Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Remi Ishizuka

THE RAYY OF SUNSHINE. 

Catch her outside. (Seriously. Remi loves an outdoor workout.)

Fitness and health blogger Remi Ishizuka knows what it’s like to slave away at a day job while hustling to build your own empire.

As a 9-5 interior designer, Ishizuka became completely obsessed with taking the freelance plunge and creating content for her Instagram account @rryayme. And just like that she gave her two weeks notice—the rest is all sculpted ads and smoothies. “If you don’t build your own dream, someone else will hire you to help you build theirs,” advises the go-getting wellness guru.

From winter melon soup recipes to booty challenges, RRAYYME will whip your world into working(out) order.

Name: Remi Ishizuka

Instagram Handle: @rrayyme

You do more before 8am than anyone I know! Where do your drive and passion come from?

I get such a natural high working out first thing in the morning and love the pace that it sets for the rest of the day.

What kind of discipline has working out taught you?

It’s taught me that nothing comes easy but you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Consistency is key and it’s not a race. You can’t build anything (muscles or a business) if you aren’t consistently working hard at it day in and day out.

"You can’t build anything if you aren’t consistently working hard at it day in and day out."

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How did that discipline help you when launching your site?

I knew it was time to branch out and have my own site after building my Instagram for a year. I remember waking up at 4 am one morning with a huge urge to create and launch my site...and I’m so glad I did.

What kind of knowledge to do you hope to impart to your followers?

We all get caught up in our busy schedules and sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. My hope is that we all make time for self-care at least once during the day. Whether it’s scheduling a workout with a friend after work, or waking up 20 minutes early to make yourself a warm matcha latte to enjoy by the window, or taking a bath after a long day- all these little moments adds up and makes you feel good and we all deserve that!

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When someone talks while eating a banana. [ed note: LOL] 

What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?

From the surface, creating content may come off easy but the reality is- there are always at least 100 bad photos, hours of brainstorming, planning and usually 5-6 different projects going on simultaneously. It’s a lot of fun but it’s definitely busy and hectic too.

Creating content may come off easy but the reality is- there are always at least 100 bad photos, hours of brainstorming, planning and usually 5-6 different projects going on simultaneously.

What about your career makes you feel the most complete?

When I receive an email from someone in the military that they’ve come to my blog and found inspiration for resetting, a DM from a girl telling me she sees a brighter future after recovering from an eating disorder. Nothing makes me feel more purposeful than hearing that someone found motivation through me or learned something useful and tried something new. It’s the best!

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?

I'd love to trade spots with Jack Morris of @doyoutravel and take photos of the world's most gorgeous places.

At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?

I was working my 9-5 at an interior design firm and ALL I could think about was creating content for @rrayyme. I knew I had reached a point where I had to follow my heart and make the jump in order to grow. I quit my stable full-time job shortly after the office cleaning lady asked me, “What are you waiting for, tell your boss you’re quitting next week, JUST DO IT!” ...and just like that I wrote my 2 weeks notice and went for it!

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

If you don’t build your own dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs.

"If you don’t build your own dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs."

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When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?

I talk it out! I’m so lucky to have friends and family around me that I can trust to lean on and talk through bumps in the road. But at the end of the day, I just trust my gut, stay positive, and move forward.

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

"Shake it Off" by Mariah Carey.

Photo Credit: @davisfactor

Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai

TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE WELLNESS LIST CLICK HERE. 

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Create & Cultivate 100: Philanthropy: Sara Ziff

MODEL BEHAVIOR. 

It starts like any ordinary "dream" story.

At the age of 14, Sara Ziff was approached by a model scout on the streets of New York City. She was signed and found herself in high demand, albeit overwhelmed by her instant success. 

She was still a teenager after all, traveling the world to walk runways and starring in major campaigns for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren. From the outside, it was a dream. From the inside, it was something entirely different. Working as a teen model with little emotional, logistical or financial support, Sara was dealing with intense feelings of vulnerability and confusion. 

In 2009, she and a boyfriend, director Ole Schell released the documentary Picture Me, an inner look at the fashion world. Initially intended to be a video diary of her experiences as a model, it became an exposé on the sinister underbelly of the fashion world. The documentary told her story, but it told another much darker story of child workers in a completely unregulated industry. “I think because we are young, women have not been taken seriously for such a long. People think it’s glamorous or we’re lucky. But it can be as non-glamours as trafficking,” she's said.

Since Picture Me, Ziff has dedicated her life to improving the working conditions for models, fighting for their rights on set and off with Model Alliance. Models, unlike actors, have no union. They are considered freelancers and are offered little protection, from long hours to abuse on set. And it's not only limited to females. A NY Times piece recently outlined egregious abuse of male models on set as well. In light of reports of abuse, Condé Nast, LVMH & Kering have announced voluntary, self-enforced codes. "A successful effort will require benchmarking best practices, running trainings & submitting to independent oversight," Tweeted Sara. In December, Sara testified at the NYC Commission on Human Rights hearing on sexual harassment in the workplace.

She has truly lived a hundred lives since the day she was scouted, graduating magna cum laude from Columbia University with a degree in political and receiving her M.P.A. from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

As founder and Executive Director of Model Alliance, a nonprofit organization that works with major designers and industry leaders to establish fair labor standards within the American fashion industry, she is dedicated to moving the needle in the modeling industry. It is run entirely by volunteers. 

More from Sara below. 

Name: Sara Ziff

Instagram: @SaraZiff

What are some of your proudest accomplishments?

Model Alliance launched in February 2012, and we’ve done so much. I’m most proud of the extended child labor laws that protect models under 18 in the state of New York. As I reflect on the last year, I am both immensely proud of what the Model Alliance has accomplished and hopeful for what the New Year will bring. We kicked off 2017 at the Women’s March on Washington and closed out the year with the announcements of two pieces of legislation, which, if enacted, will afford models protections against sexual harassment in the workplace from New York to California. 

What was your first project with the Model Alliance?

The very first thing we did was partner with two unions: Actors Equity and AGMA, the American Guild of Musical Artists. With them, we set up this grievance reporting service because we knew we ourselves and other models had all this sexual harassment and abuse that we’d experienced, or one-sided contracts with our agencies, or difficulty getting paid the money that we were owed, but there wasn’t really a safe place to air those grievances. So that was, I think, the very first thing that we did.

We also met with editors at American Vogue and talked about this connection between the extreme youth of models on the runway and the body image concerns, and shortly thereafter they introduced the Vogue initiative. We also pushed for backstage privacy during fashion week.

Those were our three primary things, and we did that knowing the industry is resistant to change, but things like backstage privacy, or creating a policy of not hiring models under the age of 16, there’s no expense involved. It’s just about rallying different stakeholders together to agree that it’s the right thing to do.

What was the community's response to Picture Me?

["Picture Me"] was on the festival circuit in 2009, and it was really at Q&A discussions for the film that we started talking about the need for a union, like the equivalent of the Screen Actors' Guild, which is now SAG-AFTRA, for models. Models would come to these screenings and get really emotional talking about bad experiences they’ve had, and the film became this organizing tool to raise awareness publicly, but also within the industry. We wanted an existing union to extend membership to models, but when it became clear that that wasn't possible, I was crazy enough to take it upon myself and start up from scratch, which people warned me not to do, but I also was studying labor and organizing in college.

What are the day-to-day operations of the Model Alliance like?

We have this grievance reporting service so we hear pretty regularly from models who have questions about their agency contracts — there are a lot of models who have difficulty getting paid the money they’re owed. Just yesterday, I was dealing with a model and her mother who were dealing with a bogus agent who was posing as a legitimate agent, and who was trying to get her to send photos and measurements to someone who was, I think, clearly unprofessional and kind of dangerous. There are so many scams in this industry, even at a high level. It’s more than any one organization working on a volunteer basis can handle, and that’s why we’ve looked at what we can do with legislation to save our models in the industry.

If you had a daughter who wanted to follow in your footsteps what advice would you give her?

If I had a daughter I’d say to her “Hold off on modeling, focus on school. There’s no need to grow up too fast.” I think it’s important for young girls to know that they really need to set their own standards and understand their own comfort levels.

Were there moments of self-doubt during your modeling career?

When you’re working at 14 you’re such an opportunist! You’re not thinking about the long term and what you want and need. I had this sense for a long time that was gnawing at me that I needed to be in a different environment where I wasn’t just being asked about myself all the time — my horoscope or hair color. That can be fun, but if that is all you are talking about with people it can be a little mind-numbing.

This interview has been edited and condensed from multiple sources.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Alli Webb

REVOLUTIONIZED THE BLOWOUT. 

A blowout is one of the easiest ways to feel better about yourself.

That is, if you can do it. 

Which is exactly what Alli Webb, the blowout brain behind Drybar, the styling only salon first launched in Brentwood in 2010, figured out. 

Prior to launching Drybar, Alli had a mobile salon. In 2008, she began a side business called Straight-at-Home, which provided in-home blowouts on a referral basis in LA. She was driving all over town, blow drying her mom friends' hair. Prior to that she was a stay-at-home mom, and the struggle of getting her own hair done, let alone clean, was all too fresh in her mind. Realizing there was a marketplace for women to get an affordable blowout, in an amazing space, and have a great experience to boot, she was on the road toward Drybar. "That was the first baby ah-ha moment when I realized that I needed to  expand," she says, "because I would book up really fast." But instead of expand the mobile business, Alli knew it was time for a brick-and-mortar, well-curated experience in order to service more women. "I felt like opening a shop would allow me to create a better experience and I could oversee it better." That feeling was right. 

Drybar now services 70+ locations across the United States and Canada, and has a growing product line. 

More from Alli below. 

When did you realize, we've really got something here?

We knew that there was something really special here. I’d like to tell you that this was my grand plan this whole time to expand this thing as big as it is now but it truly wasn’t. I was up at night doing the math to see what we could do to make the business viable but, it was really early on that we realized we were on to something pretty amazing.

You received helped from your brother to launch the first storefront, was that an easy convo?

You know, people want to support people who they believe in. My brother had been watching my little mobile business on the sidelines, and he was like “Oh this is a good idea, it sounds very interesting.” I feel like I got really lucky. My brother has been very successful in his own right working at Yahoo. I knew nothing about raising money or how any of that works when I first started. There were a lot of conversations and talking him into it, but he came to me and said, "Hey, I’d be willing to put up the majority of the money and you guys will have sweat equity," which was a term I didn’t even know at that time. So, I learned. And my husband, Cameron and I did end up putting in, basically our life savings, which wasn’t very much. Michael put in about $250,000 and we put in about $50,000 which really isn’t even that much, but it was all we had.

How did you begin to bran the company once you had funding?

Look, you need to get it as right as you can in the beginning, because you only get one chance. We all felt so strongly about how to unveil this thing-- with tremendous customer service, amazing branding, and the blow out. It just all came together. We knew what we wanted from a successful business launch. Also aesthetically I didn’t want one person having a blue dryer, one person having a red dryer. There were all these little things that I thought about constantly-- like removing the mirror so that the customer could have that big reveal. My head was deeply wrapped around the whole experience. 

How does it feel to have disrupted the industry?

We never thought of it as a disruptive business. I was betting on the fact that there were enough women like me out there, with naturally curly hair, that were already figuring out where to get blow outs. Again, never meant to be disruptive. So when people started to say I changed the industry a year into it, I was like “Oh shit! We did change the industry!"

Growing up, my brother I watched our parents run their own businesses. So we had a, “Let’s start our own business mentality!” But we also thought, “Let’s treat people really good, and do this amazing thing.” That was it. In the back of my mind we hoped it would catch on and we would continue to grow. I don’t think any of us knew how big the opportunities were going to be.

Were you ever nervous or scared?

I remember feeling, nervous and worried that other salon owners would hate me that we did this. We started taking away their blow up business. But we were like, but listen, we’re going to send you color business because women want both and it’s good for everybody.  

I remember the first time we met Chris McMillan. He came up to me and told me like what a big fan he was and I almost passed out. He was somebody that I’d grown up admiring.

"If it’s fun it won’t feel like work."

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 What do you think is your secret weapon?

I really think it’s kindness. I try to be really nice to everybody all the time no matter who they are or what their situation is. I wish everybody was like that. It’s just so much easier to be nice and I’m shocked when people aren’t. I was raised on the philosophy of treat people how you want to be treated.

What is your day-to-day like?

One of the ten core values of Drybar is "have fun." I really do feel like the people that you work with are almost like your family and they’re the people that you’re with more than anybody else. You have to find them enjoyable or it’s just not worth it. I’m a huge believer in that and I say when I’m at my office that I like there to be a certain amount of silliness and fun-- I think it brings out the best in people. People want to work somewhere fun and you want to be excited to go into your job. I know it's so cliche but if it’s fun it won’t feel like work.

Photo Credit: @davisfactor

Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai

TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE BEAUTY LIST CLICK HERE. 

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Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Be Well By Kelly

THE NEW FITNESS #GOALS

Kelly LeVeque is all about Body Love. 

She's also a holistic nutritionist, wellness expert, and celebrity health coach based in Los Angeles, California. The founder behind Be Well by Kelly grew out of the approachable nutritionists lifelong passion for health, the science of nutrition and overall wellness. Guided by a practical and always optimistic approach, Kelly helps clients improve their health, achieve their goals and develop sustainable habits to live a healthy and balanced life. Her understanding of food and our bodies reaction to is non-shaming and demystifying.

Talking to Kelly is like talking to a BFF about food. 

Kelly is extremely passionate about the science of human nutrition. In her new book, Body Love, she shares her secrets for losing weight, attuning ourselves to our bodies’ needs, and freeing ourselves from food drama.

More from Kelly below.

Name: Kelly LeVeque

Instagram Handle: @bewellbykelly

Congrats on the book! Can you chat through what that experience (from writing to putting it out into the world) has been like for you?

Thank you!! Writing Body Love has been the biggest accomplishment of my professional career. I knew when I received my deal from Harper Collins that it was my opportunity to help thousands of people rebuild their relationship with food and themselves, a heavy responsibility that put a ton of pressure on the experience. It wasn't easy, the manuscript changed a dozen times. I worked nights, weekends and missed so many social engagements. At first, the manuscript was a dense science dive but what I ultimately delivered was a book that mirrored a consulting session with me. Body Love is beautifully simple science that will help you ditch the food drama and feel motivated. And by the time my publication date arrived I was ready to launch it into outer space. My friends, family, and clients rallied around me to celebrate and send me off on a 10 city tour. I haven't had kids yet but I feel like I birthed a book baby; it took 12 months to conceive and grow, it was grueling on my body, my emotions were all over the place and it took another 6 months to figure out how to keep it alive it out and feel normal again. But looking back, it was unbelievably worth it and the best thing I have ever created thus far.

How did you stay "well" through the process of writing it?

Two practices that kept me well while writing my book and today include; the #fab4smoothie and personal check-ins! I always start my day with one of the low sugar, meal replacement smoothie recipes from Body Love. The Fab Four Smoothie is known for keeping my clients full, nourished and functioning for 4-6 hours and it 100% helped my survive writing my book, seeing clients and producing content. It was a grueling process and nowhere near perfect; I would miss workouts, lose sleep and meltdown from stress. But, every morning I would take a deep breath, sip my greens and start again. Never underestimate the power of having a chat with yourself and asking yourself "what do I need?" While writing the book, I transitioned from HIIT training to yoga and soulful spin classes with motivational teachers. I needed the positivity and a calm body. I started saying no to media events and nights out opting to sit in my bath and read or have a glass of wine with a friend.

What does wellness mean to you?

Wellness isn't a destination. Transforming our mindset, our nutrition, and our bodies is a journey. It takes practice to be present, to see that big leaps start with small steps and to not get discouraged if we have setbacks. Wellness is the accumulation of the small habits and little steps that make you feel good. Wellness encompasses eating more greens, taking a yoga class, reading a good book, calling your mom and meeting up with your girlfriends to dance the night away. Wellness is the act of giving your life depth, meaning, and purpose so you passionately live it instead of letting it pass you by.

"Wellness is the act of giving your life depth, meaning, and purpose so you passionately live it instead of letting it pass you by."

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Why do you think so many women are struggling with the work/life balance?

Women struggle with balancing work and life because they want it all without ever reframing what giving each 110% looks like. For example, when you have a child you need to recalibrate. It doesn't mean you can't have it all, it just means you need to quantify what the "new 110%" looks like in your "new life as a mom". It also doesn't mean you won't be as successful, in fact, many of my mom clients are more successful because they are more efficient with their time and strategic in their choices. The biggest tool for creating work/life balance is learning to say "no" to things that aren't a priority to make time to execute on your non-negotiables.

Since you describe yourself as an optimist. Do you think anyone can be an optimist?

I am hopeful! :) Personally, I am more motivated by the positivity in my life than I am discouraged by the bumps in the road. (and that isn't because it's peaches and cream over here at the LeVeque house!) I just choose to hang on to the wins, memories, and love and learn from my mistakes as they pass right through me instead of letting them take up space and manifest fear. If fear is the root of pessimism, gratitude is my roundup. Today, people have success without celebrating it and love without living it. My advice is to let it live a little in your heart, it will change your attitude and elevate your mood. No one says is better than Charles Swindoll... "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church ..a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for the day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you .... we are in charge of our Attitudes! "- Charles Swindoll

Have you found balance in your own life?

I try to instill balance in my clients (and myself) by using light structure around what to eat and breaking rigid food rules and cleansing habits. Binging and cleansing cycles swing you back and forth like an out of control pendulum ball. Happiness and health are attained when you find balance. Balance isn’t when you stop moving and live a rigid, on-plan, perfect life; you are human, and none of us is perfect. When you are focused on a perfect food day you aren’t present, and most likely you are anxious, irritable and thinking about food all day. Instead, focus on turning off hunger hormones and thoughts about food and know it will be okay to swing a little from time to time. Balance is found with intentional movement to eat clean, sweat and even enjoy a glass of wine with friends. Accept who you are, love who you are and build a lifestyle focused on health, not some abstract idea of “perfection.”

"Balance isn’t when you stop moving and live a rigid, on-plan, perfect life; you are human, and none of us is perfect."

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Where do your drive and passion come from?

I love my job! I previously spent 8 years in cancer and genetics career and liked my job but never loved it. Today, I wake up early to read studies, see clients on weekends and reinvest in my career, business, and growth. I think...If you are doing what you would do for free, you are in the right place!

Who has been a trusted confidante when you've had a rough day?

My husband Chris (@bebaddbychris) is the love of my life, my "be bad" partner in crime and my best friend. He is also my attorney, my editor and my phycologist and.... he honestly hates talking about work but he does it daily because we're a team in life and love.

What are your biggest fears about running a business?

It's public knowledge but Chris and I both left big corporate careers to go out on our own as entrepreneurs; I took Be Well by Kelly full time in 2015 and Chris left law to try his hand at screenwriting in 2014. Until recently, our biggest fears have been about survival; Will we make it? Will we be able to pay rent? Was this a big mistake? Our parents thought we were crazy. We could have easily bought a house, had a few kids and just kept our previous careers but instead, we stayed in our apartment, sold our cars and bought a 2005 Toyota Tacoma and worked around the clock to make our dreams come true. I think today we finally feel like we can breathe but our fears are still the same and we still have the Tacoma.

What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?

Success doesn't happen overnight and it's still a job! Whats the saying? "It takes years to make an overnight success." For me, my consulting business started in 2012 and remained a side hustle until September 2015. It took two and half years of working nights, lunches and weekends to build it and have the courage to take it full time. Today, I still do my own accounting, scheduling, emails and I drive all over LA in traffic daily. At least 40% of what I do daily, I don't love or excel at including writing, but it's part of the job because doing what you love requires you to hustle until you are successful enough to outsource.

IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated by other people's work?

Stop wasting your time watching and emulating others, it isn't where the magic happens, the magic is created when you protect that precious time and live your own life.

I am often asked "how did you come up with the Fab Four?" and "how did you decide to focus on hunger hormones and blood sugar balance?" But the answer is, I didn't choose it. I was simply living my own life, doing my own research and consulting my clients. And in my experience, I found that I could help my clients best when they weren't constantly thinking about food and ate to support the regulation of hunger hormones and blood sugar. The magic came to me when I was immersed in living my life not anyone else's.

"The magic came to me when I was immersed in living my life not anyone else's."

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What about your career makes you feel the most complete?

I am happy when my clients are happy, healthy and hitting goals. I can talk, write and share until I am blue in the face but nothing compares to the empowerment and success of a client. I will always have my private practice.

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?

If I had to change jobs with anyone it would be a functional MD, probably Dr. Hyman. Mark Hyman heads up the Cleveland Clinic, is a multiple time best selling author but most importantly, he has the ability to request specific diagnostic testing for patients that nutritionists and dietitians cannot access. Thankfully, I work with multiple functional MD's to get this testing for my clients but it would be a luxury to do it personally since I read and develop my client plans based on these results.

At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?

My business has been in existence since 2012 but I didn't fully step into my purpose until I left my corporate career in September of 2015. Once I made the space to manifest the future things started taking off; within a month I had scheduled meetings with literary agents in New York and by January of 2016 I closed my first book deal but I wouldn't have had that confidence without real world experience.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

My dad told me no one ever has enough money so don't let that keep you from your passion, purpose or family. I don't think he expected me to totally change my life course and career but I will be forever thankful for his advice.

When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?

I try not to dwell on the speed bumps. Whatever it is, it's over and thinking about it isn't going to fix it. I try not to say "should of, could of, would of" that's living in the past and makes me feel awful.

Instead, I just write them off. I created an imaginary "lost time leap year" and a "250k oh shit fund" where I allocate lost money and time. I move on quickly knowing that if I am trying there will be mistakes worth both. Honestly, there is no avoiding the bumps when you are moving there is only moving through them.

"There is no avoiding the bumps when you are moving, there is only moving through them."

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What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

That's a toss up between Kendrick Lamar "Humble" and Bebe Rexha "Meant to Be" depending on the day!

Photo Credit: @davisfactor

Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai

TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE WELLNESS LIST CLICK HERE. 

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Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Marie Forleo

THE GOAL DIGGER. 

Marie Forleo is the physical embodiment of #MotivationMondays.

Named “thought leader for the next generation” by our future president Oprah Winfrey, Marie has built a digital empire for empowering individuals to achieve their goals.

With a book in 16 languages, online training programs, and an award-winning show MarieTV with an audience in 195 countries, Forleo’s passion is helping people create the business and life of their dreams. But if you think she’s above failure or insecurity, don’t get it twisted—“I’m full of self-doubt and also extraordinarily comfortable in my own skin,” says the eternal optimist, whose approachable mantra is “everything is figureoutable.”

Below, get motivated with Marie.

Name: Marie Forleo

Instagram: @marieforleo

What does wellness mean to you?

Consciously and consistently nurturing my health on every level — physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

You're working on a new book. Can you give us a little insight as to what it's about?

My book is called Everything Is Figureoutable: How One Simple Belief Can Help You Overcome Any Obstacle and Create Unstoppable Success. It's a philosophy of relentless, flexible optimism that shows you how to cultivate your resourcefulness, courage, and creativity to always and a way forward — no matter what.

Why do you think so many women are struggling with the work/life balance?

Because many of us are trying to live up to a completely unrealistic ideal of what it means to be a successful woman. Which includes achieving some mythical, elusive state of 'balance.' What does that even mean, anyway? Similarly, we've also allowed tech companies and social media to infiltrate every part of our lives and co-opt our time, attention and sense of worth.

Since you describe yourself as an optimist. Do you think anyone can be an optimist?

Unquestionably. It's a habit anyone can develop. One of the greatest powers we've been given is the chance to direct our own thoughts. In any given moment, we can choose to see what's right or what's wrong. Research has proven that our brains are adaptable. The brain is like a muscle in that it changes and gets stronger with use. Studies in neuroscience show that we can train our brain to think in new ways, which means we can indeed become optimists.

Have you found balance in your own life?

I don't strive for balance. I strive for health, fulfillment, growth, and fun. Often, I achieve those states through living and working in a way that could appear to others as "unbalanced." But what's most important to me is how I feel and what I contribute to others, not how I look.

Where do your drive and passion come from?

I love helping people. I love learning. I love connecting. Most of all, I love the process of growth and creation.

What are your biggest fears about running a business?

At this moment, I don't have any. The constant challenge and change inherent in modern business is something I thrive on.

What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?

How absolutely mundane my day-to-day is. I'm in sweatpants 85% of the time!

IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated by other people's work?

Two frames on this. First, realize that everyone is influenced by others. Everything is a remix. Focus less on trying to be 'original' and more on making, saying and sharing what is meaningful and true to your heart. Second: put on blinders for a bit. Stop following people you compare yourself with and find inspiration far outside of your industry.

What about your career makes you feel the most complete?

Connecting with people from every corner of the world (we have an audience in 195 countries) and having the chance to play some small part in helping them bring their dreams to life.

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?

Beyoncé. Why? To experience what it's like to sing with that much freedom, grace and power.

At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?

I'm a bit of a paradox in this way: I'm full of self-doubt and also extraordinarily comfortable in my own skin.

"I'm full of self-doubt and also extraordinarily comfortable in my own skin."

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What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

My fav piece of #realtalk: the more you care about what other people think, the more they own you.

When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?

The philosophy I live by is everything is figureoutable (which is why it's the topic of my book ; ) No matter what, as long as I'm still breathing, I'll find a way or make a way to get back up and keep on moving.

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

When I've had a bad day, I don't sing in the shower. But once I'm out, '90s Hip Hop always gets me back in my groove!

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Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Gal Gadot

THE IRL WONDER WOMAN. 

In 2017 Wonder Woman finally got the super hero and blockbuster movie it deserved. 

 Played by Gal Gadot, an ex–Israeli soldier and actress, caused Wonder Woman fever at the box office. Studio projections suggested the film would gross $65 million in its opening weekend in the U.S. Instead, it earned $103 million, female moviegoers turning out in record numbers. 

Surprise! We like a female superhero.

Gal also made headlines when she refused to stay attached to the franchise if producer Brett Ratner stayed on board. It was soon after announced that he would no longer be attached to the project. 

That's what we call superpowers. 

More on Gal below.

On her Hollywood plans:

I feel like I'm just in my beginning. After ten years [of acting], now I'm starting.

On what she was like as a kid:

I really liked to perform. My mother always tells this story: I was five. They had a party, and they'd put me to bed. I heard everyone on the rooftop, and I went upstairs. No one paid any attention to me, so I took a hose and sprayed everyone. [Laughs.] Very elegant, right? "It's meeeee! Look at me!" I loved the attention. But I never connected all the dots that maybe I should be an actress.

On acting:

It's going with but feeling without.

On communication in English and Hebrew being her first language. 

Language is about communication, and if you don't feel comfortable with your accent, you don't feel comfortable to communicate. If you learn that you're different and it's okay and you feel comfortable with it, then slowly other people start to feel comfortable with it.

I like it that it's a vulnerable place, and I expose it because I learn more [from] it. I wouldn't want to be in a place where I say wrong things and people are afraid to correct me… [Sometimes] I feel so stupid. Because in Hebrew, whenever I take interviews, whenever I speak to anyone—I read a lot growing up, and it's important for me to sound eloquent and have good vocabulary, and be really precise with what I intend to say—I have the grammar. But in English, it doesn't matter how many times I'll read—you know, I'll make a list of words that I like to use—it's just not in my DNA yet.

"I say let's own who we are and use it as a strength."

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On female strengths:

I think women are amazing for being able to show what they feel. I admire women who do. I think it's a mistake when women cover their emotions to look tough. I say let's own who we are and use it as a strength.

This has been edited and condensed form multiple sources. 

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Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Rupi Kaur

THE BEST SELLER. 

Like most writers, Rupi Kaur, the 25-year-old Toronto-based poet, illustrator, and photographer thinks she’s better at putting pen to paper than she is at giving an oral interview. “I’m a better writer than I am a speaker,” she tells us.

On one hand, we believe her. Her work is biting and soft. She twists language in a way that makes you want to walk into a forest and stare up at the sky through the trees. Her words allow you the space to see the world a little differently.

On the other, we don’t. Not really. Especially when the author/mother of “milk and honey,” her debut book of poetry and prose which shot to the New York Times Bestseller List says this: “We navigate the world, come across so many people, but at the core of our experience is love. I think that’s the message I’m trying to consistently share, without even really realizing that I’m sharing it.” The message that, “you deserve to be here and you’re welcome here and allowed space.”

"You deserve to be here and you’re welcome here and allowed space.”

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She recently released her sophomore book of poetry, the much-anticipated, "the sun and her flowers," a #1 best seller on Amazon and another NY Times best seller. The young poet and performer is currently touring that book across India, coming off a 13-city tour as well as a visual performance of the poems from the book, which featured fellow C&C 100 honoree Lilly Singh and 2017 C&C 100 honoree Cleo Wade. 

The exuberance of the crowd when Rupi takes the stage is much shared across social. The people, including Alicia Keys, they love her. More than love, they #regram her. A true digital sign of affection. 

A native of the Punjab region in India, Kaur spent her formative years in Toronto, where she currently resides. She is a modern-day storyteller, using her poetry and social handle @rupikaur_ to explore beauty standards, violence, love, injustice, the female body, and more. “my issue with what they consider beautiful/is their concept of beauty/centers around excluding people,” she wrote in an Instagram post on July 11th of this year. It's the same platform that deleted a photo of Kaur's sister, Prabh Kaur on a bed, her gray sweatpants and bed sheet stained by (fake) period blood. Instagram claimed the post violated their community guidelines. Kaur reposted the photo, which was part of a photo-series project for a visual rhetoric course with a caption challenging the decision. "i will not apologize for not feeding the ego and pride of misogynist society," she wrote on August 25, 2015, "that will have my body in an underwear but not be ok with a small leak. i bleed each month to help make humankind a possibility." Instagram recoiled, apologized; the community clapped loudly. And they kept clapping. Her approach to language and honesty has captured the attention of nearly 2.1 million Instagram followers, which has grown from 600k in 2016.

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When she first started sharing her work online there was no intention of authoring a book. “It’s still such a personal experience for me. I’m not writing for anyone else," she says. "At times, I don’t understand the interest. But all of the sudden I was building this online community and they were the ones that would comment, ‘Where can I buy your book?’”

Consider that Kaur's first reaction to the idea of a book was, “I’m me, I can’t." She was 20 at the time, thought of writing as her “hobby,” and had just started university. Her thoughts were, “I need to finish my degree, I’m paying thousands of dollars to be here.” We’ve all experienced this tug of war-- the one between our head and our heart, our reason and our dreams. But Kaur slowly warmed to the idea. Between the encouragement of friends and the enthusiasm of the online community she began piecing together what would become ‘milk and honey.’

“It was a very difficult moment in my life,” she says, “and I just strapped down. It was the summer of 2014 and I didn’t think I was going to get through it. I couldn’t see myself and I couldn’t imagine my life after this moment. I needed it.”

She wrote the pieces and crafted her first book by listening, she says, “to what my body said.” She designed everything from front to back, the font, the pictures, and then put it into the world. “I don’t think anything I ever do will feel as holistic as that,” she says. “It was deeply grassroots, on the budget of zero dollars. When you give birth to something like that and see it blossom, it’s so incredible."

Now consider that her debut paperback, self-published book of poetry and prose sold over 18,000 copies in the first 8 months. "milk and honey" flowed into the world November 2014 and kept moving.

"the sun and her flowers" is divided into five chapters and illustrated by Kaur, much like "milk and honey." It is a journey of wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming.

More about Rupi's journey below.

Name: Rupi Kaur 

Instagram: @rupikaur_

Why is it important to release physical copies of your work?

It’s very important to me that people have something to hold. That’s what gets passed down from hand to hand and moves across the world. A hardcover is the version that refuses to be ruined. The paperback version is going to fold, its matte black is going to stain, but the hardcover is beautiful and elegant. You keep the hardcover on your bookshelf and you keep the paperback under your pillow or in your purse. It’s not a product to me, it’s my heart.

Who do you write for?

Myself. I've tried writing for the audience. It was bad. I was holding a knife to the neck of my writing and it wasn’t working. During that time, there were people who told me I needed to release a second book. That by next year the industry would try and replace me. It only annoyed me. I have to be honest with myself. It’s a very Adele approach. But you have to remember why you started and stay true to that.

Are you able to see your work and feel a sense of pride?

I have to tell myself, "You brought yourself here, not the industry." I think that’s a huge source of my power. My inability to see how people perceive my work also allows me to see how powerful I am. I have my insecurities, but I feel powerful. I’m here and I’m doing what I love.

“It’s not a product to me, it’s my heart.”

Tweet this. 

Why do you follow zero people on social media?

Like most people I have my own personal, multi-dimensional battles with social media. But, I also know without it the publishing world wouldn’t have cared about this young, brown woman. Social media was a free tool that I used to create my own community. It can also swallow you up. I spent a lot of time protecting myself from social media. I would tweet from my laptop. Or I'd download Instagram, log into my account, post, and log back out. I wouldn't read any of the comments. It helped me feel more rooted again. I’m a very sensitive person and I don’t want the thousands of eyes pouring over my work to change the way I’m going to write in the future.

Where are you going next? 

When I first started writing it was about getting my voice back and finding my voice. Now, I have a loose idea of three to five books that I will write in the next ten years. So, I’m going to keep writing and listening to what my body tells me. The recipe for my success, if any, is that I’ve always been honest with myself. I’ve always written what I’ve needed.

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Create & Cultivate 100 Philanthropy: Nia Batts

REBEL WITH A CAUSE.

She can't blow out her own hair, but Detroit native Nia Batts has one hell of an idea with Detroit Blows. 

The idea for Detroit Blows came together around 2010 when two friends, Nia Batts and Katy Cockrel, who have known each other since they were 4 and in the same dance class, were working together on a project in Detroit. 

(Shoutout to friends for life #FFL.) 

Nearly 7 years later, in October 2017, the #FFL opened Detroit Blows, the city’s first non-toxic blowdry salon, that features blowouts and beauty services like express manicures and pedicures. Talk about new adventures with old friends. They're also taking a new approach to the blow dry model. 

The philanthropic arm of the business, Detroit Grows, aims to reinvest in Detroit. The salon donates $1 of every blowout service and a percentage of the retail footprint to support Detroit-based female entrepreneurs through microgrants, and women entering and re-entering the workforce.

Name: Nia Lauryn Batts

Instagram Handle: @nialauryn

Business Instagram Handle: @detroitblows

Can you chat us through the inception of Detroit Blows?

My parter, Katy, and I are childhood friends, native Detroiters, and prior to this venture, frequent business collaborators. I was actually her client when I was living in New York and working for Viacom. And as she tells the story, I would land in yoga pants, juggling two phones, hair in a top knot, looking for the closest place to get a blowout, and she would regrettably inform me that we had to go out to the suburbs. There was an unsettling dichotomy in the conversations we were having with our Detroit-based partners; although young people were moving to the city, and making money in the city, they were still spending a signicant amount of their dollars outside of the community. The concept for Detroit Blows stemmed from a need we experienced first-hand and an exploration into filling that void -- cost-effective, high-quality blow dry services -- led to the development of a model with reinvestment in the city at its core.

And why the give-back model was an important part of the concept?

I think ultimately (like many others) we are guided by the belief that businesses have a responsibility to communities in the way that people do. We knew we wanted to use non-toxic products, retail conscious brands with stories (in partnership with Conscious Commerce), and reinvest a portion of our profits into female entrepreneurs and programs helping women enter or re-enter the workforce. We're unwavering believers in 'the multiplier effect' -- that by investing in women, you are investing in their families, in their communities, in every idea they touch.

Where do your drive and passion come from?

My parents. There are hard days when you're leaning into new chapters of your story. Their belief in me is contagious. And my best-friend/life-wife Sophia, who was one of the earliest champions of this project. She makes it all look so easy, but will be honest with you when it's not. People like her, that show the truth behind their process, make me feel my dreams are attainable

Philanthropy means the "love of humanity." It's so beautiful and simple. What does it mean to you?

In my previous role, we made an effort to reframe and root the concept of Philanthropy in the business strategy of Philanthropic Investment. If Philanthropy is a 'love of humanity' Philanthropic Investment is an informed and strategic effort to ensure the sustainability of it. It's loving humanity in the ways that help it evolve and continue.

If Philanthropy is a 'love of humanity' Philanthropic Investment is an informed and strategic effort to ensure the sustainability of it. It's loving humanity in the ways that help it evolve and continue.

How did you find yourself on this particular career journey?

That's funny, sometimes I do wonder if I've lost the plot, but it helps that it makes sense to me. I went to film school, so I've always been a storyteller at heart, but the way I've done it has often been non-traditional. In different ways I've told the stories of people, of movements, of brands, today I'm grateful to be telling the story of a beautiful and resilient city rebuilding, and the women who are strengthening it every day with their purchasing decisions.

Do you think you've found your true calling?

I don't think any of us have one true calling, but I do think this is one of mine. As I grow and get closer to myself I've fortunately become less afraid of pursuing what stirs me. Birth began to move me, and I felt very called to become a doula, so I had to just write it into my story.

"As I grow I've fortunately become less afraid of pursuing what stirs me."

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Are there any fears associated with your work? If yes, what are they?

The shift from a large corporation to small business comes with a learning curve for me as a CEO and I've definitely spent some time in moments of fear. But too much fear can be dangerous, so I try and catalyze it into something small I can do that day, that helps lessen the outcome I'm afraid of; almost like an offering an invitation to the universe to help a girl out a little bit.

What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?

I can't blowout my own hair, or anyone else's for that matter. But being a longtime consumer of the service allows me to approach our business in a different way and really focus on the client experience. You often have to lead from where you are, and hire other great people to do the same.

"You often have to lead from where you are, and hire other great people to do the same."

Tweet this.

What about your career makes you feel the most complete?

That I've been able to dene it on my own terms.

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?

Shonda Rhimes, Ava Duvernay, Issa Rae -- any of these badass women who are writing, directing, producing, hiring and leading the teams that are centering women of color in their stories and have found ways to make them both colorful and colorless. Representation is important in the stories we tell. I think we're all enjoying the fruits of their labor.

At what point in your life did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?

After a heartbreak.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

Always believe that something magical is about to happen.

When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road?

I take a long hot shower and I think to myself, this is going to get much worse if you don't pull it together before the water gets cold.

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

Beyoncé + Frank Ocean - "Superpower" -- The way it describes the inevitability of a love that has to exist so the world keeps revolving makes me really grateful to be alive again.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Katie Sturino

THE TABOO SMASHER.

It’s not everyday a major blogger drops bombs like “thigh chafe” and “boob sweat.”

But this is Katie Sturino of The 12ish Style we’re talking about, and we’ve come to expect nothing less. A proud size 12ish in a size 2 world, the body positive blogger and patron saint of dogs is changing the face of the plus size fashion space with the simple tenet that great style is not size dependent. In addition to running a multi-channel fashion empire, Sturino is the late @toastmeetsworld’s momager. Rescued from the horrors of a puppy mill, the celebrity king cavalier was beloved by allc, a huge fan of sunglasses, spooning, and Rob Lowe. Most recently, Sturino is tackling beauty taboos with the creation of Megababe, a line of anti-boob sweat and anti-chafe sticks designed to further celebrate the perfect imperfection of women.

Read on for more from this taboo-smashing game-changer.

Name: Katie Sturino

Instagram: @the12ishStyle

Where do your drive and passion come from?

A desire to help women thrive and have a positive feeling about themselves. And I want to save dogs. All of 'em.

What is the biggest message you would like to leave behind with 12ish Style?

Put your confidence on first! So much of looking great is feeling good on the inside.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When men tell me that "boob sweat" and "thigh chafe" are not common problems for women.

Whenever you get stuck or find yourself up against a wall, how do you find new roads?

Don't puke on me, but I meditate. I try to release all the emotions around what I THINK should happen and accept what is happening. I reevaluate and see if the goal is still one I am looking to achieve. Usually, I receive some sort of resolution or step forward just by taking a min to step out. If that all fails, I ask everyone I know for an opinion and then do what I want to do anyway.

What are your biggest fears about running a business?

That is will all fail and I will have to go work for someone else for the rest of my life.

Do you think it's still a Size 2 world? Or have you seen formidable and lasting change?

I do think it is still a size 2 world because stories for extended sizes are still labeled something like "Jackets for all sizes" rather than just "Jackets!" Some retailers are starting to offer extended sizes, which is great, but putting a size 14 IN STORE is not really that much of a step forward. Campaign models and online models are still mostly size 2s. BUT the conversation has started. And I am not going to complain about that!

"Putting a size 14 IN STORE is not really that much of a step forward." 

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What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?

I change my clothes about 5 times a day and I do not enjoy that! Its impossible to keep my apt clean.

What about your career makes you feel the most complete?

When I get a message from a woman who tells me she wore something or did something for the first time because she was inspired to step out of her comfort zone by me.

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?

Oprah. Everybody loves her and she has helped so many people. Plus she still gives away her favorite things.

At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?

When I realized that no one is actually better than me or knows everything or has it all figured out. We are all a work in progress. And the more we can help each other out the better we all do.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

Be nice.

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

Gross, I never sing but if you held a gun to my head and asked me what my perk up song would be I would have to tell you that its Taylor Swift Welcome to NY and then I would ask you to just shoot me anyway because I would be so embarrassed.

Who is your current blog crush?

@BatGio

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Create & Cultivate 100: Philanthropy: Grace Mahary

LIGHTING THE WAY.

Grace Mahary, model and philanthropist, is all about bringing love and light to the world.

A first generation Canadian of Eritrean descent, Grace has walked in Victoria Secret shows and graced the pages of Vogue, but over the last four years, she has been researching renewable energy solutions, especially for countries lacking electrical and mechanical infrastructure

Drawing from her global network, Grace compiled a team to create tangible clean energy solutions for communities around the world, turning her sights to something near and dear to her heart: Project Tsheigh.

Project Tsehigh ( (pronounced se-hai, PjT for short) was established in New York City in 2015. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing uninterrupted energy to impoverished communities around the world via renewable energy sources. Tsehigh, translated as “sun” in English, is determined to bring uninterrupted clean energy to impoverished communities around the world, Grace launched the non-profit in Eritrea, home to her family and a place in desperate need of sustainable clean energy.

That’s what we call beauty on the inside. Keep shining Grace.

More below.

Name: Grace Mahary

Instagram: @gracemahary

Business Instagram: @ProjectTsehigh

Where do your drive and passion come from?

My parents, as they are extremely passionate people who exemplify hard work and perseverance.

How do you feel as a woman in tech?

I’ve never thought to consider myself “a woman in tech” because I don’t have formal STEM education. However, as I learned more about the sciences through my work with Project Tsehigh, I realized that I’m passionate about advancing technologies in the renewables space that will improve the quality of life for so many people. The traditional definition of technology is expanding, and I’m honored to be surrounded by these intelligent, strong women who are changing the world.

It’s great to see the numbers of women in stem rise, but it’s also important for young girls and adult women to know that if you don’t want to go into a career in tech or math or sciences, it doesn’t make your career less meaningful. As someone who has two careers, can you talk a bit about this?

I’ve had to deal with defending my job throughout my entire modeling career. Some people think that the fashion industry is completely frivolous and that modeling is as easy as standing in front of a camera and smiling. That’s definitely untrue, and now modeling has opened so many doors for Project Tsehigh. And even though I’m developing my STEM skills, that doesn’t devalue my career as a model. If you follow your passion, there is always room to incorporate purpose.

Would you say modeling gave you a thicker skin to deal with the STEM field?

Modeling has taught me a lot of valuable skills like confidence, independence, and the importance of humility. All of those skills are transferable to running a business or nonprofit. Project Tsehigh is still very new, and I compare it to a startup tech company that is building its infrastructure, reiterating processes and fundraising. This year we launched our first project and donated 105 solar power units to households and establishments in Maaya, Eritrea. It was one of the most challenging -- and rewarding -- projects I have ever worked on in my entire career. There were set-ups, setbacks, and comebacks, but my confidence, independence and humility helped me persevere.

What are your hopes for young women who are interested in STEM?

My hope is that young women who are interested in STEM are never discouraged because society says that tech is for men, or that working in tech “makes you less feminine” -- which is just ridiculous! Growing up I wanted to be a basketball star, but I was conditioned to think that women were either athletes or they were “girly girls” -- we couldn’t be both. As I grew older, I quickly learned that wasn’t true at all. I was able to play ball and walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. The great thing about STEM is that you can combine multiple passions to make your career. If you love coding and reading, you could create an app for finding the best books. If you love the math and fashion, you could manage the finances for the biggest fashion houses. The possibilities are endless!

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when people chew with their mouth open. The sound of their lips smacking drives me off the wall!

What are your biggest fears about running a business?

My biggest fear about running a business is failing the people that work with me. I try to be transparent and honest with everyone I work with, and I take obligations to others seriously. I regularly ask for their feedback on how our organization is doing and how I’m doing as a leader, like a reverse employee evaluation.

What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?

Working as a model is very unpredictable, and opportunities can be super last minute. Some mornings I’ll wake up with my day planned in my mind, and then I’ll receive an email or call about flying to another city that same evening for a job!

IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?

"Be authentic. You’ll break through the static when you find your secret sauce and share it with the world."

Tweet this.

What about your career makes you feel the most complete?

Knowing that Project Tsehigh is creating lasting change on a global level.

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?

A performer! If I could sing well, I would be on tour igniting the stage and sharing my energy with everyone. Also an actor because I like challenging myself to play different characters, and then I could act out additional dream careers like working with professional athletes in sports medicine, working with Elon Musk on eliminating fossil fuels and powering the world with 100% renewable energy, or a character who lives minimalistically in the tropics teaching yoga or some type of exercise to the local community.

At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?

That is still an ongoing effort for me. Over the last couple of years, I really started embracing my talents more and being less fearful. I’ve grown so much after starting Project Tsehigh. As a model, I’ve always had an agent guide me to make the best decisions, so running Project Tsehigh has pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’m usually speaking directly to partners and potential donors, which was daunting at first, but now has become second nature.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

You need to make mistakes in order to grow and learn. Don’t overthink -- take the first step and then figure out how to execute the rest of your goal. Specifically pertaining to modelling: don’t take things personally.

When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?

I will admit that I am a bit stubborn at times, but it becomes a positive character quality here because once I have my mind set on achieving something, I’ll literally do whatever it takes to accomplish it. If that means financial sacrifice, so be it. Hard labor and exhaustion, I’ll do it. I refuse to feel defeated because I believe in myself and know I can accomplish anything with hard work.

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

"Closer" by Goapple because it inspires and reminds me that no matter what happens, I’m closer to achieving my dreams and goals!

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Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Alison Brie

THE GLOW GODDESS. 

Voted "Most Outgoing" by her high school senior year, GLOW team leader Alison Brie has likewise lead a very "outgoing" career. 

She never sticks to one schtick. Her characters vary. As does her acting style. She's taken major risks. 

She excels at balancing -- managing to work on Mad Men and Community simultaneously, seamlessly jumping between characters and decades.  On Mad Men, Alison played Trudy, the wife of Pete Campbell, a character she truly loved playing. ("A badass," she says.) On Community she played Annie Edison, elevating great writing to a hilarious level. 

And then she hunkered down to play a professional wrestler in GLOW-- Ruth Wilder, a struggling actress who joins a female professional wrestling TV show. And then she got a call from Steven Spielberg, director of The Post, to play a role opposite Meryl Streep. The Meryl Streep. 

She's wrestled her way to the top of her game, earning a Golden Globe nomination for her work on GLOW (AKA Glorious Ladies Of Wrestling.) The Screen Actor's Guild also nominated the cast of the wrestling dramedy as an ensemble.

In an era when more women are taking control-- hiring all female crews, writing their own roles, proving that all-female shows and female-led movies make dollars, championing other women on screen, and coming out in support of each other big time, Alison is someone who has been in the business and seen both sides. She also serves as executive producer on TV Land's Teachers, whose cast features 6 female leads. 

What can't she do? 

More from Alison below. 

On working on Mad Men:

Matt Weiner was fantastic at writing these complex characters for women in an era where they were trapped in stereotypical roles, but could wield power. They made men think that they had the power while secretly controlling everything. Trudy was such a badass.

On current Weinstein Era of Hollywood:

It made me think about my experiences, cataloguing encounters over the years, going: ‘Yeah that was inappropriate…’ It’s a strange time, but it’s exciting. I feel very moved by the courage of these women. I hope it’s going to influence great change. It’s like cleaning your room: you have to make a big mess before it becomes clean. We’re in a real big, dark mess. Hopefully we’ll achieve some sort of clarity.

"We’re in a real big, dark mess. Hopefully we’ll achieve some sort of clarity."

Tweet this.

On her role in GLOW:

It’s so fulfilling, so empowering. And I can fucking wrestle. I can wrestle even better this year than I could last year. What a weird thing! I do feel this role on GLOW is the role of a lifetime. I feel so proud of this role. Even working on it, it was the most fulfilled I’ve ever been on a job. Similar to Ruth, I feel like I get to show some different side of myself. This job alone feels like a moment, to me.

On how wrestling helped her learn to be confident: 

Learning how to wrestle was so empowering. You have to run at everything full force or you could get seriously injured. I do feel like I carry that confidence everywhere I go now. 

On why the role in GLOW appealed to her:

It really fulfilled everything I was looking for as an actor. It has comedy. It has drama and physical action, unlike any I had done before. It felt very exciting and different. 

On working with mostly women on the GLOW set: 

It’s interesting to me because I’ve always felt very comfortable on sets, and I love it, and I love working with men, and – even if I was aware of being sexualized – it has never really bothered me. But the absence of that was totally amazing. It was just very freeing, and very important for this kind of job, because we were taking such big risks physically in the ring, and with our characters. It made for a lot of amazing discoveries, because people just felt empowered to take bigger risks.

This interview has been editing and condensed from multiple sources.

TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE ENTERTAINMENT LIST CLICK HERE. 

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Create & Cultivate 100: Music: Muna

CREATING MUSIC & SAFE SPACE. 

Muna is about to blow up.

Muna is an American electronic pop band consisting of Katie Gavin (lead vocals/production), Josette Maskin (lead guitar), and Naomi McPherson (rhythm guitar/synths/production). They released their synth-pop debut, About U, in Feb of last year to wild acclaim. To point: NPR named their song, 'i know a place,' the top 20 song of 2017 and Harry Styles asked the band to open for him on his first solo world tour. They were, not surprisingly, nervous.

They haven't always played to such massive crowds all over the world. 

They met at USC, where they dorm room jammed and played college parties. But they also made the point to identify as a queer band. Their songs, which are mostly about love and relationships, refrain from using gender pronouns-- like the 'U' in their debut album title. As their crazy touring sched came to an end, Muna took to Twitter to announce that they currently have no shows scheduled for 2018. Writing, "It's time for the three of us to get back to our bedroom turned studio and develop the next phase of this project."   

But music is part of their DNA, one of the ways they make sense of their lives. 

More from Muna below. 

You've had to adjust to playing massive shows, touring with Harry Styles. What has that been like, both personally and as a unit?

It's been a process, and an extension of our bigger journey as a band. We've had moments throughout our career where we've felt we needed to be more than we were - to pose in some way. It always cracks and falls away. In the end we keep on being ourselves. 

What was it like to be profiled in Rolling Stone?

Cool! 

Why is it important for you to be a queer-identifying band?

It's important for us to be ourselves because it allows space for other people to do the same. 

How does pop music fit into the LGBTQ scene?

Like a hand in a sleek leather glove. 

Conversely, how does queer history find a place in your music?

If anything it serves as inspiration and motivation to work as much as we do. We wouldn't have had the same opportunities being who we are ten years ago or fifty years ago, so we feel a sense of duty and privilege because of that. 

What was the music you each turned to for support when you were growing up? (Also, Katie shoutout from us to Shania as well.)

We all liked really different music. Katie mainly chose to write songs when she needed to find peace or comfort. Naomi loved Joni Mitchell but also pop punk and emo bands. Jo liked Incubus and Jeff Buckley. 

Who have been your biggest supporters?

Our families and friends. 

What would you tell your 15-year-old selves?

Can't wait to see you grow. 

For the younger members of our audience who feel like they have to adjust to fit a job... what would you tell them?

You have so much time. Life is something you figure out every day. It's okay to not feel like your job is your passion. It's also okay to quit your job. 

"It's okay to not feel like your job is your passion. It's also okay to quit your job."

Tweet this.  

You're already working on a followup album, what can we expect?

Not telling yet! 

There is a lot of talk about harassment and industry culture. Do you feel stronger as three?

Yes, we talk about this a lot among ourselves. We are so lucky that we are a group and that we are also self-produced and self-sufficient. Nobody can fuck with us. 

Have you ever experienced workplace harassment? Individually or as a band?

Yes. 

Katie, what's your favorite thing about Josette?

Josette is my hero. She is always fearlessly engaged with her environment and the people in it. Her heart is open. 

Josette what's your favorite thing about Naomi?

Naomi is one of the most talented and hardworking people I know. I look at her and remember that if you set your mind to something anything is possible. I also like that she is funny and likes to eat with me.

Naomi what's your favorite thing about Katie?

My favorite thing about Katie is that she has an incredible amount of intellectual and emotional depth (as is demonstrable not only in her songwriting but her interpersonal relationships). She is constantly dedicating herself to a pursuit of knowledge, of self-awareness, and of personal betterment more generally. She’s also super adorable and funny when she first wakes up in the morning and doesn’t have her glasses on or contact lenses in.

TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE MUSIC LIST CLICK HERE. 

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Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Tiffany Haddish

TIFFANY HADDISH 2020. 

Should Tiffany Haddish be President? 

If the job was based on a candidate's ability to make us laugh, we'd vote yes. Tiffany was a much-needed reprieve during that endlessly L-O-N-G-W-T-F 2017. From her stories about Will and Jada and Groupon (which went viral), to her breakout hilarious supporting role in Girls Trip, Tiffany had us ROTFL when the rest of the world had us in tears. 

And even though her story is a bit of a tear-jerker, she's never let it stop her. It's positively inspirational. The witty woman has been performing at The Laugh Factory since she was a teenager. But her childhood is nothing to laugh at. Tiffany frequently shares about growing up in foster care and stints spent living in her car.

Still, Tiffany is the first black woman standup to ever host Saturday Night Live in its four-plus decades. She also managed to release her memoir, "The Last Black Unicorn." And she's now an official spokesperson for Groupon, which makes sense seeing as she's in the top 1% of their users. 

More from our next President below. 

On success:

I'm still living in the same place, and -- none of your damn business where I live -- but I'm still driving a Honda. I'm trying to decide if I should get myself the Tesla SUV or if I should get myself a new pair of shoes. I don't know I think I'm going to go with the Ted Bakers because they might be a little cheaper, but the Tesla though.

On her social worker Colita Louis: 

I thought it super necessary to thank her because she basically saved my life. She got me out of that living situation, and she noticed that I had something and she got me into Laugh Factory Comedy Camp. I went to the comedy camp and it changed my whole world and I'm so grateful to her for that.

On potentially saving the world:

I obviously went through these things for a reason, and if it's not to share with other people so they can handle their situations better, well, I don't know what the hell I went through it for. I might as well share it because this the only life I got to live and who knows it might save the world.

On eating kale with Taylor Swift:

When I met Taylor Swift, she was reciting my jokes back to me telling me how much she loved me. I'm going over to her house. … We supposed to be eating baked chicken and quinoa salad with kale and all this healthy stuff and talking and laughing. I'm going to hang out. It's going to be great. Taylor Swift knows I'm [all] jokes.

This interview has been edited and condensed from multiple sources. 

TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE ENTERTAINMENT LIST CLICK HERE. 

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Create & Cultivate 100: Philanthropy: Jo Ann Thrailkill

THE LOVE WARRIOR.

Jo Ann is Pablo's Mommy.

She’s also the co-founder of The Pablove Foundation.

When her youngest son Pablo was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer, Jo Ann and her then-husband Jeff Castelaz, set up a nonprofit. It was a way to move through the process. A way to deal with sadness. A way to focus their misfortune into something positive.

But in 2009, the Los Angeles mom and former music producer lost her youngest son, Pablo, to a battle with cancer. He was only 6. Dedicated to positively affecting the lives of children living with cancer, she’s managed to turn her heartbreak into healing.

The Pablove Foundation raises funds for cancer research and awards grants, educates families that are dealing with cancer, and importantly, improves the lives of children living with the disease by offering arts programs like their very successful Pablove Shutterbugs Program. By handing a camera to a child diagnosed with cancer, Shutterbugs gives kids a new way to view the world. 

One with hope and love. 

More from Jo Ann below. 

Name:  Jo Ann Thrailkill

Instagram Handle:  @jothrailkill

Business Instagram Handle: @pablovefoundation

Where do your drive and passion come from?

I can trace this back to a defining moment in my childhood. When I was in the 8th grade I had an awful teacher who told me that I wouldn’t amount to much in life. That I was a “loser” and when I spoke to defend myself she slapped me across the face. I think it was that exact point in time that I discovered “drive,” although I didn’t have the name for it at the time. As for passion - my personal experiences throughout life have fueled that in me. When I was first starting out in my career, I never would have predicted that a Pediatric Cancer nonprofit would become such a passion. The experiences that my family has been through have dictated this path for me, and now the work that we do at Pablove fills my heart.

Philanthropy means the "love of humanity." It's so beautiful and simple. What does it mean to you?

For me, philanthropy means to “Pablove One Another” – and I get to do that by creating a community that provides an expressive outlet for kids living with cancer and giving them a joyful, creative experience outside of the hospital setting; something that was not available to my son, Pablo, or our family when we were going through our childhood cancer journey.

How did you find yourself on this particular career journey?

My son, Pablo was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer just before his 5th birthday. After 13 months of treatment, Pablo passed away - just 6 days after his 6th birthday. While we were in the throes of it all at CHLA, we set up a PayPal account called Pablove that was meant to raise money to help others in need. Shortly after Pablo passed away, we discovered that this account that our friends, family, and complete strangers had been contributing to had over $250,000 in it. Rather than donating that money to a single organization, I decided to invest my time and kick-start The Pablove Foundation. As someone that had been through the harrowing childhood cancer experience with my own child, I recognized that quality of life for children living with cancer is equally as important as finding a cure, which is how our dual mission came about. After Pablo passed away, we discovered hundreds of photos he had taken on our family’s phones, cameras, and computers. Finding these sweet gifts from Pablo made us realize how important creative self-expression was for him and that is what inspired Pablove Shutterbugs, a program where kids living with cancer could explore that part of themselves and just be kids. Our organization—The Pablove Foundation—fights childhood cancer with love through our dual mission of art and science.

Do you think you've found your true calling?

I have no idea! This is actually my 3rd act. I started in fashion retail with Esprit after college which got me to Los Angeles, transitioned to production and became a music video executive producer for over 15 years, and now... here I am! Being a founder and leader at a non-profit was not something that I would have envisioned for myself - after all, I often say that I fell into this line of work by accident because of what happened with me and my family. What I will say though, is that I am constantly using what I learned in my Esprit and Music Video production days as we work to launch Pablove into our next stage of growth… and make an even bigger difference for children and families living with cancer across the country. And I love my job!

Are there any fears associated with your work? If yes, what are they?

Yes. Always. As an organizational founder and CEO, I live with the fear of failure because there are so many children, families, and employees across the country that are relying on Pablove. Fear helps motivate - the important thing for me, is to not let it hold me back.

What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?

While there is a very serious side to the work we do, we keep things optimistic, and our day to day at Pablove HQ is super fun. We are a mighty team of 18 here in Hollywood and our only rule is that we must LAUGH at least every work day.

What about your career makes you feel the most complete?

The Pablove Foundation approaches childhood cancer in a very unique way. We serve this incredible community through art and science… by providing our Pablove Shutterbugs art education program AND by funding childhood cancer research. Our mission came full circle this year when our Pablove Shutterbugs funded a $50,000 seed grant to an incredible scientist studying the late effects of chemotherapy on a child’s heart. They did this by selling their art with 100% of the proceeds going directly to our research program. Seeing (and hearing) the Shutterbugs’ reactions when we told them that they had single-handedly funded a research seed grant with their print sales was a moment I will never forget. In that moment I felt the most complete in my career as a non-profit leader... when I can see that we are really making a difference.

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?

Ha! I’ve always said that I would LOVE to be the musical guest booker for SNL. Can you think of a cooler job?

At what point in your life did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?

My son Grady has been my motivation and a consistent source of strength since the beginning of my career. When I was in my 20’s, I was a single Mom, struggling financially, and assisting an Executive Producer. I knew that I wanted to provide for my son and being in that moment with my first child gave me the reason and confidence to really push my career forward and grow into the Music Video Executive that I became. Being a single mother pushed me not only to be strong career women but to always prioritize family and have boundaries at work. When Grady needed me, I learned to put my work on pause, and that is something that continues to allow me to have a sustainable career.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

Growing up in New Orleans, manners were a big part of my upbringing. In high school, my speech and drama teacher, Mrs. Mock, taught me the importance of being articulate, being able to communicate with others in a professional way and ask for what I want. This is something I have carried with me throughout all the different iterations of my career. The ability to communicate is so valuable and has definitely helped me get to where I am today.

When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road?

I reach out to others. There is no shame in my asking for advice game. I call everyone all the time and talk things out/through and every which way.

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

"Freedom” by George Michael and the Missy Elliot verse in “Heartbreaker” remix by Mariah Carey.

Photo Credit: @davisfactor

Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai

TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE PHILANTHROPY LIST CLICK HERE. 

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Create & Cultivate 100 Philanthropy: Mari Copeny

LITTLE MISS FLINT. BIG DREAMS. 

Little Miss Flint is going to change the world.

And hint: she already has.  

When Mari Copeny was 8-years-old, she wrote a letter to President Obama, asking him to meet with her and a group of people coming to Washington D.C. It read:

Mr. President,

Hello my name is Mari Copeny and I’m 8 years old, I live in Flint, Michigan and I’m more commonly known around town as “Little Miss Flint”. I am one of the children that is effected by this water, and I’ve been doing my best to march in protest and to speak out for all the kids that live here in Flint. This Thursday I will be riding a bus to Washington, D.C. to watch the congressional hearings of our Governor Rick Snyder.”

The President responded.

Cue: the waterworks. Which is exactly what Mari, AKA “Little Miss Flint,” has been fighting for in Flint, Michigan since 2014. Working, clean, water. Yes, it’s a human right. She’s known around her town as “Little Miss Flint,” because of her work and activism on the matter to represent the children of Flint.

And she’s still hard at it. Now ten, Mari is the youngest Women’s March Youth Ambassador, National Youth Ambassador for the Climate March, and Youth Ambassador for Equality for Her. She has spoken in front of the White House and at the Science March in Washington D.C. Mari also spoke at the United Nations Girl Up Leadership Conference.

Read more about what we can expect from this amazing young girl below.

Name: Mari Copeny

Instagram Handle: @MariMyAngelOfficial

Your Twitter bio says "watch me change the world." But you ARE changing the world. Where do your drive and passion come from?

I am. My focus is on making the world see that kids are not just the future we are the present as well and we can change the world now. I am focusing so much time on Flint kids and making sure that we get all the things that we need to be successful.

Philanthropy means the "love of humanity." It's so beautiful and simple. What does it mean to you?

It means being able to give back to every single person and love them for who they are.

How did you find yourself on this particular journey?

The Flint Water Crisis kind of flung me into this life and I haven't looked back since. What began as me wanting the world to know that we have a serious problem in Flint has turned into me wanting to help out kids all over the country and to prove to other kids they can change the world as well.

We gotta know, what kind of hugs does Obama give?

They are amazing. He is so soft and warm. Best HUG ever. Like a big fluffy bear without the fluff.

What's something you'd like people to know about your work that they probably don’t?

That even though I'm an activist that I am also a kid as well and I LOVE being a kid. And my number one focus is on making sure that Flint kids are not forgotten.

What's the best advice your mom has ever given you?

To always find the good in every situation, even when things seem all bad.

When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road?

I dont find a new road, I will work until I am able to get over that bump. Sometimes it takes a lot of being told no to finally get the answer I want.

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

"Happy" by Pharrell Williams.

TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE PHILANTHROPY LIST CLICK HERE. 

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Create & Cultivate 100: Food: Taste of Pace

TRY AND KEEP UP.

Pace Webb is cooking with gas. 

Drawing on her experiences in the L.A. food industry and world travel, Pace runs one of the most sought-after catering companies in Los Angeles. 

Her motto, “Love people and cook them tasty food,” has proven to be a winning combo, with  a focus on farmers' market-fresh produce and creative use of ethically sourced proteins. It doesn't hurt that she delivers a knock-out presentation. Her dishes end up as food fodder of guests. 

Nothing is going to slow her down. 

Find out more about the biz owner below. 

Name: Pace Webb

Instagram Handle: @tasteofpace

Where do your drive and passion come from?

My parents are both artists, so I'm guessing growing up with artistic inspiration and freedom plays a huge part in that. My drive is very competitive, and we can't quite figure out where that came from. That's just as an individual separate from any other outside influence, I suppose.

You are a chef and lifestyle expert. Do you think that women who want to succeed have to have their hand in more than one cookie jar?

I have a Salted Cooking Kit in over 600 grocery stores nationwide (warm quinoa salad for two like Blue Apron but w/o the subscription or excessive packaging). I'm launching a chef-driven fast-casual concept (follow us at @daddyschickenshack), which is completely different from my current brand, Taste of Pace. And I have another mass distribution recipe deal in the works. And the most fun I have is the few times a year I get tapped to create online content for major brands!

I absolutely 1000% believe that anyone should have multiple streams of revenue so that you're always secure when one may temporarily be under-performing. The dream is free, the hustle is sold separately.

"The dream is free, the hustle is sold separately."

Tweet This.

Why did you choose to run a catering company instead of opening a restaurant?

It's somewhat easier to start a catering company and it's not something I just woke up and decided to do one day, it just happened organically, like most good things that are meant to be. There is so much change in the economics of the restaurant industry that I would not open a new dining establishment at this point, but I would absolutely open a fast-casual concept. I could write a lengthy dissertation on this topic!

What's been the hardest learning curve to lean into as you grow?

To separate emotion from business. Since I'm an artist and so tightly tied to my craft it's been challenging to separate business performance from my value as an artist. For example, when business is going really well, I feel validated and the opposite when it's challenging.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Disorganization at work. I literally have it tattooed on my are "Mise En Place" is a French kitchen term that means "put in place". It's a concept that chefs obsess over and it applies to all areas of life as well. (I like to be more carefree in my personal life.)

What are your biggest fears about running a business?

That one day is just won't work anymore. It's a really odd fear, but I think it's not uncommon. I talk to plenty of high-level execs who have been in their respective industries forever and still feel like a fraud at times, like "they're gonna nd me out!" But most of the time I feel like we are crushing it and making awesome stuff happen.

What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?

Cooking is made to look so glamorous and it is so far from that! The finished product is gorgeous, but the work that goes into it is not so.

IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?

Boy, that is a tough one for any artist who is engaged in commerce. It's easy to jump on a bandwagon of what someone else is doing that is working or a new trend that is popular, but if it isn't a truly authentic creation from the source, it won't be a lasting success. Sometimes I get inspiration from IG and other times it's too "noisy" for my creativity. The best way to stay original for me is to get back to the basics of cooking. It may be a common menu we've always done, but there can always be new innovation that comes from a tiny bit of something leftover that we want to use in a dish so as not to waste if that can become a new signature dish (this happens often) or if an ingredient isn't available you have to think fast and use something else and it evolves the creation. There is something really powerful about the action of simply doing something to help with creativity. I also really enjoy (most of the time) the wacky requests we get- my favorites have been for an "all purple" menu for Sephora and for creating shapes of the Italian furniture designer, Gufram, like cacti and lip-shaped pasta. I like to push the limits of my comfort zone so that I am rewarded by deepening my craft. It is greatly satisfying! I am also a fan of "creative cross-training". This means to engage in other creative activities that are not your main medium. For me, this is dancing, painting, photography, seeing visual art and plays. The idea is that the other art forms will inspire your medium.

What about your career makes you feel the most complete?

The fact that I choose my career every day and that I'm passionate about it. Not many people can say that and I've sacrificed some things for that, but it doesn't actually feel like work most of the time.

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?

You know that saying, the grass is always greener? Well, I still believe that to be true and I'm pretty good about leading the life I want to lead and re-directing when it isn't going that way. But damn, @gypsea_lust (IG) sure does look good!

At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?

I don't think there was an actual point. I was always outspoken and bossy. A woman with a plan! (Thanks, Mom and Dad!)

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

Productivity equals morale. When you are at your lowest and things are really hard, just keep doing something. Anything. Don't just stop and lay around no matter how much you want to. Keep people close to you who will hold you to this.

Don't just stop and lay around no matter how much you want to. Keep people close to you who will hold you to this.

When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?

Well, the definition of insanity is to do the same thing and expect different results, so when I hit a bump in a road, I go OK, what are we going to do that is different this time? And you just keep trying different things until you don't hit that bump anymore.

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

Well, truth be told one of my life hacks is a salt bath every night, so I'm not a shower person. I'm a sing in the car person! It's probably something very soulful and disco like "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer. That era is my jam.

Photo Credit: @davisfactor

Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai

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Create & Cultivate 100: Fashion: Janessa Leone

THE MAD HATTER. 

Janessa Leoné graduated from the University of San Diego in 2009 with a degree in English literature. Shortly after she took a job as a nanny and started studying for the law school admission test. Hello GRE. But then, she hopped on a plane to Paris and her life changed. After stumbling into a thrift store in Paris' Marais neighborhood, she found a black fedora made in the 1940s. 

She bought that hat for ten bucks. Under the headband of the hat she found the milliner's initials, and as fate would have it, he turned out to have the same last name her. 

Now, eight years later, Leoné, 30, is running Janessa Leoné, her eponymous millinery label that sells in more than 450 stores worldwide, including at Barney’s, Nordstrom and at her Culver City, CA brick and mortar shop, opened last year. Chrissy Teigen, Lupita Nyongo and Jessica Alba all rock her creations. Her 2017 revenue was on track to top $3 million. Not bad for an almost lawyer and founder who doesn't have a background in design. 

Read more. 

As a fellow with an English degree- EVERYONE said, what are you gonna do with that? But you've built a brand and a company that is in track to do 3 million in 2017. Can you chat a little about your journey?

After graduating college, I had the intention of going to law school, but didn’t feel like that was necessarily my preferred path or one that inspired me—it was just something I chose without knowing what else to do. What I really wanted to do was create something that was unique to me using my own taste and aesthetic. The original idea was to design clothes, but that wasn’t within my resources or skill set at the time. I wasn’t able to just jump into it. I had always loved hats, so I decided to start there with something more niche that would let me break into the market.

Does your degree work into your career in any way?

It does, a lot actually. I learned to communicate and convey ideas effectively. I have manufacturers all over the world, so being able to communicate clearly and efficiently has been a huge value-add. Going through college in general, regardless of degree, was very helpful. Learning to problem solve, work on a timeline, think critically—all those things have helped me in every aspect of running a business.

I want to talk about the hat you found in the Marais. It was made in the '40s but the design was still relevant. How did timelessness play into the brand from the beginning?

The hat I found was from a thrift shop in the Marais in Paris. My aesthetic, whether it’s clothing or home decor, isn’t period specific. I’m always drawn to things that use timeless and quality materials with colors that are classic and relevant during any era. I’ve always had the goal to design items that you can’t necessarily tie back to a specific time period. I want these things to be able to stand on their own with inherent qualities that exist outside of the time they were made. I’ve never gone the route of design based on trends. I do my best to make things that are classic and elegant beyond the era.

Was there ever a question about what you would call the company?

I always wanted to use my name so that I could to carry on my family’s name.

How did you begin to learn the ropes of the fashion world? You're self-funded. You continue to design yourself. Does it come naturally?

I learned a lot from just internet searches. I wasn’t formally trained in design, so I learned from just doing the actual work, asking questions, and researching. I have a natural interest and inclination towards design and things that are well designed—but the work itself does not come naturally. It requires a lot of space and care in order for the inspiration to come. It takes intentional discipline to make sure there’s an environment and a headspace that can allow ideas to come to fruition. It requires a lot of work, but from what I’ve learned from other people who do creative work, that’s a normal relationship. It’s important to be tuned into your taste continually, so you can always be immersing yourself in all different types of art that cultivates your aesthetic and style.

"I’ve never gone the route of design based on trends."

Tweet this. 

Speaking of being self-funding. In the beginning. You took 5% of $10,000 and spent it on gifting hats to fashion editors, including Hilary Kerr. It ended up paying off big time. Was that a big risk to you?

Yes, it was a huge risk for me at the time. I only had twenty hats in my entire inventory and I gave half of them away. I didn’t have a proper gifting budget, and just had to use my inventory that I had invested in. At the time, that was a big expense. I’m very grateful and appreciative, especially to Hillary, for supporting and helping me at the beginning.

What do you think people crave when they get dressed?

Confidence. They want to feel good. I think people crave pieces that accentuate their lifestyle and let them express themselves without hindering them or making them self-conscious. They want to be made more comfortable and more confident in who they are. Everyone wants to be comfortable in their lifestyle and whatever activity is entailed in that. So it’s about accentuating that lifestyle in a way that makes you look great and feel comfortable but also helps you go about your life without being hindered by what you’re wearing.

People crave pieces that accentuate their lifestyle and let them express themselves. 

What would you call your superpower?

The support of my dad, boyfriend, and team who have not only given advice but have taken an active part in making this business possible every step of the way.

What's been the hardest part of your growth?

Managing the business side and the challenges that come along with that. That requires a lot of knowledge and skillsets that I wasn’t necessarily equipped for and had to learn quickly. There’s still a lot to learn on that side.

What would you tell budding entrepreneurs about the risk/reward of it all?

Spend time finding the part of your work that you’re passionate about and that fulfills you, and let that be what guides you and helps you persevere. The challenges involved and the sacrifices I’ve experienced have been far beyond anything I expected. But what has kept me going is that I love the work and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do something I find fulfilling.

Photo Credit: @davisfactor

Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai

TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE FASHION LIST CLICK HERE. 

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Create & Cultivate 100: STEM: Ara Katz

THE STARTUP GURU. 

A storyteller, designer, techie and dot connector, Ara Katz has vision.

A holistic vision and approach which she applies to every company she starts. Most recently, she Co-Founded and served as CMO of Spring, a venture and LVMH-backed mobile marketplace, which launched in August 2014. Before that, Ara was on the Founding Team of BeachMint, where she launched six direct-to-consumer, celebrity-partnered brands.

But the Seed of something new has sprung within her. A new journey that combines her curiosity around the human body, passion to raise the standards for consumer health products, and belief in the profound importance of the microbiome. 

More from Ara below. 

Name:  Ara Katz 

Instagram Handle: @arakatz 

Where do your drive and passion come from? 

My heart. 

How do you feel as a woman in STEM? 

Badass. 

How have you successfully navigated such a male-dominated field? 

By never thinking about it as a male-dominated field. 

What are your hopes for young women who are interested in STEM? 

That they pursue it. Our future cannot only be men asking the important questions and contributing to the solutions. That is, in large part, how we arrived here. 

Can you chat about Seed and its aims? 

Our aim is simple - to improve human health (and our understanding of it) through the microbiome - the 38 trillion microorganisms that live on and in us that are essential to our health and to what makes us human. 

And in turn, about going with your gut? 

For me, 'in your gut' is literal - our gut is our "second brain"; it is where the majority of the bacteria in your body reside (2-3 pounds!) and where they do the important work of keeping you healthy. 

"Our gut is our "second brain.'"

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What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Injustice, scarcity and bad tippers. 

What are your biggest fears about running a business? 

I fear complacency and mediocrity - so if we ever get to a place where our team feels either of those, we are failing. 

What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t? 

The level of detail to which I'm involved and the amount of content I write myself.

What about your career makes you feel the most complete? 

Nothing. I learned the hard way that nothing external like my work should ever be a source of feeling complete. 

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why? 

At this moment, POTUS. 

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk? 

The pin my mother gave me just before she died that says, "She didn't always follow the recipe." 

When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour? 

Hustle, persistence, creativity and the inability to see a bump as a dead-end. 

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day? 

'Let the River Run' by Carly Simon - it's the closing credits song of 'Working Girl'. 

Photo Credit: @davisfactor

Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai

TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE STEM LIST CLICK HERE. 

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Create & Cultivate 100: Food: Maryellis Bunn

THE WUNDERKIND. 

OK. It's a little tongue-in-cheek to put the 25-year-old founder of the Museum of Ice Cream Maryellis Bunn on the C&C 100 Food list, but the MOIC is a little cheeky with a cherry on top.

In the most brilliant ways. (As is everything having to do with ice cream.)

The mastermind behind the viral with a cherry on top Museum of Ice Cream, said people thought she was banana splits when she first came up with the idea. Then she launched the first MOIC space in Manhattan’s Meatpacking district with biz partner Manish Vora. 30,000 tickets, then priced between $12-$18, sold out in less than a week. Everyone was sweet on the idea.

People, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Blue, all went wild for the second MOIC location in Downtown Los Angeles. The sprinkle pool was everywhere on IG. Inherently understanding the importance of online shareability (people crave content) and offline experience, the interactive confectionary-filled “museum” served up a saccharine escape that the public desperately wanted. NYMag called her The Millennial Walt Disney. Far cry from crazy.

So yeah, she gets Instagram, but what Maryellis also understands is supply and demand. She opened the brand’s third location in San Francisco, housed in a landmarked 1910 former bank building in the middle of Market Street. But as SF opened, the LA location announced its really, truly, no more extensions, final date as Sunday, Dec. 17.

If you shut it down, people will only want more. Kind of like when your mom told you no more cookies. If you give a millennial an ice cream museum… they’ll definitely want a cone.

Read more of Maryellis’ confectionary journey below.

Where do your drive and passion come from?  

My drive and passion come from the desire to create places where people feel they have the tools to explore their own imagination and live a more fruitful life. 

What has been your biggest lesson learned with Museum of Ice Cream?

Museum of Ice Cream provides daily lessons that anything is possible. 

When you run into a career obstacle, what drives you forward?

I believe that every obstacle is a disguised opportunity. When I started this journey, vulnerability was the key to the process and has remained so. The more I put my work out there the better it becomes. Fear is not my friend. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Excuses. They don’t exist within our company culture. Commandment number one of Museum of Ice Cream is “Anything is possible.” When you build a company that turns “what if’s...” into realities it shifts thinking. This is why I love what we do. 

Who or what are you most inspired by?

The Museum of Ice Cream community, from our contractors and visitors to #TEAMMOIC they inspire me to continue to create spaces and experiences! 

When you first approached someone and told them about your idea— did they think, that’s kind of crazy, but it might work?

No, everyone thought it was nuts. They didn’t understand the mission or the concept.

What are your biggest fears about running a business?

Not having enough time to seek out my visions. I want to build a city, I spend more and more time on the frameworks that can live on.

"Everyone thought it was nuts. They didn’t understand the mission or the concept."

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If you had to build an apocalypse team of 5, who would be on it and why?

My core team is 4, they would remain as is. What we lack in experience we make up in imagination! Time and time again, we defy what is said to be impossible due to our desire and ability to get things done. The fifth would be a role I am currently looking to fill, lead experience architect/designer, if I had it my way I would hire a kid, they have the ripest of ideas and designs. If you think like a child and want to create experiences around the world check our job listings! 

What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?

I run the business and all creative aspects of the brand. There is no corporation or investors behind Museum of Ice Cream, we are fully self-funded. For our V1 in NYC my core team and I worked the floor and managed every day. We painted the walls and cleaned all floors. On the design I direct everything from the trash can design and each installation to the items we manufacture for sale. In turn, I also create the structures and systems our business runs on. While leading our teams and oversee all operations. As we grow I am excited to share these responsibilities, one thing, however, will always remain, creative first then business. We have our own metrics to measure success, which allows us to always put the experience first. 

What about your career makes you feel the most complete?

#TEAMMOIC, I could have never fathomed the family that we continue to build each day. 

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?

I’m living my dream! I have big dreams and know that this step is one of many I need to take to achieve them. The process and journey are how I evolve. 

At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?

Still working on it.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

That the first step is vulnerability. 

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

I take a bath and turn the lights off! 

TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE FOOD LIST CLICK HERE. 

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Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Busy Philipps

BUSY ACCEPTING HERSELF.

When her career changed, she changed her game.

It's unlikely that you would have ever considered Busy Philipps a "struggling" actor. But when a New Yorker profile on the actress, mom, and not-so-casual baker, came out at the end of 2017, it painted the very colorful Busy in a new light. Namely, that she's been struggling with roles and her career as an actress. "Frustrated with her career in Hollywood, the actor turned her life into a sitcom,' the headline read. She's no longer interested in waiting around, asking for someone else to give her a job. Like many women who are fed up, she's taking matters into her own very capable hands.

Though she says she's always felt like a bit of an outsider, Busy has willingly taken us inside her life. As a result she's gaining traction and attention on Instagram Stories. People tune in because there's no actress facade. Just a woman, mother, wife, and actress (OK and badass baker) learning to lump the ups and downs and love herself in the process. 

More from Busy below.

Name: Busy Philipps

Instagram Handle: @BusyPhilipps

We see this in your IG stories. Everyone talks about how they want to be your BFF. Why do you think it's so hard for people to be themselves?

I don't know, really. I guess fear is probably the over arc-ing thing, right? People are afraid that if they show who they truly are, they won't be accepted, I guess? I've obviously found the opposite to be true. I think the more I've been truly myself publicly, the more I've felt accepted. Sometimes the response to my stories or all of the comments about wanting to be my best friend feel overwhelming but its also incredibly heartening and lovely. Because I do allow myself to be vulnerable on social media, and truly those are the things that people respond to the most.

And at what point did you decide f*ck, it. This is me.

I've always kind of been this way. My whole life. My mom was always quoting Shakespeare to us(my sister and me) "This above all, to thine own self be true" and granted, the character who says it, Polonius is kind of an idiot blowhard but that particular sentiment is amazing. So privately, I've always been this person. And social media, both Twitter and Instagram have allowed my public persona to follow suit in that I have a direct line to fans and friends. Before, I was just relying on journalists with like 200 word articles about me to convey all of my beliefs and thoughts and feelings and the complexities of who I am as a human. And so what you would get would be an incredibly reductive version of my personality like "SHE'S BUBBLY AND FUN!" It's impossible to understand the scope of who someone is when that's all you have to work with. When people tell me they watch my instagram stories like its a tv show, I totally get it. It's why I've always loved being on TV. You have an ability to build characters slowly with nuance and depth in a way that movies have a hard time accomplishing. So now people really feel like they know me. And they do for sure know a lot about me but you know, as with everything, there are obviously some things that I don't share.

Speaking of being "you," you were very outspoken about Brett Ratner and the allegations about him. Is there a reason that accusation in particular drove you to Twitter? (Also, sidebar, "Garbage Human" is one of my favorite things to call men who suck.)

Oh. I guess I just had read the bullshit statement his lawyer put out and it enraged me. I've know Olivia Munn for a long time, and I knew the story of the initial assault and I've known how horrible he was to her and the lies he told about her and it was just like ENOUGH. And then to read this guy has a 450 MILLION dollar deal at Warner Brothers? His movies suck and he's a sexual predator?! The SYSTEM sucks. I don't know. I'm here for everyone coming forward with all the stories, not just in Hollywood but all industries. There's a movement happening and it's important and I hope that it makes a real difference to my daughter's generation. But after the election last year, I know for myself and for a lot of women that I am friends with, there was a real moment of like, Oh. There are so many people who HATE women. I guess I always kind of knew that on some level but it really became apparent how prevalent and deep the misogyny runs in this country after the election. There's a direct link to Trump being elected and women nally feeling like they can speak up and out and loudly about this.

"I read the bullshit statement his lawyer put out and it enraged me."

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What movie/TV trope garbage are you done seeing?

ugh. I deeply hate the uptight type A tiger mom thing in comedy. So annoying to me and it's always SO ARCH. I've played it and I still hate it. It sucks. Do better.

What's a narrative that you'd love to see explored?

I really loved Lady Bird and I love that it's a coming of age story about a girl and the complexities of her relationship with her mom. Truthfully, I don't know- Lovely and Amazing comes to mind (which I LOVE) but I am interested in more realistic takes on the complexities of mother/daughter/sister relationships.

You've been in the biz a long time. Do you think this post-Weinstein era is a real reckoning? And how will it affect the younger generations of actors and actresses?

I hope it is. I've never seen anything like it and I AM HERE FOR IT. I mean, there are some parts of this job that can get confusing, right? Like so much of being an actress is predicated on the objectification of women. So, especially as a young actress, who wants to work, there's a tendency to sort of resign yourself to 'it is what it is'. You don't question when you get a call from your agents that for your callback, they need you to dress sexier or you got the part but you need to lose 15 pounds. You HAVE TO BE FUCKABLE! Or you know, for instance, in the early 2000's I REALLY didn't want to pose for a men's magazine but I was told by a head of casting that he gets the hot 100 lists earmarked from executives with the actresses they want to be brought in for projects. Which was totally gross and also convinced me I had to do it. So, I hope that we start to see more women in positions of power, more female agents, more women behind the camera, more women writing the stories. That's where we will really succeed for younger generations. That the women are not just there to look good next to the shlub who gets all the funny lines(maybe you get one).

"I hope that we start to see more women in positions of power, more female agents, more women behind the camera, more women writing the stories."

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What is your biggest pet peeve?

Sometimes loud chewing makes me want to die.

What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?

That every actor feels like the job they currently have is probably the last job they will ever have. That not getting jobs sometimes feels so heartbreaking, you're not sure if you can continue but then you read something and know that you have to try.

What about your career makes you feel the most complete?

I suppose when people deeply love something I've been in, when it means something special to them, it feels like I'm doing the right thing.

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?

Can it be Julia Roberts?

At what point in your career did you nd the con dence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?

A year ago.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

I already said it. From Shakespeare via my mom Barb Philipps "And this above all to thine own self be true" Also, from Hello, Dolly! "Money is like manure, it should be spread around encouraging young things to grow." Fuck saving all that money- I don't need trust fund kids, I need kids who've had wild experiences and I need my Gucci purse.

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

Anything by Tori Amos

When you come up against a dead end, how do you find new roads?

Sometimes taking a step back and giving myself a break works. Sometimes working through it works. I think it's important to be exible and open and to try everything. You don't know where those new roads are! You have to be open to seeing them and if you're hyper focused, it can be di cult. I guess I'm saying, sometimes you have to un focus? That sounds like terrible advice. I don't know. I'm just making this all up as I go along. As we all are. (shrug emoji)

Photo Credit: @davisfactor

Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai

TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE ENTERTAINMENT LIST CLICK HERE. 

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