Create & Cultivate 100: Music: Lauren Ruth Ward
THE WILD CHILD.
THE WILD CHILD.
Baltimore-born barber-turned-badass-bluesy songstress, Lauren Ruth Ward is not your honey...she can make love to herself.
With her guttural rasp and unruly edge, the emergent singer-songwriter has drawn comparisons to legendary industry outsider Janis Joplin. “I’m a grower, question asker, an empathetic rebel,” says Ward, who left a comfortable living as a colorist and hairdresser to pursue the call of the wild child. With a forthcoming debut album and a weekly residency in Los Angeles, Ward is taking on the notoriously misogynist music scene with her brazen brand of alt-country. Check her out at the Echo on Jan. 22 and Jan. 29 at 8:30 p.m.
And read more below.
Name: Lauren Ruth Ward
Instagram:
You've said that "within reason" you were always allowed to be who you wanted to be. So, who are you? What are you all about?
"Within reason" meaning my mother wouldn't let me leave the house naked - she supported me through my outlandish phases. When others would try to change me, My mother supported my self-expression. I'm a grower, question asker, an empathetic rebel.
Do you recall a moment where you really came into your power as a woman?
Every time I cross something off my to-do list I come into power as a human (woman).
Where do your drive and passion come from?
From my experiences.
When you run into a career obstacle, what drives you forward?
Knowing I am doing what I should be doing makes me want to do more.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Chewing with your mouth open.
What are your thoughts on the music industry and being a woman in a male-dominated field?
My approach, when I come in contact with the ones who are either subconsciously or consciously misogynistic, kill them with kindness and talent. That always makes them think.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
I've been a barber and a colorist for nine years. I did updos for weddings for five years. I really miss my brides!
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
I don't look at others work as competition. I look around to stay connected to my community and to connect with them on a human level.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
I'm doing exactly what I need to be doing.
"I'm doing exactly what I need to be doing."
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If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
No one, skipping steps makes me nervous.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
"there's enough to go around for everyone " - Kimi Recor
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Anything Frank Sinatra.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE MUSIC LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Music: KING
FREAKIN' ROYALTY.
FREAKIN' ROYALTY.
King is the title given to a male monarch.
But the Queens of KING said nah. They're taking the title crown.
The musical trio—comprised of Anita Bias and twins Paris and Amber Strother, released their debut EP in 2011. It was called The Story, but it was only the beginning of theirs. Immediately, the industry took notice. Prince and ?uestlove praised their magic. (When Prince first heard their debut album, he said: “Don’t change a thing.”) Kendrick Lamar sampled "Hey," one of the three songs on the EP, for Section.80 track "Chapter Six."
In February of 2016, after what felt like decades of waiting, the women released the full-length We Are King. The album was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 59th Grammy Awards, making them the first independent artists to be nominated in that category.
Like we said, freakin' royalty.
More from KING below.
Where do your drive and passion come from?
Paris: All of us are lifelong lovers of music- there’s something so touching about being able to communicate in this universal language. It’s been incredible to reach and inspire people by expressing our emotions through sound, and it’s that connection that keeps us going.
What's behind the name?
Anita: When we were first starting out, it was just the three of us independently creating this landscape of sound. The word KING was like a revelation- it was the first and only name that came to us. It reflected that we were kings of our own musical kingdom, and the name gave us the space to tell our own story.
We are kings of our own musical kingdom.
It took five years between the EP release and the debut album. What was going on during that time?
In hindsight, I can now say we were growing up and growing into being KING. Those five years saw us not only finding our sound and creating the album but learning tons about the business side of music. We’re so grateful we had the opportunity to take our time to learn more about ourselves and create an album that we were proud of.
Prince, Erykah Badu, Solange. KING has worked with some of the most amazing artists. Is that empowering?
Amber: It’s incredible when people you’ve always looked up to recognize something in your music also.
You've said that you'll never compromise the music for any reason. So when you run into a career obstacle or a roadblock, what drives you forward?
Amber: Knowing that the music is special to our fans, friends, and family keeps us going. There will always be obstacles, it’s just important to remember why you were drawn to making music in the first place.
Paris, you also produce for the group. There aren't many female producers in the music world. How are you changing the game?
Paris: I’d love to break down barriers that any woman feels when it comes to following your art. One of the highest compliments I’ve ever been paid was a fellow musician telling me that by just being who we are, we gave so many others permission to do the same.
"I’d love to break down barriers that any woman feels when it comes to following your art."
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Do you think it's surprising to people (or male producers specifically) that you're producing?
Paris: I think some people are surprised that it’s produced by a woman, I think some people are surprised that all the music so far has been produced in entirety by just one person. It’s an incredible time though, and super inspiring to see so many other women making great music. It’s becoming less of an anomaly.
We hear the words "male-dominated" so much that it's almost like white noise. And yet, almost all industries are dominated by men. What shift have you seen in the music industry that's exciting and/or empowering for you as women?
Anita: It’s a great time to be an independent artist. It’s so cool to see the way that women are able to create communities in the internet age- now it’s easier than ever before to connect with people who love and appreciate your art and vice versa.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
Amber: It’s all about finding balance, and knowing when to put your blinders on. It’s important to immerse yourself in others work- let all the art around you inspire you, and never forget the perspective you bring to the table. Hone in on your own originality.
What about your career makes you (each respectively,) feel the most complete?
Amber: Doing what I love with the people I love.
Anita: The ability to touch people that you’ve never met.
Paris: It’s incredible to watch something grow from just your imagination to being a fully- fleshed out piece of art
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
Paris: The support we received from so many people on the day we released our first project in 2011 will stay with us forever. Hearing from so many new fans and artists we admire gave us the spark to know we were on the right track, and that it was moving people the same way it moved us. That experience made us confident that we had something special with KING.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Anita: When Prince first heard our debut album, he said: “Don’t change a thing.” It was something we kept with us throughout the creation and release and gave us the backbone to know that even if nobody else had our backs, he thought it was perfect.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Amber: Any song by Stevie Wonder.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE MUSIC LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Food: Candace Nelson
THE INNOVATOR.
THE INNOVATOR.
Candace Nelson has figured out the recipe for success.
It's pizza, cupcakes, and a cupcake ATM. The founder and pastry chef of Sprinkles Cupcakes, the world's first cupcake bakery, legit started a cupcake craze in 2005. Barbra Streisand sent Sprinkles to Oprah. Jimmy Kimmel saw the cupcakes on Oprah's show, and stood in line for 45 minutes to buy $80 worth of them. In 2012, a pregnancy craving inspired the company’s first cupcake ATM in Beverly Hills. It was 24-hour access to freshly baked red velvet.
But with over 20 Sprinkles locations under her chef's apron, Candace decided to test her hand at another comfort carb: pizza. She's a woman after our own hearts.
Pizzana launched in L.A.'s Brentwood neighborhood, with Daniele Uditi as chef and Candace as executive pastry chef, and once again, people lined up. People, including L.A.'s most notable food critic Jonathan Gold, who willingly waited in line for hours. In June 2017, the critic bylined the article, "Jonathan Gold willingly waits in line for hours at Pizzana, where Neapolitan pizza goes L.A." Enough written.
Her successes are many, her recipes superb. Though we have to wonder how does she find time to do it all? We really can't tell-- though it may have something to do with the fact that she doesn't have to wait in line for her own food.
More from Candace below.
Name: Candace Nelson
Instagram Handle: @candacenelson
Business Instagram Handle: @pizzana_la
In 2005 you created a cupcake craze. It's been over ten years of lines out the door now. What do you think is your secret sauce for success?
Innovation! We innovated 13 years ago by creating the world’s first cupcake bakery, and by elevating the cupcake itself. And we have continued to delight, surprise and innovate along the way with Sprinkles ice cream, the Cupcake ATM, whisper word programs and more.
And yet, Sprinkles came about after you lost your job. Where do your drive and passion come from?
Well, I’m a Taurus, so I’m very stubborn and determined. But really, I think challenges are often opportunities in disguise. I would never have quit my high paying job to attend pastry school, but when the bottom dropped out of the internet world in 2000, I was forced to consider what I really wanted to do with my life.
What does it mean to be a "cupcake expert?"
I think experience and training is the key to creating an expert in any field. Between the 13 years of founding and running Sprinkles and the 100+ episodes of judging Cupcake Wars on Food Network, I have quite a bit of both. I also have a new dessert competition show coming out on Netflix this year. Yes, more “expertise!"
Is there a specific smell from your childhood that brings up a great memory for you?
The smell of Toll House chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven!
What's something about the pastry biz that surprised you? And you think most other people would be surprised by.
When my husband and I were first starting Sprinkles, we went to a bakery convention in Las Vegas. As we were new to the industry, we figured it was a great place to learn a lot about the services and products available to us — all in one place. We were dismayed to learn that most of the companies there were focused on chemical additives to help extend the shelf life of baked goods. Everyone thought our plan of baking our cupcakes fresh from scratch every day was bound to fail.
Everyone thought our plan of baking our cupcakes fresh from scratch every day was bound to fail.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I love problem-solvers so it irks me when someone can only see the obstacles in getting something done.
What's something you'd like people to know about your work that they probably don’t?
I am the executive pastry chef at Pizzana, a neo-neapolitan pizzeria in Brentwood. If you haven’t tried the desserts there, please do! Sometimes people fill up so much on our incredible pizza that it’s hard to save room!
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
I love the fact that I do something that my children can understand and even participate in. They are constantly offering ideas for new cupcake flavors and desserts at Pizzana. It’s a true family business!
I do something that my children can understand and even participate in.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
A contemporary art advisor. To travel the world looking at and advising on contemporary art, connecting with artists and collectors would be fascinating and exciting.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
That is a generous assessment, however, I consider my career to be a journey with room for growth and learning every step of the way.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
My friend Reese Witherspoon says that women should embrace ambition and stop shying away from that word. She has inspired me to acknowledge my own ambition and to encourage other women in my life to do the same.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I think self-compassion is key to any bump in the road. It’s hard to fail, but important to honor the fact that you didn’t take the easy or expected path.
"It’s hard to fail, but important to honor the fact that you didn’t take the easy or expected path."
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What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
"Free Falling" by Tom Petty.
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE FOOD LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Daina Trout
THE KOMBUCHA QUEEN.
THE KOMBUCHA QUEEN.
Daina Trout is running the kombucha game.
And yet, the CEO and co-founder of Health-Ade Kombucha, AKA the fastest growing kombucha company in the United States, spends her free (ahem, what?) time mentoring younger entrepreneurs. She says it’s an important part of the process that she didn’t have when starting her company in 2012.
Trout explains that often, after speaking with younger entrepreneurs, she'll “discover that they’re trying to have their cake and eat it too. The whole thing about being a successful entrepreneur is that there is some major risk you have to take. That’s the price of the game. Whether it’s a financial or personal risk, whatever it is, you’re taking a risk. I don’t think you’ll meet any successful entrepreneur who didn’t have the moment where they thought, ‘Oh shit, everybody is telling me this is stupid, I’m the only one who thinks this way. I have to quit my job. I have no money.’ Everybody has those stories. So when I talk to the entrepreneurs who are trying to mitigate that risk by keeping their job and their apartments, I tell them, ‘We had to live out of our car, what do you think this is?’”
Not for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure. “When they talk to me like that, I say, ‘OK, you’re not ready to start a business. Give up your apartment for four years. You can’t live the life you have from a corporate, steady and sturdy job, and also start a business. That’s the whole point.”
It's exactly what she did when she launched Health Ade with her two co-founders.
Alongside her co-founders, husband, Justin, and BFF, Vanessa Dew, the now-CEO quit her job. She calls it her most important jump. “I had steady job, where I was moving up and getting awards, to start a kombucha company in the farmer’s market,” she laughs. At first she did attempt to split her time.
For about four months over the summer of 2012 the three co-founders tried working the farmer's market circuit on nights and weekends while keeping on with their day jobs. “I was completely driving myself into a brick wall," Trout says. "I was starting to lose my mind." Adding, "And there is no physical way I could do this if I had a kid.” Noting that at the time, she didn’t.
Right around November 2012 is when the trio knew they couldn’t continue at this pace, nor were they doing at good job at either. They weren't going to expand, “certainly not into Whole Foods,” Trout shares, if they didn't commit. So in December they shook hands, made a pact, and as of January 1, 2013 they were full time Health-Ade.
More about Daina and her badass kombucha journey below.
Name: Daina Trout
Instagram Handle: @dainatrout
Business Instagram Handle: @healthade
From pharmaceuticals to kombucha takeover. We know it's been a wild ride. What's been the craziest twist on your journey?
Having a child while at the same time growing a business past its start up phase was the craziest most challenging "twist" of time at Health-Ade. Now it's a lot easier to take on, because I have more employees and processes to manage the work, and I have 2 years experience at being a mom. But when we were still a start up and he was just an infant--WHOA--was I in for a ride.
You're about to double *I think* your staff... how do you go from managing yourself to managing thousands?
We currently have 107 employees and yes, that was double how we started the year in 2017. This has both been a challenge and a blessing. The challenge: with numbers come complexity. Managing yourself, or even a small team of something like 10 employees, is a lot simpler. With less employees, you don't have to worry as much about leadership skills, communication styles, engagement, and culture. The reason is that YOU as the founder ARE the culture. So, as long as the founder is strong in these areas, the team breathes it. A larger employee number has layers, sometimes far away from the founder, so culture and leadership doesn’t just “happen.” It can easily slip away. You have to be seriously deliberate with how you build your team, your style, your values, your culture once you’re bigger. For me, I noticed a BIG difference when we passed 50 or so employees, and it helped to get an experienced lead in HR to help me tackle the right build. The blessing: with numbers comes support. More people get more work done, and we can hit our goals both strategically and quickly, without too much sacrifice to personal life.
You risked it all. Where do your drive and passion come from?
It comes from different places. In the beginning, I had something to prove...I knew I had something game-changing in me, and I needed to make my mark and show the world who Daina really could be. I got all my drive from that dream and the hustle. Now, that's not as much an influence on me--I'm good with what we've accomplished from that respect. Today it's 2 things that drive me: 1) the importance of bringing real food to the commercial shelf and being a part of this great movement and 2) my team. I am so inspired by my employees. I don't know what I did to attract so many magnificent and intelligent people, but they get me up every morning--it's an honor and a privilege to work by their side, and I don't take it for granted.
What's something you wish you had known about beverage production?
I had no idea how much money it would take. I don't "wish" I would have known this though, because it may have deterred me from starting. I don't think I could have fathomed back then how I'd raise over $30MM in 4 years. In a lot of ways, I'm glad I didn't know it then. You figure it out as you go, just like you always have.
"You figure it out as you go, just like you always have."
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What's something about the biz that surprised you? And you think most other people would be surprised by.
The business can be pretty cut throat. You'd think beverage and food, especially kombucha, would be hippy dippy. But it's not! It's like the wild wild west, and everyone is looking out for themselves.
It's like the wild wild west, and everyone is looking out for themselves.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Troller law suits just out to make a buck.
What's something you'd like people to know about your work that they probably don’t?
I do my absolute best in every single moment--i give it my all--but part of being at the top means your best always has to be even better tomorrow. So I kind of always feel like I'm chasing and never there. It's lonely and tough to be proud of yourself.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
Hands down the people. When I see my team of 107 people truly gather around our tagline--aka my motto for life--FOLLOW YOUR GUT! and work for it and believe it and breathe it, I am in awe. That's so fulfilling.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
Our pomegranate farmer Gene Etheridge of Etheridge Organic Farms. I miss getting my hands dirty. I love food and nature. I kind of fantasize about working the fields and harvesting fruits.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
There was no inflection point where I switched. It's been more like a constant climb. Each tough experience gets me closer to the woman I was meant to be. The toughest moments in life have gotten me further along. Questions like this make me take a breather and look back at how far I've come--and baby it's fucking far! But I'm only half way up the staircase still. There's a lot more of me to come.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Just do it. You will figure it out, just like you always have.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
The most important thing you have to do is accept that it's just a bump in the road and not a dead end. You have to accept that this is where you are, you are not a victim, you are not helpless, and there's no denying it. Once you do that, you're 99% there. Chances are, you can problem solve like a champ already, and it was just your own ego in the way of you jumping on it. Business is a game of CONSTANT detours. It's the people who can pivot the quickest and with the most ease that go the furthest.
Business is a game of CONSTANT detours. It's the people who can pivot the quickest and with the most ease that go the furthest.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Katy Perry. IT gets me re-motivated every time. Especially the "you're gonna hear me roar" part.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE WELLNESS LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Garance Doré
THE FRENCH ICON.
THE FRENCH ICON.
In case you needed yet another reason to lament the fact that you weren’t born French, enter the effortlessly-iconic Garance Doré, Parisian fashion blogger living in Manhattan. Chronicling stylish women on her namesake personal blog since 2006, the dynamic writer, illustrator and photographer has recently rebranded and expanded as Atelier Doré—a lifestyle website and creative studio devoted to cool women, inspiring people, and “the art of life.” From a one woman show to full-fledged (and self-funded!) media site, Doré’s approachable and amiable take on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle have made her both an addictive household name and accidental guru.
Read on to discover what keeps this creative tour de force grounded, inspired, and living in the moment.
Where do your drive and passion come from?
I want to live a free and creative life.
When you run into a career obstacle, what drives you forward?
Keeping grounded in myself and trusting my dreams.
"I want to live a free and creative life."
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What is your biggest pet peeve?
People taking my phone charger :)
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
Letting my business run me.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
Some of most important things are the things we don't do and don't talk about.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated by other people's work?
By staying grounded in our true desires.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
That it allows me to grow and change.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
No one, except maybe Kelly Slater.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
There is no specific point. It's an ongoing process and it's never-ending.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
To stop overthinking.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
Like in martial arts, I try to use any force (positive or negative) to learn and grow.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Feeling Good by Nina Simone.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE CONTENT CREATOR LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: STEM: Kimberly Bryant
THE EXEMPLARY LEADER.
THE EXEMPLARY LEADER.
“I consider myself a fighter and a revolutionary and I’m driven to stand up to injustices and inequities whenever I see them manifest.”
When Kimberly Bryant first met computer programming as a freshman in an Electrical Engineering course at Vanderbilt she was excited.
But she also felt culturally isolated. "Few of my classmates looked like me," she says. Though much has changed in the tech sector since her college days, the issue of representation has not.
In 2011, Kimberly, founded Black Girls Code after her daughter expressed an interest in learning computer programming, but the mom found none of the programs in the Bay Area were crafted to or for young African American girls. The entrepreneur and champion for change has cited lack of access and lack of exposure to STEM topics as likely culprits.
"By launching Black Girls Code," she says, "I hope to provide young and pre-teen girls of color opportunities to learn in-demand skills in technology and computer programming at a time when they are naturally thinking about what they want to be when they grow up."
That's the mission of Black Girls Code. Their aim is to increase the number of women of color in the digital space by empowering girls of color ages 7 to 17 to become innovators in STEM fields, leaders in their communities, and builders of their own futures through exposure to computer science and technology, and to train 1 million girls by 2040.
It's Kimberly's Code of Honor, if you will.
More from Kimberly below.
Name: Kimberly Bryant
Instagram Handle: @6gems
Mostly male. Mostly white. That's been the narrative. It's been the picture. Many of our readers struggle with owning rooms like that. How were you able to find your voice and your power?
I come from a very strong matrilineal family. Both of my grandmothers were businesswomen and were able to create opportunities for themselves and their families at times in circumstances much more difficult and tenuous for Black women than what I'm faced with today as a professional woman of color in a male-dominated industry. This ancestral heritage has played a significant role in helping me to both find and owns my voice, my unique views, and my personal power. My wish is that my daughter will find the same light within herself by the example I hope to set for her. I want her to know that she is powerful beyond measure and has absolutely everything she needs to find her path and thrive in these spaces.
Do you remember feeling fear in any of your initial career moments and how did you push through?
I still have fear during certain career moments. One way I push through is preparation. I've found it helps to ease my tension when I know I've prepared for the "moment" to ensure I know my stuff and I'm ready for whatever outcome I can imagine. For those outcomes, I can't foresee? Well, I lean on faith to conquer those fears. I honestly believe that every experience is meant to get you closer to where you're supposed to be. So this pushes me through the fear.
Our children have immense power to shift our perspective. We are able to do for them what, at times, we've been unable to do for ourselves. How has being a mom made you a better entrepreneur?
Embarking on this entrepreneurial journey as a single mom has definitely been one of the hardest things I've ever done yet it has also been the most rewarding.
Where do your drive and passion come from?
This is a difficult question to answer because in some ways I feel this is just who I am. I've always been a rather intense and passionate person and I'm not quite sure where that comes from. I do know that I consider myself a fighter and a revolutionary and I'm driven to stand up to injustices and inequities whenever I see them manifest.
So many industries are shifting. You're part of the movement that is doing the shifting. How does it feel to be a part of that seismic activity?
I'm very proud of the work that BGC has done to shift the narrative around who belongs in the field of technology and I'm very glad that this path found me. We still have much work to do and I'm reminded of a phrase from the musical Hamilton; "legacy is planting seeds in a garden you'll never see". I look at the work I'm doing now in this light. I may never see the true fruits of my work in this lifetime but I'm certain that the seeds we are planting now are creating a legacy that permanently transforms this industry for future generations. It better.
2040 you want to reach 1 million girls. What are some other benchmarks for Black Girls Code?
This year marks our seventh year in existence as a non-profit organization and what we are most excited about is seeing girls who have been involved with Black Girls CODE since they were 10 or 12 years old, graduate from high school and head off to college many in STEM and technical fields. We hope to focus a significant amount of our efforts this year on building a strong and active alumni network and connecting our BGC alumni to career and internship opportunities in some of the many companies we've worked with over the past seven years.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
The greatest sense of completeness in my work comes from seeing so many of our girls discover their passions and become empowered to follow their dreams. I am continually inspired by the girls who are such brilliant, creative, and strong leaders. When I see them shine I know my work and this path is exactly where I was meant to be.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Shortly after I graduated from high school one of the directors at a firm I was interning for during the summer took me to lunch and shared a crucial piece of advice with me---never go to lunch alone. His advice was to use the lunch hour as a time to network internally and build strong business relationships with my fellow co-workers and associates. Today in the age of self care I'm sure there are many folks who would disagree with this advice and I would certainly also encourage the art of disconnecting and resetting as a good practice, but his fundamental advice was really meant to emphasize the value of networking both within and outside of your work environment. Learning how to build a network very early in my career has yielded immense benefits for me both in my past corporate career and in my current entrepreneurial pursuits.
When you first when to raise, you were met with resistance, in part because of the name. But as you've said, words matter. How we chose to frame issues matters. You've shown that you can say no to dollars to don't feel right (multiple times). How would you encourage other young women to walk away from money that's not in their best interest? (It's scary!)
As I've built BGC over the last seven years it's been extremely important for me to lead with authenticity and to be willing to take a loss if it means we hold true to our values. I understand that making the hard decisions can be di cult and at times the seemingly impractical choice but I believe strongly that "values-driven leadership" is extremely important in mission driven organizations. The decisions we make at the top lter down and infect the work we do---it's the fertilizer for the soil that we build in.
“Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance. — Vernā Myers, VP, Inclusion Strategy, Netflix”
When you hit a big bump in the road, like a NO, how do you find a new road?
I'm a person that doesn't take 'NO' for an answer. Perhaps it's my training as an engineer but I always think there could be a better or different way to get around a no so I'll actively look at the situation and try to figure out a way to reach my desired outcome. When I can't figure out the answer on my own I ask for help. This is probably one of the most important skills (asking for help) I've had to embrace as a leader.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
My current obsession is the Broadway musical Hamilton. I'm a late-comer to the Hamilton train but was completely blown away by the show and every single song in it. So I find myself humming the various melodies in the shower, during the day, and just about anytime I need a little extra boost of motivation and inspiration.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE STEM LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: STEM: Jesse Draper
CLOSING THE GAP.
CLOSING THE GAP.
Jesse Draper is proving that it takes a Valley Girl to take down the gender bias of Silicon Valley. We call this Sweet Valley High Schooling Your
As founding partner of Halogen Ventures as well as creator and host of the 2015 Emmy nominated television series,“The Valley Girl Show,” Jesse is Sweet Valley High Schooling our asses about what it means to put your money where your mouth is. A 4th generation venture capitalist focused on early stage investing in female founded consumer technology, Jesse is challenging the industry's penchant for funding more men than women.
Though her dad opened the investing doors to her at a young age, investing isn't just in her DNA. She's had unparalleled access and and easy education. She was one the first people to test AIM (AOL’s Instant Messenger) and participated in the first ever Skype video conference at 16. She's said that women take fewer risks with their money, but wants them to put it to work.
With a background in investing and media, that's double the reason to invest in her.
More from Jesse below.
Name: Jesse Draper
Instagram Handle: @jessecdraper
Business Instagram Handle: @halogenvc
Where do your drive and passion come from?
My family. My family is very driven and my grandfather always instilled in all of us that if you do what you love, the money will come with some really hard work. That is where my passion comes from. I feel like I do what I love by supporting female run tech companies every day.
How do you feel as a woman in STEM?
It is a huge advantage to be a female in STEM because there are fewer women. We have a long way to go and we need to encourage more women to enter the profession by giving media exposure to the ones within the STEM industries.
What do you think is a major "miss" for women when it comes to investments?
When it comes to raising money as a female, something I see regularly is that they aren't thinking big enough. We are realistic. We know exactly how much money we need to raise to get where we need to go. This is positive but sometimes we need to think bigger. Women need more of what I like to call the 'billion-dollar mindset' which is 'How do you build this company into a $Billion business?'. When women pitch me and I think they are thinking too small, I will say 'Take this idea. Imagine how big this business could get. How many different revenue streams? How do you find more customers, imagine the biggest business you possibly can with this idea Then multiply that by 100. Then multiply that by 1000. And then come back to me and pitch your company.'
How do we reprogram ourselves to believe that we are good at/with/handling money?
This is a problem buried deep in the history books as men used to control the majority of the nances. Women are still becoming used to handling the money in a relationship. A couple things: Go to every accountant or financial planner meeting with your spouse, don't let your husband make any large financial decision alone. The more exposure you have to finance, the more you will realize that you know more than you think. And what you don't know, you can easily learn. Women also need to experiment with their money more. They feel safe buying a pair of shoes or hard good that is tangible because they understand that. They would feel more comfortable investing in the stock market, companies, etc...if they tried it. It's not as complicated as we make it out to be. Start by investing in a stock that you know. Put your money to work. Don't 'save' it all, invest it, grow it. Play with it.
How do we get more venture dollars to go to women?
We need more female investors. I have found that often, the high net worth women that I meet feel more comfortable writing a $1 Million dollar check to a charity than they do investing in a for-profit venture. I encourage more women with this type of access to wealth to invest in both the non-profit world as well as the for-profit world because you can do just as much good, if not more by investing in women lead companies. By investing in a for-profit female-led company, you are creating more female billionaires of the future and thus more wealth handled by women. This is how we level the playing eld.
How have you successfully navigated such a male-dominated eld?
I am a tough negotiator and I speak up when it's important. I also try and promote the women around me because no one wants to stand on top of the mountain alone.
What are your hopes for young women who are interested in STEM?
I hope they go for it and build the Ubers, Googles and Amazon's of the future with the most diverse teams. If the data proves to be true, diverse teams breed success and with more women in leadership, these companies of the future will be infinitely more successful than those that currently exist.
"Diverse teams breed success and with more women in leadership, these companies of the future will be infinitely more successful than those that currently exist."
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Wasting water. I grew up in the never-ending drought that is California and my husband grew up in Seattle where they have tons of water. I hate the faucet running unnecessarily. Drives me nuts.
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
You can't have any fears if you are running a business. You have to be insanely optimistic and open to pivoting, rolling with the punches and trying new things no matter how terrifying. You have to JUMP.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
I get to bet on people's dreams and I feel incredibly fortunate to be an investor and be able to do so. It's a privilege. It's also a ton of hard work.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
I think the most dangerous place any human can live is inside the box. You need to think outside of the box. Question everything. Don't do things the way other people do. Create a company that solves a problem that you have experienced in a new way. Copycats are boring and they won't get anywhere. I stay original by going to the beat of my own drum. I don't like to do things the way other people do.
"The most dangerous place any human can live is inside the box."
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What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
I don't think I ever feel complete in my career. I am always excited about what else there is to do. I just closed my first fund and that feels like a good step completed. I like to think that I can always do more and improve and no one has figured it all out. I certainly haven't. I do like knowing I have completed something but the only thing that gives me that feeling is finishing a book. Everything else can be improved or bettered in some way and that is how I see the world.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
Trump. Just for the next couple of years.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
I'm still finding the confidence but if you talked to me in my 20s, I think you would have met a much less secure woman. I had to learn how to be confident in my abilities and teach myself to trust my decisions.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
My family always says '80% of success is just showing up' - this has worked well for me.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I take a step back and go do something else for a little while. Sometimes I give it a night's sleep. I try to look at the situation through different people's perspectives and I talk to my friends, mentors, and advisors about it. Once I have done enough 'research', I make a swift decision and plow forward until I hit another bump.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Baby got Back by Sir Mixalot. It's my theme song. I have a Kardashian booty.
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE STEM LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Fashion: Jessie Randall
THE CREATIVE CRAFTSMAN.
THE CREATIVE CRAFTSMAN.
photo credit: Taylor Jewell
Living her dream, one step at a time.
Devoted mom, wife, and designer behind the brand she founded, Jessie Randall has called her shoe and handbag label a brand “for women who lead dynamic lives.” A woman like herself.
Loeffler Randall began in 2004 as a bit of a fairy tale. The brand sold into Bergdorf Goodman year one, and won a CFDA award two years after launching. People were hot on Jessie's heels. The brand stayed the course and is now one of the most sought-after brands of digital and fashion darlings.
Today, her office space in Manhattan's Soho neighborhood is equally as dynamic as the brand itself. It's minimal but bright, the large entryway serving as a yoga studio for the tea Artist Dana Haim's yarn installations hang on the walls. It all fits the brand's clean, cool aesthetic. And why wouldn't it.
As we said, it's Jessie's fairy tale. We're just wearing her shoes.
More below.
Where do your drive and passion come from?
My love of making beautiful things and my life-long passion for shoes.
We love this quote from you about Loeer Randall's design aesthetic: “Oh yeah, that feels like me. I’m pushing a stroller and then running to work.” How are you designing for the modern working woman?
Our customer is dynamic and multi-faceted. She has so many interests and things going on and she needs her shoes and bags to function and also be beautiful. My company is a company that is comprised of 95% women and we understand what our customer needs because we are her. Everything that goes into our line has to be distinctive, beautifully well made and built to last season after season.
What do you think she needs most right now?
Our customer wants products that authentically distinguish her as an original. She wants to wear designs that help the outside world understand who she is inside.
When you run into a career obstacle, how do you find new roads?
Let's see: my circle of women business friends who always have great advice, lots of late night texts with my girlfriends, cognitive behavioral therapy, working out and making time for creative pursuits that have nothing to do with my job (like writing and knitting).
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I'm a pretty honest person so I would say it bothers me a lot when people are disingenuous.
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
I don't really have fears, but I definitely have anxiety. I like to work in a happy, positive environment so I do everything in my power to make sure we have great, upbeat people on our team, a lovely work/life balance, product we are crazy about and a happy vibe in the office.
"I don't really have fears, but I definitely have anxiety."
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What do you do when you lose your creative juice!?
I keep pushing. There are always millions of great ideas to be had. I'm lucky in that I feel really inspired lately. It's always so nice to be able to design the kinds of things you want to wear yourself. Then you can trust your instincts and have fun.
L: Jessie's mood board at her Soho Offices. photo credit: Sarah Elliott. R: Loeffler Randall's latest and greatest.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
I guess that every job has parts of it that aren't fun, including and maybe even especially when you are the boss. I'm lucky in that I love what I do, but that doesn't mean that I don't have extremely boring or un-fun parts of my job.
I'm lucky in that I love what I do, but that doesn't mean that I don't have extremely boring or un-fun parts of my job.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
That my kids are proud of what I do.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
I honestly can't think of anyone I would trade with. That's a good sign, I guess!
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
Haha. I don't think I ever found the confidence! I think everyone is secretly questioning themselves and often unsure lots of the time - I know I am. But the hardest thing for me was starting my company. I was so scared to fail and there was so much pressure on me to succeed. But I'm really grateful that we did take that leap.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
I've had lots of great advice over the years. I guess the most important to me is to just be myself, be authentic and stick to my guns, doing what I believe in.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
I don't sing. But I do love to take a bath when I've had a bad day and soak in Aesop soap.
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE FASHION LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Kristen Noel Crawley
MOGUL IN THE MAKING.
MOGUL IN THE MAKING.
Kristen Noel Crawley does not crawl. She sprints.
On her resume: beauty columnist, jewelry designer, and entrepreneur. After a trip to Tokyo with Dior, Kristen stumbled upon what would be her next big venture: lip masks.
From her eyes to our lips, she founded KNC Beauty, her now Insta-famous brand with a focus on all natural lip masks. Not only is she CEO to KNC, she's also a mother to two babes, and co-owner of a gallery space (Chicago's RSVP Gallery). She's an open and shut #boss. No jury deliberation.
Try and keep up below.
Name: Kristen Crawley
Instagram Handle: @kristennoelcrawley
Business Instagram Handle: @kncbeauty
What does beauty mean to you?
Feeling comfortable in your own skin, loving yourself and treating yourself right.
Do you remember a moment when you first felt beautiful?
When I was about 11 I plucked out ALL of my eyebrows so that I could look like my mom (it was the style back then) I thought I was so beautiful because I looked like her. She wasn’t too happy about it (laughs).
Where do your drive and passion come from?
Definitely from the strong women in my family! My grandma raised 5 kids on her own. My mom raised two. My sister is an attorney. With examples like that, how could I not have passion and drive?
What made you decide to launch KNC Beauty?
I needed a product like a lip mask so I created it. There were times I didn’t think it would be a good idea but I’m glad I kept pushing and believed in myself.
Did you ever imagine such a massive response to your lip mask?
Not at all! I still at times can’t believe how amazing the response has been. I definitely have to credit my lovely girlfriends that have supported me. I couldn’t have done it without them. It’s proof that when we as women support each other that we can accomplish anything!
"When women support each other we can accomplish anything!"
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What are your biggest fears about running a business?
I think failure, in general, is a fear of mine or people not liking my product.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
In the beginning, it was just my intern and I. Now I have a full team of women- sales director, creative team, assistant. It’s cook to work with so many ladies.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
Logging off of social media is always inspiring for me. It can get redundant and cloud your mind if you’re not careful. I try to take a weekly and monthly break. It always makes me feel so much better and my creative juices start owing when I’m not being fed other people’s ideas.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
Well, I really feel like I’m just starting in the beauty space. I have so many ideas that I can’t wait to get out there. Finding a niche where I can be creative while still making something cool and accessible has been a great accomplishment for me.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
I’d be a professional equestrian. I loved riding when I was younger and to experience that every day as a job would be the most fun!
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
I remember when I was about to put my lip mask out and another company beat me to the punch. I felt so defeated. I talked to my friend about it and she encouraged me to keep pushing and I’m so glad I did. That was a turning point in my confidence that I needed to go after my goals!
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?Just do it!
Because if you don’t, someone else will.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I try to look at all of my options and weigh them out. There is ALWAYS a solution so don’t get frustrated, just get going!
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
"Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley. It fills my soul with happiness.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE BEAUTY LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Entrepreneur: Morgan DeBaun
THE GAME CHANGER.
THE GAME CHANGER.
Name: Morgan DeBaun
Instagram Handle: @morgandebaun
Business Instagram Handle:
@blavity @shadow_act @travelnoire @21Ninety @afro.tech
What are the common challenges you've seen among female business owners and entrepreneurs?
Being able to get into the room. There are still a lot of closed doors when it comes to women entrepreneurs, whether it be to pitch, or securing funding, it’s still very much a boys club. Hopefully, that will change in the near future with the number of women business owners and entrepreneurs consistently growing.
"A press release won't fix male ego." Obsessed with this, but also, TRUE. How do we keep changing culture? How do we fix it?
We change the culture by continuing to have an open dialogue about situations and issues that may have been accepted in the past, but as we move forward, towards a more inclusive landscape in every industry, those practices and beliefs just aren’t acceptable any longer.
What was the turning point that convinced you, it's time to take matters into my own hands? The world needs Blavity.
It was after the death of Mike Brown. Almost every media source painted this kid out to be a monster, all while his body still laid in the middle of the street. Too often we see the narrative around people of color go from bad to worse in the media before real facts have been presented. Blavity was created to change that.
When you run into a career obstacle, how do you find new roads?
I find new roads by going back to the drawing board and revisiting the original vision. That usually helps me get back to aligning myself with my goals. In doing so, I almost always come across new avenues and alternative ways to get to the job done.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who talk a lot about what they want to do instead of just doing it. Actions speak louder than words and execution is everything.
"Actions speak louder than words and execution is everything."
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What does the concept of #hustlesmart mean to you?
To hustle smart means to put in the work needed, but doing so efficiently and effectively, so that time, energy and resources aren’t wasted along the way. Sometimes I think people take pride in being “busy” and “working hard.” If you can accomplish the same outcome with less work isn’t that a better outcome?
How has your relationship to that concept changed over the last five years?
I have a team now. We still hold the concept in high regards, but with more brain power, it has become easier, in a way. We work together and are able to pick up on each other’s blind spots, so that makes the process of executing ideas a lot smoother than being alone in my one-bedroom apartment trying to do everything on my own.
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
If I had to take a stab at it, I would say that taking too long to recognize that a project or idea or system just doesn’t work. I love the quote “fail fast” because the greatest lessons are born out of failures and mistakes.
Fail fast, because the greatest lessons are born out of failures and mistakes.
Blavity is explaining difficult concepts like Cap Tables. And also sharing the recipes from black food bloggers. You're diversifying media with diverse content. How involved are you in mapping it out and what does the process look like?
I’m very involved. Our team constantly collaborates and brainstorm together in the office or via slack. Each person on our team juggles multiple hats (we’re a startup!) but we work together to create the best content or product for our community.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
I feel most complete being able to employ people who are underdogs and deserve to work in a space where they can be their full creative selves.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
I wouldn't. I’m proud, and very much still in awe of what my team has done in the short years that Blavity has existed. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
It was when I decided to quit my job at Intuit and pursue Blavity full time. It was all sorts of scary and nerve-wracking but I never looked back. I think that when you find something that you’re really passionate about that you’d be willing to do for free then it makes everything that comes after less scary.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Stop asking for permission and just do it.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Beyoncé - "Formation"
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE ENTREPRENEUR LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Philanthropy: Katherine Schwarzenegger
PAWSITIVELY INSPIRING.
PAWSITIVELY INSPIRING.
Activism is in her DNA.
As the eldest daughter of actor/politician Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist/philanthropist Maria Shriver, author and activist Katherine Schwarzenegger is as close as it comes to Los Angeles royalty. With three books under her belt, including one children’s tome, the 27-year-old author tackles important topics including body positivity and, now, pawsitivity. Maverick and Me, Schwarzenegger’s third book and first children’s story, educates kids on the heartwarming merits of animal adoption. Using her influence to make a real difference, Schwarzenegger hopes to inspire girls and women to feel confident in their skin, and to be an advocate for the voiceless, both canine and human.
More from Katherine below.
Name: Katherine Schwarzenegger
Instragram: @katherineschwarzenegger
Where do your drive and passion come from?
Both my drive and my passion come from life experiences and my upbringing. I was raised by parents who had a huge amount of drive and many passions and that made me excited to grow up and discover what it is I am passionate about. Whether that's animal rights, women's issues, maternal mortality, body image, gathering advice for my generation, or lifestyle, I try to work on all of these passions to make a difference. I grew up seeing people around me of all ages making a difference in the world and because of that I always felt that I too, could make a difference no matter how big or how small the topic.
Philanthropy means the "love of humanity." It's so beautiful and simple. What does it mean to you?
For me, that means loving humans, animals, the earth and having a desire to make the world a better place for everyone. There is so much going on in the world and lot of the time we only get shown the negative happening in the world, and its so important to focus on all of the people, on various levels, that are doing so much to better this world in so many different areas. No matter how big or how little, doing anything you can to make this world a better place for the people and animals in it, is so important. Just starting by treating each other with kindness is a great place to begin.
"Treating each other with kindness is a great place to begin."
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How did you find yourself on this particular career journey?
Really just through living life and having different experiences. I never thought that I would be writing books or doing TV work. I was always super shy and could hardly ever keep a straight face, so the idea of going into a line of work that is in the public eye wasn't something I ever saw myself doing. I did an internship at Dove when they came out with their campaign for real beauty, and I became super passionate about body image and having a desire to start the conversation about body image and not make it something secretive or taboo to talk about like I felt it was when I was growing up. I finished that internship and was so read up on the topic, I decided to write a book proposal and shop it around and that's how I started doing my first book. I felt that it was important for young girls to be able to read someone's story and feel they weren't alone when feeling insecure, lost or confused as a teenager. I started doing TV work because when I wrote that book and went on a book tour, I went on talk shows for the very first time in my life and right away fell in love with everything about being on a talk show. I felt really comfortable and at home and it just felt like something I found interesting but also fun. The same kind of situation goes for everything else I have done in my career; it has really been based on having different life experiences and passions that have made me want to keep writing books and expand my career in certain areas and always be open to new things.
Do you think you've found your true calling?
I think and have found that your true calling evolves over time for a lot of us. For example, when I did my first book, I felt my true calling was body image and helping young girls feel they weren't alone in their journey and struggles. Now, although I am still very passionate about body image and women's empowerment, another true calling for me would be helping animals and being a voice for the voiceless. I wrote my children's book because I wanted to teach kids about the importance of animal rescue and shining a light on all of the amazing animals that are available for adoption with the hopes that when a child or adult gets their first pet, they might choose to adopt. I think as you live your life, you have different and new experiences that might spark your interest and lead you to discover your true calling. Body image, women's empowerment and animals will always be a passion for me, but I am excited and open to see how that develops over time.
"Body image, women's empowerment, and animals will always be a passion for me."
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Are there any fears associated with your work? If yes, what are they?
I think there are fears with everyone's work and life, in some areas more than others. For my line of work, I experience some fear when I talk candidly about things like body image or my personal experiences because I have a fear of what people might think of me or how people might react to what I say. When I did my first book, I had to decide if I wanted to have the book be more fact and statistic based, or if I wanted to share my experiences and make it more of an open diary kind of book which was terrifying for me. I ended up deciding to make it more of a open diary kind of book because even though I was so scared to share all of my personal stories and struggles from growing up, I felt that if there was one girl who read my experiences and could feel that she wasn't alone in her journey, that it would be worth it for me. While some of my high school friends poked fun at me for sharing certain things, I didn't care, knowing my book could help someone. Sometimes when I work with a certain brand or company, I might have fear that people might think what I am doing is silly or judge whatever it is that I am working on. I would say a place in my work that I don't have any fear, is when I talk about animals or spread awareness about animal rescue. Sometimes I have fear and other times I don't, but when I do have fear about something, that makes me feel like I should push myself, even more, to just do it, because that's how you learn and grow.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
With my new children's book "Maverick and Me", people might think that doing a book for kids is easy but it was actually a lot more work than I thought it would be. I had done two adult books before this children's book so I thought it would be a breeze, but there is a lot more work that goes into a children's book than I expected. I also found it to be super interesting that when I would travel around to promote this book, that tons of people came up to me and said: "I've always wanted to do a children's book but I just never have been able to get it done." I was really surprised at the number of people, some that were even close friends, that have had a passion for writing stories for children and for whatever reason, just haven't. I also like to let people know that this book was in the works for over a year before it even became anything so it takes time and is a process.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
Whenever someone tells me my work has helped them, that's when I feel complete. When I wrote my first book about body image, I said that if my book helped one girl feel she wasn't alone, then my book was a success for me. When I did my second book, I said that if my book helped one person feel less anxious and more excited about closing the chapter of college and starting a new chapter in the real world, then my book was a job well done. And with my most recent children's book, I said that if my book helped one dog get adopted, then my book had served its purpose. There is no better feeling than hearing someone say "I read your book with my kids and we decided to adopt a dog", or "I read your book and realized I wasn't alone if I was feeling bad about my body and knew I could get through it", or "I read your book and really got excited about all the possibilities of what I can do after college". Its a feeling I can't explain but it honestly makes me cry every time (I'm also a huge crybaby).
Whenever someone tells me my work has helped them, that's when I feel complete.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
I have a mixed answer for this because of my various kinds of passions, so bear with me. If I could trade jobs with anyone it would be a combination of Beyoncé, Kelly Ripa, and a farmer or someone who owns an animal sanctuary. I am obsessed with Beyoncé and think she is incredible in so many ways and if I could be able to sing and just live her life for a day I would find it fascinating but mostly to be able to have the gift of her voice would be amazing. I love talk shows and just talking about things that are going on in the world so when I watch her in the morning, I think how fun that job would be. It isn't her specifically, just any morning talk show. I would want to also trade jobs with someone like a farmer just to be around animals of all kinds all day every day. I love animals of all kinds and they make me so happy and when you are able to help them and offer them a second chance at life, that's beyond rewarding to me. So if anyone knows a job that incorporates all of those areas, let me know :)
At what point in your life did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
That to me is a daily lesson. Sometimes I wake up and I feel confident and other days I don't. When I wrote my first book I was a sophomore in college and people would say "where did you get the confidence to do that at such a young age" and I would always say, "well I never thought of my age as an issue, I just felt that I found something I was really passionate about and wanted to write about it to help others". I was raised in a family that always stressed the importance of giving back and making a difference, that no matter your age you could make a difference, and that finding your passion and running with it was the greatest thing you could do. When it comes to topics I am passionate about, I usually always feel confident talking and being a voice for those issues. A friend in college always told me that "as long as you prepare, review and do your research, there is no reason to feel nervous or lack confidence" and that has always stuck with me. So whether I am talking to someone about the latest skincare trend, or speaking to people about the importance of animal rescue and being a voice for the voiceless, or letting a young girl know she's not alone in her body image struggles or gathering advice for people in my generation about what to expect going into the real world; I always prepare so I can always feel confident.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
The amount of advice or nuggets of wisdom I get from my mom is endless but here are a few. When my sister and I were little my mom started having us practice positive self-talk. I have a video of my sister and me in our high chairs saying in sync, "I am nice, I am smart, I am kind, I am beautiful." I think that was such a great and cool way to empower us from the start. To continue that, my mom always told me "there will always be someone prettier, smarter, thinner, funnier than you, but you should only focus on being the best you can be because there is only one you and the world needs more of that". I think that was helpful for me to know at a young age and to be reminded of as I get older because we can get caught up in comparing ourselves to others and I think that has only gotten more challenging as social media has become even more relevant. We see people doing certain things (mostly always flawlessly on social media) in their careers, in their relationships, in their travels etc. and we can't help but see that and want some part of that and then wonder why we don't have that in our lives. That can get to be a negative thing because you are constantly comparing and never really happy or content with what is going on in your own life and being grateful for your own blessings. I like to remind myself that seeing people's lives on social media is great but its focused on the pretty and nice parts of life for the most part and not what is really going on in people's lives, and to not worry about what others are doing only to worry about myself.
I have a video of my sister and me in our high chairs saying in sync, "I am nice, I am smart, I am kind, I am beautiful." I think that was such a great and cool way to empower us from the start.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road?
I try to remember that everything happens for a reason and that even though I might not be able to see or understand that reason in the moment, that eventually I will see why I was sent down a certain path. That can sometimes sound cliche and be hard to believe when you are in the middle of something and really having a hard time, but I do think believing that has really helped me get through things in life. I also believe that having some sort of faith is really important in life. Whatever you go through in life, knowing there is something bigger than you and life is also helpful and that's different for everyone.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Any Christmas song will cheer my right up but I'm one of those people that likes to listen to sad music when I am sad so I have a full Adele playlist for that.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE PHILANTHROPY LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Simone De La Rue
INSPIRING EVERY STEP.
INSPIRING EVERY STEP.
Revenge is sweet. At least when it comes in the form of Simone De La Rue.
As the featured trainer on "Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian,” and the powerhouse behind some of the A-list’s most famous behinds and biceps, fitness phenom Simone De La Rue is no stranger to sculpting bodies for the scrutiny of the public eye, and wow-ing that a-hole ex-boyfriend. The former professional dancer, trainer to the stars, and creator of the 8-week Total Body Makeover Plan Body by Simone has been touted as the next Tracy Anderson. With devoted clients including Reese Witherspoon, Chrissy Teigen, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, her Los Angeles and New York studios are chicer, and sweatier, than a red carpet. My clients are my inspiration, I love seeing their transformations, emotionally, physically and spiritually,” says De La Rue. One thing the self-made fitness guru who used to scrub the floors of her own studio can’t tolerate? You guessed it: laziness.
More from Simone below.
Name: Simone De La Rue
Instagram: @bodybysimone
Where do your drive and passion come from?
As long as I can remember I have had a love affair with dance. I started dancing at the age of 3. The discipline I learned as a dancer was incredible. I became a perfectionist at a young age, constantly pushing myself to improve my skills. It requires so much hard work, and commitment, if I wasn't passionate, I would not have had such a long career.
What kind of discipline did dance teach you?
It taught me to push through the pain and never give up. It taught me that there is always somewhere to go, always some way of improving and perfecting. It taught me self-love when looking in the mirror and a real connection to myself and my creative side.
How did that discipline help you when launching a biz?
When I first opened BBS, I was the front desk, the manager, the cleaner, I trained 8 hours a day and took care of all the marketing and business needs. That discipline taught me to not be afraid of hard work or to get my hands dirty.
What's the most rewarding part of running Body By Simone?
My clients are my inspiration, I love seeing their transformations, emotionally, physically and spiritually. They are the reason I get up every morning. I want to help them be the best versions of themselves.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Lazy people, I can only help those who want to be helped, and I can only give you the tools. I can't wave a magic wand and give you the body of your dreams if you don't want to work for it.
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
Growing too quickly or losing the integrity of the brand. I have never been driven by money, and I hope to continue to build the brand from an honest organic place.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
It's extremely hard work. Not only am I doing physical work every day. Training clients and teaching class. But it is also mentally exhausting as I have to put on my business barbie hat and work on growing the brand. It's not as glamorous as my Instagram may depict. :)
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
If I wasn't a dancer, I wanted to be a physiologist. I think being a trainer is the perfect blend of both of those careers. I love the human aspect of dealing with people and helping them evolve, physically, spiritually and emotionally.
"I love the human aspect of dealing with people and helping them evolve, physically, spiritually and emotionally."
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If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
I love my job and would not actually want to trade with anyone. If I had to choose I would say a travel host. Just from a purely selfish love of traveling the world and getting to experience new cultures.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
It's a constant battle to remind myself that I am enough and have done enough. But I do think that over the years I have allowed myself to celebrate my success.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Follow your heart and be true to yourself. People can feel if something is contrived. And always trust your gut. your instinct is always right.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I try and take myself back to why I opened my studio's in the first place. I try and take it back to basics and connect with the work again. Training clients, and teaching.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
"Easy like Sunday morning" :)
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE WELLNESS LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100 Music: KITTENS
THE SPIN MASTER.
THE SPIN MASTER.
Lauren Abedini, known to the music world as KITTENS, is playing Coachella the same day as Beyoncé.
The DJ, Producer, Intersectional Feminist, and founder of @PWRxKITTENS, her non-profit DJ workshop for women, that raises money for women's shelters, is tripping out about it.
It's not like she hasn't seen her share of star power before. In 2013 landed a gig as Kid Cudi’s tour DJ. From there she met Usher, who couldn't help but ask if she was really DJing. Now signed to A-trak’s record label, Fool’s Gold and is favorite from coast to coast. She also travels internationally constantly. Not shabby for an LA kid who jumped into the DJ industry early on, noticing a lack of female talent on the 1s and 2s. She bought herself turntables and with the help of friends learned the ropes.
Homies with C&C 100 alum So Super Sam and Vashtie, KITTENS knows that there's power in the female DJ and music community.
More from Lauren below.
Name: Lauren Abedini
Instagram Handle: @iamkittens
Where do your drive and passion come from?
Wanting to help people for sure. I know I need to get myself to a certain level where my voice is truly heard to make a difference in the world so everything I do and create is with that goal in mind. Fame and recognition don't matter, it's just a tool to build a platform where I can inspire change.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I'm an obsessively tidy person so anything that is not that, drives me insane! Cabinets or drawers left open, random items were thrown around, unorganized and unnecessary messes...All sure to set me off!
In addition to DJ'ing and producing, you also how PWR. Can you chat a little about why that was an important move for you?
PWR has been a very important project for me because I feel that there's a lack of mentorship and direct opportunity for women to learn tools to succeed in the professional world, especially the music/DJ industry. I wanted to provide a safe space for women to learn new skills, tips on how to navigate the industry, and get a heads up on obstacles they may face. All things I wish I had someone show me. This doesn't just stop at women though, all intersectional oppressing factors limit opportunities for growth for minorities and I just feel like we can bridge gaps by empowering these different groups through education and mentorship.
We hear the words "male-dominated," every single day. Do you think that has a negative and empowering effect on young women?
Personally, I now see the term 'male-dominated' as a challenge and call to action. It ignites my drive to succeed despite expectations, but I remember being younger it really brought on a lot of hesitation for me. I waited years to start DJing when I had been wanting to for so long. I hear from so many of my PWR attendees that they've always wanted to learn but have been scared for this exact reason. I think now we can shift this perspective and help young women see this as a challenge and opportunity to prove people wrong. The barriers to entry are lower than ever. It's time to get in there and shine bright.
The barriers to entry are lower than ever. It's time to get in there and shine bright.
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You've said that in the beginning, lesbian clubs were the only ones that would hire you. Why do you think that was?
Pretty simple! They wanted to hire DJ's who were lesbians and it didn't matter how new or inexperienced I was. Other clubs only really hired the saaame guys who had been playing in the city forever or wanted to girl DJ's who presented a more hyper-feminine, sexy vibe, which has never been my thing. I really appreciate those promotors who gave me that space to sharpen my teeth when no one else would. I still thank them to this day when I see them.
I really appreciate those promotors who gave me that space to sharpen my teeth when no one else would. I still thank them to this day when I see them.
When you run into a career obstacle, what drives you forward?
I admit I have my insecurities, and when certain obstacles come my way it can are them up. I have learned to stop and meditate to reset my energy. To turn from self-doubting to empowering, because I know my purpose. I know that I HAVE to push forward so I will find any means to get through those moments. Having a manager who is a close friend that understands me and is super motivating as well helps a lot too.
What are your biggest fears about being your own boss?
Not succeeding...which I think every self-employed person fears! If you fail you're not just letting your team down, you're letting yourself down. Everything relies on the moves you make. It's a lot of pressure.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
It is NOT glamorous at all. It's truly one of the most exhausting things to spend an entire day traveling, dealing with airports/tour buses, rushing to soundcheck, then trying to keep your energy up to perform and smile when interacting with fans, all to be alone in a hotel after before the cycle starts again. Being away from home and not on a balanced schedule really takes a toll physically and emotionally so self-care is SUPER important to me.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
Taking a step back and shutting off from current media is SO important in my opinion. So much current art/music is just a regurgitation which is so boring. Whenever I nd myself feeling stagnant and needing fresh inspiration I always go back to my roots. I turn off the radio. I stay off Instagram. I play the music I have loved my entire life since childhood. I meditate (my answer for everything basically) and try to visualize my authentic self-glowing. Getting out in nature really helps a lot too. Pulling inspiration from the constant things in your world instead of grasping at new trends just seems like the most helpful to me always.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
Feedback from fans and followers about how I have helped them. Hands down. Knowing that I have inspired someone in their personal or professional life will always make me feel like.."Yes...I'm on the right path. This is what I'm supposed to be doing.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
This is so silly but honestly, a cake decorator. It's always been one of my favorite things to watch my whole life. I think the combination of creativity, need for precision, and the calming effects of playing with frosting all just make me super happy. Plus, being around desserts that I would probably get to taste is a huge bonus.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
I have had a few moments that inspired real confidence, but the most important and recent one was when I started working with my friend Armand who now manages me. He's helped me really blossom and supported all of my ideas. Having someone who can help make sense of your thoughts and cheer you on makes a world of difference.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Don't let fear hold you back. It seems so obvious and cliché but it's the most real thing ever. There is so much time wasted with hesitation and with that comes guilt or regret. You really have to suck it up and just take that leap every time or else you won't ever know where you could be.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I know myself very well and making decisions while filled with anxiety is never helpful. I always take some time to calm down, then approach the situation as logically as possible. There's always an answer but you might be blind to it if you're in a panic.
"There's always an answer but you might be blind to it if you're in a panic."
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What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Erykah Badu 'Window Seat.'
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE MUSIC LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Music: Fletcher
HITTING ONE MILLION STREAMS.
HITTIN A MILLION STREAMS
Fletcher is making Fletch happen.
OK. Terrible Mean Girls spin, but there's nothing terrible about the LA-based musician. Hailing from the East Coast, FLETCHER wrote her first single, 'War Paint,' when she was a junior in college. It HIT BIG on Spotify, and the platform featured her as a Spotify Spotlight Artist. Everything took off from there.
A proponent of gender non-conformity, the independent musician has shared that she hopes one day her children don't have to "come out," instead coming home and telling their mom who they like, regardless of gender. She's not really into conformity at all and hasn't signed to a label. It's not because there isn't label interest, rather, the musician doesn't feel ready to commit. She's currently comfortable taking matters into her own hands.
More from FLETCHER below.
Where do your drive and passion come from?
I've been so fortunate up until this point in my life to have really inspiring women surrounding me. I grew up with an incredibly strong and independent female figure who I am lucky enough to call my mom, she always taught me to never take anyone's shit and instilled in me from a very young age that good things come to good people who work hard and stay humble. I also had a performance professor and vocal coach at NYU who changed my life, her name is Nora York. She passed away last year and it has since left the biggest hole in my heart. I've never met a human more passionate about her craft and because of her, I see the art of performance in such a different light.
You've written songs about exes. What else can we expect from you?
The songs that I've written about exes are really songs about me. It's about the hurt, the heartbreak, and the healing process that takes a really long time. And it's been a way for me to formulate my own closure from a situation I didn't get any. But through the healing process, you learn so much about who you are as an independent individual, the kind of person you want to be, but also the person you don't want to be. You also learn about what you need from a future partner, which is all so important in your self-discovery process. My music really explores a lot of self-discovery and just me talking from the heart about real experiences I've had.
Who are some of your biggest female musical influences?
Right now I'm really inspired by artists who are using their voices for good and ones that aren't afraid to speak about difficult, personal and vulnerable topics. I'm currently inspired by Selena Gomez, Halsey and Dua Lipa.
When you run into a career obstacle, what drives you forward?
I love being the underdog. I've always rooted for the underdog my whole life. It constantly pushes me to keep my head above water and keep going no matter what anyone has to say. No dream is ever too fucking big. I love proving people wrong, it's one of my favorite hobbies.
"No dream is ever too fucking big."
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What is your biggest pet peeve?
Honestly, people who humble-brag is my biggest pet peeve. Like no one cares that you're so #blessed or wants to read novels about how grateful you are for your successes. Let your hard work speak for itself, it doesn't need any explanation. I also can't stand people who sneeze on airplanes and don't cover their mouths. It's like oh great, now we're all breathing in this recycled snotty air.
"Let your hard work speak for itself, it doesn't need any explanation."
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We're seeing so many industries change. What are you excited by in the music biz?
I'm really excited for new voices and equalizing representation of both male and female artists. I'm excited to see which artists will be next to break through the pop ceiling and for the Grammy's this year. I'm also feeling incredibly inspired by all of the women who are speaking up for themselves, with the #MeToo movement and moving towards people taking accountability for their actions. I'm excited by artists like Kesha who are coming forward about their stories and experiences and shifting the conversation for other girls and women to feel safe and empowered to come forward and speak honestly about their experiences. It's an incredible time for women in music right now and I'm so excited by it.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
Meeting new people and having sessions as a songwriter every day of the week with people I'm meeting for the first time can be really emotionally exhausting. It's hard to walk into a room and within a few minutes spill your guts about what's going on in your life that will inspire everyone else in the room enough to want to write a song about it. That's why for my artist project, I try to surround myself with collaborators I feel the most me around.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated with other people's work?
“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. It’s not where you take things from - it’s where you take them to." One of my favorite quotes of all time. Originality doesn't exist, but it's how you take that inspiration and turn it into an art form that is authentic to you and you only. We can't reinvent the wheel, nor should we try to. But, no one else can tell your story the way that you can. Rising up in the music industry, fending off sharks, having my heart broken into a million pieces, moving from New York City to Los Angeles by myself, being a young twenty-something trying to navigate sexuality and understanding myself as a human is a story that only I can ever tell.
Rising up in the music industry, fending off sharks, having my heart broken into a million pieces, moving from New York City to Los Angeles by myself, being a young twenty-something trying to navigate sexuality and understanding myself as a human is a story that only I can ever tell.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
I just finished my first ever headlining tour and it was the most rewarding experience I've ever had. Seeing people sing my lyrics back to me in sold-out venues was so surreal and so validating as an artist. I feel most complete when fans are sharing their stories with me and when they tell me that something I shared, really resonated with them or helped with a similar experience they had gone through or are currently going through. After my tour, a fan put together a compilation of thank you videos from different fans around the world, most who weren't able to attend the tour and I balled my eyes out. It's things like that, that remind me why I do what I do and why I love it so much. After I released the "Wasted Youth" music video a lot of young females and queer kids told me how much that video meant to them and that it made them feel more comfortable in their own skin, when really, their reactions to it made me feel so much more comfy in my own too.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
There are a few people I would like to trade jobs with for a day. On a Monday, I'll be Jennifer Lawrence, Tuesday I can be Daniel Ek, the co-founder and CEO of Spotify, Wednesday I'll be Elaine Welteroth, [former] editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue Magazine. These three individuals are really badass people whom I look up to and am inspired by.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
It wasn't so much one specific moment that gave me the confidence, but more so a collection of moments over the last few years of my life. Hitting 1 million streams on Spotify on my first ever single release off my debut EP. Turning down a record label situation that I didn't feel ready for, leaving a manager that was a bad situation, graduating from New York University, having my heart broken, moving to Los Angeles, releasing the "Wasted Youth" video and talking about my sexuality for the first time. These are some of the highs and lows that I feel like have really shaped me into the woman I am today and have given me the confidence to take charge in my career.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
It's really simple but the best advice anyone has ever given me is to be kind to myself. I'm going to make mistakes in life, I'm going to do the wrong thing sometimes and make the wrong choice sometimes, but that's okay. It's okay to be vulnerable, it's okay to have bad days and cry a lot if you feel like it. Even if it's for no reason. It really helps me manage my emotions when I remind myself to be kind to myself. You have to love and respect yourself first before anyone else can.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
When I'm asked this on the spot I always freeze up and say "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" but honestly when I've had a bad day, I don't sing. My mom always tells me that she can tell when I'm upset about something because I'm not singing. Whenever I do sing in the shower though, it's usually new song ideas for myself. Is that weird? Let's be real, we all sound our best singing with that natural shower reverb.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE MUSIC LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Fashion: Something Navy
THE RECORD BREAKER.
THE RECORD BREAKER.
There are bloggers, and then there's Arielle Noa Charnas of Something Navy.
With north of one million Instagram followers, Charnas’ exclusive clothing collection with retail giant Nordstrom is reported to have raked in more than $1 million in sales in just 24 hours, earning her the coveted title of "super influencer." If you're charmed by Charnas, you're not alone. The 30-year-old entrepreneur, wife, and mother has found success on her own terms, building big business out of the breakup blues. After starting Something Navy in 2008 in the aftermath of a split, her authenticity, effortlessness, and devotion to family have kept the likes rolling in—talk about living well being the best revenge.
Find out how Charnas stays inspired more than a decade later, and why it's all blue skies ahead for Something Navy (hint: it involves another baby!)
Name: Arielle Noa Charnas
Instagram: @SomethingNavy
You've created a life on your own terms. What does that mean to you?
I didn’t conform to the social standards or look at what other people were doing around me. When I started blogging, there was no thought of it being an aspirational career. I didn’t do it for anyone else, but for myself as an outlet to get over a break-up from a boyfriend. I feel like I’ve grown my audience by being authentic, sincere, and honest. I’m not trying to be someone I’m not—I’m a 30-year-old wife and mom to a toddler who prefers to be at home with her family in sweatpants, over a red carpet event.
"Yes, those jeans from last season are still very, very cool." That's a line from you that we love. Especially because it's really hard for young girls trying to keep up-- no one has an endless budget. If you had to start today on a limited budget, how would you do it?
I’ve been there and started blogging with a limited budget. Besides stealing designer pieces from my older sister and mom, I loved going to H&M and Zara—which I still do to this day! As long as you have staple key pieces in your wardrobe, you can easily mix in fun trendy shoes and other accessories from Aldo and Steve Madden.
I’ve been there and started blogging with a limited budget.
What do you think it was about you that brought the masses? And how do you continue to keep them engaged?
Instagram is what changed everything for me, bringing in a whole new audience that may not have stumbled across my blog before. Other than that, it allowed me to really showcase more of my personality and the person behind the staged/modeling blog photos. I was now able to share a closer look into my life that included my husband (boyfriend at the time), friends, and family. Once Snapchat and Instagram Stories came about, that allowed me to share an even more in-depth behind the scenes and I think my followers are captivated by it because they genuinely feel as though they know me.
Let's chat your collection with Nordstrom. It was an INSANE success. The numbers blew everyone's expectations out of the water. Was that a pinch-me moment?
My Nordstrom collection was an absolute dream — it was the pinnacle of my career to even have the opportunity to design and create my own clothing line with the best household name retailer. Then to see the incredible reaction and hear how successful it was...it was and still is surreal.
After you recovered from the excitement, what kind of business strategy went through your head?
What crossed my mind is how can I do this over and over again because I have so much more I want to do with them! And I want to keep riding this high forever.
"I want to keep riding this high forever."
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What do you think is your secret weapon?
With everything I do, I deliver it with honesty— and with that, I’ve gained trust. Any sponsored jobs I speak to, I’ve tested it out and stand behind the product 100% before I sign onto the deal.
When you hit a career bump in the road, what drives you forward?
Reminding myself my intentions for why I started doing what I’m doing and what led me to live out this dream job. At one point, the few followers and comments I would get on my blog posts motivated me and helped me feel content about myself and instill positivity. I read through each of my comments and DMS and they still continue to do so, but now I aspire to deliver back whatever that reason may be that people follow me: advice, fashion and beauty tips, or just pure entertainment to escape for a moment from their own life.
What are you most excited about for 2018?
A fresh start and a new beginning. I have a better understanding of what my goals are and I just want to keep doing what I love doing.
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE FASHION LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: STEM: Leila Janah
EVENING THE PLAYING FIELD.
EVENING THE PLAYING FIELD.
If beauty is only skin deep, then lifelong social entrepreneur, anti-poverty activist, and skincare guru Leila Janah hasn’t gotten the memo.
Since founding Samasource in 2008, the visionary “impact sourcing” company has unlocked thousands of dignified digital job opportunities for people in the the world’s poorest countries. With LXMI, the ethical, organic skincare line she co-founded, Janah continues her mission of ending world poverty by providing fair wage work for marginalized East African women through the harvesting of a rare butter called Nilotica—LXMI’s signature ingredient.
For more on being a woman in tech, how men suck at introductions, and why world travel isn’t always glamorous, follow Janah’s journey below.
Name: Leila Janah
Instagram Handle: @leilajanah
Business Instagram Handle: @samasource, lxmiofficial
Both of your companies share a common social mission to end global poverty. Where do your drive and passion come from?
I knew from an early age I wanted to dedicate my career to social justice. I wasn’t quite sure what form it would take exactly, but my family was always on the front lines advocating for human rights.
It all started with my grandparents. My grandfather was one of the top trial lawyers in Calcutta. Because he grew up poor, he made a point of taking pro bono cases for tribal people who were being discriminated against and had no prayer of finding representation. After finishing university in Paris, my grandmother joined a group of friends called “The Messengers,” and traveled around the world spreading messages of peace. She finally ended up in Calcutta, and that’s where she met my grandfather.
Also, my mother worked for the Sisters of Charity when she was a teenager and my dad instilled a deep sense of social justice in my brother and me. I took the lessons to heart and in middle school joined my local chapter of the ACLU, and even started my high school’s chapter of Amnesty International.
So, you could say it’s in my blood :)
How do you feel as a woman in tech?
When most people ask what it’s like to be a woman in tech, they immediately ask if I’m always getting hit on. Truthfully, I think we’ve mischaracterized the problem. Yes, people hit on each other in business settings. Men and women alike have been the subject of unwanted sexual advances. It’s awful to feel objectified, and nothing makes that excusable.
But personally, I find being hit on far less damaging than what I feel most often: not being seen. This is true even when I’m a speaker. If I’m standing near a man, someone will inevitably come up and talk to the man, assuming I’m his plus one. And when men introduce their wives, they often leave it at that— “oh, and this is my wife, Mary.” I find myself wondering, is that all we get to learn about Mary?
"I find being hit on far less damaging than what I feel most often: not being seen."
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Men, please introduce the women in your life as full human beings with interesting stories, talents, and ambitions, rather than accessories. And women, if you witness a man doing what I’ve described, gently but firmly call him out. Talk to his wife, girlfriend or colleague, and play a part in making another human being feel valuable, rather than a satellite around someone else’s sun.
Men, please introduce the women in your life as full human beings with interesting stories, talents, and ambitions, rather than accessories. And women, if you witness a man doing what I’ve described, gently but firmly call him out.
How have you successfully navigated such a male-dominated field?
I think I’m still figuring out how to navigate it but the success I’ve seen comes from the mindset I’ve chosen to take on. I’m optimistic about what we’re capable of accomplishing as humans and am hopeful we can close the gap between the gender imbalance. In the meantime, I’m deliberate about taking a moment to celebrate things others would consider table stakes for a man–like a woman being appointed to a board, or raising a round of funding–as big wins for moving women forward in business.
Another important note is I don’t consider men my enemies. I receive a lot of support from men as mentors, colleagues, investors and overall champions of the work we’re doing so I choose to focus on the good that comes from those relationships.
What are your hopes for young women who are interested in STEM?
My hope is they stick with it. We need more women in STEM. I recently read a stat that about 50% of STEM college graduates are women–but that number drastically drops after graduation when they begin their careers. I think a lot of this is because we don’t have the right systems– like proper maternity leave–in place to help women thrive in these fields.
I hope to see more men take action here as well. Advocating for things like fair pay, inclusive hiring practices and equal funding opportunities would help create a more even playing field for women.
What are your bigger hopes for the world?
One of the biggest opportunities we have in reducing poverty is getting corporations to change the way they spend money. It’s said the global 2,000 companies spend 12 trillion dollars on goods and services annually. Even 1% of that spent on social enterprises would lift millions out of poverty–imagine! The fair-trade coffee providers, local food services, so many different options for people to work out how to hire low-income people. We currently aren’t incentivized to spend more on social enterprises so it’s my hope we build structure around this to incorporate these behaviors into doing business.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
It’s not really a pet peeve but people often come up to me after a talk or event and say, “Thank you...we need more people like you!” I tell them, “No, we need more people like YOU!” We’re all capable of change and the only way it’s going to happen is if more people get involved.
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
Focus is something I struggle with. My team will tell you I have a lot of ideas–for Sama or LXMI, for other businesses or things I want to try to further our mission. I travel a lot and meet so many awesome entrepreneurs with incredible ideas–it’s hard not to be inspired all the time. My default setting is to create but I have to remember to hunker down and focus on growing our current programs.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
I think my social channels can glamorize my travel and appear as a highlight reel. I post photos of me in various parts of the world, meeting fun people and trying new things from other social enterprises. I’m incredibly grateful for those experiences and chance encounters, which is why I share them as sort of an entrepreneurial diary. What people don’t see is that the travel is constant, often over long hours–I’m usually sleep deprived, dehydrated, running on caffeine and whatever I could find at an airport to pass for food. Being away from family and friends for so long can also be a bit lonely so sharing my experiences on social media helps me feel connected.
Over the past few years, I’ve tried to make an effort to share more of the challenges I face–not just the successes. Hopefully it shows people that, just like everyone, I’m working to achieve balance and the experiences will help other people facing similar obstacles.
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated by other people's work?
I actually think it’s people’s tendency to think they aren’t original enough so they don’t put their work out there. They think it doesn’t matter. I wish more people felt confident enough to share what they create so we’d be surrounded by more perspectives and a well-rounded lens through which to view the world.
"I wish more people felt confident enough to share what they create so we’d be surrounded by more perspectives and a well-rounded lens through which to view the world."
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What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
I feel most complete when I hear a story about one of our Samasource agents or Samaschool students whose life has been transformed by work–someone who was able to move into safer housing, or provide better education for their kids or family members. We also often hear of agents starting their own businesses with their Sama wages–our workforce is beyond talented.
What’s more, we’ve now seen first-hand that giving work is good for society as it addresses poverty at the root, and for business as Samasource recently became self-sustainable off of earned revenue this past year. What I love most is that we’re applying our Give Work model to new industries like Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence as well as new labor trends like the gig economy. We’re at the forefront of some of the greatest technology and economic shifts in our lifetime, and working with some of the biggest corporations who are redirecting their procurement dollars to radically transform people’s lives (nearly 60k, to date!). It’s pretty incredible.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
That’s a tough one. I would likely be a conservationist of some kind, but I was blown away by “West With the Night,” a book by Beryl Markham. Markham was the first aviatrix (love that word) in East Africa, and she set a record flying west over the Atlantic in 1936, in the early days of aviation. Her memoir is full of gorgeous images of Africa, Los Angeles (her second home), and horses (her second love).
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
I think my most character defining moments have come from really challenging decisions. The most recent that comes to mind is the decision to merge Samahope, the first crowdfunding platform for medical treatments (which we launched in 2012), with Johnson & Johnson in early 2016. We funded over 16,000 critical medical procedures for women and children - things like surgeries for birth injuries that destroyed women's lives in rural Africa and Asia. Seeing the avoidable suffering that still marks people's lives in many parts of the world due to lack of basic medical care is heartbreaking.
But we realized that Sama wasn't the right organization to scale this business, and that even though we raised over $1M for the procedures, we'd never be able to scale the platform as fast as a big health organization could. It felt like giving up a baby. My cofounder Shivani and I cried about it. But I think it was the right thing to do, and because of our increased focus Samasource was able to scale much faster and help many more people. It was also a major growth moment for me as an entrepreneur.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
My grandmother once told me, simply, to, “Trust the world.”
"My grandmother once told me, simply, to, 'Trust the world.'"
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I also like Ben Horowitz’s, “Don’t punk out and don’t quit.” Entrepreneurship is hard. It’s so easy to give up and go do something else–to go back to a big company and make a lot of money instead of scraping by to get your idea off the ground. Emotional resilience, the ability to not quit, is probably the most important (and often overlooked) thing in entrepreneurship–more than brilliance or talent or raising a lot of money.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I zoom out. I go look at the stars or the sea. I spend time in nature to understand my own smallness–that helps me put things in perspective. I also think meditation, prayer, or simply reflecting on the core values that brought you into doing this work in the first place are all helpful tactics in making it through a rough patch.
I zoom out. I go look at the stars or the sea. I spend time in nature to understand my own smallness–that helps me put things in perspective.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Probably “Work” by Rihanna. Ha ha, I talk about giving work all day so sometimes will change the line to, "Give work work work work work."
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Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Aidy Bryant
THE MOST FUN(NY).
THE MOST FUN(NY).
photo credit: Mary Ellen Matthews NBC
Dogs will always make her laugh and her grandma thinks she's funny.
So do the unprecedented number of people who tune in Saturday Night Light every week to catch Aidy Bryant and her cast mates.
An American actress and comedian, Aidy got her start in Phoenix, Arizona. By that, we mean she was born there. She then moved to Chicago to study comedy with Second City, before joining SNL at age 25, making her one of show's youngest cast members ever.
And has made herself known for skits like, "A Girl's Halloween," and her portrayal of Sarah Huckabee Sanders. "We did it girls!" she shouted in a recent cold opening, about the women's march in Huckabee's classic middle party and too-tight-around-the-collar pearl necklace. Aidy herself is not a pearl clutches. According to a recent profile on The Cut, she prefers crystals, or as she calls them "rocks."
Here's to Aidy rockin' it on SNL's 2018 season. More from the funny woman below.
What lit your funny fire bone?
My parents are super funny. So there was always a lot of laughing in our house, I think I just put a value on that very early on.
Does your grandma think you're funny?
Yes.
As one of SNL's youngest joining cast members, what would you say to our audience -- most are young, entrepreneurial go-getters who get a little scared sometimes...?
I was hired at 25. Which I'm grateful for. By that time I had been working in comedy professionally for about seven years. I felt like I had trained and put in the hours to know that even if I wasn't experienced in television I trusted my instincts.
"Even if I wasn't experienced in television I trusted my instincts."
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Since you recently told The Cut that you turn down a lot of roles because they are offensive, do you think you'll take matters into your own hands and write a feature?
Maybe. I love to write. But I'm working on other projects right now. I really love television, I love that you get to stay with a character for more than just a few hours. So maybe!
Who would be your go-to writing partner?
There are lots of people in my life who I've loved writing with. I really could never choose one.
What's been your favorite SNL skit?
I love doing music videos. I really loved making "Back Home Ballers" and "Twin Bed" and "Wishing Boot."
You and stylist Remy Peace are working on the beginnings of a fashion line. When might we expect that to come out?
We don't have an exact date yet. But we are planning on some time in 2018.
What would you call your superpower?
Picking up on other people's feelings and vibes. I'm a good people reader.
What's something that will always make you laugh?
Dogs.
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE ENTERTAINMENT LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Zoe Lister-Jones
THE QUADRUPLE THREAT.
THE QUADRUPLE THREAT.
“I spend a lot of time in hair and makeup,” says Zoe Lister Jones.
This is something about her glamorous Hollywood job that the writer/director/actress/feminist badass wants people, especially young girls striving for perfection, to know. As the star of the CBS family drama “Life in Pieces,” Lister-Jones fumbles through new parenthood alongside her co-star and TV husband Colin Hanks. In “Band-Aid,” the feature film she wrote, directed, and starred in last year, Lister-Jones plays ½ of a 30-something married couple still reeling from the unspoken pain of a miscarriage. (She also employed an all-female crew.)
Committed to “storytelling as a means of change,” the Brooklyn-born actress may need hair and makeup on set, but behind the camera she has no trouble making waves.
More from Zoe below.
Name: Zoe Lister-Jones
Instagram: @zoelisterjones
What matters most to you about your job?
Storytelling as a means of change
When you don't always know where your next job is coming from, how do you keep your drive and passion come alive?
I need to write to process questions and quandaries that perplex me, whether personal or global. So that's helpful in fueling the fire. Art as a cathartic act.
If you ran the world, what one law you would enact?
Women have equal rights and equal pay worldwide.
Where do you think good ideas come from?
Hard questions.
"Good ideas come from hard questions."
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What has been your biggest opportunity and at the same time your biggest challenge?
Probably directing my first feature lm. But the challenge was ultimately part of the joy.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
I spend a lot of time in hair and makeup. Girls and women need to know that the impossible standards of beauty we are faced with every day in pop culture imagery are rarely attainable without a team of professionals, and airbrushing, and a whole bunch of other bullshit. We gotta start to love ourselves more completely just as we are. I struggle with it too. We all do.
We gotta start to love ourselves more completely just as we are. I struggle with it too. We all do.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
Creating my own work. Writing a story and seeing it come to life. The freedom I feel when I'm opposite a great actor and some unquantifiable magic occurs.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I'd trade jobs with Donald Trump just to get him out of office.
I put you on the spot the last time we talked and asked you to share the last thing you punned in a text. Gonna hit you with it one more time...
Don't want none unless you got puns hun.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
Well directing was certainly a turning point, and required the confidence to believe I deserved to be in that position. I think I felt I had put in the work, and was excited by the possibility of doing something that scared me.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Cheesy and cliched, but "The only person standing in your way is you."
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
"Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
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Create & Cultivate 100: Food: Yola Mezcal
THEY BOTTLED MAGIC.
THEY BOTTLED MAGIC.
Forget yolo, this year it's all about Yola.
Lykke Li, Yola Jimenez and Gina Correll makeup the co-founders of Yola Mezcal, the Oaxaca-based brand that is creating opportunity for economic independence in San Juan del Rio.
It is handcrafted, distilled on the namesake farm, bottled BY WOMEN (HELL YES!), with a recipe passed down from Yola's grandfather. In 1971, Luis Jimenez purchased a mezcal farm in San Juan del Rio, Oaxaca. At present, the trio honor his OG recipe and preserve the 300-year-old method of traditional mezcal making. They're also committed to making their process more sustainable.
They're keeping it family and they're keeping it real. However they are breaking from tradition in one major way. Yola's bottling facility in Oaxaca employs only women and they pay their workers a living wage.
We'll cheers to that.
Drink up more of Yola's goodness below.
Names: Yola Jimenez, Lykke Li, Gina Correll Aglietti
Instagram Handle: @lykkeli @ginacorrell
Business Instagram Handle: @yolamezcal
How did the three of you meet?
Lykke: I met Gina under the stars in the Hollywood Hills and Yola at a house party in Mexico City.
Yola: I met both of them in Mexico City over the past decade. We drank mezcal in both occasions and became instant friends and from those nights two of the must important and rewarding friendships of my life began.
Gina: I met Yola ten years ago when she was opening La Clandestina, her bar, in MX City. I met Lykke ten years ago when she was playing one of her first shows in Los Angeles. They met subsequently and coincidentally in Mexico City and the three of us have been friends ever since.
At what point did you know, let's launch a biz! And let's do it together?
Lykke: Gina and I lived together in Laurel Canyon and Yola would come stay with us-- we became quite excellent at throwing a party in between my DJing, Gina's cooking, and Yola's mezcal. One day thought, this is exactly it, let's bottle this, name it Yola and bring the best atmosphere possible and most importantly surround ourselves with like-minded women. We, of course, have grown out of that simple state of mind and are now mostly interested in creating opportunities for women in Oaxaca while preserving a completely artisanal mezcal.
Yola: We began by having dinners at the house that Gina and Lykke shared in LA.
I would bring mezcal from Mexico, Gina would cook and Lykke would play music. They were magical nights that we wanted never to end. We all loved mezcal and were committed to keeping the traditional methods of production intact. On one of these magical nights it hit us that we should create Yola mezcal which would encapsulate these ideas as well as the feminist ethical practices that have been lacking for so long in the alcohol business.
"Feminist ethical practices have been lacking for so long in the alcohol business."
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Gina: In the beginning of our friendship, Yola would come stay with Lykke and I in LA. The three of us would spend a lot of time together drinking Mezcal, throwing dinner parties, and sharing ideas about what it meant to be modern women. We realized there was an undeniable synergy between us, we had an amazing product at our fingertips, and a common vision and voice.
Yola, your grandfather's passion was mezcal. At what point did you realize it is also yours?
Yola: When I inherited the farm and begun to understand the amount of work, talent and sophistication it took to make and how it was a beautiful tradition we had in Mexico that needed showcasing.
Where do your (respective) drive and passion come from?
Lykke: Whatever makes me feel alive; whether it's music, food, travels-- and of course the sweet burn of Yola.
Yola: The women that work on our farm.
Gina: I grew up on a farm in Ojai, which sparked my passion for food and sustainable farming practices. My father was a music producer. So, I was constantly surrounded by great food and music... both are now the cornerstone of my career.
What are your (respective) biggest pet peeves?
Lykke: Gold!
Yola: Unkindness
Gina: Excessive use of plastic and wasted produce.
What are your biggest fears about running a business together?
Lykke: That it can take away from our friendship, but at the same time there is no one else I rather have by my side then these two badasses.
"There is no one else I rather have by my side then these two badasses."
Yola: That we could ever disappoint the women that work for us.
Gina: The biggest have been overcome.
How can we stay original when we are so saturated by other people's work?
Lykke: Don't even look to what other people are doing but simply follow your own inspiration.
Yola: By not measuring our achievements by the ones of others.
Gina: Every time it feels like we're becoming apathetic or there's too much noise, the three of us regroup and usually find sincere inspiration.
What about your careers make you feel the most complete?
Lykke: To see the community of women we've built around us, all so strong, complex and unique.
Yola: When we hire more women on the company.
Gina: A sense that the product we're putting out into the world is something I believe is bringing people joy, while maintaining integrity. As well: employing women that I find talented and complex and giving them an opportunity to explore and grow within the company.
If you (respectively) had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
Lykke: I could spend all day at flea markets bargaining.
Yola: Siri Hustvedt because she reads about everything.
Gina: I don't want to trade!
You all come from very different backgrounds. At what point in your careers did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the women you are today?
Lykke: I try to find it everyday, it's a process, you do things because you simply cannot not do them and then try to gather some strength and acceptance along the way.
Yola: I could do that early on in my life because I've had the luck to be born in a place with choices and access to education which unfortunately is rare for women in my country.
Gina: 1. I read an article when I was young where a girl I looked up to said: 'life is short, work with your friends". 2. In my early thirties I experienced a lot of personal loss, and I realized I need to do something meaningful with the time I have here.
What's the best advice you've each ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Lykke: To be an artist is to always be dissatisfied
Yola: Don't take anything for granted and be graceful.
Gina: Lykke told me early on in our friendship - "if you don't know exactly what you want how are you gonna get it"
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
Lykke: A shaman in Mexico told me; just redesign, redesign!
Yola: A detour almost always, I was told many times that the things that I wanted would never happen, like working in the alcohol business being a women, even it has been complicated many times I was never deter.
Gina: Make sure you have a get away car.
What song do you each sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Lykke: "Passion Fruit" by Drake
Yola: "La Maza" by Mercedes Sosa
Gina: "What's Love Got to do With It" by Tina Turner.
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Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Greta Gerwig
THE RECORD BREAKER.
THE RECORD BREAKER.
photo credit: Daniel Bergeron
According to the NY Times, Greta Gerwig once peed in her pants during a math test.
The 7th grader was new to the school, didn't know the rules, and instead of risking it, she peed. A puddle forming by her desk.
It's the exact kind of scene you might have found in her independent box office record breaker Lady Bird, the story of a high schooler, played by Saoirse Ronan, her relationship to her mom, her hometown, and the kids around her. Lady Bird opened to limited audiences its first weekend, showing in four locations. It flew (bird jokes) past typical ticket sales for smaller box office openings of its kind, grossing $375,612 in fourtheaters, with a theater average of $93,903, making it the best speciality box office opening of 2017.
Reason to pee your pants if we've ever heard one.
However, luckily, Greta is now surrounded by praise, not puddles. Nominated for a Golden Globe and SAG Award, the first time director, has taken Hollywood by surprise and excitement. Award-Winning actress Natalie Portman raved that she has been waiting twenty years to see a movie like Lady Bird.
Audiences and critics agree.
More on Greta's triumph and quirks below.
On a stack of bracelets on her wrist:
I’m a sucker for anyone who tells me, "It’s a magical stone, and it’s going to keep you safe."
On trying to get funding for Lady Bird:
What I typically found was that if they had daughters or had been raised with sisters, they understood what it was, and if they didn’t, they kind of couldn’t believe that women actually fought like that, which was an interesting window into why some stories can’t get told. People don’t understand that they’re even a story to tell.
On documenting female stories:
I didn’t know how many [female filmmakers] there were and I didn’t know how important it was, but even though I didn’t want to make works like that, it sparked something in me and led to me going, "I need to do this.” I think women tend to focus on stories that men don’t have the privilege of seeing, particularly things that are domestic. ‘Jeanne Dielman,’ so much of that movie is static shots of her doing housework. Chantal Akerman said that is the lowest on the totem pole of cinema language; we value the image of a woman doing anything else besides housework. There was something about that intimacy with making dinner or making a bed that was really interesting to me. It felt like there was this whole world left to be explored that had been largely undocumented.
"Sometimes you can get real fixated on going through the front door of the castle, but you don’t always need to."
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On Lady Bird's agency:
I feel like allowing a young woman to experience desires and not just utterly punching them for it is weirdly not that common. Lady Bird is so inside of her own desires and able to be the active person in her own life. She’s not ever waiting to be looked at; she’s the one doing the looking. Even when it’s misguided and even when she messes up and fails, it’s not disallowed.
On going against the grain:
Sometimes you can get real fixated on going through the front door of the castle, but you don’t always need to. You can sometimes go through a side door. Sometimes you don’t even need to go in. You can just set up a camp outside and have your own party. I think more often than not, that’s what it ends up being.
This has been edited and condensed from multiple sources.
