

I think it’s helpful for anyone trying to build a career to have a mentor, but in my experience, it has to happen organically. If you do find someone who you click with on a professional level, be proactive. Reach out regularly (for me, that’s every two months) and always offer to work around their schedule. 

“Work Hard and Be Kind” Is My Motto (and It’s Served Me Well)

Work hard and be kind. My mom wrote this simple quote on a chalkboard in our kitchen when I was about 15, and I’ve never forgotten it. It might sound naive, but I really believe that if you do your best and try to act with kindness at work (and in life!) good things will come your way.  

I Am Constantly Learning From Other Women in My Field

Stella Bugbee, the editor in chief of The Cut, consistently pushes the boundaries, and I’m so inspired by her work, voice, and point of view. I learned a lot from her interview on Bon Appetit’s Foodcast podcast.

Have an Appetite for Media (and Consume as Much as Possible)

For me, it’s less about career books and more about constantly staying on top of digital articles from publications and writers I admire. The sites I check daily are The Cut, The New York Times, Bon Appetit, Medium, Digiday, and Domino, of course. 

I listen to the Digiday podcast to stay up-to-date with industry news, The Daily for current affairs, The Cut on Tuesdays for storytelling, Offline for work-life perspective, and The Minimalists to remind me that less is more.  

Never Stop Learning

It’s almost impossible to feel like you’ve truly mastered your craft when you work in media, and you have to learn to be okay with that. There’s always a new platform, a new algorithm, a new way to tell a story. The most successful people are those who like to be kept on their toes.  

Digital Media Isn’t Easy, But I Find Inspiration in the Challenge

A healthy dose of reality. Digital jobs can be tough—the 24-hour news cycle is relentless and you’re constantly “on”—so sometimes it helps to take a step back and remember why you started. At its core, Domino aims to inspire readers with beautiful home tours, clever DIYs, and feel-good decorating ideas. I try to remember that when I’m stressed and need to find my center. 

I Swear By the One-Touch Rule for Maximum Productivity

Email is the biggest source of stress for me. It’s never-ending and I hate feeling like I’m not on top of it! Lately, I’ve been trying the one-touch rule which means that as soon as I open an email, I have to action it (respond, forward, or archive) and remove it from my inbox. It takes a lot of discipline (I’m guilty of leaving messages unanswered) but it means that I never do the same task twice or let inbox anxiety simmer. 

I’m Always Looking for Contributors, So Hit Me Up

I’d love to hear from you! I’m always on the lookout for beautiful home tours and sharp contributors. If you have an idea for Domino or are interested in collaborating with us, shoot me an email at pitches@domino.com. 

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Gwyneth Paltrow, Marie Kondo, Tyra Banks, and More on the #1 Book They Always Recommend

Photo: Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

Just a quick glance at the reading habits of some of the most admired business people of our time is enough to convince you to crack open a book. Bill Gates famously reads 50 books a year, Warren Buffet spends five to six hours a day reading, and the one-and-only Oprah Winfrey credits books for much of her success, which is one of the reasons why she started her influential book club way back in 1996 (!).

In search of a fresh crop of inspiring, motivating, confidence-boosting books to add to our own to-read piles in 2020, we asked this year’s Create & Cultivate 100 honorees to share the #1 book they always recommend—and they did not disappoint. Spanning timeless tomes filled with tried-and-true life lessons to hot-off-the-press books brimming with sage career advice, this list of page-turning reads has it all.

Ahead, 65 badass female founders, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and all-around successful women reveal the books that helped them get where they are today. Prepare to fill your Amazon cart accordingly.

JACEY DUPRIE: “The Hard Things About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz. It gives quick little nuggets of business advice that you can actually apply to your day-to-day.”

MARIE  KONDO: “Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. Elizabeth’s approach to work and life celebrates many of the same values as the KonMari Method. I admire her vulnerable path to self-discovery.”

SHAY MITCHELL: “The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s an amazing read, pertinent to almost everyone and riddled with pertinent lessons we should take to heart.”

JESSICA KOSLOW: “Journey to the Heart by Melody Beattie. It’s about this woman who lost her son to cancer and her road back to celebrating life. Every day there’s a different mantra based on what she was going through during those 365 days back to finding herself. It’s really special and I read it every morning. Erin—the GM of Onda—gave me the book and it’s really helped me get through this time of opening this restaurant.”

DAISHA GRAF: “Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss. Keep the wonder in your life. Nothing is impossible. If you can dream it, you can do it.”

OLIVIA CULPO: “I am a huge bookworm so it’s really difficult to choose one but a few of my favorites are How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.“

DANIKA BRYSHA: “The Firestarter Sessions by Danielle Laporte. A great way to get clear on what you want and just dig deep into the direction of your life.”

TIA MOWRY: “The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This book taught me that whenever you feel like you're alone, you're not. No matter what you believe in, you're always being guided. You just have to be sensitive and open to embracing the omens.“

WENDY LOPEZ & JESSICA JONES: “Health at Every Size by Linda Bacon is a great starting guide to understanding our approach to food, nutrition, and wellness! Linda dives deep into the research surrounding weight science and addresses the history behind some of the prevalent wellness trends we see now.”

ROCKY BARNES: “The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Learning to not take things personally in our industry has helped me more than anything!”

KELTIE KNIGHT, BECCA TOBIN, & JAC VANEK: “Work Party by Jaclyn Johnson because we love to support the ladies who support us!”

GENEVIEVE PADALECKI: “The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It's simple advice that cuts to the core. Especially the ‘don't take anything personally’ message. I also love the Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. It reinforces my drive to connect with nature.”

LENNON STELLA: “Astrology for the Soul by Jan Spiller and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. These books really centered me and helped me understand myself and accept myself entirely.“

LALAH DELIA: “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy. This book is essential reading because, until we truly get and honor how our mind operates and how we can take control of it, we live a life that is controlled by external and internal forces, cycles, and thought patterns that don't serve us.”

JUNE DIANE RAPHAEL: “Ah, there are so many books I'd recommend. My current demand is that everyone read Thick by Tressie McMillan Cottom. She is one of the greatest intellectuals we have right now and her thoughts on race/beauty/gender/politics are challenging so much of what I've thought to be true. In the very best of ways.“

TONYA RAPLEY: “My book! The Money Manual! It's straight to the point, easy to digest and really helpful. Other than mine, Profit First by Mike Michalowiz, it's a must-read for business owners.“

KIITAN AKINNIRANYE: “Right now, I am reading The Purpose Driven Life and I really love it. I’d recommend it to anyone who is searching for purpose and even people who are already walking in their purpose. It really gives insight into how to do it from a God perspective, which is really important to me.”

MELISSA BEN-ISHAY: “I love The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.”

ISKRA LAWRENCE: “Now that I'm pregnant, I am reading this amazing book that I would definitely have anyone that's pregnant or planning to be pregnant read. It's called Three in a Bed and I find it absolutely fascinating. For me, motherhood has been my biggest goal and dream and something that I want to make sure that I am as prepared as possible. For me, it's the most important job you can do in the whole world. Raising this human to be a good person who is motivated and passionate and embraces all the things that make them special. I think it's a fantastic book in a world where childbirth has a set routine when in reality there are so many options.”

CHRISELLE LIM: “Outliers and The Tipping Point, both by Malcolm Gladwell.”

NOELLE SCAGGS: “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and in Business by Charles Duhigg. It’s my life bible and everyone should have this book by their bedside. It lends a real perspective on human nature when it comes to routine and comfort.“

LINDSAY PEOPLES WAGNER: "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is a book that changed my life and can be read over and over again.”

JULIA LANDAUER: “Forever by Pete Hamill. It's a novel that's a beautiful love story to New York City, but it's also an example of living life fully, being present, and appreciating our own existence.”

JULIA CHEEK: “The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz! It’s an honest look at the ups and downs of building a company. It makes the job a little less lonely to know that all of the best founders have gone through the same rollercoaster.”

CINDY ECKERT: “Purple Cow by Seth Godin. Read it. It encourages the powerful idea that you should embrace what is unique to stand out in the sea of sameness. If only Seth would reprint it this year and title it Pink Cow.”

NOOR TAGOURI: “The Originals by Adam Grant.“

ALLY MAKI: “Anything by Brené Brown. Her words on vulnerability and shame have gotten me through some of my toughest moments.“

BECCA TILLEY: “How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It’s basically a book teaching you how to be kind to people and how to treat people you meet for the first time. I always go back and read certain parts because it’s always so eye-opening and being kind to people is never going to go out of style!“

TYRA BANKS: “Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh. I am obsessed with his company culture. So much that I cold-called him! We were on the phone for over an hour and he shared so many valuable insights (all of which I implemented with my team!). I highly recommend this book for entrepreneurs.”

JESSIE JAMES DECKER: “I loved The Glass Castle. Jeannette Walls had a wild and unique childhood, but that didn't stop her from achieving her goals and building her character. That's what I always say when things seem messy... it builds character.“

MANDANA DAYANI: “Last year, I read On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder. It was incredibly eye-opening and a critical reminder that we must learn from our mistakes. It also provides context for how critical this time is for democracies across so many countries in the world.”

CAMILA COELHO: “Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell—it explores the various differences between us as humans and why some succeed more than others.“

JAIME-LYNN SIGLER: “The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. In a way, it takes all the pressure off life. It allows you to really see the world through a different lens. I re-read it every year and even have a tiny copy of it that I carry in my bag.”

MARNI SENOFONTE: “Some oldies but goodies—The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav and The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch—both still hold their weight.“

FADIA KADER: “The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins. I was given this book when I started a new role and it helps you level-set expectations in your first 90 days in a new company or a new role. I read it as a refresher with each new chapter/role in my career. I often gift it to friends and peers and love seeing them continue that tradition.“

LAUREN CHAN: “The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor—and I suggest you listen to the audiobook so that you can hear the author preach.”

TYLYNN NGUYEN: “Women With Money by Jean Chatzky. We need to be more confident in our own means and still stop apologizing for having your life together. This is a great book for women who have money or women creating wealth or even women who want to create wealth for themselves. We are in this together. Let's talk more about how to build each other up in all facets.”

PAIGE ADAMS-GELLER: “The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book is a quick read that can be applied not only in business but in all of your personal interactions.”

LILY ALDRIDGE: “The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one of my favorite stories of all time! It reminds me that we are on a path in life and that there will be ups and downs, but everything is happening for a reason and to trust the journey!”

SASHA SLOAN: “Ah, it’s too hard to pick! I love to read. I guess my #1 book recommendation would be The Book Thief by Markus Zusak I read it in high school and I’ve loved it ever since.“

KIRSTY GODSO: “Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim Grover.“

BRITTANY XAVIER: “Hands down, The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris. I think it’s a great book for anyone that is considering creating a side-job. You need to start small, and this book will help you if you need a little more inspiration to understand that it’s feasible.”

FRANCHELLI RODRIGUEZ: “The #1 book I always recommend is the Bible! The Bible covers everything we could ever ask for. I know not everyone is a believer, but I do believe that there is a message in the Bible out there for everyone. No matter your situation or circumstance, read the Bible and you will find comfort and even answers!“

ESTE, DANIELLE, ALANA HAIM: “Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke.“

SARAH LARSON LEVEY: “The Monk by Matthew Lewis. It was required reading for one of my lit classes in high school. It was written in the 1700s and is still so relevant today. I come back to it time and time again.”

PRISCILLA ONO: “I love all of the Kevyn Aucoin books! When I was growing up as an aspiring makeup artist, we didn’t have social media or the internet for makeup inspo. Kevyn Aucoin was way ahead of his time when it came to artistry and being a celeb makeup artist. His makeup looks are timeless and his background and story are so inspiring. Any aspiring makeup artist should invest in reading them.”

ANASTASIA SOARE: “Never Give In! A collection of Winston Churchill’s speeches that never fails to stir something inside you.”

KARLA WELCH: “The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, Catching the Big Fish by David Lynch, and Just Kids by Patti Smith—because they are all perfect.”

ADRIENNE BOSH: “The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz is one of my all-time favorite books. It’s not only about building romantic relationships, but it’s also about learning how to capture the love you have within yourself. As a young woman, I think it’s so important to learn to love yourself first before ever investing yourself in another person, so it was really helpful for me.”

NATASHA CASE: “I read books for pleasure, so 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami or Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, which you can inhale in one long weekend. For meaningful reads, The New Yorker has phenomenal writing.”

JULIANNE HOUGH: “Oh wow, there have been so many over the years. Most recently I’d have to say Belong by Radha Agrawal. It’s an incredible book about approaching life through the lens of community, being in service, making powerful contributions through collaboration and remembering there is only one you who can make a difference like you can. I also love The Artist’s Way because as a performer my whole life, it's easy to lose sight of the artist within you. This book is really a program that can be supplemented with KINRGY to nurture the artist in all of us.”

MARIA MENOUNOS: “This is tough. I can’t name just one, so here a few of my favorites: 

In business, Money: Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom by Tony Robbins, because it inspired me to make necessary financial changes and set me up for the rest of my life. 

In health, The Empath’s Survival Guide by Judith Orloff, M.D., because it helped me understand why I am the way I am. 

You Are the Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter by Dr. Joe Dispenza, which taught me how the brain can create its own apothecary.

Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires by Esther and Jerry Hicks. I learned so much about energy and how to get what you want.”

NANCY SILVERTON: “A good novel to escape into. For the last few years that has been The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, The Overstory by Richard Powers, The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante, and Southside by my boyfriend Michael Krikorian.”

RACHEL ANTONOFF: “I will always recommend Mary Karr's Cherry. It's a perfect book.”

JENNI KAYNE: “Any of Brené Brown’s books. I could read them over and over again and still and take away something new each time.”

GWYNETH PALTROW: “Dream Work by Mary Oliver.”

HAYLIE DUFF: “I love Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. Encourages creative regardless of fears! Great read.”

NYESHA ARRINGTON: “The Four Agreements is my all-time favorite book! In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offers a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. My dad gave me this book when I turned 21 years old. He is a very spiritual gentleman and I undoubtedly value his universal perspective of life. This is the most recommended ‘self-care’ book I tell people about and I have read/re-read it at least 20 times.”

LINDSAY ALBANESE: “For entertainment, I loved Bad Blood by John Carreyrou.”

CLEA SHEARER & JOANNA TEPLIN: “This may be an unusual answer to this question but… adult coloring books. They’re like our therapy and help to relieve stress after a long day. Seriously, go buy a coloring book and a pack of crayons and you'll thank us.”

SARAH BARTHEL: “I'm kind of a weirdo when it comes to books—the darker the better—so I'd recommend any Bukowski or Hubert Selby Jr.“

AISHWARYA S. IYER: “Embracing Your Inner Critic by Hal and Sidra Stone. It changed my life by helping me to overcome my own inner critic.“

TANYA RAD: “I just finished Calling in “The One” and I am obsessed with it!! It helped me learn so much about myself, my dating patterns, and helped me patch up some old wounds. Feel like 2020 is my year to CALL IN THE ONE, baby! Also, The Hollywood Commandments by Devon Franklin is soooooo gooood!!!“

MAMRIE HART & GRACE HELBIG: “Probably our own books, Mamrie's I've Got This Round and Grace's Guide. (Sorry, we had to get shameless plugs in.)“

ALYSSA RAVASIO: “I am an avid reader with towers of books constantly at risk of falling over, so this is really too hard, especially since it depends so much on the person I’m recommending to. Here are a few: 

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. She’s an amazing indigenous leader and teacher, and the book centers on the philosophy that people are part of nature, and how we have a responsibility to play our part in the ecosystem. A tangible example of this is that sweetgrass grows better when it’s responsibly harvested. “Leave it better” is really based on this mindset—at Hipcamp, we believe people can have a positive impact on the planet and believe it’s that kind of framing—versus a limited focus on reducing our negative impact—that will lead us to a healthier, more connected, and more regenerative future. 

East of Eden by John Steinbeck. No book I’ve ever read more deeply captures the essence of humanity, in all its beauty and complexity. 

The Overstory by Richard Powers. A deep examination of the relationship between people and trees. 

Full Moon Feast by Jessica Prentice. A philosophical exploration of the culture around seasonal foods for both European cultures and indigenous American cultures. Plus great recipes.”

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

Meet this year’s Create & Cultivate 100 honorees and explore all 10 categories below.

Yes, You Can Be a Creative and Monetize Your Passion—An Artist Explains

Success and creativity feed off of our environment: the things we see, hear, and feel around us while we work are incredibly impactful as they influence our mood, creativity, and focus. For many, workspaces directly affect one’s ability to create and inevitably, those special spaces begin to reflect the people that work in them, too. It might be a cubicle, an art studio, a home office, a co-working space—or even something we haven’t thought of, but it got us wondering, what does the relationship between our workspace and success look like? For us, the answer lies with modern disruptors. Stepping inside their spaces is like peering into their mind. It might be clean or messy, colorful or plain but above all, it's personal and tells their unique story. That’s why we launched the How I Work series. Follow us as we highlight the creative people we admire, the spaces they work in, and how they monetize their passion.

Photo: @geoffguich

"Find what you love to do and make a living doing it."

We've heard the phrase over and over but is it really achievable? Sometimes it can feel like a pipe dream but we found proof in Miami-based artist, Nicole Salgar. She turned her creativity into a business and is now a highly sought after muralist who's worked with some of the world's biggest brands including Starbucks, Absolut, Tanqueray, and Create & Cultivate—she painted and installed the stunning murals for Steve Madden and BoxyCharm at our 2019 Vision Summit.

So how did she do it? How did Salgar create a demand for her artwork and secure valuable contracts with major brands? If you want to know how to be an artist and make money too, then keep reading because we sat down with Salgar to find out more about her creative path, how she hustled and cold-emailed brands to build her business, her advice for artists who want to do the same, and so much more.

Can you begin by telling me a little bit about yourself, your style of artwork, and the space you work out of?

“I began drawing and painting at a very young age, which led my parents to encourage me to attend art magnet schools in Miami for my entire education. Initially, my focus and passion were targeted at fashion design, which carried me to NYC as soon as I was 18 years old to enroll in and eventually graduate from FIT—Fashion Institute of Technology—with a bachelor’s degree. 

“My ‘style of artwork’ is something that I can’t entirely describe. Having experimented with so many mediums, subjects, and intentions with visual art; I can’t say that I have a specific style. I have aesthetics that I’m naturally attracted to, as well as themes and color stories, but my style is a continually evolving and changing thing. Currently, I have a studio in my home with my partner which we both work out of." 

To be our most inspired and successful selves, it takes being in a certain headspace and workspace—and your space is wonderful. That being said, your studio is crucial to your artwork. Why do you think that is? Can you walk me through its nooks and crannies and why is it the optimal place for you to create new pieces? 

“The studio I work out of needs to be a perfect balance of organization and chaos. While I prefer to have materials and tools in places where I can always find them, there is an inevitable amount of clutter that makes a workspace ‘yours.’ When I am in the studio working I have a bit of a ritual before I begin where I light a scented candle and listen to a podcast. It helps get me in the zone. 

“I keep quite a few plants in our space, and we are fortunate to have a great deal of natural light from two large windows. Our studio also has stacks of older paintings, as well as those which cover the majority of the walls. Eventually, we will move our studio out of our home and into a larger space, where we can make larger work and bigger messes.” 

Nicole Salgar hand-painted this mural for Boxy Charm at the Create & Cultivate Vision Summit in Miami.

Photo: Jessica Bordner Photography

Art is a wonderful outlet and vehicle for self-expression. How have you managed to monetize your passion and creativity in a noteworthy way? Can you run through your most pride and joy projects with clients that you were excited to work with? 

“The monetization of any artistic or creative endeavor is a tricky thing. When working with corporate or commercial clients, I try to put as much of my own creativity into it as possible, but the very idea of ‘commercial art’ usually comes with very specific colors, themes, and branding. Potential clients will say things like, ‘we want _____, but in your style’. However, that is almost entirely impossible.

“In my personal work, I don’t incorporate branding or merchandise, nor do I use any text so, while I appreciate the interest in my ‘style’ I don’t think it’s a realistic request 99% of the time. So, when the design parameters get really narrow, there is often very little room for my own creativity to be allowed into the work. When I am approached for a commission, the commissioning company or marketing group usually has a very clear vision of what they want.

“So, in terms of monetizing my work, I have learned to primarily focus on my skill level. Even if my own ‘creative vision’ doesn’t find its way into the commercial work, I feel confident that I can execute any project, in any style, because I am constantly trying to expand, explore and perfect my skill level. I think there is value in having the physical ability to paint anything, no matter how far outside of your own vision it may be. A job I had this year that I was really excited about was working with Hope murals which is a nonprofit organization that brings art to young kids at detention centers. That for me was a really incredible project, although I did not get compensation for it, it is doing something that is bigger than myself and meaningful to the kids.

“Another client I worked with this year was  Starbucks where we painted a siren inside a new store they opened here in Miami, Florida. We work with them a lot and they are one of my favorite clients. I love my clients and I always find a way to collaborate with them.”   

What was the vision/direction for the studio space? What did you think about when decorating?

“When decorating our workspace, my greatest intention was efficiency. I work out of a small space, which is nice because it feels more like home, but obviously comes with its own limitations. Ideally, I feel it’s best to have a workspace away from home. It’s a similar concept to studying in a library as opposed to your bedroom. Being away from home in a workspace can put you in much more of a working mindset. Your home is a place of comfort, which can often be distracting and too relaxed to get into a serious work mode. With that being said, I think being surrounded by your own work can be a great motivator to learn from past mistakes and to see your own evolution and progress on a daily basis.”   

How important is the design of your studio for conjuring the creativity and inspiration for your work?

“I don’t think the design of my studio determines much of my creative process. Having done so much public work, I’ve learned to get into a productive headspace wherever I am at the moment. There are times (particularly painting murals) where the weather, equipment, or other work conditions are far from optimal, but you have to learn to work around it. I feel it’s important to avoid specific conditions or rituals in order to do your best work, that should be something you can channel and execute at any time, from any place.” 

"It’s important to avoid the idea of branding yourself. You can’t bank on one style, one image, one thing—diversity is key."

—Nicole Salgar, Muralist and Founder, NS/CB Studio

What is your biggest inspiration? And how does the factor into your work?

“Oddly enough, I think my biggest inspiration is cinema. Although it’s an art form that I have no experience with, it is definitely the thing that motivates me the most to create paintings. In cinema, life is captured through very specific compositions and color schemes for maximum effect. In recent years I have been very influenced by the films of Panos Cosmatos, Peter Strickland and Nicolas Winding Refn as well as classics such as Almodovar, Hitchcock, and Argento.” 

What is your favorite piece/place in your studio and why?

“It’s very difficult to say which my favorite piece is. I must admit, my favorite work of my own will almost always be my most recent. I have been working on a series of portraits that play with the idea of inter-dimensional existence, or multiple realities. Those would be my favorite currently, but I’m sure that will change soon.”   

How did you decide on the color scheme?

“Color is an obsession of mine. I most often lean toward vivid colors with abrupt contrast accents. Lately, I have been using a cooler color palette as the majority of the pieces, while filtering in an accent of an extreme red or hot pink to offset the composition and draw the eye to where I want it to focus.” 

Do you have any tips on how somebody might be able to accomplish what you’ve accomplished... in regards to working with a client that they’re striving to work with and finding someone that aligns with their vision?

“People ask me this question a lot. The way I’ve gone about making a career out of art was entirely through my own diligence. Every opportunity I’ve been given, came because I was consistently emailing companies, interior decorators, property owners etc. At times, it is tedious and exhausting, but I will spend entire days/weeks/months contacting companies I would like to work with. Now, I may only hear back from 5% of these potential clients, but that 5% may lead to a job, which makes it possible for me to continue living and working as I do. This is the only path I know toward monetizing my work. I have no experience with agents, managers or galleries. I have single-handedly managed the business and creative side of my career." 

“So my advice would be to identify your intention first. If your primary motive is to make money, then you need to do extensive market research in order to price properly and to identify the clientele who are going to generate that revenue. If your intention is more for yourself and your own creativity, I think it’s important to try everything, and over-think nothing. Of course, we would all love to make money while doing work that comes from the heart, but business and creativity are often polar opposites from one another. So, it’s important to work in both realms equally in order to keep the lights on, while still developing your own work and voice. 

“I also think it’s important to avoid the idea of branding yourself. If you provide yourself with specific parameters because you’re trying to brand yourself, you automatically limit your own work, and you give your work a shorter shelf-life. Branding is often based on trends, and trends are always shifting. You can’t bank on one style, one image, one thing—diversity is key.” 

Photo: @vacostudio

Your art is a full-fledged business and being an artist is your full-time job. Can you highlight some obstacles that you’ve faced on your way to where you are now? And how did you surpass them? 

“When discussing art as a career, there are several obstacles that will affect you, as well as the greater creative community. One of my largest issues is pricing within the art community. Outside of the gallery system, the art business is basically the Wild West. For example: If a property owner in Miami wants to commission a mural, they might get 15 different submissions or proposals. Of those 15 proposals, there will be a wide variety of prices, ranging from tens of thousands of dollars to nearly nothing. The price someone else quotes, doesn’t always reflect the quality of their work or their skill level, but for the clients, it can turn into a bidding war where the lowest bidder gets the job. That lowest bidder might do an amazing job on the mural, but they are now known as the ‘cheap muralist’, and when they do decide to start pricing appropriately a new ‘cheap muralist’ will underbid them and so on.

“It’s extremely important to know the value of your work, to price it appropriately (professional industry standards), and to stick to that price. We are not used car salespeople, we are creatives and our creativity needs to be used in our work, not our negotiating skills. It is a constant struggle to surpass this issue but I stick to my prices and I still get clients so I am grateful that the clients I work with now value me and my work.”

Who is your favorite artist right now?

“Currently, I’ve been really inspired by a painter by the name of Mr. Aryz. His recent work is absolutely beautiful in composition, color, and execution.” 

Where can someone buy and support your art?

“I have several avenues which potential clients contact me through, but our website nscbstudio.com is the most efficient way. I can also be easily contacted through Instagram @nmsalgar or @nscbstudios.

MORE FROM THE BLOG

I Left a Steady Paycheck at Estée Lauder to Start My Own Clean 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.

Saie founder, Laney Crowell founded her beauty brand after years in the beauty and wellness industry.

Photo: Courtesy of Saie Beauty

Everybody has a different definition of success. For Saie founder Laney Crowell, it’s not about reaching the top—she did that already and turned back around. No, for Crowell it’s about integrity and putting something out into the world that she believes in (and contributes to the betterment of others).

After realizing that her job at one of the biggest beauty companies in the world, Estee Lauder didn’t fulfill her, Crowell quit and embarked on a personal quest to figure out what was missing. It was during that time that she discovered the lack of clean beauty brands that positioned their ethics and quality with the same degree of emphasis as style—so she decided to fill the whitespace herself.

After finding support from her online blogging community, Crowell began building a beauty brand founded on the values of transparency. All of Saie’s products use ethically-sourced ingredients, are free from toxic chemicals, with packaging and branding that aligns with a luxury brand.

Ahead, Crowell with long-time friend and Saie’s Creative Director, Geri Hirsch give us a peek inside their world of clean beauty, the importance of having brainstorming sessions, creating a strong team, and playing off of your strengths.

We Relied On Our Gut Over a Business Plan

LANEY CROWELL: “I didn’t write a business plan per se. I worked really hard on my pitch deck (it took months) and then our CFO did projections and modeling.” 

GERI: “I’ve always been the type of person who acts on their gut. In all of my businesses, that’s what is my guiding light. I did see Laney’s investor deck, but really what swayed me was that I’m very, very familiar with the clean beauty landscape and I knew there was an opportunity.”

Our Community Helped to Inform the Brand Name

LANEY: “The name Saie came about through the lengthy conversations I had with our branding agency in the really early days of building the brand. We kept going back to the first conversation I had with my community where they were saying what they wanted out of a clean beauty brand. We put the ie on Say to make it more feminine and french to represent the je ne saie quoi look. We wanted it to be unique and fun, and timeless, and when we created Saie we knew it was the one.”

GERI: “Besides the sound of the word, what I liked about the name is how beautiful it looks written. It looks classic but elevated.”

“Starting a business is really intense—it can be a bit isolating—so find the people that matter to you and that you trust.”

We Went in With a Clear Vision to Understand Our Saie Woman

GERI: “Laney and I talked a lot about who the Saie woman is. Laney had some thoughts about it and could speak to the emotion, but didn’t have any of the visuals. So I spent weeks really focused on defining this woman. She’s strong, smart, creative, minimalist, on the go, thoughtful and mindful. I pulled tons of imagery to tell this story. Those initial boards I created are the same ones we go back to now when we’re producing photo and video shoots. It’s also really important to have a consistent team so you can have a clear vision. I worked on pulling together the dream team for our shoots, everyone from the photographer to the stylist to the hair and makeup.”

I Hired the Experts Right From the Start

LANEY: “The most immediate things I did with my lawyer. He helped me register for the company, incorporate, etc. It’s my least favorite part of building a company, but super important. I also worked with my accountant to open our business bank account and get all those ducks in a row. I used my accountant until we graduated to working with a bigger agency—QuickBooks is a must.”

“Our product developer Sarah already knew all of the labs that she wanted us to work with. That part was pretty seamless for us and we never could have done it without her! Because of her relationships, we’re able to work with labs that are usually reserved for the luxury giants.

“Our team now consists of myself and Geri, Sarah our head of product development, Tina our CFO, Hanna who is in charge of the supply chain, operations and sustainability, Cece who is our all hands on deck assistant coordinator, and many, many agencies.”

I Did the Research to Understand Our Market

GERI: “I’ve basically been conducting research about all things wellness for years now. From Leaftv’s content, the wellness boxes we created, my blog’s clean beauty content, all of the conversations I’ve been having with my followers over DM. I see it as a form of high-level consumer research you could never pay for.” 

LANEY: “I think research is really important. I came to the table with a lot through my website because I get sent so, so many products. I knew the landscape. And honestly, the clean market while fragmented is pretty small. Also, it’s important to note that I come from big beauty and so does our product developer and CFO. So we have a lot of experience in the space!”

I Self-Funded Before Raising Money

LANEY: “I actually sold some stock that I had from Estée Lauder to start the company—it was $32,000. I used that money to start our branding which needed to be done before I could fundraise (it’s a tricky chicken and the egg situation). I then used that branding to create my investor deck and raise our seed round. We haven’t paid ourselves yet—soon hopefully!”

Photo: Courtesy of Saie Beauty

Fundraising Was My Biggest Learning Curve

LANEY: “Wow, where to begin. For me, it was probably fundraising. I had never done it before so I had to teach myself what all the terms meant, what the process was and I started from square one in terms of contacts. Fundraising is definitely not for the faint of heart.”

We Launched as DTC But Retail Was Always Part of the Strategy

LANEY: “We always knew that we would be primarily direct-to-consumer, so we didn’t have a lot of retail conversations. Goop was the first retailer we spoke with and they immediately said that they wanted to carry Saie. We are online and in all of their retail locations. That was a special moment when we got that call since they were really our first (and only) choice.”

GERI: “I’m lucky in that I have a handful of very successful friends (like Lauren Gores) who I was able to talk to about retail. One of my pieces of advice for new brands is to ask around, make calls, get references. You can learn a lot from other people’s experiences and usually, people are more than willing to share.”

“Just start! Getting going is the hardest part but if you never try, you’ll never know.”

Marketing Was the Biggest Part of Our Launch Strategy

LANEY: “My background is in marketing and content so I had a lot of thoughts on what I wanted our launch to look like. Since we’re primarily direct-to-consumer our marketing is a huge, if not the biggest, part of our strategy. Our PR agency is also amazing and did a great job of getting the initial press, which is really difficult for new brands.”

GERI: “I’ve been blogging and creating content since 2005—really that is marketing. It’s all about telling a story through visuals, which I have a lot of experience in. And on top of that, I know a lot of people in the industry so we were able to send it to hundreds of influential people to help create buzz.”

Starting a Business Is Intense So My Support Network Was Crucial

LANEY: “Find the people that matter to you and that you trust. Starting a business is really intense, and it can be a bit isolating. You don’t have time to update friends and family on things because they change and move so fast, but you still need the support. I have a core group on speed dial who knew the in’s and out’s as I was raising money, and going towards launch. Their support was critical.”

I Realized Early On That Comfort Equals Productivity

LANEY: “Get a comfortable place to work. It feels like an annoying thing to spend money on, but if you’re comfortable and have space you are so much more effective and productive.”

Don’t Hesitate, Just Start

GERI: “I’ve started a handful of business now and my advice is simple: start. Getting going is the hardest part but if you never try, you’ll never know.”

To discover more about this new clean beauty brand, visit saiehello.com.

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How to Be a Shameless Self-Promoter (Without Inducing Eye Rolls)

Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate

In an era of Kardashians and Kanyes, selfies and borderline obnoxious status updates, it seems like humility is a lost virtue. (RIP, modesty: it’s been real.)

Makes sense, right? Well, kinda. In these Tinder slash, Twitter slash, Instagram times, it’s all about showcasing the best of you with the best visual and in as few characters as possible. It’s also easier to have a certain arrogance when posting on social media because you literally have no filter (not to worry, by “no filter” I mean no reservations).

And even if it means shouting your accomplishments from the rooftops (or in Yeezy’s case, with consecutive ALL CAPS TWEETS), promoting yourself is necessary because if you’re not going to do it, no one else will do it for you.  The trouble is, being boastful and plugging yourself constantly on social media and in-person can get annoying AF to your audience—but being humble might cause you to miss out on opportunities. And that’s no fun.

It’s a case of “don’t hate the playa, hate the game.”  And it is, indeed, a game. So play by the rules, promote yourself with poise and come out a winner with these five tips:

SHOW, DON'T TELL

Whether you’re selling merchandise or your personal brand, hard facts speak volumes. So instead of posting that “You’re the best PR person in the city” on Facebook, opt for sharing photos of recent sold-out events you’ve organized. LinkedIn is the ideal platform for sharing news coverage about you, awards you might have received or listing recent achievements. Save Twitter as a playground for “quick hits,” such as any media coverage about you, recent articles you’ve written, or upcoming conferences you are speaking at, for example.

“Hard facts speak volumes when you’re your own PR hype.””

You can also leverage platforms like Levo to showcase your experience and your portfolio. Levo is an awesome website for creating personal profiles, where you can “tell your story” by adding all the cool projects you’ve worked on and connecting with your network.  

Tip: Focus on the “why?.” So when listing your accomplishments, always demonstrate the value added to your potential clients and why you stand out from the competition. For example, if you’re a publicist, post your client’s media coverage and showcase the buzz your client’s product is receiving. 

GIVE PROPS

Shouting out to people on your team, and anyone who helped you “make it happen,” is critical. For starters, the ability to give credit is a huge step toward being a successful manager, leader, or entrepreneur.

The magic of paying it forward on social media is also a key component to earning social capital. So if someone in your network tweets about an accomplishment, “heart” it and comment with a “Slay, girl. Slay!” (Feel free to insert relevant emojis.)

Go a step further and tweet about a female entrepreneur you know who’s killing it in her field, just to spread some love.

Giving credit to others on social media can even work with strangers, not only personal connections. They will appreciate the kindness, and many people might even return the favor. It’s all about social media karma!

BE A CONNECTOR

Knowing how to connect people to business opportunities or jobs is an amazing skill: it proves that you’re resourceful and have a vast network. If you’re the person in your squad who has this skill, use it! Your reputation as a master connector of people and ideas will spread — and it’s not something you need to shout from the rooftops either. Your clout will be clear.

AVOID CORPORATE JARGON

One of my personal pet peeves is when people spew corporate buzzwords in presentations and on their resumes, thinking it makes them sound credible. It goes something like this: “I suggest we deep dive into some blue-sky thinking that's high level so we can take a holistic approach.” It makes you sound like a robot, and more importantly, it takes away all authenticity. (More on this in a minute.)

While it’s key to sound savvy and relevant in your posts and social media presence, it’s also important to sound genuine. And yes, you might think you sound really smart with your corporate buzzwords, but they induce all kinds of eye rolls in my books.

BE AUTHENTIC

Authenticity is the most important part of knowing how to promote yourself with class. Not to get all Dr. Seuss on you guys, but no matter how you’re hustling, there’s a key mantra to keep in mind: no one else is YOUer than YOU. Others might have your skills and your experience, but no one else has your brand DNA: you know, all the things that make you, well, you.

Leandra Medine a.k.a. the Man Repeller is a great example of someone who has stayed true to herself. Her best-selling book Seeking Love. Finding Overalls and Man Repeller blog and brand are direct reflections of her personality, so when she promotes herself, she still seems real and slightly self-deprecating. This is part of her shtick and what has helped her gain celeb status.

So when speaking about yourself and promoting your recent wins, always make sure to stay true to your brand and personality. Authenticity is super valued in this era, so use it to your advantage. 

THE RECAP

The truth is, you need to be boastful, confident and plug yourself constantly. Because if you don’t tell your story, someone else will. And in a sea of other bloggers/freelancers /creatives/career women/entrepreneurs, etc., standing out is critical to your success.

Now go forth and self-promote!

About the Author:

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

This post was originally published on April 28, 2019, and has since been updated.

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How to Marie Kondo Your Career and Enter the Next Decade With a Bang

Photo: Smith House Photography; Design: Ginny Macdonald

There’s not much room for debate. Marie Kondo is the Japanese organizing consultant who is transforming lives everywhere and despite her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing launching in 2011, Kondo continues to inspire people around the world to get their spaces in order. 

In the book, she breaks down her two-pronged approach to cleaning. Step one: Physically touch your belongings, see if said belongings spark a sense of joy, and if they don’t, toss them. Step two: After you’ve done the dirty work and dumped those joyless items, put everything else back in a place where it’s easy to see, grab, and put back again. 

It has brought countless people lasting results—to point, none of her customers are repeats. “In this book,” she writes in the Introduction, “I have summed up how to put your space in order in a way that will change your life forever.”

So we wanted to take her home tidying methods and apply them to work. Because WHY NOT? We want to change our relationship to work forever too! If she can work magic in the home, why can’t she work magic at the office?

Here are four KonMari methods that can be applied to your career, too and kick off the new decade with a bang!

KonMari Method Lesson #1: Tackle Categories, Not Rooms

Tidying by category is Kondo’s first rule. She says to start with clothing, then books and move on to items like documents and old photographs later. The reasoning is that things in like-categories tend to be spread throughout your house, not confined to one space. 

How to apply this at work: This will be similar to time-batching, or grouping like activities together. Set aside time the morning for email, time mid-morning for conference calls, and time in the afternoon for writing, creative ideas, and brainstorming. Sure, there will be the odd bits of “clutter” that pop-up during the day-- the email that needs a response while you’re in the midst of your creative jive but batching helps you stay focused and on track. 

KonMari Method Lesson #2: Picking Up Each Item and Asking, “Does this spark joy?” 

For most of us, minimalism isn’t our strong suit. But from those in power suits to tracksuits, everyone can get on board. 

In the book, this method is applied in the literal sense to the home. The clothes that are shoved in the back corner of your closet that you need to lose ten pounds to wear. The pile of books you keep meaning to read. Just because you bought it, doesn’t mean you own it. In fact, if it doesn’t bring you joy, it’s owning you. 

“Just because you bought it, doesn’t mean you own it. In fact, if it doesn’t bring you joy, it’s owning you.”

How to apply this at work: The most obvious place you can start is your desk. You can apply the same method to stacks of papers, old receipts, empty bottles of Advil, and that half-eaten Snickers stashed in the back for a 2 pm sugar craving. If your desk is surrounded by “joyless” items that you don’t need for work or taxes, toss them. 

Next. There are parts of all jobs that are joyless. From the startup founder who hates Quickbooks to the intern who can’t stand the tedium of stuffing gift bags. However, you can apply a minimalist mindset to your work by understanding what each piece of your work puzzle is contributing to the larger picture. There is a nugget of joy in each task. Even if it's just that at some point, it will be over. 

If you’re a freelancer (and can afford to turn down jobs, which, we know is not easy) ask yourself if this project or client will bring you joy and if what you’re contributing will bring joy to other people. 

KonMari Method Lesson #3: Put the Kibosh on Nostalgia

Many times through the book Kondo talks about nostalgia and hazardous sentimental attachments to our possessions. Whether it’s boxes of old photographs and birthday cards that lead us down a long and windy path of nostalgia and distraction while cleaning, to items we hold onto for no reason—aka your grandmother’s boots you're keeping even though they’re two sizes too small. Talk about a tropical depression. The nostalgia hurricane is real and it's ruling your life. Feeling strongly about stuff is okay but it can also be the enemy of tidy. Kondo says people keep things out of "fear for the future or attachment to the past.”

“Talk about a tropical depression. The nostalgia hurricane is real and it’s ruling your life.”

How to apply this to work: It's not just stuff kids! We have nostalgia and emotional attachment to ideas. So, what should we do to make space for bigger and better creative thoughts? Kill your darlings. That’s right. The creative ideas that keep falling dead in the water. Every single one of us has that “golden” idea that we can’t escape. The one we reposition and bring up in pitch meetings, the one we’re sure is going to hit with ONE client that simply never does. Accept that. Thank the idea for taking up space in your head and let it go. 

Also, those notebooks full of half-baked ideas and sparks (ahem duds) of genius you jotted down and have never looked through—toss them. We know you’re saving them for that one time you’re going to need to reference a page scribbled on in 2007 but just say goodbye. If ideas are really that great, they’ll stick around. You don’t need to create a physical library of your own brain. 

KonMari Method Lesson #4: Simplifying and Letting Go Feels Good, So GOOD

Yes! Getting rid of clutter and freeing up your home space feels great. You feel lighter, more free, and less emotionally tied to STUFF! When it comes to closets specifically the Marie Kondo method creates space between stuff. Your clothes have SPACE GLORIOUS SPACE to live and breathe! Dressing all of the sudden becomes easier when you can SEE everything! Decision making is easier when you love everything and therefore you become more efficient with your time! Exclamations abound!! (For real, this is happy, joyous stuff.)

How to apply this to work: You don’t have to do anything here! Once you start letting go of the clutter on your desk and in your head, you will free up space for the next steps. You’ll be giving your career the breathing room it needs to expand. It will also help you become more clear on what projects to say yes to, and which projects to turn down. 

You’ll feel relief instead of anxiety, joy instead of a job. 

What are some ways you can apply this method to work? Share in the comments below!

This post was originally published on September 15, 2016, and has since been updated.

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8 Signs You Definitely Need to Dump Your Job

Photo: Create & Cultivate

Spotting the warning signs of a bad relationship can be hard when you’re in the thick of it. Especially when you’re trying to stick it out for the sake of (insert life goal here). But a bad job, like a bad partner or friend, can be just as toxic. 

We’ve all had horrible Mondays. Where we feel like crawling beneath our desk and hiding out or napping for a few hours. That’s normal— even if you’re in love with your career, off-days are part of the deal. 

However, if driving to work is driving you low-key mental, or if it feels like every time you send an email, you’re sending off a tiny bit of your soul, it might be quitting time. You can suffer for your art, but don’t suffer for a job that’s going nowhere. If you’re looking for signs you should quit your job this may be just that sign.    

Here are eight red flags that the milk in your work fridge has gone sour, and it’s time to turn a page. (Hello, mixed metaphors to represent your oh so confusing mixed feelings about your j-o-b.) 

“if it feels like every time you send an email, you’re sending off a tiny bit of your soul, it might be quitting time.”

1. You feel creatively lost.

There are days when the ideas aren’t coming no matter how many cups of java you down, but IF you are coming up one espresso shot short every day, you might not be in the right job.

Before you take a dive into unemployment, try to do things that will reignite that spark with your job—like go to a lecture or take a class. If that still isn't working and you're drawing blank after blank, day after day, really consider why you think this job is the right job.

Sometimes things just fizzle out, and the best thing we can do for ourselves is realize that it doesn't have to be horribly wrong, for it not to be right.  

2. You have an abusive boss. 

Bosses, like partners, can be abusive. People who take advantage of their position of power. But being in charge doesn't give anyone the right to treat employees like animals. 

If heading into your boss’ office is something you dread because you know no matter what you do it won’t be good enough, it's time to reevaluate the situation.  I once had a boss throw trash at my head (yes, for real). I was out the door shortly thereafter.

Know your self-worth and trust in that.  

3. You’ve consulted everyone you know about hating your job.

Happy hour? What’s that? When you meet your friends after work, all you do is complain. About work.

The problem with negative energy is that little by little it starts to infiltrate every other part of your life. Others relationships suffer, and you become um, insufferable to be around.

Don’t let this happen. If your friends are avoiding your phone calls, there’s a good shot your endless complaints about work are dragging them down as well. 

“If your job makes you feel legit sad and question everything you’re doing with your life, it’s high time to move on. ”

4. You’re compromising your morals.

If you’ve found that you’re moving toward the Dark Side, without having any desire to do so, it’s either time to stand your ground, or change the ground your standing on.

Sometimes at work we are asked to do things we aren’t entirely comfortable with—but these should be things that advance our careers. For example, you don’t like public speaking, but your boss asks you to give a presentation—this is a step outside your comfort zone that’s beneficial to progress.

However if you’re being put in ethically, morally, or even illegal situations, no job is worth that risk. 

5. You can’t come up with five good reasons to stay.

Pro and con this beast. Make a list, check it twice, and if you don’t have five really solid reasons to keep your job—financial security aside—it might be time to start getting your ducks in a row. 

6 . Your job gives you every kind of the sads.

You know that feeling when you’re up at night, wondering why your dude is ignoring your calls, and you feel sad, lost, drained, pathetic? If your job makes you feel legit sad and question everything you’re doing with your life, it’s high time to move on. 

7. Your mom thinks you should quit.

Let’s consult Justin Bieber on this one. If you can sing, “My mama don’t like you and she likes everyone,” about your job… remember: Mom is always right. She was right about that 10th grade boyfriend, and she’s right about this job. 

8. You're letting other opportunities pass you by.

Some people in relationships are never satisfied because they are always on the lookout for the next best thing. That's not what I'm suggesting.

But if the work universe is offering up an out—or a better job, or maybe even a less financially lucrative, but potentially amazing job, and you're not taking it out of fear—close your eyes and take a leap.

More often than we care to admit, it necessary to take a step back in order to alter our course, and start down the more meaningful path.

This story was published on February 18, 2019, and has since been updated.

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If You’re Looking for Stylish Yet Practical Workplace Solutions, We’ve Got Them

For many of us, our home office is a sanctuary for creativity so it needs to be stimulating to get those juices flowing. But there is definitely a fine line between designing a space that’s visually interesting but also has a purpose too. And with more renters in large cities than homeowners, we need to find practical (and pretty) solutions that suit any space. 

This also means versatile, multi-functional furniture and décor that can turn any nook or tiny area at home into a productive workspace, because let’s face it, not all of us have room for a designated home office. When Create & Cultivate editorial director, Sacha Strebe works from home her dining room converts into a home office (Bonus: it’s right next to the kitchen for snacks on-the-go). 

In this story, we tapped our C&C team to share how they work from home using the stylish, multi-purpose pieces from our friends at Pottery Barn. You too can design a convertible home office that's both inspiring and productive. 

Photo: Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Sacha Strebe, Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate

The Home-Office Tip: Don’t overfill it. 

Why It Works: “To limit any distractions when you’re working from home, be sure to create an environment that’s both stimulating yet minimal. You want an inspiring space to get those creative juices flowing but you also need to focus and get your work done. So, create a streamlined, clutter-free space in the house (for me it’s my dining room table) and only keep the bare minimum. I love to have fresh clippings from the garden in a vase next to me while I’m burning a candle to enhance the mood. The only other things I keep nearby are my laptop, a bottle of water, pens, and a notepad. Sometimes I will even put my phone away so I can really hunker down.” 

How to Get the Look: “This vase is decorative yet minimal and I just know the palo santo scent of this candle will ramp up my productivity.”

Pottery Barn Quinn Ceramic Vase

$39

Shop Now

Carly Johnson, Senior Director, Brand Marketing

The Home-Office Tip: Think outside the box.

How It Works: “You don’t need to settle for the traditional office furniture for your workspace. A credenza can double as a chic storage solution to keep all of your files and papers, while also being a space to decorate with objets d’art and inspiring pieces. Then you can keep your desk very minimal and work-related.”

How to Get the Look: “This credenza from is a practical size with a classic look that will stand the test of time. And while it’s sitting pretty, you can store all of your office essentials without anyone noticing.”

Pottery Barn Dolores Cane Media Console

$999

Shop Now

Caitlin Shier, Vice President, Brand Partnerships

The Home-Office Tip: Use a console table as a desk.

How It Works: “We don’t always have the luxury of space but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or function—turn your console table into your part-time desk.”

How to Get the Look: “Place decorative items on this modern rustic console so it adds to the overall design of the room, but keep a space clear front and center or to the side so you can shimmy a stool underneath when you need to work.”

Pottery Barn Malcolm Console Table

$854

Shop Now

Adry Perez, Social Media Manager

The Home-Office Tip: Use stylish storage to hide your office supplies.

How It Works: “If you have a roaming home office as I do then various furniture throughout your apartment can be turned into a temporary workspace. But that means I need somewhere to store my office supplies. My solution is stylish storage.”

How to Get the Look: “I keep notepads, pens, paperwork, and files in my chic rattan baskets either underneath my console or near my couch in the living room, where ever I typically work from home the most—no one will know the wiser. And when you don’t have a designated space, then I recommend this organization system that can be set up on a wall nearby to keep you on task. Working from home can be filled with distractions so any help is appreciated to stay on track. ”

Pottery Barn Jacquelyne Lidded Barrel Basket

$129

Shop Now

Nairi Najarian, Senior Director, Digital Marketing

The Home-Office Tip: Invest in double-duty furniture. 

How It Works: “Customize any space to suit your needs with a modular pop-up desk that doubles as stylish storage.”

How to Get the Look: “Since I only work from home a few days a month I need multifunctional pieces that look like stylish furniture when they’re not being used. This modular system is fully customizable and looks like a compact storage area with a hidden compartment—a popup desk hides all of my cords and even has a place to stash my cell phone and smaller desk accessories when not in use.”

Pottery Barn Mission Modular System Collection Pop-Up Desk

$209

Shop Now



Kylie Tansey, Vice President, Sales

The Home-Office Tip: Light it up.

How It Works: “Lighting at home isn’t always optimized for working—think warm, soft, and moody which isn’t really what you need when it’s time to focus on a project or tackle your inbox. That’s why I love to have a task lamp nearby so I can shed some light on the space I’m working from.”

How to Get the Look: “Opt for a table lamp like this stylish bronze lamp which can be moved around the house from the dining table to the sofa, or wherever you feel inspired that day.” 

Pottery Barn Stella Task Table Lamp

$137

Shop Now

To shop more of the stylish, multi-purpose pieces from our friends at Pottery Barn, visit potterybarn.com.



The Truth Serum: 3 Experts on How to Source Trustworthy Skincare Advice in a Click-Bait World

This post is in partnership with RoC Skincare.

Dr. Anna Guanche (left) and Lauryn Evarts Bosstick (right) sat down with C&C founder Jaclyn Johnson at our San Francisco Conference to discuss sourcing trustworthy skincare advice online. Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate

How many of you have tried to Google answers around skincare and anti-aging without success? It can be incredibly confusing and overwhelming to find out what works and what doesn’t. Believe it or not, 3.6 million searches were carried out for phrases related to “anti-aging” over the past 12 months. There is just so much information out there!

Well, RoC Skincare—a brand that was born in Paris in the 1950s and is still here today with game-changing retinol formulas that are clinically proven to treat aging skin and help minimize the appearance of concerns like fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles—wants to help you sort through that clutter. At our San Francisco conference, we sat down with some educated women to find out what people are really looking for, what they’re actually finding, and why they keep searching. 

Our founder, Jaclyn Johnson, chatted with Dr. Anna Guanche, affectionately known as “Dr. Beauty,” and Lauryn Evarts-Bosstick, creator of The Skinny Confidential podcast and franchise, about how to source trustworthy skincare advice. The conversation was just as informative as it was hilarious, so be sure to listen in on the podcast below. Then keep reading for some of the most memorable quotes from the interview.

---

Rapid-fire questions:

My favorite anti-aging hack is…

Lauryn: “A facial massage—it tightens the skin.”

Dr. Guanche: “Using retinol every single night.”

The weirdest home remedy for skin I’ve tried is…

Lauryn: “Ordering olive oil from room service to remove makeup.”

Dr. Guanche: “A bird poop facial. The geishas used to use this. It has enzymes in it to exfoliate your skin.”

Lauryn Evarts Bosstick:

“I think people do have a lot of these questions that they’re embarrassed to ask, so they ask Google… I’m trying to create a space where we can talk about taboo topics.”

—Lauryn Evarts-Bosstick, Founder, The Skinny Confidential

On the craziest topics discussed on her podcast:

“I put myself in the audience’s position. I want to know the nitty-gritty. I want to hear from different walks of life.”

“I think people do have a lot of these questions that they are embarrassed to ask, so they ask Google. I’ve always been an over-sharer, so I feel really comfortable to talk about these taboo subjects. I’m trying to create a space where we can talk about them.“

“I feel like we’ve talked about everything… I feel like there isn’t anything we haven't talked about (on The Skinny Confidential).”

On peer-to-peer beauty recommendations:

“I’m really, really specific and strategic with who I choose to work with. I’ve left a lot on the table because it wasn’t the right fit.”

“I try to use the product for at least a month, sometimes I give it to my husband because he’s really into being dewy right now—he thinks it’s his thing—but I basically manipulated him into it.”

“It needs to be something that keeps showing up in my life… I’m really careful about what I promote. I also like to have a product that I keep going back to and something I know the audience will actually use. “

On finding the right products:

“I sit and watch the French girls. I like to observe and see what they’re doing differently. I feel like Americans have a ‘more is more’ approach. I try to watch and observe and see what other people are doing and then implement it into my routine and then see if it works.”

“I’m really inspired by other countries. I like to observe and see what they’re doing differently—it's a lot of oil, retinol, and facial massage.”

On the rise of skincare:

“People are starting to understand that prevention is key. We’re in a day and age in 2019 where a lot of women don’t want to look like someone else. Everyone wants to be the best version of themselves and self-care is that, investing in the best version of yourself.”

On general skincare advice:

“I am batshit crazy about the sun. I have driving gloves in my car, sunscreen on my hands, chest, and ankles. I am wild with the sun. When I get out of my car to walk to 7/11 I have a giant hat on.”

Dr. Anna Guanche:

“Manage stress, meditate, wear your sunscreen.”

Dr. Anna Guanche, Celebrity Dermatologist

On skin aging:

“You reduce your elastic production over time, your collagen is decreased in your dermis and you start to see your skin no longer compensates the damage done to it over time. Your skin can no longer compensate for the skin damage that has happened to you since you were born.”

On common anti-aging questions:

“Does anything really work?”

“Why is this happening to me?”  

“What active ingredients do reverse aging?”

On the benefits of retinol:

“Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and is naturally found. It helps remove old, dull skin cells and reduces pigmentation and the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles. Because of the retinoid reaction, your skin will adjust so start every other night and slowly build up if needed.”

On dark circles:

“I love the RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream. It has clinically proven results and helps with dark circles. You can see improvements in 4 weeks and at 12 weeks, fines lines are visibly reduced by 50%—equates to eyes looking 10 years younger.”

On anti-aging:

“You can drink plenty of water, don’t stress out, get lots of sleep, sleep on your back, low-salt diet, wash every single drop of makeup off every night—good skin takes discipline.”

“There is no shame in being beautiful and wanting to be beautiful—putting your best foot forward. Self-care and self-love at a younger age is a great thing to do—actively doing something to overcome those insecurities.”

On general skincare advice:

“Manage stress, meditate, wear your sunscreen.”

“Wash your face completely at night.”

“I try to sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. You need to have a routine and you need to have discipline.”

“A lot of time we take great care of our face but we forget to take care of our neck and hands and chest.”

C&C Founder and CEO, Jaclyn Johnson in conversation with celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Anna Guanche and Lauryn Evarts-Bosstick of The Skinny Confidential for the RoC Skincare panel at the San Francisco Conference.

For more information on RoC SKincare visit, rocskincare.com.

How the Dazey LA Founder Turned $4000 Into a Thriving (and Profitable) 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 kick start 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.

Photo: Courtesy of @Dazey_LA

Searching for your dream job is no walk in the park. Sometimes, you can search and search and not find what you were looking for. Or maybe you do land that job you always dreamed of, and it turns out to be something entirely different. That’s why the founder of Dazey LA, Danielle Nagel, thinks “your dream job simply doesn’t exist—you have to create it.” And we are totally on board with that. 

Dazey LA is equal parts fashion and feminism all wrapped up into a beautiful small business that consists of graphic tees designed by Danielle herself (and so much more). We love the work and stance on social topics Danielle has made, so much so that we asked her to design our team t-shirts for the San Francisco conference along with the Self Care Summit jumpsuits and murals! Take a read below to see how this go-getter and small business owner got her start in the dream job world—you’ll leave this page just as inspired as we did. 

 Photo: Courtsey of @DazeyLA

Create & Cultivate: Did you write a business plan? 

Danielle Nagel: “I did not! I’m more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of gal. I didn’t have many expectations, but I did have a lot of big dreams. I was sure to build up my freelance client list before quitting my secure job to start Dazey. I figured I could count on that if the company took a while to turn a profit. I had a lot of ideas but didn’t write down a solid plan. I also knew things always end differently than you imagined (and boy did they!). Plans and ideas are constantly changing and I like holding them loosely and rolling with the punches.” 

C&C: How did you come up with the name? What did you consider during that process?

DN: “I love branding and coming up with names. Beyond Dazey LA, I have helped name and brand quite a few of my client’s and friend’s companies. For me, it’s all about creating something unique and unexpected. I like to make up new words if possible—while still being familiar and easy to remember. Plus, that way you’re way more likely to get all the right domains and handles.

“I had originally come up with the name Lovelle, which was a hybrid of my name Danielle and Love. Now I totally hate it. I ordered a bunch of labels and branding assets, only to decide I didn’t like it after all. Then my sister and I were texting back and forth to try and find something new. We started throwing out words we liked ‘golden’, daisy’, ‘days’, ‘daze’, and then one of us (still up for debate) just said what about ‘Dazey’!? We liked it and it just stuck. I also like that with the unique spelling, it can take on a meaning of its own.”


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

DN: “I immediately set up trademarks and make sure I snagged all the domains and usernames—as a product-based business, that is first and foremost! I had been a full-time t-shirt designer for about six years before launching my brand and had designed a lot of meaningless graphics for corporate companies like Urban Outfitters and Macy’s. I knew when I launched my own brand I wanted to design shirts that stood for something, with designs I was really proud of—I wanted them to be my very best. I spent some time perfecting the collection and worked on finding ways to source the best blanks to print them on. Once I finally had my first little collection, I planned a shoot, threw it on the site, and then hit live.” 

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

DN: “Having worked in the industry for many years before launching Dazey gave me perspective. I was a bit of a millennial job-hopper, so I got to experience many different workplaces. I was extremely curious about how each company worked and did all I could to figure out the mechanics. My last job before Dazey was with a start-up, Revice Denim. I was basically employee #1 and did everything from naming the brand, designing the clothing to art directing, shooting, styling, social media, and web design.

“Before that, I was just a cog in the corporate wheel, so it was the first time I had the chance to explore my creativity beyond apparel graphics (and I loved it). Working for a startup was an incredible way to research and learn about building a company from the ground up. That’s what gave me the courage to start Dazey.”

C&C: How did you find the manufacturer/production facility that you use? What advice do you have for other founders looking for a trustworthy manufacturer?

DN: “I didn’t find my current production partner until I was six months in. I was basically working with whatever I could find on Google, and it was really limiting my creativity. I went to MAGIC, the big fashion tradeshow in Vegas, hoping to get some freelance clients and bump some shoulders. I ended up being introduced to my production partner, Kelly, through one of my freelance clients. We immediately hit it off and realized we had so much in common.

“We both wanted to make beautiful and creative clothing while doing so as sustainably. We came up with and perfected our made-to-order, no waste model over the past three years. He has helped me go from ‘just a t-shirt brand’ into a full-on clothing line with things like suits, dresses, and even patterned fanny packs. I would say putting yourself out there is key. Go to sourcing shows, networking events, introduce yourself to people, ask questions, send cold emails, let the world know what you’re looking for and go find it.”

“Go to sourcing shows, networking events, introduce yourself to people, ask questions, send cold emails, let the world know what you’re looking for and go find it.”

C&C: Did you self-fund the company? 

DN: “Dazey is fully self-funded. I was very careful to save a ton before starting Dazey so I wouldn’t be stressed or chicken out. I had saved enough to launch the brand that I could comfortably live off for a year. It has given me the flexibility to harness my creativity and grow at a pace that felt comfortable to me as a brand new founder and businesswoman. I know all the money I make is mine and I get to make the final call on everything. I think it was the right call for me starting out and we’ve been able to grow a lot from my initial $4,000 personal investment. I don’t know what the future holds, but I may be open to the idea of investment to really help scale in the near future.”  

C&C: How did you know how to pay yourself?

DN: “Well, I made the mistake of starting off my business as a sole proprietorship. Which means everything from the business was through my personal bank account. Every expense and every payout. Now I’ve learned that’s not a good practice if you’re really trying to grow a company outside of just freelance work! You really need to keep them separate. Since then, I’ve of course established a C-corp and company account.” 

“My personal pay always varies depending on how the company is doing. When things are good, I allow myself to experience the benefits. When they are slow, I pull back. Last year we had an amazing year and I paid myself more than I had ever dreamed of making with my corporate jobs. This year, we’ve had a slower summer. I’ve decided to keep all of the money in the business account and live off of my savings and rental property income for awhile. A lot of founders don’t let themselves enjoy the successes and I think that can be a quick route to burnout. I like going with the flow and staying in-tune with my company.” 

C&C: How big is your team now? What has the hiring process been like? 

DN: “We have five people in our immediate team now. I had never hired anyone before and remember being so excited to give the first interview. We’ve gotten so lucky with our team and everyone I’ve hired since year one is still here today. Myself as the owner and CEO, Phillip our COO (who is also my amazing boyfriend), Megan who manages our Dazey Lady Shop, Naomi who helps me with content and creative, and our newest Lisa who is doing customer service and shipments. When it came to interviewing, I trusted my gut feeling. I didn’t get too hung up on resumes because I know people can easily learn on the job, just like I had.

“It was more about the conversation and connection I had with them. Things like if I could trust them, get along with them, that they cared about the company, and I think they are a hard worker. So far, it hasn’t steered me wrong. Of course, we have so many other people that are basically apart of the Dazey family, like our production team and sales showroom reps. It really takes a village, even as a super small company.”

“I had saved enough to launch the brand that I could comfortably live off for a year. It has given me the flexibility to harness my creativity and grow at a pace that felt comfortable to me as a brand new founder and businesswoman.”

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

DN: “Yes, and I wish I would have sooner. She had to go back pretty far to correct all the unbeknownst co-mingling I did (using both my personal and business account instead of keeping them totally separate). That was totally a waste of time when I could have been working with her all along and without stress. Especially as a business begins to grow, the finances can quickly become hard to track. It’s best to start off with the right person in place so they can grow with you and make sure your books are done right. Accounting is not my forte, so why not focus on what I’m good at—making the money—and then let the professionals handle it.” 

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

DN: “As somebody who has always considered themselves good with money, I’ve discovered it’s been a whole different beast as a business. You really have to stay on top of where effort and money are being spent and if the direct return merits that amount. When you start to deal with so many big numbers going in and out quickly, things can get confusing.

“Be sure to stay on track of your finances and know what number you really have in the bank (with expected income and expenses). Make decisions carefully and constantly re-evaluate spending/saving. You really do have to spend money to make money, but make sure you are smart and strategic about it.”

C&C: How did you get retailers to start stocking your product?

DN: “When I first launched Dazey, my focus was on direct to consumer selling and marketing on Instagram. I didn’t think wholesale was important at the time. I wanted to keep my production ethical but also keep my prices reasonable, which made my wholesale margins pretty dismal. I would take wholesale orders here and there if people reached out, but it wasn’t my focus. Fast forward about four years later and it has shifted to be a pretty big chunk of our business. Instagram was everything we needed to start building an engaged and supportive community. Direct website sales were growing like crazy and we thought we had it made in the shade. Then came the dreaded algorithm.

“Additionally, I will say there has been a shift in consumer behavior as more people begin to experience social-media fatigue and distrust. All that dramatically affected our online sales. We pumped up our online ad spend, but it didn’t really help either. I talked to some other entrepreneurs and they all reported the same. Semi-freaking out, I sat down with my production partner to plan our next move. He suggested we give wholesale a proper try. As an industry veteran who had spent most of his career in B2B (business to business as opposed to direct), he thought it could really help us. We had to restructure our pricing to make our margins more fair for us, and then we found a wholesale showroom.

“I walked into the Cooper fashion building in DTLA and grabbed a directory and started sending out cold emails based on the brands the showrooms already carried. We got four meetings, sat down with all of them, and found the right fit—a smaller showroom with a focus on made in USA products. It’s been a game-changer. Dazey now does amazing with wholesale and sells out of boutiques faster than they can reorder. The fact that we built a large social media following and people knew our name has made it easier than starting out with wholesale. We are now even carried by Free People who happened to just find us on Instagram.”

“Be sure to stay on track of your finances and know what number you really have in the bank (with expected income and expenses). Make decisions carefully and constantly re-evaluate spending/saving. ”

C&C: Do you have a business coach or mentor? Would you recommend one? 

DN: “Kelly my production partner has been a huge mentor for me. He saw potential when Dazey was nothing and took a bet on me with blind faith. I would also say my community of fellow female entrepreneurs has been one of the biggest driving forces in both mentorship and inspiration. Peer to peer mentoring is amazing because we are all learning and growing together. Outside of Dazey, I co-founded a boutique female co-working space called Biz Babez has been a great connector and space to learn from one another.”

C&C: How did you promote your company? Did you know anything about marketing before this venture?

DN: “I had started fashion blogging in college before Instagram had even existed. I was connected with a bunch of girls via a website called lookbook.nu and when I moved to L.A., we would help each other snap photos of outfits to share on our blogs. I quit blogging when my full-time job got to be too much (this was before you could make money off of it). But many of the girls I knew kept at it and ended up becoming huge successes in the fashion blogging space.

“When I started Dazey, a lot of them were so helpful in shooting content with me and promoting. I would take all the photos myself and also snap pics of whatever they wanted in exchange. This was a great way to get the word out at the very beginning. Then once I built a following myself, I just chose to be very personal and real with my community like sharing the BTS of running a small biz. I would share my design process, my production, and really all the highs and lows of running a business. That’s when things really started to take off from word of mouth.”

“As a hyper-creative person who’s not necessarily the best at all that, I’ve also learned to lean on other people. Know what you are good at and focus on that.”

C&C: 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?

DN: “Get everything in order—your bank accounts, contracts, your LLC or CORP. Read a business book and get to know the less glamorous side of small biz. As a hyper-creative person who’s not necessarily the best at all that, I’ve also learned to lean on other people. Know what you are good at and focus on that. Then hire help for the rest. Your efforts will be best spent doing what you love and what you’re good at.”

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

DN: “Do the damn dream. That’s printed on a Dazey tee. But honestly, the only regret I have with starting Dazey is not doing it sooner. It’s a rollercoaster but so worth it. Your dream job simply doesn’t exist—you have to create it.

“So many times I thought I knew what my ‘dream job’ was until I actually got it and realized that wasn’t the case at all. With Dazey, I’ve been able to combine all of my passions into one thing. From fashion, art, design, photography to social media, feminism, and sustainability (and even somehow interior design now). I designed Dazey to be true to everything I love and believe in. And my customers can see and feel that. If you build a business that you are undeniably passionate about, it’s damn near impossible for it to fail at it.”

Shop This Way—How 3 Entrepreneurs Are Leveraging Their Websites for Profit

All successful businesses start somewhere and it takes just scratching the surface of a new idea to get the ball rolling. But with that ah-ha! moment comes a lot of hard work, late nights, and coffee to make your new business venture  happen. Oh, and a digital platform to make your new idea look beautiful and profitable, too. Think you’ve got what it takes? Well, we partnered with Squarespace for a three-part series called From Scratch to Success: How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Thriving Business to find out what really goes into launching a company from the ground up. To do that, we interviewed three female founders—Michelene Auguste Founder and Owner, Dem; Karen Rose, Owner and Herbalist, Sacred Vibes Apothecary; and Gina Correll Aglietti, Yola Jimenez, and Lykke Li, Co-Founders, Yola Mezcal—to share their story from that lightbulb moment to selling their products online, and everything in between. And don’t forget to keep scrolling to the end to read about our exclusive Squarespace offer for Create & Cultivators.

So, you have this incredible idea to turn your passion into a profitable business—now what? Where are you supposed to begin and who is going to help you reach your end goal? Well, in the beginning, when you don’t have any capital, all you really have is your idea, so the only person you can rely on is you. But the good news is there are a plethora of online tools that can help you get started. Does your new business idea include a product line? If you answered yes, then say hello to the world of e-commerce! To put yourself on the map (and find customers) you’ll need a website that will showcase your unique products in a way people just can’t resist. The rest will come from you, your vision, and your drive for success—but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

In the first chapter of our three-part series, From Scratch to Success, we introduced you to some incredible women who are crushing their business goals online with the well-known platform, Squarespace. We asked them about their new business venture, how they got started, and why they chose Squarespace to launch online. In part two of this series, we’re diving a little deeper into the commerce side of their business and how these three unique businesses—Dem, Sacred Vibes Apothecary, and Yola Mezcal—use Squarespace to turn their passion into profit. You’ll want to take notes for this one!

Create & Cultivate: Squarespace makes it easy to start a website from scratch. Can you walk us through the process you took when creating yours? 

Gina Correll Aglietti: “Anticipating YOLA’s launch, we felt a video was the best way to communicate our brand story to depict our farm and team in Oaxaca. Squarespace gave us the platform to share this story with a new audience and made it easy for us to help curate first impressions of our brand. We've been using Squarespace for over three years now. I especially love the marketing tools we can use to create newsletters, collect emails, and keep our audience engaged.”

C&C: Squarespace has great features for brands that want to introduce e-commerce. What commerce features do you rely on the most and advise others to use too? 

GA: “We will soon be launching our merch store through Squarespace. We had initially looked at embedding a third party e-commerce platform on our website, but then realized how simple it was to add e-commerce tabs into our Squarespace without straying from the brand’s aesthetic. We have also had the opportunity to embed a link to sell YOLA direct to consumers, which is often very difficult to do because of strict alcohol compliance laws.”

C&C: There are so many websites online—how do you make your website unique? 

GA: “Squarespace allows us to maintain a simple and minimal design that aligns with our brand's aesthetic. We have been able to incorporate our own fonts and imagery to customize the experience.”

Create & Cultivate: Squarespace makes it easy to start a website from scratch. Can you walk us through the process you took when creating yours? 

Michelene Auguste: “When I started building my site, it was very easy to navigate. I started with an e-commerce page, a homepage, and basic information—I’ve been adding to that ever since. I love that I can easily move things around and change the site. I also love that I can rearrange the products on the e-commerce page so it looks the way I want it to.” 

C&C: Squarespace has great features for brands that want to introduce e-commerce. What commerce features do you rely on the most and advise others to use too? 

MA: “I have the Squarespace app which helps me edit on the go when I have to. I’ve found that the app is very helpful.”

C&C: There are so many websites online—how do you make your website unique? 

MA: “The Dem site is a curated experience of the clothing and objects I’ve discovered throughout my life. It’s a bit personal and I think that’s what makes it unique. I love taking photographs and updating the site often with new material.”

C&C: Do you have any shortcuts you can share with other users for making their website? 

MA: “My advice would be if you can’t figure out something or you’re stuck, don’t stress—all the information and help is there for you on the site which has helped me out a lot.” 

C&C: What are some more advanced tools that you use for building out your website? 

MA: “My favorite thing about Squarespace is that I don’t need to know any coding tactics or use any advanced tools. Everything is already there for you to create and run a beautiful, successful site.” 

Create & Cultivate: Squarespace makes it easy to start a website from scratch. Can you walk us through the process you took when creating yours? 

Karen Rose: “I started with Squarespace about five years ago. I saw  how beautiful other Squarespace sites were and wanted mine to be just like that.” 

“I have come so far. I have an online shop now and in many ways I have grown that on Squarespace. We are currently working on creating an online membership/educational portal utilizing Squarespace’s collaboration, Memberspace to offer global access to our work.”

C&C: Squarespace has great features for brands that want to introduce e-commerce. What commerce features do you rely on the most and advise others to use too?

KR: “I rely on our online shop greatly. It is super easy to track inventory and monthly sales.”

C&C: There are so many websites online—how do you make your website unique? 

KR: “We make our website unique by using it to tell the story of our brand. When folks are on our site, we want them to get the whole picture of who we are: not just an online shop but a community.”

C&C: Do you have any shortcuts you can share with other users for making their website? 

KR: “I decided to hire a designer familiar with Squarespace for the initial site design. This allowed us to use our time and resources in a way we felt our business could benefit from most. We still work together closely. He was able to show us a lot of what he has done. But now, most of the everyday maintenance we do is on our own.”

Head to squarespace.com and use the offer code CREATE2019 to save 10% off your first purchase. And or more information around Squarespace’s commerce feature and to understand how you can start selling online today, visit Squarespace Support here.

And don’t forget to tune in next week for part three of our From Scratch to Success series for everything you need to know about SEO and ensure your website ranks in Google.

OLD NAVY's Kim Brennecke Doesn't Believe in Inbox Zero—Here's Why

We often look to the iconic leaders of our time for motivation and wisdom, but for many of us, this is purely inspirational and not as applicable to our everyday lives. We truly believe there is more benefit in looking to your left and seeking out a peer-to-peer mentorship with a colleague or friend you admire. Why? Firstly, they will likely have the time to be your mentor, and secondly, their advice will be relatable and allow you to see your path clearly while keeping your mind open to new ideas, identifying new opportunities, and helping you self-advocate. We call them everyday superwomen. In this new C&C series, we talk to the women who are paying it forward, lifting other women up and paving a smoother path for the next generation to come.

Photo: Courtesy of Old Navy.

It might seem from the outside looking in that the career paths of people you admire are linear, but when you take a magnifying glass to their trajectory, you quickly realize that it’s not straight at all. In fact, it’s full of false starts, sharp turns, and winding roads—some even have turn-back signposts. Knowing that can provide a sense of relief to all of us who are still navigating a particularly challenging fork in the road. When you’re unsure which direction to take, take comfort in the fact that even the most successful people have all been there too, and that it’s all part of the journey.

Kim Brennecke’s path hasn’t been straight and narrow, either. She might hold the esteemed position of Senior Director Design of OLD NAVY Active now, but she actually started her studies in drawing and painting before moving into a fine arts degree in fashion and working her way up—but growing up she wanted to be an architect or an archeologist!

So, read on to learn more about her non-traditional career path, how to get out of “being stuck,” and why inbox zero is a myth.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: What did you study in school and what did you want to be when you grew up?

KIM BRENNECKE: I sort of went to college twice. My first degree was in fine arts with an emphasis in drawing and painting, then I decided I wanted to study fashion so I returned for another fine arts degree in fashion design. All-in, it was seven and a half years of a college education. Growing up I wanted to be either an architect or an archeologist. 

What are some of the earlier jobs that helped to shape your career/path?

In between my degrees I took a job working retail at Urban Outfitters. I’d always loved clothes and fashion, but this was my first exposure to thinking about trends, the commerciality of product, and visual merchandising as it relates to the consumer. I was completely fascinated by how placement and adjacencies in-store impacted the sales. It was really around this time that I began to understand that a career in fashion was a thing, and I began researching and applying to design schools.

What challenges have you faced along the way? What did you learn from them? How did they prepare you for your job now?

I think one of the biggest challenges I faced, that I didn’t realize until I was out of it, was being stuck. Sometimes when you are in the same position for a long time, you start to build up a lot of walls that you don’t realize are there. I remember making a position move that I wasn’t initially excited about, but what I found was moving into a new role that I knew nothing about, re-energized me and engaged me in a way I hadn’t realized I had stopped being in my previous role. That experience opened me up to trying new positions when they presented themselves and being self-aware of when I feel stuck and may need to make a change.

Tell us about your role at Old Navy? What does it entail? Did you work your way up? What were the positions along the way?

My current role is the Senior Director of Old Navy Active, which essentially means I lead the Active Design Team for all active product for the family. In this role, I identify the active design strategies by division and work with my team to bring them to life through the lens of seasonal trends. I have been with Old Navy for nearly 13 years, and have worked my way up from Designer, Women’s Woven Bottoms and Outerwear. I have held many different positions during my time with the brand, including Senior Designer of Old Navy Outlet and Design Director of women’s knits, sweaters, and fleece. I also briefly led the Athleta Girl’s design team, before returning to Old Navy for my current role. 

“I haven’t had inbox zero since 2007.
”

What do you love most about your job and why? Does the reality of your career match up to your expectations?

I love the collaboration, problem solving, and building something with a team. It’s always a great feeling to have an idea, see it through production, setting in stores, to then seeing people react to it, whether wearing it on the streets or posting on social media #oldnavyactive! The reality of my career looks much different from what I thought a career in fashion would be when I was in school, but I get so much satisfaction from what I do, that I can’t imagine it any other way.

What can you tell us about the culture at Old Navy? What has encouraged you to stay? 

I think Old Navy has a really unique position amongst apparel brands as being a place of true collaboration. I really think it is fundamental to how we work. I continue to stay because I feel I am a valued member of the team and my contributions are welcomed and accepted, and as a team, we are constantly evolving and improving.

Talk us through your daily tasks and what a day in the office looks like for you? What’s the most rewarding part of your day?

Really no two days are alike, which I love. Some days are spent researching or building color palettes or putting together a trend point of view to inspire the team and sell ideas to our cross-functional team. Some days are spent reviewing sketches with my team or reviewing proto samples or troubleshooting a production issue. There are some days that I never see my desk. But the most rewarding part is always the time I spend brainstorming and building ideas together with my team.

What does your morning, pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?

My morning routine generally revolves around food! I try to eat pretty clean, and in order to do that I usually try to fix my breakfast and coffee at home, as well as pack snacks and a water bottle (with mint and lemon) to get me through the day. And if I’m really on top of things, I’ll pack my lunch too! I also dedicate a few minutes to checking my schedule for the day and scanning my email to see if anything urgent has come up since the previous day. It’s nice to be prepared for what the day will bring before arriving in the office.

Your role requires you to be across so many facets of the business—how do you manage your time effectively? What is your greatest productivity hack? How do you get it done?

I really couldn’t do my job without my Outlook calendar and the means to access it from my phone. I have to stay on top of my calendar, especially because I oversee active for all divisions and there are times that milestone meetings are happening simultaneously. I am constantly trying new ways to stay on top of everything, some stick, some don’t, but my phone continues to keep me on track.

Do you ever reach inbox zero? Do you believe in that? What is your inbox philosophy?

I haven’t had inbox zero since 2007. But I generally try to read every email by the end of the day and respond if needed, in as timely a manner as possible. My inbox philosophy is to save everything that I might need someday. 

“You really have to remember that everyone’s opinion is valid, including your own.”

What is one of the biggest misconceptions about your job?

That all I do is create and draw clothes all day long. I haven’t actually physically designed anything in years! Most of my job is strategizing and problem solving. It’s kind of like doing puzzles all day long, which is hugely creative, but in a different way than pen to paper sketching.

If someone wanted your role specifically, what advice would you give them on how to land their dream job/your current job? 

I would suggest getting as much design experience, in as many different areas as possible. What is unique about designing active product is that it covers a wide range of products, from knits to wovens, outerwear to baselayer, and true performance to lifestyle. And this role specifically covers mens, womens, girls and boys. 

Have you seen a consistent standout quality or personality trait of successful people in this industry?

I think flexibility is really important in this industry. This is one of the most dynamic businesses you can be in, and you have to be able to change course as needed. This doesn’t mean that you should be a pushover with no point of view, but in the long run, there is strength in flexibility and weakness in rigidity. 

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

I think the best piece of advice I’ve been given is to trust myself and trust my instinct. The beauty of this business is that it's subjective and there is no wrong answer. The challenge with this business is that it’s subjective and everyone has their own opinion. You really have to remember that everyone’s opinion is valid, including your own. Luckily, I don’t think I’ve been given bad advice. 

“The best piece of advice I’ve been given is to trust myself and trust my instinct.”

If there was one person you admire that you could power brunch with, who would it be? 

I’ve always admired Richard Branson, and how he has built his brand through failures and successes. He is incredibly supportive of entrepreneurship and mentoring, so I see him as someone that could offer a unique perspective from an innovation point of view, as well as how to be an effective leader. I also love that he prioritizes his family and living life to its fullest.

In your mind, what’s a perfect interview outfit? Why? Explain?

The perfect interview outfit is anything that you feel comfortable in that also looks like you’ve done your research into the brand/company you are interviewing with. This is the first impression for your interviewer to see you in the role, and as much as you can look like you belong there, the better off you will be. And there’s no better time to be comfortable in your clothes than in an interview, as you want to be focused on your conversation, and not distracted by an outfit that feels forced or contrived.

"I Never Use the Words Win or Failure Anymore"—and Other Boss Lady Quotes From Our First-Ever Small Business Summit

Big city, bright lights! We made the trek from one coast to the other this fall for our first-ever Small Business Summit in partnership with Mastercard. NYC greeted us with incomparable energy and we were so excited to hit the ground running with endless opportunities for networking, knowledge dropping, and so much more.

At C&C, we make a point of supporting small businesses and their founders—as does Mastercard. So, it only made sense that we would join forces with the best-in-the-game to create a new summit for our community. We set the stage for attendees by offering some incredible awe-inspiring panels, workshops, and photo moments—but don’t jump the gun just yet if you’re feeling that wave of FOMO. 

Not only did we talk hustle, but we got to see it IRL. We were excited to partner with Mastercard and spotlight a few boss-ladies who set up shop in the Mastercard Small Business Marketplace for attendees to shop, talk and network with—talk about shopping with purpose!

But we will say, if there was one thing to have total FOMO over, it was the Bumble Bizz Headshot Studio. We were honored to carve out a special place for attendees to have professional headshots were taken (not to mention it was a killer Instagrammable moment, too). Be sure to download the app for a chance to try the best networking tool at your fingertips.

Follow along for some snapshots and key learnings that will make you feel like you were there in the Big Apple with us. Don’t forget—if you’re an Insider—you too can access the live recordings of these business-savvy panels from the comfort of your own home (or smartphone). 

Take a look below for the best of our Saturday in the city. 

Keynote: Sophia Bush and Stacy London

Panelists:

Sophia Bush | Actress, Activist, and Host of Work in Progress podcast

Stacy London | Style Expert and New York Times Best-Selling Author

Stacey London

On pivotal points and realizations...

“All the things that I thought were failures were what propelled me to the next thing.”

“I never use the words win or failure anymore—they are just ‘value judgements’.”

“Expectation is the enemy of forward movement—it is the enemy of progress. “

“Age is no longer an indicator of giving good advice—experience is no longer how we measure advice.”

“Being clear on what your goals are, saying ‘no’ when something doesn’t serve you or your company is essential.”

 On getting through hardship and disappointments in your career...

“I'm going to look at whatever that roadblock was, I'm going to figure out how to get around it or I’m going to build a different road.”

“For people in your generation, the more options you have— being a multi-hyphenate—it’s looked at as such a positive thing. In my generation, not only did you have to stay in your lane, you don’t check any boxes.”

”We’ve all been met with dead ends. You never think you are going to meet the problems you’re going to be met with. You have to believe that everything happens for a reason. You have to become a problem solver in your own life.” 

On saying ‘no’...

“Once I named what it is that really motivates me, it made it easy to say ‘no’ when it didn't fall under that umbrella.”

Sophia:

On words of wisdom...

“If the world isn't ready for your good idea, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good idea.”

“Don’t compare your insides to someone else’s outsides.”

“Humans need eight hugs a day to survive in their bodies—twelve hugs a day for optimal performance.” 

On connection:

“You must connect with your people in real-time, in real life. Whether it’s your company, your clan, it’s not enough to just connect through social.”

“It is not okay, ever, to feel less than.”

On self-worth:

“Don’t compare your insides to someone else’s outsides.”

On setting goals:

“We set goals, great but we achieve that goal and set new goals so, we’re always chasing something on the horizon—we need to be able to look at the life we’re living today and say that it's pretty cool.”

“The idea is to not be so hard on yourself but to stay motivated. You are always going to be moving. The idea is to think of there is no finish line until your ashes are in the ground.”

“The point of living is to keep going.”

“Instead of that high and that low, see it as one more step.”

On saying no:

“Once I named what it is that really motivates me, it made it easy to say no when it didn't fall under that umbrella.”

“Get clear what the pillar is that all your verticals fall in. Say no if it doesn’t fall under that pillar.”

“I really want for all of us to figure out what serves us and lets us serve the world.”

Venture Forth: Building, bootstrapping or bringing on capital for your business

Panelists:

Vanessa Dew | Co-Founder and Chief Sales Officer, Heath-Ade

Molly Hayward | Founder and Chief Brand Officer, Cora

Hilary McCain | Founder and CEO, Sweet Reason CBD

Arielle Loren | Funding Expert for Women and Founder, 100K Incubator

Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate 

Moderator: 

Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate 

Jaclyn Johnson

On the big picture...

“A lot of these big companies that you love don’t make any money, but they make a lot of the headlines.”

“Fall in love with the numbers.”

Vanessa Dew

“When we were raising our first round, let me paint the picture of eating ramen every day—we were beaten down, we were getting up early in the morning to go to the farmers market—so we eventually needed money to supplement the business.”

On the money conversation...

“As females, we often don't negotiate or bring up taboo topics. For example, founder pay, founder liquidity. These topics were never brought up because we were afraid.”

On how to raise money...

“We called in a whole village: a finance professor, brought lawyers on deck—we had a whole group to gain their insights. You get insights from people, but at the end of the day you need to follow your gut and do what is right for your business.”

On raising money or bootstrapping it:

“We are responsible for our teams lives. There is an emotional side to it.”

“As a founder and leader your job is a fiduciary responsibility to increase holder value—we are not robots. You are a human leading the company. At some point your agendas don’t match. It is always good to align with your executive team and your investors around what the plan is for the next three to five years.”

Molly Hayward 

On the why behind Cora...

“You know for me it started from a place of pure inspiration. I was travelling in Kenya and found out that all the girls were missing school during the month of their period because they couldn’t afford period products. How fucked up is that?”

“When I looked into the industry I was shocked at how unconscious we were when it came to the impact of the products we were using.”

On creating and growing her business...

“For me, the disruptive piece came from not knowing any better. Not feeling like there was a rule I had to follow, not feeling like there was something I had to differently.”

“It was clear to me that I wanted to create a brand that represented the values of the modern woman. It’s sad that that is considered disruptive, but it is.”

“It is taking the attitude of: ‘I’m going to let who I am lead this process’ and following your gut.”

“Best Advice: Make more than you spend. At the end of the day if you can you do that in as lean of a way as possible, you put yourself in the strongest position.” 

On raising money...

“In the first 18 months from idea to raising money, I have gone through every type of funding—self-funded at first and from there I did a crowdfunding campaign.”

“There’s no wrong way to do this.”

“Be conscious of your cash flow.”

“I was by no means an expert and I leaned on other investors and other entrepreneurs I know and asking what I need to do next.”

“Finance and investing is still a male-dominated industry—women are still breaking in.” 

“You're not alone, let it be a learning experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don't feel like you're not worthy of that answer and that money in the end.”

Hilary McCain

On the importance of working with others...

“Sell the dream. Convince the people around you to build something with you.”

“One way we have found to get good people involved is giving equity to every person involved in the company, from the top down to the bottom.”

On raising money...

“The second you raise money, the clock starts ticking. There is enormous pressure, but I might not have completely appreciated how much you are held to those numbers.”

Arielle Loren

On raising funds...

“There are so many options and for us, it's about educating people about their options. Know where you fall in the process, then you can set yourself up for success.”

“How can you show proof of concept as early in your business as possible? What can you do in the meantime to position yourself and your company as something with potential?”

“Raising money doesn’t mean you have a profitable and viable business yet.”

Mastering the Three C's: Content, community, and commerce 

Panelists:

Marie Forleo | Marie Forleo, author of the instant #1 NY Times Bestseller, Everything is Figureotuable

Courtney Quinn | Founder, Color Me Courtney

Leann Livingston | Brand Manager, Square

Ginger Siegel | North America Small Business Lead, Mastercard
Claire O’Connor | Editorial Director, Bumble

Mallory Blair | CEO, Small Girls PR

Moderator: 

Reesa Lake | Partner, EVP of Brand Partnerships, Digital Brand Architects

Marie Forleo 

On content...

“Content, when you create it right, gives you the opportunity to create trust and confidence long before you ask anyone for a sale.”

“Consumers understandably have a lot of skepticism—content is the most important signal for us to show what we stand for.”
 

On community...

“It's about paying attention to people and making them feel seen, heard, acknowledged.”

On social media followers…

“If you go holy shit, 300 people care about what I say and you treat those people like gold, you make them feel loved seen heard, that's what matters.”

“People’s bullshit-meters are so high, so you have to be rooted in your heart and a genuine caring.”

On commerce…

“No matter what business you're in, you have got to become masterful in marketing and sales—it is the lifeblood of your business— understand the people you’re serving.”

Courtney Quinn

On community...

“If you’re focusing on people who don't follow you, it's a waste of time. You have people who are already here, focus on them. My community is the reason I grow.”
“I create content for the people who are following me. I invest in them.”

On commerce...

“People want to promote what I stand for.”

“I think if people care about you as a creator, they will want to buy what you're selling.”

“I have to fall in love with the story before I fall in love with the product.”

“Have people fall in love with you and what you do, the money will follow and it is an easy way to bridge the gap between content and commerce.”

“When you create a clear brand, it helps you differentiate early on.”

On being authentic in what you show... 

“You can't fake the things that are you.”

“I picked five things that were me to a tee. I put my top five everywhere and looked at those five things whenever I was producing any content and if it didn’t check the box, then it doesn’t get seen.”

Leann Livingston

On content…

“60% of consumers are looking for brands that have values and use that to make purchase decisions.”

On community...

“If we want to be about small business owners, we need to be about the community.”

“Find out how you can partner with the communities that are already built and thriving.”

On women-owned businesses that are crushing it... 

“Your business can represent so much more than just what you sell.”

Ginger Siegel

On content...

“Planning everything out isn’t going to work in this real-time marketing environment. What you need is agility.”

On community…

“Particularly with female entrepreneurs, we are much more apt to be drawn into a community.”

Mallory Blair 

On content...

“Rise above the clutter—How do you stand for more?” 

On community...

“Make a list of brands you feel are in the same universe and reach out, offer to cross promote their brand.”

Re-Imagined Retail: From brick & mortar to DTC we explore how the future of the shop is being shaped

Panelists:

Lisa Price | Founder, Carol’s Daughter Inc. 

Ali Kriegsman | Co-Founder and COO, Bulletin

Dianna Cohen | Founder, Levitate

Jessica Kahan Dvorett | SVP at CaaStle and General Manager, Haverdash and Gwynnie Bee

Lisa Mastela | CEO, Bumpin Blends

Moderator: 

Christine Michel Carter | Writer and Global Marketing Strategist

Lisa Price

On holding your own self back...

“I had to stop blaming me, and get out of my own way.”

On conversation with the customer…

“The thing that is most important is your storytelling and your authenticity. When I started I didn't need to worry about what am I going to post about today, I could just create products. Today, you have to have a dialogue.”

Lisa Mastela

On guilt...

“Letting go of the guilt of failure has been the hardest for me. I would be overwhelmed by those feelings and want to quit. When you experience failure over and over and over again, which you do, be able to bounce back and learn from it.”

Maker Economy: A Conversation With Madewell’s Hometown Heroes and Nest on Building Your Handmade Biz From the Ground Up

Panelists:

Lacie RZ Porta, Founder, Framed Florals 

Natalie Borton, Founder, Natalie Borton Jewelry 

Virginia Sin, Founder, SIN 

Amanda Lee, Director of Brand Strategy & Sourcing at Nest

Moderator: 

Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate

Lacie RZ Porta

On press impacting the business...

“If you know you're going to have more traffic to your site, plan for it, prep for it. Even if you don't, learn from it.“

On life learnings...

“I learn the most from the things I wasn't prepared for.”

“If it's not a ‘hell yes’ it's a no.”

Natalie Borton

On Hometown Goods with Madewell...

“There was legitimacy that came with Madewell being willing to sell my goods.” 

Virginia Sin

On goals…

“For any goal, you have to have detailed steps on how you get there and look back at your values and make sure you're not compromising as you get there.”

On best advice...

“Authenticity. Being able to tell a story that's differentiating. There is only one you—if you can share your story and make it compelling, it will go a long way. Never give up.” 

Amanda Lee

Best advice for women...

“Key in on your values and brand values. In a quickly changing world, things change but if you hone in on who you are and your values that will always stay true.”


Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork: How to scale your business and take it to the next level [POWERED BY MASTERCARD]

Panelists:

Morgan DeBaun | Founder and CEO, Blavity (WSBAC)

Sonja Rasula | CEO and Founder, Unique Markets (WSBAC)

Katie Rosen | Co-Founder, FabFitFun (WSBAC)

Jordan Jones | Founder and CEO, Packed Party
Cheryl Guerin | EVP North America Marketing & Communications, Mastercard

Moderator: 

Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate

Cheryl Guerin

On best advice...

“I think you have to be scrappy with all of the tools at your disposal”

Sonja Rasula

On money...

“I took all of my savings, every penny that I had, and I started the business.” 

“I’ve never lost a penny. I never took a loan. I’ve never needed investment in 11 years.”

On best advice...

“Female entrepreneurship is now being given the light that it deserves.”

“If you believe that you have a good idea and you believe in yourself, and you have the confidence, there is no reason why you shouldn’t invest in yourself.”

“If you believe in yourself, why the fuck wouldn’t you put everything you have into it?”

“If you believe in yourself, do it. Risk it. Time is not a luxury we have.” 

On what the world wants…

“People are craving human, in-person connection again.” 

Katie Rosen

On nothing is perfect…

“We have re-written our mission 6000 times.”

“Invest in what works and throw away what doesn’t.”

Jordan Jones

On strengths...

“I knew my strengths and I played to them”

Morgan DeBaun

On investing...

“The point of investment is to grow the business. You have to maintain what you’re doing and also get return 10x.”

On diversifying…

“Content is the cheapest way to build a business—we leveraged content.” 

“The black community is so underserved, so we were creating content for them.” 

How a Former Exec Channeled Her Frustration Into a Multi-Million Dollar Company

This post is in paid partnership with Caulipower.

Gail Becker, founder and CEO, Caulipower chats with Create & Cultivate editorial director, Sacha Strebe at the San Francisco Conference. Photo: Smithhouse Photo

Have you ever considered leaving your cushy, well-paying corporate career for a completely different line of work? It’s hard to put aside a steady paycheck (and benefits) to take a leap into the unknown but that’s exactly what Gail Becker did. She is real-life proof that following your gut and leaving your comfort zone can actually pay off—literally! At our San Francisco conference this year, we had the pleasure of hosting a fireside chat with the founder and CEO of CAULIPOWER and we were blown away by her incredible entrepreneurial story.  

Not only did she leave her high-flying position as president of strategic partnerships and globalization at Edelman to pursue a business in frozen food (who would have thought?)—she made a product that everyone can enjoy, that is nutritious, convenient and tastes good. But where did it all begin? After discovering both of her sons had celiac disease, Becker was desperate for nutritious gluten-free food options. When she couldn’t find any healthy (or tasty) choices, she did what every mom would—she made her own. She found hundreds of thousands of recipes for cauliflower-crust pizza online and decided to try it. Her sons loved it, but it took 90 minutes—time she didn’t have as a working mom—so she figured she could find it in stores, but it was nowhere to be found.  

Becker channeled her frustration with the lack of gluten-free options and the industry’s slowness to innovate into a groundbreaking idea to make cauliflower-crust pizzas available in stores. She quit her job to start CAULIPOWER and now, a little over two years later, her company is on track to generate $100 million in revenue this year—that’s the power of a frustrated mom! In that time CAULIPOWER pizzas have become the #1 better-for-you pizza and #8 frozen pizza brand in the U.S., and the company has expanded their family of better-for-you products, with a mission to reinvent our favorite foods, one healthy meal hack at a time.

Drawing from what consumers are meal hacking at home, their products now include cauliflower tortillas, sweet potato “toast” and their most recent innovation: baked not fried chicken tenders, the healthiest tenders on the market at only 490 calories for the whole bag (seriously!).

Follow along for a deeper look into why Becker started her business, what it takes to be successful, and so much more. 

On not hiding the healthy ingredients… 

“We’re so proud of being a vegetable, we put it in our name”

“We like to celebrate the magic of vegetables.” 

On starting CAULIPOWER…

“Why did I wait so long to do what my heart wanted me to do?”

“CAULIPOWER was born out of the convergence of this realization that I needed something more meaningful, and my own frustration of trying to find more foods that are gluten-free.”

“Why can’t we all share from the same plate? That’s the ethos behind CAULIPOWER.”

“When you care about something so much that you’re willing to risk everything for it, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do—there’s no amount of hours of sleep you wouldn’t give up.” 

“It’s (CAULIPOWER) more rewarding than anything I could’ve ever dreamed.”

“It does take a toll. I want to be super honest about that. There’s a lot of blood, sweat, and literal tears behind all of that. People never talk about that part.” 

“When you care about something so much that you’re willing to risk everything for it, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do—there’s no amount of hours of sleep you wouldn’t give up.”

—Gail Becker, Founder and CEO, Caulipower

On how to hire the right people... 

“Every single person at CAULIPOWER today feels like it’s their company, and that’s how it should be. Those are the kind of people you should hire.”

“You need people that are going to be as passionate and care as much as you—I hired people who wanted to take a leap, too.”

”They have to really have the passion to try to make the world a little bit better.”

On raising capital...

“To grow a business, you have to have money, and you have to have some sales before you raise money, ideally.”

“Don’t let the thought of raising money get in the way of actually building your business.”

On the brand...

“Everything about the brand is accessible—accessible in the way it looks, the way it tastes, the stores it’s sold in, and the fact that we donate to teaching gardens.”

Sign up to be a Create & Cultivate Insider and watch the video of Gail Becker in conversation with our editorial director, Sacha Strebe at the San Francisco Conference, and so much more from our video vault. 

"We’ve Learned By Doing"—How to Launch a Skincare Line From Scratch (From Someone Who Just Did It)

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.

Onekind co-founder Madison Ruggieri believes in offering luxurious and quality skincare at a fair price

Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate

Why do good wellness products always seem to hurt your wallet? Madison Ruggieri has a very simple answer to this question: they shouldn’t. Frustrated by the lack of choice in the skincare aisle that felt luxurious and affordable, Ruggieri decided to do something disruptive and start her own. She joined forces with her brother Matt to launch a luxury men’s grooming e-tailer called TheMotley.com and a dedicated men’s skincare line, Port Products available in Nordstrom, Neimans, and Lord & Taylor.

Through working in men’s grooming for the past decade, they became aware of how unnecessarily marked up skincare aimed at women can be. Because of their backgrounds, the duo was able to produce quality products that were more affordable than those sold by their beauty competitors. And so the idea for Onekind was born—luxurious skincare made accessible for all.

Today, Ruggieri sits down with us to share her words of wisdom that can only be gained from years in the world of business. From talking about how to stand out in a saturated industry, to the importance of teamwork, to the most difficult parts of building your own brand (the name being one of them.) You’re not going to want to skip out on this segment of From Scratch.

“I love that it (the brand name) brings to mind both ‘one of a kind’ and ‘humankind.’ It’s really important to me that the brand feels, first and foremost, human and honest.”

—Madison Ruggieri

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

“We did put together an informal business plan with a plan for growth and revenue projections. Our projections were based on our previous experience running a men’s grooming brand, and it's been helpful to have some kind of framework on which to establish goals.”

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

“Coming up with the brand name was one of the absolute most difficult parts of developing the brand. We had product formulas finished before we had a brand name. We wanted a name that would feel inclusive and that we could take in whichever direction the brand might eventually grow into. We also wanted a name that expressed our values without being cheesy.

“We spent weeks shooting ideas back and forth around the office. We even went to a naming expert. We had a few false starts and then would check trademarks or social to find those names were taken already or would be confusing to the consumer. Onekind ended up being absolutely perfect. It checked all of our boxes and I love that it brings to mind both “one of a kind” and “humankind”. It’s really important to me that the brand feels, first and foremost, human and honest.”

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

“While trying to come up with a brand name, we were constantly checking to make sure the name would be available across all the necessary channels from the website domain to social. Once we had the name Onekind, we just hit the ground running to secure a website domain, social accounts, file for a trademark, etc.”

“My advice when looking for a trustworthy manufacturer is to ask around. If you know other brands who have a non-competing customer demographic or focus, ask them who they’ve worked with.”

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

“My brother Matt and I have been running a men’s grooming brand for the last 10 years so we had plenty of experience with all of the steps needed to launch Onekind. We already had experience with sourcing, product development, marketing, etc. We also know how important it is to speak with your customers and ask them what they actually want you to make. That’s why prior to any development, I surveyed a few hundred people on their skincare routines. I was specifically interested in hearing what types of products they were currently spending the most money on and which ingredients they were looking for in those products.

“It became very clear that anti-aging and targeted treatments (specifically night cream, serums, eye cream, etc) were where people were splurging the most, and we decided to tackle bringing consumers those products at a much more affordable price point first. I highly recommend doing some market research, both reading up on industry reports and just talking to as many people in your customer demographic, before investing in production. You may think you know what consumers are looking for, but you really don’t know until you ask.”

How did you find the manufacturer/production facility that you use?

“For Onekind, we knew exactly who our all-star team of manufacturers would be because we’ve been developing products for our men's brands for a decade. When we first delved into product development years ago, we reached out to tons of local Los Angeles labs only to be turned away because we were too small. We finally found a few willing to work with us at a low minimum, and we’ve built those relationships over the years. We’ve learned how important it is to educate yourself on raw materials, packaging, testing, all the elements that go into production and then always ask your manufacturers the details: What exactly does this ingredient add? Do we really need it?

“We’ve found that a lot of ingredients are added to formulas in minuscule amounts just so a brand can make a label claim, and it was important to us with Onekind to only include ingredients that actually provide efficacy. If the only purpose is hype, we take it out of the formula. My advice when looking for a trustworthy manufacturer is to ask around. If you know other brands who have a non-competing customer demographic or focus, ask them who they’ve worked with. It also can be worth hiring a development consultant because they know the ins and outs of the industry, can open doors and will likely end up saving you a ton of money and mistakes in the long run.”

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

“We are currently self-funded, although we will likely raise money in the near future. There are definite pros and cons to both approaches. By being self-funded for so long, we’ve been forced to do everything in the most efficient way possible which is definitely a skill set. It also has allowed us to learn without being beholden to anyone else. On the flip side, there’s only so much you can do on a tight budget. There have been opportunities that we’ve had to pass up because we haven’t had the bandwidth to pursue them.”

Photo: Courtesy of Onekind

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

“I'm currently not paying myself as we’ve just launched Onekind. For a while, everything will be reinvested into the business.”

How big is your team now? What has the hiring process like? Did you have hiring experience? If not, how did you learn and what have you learned about it along the way?

“Our team is still really small. We’re a total of five on a daily basis. I didn’t have prior experience hiring or managing people, and it’s definitely a learning curve. It takes a lot of practice to be a good leader and to know who’s actually going to be the right fit for your team. We’ve learned by doing, and we’re still learning. One thing I think is really important when hiring is making sure you give the person you’re looking to bring on an honest look at what working with you will be like.

“It’s so easy to want to make the job sound super fun and glamorous, but you really shouldn’t shy away from sharing the down and dirty. Startup life isn’t for everyone. It’s a lot of work, and everyone wears multiple hats. You want anyone you hire to know exactly what they’re signing up for and still be excited about it.”

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

“My brother and business partner Matt handle our accounting. If you’re not accounting savvy, which I’m definitely not, I’d recommend definitely bringing on someone who is.”

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

“Starting a business is in itself a huge learning curve. I’d say the most challenging aspects for me have been those things that you probably would learn if you went to business school—corporate structure, fundraising, etc.”

“Startup life isn’t for everyone. It’s a lot of work, and everyone wears multiple hats. You want anyone you hire to know exactly what they’re signing up for and still be excited about it.”

—Madison Ruggieri

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

F”or Onekind, our focus is actually direct-to-consumer so we aren’t looking for retail partners. Our only retail partner at launch is Heyday and that’s because we’ve had a long relationship with them. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable about product, and we wanted one trusted place for people to be able to try Onekind in person.”

Do you have a business coach or mentor?

“I don’t have a coach or mentor but I do have a network of founder friends who I can go to with questions. One thing I’ve learned along the way is how important it is to have those people who you can go to for advice, feedback or just to commiserate with. I’m lucky to have my brother as a business partner, but running a business can be really lonely and you’re constantly just trying to figure things out, so having other people who know what you’re going through and can maybe offer their support is key.”

“I highly recommend doing some market research and just talking to as many people in your customer demographic, before investing in production. You may think you know what consumers are looking for, but you really don’t know until you ask.”

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

“We’re doing a lot of gifting to micro-influencers, particularly other female founders, and we're also hosting a few events in Los Angeles to create some buzz and get people excited about the launch. Advertising will be a big component of how we promote the brand, and we are also working with a great PR agency to help get press for Onekind.

“It’s a lot to focus on, but I think it’s important to try to get in front of people from multiple angles because if they hear about you once, they just forget. You need them to see your brand over and over to the point where they think, “I keep hearing about this new brand. I should really check them out."

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?

“It’s too early to tell because we’ve just launched but check-in with me in a year. I’m sure I’ll have some mistakes to report then.”

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

“Make sure you’re really ready to do a massive amount of work and know you’re probably going to make a bunch of mistakes. It’s just part of the process.”

Read more from small business founders and how they launched their brand from the ground up in our From Scratch series.

Pack This, Not That: The Carry-On Essentials a Beauty Executive Won't Board a Plane Without

This post is in partnership with Supergoop!

Traveling is fun but it can also be taxing on your body, especially when your job requires you to be on a plane every other week—because let’s be honest, planes are breeding grounds for bacteria. So, how do you stay healthy and make your flight more enjoyable? In our new series, Pack This, Not That we ask regular jet setters—from CEOs to entrepreneurs—to share the carry-on essentials they won’t board a plane without.

“As a working mom, I never have a lot of time to think about what I pack, so I pretty much always wear the same thing and I know the few healthy things I can find to eat at the airport.”

—Amanda Baldwin, President, Supergoop!

As the president of Supergoop!, it’s safe to say Amanda Baldwin spends a lot of time on a plane. In the past two years, sun care has officially surpassed the growth of skincare and this game-changing line has been at the forefront of that movement—they make SPF look cool. For context, Supergoop! took in over $40 million in revenue in 2018, twice as much as the year prior. And with Baldwin at the helm, the company is on track to triple in size.

Naturally, we were curious as to what her carry-on essentials are when she flies and apparently her plane routine is super simple—just how we like it. “As a working mom, I never have a lot of time to think about what I pack so I pretty much always wear the same thing and know the few healthy things I can find to eat at the airport,” she says. “I’ve also learned that while work travel can be tiring (and I certainly miss my little guy when I am away) I still enjoy the adventure of seeing someplace new, catching up with a friend who lives in another city or simply getting in a peaceful workout and breakfast before the day begins (not my usual routine at home!).”

Read on to discover the 7 things this jet-setting exec never boards a plane without.

T. Anthony Wheeled-1 Suiter $695

“My parents bought me my first piece of this luggage when I graduated from high school and I have been adding to it ever since. I still have pieces from over 20 years ago so that says something about the quality. And it’s red so it sticks out on the baggage claim for the times when I have to check.”

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Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream $14

“Did you know that UVA rays can come right through plane windows? I always wear SPF no matter what, and our Supergoop! Hand cream and lip balm keep my skin from getting too dry.”

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Apple EarPods with 3.5 mm Headphone Plug $29

“A long plane ride is always a good time to catch up on big projects—thinking through a board deck, a big new opportunity for our business, or even just the endless piles of emails and slacks that never seem to get smaller. I also have learned that plane rides are my only chance to see movies so earphones are a must to sneak one in.”

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Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald $10

“My kindle app is my favorite for take off and landing—back to that whole working mom thing—to get in those precious minutes of reading time. Right now I am loving Z and next up for me is a business book called Radical Candor recommended by my YPO group. I usually try to flip back and forth between fiction and something educational as I love both.”

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Vince Raglan Sleeve Cardigan $465

“I have lost count of how many black sweaters I have. They are the best universal to throw on whenever you are in transit. Add basic black leggings from Nordstrom plus a white Madewell T-shirt and a black wrap—I’m done.”

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Rothy’s Sneaker $125

“Like everyone else, I’ve gotten into sneakers. Who knew that one pair would never do? My latest this summer were these from Rothy’s. And I always love a classic pair of Converse.”

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Bare Baked Crunchy Simply Banana Chips $4

“Snacks! I learned this lesson the hard way once getting on what I thought was a quick flight with no food and then getting stuck for hours. I can’t think straight if I am hungry so I always have some Bare Banana Chips and RX Bars in my bag, and a Hint Flavored Water.”

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To discover more of our favorite Supergoop! products, visit supergoop.com

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I Want Your Job: How OLLY's Marketing Manager Landed Her Dream Role (and How You Can Too)

This post is in partnership with OLLY.

How many times have you peered voyeuristically into the lives of people you admire via social media, video, or published interviews and wondered what it must be like to do their job? We’ve all been down that research rabbit hole on our quest to create and cultivate the career of our dreams but often we’re still left pondering about the realities of their day-to-day—so, what is it really like? Well in this series, I Want Your Job we uncover the truth by getting down to the nitty-gritty on what it’s actually like to work in your quote-unquote “dream job” and if the reality stacks up to the expectation.

"You will never know unless you try and if it doesn’t work out or wasn’t what you expected, you have to look at it as a step forward to get you where you’re meant to be."

—Mari Mazzucco, Marketing Manager, OLLY

Passion. We all have it, but so many of us feel as though we can’t dive into what brings us joy because it doesn’t entirely align with our career goals. Well, what if we told you that pursuing your passions could actually strengthen the skills you need for your career?

Nobody is greater living proof of this than OLLY marketing manager, Mari Mazzucco. After falling in love with art history in high school, Mazzucco majored in the subject in college and pursued internships at museums and galleries before getting her first job. While she didn’t realize it at the time, studying art history actually granted her the foundational skills needed to enable her career in marketing. How, you ask?

This may sound far-fetched, but our interview with Mazzucco proves that when it comes to pursuing both your personal and professional goals, you can have your cake and eat it, too. And that every job along the way, no matter how big or how small, are all cumulative towards your end goal.

Don’t believe us? Read on and see for yourself.

On her career journey…

“I originally had accepted an offer after graduating at a contemporary art auction house, but when a friend introduced me to the founders of a soon-to-be-launched basics brand, I put the art world on hold and joined their team. I really lucked out. The company was small and leadership was supportive, allowing me to explore and take ownership of different roles. I quickly learned that I was passionate about marketing, and worked my way up to managing everything from social media to copywriting and editorial. Influencers were just starting to emerge as an alternative marketing channel and I soon realized this was something I wanted to pursue further.

“I met the founders of Collectively and was impressed with how they humanized the brand-influencer relationship. It wasn’t about being transactional, but rather a true mutual creative endeavor. I joined their team as a community manager, and then took roles in campaign and account management. Agency life is fast-paced and you work with a diverse range of brands, so you’re constantly met with new challenges. It can be stressful but rewarding to see innovative partnerships come to life.

“I had been following OLLY since launch, and when I saw they were hiring I immediately jumped on the opportunity. I was looking for roles that would allow me to work cross-functionally and to expand my knowledge of marketing and general business. I originally started as the influencer lead, and since then, the role has expanded to PR and partnerships. It’s been amazing to be a part of the OLLY journey, from startup through Unilever acquisition.”

On what she studied…

“I majored in art history. It was a required course in high school and I instantly fell in love with the subject, knowing that I wanted it to be an academic focus for me in college. Not only do you obtain a solid understanding of design and aesthetics, you learn how to be an analytical and creative thinker, and a strong writer, public speaker, and researcher. I didn’t realize it then, but I was creating the foundation I needed to have a career in marketing.”

On interning before she landed the job…

“Leading up to my first job, I had only interned at museums and galleries, so I never had traditional marketing or communications work experience. One of my most memorable internships was at the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco. I spent the summer working with the lead curator of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, assisting with research and curation for the Impressionist Paris: City of Light exhibition, featuring works on loan from the Musée D’Orsay. It was incredibly tedious and it taught me that no task is ever too small.

“Finding ways to gain experience within particular roles or fields of interest is the best way to determine what you want professionally. You will never know unless you try and if it doesn’t work out or wasn’t what you expected, you have to look at it as a step forward to get you where you’re meant to be.”

“When you’re looking for a job, make sure you research the people, not just the role or the company.”

—Mari Mazzucco, Marketing Manager, OLLY

On what her day-to-day looks like…

“If I’m honest, it’s a lot of emails, meetings, and calls (and many coffee breaks in between). But if I were to break it down, really my day-to-day consists of everything from campaign planning and ideation, contract negotiations, budget management, content reporting and analytics, content review and creative briefing, and every once-in-a-while, events, meetings with editors, and photoshoots. I work closely with brand, social, and e-commerce to ensure we’re executing a true 360 approach.”

On the common misconceptions of her job…

“It’s definitely not as glamorous as it may seem and there’s no one set approach or formula to influencer marketing. Because these are true relationships, you have to be flexible and agile. I’ve found that the strongest performing content is often a result of brand trust—if you feel like you need to be heavily involved in the content creation process, then it probably isn’t the best fit.”

“I’d say that when you’re looking for a job, make sure you research the people, not just the role or the company.”

On advice for young professionals…

“Take the time to reach out to people who work in the field or role you’re interested in. Whether you find them on LinkedIn or meet at events like Create & Cultivate, never be afraid to ask for time to connect. People are more eager than you realize to discuss their own career experiences and to help out. Be direct about what you’re hoping to gain from your meeting, do your research, and prepare questions.”

On the importance of mentors…

“Absolutely. Mentorship affords you the opportunity to reflect on your own professional practices and to seek that of others. Personally, the relationships I’ve developed within and outside our organization have been key to my professional growth. In some instances, it’s actually directly led me to my next job.”

On career podcasts to tune into…

“How I Built This with Guy Raz is my favorite podcast. It tells the stories behind some of the most well-known companies and innovators. I tend to listen whenever I feel like I’m in a bit of a creative rut.”

On what keeps her motivated on challenging days…

“Working with such an intelligent and driven group of people. Anytime I feel a sense of doubt, I know I have a network I can turn to for advice and input. I’d say that when you’re looking for a job, make sure you research the people, not just the role or the company.”

On the OLLY initiative, she’s most proud of…

“It’s hard to choose just one! We’ve worked with Makeup by Mario for the past few years, and in the spring launched a co-branded product, which was a really exciting evolution to our partnership. In general, though, it’s been so rewarding to see how awareness and sentiment have changed over time, particularly via engagement with our long-term ambassadors. At first, many had not heard of OLLY or tried our products, but now when you scroll through the comments you see people say how obsessed they are, how it’s improved their health, and really changed their quality of life.”

On her best work hack…

“There is great power in the art of list-making. I make lists for everything, and especially on the days or weeks that I have a lot going on, it really helps keep my mind sorted, which is half the battle to get things done. Sometimes this can get daunting, so I break it down by day or even hourly. I find that when you complete even the most simple task, that sense of accomplishment helps keep you motivated. When I really need to head down, I put my phone away (easier said than done), block off time on my calendar, and find a quiet space.”

To discover more about OLLY visit, olly.com.

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