Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Emma Diamond & Julie Kramer

If you consider yourself a pop-culture savant, chances are you’re well-versed in the @CommentsByCelebs phenomenon.

Emma Diamond and Julie Kramer launched the Instagram account documenting celeb interactions on the social platform in 2017, and now that Instagram account has paved the way for a full-on media enterprise. They have since expanded their once-niche content into a series of accounts for specific, highly-engaged fandoms including @CBCAthletes, @CBCBravo, and @CBCYouTube. Not to mention they also have a hilarious podcast with equally hilarious celeb guests.

The duo has been very strategic with regards to the comments they do (and don’t) post, understanding the importance of relationships, brand tone, and future press partners. It would be all too easy to create a similar platform with catty commentary, further fueling internet trolls and cyberbullies. But that’s not what Julie and Emma are about. They genuinely want to highlight positive celeb comments, iconic clapbacks, and breaking news in a way that feels genuine to who they are. The self-proclaimed Bravo fanatics are not here for some flash-in-the-pan Instagram presence, they’re here to build a household brand where fandom and the world of celebrity intersects.

Tell us about the inception of Comments By Celebs. How did you get the idea to start the account, and did you ever think it’d get this huge?

I started the account in 2017, when Instagram initially changed the algorithm to highlight verified comments. Julie and I were fascinated by the celebrity comments we were suddenly seeing—constantly sending screenshots of the interactions in our group chat—so I knew we had to capitalize on it. I started the account, and asked Julie if she wanted to be my partner. She was the only person I’d want to do it with. I knew it was going to be big—I had the feeling from the beginning that we were on to something unique. Julie was a little more hesitant, but once she started to see the response, she came around. I don’t think either of us anticipated that it would turn into this..but we are so happy it did.

What has been your biggest opportunity or biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge is always curating the content in a way that is appealing to the largest audience. There are tons of comments that we hold off on posting, because they just don’t fit with the vibe we’re going for. It’s hard, because you’re never going to please everybody, but we try to balance it all in a way that feels right.

You break celeb news before a lot of media outlets. How do you beat them to the punch? What’s your process for sourcing comments?

While we are diligent in comment searching ourselves, we feel incredibly fortunate to have amassed a following of over 900,000 people who are equally as dedicated as we are. The second something big happens, our DMs are flooded with followers sending us “tips.” People always ask if we have a special program or process for finding comments. We don’t—just a good eye and a loyal fan base.

Where do you see Comments By Celebs in 6 months? A year?

We really see it continuing to become more than just an Instagram account, but a full blown brand. We are excited to take it multi-platform, and explore all of the different meanings that ‘comments by celebs’ can have. It’s been incredible to become such a legitimate source for entertainment news, as opposed to just humor, and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow that angle of our business. In a year, we want Comments By Celebs to be a household name—adored by celebrities as a positive way to better their image, trusted by publications to break stories, and loved by the public to keep them informed and laughing.

We have to ask: What’s your favorite celeb comment you’ve ever posted?

In September, we posted a Julia Roberts clapback that is easily our favorite. She was new to Instagram, and someone went off about how her ‘ugly black nail polish’ ruined the look. She was quit to correct them that her manicure was ‘actually navy, with garnet crystals as a grounding accent.’ In case they ‘wanted to edit their comment from ‘ugly black nail polish’ to ugly navy polish with garnet crystals.’ She then added a, ‘just sayin.’ It was iconic.

Whose career really inspires you?

Andy Cohen. Aside from just being Bravo enthusiasts, we both have so much respect for the way Andy’s career has evolved into what it is today. He really found an interest, and he capitalized on it. He understands what the people want, and executes it in a way that makes the content so enjoyable. Reality television speaks for itself in terms of it being entertaining, but there is no way Bravo would have taken off in the way it has if it wasn’t for Andy’s creativity and ability to form a community around the content. He’s aligned himself in a way that he can have an entire career outside of Bravo, while still being the face of it. That’s not an easy task, but he has accomplished it masterfully. He never takes himself too seriously, and in today’s world, that goes far. We always say, In Andy Cohen We Trust.

I knew it was going to be big—I had the feeling from the beginning that we were on to something unique.

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

Kelly Ripa gave us a really long talk about seizing our youth. She made it a point to convey to us that we are only this age once, and we should do everything we can and want to in this moment. She was so passionate in the way she spoke, and it really stuck with us. Kelly has been one of the kindest, most supportive people we’ve ever come in contact with, so we know she is genuinely looking out for us. For that, we are forever grateful and really value her advice.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

We are always in awe when a person we admire is excited to meet us. We were in LA for business at the end of last year, and there were a couple of instances where we really had to pinch ourselves. Firstly, we met Eva Chen, Instagram guru/businesswoman/ fashion icon, in the airport. Having been following her for years, we of course went up to her to introduce ourselves and express our admiration. When we said we ran CommentsByCelebs, her excitement was palpable. Things similar to that started happening for the entirety of the trip, and we seriously felt like we were living in a fantasy. It was crazy that these people that we were so excited to meet, were just as excited to meet us. It’s still mind blowing to think about.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find new roads + switch gears to find success?

We are constantly coming up with new ideas or angles that we want to take. Our creativity and the fact that we are in complete control has allowed us to test out new things, without the fear of failure or disapproval.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

Everything! As stated earlier, we really want to make CBC a household name—and we can’t wait for all the adventures we’ll be taking in the process of doing so.

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 CONTENT CREATORS LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Tess Holliday

There's a quote that’s been wheat pasted across cityscapes and permeated the depths of Pinterest that goes a little something like this:

"In a society that profits from your self doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act."

For women, joining the rebellion is that much harder. First they must dismantle years of internalized beauty standards reinforced by the patriarchy, challenge retail sizing standards, and take on a general culture of misogyny. Women really can have it all!

But the pervasive and intimate nature of social media has allowed for people to become their own TV networks, individuals to start movements, and communities to form. Tess Holliday became the face of such a body-positive rebellion—an inclusivity movement prompted by the model demonstrating self-love on social media and clapping back at trolls with the hashtag #EffYourBeautyStandards. Now, the hashtag has been used over 3.5 million times by women embracing their bodies and fighting to make space for them in a society that narrowly (and ignorantly) equates thinness with health.

The plus-size model and published author is refreshingly honest and uses her platform to say what many can’t: the “one-size-fits-all” narrative is toxic. She’s wielded her influence to fuel a much larger discussion about women's autonomy, size inclusivity, and how the male gaze has impacted beauty standards and expectations.

Her message of self-love, empowerment, and self-worth has filtered all the way up to the bigwigs in media and fashion. Inclusion is no longer optional—it’s mandatory. And while mainstream retailers are starting to change their ways, Tess Holliday has one message for high-fashion labels: She’s coming for you with curves and confidence.

How did you originally get into modeling?

From the age of 13, I wanted to be a model. When I was 15, I went to a casting call in Atlanta. They told me that I was too short and too fat and could only hope to be a catalog model and would never be an actual model.

I put my dreams on the back burner and moved to Seattle to pursue becoming a makeup artist. I ended up working as a makeup artist for a few years before moving to Los Angeles, where within 6 months, a casting director reached out to me because they saw photos of me online. I was asked to come in for an audition. It ended up being my first job: A nationwide ad campaign for a TV series where I was on billboards across America.

You’re known for your confidence and ability to brush off the haters. We’ve been in your comments, and while there’s so much love and support, there are also ones that are cruel and heart-wrenching. Do you have any advice for anyone who receives criticism online, whether it be on their parenting, their appearance, their career choice, etc.?

My best advice would be to ignore the bad and sometimes the praise, because it's awesome when people say nice things and are so supportive, but I try not to let too much of the good or the bad seep in—it derails me from what I’m trying to do. I just take it all in stride and ignore the criticism as much as possible, unless it’s constructive criticism and coming from a place of love. If someone is just being rude for no reason, I brush it off and go about my day because I’m not doing my work for the people that don’t like me, I’m doing it for the people that need to see someone like me and understand that they’re not alone.

Can you tell us a little bit about Eff Your Beauty Standards and how it came about?

I started #EffYourBeautyStandards because I was tired of being told what I could and could not wear by the mainstream media. I decided that I wanted to wear what I liked and what I felt comfortable in. Being told to cover up and not show my body by the media was a turning point for me and I just decided “Eff” that. I created this brand for a safe place, a platform for others to feel a sense of belonging and a sense of community.

You were recently on the cover of Cosmopolitan and it broke the internet. How has this milestone affected your career?

It helped open the doors for a lot of opportunities that were already in the works. There’s definitely credibility that comes along with being on a mainstream fashion cover. I think the cover woke people up and showed them that, “Hey, she’s serious.” It lends credibility not just to my career, but to plus-size modeling in general.

What characteristics make you successful in the modeling industry?

I think my stubbornness, the fact that I don’t take no for an answer, my work ethic, and my sense of humor help in my success.

What does it take to build your personal brand from the ground up?

It takes being able to take criticism from people and the willingness to be able to grow, learn, adapt, and change while accepting help, which is still badass. You can’t do it alone; I think so many people try to do it alone and you just can’t. Not having people around you that are ‘yes people’ because you need people you trust who will say, “Hey, that’s a dumb idea.” You need people who will call you out and help you out.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

I think it’s knowing that I’m able to provide for my family by doing what I love. It’s also knowing that I’m able to help so many people that don’t know their worth because I used to be like that and it’s really lonely. So that’s why I do what I do, because I’m helping other people.

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

Jeff Kurpuis, who owns Orchard Corset, told me in the beginning of my modeling career that there are two types of people in this world: People who love people and people who love money—and you have to decide which person you are. It made me realize that I’ve been so focused on money, asking myself, “Oh, am I going to make this much, am I going to be able to do this, will my life be easier?” You have to choose who you are. I had to ask myself, “Why are you doing this?” The answer is that I’m doing this for people, I’m doing this to help others, and I’m not doing it for the money. I always remember this when I take on a new job because it’s not about the money; I genuinely love who I work with and not what they’re paying me.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

Definitely being on the cover of Cosmo UK. Also, being on the cover of SELF’s first digital issue was a highlight and a surprise because it’s a fitness magazine...and I never thought I would see myself on a fitness magazine.

“You learn more from the failures than you do from your successes, and oftentimes I have to remind myself that if something doesn’t work out, then it’s not the right time in my life and that maybe there’s something better on the horizon. ”

You have a large presence on social media. How has it impacted your career?

Having a large presence on social media has given me a career. I wouldn’t have a career if it weren’t for social media and having a fan base that believes in me and what I’m doing.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

I think it comes from my mom. My mom always told me that I could do whatever I wanted to, regardless of my size and what I looked like. Having a kid at a young age pushed and helped me as well.

What are the common challenges you've seen among curve models?

Definitely lack of opportunities. There are fewer opportunities and a lot of people frown upon using bigger models. Things are definitely changing now—you see several plus-size models in beauty and fashion campaigns—but it still very much feels like an afterthought instead of something people actually give a shit about.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road and switch gears to find success?

You learn more from the failures than you do from your successes, and oftentimes I have to remind myself that if something doesn’t work out, then it's not the right time in my life and that maybe there’s something better on the horizon.

Whose career really inspires you?

I would say, Chrissy Teigen! She was a model, then, through sharing her love for cooking on social media with her fans in a genuine way, she was able to turn that into a multimillion-dollar brand. I also think that Chrissy is respected in the industry because she’s completely herself. She has been a great example of showing that it’s okay to be yourself and she is always showing that she’s not only a model—she’s so much more. And it's okay to not be perfect, to laugh at yourself, and have fun with life. I really admire her for that and people like her who can do that.

What’s next for you in 2019? What are you most excited for?

Furthering the conversation of diversity and inclusivity! Also, breaking into the high-end fashion world for all sizes.

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 BEAUTY LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Food: Carly de Castro

Pressed Juicery is the OG of the juicing movement.

Along with her two co-founders, Carly de Castro launched the company after struggling to find products that supported their individual health journeys. After identifying this gap in the market, Carly and company trailblazed one of the most revered health food brands out there.

Pressed Juicery’s adaptability and ability to pivot with consumer trends has helped grow the brand into a lifestyle unto itself. The brand’s editorial platform, The Chalkboard Mag, has a cult-like following that has spawned into a health community and resource for people in every stage of their health journey.

The thing about building something as successful and unique as Pressed Juicery is that it breeds copycats. While the juicing industry has grown exponentially since the brand’s humble beginnings, Carly is a master at turning a challenge into an opportunity. As the industry has become more saturated, Carly and her team continue to focus less on the competition and more on product development. Enter Freeze, the company’s plant-based soft serve that is truly out of this world. This pivot to providing clean, plant-based desserts that *actually* taste good is just one example of how the juice hustler is always exploring new ways to introduce health at scale.

The mother of three has some sage business advice, so ladies: Take note.

What was the inspiration behind the concept of Pressed Juicery?

I started Pressed Juicery with two friends, all of us on our own health journeys. We wanted to create products that were high-quality, nutritious, accessible, affordable, and also tasted great. At that point, none of us really could find juice products that checked all of those boxes, so we decided to go for it ourselves.

There are so many pressed juice brands out there now. How does Pressed stay fresh and relevant, even after all of these years?

It is not easy to stay relevant, but I think we've done it by maintaining simplicity as a core value and not getting too caught up in what other people are doing. We focus on new and innovative flavors, bringing down our price point whenever we can without sacrificing quality, and coming out with new products that are in line with who we are. Mostly, we listen to our customers. We use evolving technology to understand what they are looking for, and we use our lifestyle site, The Chalkboard, as a reference as well.

If you could have a meal with someone, living or deceased, who would it be and why? What would you eat?

Oprah, obviously. Has anyone ever hung with Oprah and not said it was transformative? We would cook pasta, drink wine...sounds like a dream.

What do you crave in life?

Hot baths, hugs from my children, really good french fries.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

That I took an idea I was passionate about and that was rooted in doing something to improve people's daily routines and have been able to see the mission in action, playing out and making people healthier. So much has changed since we began, but I still feel gratified by seeing how we have been a part of a bigger movement towards health and wellness being mainstream.

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

To step back and get out of my own way; to trust in something greater. My mom always told me that and I remind myself of it almost every day.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

How we have grown. Our footprint is so much bigger than I had ever imagined it could be. Aside from our 70 stores, seeing Pressed Juicery on airlines, in coffee shops—in all those places where finding a healthy option used to be impossible—makes me so happy.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

Initially it was generated out of losing my mom. Going through a loss  gives you that cliché sense of, "Wow, life really is so short." And grieving can reset your priorities because why spend the little time we have doing things we aren't passionate about? I was really driven by that truth that I reached as she was slipping away, that what I had thought was healthy living was actually so misguided. It was like I kept uncovering so many simple things that would have made her healthier, if only we had understood them years prior. That discovery, and knowing it was too late for my mother, really drove me in the early years of the company. Now, of course, I am driven primarily by my family, and thinking about how to create a healthier world for my children.

What keeps you up at night?

It takes a lot for my brain to quiet. A lot of things keep me up at night: Books I want to write. My three kids and the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with being responsible for them. Mostly this overwhelming sense of gratitude for the peace in my life, and also a restless feeling that there is so much to do out there in the world, and a desire to contribute in a greater way.

Whose career really inspires you?

Brene Brown's. I have been a sociology geek for a long time, and I just love how, as a social scientist, she has mainstreamed into popular culture and continues to give us new tools with which to see ourselves and how we relate to one another. What she is talking about on some level are very simple concepts—authenticity, shame, vulnerability—but they are rooted so deeply and layered with all the stuff we don't want to deal with. And when you peel the layers back, there is so much to be revealed about our potential. I just think she's really brave and inspiring and has used her platform to change the way we think and lead.

As someone who is a people pleaser, being a mother has forced me to say no to things, which is such an invaluable lesson.

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What has been your biggest opportunity or biggest challenge as a female founder?

Jumping into motherhood unexpectedly when the business was only a few months old. Back then, I was just trying to survive and make it out on the other side. I found myself constantly feeling guilty to my business or my family, and usually both, because I was only half in on whatever I was doing. But as we've grown as a company and I have grown as a mother, I've been able to step outside a bit and really see how the challenge itself was an opportunity. In it, I have been able to carve out my priorities and be very mindful with my time and my goals. As someone who is a people pleaser, being a mother has forced me to say no to things, which is such an invaluable lesson.

What are the common challenges you've seen among women in the food industry?

It's probably the same as in any industry: Pay gaps and a lack of female executives.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

I think being flexible is essential to being able to achieve satisfaction and happiness. Life is all about expectation, and disappointments are natural. But it's important to be able to switch gears and be resilient. For me, this looks like a lot of quiet time with myself, really getting focused—meditating, writing and allowing myself to have disappointed thoughts and negative feelings. And then, after I've allowed that, it's time to see the bump in the road as just another chapter in my story and really focus on moving on. I believe there is a greater, higher good for myself that I'm not in control of and it goes back to just letting go and stepping out of my own way.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

Opening more stores, reaching more people. Finally getting to work on some new projects I have had in the works.

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 FOOD LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Nina Garcia

Don’t call it a comeback.

After working as ELLE’s fashion director in the 2000s, Nina Garcia moved on to Marie Claire, where she eventually became the title’s creative director. But a little over a year ago, she returned to ELLE to serve as its editor in chief, and she’s already making waves in the publishing world because of it.

If you don’t know Nina from her magazine accolades, then surely you know her from her 15 years serving as a judge on Project Runway, where she’s helped launch the careers of countless hopeful fashion designers. She’ll be back for Season 17, set to premiere this year on Bravo.

Somewhere among her busy days, Nina’s also found time to write four books that put her on The New York Times’ bestselling list. She’s a force in fashion, and we can’t wait to see what 2019 brings for Nina Garcia.

How has working on both the editorial and creative teams changed how you now run Elle as its editor-in-chief?

I feel very lucky that I was at ELLE as a young editor and was really able to immerse myself in its DNA and work with Gilles Bensimon. Gilles lived and breathed ELLE and really pushed me to think creatively and outside the box. It has been amazing being able to carry that into my role as editor in chief of the magazine.

Each brand that I worked at – from Mirabella to ELLE to Marie Claire and Project Runway – has taught me something new which I carry with me and am able to apply in this role.  All of our experiences make us who we are today.

I am a strong believer that you are only as good as your team and that’s why I surround myself with the best of the best who help me bring my vision of ELLE to life and make it what it is – I always say, team work makes the dream work.

You’ve been a judge on Project Runway since its inception in 2004. How has the fashion industry changed most starkly in the past 15 years?

There have been so many changes, but I would say social media has really brought in the biggest changes to the industry. Now, people all over the world can watch shows that are livestreamed on Instagram and look at all the collections immediately.

For designers starting out, they need to have the skills but they also need to have that capital on social media to push their work out there. It’s a double-edged sword – you have to work to build up that following but it’s also a great place to connect with people in the industry, especially if you’re not in a major city.

Any new Project Runway insider info you can spill for the new season?

After celebrating our sweet sixteenth season last year, this new season of Project Runway is all about keeping what made Project Runway one of the longest and most successful shows of American television and adding some new elements that will make the show a little more contemporary. Fashion is all about change, and Project Runway is embracing that change with a new host, Karlie Kloss, and with a new set of judges that I adore, like Elaine and Brandon. It also made me so happy to have a former alumni, Christian Siriano, as the designers’ mentor. He started his career on this show and has built an incredible business.

I am so excited for our fans to watch this new season. We have a lot of big surprises planned. Working with Brandon, Karlie, Elaine, and Christian and watching the designers develop over the season has been incredible. It’s an exciting time in fashion; we’re finding designers on Instagram!

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

I love design – I could play with ELLE’s pages all day – and I love being able to sit with my team and go over elements in each feature.

Once we put the issue together and it’s out in the world for everyone to read, I love getting feedback from our readers offline and online and hearing what they think of the issue. Being able to connect with people who love ELLE as much as I do is the best feeling. We can now reach so many more people through social media, and receive immediate feedback; it’s really an engaged conversation between readers, editors and talent. Our brand has such a bigger footprint with the mix of mediums between digital and print.

How do you stay up-to-date on what’s happening in your industry? Where do you get your news?

Every morning I flip through the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, WWD, Business Insider, Variety, Business of Fashion, New York Magazine, The Cut, Twitter and Instagram (Diet Prada, especially) on my iPad.

What are the common challenges you've seen among female business owners and entrepreneurs?

One of the biggest challenges women face is limited access to funding. For example, in my first issue at ELLE we profiled Katrina Lake, the founder of Stitch Fix. She shared how difficult it was to persuade male investors to back her company. They simply couldn’t understand that there was a need in the marketplace for a wardrobe solution for women. Now Stitch Fix is valued at more than $1 billion. Imagine how many great ideas we might be missing out on simply because women are not given the proper financial support.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find new roads + switch gears to find success?

I have always valued mentorships, and think individuals should play the role of both mentor and mentee at any given time. More than once, I’ve gone to a mentor for advice on how to tackle a specific problem at my job, how to expand beyond my current situation, or how to think about a more focused career path. People talk about networking as a way to have an “in” somewhere, but the real value of networking is the support and advice you gain.

People talk about networking as a way to have an “in” somewhere, but the real value of networking is the support and advice you gain.

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What advice would you give to young women trying to break into the magazine industry?

Be open to any task – even the smallest ones – and any ask because you never know where it may lead you. When I was first approached to work on Project Runway, I was incredibly hesitant. I had never imagined doing television and it was a foreign idea. But I knew it was an exciting opportunity and has opened so many doors for me. I also think you should find someone who inspires you and can help you along the way. Mentors played an integral role in shaping my career, giving me advice, coaching me through difficult decisions. The fashion and media industries are based on mentoring and I think it’s our responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

It’s impossible for me to choose just one, but coming back to ELLE as editor in chief has been a major highlight for me. Coming back to lead a brand that I grew up on as a young woman in the industry is an incredible honor.  

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

Never say no to an invitation – each invitation is an opportunity to meet people. When I started out in New York, I didn’t know anyone in the industry. I interned as much as I could and went to every event that I was invited to so that I could put in face time with as many people in the industry as possible.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

I can’t believe I’ve already been at ELLE for a year. I’m excited to continue bringing talented photographers, stylists, writers and models to the magazine as well as growing our existing platforms like Women in Hollywood and the SO ELLE campaign. The new season of Project Runway airs this spring; I’ll be in Bogota for fashion week, which I always love; and I’m planning a trip to Villa Maria in St. Barth’s with my family.

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 ENTERTAINMENT LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Fashion: Olivia Palermo

You may have been introduced to her on The City back in the day, but Olivia Palermo has since established herself as a fashion powerhouse.

The fashion mogul, who worked for Diane von Furstenberg and later in the accessories department at Elle on the hit MTV show, has spent the past decade solidifying herself as a creative director, stylist, and influential voice in the industry. She’s graced the pages of all the major mags, and she’s collaborated with a number of your favorite sophisticated brands—from Stuart Weitzman to Banana Republic. Given her clout and aspirational #OOTD styling, it’s no surprise Olivia has gone on to create a vast fashion-obsessed community built around her editorial work, curated shopping, and brand collaborations.

It’s not hard to get lost scrolling through her Instagram grid—and with almost 6 million followers, it’s also not difficult to see why her stamp of approval is worth its weight in gold to a brand. Her entrepreneurship, consistency, and bespoke style are just a few reasons to celebrate Olivia’s career—and a testament to why her name won’t be going away anytime soon.

You’re a street style icon. What goes into you picking an outfit for the day?

I pick my outfits based on my mood. Of course, particular environments call for particular styles of dress—you’re not going to wear denim to a black-tie function, after all—but even then, I really dress for what makes me feel confident and comfortable, first and foremost.

You work with a small team, but you’re doing big things. What do you look for in your team members in order to keep building your empire?

I like to think we’re small but mighty! And since we are quite small, having a “team player” mentality is crucial. When identifying new talent, I look for people with positive personalities that are forward-thinking and open-minded. I appreciate people that are caring, loving, and loyal, but at the end of the day, are really just good at their jobs and want to continue to grow and be successful both personally and professionally.

You were well-known in the fashion world before social media was as big as it is today. How has it impacted your career and brand in more recent years?

It is hard to believe but it has been 10 years since I first truly established myself in the fashion world. I am incredibly fortunate that the evolution of my career happened to coincide with the evolution of social media—it has certainly been an instrumental tool to grow my brand and has allowed me to only further amplify my other professional verticals. What initially began as sharing my thoughts and perspectives on fashion and style within my own network, social media gave me the opportunity to share my experiences and knowledge on an international scale. The more I would post—whether about fashion shows, Mr. Butler, or just things that spoke to me in a particular moment—the more I saw my audience grow and continue to engage. At some point along the way, I realized I had a platform to not only share about my life but to help inspire people to be the best version of themselves.

What about your career makes you feel the most fulfilled?

What I find most fulfilling at this stage of my career is developing a really wonderful team that, together, will build the next chapter of the Olivia Palermo brand. Seeing this element of the business evolve over just the past year has not only been rewarding professionally, but personally as well.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

It’s hard to really pinpoint one specific piece of advice that has resonated with me over the years as I have had the extremely good fortune of working with so many incredibly wise and talented people. I’m like a sponge! I love to learn and absorb from my peers in all facets of the industry.

What’s been the biggest highlight of your career to date?

The wonderful clients I have had the pleasure of collaborating with has definitely been a highlight of my career. The experience is different every time but equally rewarding, and I have certainly carried learning moments from each opportunity to the next. And of course, given my love for beautiful visuals, it is icing on the cake to have worked with so many incredible photographers.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

It’s a cliché, I know, but when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. And that is certainly the case for myself. I wake up each morning motivated at the prospect of this brand living up to its fullest potential.

Whose career really inspires you?

There are various different people whose careers I have admired over the years and have received much inspiration from:

Carolina Herrera, the epitome of grace and elegance who has gifted the world with timeless designs

Diane von Furstenberg, an icon who has paved a path for women in what is an industry very much dominated by men

Maria Grazia Chiuri, a trailblazer as the first female head designer for a heritage house like Dior

Victoria Beckham, a fighter who has defied misperceptions and stereotypes (a battle I can certainly relate to)

“I want inclusivity to be more prevalent—for genuine reasons and not just commercial ones.“

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Whose style do you love?

Besides the women I previously mentioned, I really love to take style inspiration from eclectic sources: everyday girls on the street that I observe in my travels and can incorporate elements of their style in my own, and the mature women of the Upper East Side of Manhattan who have a certain air of sophistication I have always admired.

What has been your biggest opportunity or challenge to date?

Misperceptions. Like anyone in the public eye, there are countless misunderstandings about what kind of person I am and confusion as to what it is that I actually do. I look forward to the year ahead and the exciting new ventures we have coming down the pipeline that will make things clearer.

What would you change about the fashion industry if you could?

While certainly a topic dujour, I think the fashion industry’s hesitance towards inclusivity is something I would hope to change. I want inclusivity to be more prevalent; however, for genuine reasons and not just commercial ones.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

By keeping a positive attitude and finding a learning moment in every difficult situation. It’s not always easy!

What’s next for you? What are you most excited for in 2019?

A lot! 2018 was a year of transition for myself, my team, and the brand. 2019 will see the launch of a completely revamped website that will offer the Olivia Palermo community a destination to help them be the best versions of themselves along with some really exciting collaborations with partners big and small I can’t wait to debut.

VIEW THE ENTIRE CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 FASHION CATEGORY HERE!

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Create & Cultivate 100: Fashion: Lauren Wasser

At 24, Lauren Wasser was given a one percent chance to live. At 30, Vogue Magazine dubbed her “Fashion’s Girl with the Golden Legs.” After toxic shock syndrome (from a regular ol’ tampon) almost claimed her life, Lauren fought to become the unconventional icon we deserved, but didn’t know we needed.

The model and actor has been through hell and back, and now uses her platform to advocate for women’s health, among other social issues. And she does so with a sense of humor, two golden legs, and a type of positivity that can only come from being on the brink of losing it all. This “f*ck it” attitude is what will continue to propel Lauren into the spotlight in 2019.

Can you tell your story in your own words and explain to our readers what happened to you at the age 24?

When I was 24 years old, I almost died from toxic shock syndrome caused by a tampon, using the product as I should. I had developed a 107-degree fever, my kidneys and other vital organs started to shut down. I suffered a massive heart attack and was given a one percent chance of survival. Gangrene had developed in my right foot and was moving quickly up my leg. They had to amputate below the knee. My left foot was severely damaged and doctors said there was a 50 percent chance that it wouldn’t work. This past January of 2018, after six years of fighting for a foot that had no toes or heel, I made the decision to have it amputated. I’m so happy to say I am finally pain-free and I can do anything and everything with my new pair of golden legs!

You’ve turned a traumatic experience into something positive. How do you maintain that positive outlook on life?

I maintain positivity because I am so lucky to be alive and get this second chance to be on this planet. I’m going to do everything in my power to change, inspire and to live my best life because we only get this one shot. I want to lead by example and hope others will do the same.

What do you hope people learn from following your journey?

I hope people get angry and driven to make a change, because toxic shock syndrome can be prevented and it’s 2019... No more young girls or women should be in danger or dying because of a women’s hygiene product. One life is too many!

I also hope whoever sees me and is maybe facing a hard time in life or just struggling in some way can see how far I have come and see all is possible. I hope that the that fact I didn’t give up will encourage them to keep pushing because they can make it, too.

There’s a big emphasis on social media, especially when it comes to models. How has it impacted your career?

Well, being called “Fashion’s Girl with the Golden Legs” by Vogue magazine was one of the coolest moments for me. I definitely think social media has brought a ton of opportunities and also has given me the voice/platform needed to tell my story. TSS is thought to be unrealistic and rare but in reality, it affects women and girls around the world every single day. Social media has helped me to tell my story and educate others.

Why is it important for models to pay it forward and use their voices?

You have this platform to be able to give insight and shed positive light so, do it! Use what you have to spread love and for the greater good.

What would you change about the fashion + modeling industries if you could?

To be honest, I think it’s improving so much! I was just on the cover of ELLE Czech Republic. Me, on the cover, with a blue Versace dress with these gold ass legs. I have never seen someone like myself grace the cover of a high-fashion magazine. It’s amazing! I’m so grateful and excited for 2019 because I’ll be wearing some heels this season.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

Being able to be an example of God’s work and give hope to people and families going through the hardest moments of their lives. To have faith and believe because miracles do happen.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Something I experienced first-hand: Trust your gut instinct in whatever situation. It doesn’t lie. 💯

What’s been the biggest highlight of your career to date?

Being a part of Loudermilk, a television show on DirecTV. I play “Memphis.” It was created by Peter Farrelly, who is a genius and the man behind one of the greatest movies of all time: “Dumb and Dumber.” Being cast and acting alongside some amazing people like Ron Livingston and Will Sasso is honestly a dream!

I don’t think I have had just one highlight, and I don’t think I have really even started. Having to be in pain and misery trying to save my left foot for the past six years held me back in all aspects of my life. This past January, when I finally amputated my leg and got my second golden leg, was the first time I have felt pain-free and finally like myself again. That being said, I think you haven’t seen anything from me yet and 2019 is going to be HUGE just for me in life and in my career.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

Almost losing my life has opened my eyes to how precious life is and knowing that this is my second shot, I want to be my best and do my best. I get my strength from God and the fact that so many women lost their lives to TSS and I barely got away. I’m their voice you will never hear and I’m the face you will never see. For the women who have been affected or died over the past 30 years, I want to open the eyes of the world to show that TSS shouldn’t even be a thing in this day and age. I want to protect, inform, and educate the women and men of tomorrow. That’s my drive.

“ I mostly admire the people who get up every day even though they have every reason to stay in bed or hide or not want to face the world. People who have real-life shit happening, but yet they are still at their jobs, they are still going places, they are still living their life. That’s inspiring. ”

Whose career really inspires you?

I’m not really sure how to answer that. I admire some actors and their craft. But I mostly admire the people who get up every day even though they have every reason to stay in bed or hide or not want to face the world. People who have real-life shit happening, but yet they are still at their jobs, they are still going places, they are still living their life. That’s inspiring.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

Great quote: “Failure is an opportunity in disguise” - Max Weigand

What’s next for you? What are you most excited for in 2019?

Too much to share, you just have to stay tuned ;)

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica

VIEW THE ENTIRE CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 FASHION CATEGORY HERE!

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Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Hilary Swank

When Hilary Swank does something, she does it 100 percent. So when her father needed a lung transplant in 2014, Hilary was there. The two-time Oscar winner turned down work to be his live-in caretaker for three years—or as she so beautifully put it in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, ““I was saying yes to something else that I wanted to be a part of.”

But now, her father is well again, and she’s back at it again in Hollywood. This past year, she appeared on screens big and small in What They Had, I Am Mother, and Trust, all while producing three TV shows and running her clothing business, Mission Statement. We told you: Hilary gives 100 percent, and we can’t wait to see what she creates in 2019.

You won an Academy Award for your performance in Boys Don't Cry. Tell us a little about your work building up to your role in the film and how winning an Oscar changed the course of your career.

It was imperative that I tried my hardest to do justice to this real life person, who died in such a horrific manner for just wanting to give and receive love. So, I spent 4 weeks walking around public trying to pass as a boy, seeing what did and didn’t work. To be believable in front of the camera, it was important that I could pull of being a boy in all of my everyday experiences—no matter how challenging this was at times.

Winning an Oscar gave me more opportunities to learn and grow as an artist and human being and to continue do what I love...tell more stories collaborating with people I admire.

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

You can do anything as long as you work hard enough. This came from my Mom.

You took a break from acting from 2014 to 2017 to care for your father when he had a lung transplant. How did it feel to leave Hollywood for three years?

On one hand, it was scary because I was walking away from something that defined me, but on the other hand, it was liberating as I realized I’m so much more than an actor. Ultimately, I was just grateful that my career was in a position that I could take time off to care for a loved one.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

The biggest surprise of my career has been winning two Academy Awards for doing something I love so much. Getting to collaborate with so many extraordinary artists is a reward in and of itself, but getting peer and industry accolades on top of that makes it even more sweet.

The biggest highlight has been the challenge to push myself in ways I never imagined and learn that our biggest obstacles are often ourselves.

Which women in your industry do you look up to most? Why?

It sounds cliche, but I can’t help but look up to Meryl Streep. She has continued to surprise us with such poignant and chameleon-like performances while navigating mainstream and art house films. She seems to have found a perfect career balance while staying true to her internal artist’s compass.

You started your fashion company, Mission Statement, in 2016. What did you feel was missing from the women’s clothing space?

I created what I felt was missing in the marketplace: affordable luxury in the leisure space that also has versatility to take you through your entire day and all of its needs.

What have been the most exciting and most challenging parts of starting your own business?

I’ve learned that our biggest obstacles are often ourselves.

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The most exciting part is embarking on a journey to fulfill a new dream you want realized. The challenging part is having to undergo a crash-course in business while not having any business training.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

I’m always looking for constructive criticism from people I love and who believe in me. This enables me to continue to grow, never become stagnant and never rest on my laurels. It’s important to me to remain curious and always seek to learn—which I can’t do without my tribe.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

Watching Mission Statement grow and continuing to tell stories about the triumph of the human spirit and perseverance.

Photo Credit: Greg Williams Photography 

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 ENTERTAINMENT LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Nikki Lee & Riawna Capri

If you’re someone who screenshots celeb haircuts to bring to your own hairstylist, chances are you’re already familiar with Nikki Lee & Riawna Capri’s work without even knowing it.

The dynamic duo co-founded the esteemed Nine Zero One salon in West Hollywood almost a decade ago, where they quickly made a name for themselves as two of the go-to stylists for the Hollywood elite. In keeping with the town’s tabloid tradition, they even have a BFF pseudonym: Caprilee. The two BFFs-turned-business-partners have steadily been growing their business portfolio with the launch of their luxury hair care treatment brand, In Common. The brand is all about ingredient transparency and confidence-building beauty. “We couldn’t do what we do without each other,” they say of their business, and their close relationship is evident in everything that they do. They also build community wherever they go. Want to take a workshop with them? Sign up for the 901 Academy. Want access to hundreds or tutorials, tips, and tricks? Sign up for their editorial platform, The Beauty Coach. Want to shower your hair with some love? Check out Raindrops, their water filtration system. These boss babes are building a seriously multidisciplinary beauty brand and you’ll want to follow their inspiring journey.

You guys have several business ventures together. How did you know you were the perfect match as business partners?

Nikki: We didn’t! It took starting our own business together to see how well we clicked and how we balance each other out.

Riawna: We learned early on to respect each other’s strengths and allow us to focus on strengths instead of trying to do everything together.

Nine Zero One is now an LA hotspot, with a roster of celebrity clients. What characteristics make you successful in the hair industry?

Riawna: We treat everyone the same! When we started Nine Zero One, we wanted to create a friendlier environment, where people actually smile at you. In L.A., there’s a pretentiousness that surrounds the area, and I feel like I don't belong half the time. That's why we created our home of good people, good energy, and good vibes.

What does it take to build a beauty business from the ground up in today’s world?

Riawna: Dedication and determination. Being fearless… not paying attention to everyone else, staying true to what you are good at.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

Riawna: Making people look and feel beautiful. When they come into the salon and leave deciding that they want to go out that night, it makes you feel great! I love the happiness they leave with.

Nikki: We love that we’re not only giving them a cut or color, we’re giving them the feeling of confidence when they leave the salon!

How has social media impacted the growth of your businesses?

Riawna: It has helped build our careers and Nine Zero One. If you're an artist — be it a painter, chef, hair stylist, or makeup artist — social media can be used as your portfolio. No one is going go to www.com and look at your work as much as they would if it's on Instagram. It's the best way to be able to showcase what you can do. It's free advertising.

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

Nikki: Always do it for the passion and the money will come.

Riawna: I had a mentor say to me once that hair is 80% personality, 20% talent. I don’t think those numbers are completely correct, but you have someone in your chair for four to five hours and you want to make sure they have a wonderful experience. Even if you give them the best cut in the world, if you don’t connect with them, they won’t come back.

Because of social media and being able to see what other people are doing, it’s easy to become sidetracked or discouraged. Instead, you should just be focused on what you’re good at and what’s best for your brand.

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What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

Riawna: Nine Zero One!

Nikki: Never in our wildest dreams did we think Nine Zero One would become what it has. We started it simply because we wanted a happy, fun work environment. It blossomed into an amazing brand that we could not be more proud of.

We believe people go to salons to look a certain way. People come to Nine Zero One to feel a certain way.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

Riawna: Our hearts. We love doing hair!

Nikki: We both had similar upbringings, we didn’t come from much so we always knew if we wanted anything we had to work very hard for it!

What are the common challenges you've seen among female hairdressers and beauty moguls?

Nikki: Because of social media and being able to see what other people are doing, it’s easy to become sidetracked or discouraged. Instead, you should just be focused on what you’re good at and what’s best for your brand. In the more recent years, it’s been nice to see women coming together and supporting each other because there’s enough to go around.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road and switch gears to find success?

Nikki: We’ve always been problem-solvers. When we hit a bump, we often create the solution. Take [our shower filtration system] Raindrops for example—our clients kept on getting brassy hair, so we created a water filter to prevent it!

What’s next for you two in 2019? What are you most excited for?

Riawna: The Launch of In Common Beauty, our hair care treatment line.

Nikki: BeYOUtiful days. The BeYOUtiful Foundation is our passion project we launched in July of 2018. The BeYOUtiful Foundation is a foundation designed to provide hope, love and a path to feeling BeYOUtiful, created for women of all ages defying the odds against cancer. We’re excited to onboard more salons so we can help more women in 2019!

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica 

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 BEAUTY LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Art & Design: Julie Houts

Julie Houts never expected a casual Instagram account documenting the illustrations she drew in her down time to blow up. But it did anyway, and she’s built a career from that success.

In 2017, Julie was still working as a designer at J.Crew. But as the drawings she posted off-hours (often inspired by the very industry she worked in) picked up traction, she realized there might be more to her Instagram than, well, just an Instagram. Her first book, Literally Me, debuted in 2017, and Julie decided it was time to make the leap to full-time self-employment.

She hasn’t looked back. With more than 200k followers and counting, we can’t wait to see what Julie draws up in 2019.

You worked as a womenswear designer at J. Crew for seven years before making the jump to full-time freelance. Was there a moment you knew you were ready? How did you make that decision?

I don’t think there was a moment where I felt totally ready. It was a gradual thing for me. Initially, I was getting a small amount of freelance illustration work on the side that I was able to easily manage outside of my regular work hours at J.Crew. After I got my book deal, I started to think more seriously about going freelance full-time. I just had a sense of, “if not now, when?”

Looking back, I had no idea what challenges were ahead, and I think that’s for the best. I am a pretty cautious person by nature and I might have never leaped if I had looked too closely...

How does your background in fashion influence your art? Is trend watching still a part of your process?

I think it influences it several ways. I maintain my interest in fashion and in the industry, so I think sometimes the subject matter itself has a bit of a fashion-centric bias.

Beyond that, I do miss designing at times, and sometimes I will have the urge to design a dress or a top or a pair of shoes, and I’ll incorporate them into a drawing.

Also, I’ll go on Moda Operandi or look at the shows from a current season and do a little edit for the looks in a project. It’s just fun for me and keeps me interested in the actual work of the drawing.

Your 2017 book of illustrations, Literally Me, was a hit because your drawings are so relatable. What was your inspiration behind that work?

Literally Me came about while I was still working full-time as a designer at J.Crew, and had not even really thought about illustrating or writing full-time. The turnaround time for the book was really quick, though, so there wasn’t much time to really sit and stress over what I would make or write. I worked on weekends and at night and pretty much whatever came out, came out.

I hadn’t thought I would be writing essays for the book, but learned soon after starting work that my editor was expecting them. That was scary- I had never really written in that way. It ended up being the most fun and rewarding part of the whole experience.

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

Still waiting on it!

I think one thing that has been helpful for me to remember is that nobody has anything totally *figured out*. I think most people feel like they’re imposters on some level.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

All of it is still so crazy to me. It wasn’t that long ago that I was working a corporate desk job. Albeit one that I did really enjoy, but, I never anticipated any of the opportunities that I’ve had as a result of the dumb Instagram account I started one day, probably sitting on the toilet.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

I use my illustrations and writing to work through ideas. Sometimes just through making a drawing or writing something out, I’m able to figure out how I think or feel.

In terms of drive, I’m sure it’s just some empty vacuous hole in the core of my person that I’m trying to fill with professional achievement. Right?

If you weren’t pursuing art or fashion, what career path would you choose instead?

Maybe psychology? Maybe writing?

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find new roads + switch gears to find success?

I blame the people around me for my failures and move on, learning nothing from the stumble.

Just kidding- actually, I think I internalize the stumble, and blame myself for awhile regardless of what the circumstance is. Eventually I just move on. I think the further away from the stumble I am, the more understanding I have or what happened, why, and what I can do better next time. It’s just time and experience that help me understand.

Whose career really inspires you?

Right now, I am inspired by Nora Ephron’s life and career.

What’s next for you in 2019?

My book was optioned to be an animated television show. I’m working right now with a co-writer to develop it. I’ll keep working on that and continue to take illustration work. Maybe another book? We’ll see...

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 ART & DESIGN LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: STEM & Finance: Kaya Thomas

Kaya Thomas was been turning heads in the tech industry long before she graduated from Dartmouth in 2017. Her talent is rivaled by her enterprising character. She quite literally taught herself how to code by enrolling in free coding classes online, then went on to switch her major from environmental engineering to computer science once she unlocked her passion.

Inspired by the very organization where she now mentors students, Black Girls Code, Kaya is steadfast on her mission to empower more women of color in the tech industry and to shape a more inclusive Silicon Valley culture. She’s not here for your middle management glass ceilings. She’s here for the C-suite.

This mission laid the foundation for her to create We Read Too, an iOS app that helps readers discover books for and by people of color. Frustrated by difficulty in finding authors of color or books with diverse characters, she took it upon herself to build the ultimate catalogue. You know, on her downtime as an intern at Time, Inc. She’s got accolades on accolodates and has been recognized by the queen herself, Michelle Obama. Her Big Development Energy has taken her talents to Slack where she currently works as an engineer, and she also stays active as a volunteer mentor with Black Girls Code and Google’s Made With Code.

You’ve referred to not wanting to be “the only” when it comes to being a black woman in the tech industry. What do you see for the future of black women in the tech industry?

I see a future where black women are not "the only" on their teams at tech companies, but are also the CEOs, CTOs, and on the board of directors. We have the potential to go way beyond just being employees, but also creating our own companies and technologies. The real change in the tech industry will happen when we have more underrepresented folks in C-suite positions and on company boards.

What tech announcement or new release are you most looking forward to this year?

June is always the most exciting time for me as an iOS developer. That's when Apple hosts their Worldwide Developer Conference and announces all the updates to their operating systems. As iOS developers, these announcements create new opportunities for us to try out new APIs and new features in our apps.

As the founder of We Read Too, an app dedicated to featuring titles written by authors of color, what books are on your own reading list right now and why?

A series I've wanted to read for awhile now is The Broken Earth trilogy by N.K. Jemisin. Jemisin recently won her third Hugo award in a row, and was the first person ever to do so. She's so inspiring to me as a black woman who is succeeding immensely in her field and creating better representation in literature.

Who is a black woman in tech who inspires you and why?

Arquay Harris is a director of engineering at Slack and she's been a huge inspiration since I joined the company in 2017. She has incredible insight on managing engineers and on how to advocate for your own career. One of the most inspiring things about Arquay is how she cares so much about passing the torch and making sure that other underrepresented folks can create a successful career path for themselves.

What is one app you can’t live without and why?

The Notes app that comes with the iPhone! I am always jotting down notes or lists that come to my mind and I use the Notes app which syncs across all my devices.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

Whenever I hit a hurdle, I try to remember what I'm working towards in the first place. If it's no longer clear how my current work is contributing to some of my larger goals or overall purpose, then it's time to move on and find a new opportunity that will.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

One of the things I love most about being a developer is being able to reach people through the software I build. It's so fulfilling to talk with people who have used something you've made and hear how it improved their life, even in some really small way.

“Take advice with a grain of salt! All experiences are different depending on the person, so there’s really no one size fits all advice.”

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

I think the best advice I've been given is to take advice with a grain of salt! All experiences are different depending on the person, so there's really no one size fits all advice. It's important to recognize the context and circumstances behind the advice you're being given and figure out if it will still work for you given your own circumstances.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

The biggest highlight of my career to date was being honored by First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2015 Black Girls Rock award show. I would have never imagined seeing a First Lady of the United States shout "Black Girls Rock!" or hearing her say my name in reference to celebrating education and the perseverance of black women. It was one of the greatest moments of my life!

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 STEM & FINANCE LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Aimee Song

Aimee Song was blogging before most of us had even heard of the word.

Now an ultra-elite influencer (with more than 5 million followers on Instagram), Aimee has helped define what it means to make a living as a full-time content creator. As the founder of Song of Style, her namesake blog, she’s not only stayed on top of a rapidly-changing industry...she’s shaped it altogether.

An ambassador to brands like Chloé, Dior, and Revolve, Aimee also has a jewelry line, a clothing line, and a popular YouTube channel. Her debut book, Capture Your Style, scored a spot on The New York Times best seller list. The most impressive part? Aimee’s showing no signs of slowing down, and we’re excited to see how she continues to change the game in 2019.

You started your blog in 2008, before the age of Instagram and influencers. How have you seen the business side of blogging change most over the past decade?

For me personally, blogging has changed from my hobby and creative outlet to a full scale business. As an early adopter of blogging, the biggest thing that’s changed for me is that the platform has changed. Less people visit the blogs with the popularity of Instagram so my focus shifted and the newest bloggers are no longer really bloggers but influencers that are mainly active on Instagram. Also the biggest shift I see is that fashion bloggers/influencers who would only cover topics related to fashion are being vocal about other aspects such as politics, bringing more diversity within the industry or touching on subjects that are more of the lifestyle space. Shedding light on people of diverse backgrounds and giving a platform to underrepresented individuals is incredibly important to me, and I’m so happy that blogging has been the vehicle that’s allowed that to happen.

You’ve grown your business from a blog to a media and product empire. What advice would you give to other content creators on scaling their business?

My path from blogging to media to product has taught me so much, but the most important thing I’ve learned is how quickly the industry is changing. Now more than ever, I think it’s important for content creators to think about what is not yet being done, and to try to think about content creation in new and interesting ways. Media is evolving so much, so there are so many opportunities to be at the forefront of that new space.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

My passion comes from a pure love of aesthetics, fabric, textures, and design but most importantly the love of sharing. I could’ve done all of this quietly but I have a passion for sharing with others. Growing up with a sister, I’ve always shared clothes, share ideas, etc. Now, I’m just doing that on a much bigger scale.

You have a team that works for you—what’s the hardest part of managing employees working for a company that started as your personal vision?

For me personally, my business is so deeply tied to my life, so I’m not someone who works a regular 9-5 schedule. Plus, I travel more than 300 days out of the year, so I can be in many different time zones even in just one week. Needless to say, my life and my work schedule can be a bit all over the place! The hardest part of managing my team is learning how to manage my work schedule effectively so I can be respectful of the fact that my team works on a 9-5 schedule in Los Angeles, Monday-Friday. Song of Style has grown so much, and it no longer only includes me. There are many voices and visions contributing to what used to be my singular vision, and every day I’m learning how to be mindful of that fact.

If you weren’t working in this industry, what career path would you choose?

If I weren’t a blogger, I would definitely continue my career as an interior architect. I love thinking about spaces that people live in or visit, and thinking about how all of that can create an emotional spatial experience.

What are the common challenges you've seen among female business owners and entrepreneurs?

The biggest challenge I’ve seen among female owners and entrepreneurs is being taken seriously in fashion and beauty. I think that, for a long time, fashion and beauty seemed like frivolous industries. Also, speaking up and giving out tasks. I used to tiptoe around asking someone to do something that I’m paying them to do. Now, I just tell them (in a nice way, of course.)

What’s your dream partnership and why?

My dream partnership was working with Louis Vuitton because I had admired the creative director Nicolas Ghesquiere since his Balenciaga days. I could’ve never dreamt of working with such a classic fashion house. Now, that I’ve achieved that my dream partnership would be working with a retailer in launching my own line.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find new roads + switch gears to find success?

Pivoting has been such an important part of my process in my career. I think it’s really important to have a strong vision for what you want in your life, but it’s even more important to be open to what the world has in store for you. I always knew I wanted to do something in fashion or design, but when I was growing up, blogging didn’t even exist as a career. Following my passion, giving my all to everything I do, and being open to have my path change have lead me to where I am today. Also, I realize that there isn’t one way to success and sometimes success comes in many different shapes and forms. Even if you think you’re failing and having bad days, knowing that that’s the way to manifesting your dreams, keeps me motivated.

Following my passion, giving my all to everything I do, and being open to have my path change have lead me to where I am today.

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Whose career really inspires you?

There are so many people who really inspire me! Oprah obviously, Imran Ahmed from BOF for creating such an important platform, Natacha Ramsay-Levi from Chloe (She used to be Nicolas Ghesquiere’s right hand woman), my manager Vanessa Flaherty, and I just recently listened to an interview of the Dropbox founder Drew Houston which I found so inspiring.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

I’ve been really focusing on self-care and being more mindful in doing whatever it is I’m doing. I’m also venturing into new products which I’m so excited about!

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 CONTENT CREATORS LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Mama Cax

At age 14, Mama Cax was diagnosed with bone and lung cancer that resulted in a leg amputation at the hip.

At age 28, Cax walked the catwalk at New York Fashion Week. Having a disability hasn’t stopped her—she plays wheelchair basketball and goes rock climbing—and she’s a reminder to all of us to be ourselves...unapologetically.

Below, Cax gives her two cents on body positivity, authenticity, and what she’s excited about in 2019.

You made your catwalk debut at New York Fashion Week! Tell us a little about the experience. Were you sights ever set on NYFW?

I started modeling a year ago, and fashion week was never on my radar. There are very few people with disabilities in the fashion industry let alone the catwalk so when the opportunity came up I didn't hesitate. I knew it would be a way to break barriers and help open doors for others by showing it is possible.

You’ve turned a traumatic experience and turned it into something positive. How do you maintain that positive outlook on life?

People often assume that I’m an extremely positive person; the truth is I’m quite the pessimist. But I’m very goal-oriented and ambitious. I think what often keeps me going is knowing that I can’t change the past and the future is not guaranteed, therefore I have no choice but to make the best of the present.

How do you hope to inspire your followers?

I hope I can inspire my followers to dream big and know that they can accomplish whatever they put their minds to.

There’s a big emphasis on body positivity and inclusion in media, especially when it comes to fashion. How do you see social media changing as the movement evolves?

Social media is so unpredictable but when it comes to fashion. It has the power to level the playing field. Before social media, models were recruited at malls and on the streets by “experts” and only a select few (thin, tall, young & white) could be models. Social media has shown the different kinds of beauty that exist while giving a voice to those who have been underrepresented. Unfortunately doctored images of women are still very much present, even in the body positive community. People are seeking diet plans and cosmetic surgeries more than ever and social media is one of the culprits. I think people will continue to chase unattainable bodies (whatever that looks like in the future). I do believe that there are positive bubbles on social media; as consumers it’s up to us to decide if we are going to follow accounts that make up desperate and enviable or follow those who make us appreciate who we are.

What about your work makes you feel the most fulfilled?

Knowing that my words and the things I do have impacted people that I have never met from across the globe.

Whose career really inspires you?

I don’t think I have one specific person in mind. Women in general; those who couldn't follow their passion but raised phenomenal women; and those who valued the sacrifices of previous women and have followed their passion all while using their power and privileges to empower, uplift and protect others.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Whenever I doubt myself, a friend always tells me “ You can do it, you’re Mama Cax”—which taught me that there is power in owning your story and knowing who you are. Now whenever I have doubt I whisper to myself “I am Mama Cax” it has allowed me to not take anything less than what I deserve.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

When others doubt me or simply tell me I can’t, I get this evil grin on my face ready to prove them wrong.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

I have encountered several hurdles but I think i’m relentless and armed with several plans so I always pull through. What has really helped me is having a main goal and whatever obstacle steers my wheels will put me on a different path but my eyes and heart remain on a main goal. It helps to keep reminding myself that this is not a race so it’s ok to slow down.

What’s next for you? What are you most excited for in 2019?

In 2019 I plan on accomplishing a lot but also taking lots of time for self care and pampering myself. I’m excited about some fashion and beauty campaigns I have coming out soon.

I recently started a degree in disability studies, hoping to further my knowledge in order to be a stronger advocate for inclusion.

I’ll be a speaker at SXSW in March furthering the conversation on inclusive design to discuss “How Adaptive Design is Transforming Brands.”

My biggest mission this year is to run the New York City Marathon In November—lots of training ahead but I’m excited to see how far I can push and challenge myself.

VIEW THE ENTIRE CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 CONTENT CREATOR LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Entrepreneur: Bobbi Brown

Any woman born before 1990 was introduced to Bobbi Brown by way of her iconic brown lipstick and liner combo. Thankfully, makeup trends have changed, largely in part to Bobbi, who is widely regarded as the foremost beauty industry expert.

Today you can walk into most department stores and spot her namesake brand immediately. Her authority is well-documented and deserved, as she spent the last two decades as a entrepreneur, creative director, author, and editor in the beauty and health space. From her early days as a freelance makeup artist, to her tenure as COO at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Bobbi has a keen eye for trends, quality formulas, and branding.

While Bobbi stepped down from her role at her eponymous makeup brand in 2016, which was acquired by Estee Lauder in 1995, she remains an active thought leader and boss in the industry. Last year alone she released her ninth book, aptly titled Beauty from the Inside Out, which also parallels her latest initiative, justBobbi.com. The modern lifestyle platform publishes editorial content that explores the intersection of wellness, beauty, and travel. Seriously, that’s just one of her latest ventures. The woman doesn’t stop! Below she shares a bit more about what she has in store and how she approaches the business of beauty.

You’re the founder of not only Bobbi Brown cosmetics but also Just BOBBI, Evolution_18 and The George Montclair boutique hotel. Do you see any common threads behind the missions all of your business ventures?

All of my businesses are lifestyle-inspired. I want people to live their best lives, and be inspired by where they are, what they eat, what they wear, etc. In everything I create, I try to provide people with things they can incorporate into their lives.

When you get a new idea, what’s the very first thing you do with it?

When i get a new idea, I either text someone on my team to put it on our agenda or activate it myself.

You mentioned you want The George Montclair to attract the creative spirits. What do you think creative entrepreneurs need in order to thrive?

I know creators need a great environment, good light and energy, and follow a healthy lifestyle so they are clear minded.

EVOLUTION_18 is more than a brand, it’s a lifestyle. How do you hope it inspires people to take more control over their health?

A healthy lifestyle isn’t just about healthy goods. It’s about balance and fun and experiencing life. EVOLUTION_18 offers lifestyle inspired products that taste good, give energy, a stop a sweet tooth after a cocktail.

What’s next for the Just Bobbi brand?

Stay tuned … we just launched our fifth product, De-Bloat, which is something I love having on hand in order to sometimes squeeze into my little black dress.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

By nature, I am a very positive person. When things hit a bump, I usually take a moment to see what to do next. Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forwards. And for me, it gives me an opportunity to change gears.

“A healthy lifestyle isn’t just about healthy goods. It’s about balance and fun and experiencing life.”

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

I love collaborating with a team that pools their expertise to work project to project. I especially love working with younger people who add a different perspective to the process. And as a visual creator, I love creating content to tell a story.

Who are the first three people you think an entrepreneur should hire?

First, an administrator to help you get things done and fixed if needed. Second, a personal assistant who can multitask. Someone who can strategize and operationalize your ideas. Third, a creative team to implement your ideas.

Who inspired you the most in your life growing up?

Growing up, my family inspired me. My grandpa who came to America to find fame & fortune. My parents, who taught me hard work, life skills, and mostly to do what I love.

“I want people to live their best lives, and be inspired by where they are, what they eat, what they wear, etc. In everything I create, I try to provide people with things they can incorporate into their lives.”

Whose career is inspiring you today?

All entrepreneurs who concept, analyze, and visualize a white space idea. Richard Branson, Emily Weiss, Jeff Radue, Ty Haney, and more.

What are the common challenges you've seen among female business owners and entrepreneurs?

Many women face challenges of rise and lack of confidence. Combined with the challenges of motherhood and family is real.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

So much…check back in 2020 and see what’s next.

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE ENTREPRENEUR LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Music: Hayley Kiyoko

Her fans call her “Lesbian Jesus,” but you can call her Hayley.

The winner of Billboard Rising Star and MTV’s Push Artist of the Year awards, Hayley doesn’t see her work as an “agenda”—she’s just being herself, and her listeners are here for it. The Girls Like Girls singer is normalizing what’s, well, normal, and she’s the refreshing dose of self-worth that music and media needs in 2019.

Read on for Hayley’s thoughts on confidence and why she owes her fans her career.

On teaching self-love…

"I think it’s just important for people to lead by example. My motto is to help people love themselves sooner. I can’t teach them how to do that. They have to figure that out on their own—that’s their journey."

On finding her voice…

“I was like, 'Holy shit, I don’t have a choice. This is something that I have to do because no one else is doing it. It forced me to step into my own as an artist. And this is something I’ve always wanted to do—be loud and sing about sexy girls."

On normalizing all forms of love...

"I think [queer artists are] what’s giving people encouragement to really be more comfortable with themselves. That’s how life is. If you see two girls falling in love and normalizing that, then [people] can go, 'I can fall in love, too. I can be that person. I can look like that. I can get a girl that looks like that.' If they see that, then they can believe it. It’s just how we are."

On the pressure of being the Lesbian Jesus…

“To be able to share [my work] with other people is such a beautiful thing. I never really had that community growing up. I really just want to continue to focus on the art. I think that's my responsibility and that's where the pressure is: constantly putting out good work and being truthful and honest with everyone.”

“I think [queer artists are] what’s giving people encouragement to really be more comfortable with themselves. That’s how life is.”

On how her fans have shaped her career…

“My fans have always been in the forefront, really pushing and climbing with me. I've been unsigned most of my career and they’re the reason why I got signed. They’re the reason why I was able to do my own headlining tour. No one else would take me on tour to open for them. We've really created our own opportunities and platform, so it's my job to see it through and be a good representation.”

This interview has been edited and condensed from multiple sources (1, 2, 3).

Photo Credit: Andrew Boyle

Photos from Hayley Kiyoko’s Instagram.

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 MUSIC LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Joy Cho

Joy Cho is the OG blogger. She started her namesake blog, Oh Joy!, in 2005 (the stone ages, when you consider Instagram launched in 2010), with no intention of taking it full-time.

Then social media happened.

The internet boomed, and so did Joy’s career. She became a household name in the blogger space, hiring a full-time team of employees and taking on partnerships with dream brands like Target and Urban Outfitters to design everything from wallpaper to Band-Aids to baby clothes.

Amidst it all, Joy keeps a level head, reminding us to focus on our priorities and know it’s OK to ask for help. This boss blogger is charging full speed ahead in 2019, and we’re so excited to see what she does next.

You were one of the first bloggers in the lifestyle space. How has the industry changed, for both better and worse?

I started my blog in 2005 before social media really exploded into what it is today. To be honest, I had no idea what I was doing back then since those of us that started in the OG days were really all doing it for fun. There was no model of what blogging could be or that it could turn into a full-time job. Back then, it was much more scrappy. I remember I would take photos of magazine images I loved and then upload those to my computer to post...it was a PHOTO of a PHOTO! Ha! But there was something so innocent and pure about it that I didn’t have any expectation of what I should be doing so I just did what felt right.

The evolution to what social media has become today is a crazy one. It’s become so much more polished and professional which has made all of the content visually stronger, but it’s also made it feel too perfect in some ways. I think we are evolving back to more personal touches and real moments though. And those of us who do create all of our own content are working to still create the images and stories that we do best, but are also working to bring in parts that remind readers that we go through the same ups and downs of life as well.

You’ve grown your business from a blog to a media and product empire. What advice would you give to other content creators on scaling their business?

You have to look at your strengths and what makes you unique to help you decide where to expand next. For me, expanding into designed products was a natural transition because I had previously worked as a graphic and product designer before I had my own business. I knew what to do so it was easier to pitch myself. If you’re great at writing, a book might be the next step. If people are obsessed with your style and taste, then a shop could be a great way to go. Don’t look at what others are doing to emulate their steps or successes, instead look at others’ successes as fuel for your fire to find what’s next and best for you.

Your parents came to the US with $600 in their pockets and created four businesses from scratch. What has their perseverance taught you about business?

They truly taught me that you can create something from nothing. I originally wanted to create a bedding line when I first started my business, but once I looked into how expensive it would be to manufacture those items, and the lack of funds I had in my bank account to do so, I knew it wasn’t the right fit for me. So my company started as a freelance graphic design business because I could earn money right away offering my design services. I didn’t need to spend any money investing in anything new. My parents worked so hard day and night, and I watched that throughout my childhood. At the time, I didn’t understand why or appreciate their hard work, but years later, I have so much respect for all they did and all they sacrificed to build a life for our family.

If you could work with any brand in the world, who would it be?

Oh wow...that’s a good question. One of my bucket list brand goals got checked off when we worked with Target for three years on an exclusive production collection in which time we launched 15 collections with them! I don’t have any specific new brands on my list just yet, but would love to move into working with a car brand, airline, or hotel to bring Oh Joy! within those categories.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

My biggest surprise has been that my career has evolved so much differently than I had expected..and for the better. Because of social media and the ability to use it as a tool for growth, we have ebbed and flowed as things have evolved and I have taken paths I wasn’t necessarily planning and some paths I never even knew existed. I used to plan out my businesses goal with 5 and 10 year plans, but now I love looking just a year or two ahead as it all changes so much so fast that I try to be more flexible and evolve as it feels right.

Can women really “have it all?” Is that a myth?

Yes, they can. But your definition of “having it all” changes over time. I remember when working out 5 days a week was my life. It was what I did in my free time, and I wouldn’t feel like myself if I didn’t exercise. Those were the days before other priorities came into play...having a business with multiple employees, having two kids, building a house, and all the other things that make up my current life. That’s not to say I don’t value exercise (I do!) but something that used to be so important to me now gets a lower priority on my list of things to do because I want to maximize my time with my kids when I am home from work. I want to put them to bed every night, and be there for school drop-off’s. Those are the things that are important to me now. Some day, I’ll get back to my five days a week at the gym ;)

You have to look at your strengths and what makes you unique to help you decide where to expand next.

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What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

Ultimately, it's JOY. Joy from the work that we do everyday to bring happiness to others. Joy that I have in knowing I have taken my company further than I could have one my own. Joy that I have happy employees who are all thriving in their jobs. The JOY in knowing that I did this! I am responsible for all of these paychecks, and WOW...how incredible is it that I can have a business that can do that? And JOY in knowing that all of these people wherever they end up going or evolving in the future will take what they have learned with me to their future adventures and affect others in their own way.

What are the common challenges you've seen among female business owners and entrepreneurs?

Questioning yourself..questioning your fees, rates, saying yes or no to a job or client. Men rarely question themselves in business. They decide what they want to do, and they stand by it. Women tend to worry about whether they are priced too high or whether people will like what they have to offer or not. I am so guilty of this myself, and I’m always reminding myself in those moments of insecurity, what would a guy do? I want to see women—myself included—feel more confident to stand by the work, the numbers, the money, and the decisions we make!

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find new roads + switch gears to find success?

Whenever I’m feeling in a slump, I know it’s time to try new things. That doesn’t mean changing my business completely, but what are new ideas, new concepts, new parts of the business I could explore? Even though my work is creative and always different, after a while, everyone needs to change things up to stay inspired and excited.

What does 2019 have in store for Oh Joy?

Ah, so many fun things!

I am getting back into the education side of my business. I used to do a TON of business workshops and consulting before my kids were born, and I’m excited to get back to some of that. I’m launching an online class to teach small business owners how to grow a team. It’s a topic that not a lot of people cover but so many people need direction on especially when they are first getting ready to hire employees.

As for products, we have more pet accessories coming out with Petco. We are launching shoe collections (both for kids and adults!), dinnerware, backpacks, pillows, and more!

On the content side of things, we will continue to create happy content for you daily...some in collaboration with brands and sponsors we love, and some are simply ideas we come up with that we want to share with you.

Finally, I’m currently building a house which will be finishing late summer! I’ve been chronicling the whole thing over at Oh Joy, and it’s been such a fun (sometimes stressful) project that I can’t wait to keep sharing with you!

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 CONTENT CREATORS LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Food: Courtney Cowan

You’d be hard-pressed to find a C&C team member who doesn’t have a deep love for Milk Jar cookies. In the dessert world, you haven’t lived until you bite into one.

But Courtney Cowan’s journey to the founder of Milk Jar is anything but typical. The cookie aficionado started as just that: an aficionado who perfected her chocolate chip recipe as a teen. She spent her early career working, as many Angelenos do, in entertainment. Baking was just a hobby.

As a TV producer, Cowan became accustomed to long hours, multitasking, and strategic decision making on the job. All of these skills translated to making Milk Jar Cookies a reality and transforming her sweet pastime into a full-fledged business in 2013. Now, the entrepreneur and serial baker wakes up at 3:00am every day and is prepping the bakery by 3:30am. Her business caters to an international fanbase, shipping cookies to eager tastebuds across the world. But if you find yourself with some downtime in Los Angeles, treat yourself to a hand-rolled homemade cookie baked daily at the Milk Jar Cookies HQ. As Courtney says, “Drop by, grab a warm cookie and a jar of cold milk; it’s our happy place, we hope it becomes yours, too.”

What was it like making the shift from the entertainment industry to the food industry? Did you have any challenges along the way?

In some ways, it was a natural transition in that my job as a producer was one of managing timelines, budgets, people, and ultimately quality control of the final product. Also, with as many as 10 episodes in various stages at once, I honed my skill of juggling multiple projects simultaneously and how to strategize, prioritize and delegate.

On the flip side, I literally knew nothing about opening a restaurant in Los Angeles, so everything was a challenge. Navigating the laws & licenses and using the commercial equipment were the things that intimidated me most, so I did a ton of research and asked a lot of questions. I scheduled informational meetings with a few restaurant owners, which helped lift the veil, and from there I was able to put my head down and make it happen.

How many batches of cookies did you make before you landed on the perfect recipe? How did you manage to be patient during the whole process and not give up?

Oh man, so many! It was a process over the course of many years. In my teens, I came up with a new twist on a classic Chocolate Chip cookie recipe. Then, as I learned more about the science of baking and how even the smallest of tweaks could make a big difference, I became fascinated and would experiment more. I finally landed on the final recipe after hundreds of batches. And, it was easy to be patient - at the time, baking was simply my hobby, and I loved every second of it. Not to mention, I got to eat the fruits of my labor, and even an imperfect cookie is a good cookie!

If you could have a meal with someone, living or deceased, who would it be and why? What would you eat?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I would love the opportunity to thank her for championing women, compliment her on her backbone of steel, and ask her how she stays resolute. And, I guess we’d eat whatever it is that superheroes eat.

What do you crave in life?

I crave adventure, more downtime to be with the ones I love, and peace of mind. I get great satisfaction out of working so hard, but I could use a little more play in my life.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

I absolutely treasure the role Milk Jar plays in our community and the lives of our customers. From the newlyweds whose first date was at my shop, to the flight attendant who flies from Texas to LA just to get our cookies, and the woman who moved to Italy and pays to ship our cookies overseas; the personal stories of how Milk Jar impacts their lives never get old. To be part of a person’s history is incredibly special and brings me an immense amount of joy and pride, as I never would have imagined this recipe I created in my little apartment kitchen could touch so many people in such a deep way.

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

My dad always told me that the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, and that has served me very well in my life, and specifically in business ownership.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

The biggest highlight so far has been Milk Jar being featured in the December 2017 issue of Oprah Magazine and on The Today Show within a couple weeks of each other. That was pretty amazing!

Even an imperfect cookie is a good cookie!

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Where does your passion/drive come from?

I truly believe in the product and brand I’ve created and their ability to spread joy & love, which is what I set out to do. It has not been an easy 6 years, but even in the toughest times, I keep believing and know that if I keep showing up every day and doing the work, great things will come.

What keeps you up at night?

The never-ending list of things that need to be done, both immediate and big picture, is always nagging at my brain. The day-to-day responsibilities and problem-solving oftentimes get in the way of inspired thinking about growth. I think this is something that is universal to entrepreneurs—there are 24 hours in a day, and you’re going to use every one.

Whose career really inspires you?

I really admire what Jeni Britton Bauer has done with Jeni’s Ice Creams. She took her time in growing it to what it is now and worked hard to maintain the soul and sense of community she established at the beginning. Plus, that’s some delicious ice cream!

What has been your biggest opportunity or biggest challenge as a woman in the food industry?

My biggest challenge thus far has been securing additional funding, despite being in business over 5 years with millions in revenue and consistent 25% growth year over year. I don’t know if it has anything to do with me being a woman, but perhaps it hasn’t helped.

If a new path isn’t clear, I take out my machete and bushwhack my way.

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When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

I’ve learned that I can’t be too precious with certain aspects of my business. If something isn’t working, I’ve got to let it go, pivot, and keep moving. I let my values and purpose guide me but look for a new path forward. If a new path isn’t clear, I take out my machete and bushwhack my way.

What are you toasting to in 2019? What are you most excited for?

I am toasting to growth and expansion in 2019. I’m most excited about opening a second Milk Jar storefront and working on my cookbook!

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE FOOD LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: STEM & Finance: Lisa Mae Brunson

STEM industries are driving the future, and Lisa Mae Brunson is hellbent on making sure that women have a seat at the table. The social innovator is the founder of Wonder Women Tech, a platform, community, and conference series for women and underrepresented groups in STEM fields. The non-profit offers coding classes, workshops, hackathons, diversity career fairs, STEAM camps, community inclusion activities, thought leadership, and other dynamic programming geared towards empowering women, girls, people of color, LGBTQ, the underrepresented, and other diverse communities.

Lisa is quick to call out her industry, noting that while women constitute half of the total population, only about 20 percent of executive roles at tech companies are occupied by women. Her mission is to change that statistic, and that begins with fostering relationships, prompting a societal dialogue around inclusivity, working with Fortune 500 companies, and empowering a new generation of STEM talent.

Lisa is a modern day Wonder Woman ready to make a global impact, and she’s working diligently behind the scenes to ensure a diverse future where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

When did you discover a need for something like Wonder Women Tech and what inspired you to pursue it?

There has always been a need for diversity and inclusion to be a focal point for governments, companies, and businesses to develop strategies and solid initiatives. It became really clear to me that women and the underrepresented needed another platform that provided opportunities that went beyond the stage, and included mentorship, career development, and access to job opportunities when I developed my first Wonder Women Tech Conference in 2015. So many people got behind my vision and wanted to see WWT come to life and support in meaningful ways, from providing venue space, to raising their hand to speak, to sponsoring with funding and partnerships.

What separates Wonder Women Tech from any other women in tech conference?

From day one, Wonder Women Tech has forged partnerships with mayors, governments, schools, Fortune 500s, organizations, and individuals to create a dynamic ecosystem where policy, empowerment, and exploring the cross-sectionality of industries is accomplished. Working directly with those who make policy, and who educate our future and current generations, as well as with the companies that drive the global market, provides us the opportunity to scale globally, create dynamic solutions, and bridge the gap across industries. We also build our foundation on collaboration. Working together within an aligned partnership is what will create the greatest impact. We are not an “event,” we are creating change.

What is your advice on getting the next generations further involved in the technology industry?

Reach out and provide opportunities for youth to be exposed to STEAM fields and activities. Mentor where you can so that these students can feel empowered and see living examples of the generation who are innovating before them. Teach our youth to be leaders and watch them develop into powerful forces within the tech industry. Where possible, providing funding, education, and access to programs so there are no economic or other barriers to entry.

You’re also the founder of the I Am Equality Campaign. What do you see for the future of equality and representation in the field of technology?

I am thrilled to see more companies and organizations creating initiatives that provide visibility for the underrepresented, as well as education and community building. My focus in 2019 is to inspire people to think about how they build a “Culture of Belonging,” beyond “diversity and inclusion,” and provide the foundation for cultivating equality and a safe space for representation within workspaces and communities. The powerful movements we have seen over the last few years have provided a fertile ground for these kinds of initiatives to bloom and blossom. Companies are not only becoming more aware of the importance of equality and representation within the tech industry, but they are also putting money and support behind these projects.

What is one app you can’t live without and why?

Right now the best app I am using is WhatsApp. It allows me to keep in communication with my team which is spread across Hawaii, California, Texas, Florida, D.C., Canada, Brazil and London, as well as my international partners. This free app is a lifesaver!

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

I like to think of myself as the “Pivot Queen.” One thing I have learned as a visionary is that you have to take the concept of “failure” in stride. I’ve come to understand that everything I do is R&D (research and development) and it provides me the opportunity to innovate again and again. Early in my career, I used to get really upset and sad when I met with “failure,” but I have since learned to pick myself up, celebrate the small and large victories, and commit to learning what I need to let go of and what I need to improve for the next iteration. I have taught myself and my team to focus on celebrating the fact that we are still here, and we are taking steps forward.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

I am very excited to finally have our 501(c)(3) status which will allow us access to grant funding, which will allow us to create an even greater impact and hire staff! And I am excited to host our first LatinX Summit in Brazil and explore climate change and conservation, a new program focus.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

Whenever I feel like giving up, I go to my inbox, find my folder marked “Testimonials,” and read the hundreds that I have filed away over the years. The lives that have been impacted by the work we do are what keeps me inspired and committed to this work. I am grateful that every single day I am not only doing what I love, but we are creating real change that is becoming its own legacy. That is definitely fulfilling.

“Rev. Jesse Jackson told me something so basic that it was also profoundly powerful—he said, “You just have to show up.” Those two words are something I carry with me every day when I feel like giving up.”

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

I had the honor of interviewing Rev. Jesse Jackson on my stage in 2017, and at the time I was feeling really defeated with burnout. I asked him how he continued to move forward when there are so many doors slammed and it feels like the civil rights movement and efforts towards equality are taking a step backwards. Rev. Jackson told me something so basic that it was also profoundly powerful—he said, “You just have to show up.” Those two words are something I carry with me every day when I feel like giving up. I get out of bed, and I show up!

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

I hope I am wonderfully surprised all the time. To date, receiving the multi-year commitment from Mayor Garcia and the City of Long Beach continues to be the catalyst that sparked the success and growth of Wonder Women Tech. That investment in my vision is what fuels the magic that my team and I will continue to create in the years ahead. #WeAreFuture

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 STEM & FINANCE LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Felicia Leatherwood

Felicia “Hair Whisperer” Leatherwood has over 26 years of experience as a world-renowned celebrity hairstylist and natural hair expert. Her work and industry veteran status is rooted in the idea of holistic health and fundamentally loving yourself, which is a true inside-out approach to haircare. That’s why it’s no surprise that her work has been featured in Vogue, Variety, Essence, Elle, and Ebony.

You might know Leatherwood as the hairstyle hitmaker behind all of Issa Rae’s character’s hairstyles on Insecure, but Felicia has been building her empire for much longer than the hit HBO series has been on air. She’s also the go-to hairstylist for several other leading actors in Hollywood, including Ava Duvernay, Will Smith, Jill Scott, and Viola Davis (...not to namedrop or anything, but damn).

Leatherwood has developed groundbreaking products, solutions, and techniques for natural hair care over the past several decades, and she also conducts hair care workshops for audiences around the globe under the brand and slogan “Loving Your Hair with Natural Care.” For women with kinky or curly hair, her work is a godsend.

As 2019 comes into full view, the cultural dialogue around representation and inclusion continues to underscore all aspects of business. For Felicia, Hollywood’s embracement of natural hair and natural styles is a way to promote self-love and connect with a new generation through her art.

How did you get you originally step into the hairstyling world?

My mother didn’t know how to do my hair as a child, so at 9 years old, I took matters into my own hands and taught myself. The rest is history.

You also created a product, the FL Detangler Brush. What inspired you to launch your own product and business outside of hairstyling?

I needed something that could continue to support the hairstyling community with the proper tools. There just aren’t enough tools to support the health of our hair, so the product was to keep healthy hair/tresses. The product I created helps men and women maintain the health of their hair.

Working with celebrities sounds like it can put a lot of pressure on you. What’s been the biggest challenge and the biggest reward in having a famous roster of clients?

The biggest challenge is when award season comes around and I get requested for multiple people on the same day, which means I’d have to come up with multiple hairstyles that are completely different from each other. The biggest reward is at the end when I sit down and see everyone on the red carpet looking phenomenal, and the next day hearing of all the compliments they received on their hair.

What characteristics make you successful in the beauty industry?

I think my sense of humour, my knowledge of naturally-textured hair, and the fact that I am a hair nerd have all contributed to my success. I probably care about your hair more than you do :)

What does it take to build a beauty brand from the ground up in today’s world?

It takes really being open to learning more about social media and social media marketing. Being aware of where the future of marketing is going, what kind of content will keep you relevant, and what consumers are looking for as it relates to the business.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

I feel the most fulfilled when people leave me feeling more knowledgeable and empowered about their hair.

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

“Don’t look at anything as a failure, but as an opportunity to learn how to do it better the next time.”

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

The highlight has been working on Insecure with Issa Rae and being able to create so many hairstyles that viewers feel empowered by and proud to see on the screen.

“Sometimes the challenge, at least for me, has been getting women to change the way they feel about their hair and embracing the beauty that they were born with.”

You have a large presence on social media. How has it impacted your career?

What social media gives you is more of a platform to get more exposure. So I have been able to reach more women and give more people an understanding of their hair, and for that I am grateful.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

What keeps me going is watching so many women emerge into confidence about their hair.

What are the common challenges you've seen among female hairstylists?

Sometimes the challenge, at least for me, has been getting women to change the way they feel about their hair and embracing the beauty that they were born with.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road and switch gears to find success?

When ants are on a mission to get to a destination and you put something in their path, they will always find a way or an opening around whatever is blocking their path. They will always continue to push along until they find that opening. I’ve adapted to this lifestyle and however you block my path I will always keep pushing to find that opening or way around to reach my intended goal.

Whose career really inspires you?

Issa Rae, because she knows how to stay focused, she’s driven, and she really uses her success to support and give opportunity to those around her.

What’s next for you in 2019? What are you most excited for?

I have three companies that I am running and I’m really excited to watch them grow, so that I can give opportunities to more people and support their growth.

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica 

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 BEAUTY LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: STEM & Finance: Janice Bryant Howroyd

Janice Bryant Howroyd was paving the way for female empowerment before “female empowerment” was a term people used. She launched her workforce solutions company, Act 1, in 1978, well before the She-EO movement. And her trailblazing ways have paid off—she was the first African American woman whose company generates more than $1 billion in annual revenue. She’s a force in the business world, and we’re excited to share her advice for other women chasing their dreams below.

You’re the first African American woman to operate a company that generates more than $1 billion in annual revenue. Tell us a little about Act 1 Group and why you think it’s been such a successful venture.

In 1976, having arrived in Los Angeles on what I initially intended as a vacation, my sweet sister Sandy encouraged to me to extend my stay.  These many years later, I’m filled with gratitude that she did. By 1978, I had begun to build what today is a global enterprise servicing with brick and mortar from 32 countries!  The ActOne Group products and services are truly universal across industries. Our clients represent a broad array of enterprises across every business landscape. The top industries served include consumer products, manufacturing and distribution, transportation and logistics, utilities and renewable energy, IT and technology, construction and engineering, financial services, pharmaceuticals, material sciences, healthcare, entertainment, food and beverage and public sector agencies at the local, state and federal level.

Our corporate culture is customer-focused, consultative and entrepreneurial. Success is rooted in our philosophy and approach to innovative solution design and commitment to customer service. As an organization, we thrive by standing solidly on our “FEET”:

· Freedom to Innovate: reflects the type of employees we attract, how we lead them, and how we approach our customers in a consultative and value adding manner.

· Excellence of Delivery: we do not make shallow promises, we are reliable, and differentiate ourselves through our flexible services.

· Everything Matters: we hold ourselves accountable to the past, present and future so we always provide a result.

· Time to Understand: reflects our proactive interest in the best long-term result, whether listening to a customer or perfecting our operation.

You’ve previously said “It still matters in business more what someone else says about you than what you say about yourself.” Tell us a little about the meaning behind that mantra and how word of mouth has affected your business.

We operate in a competitive industry on a global scale. Identifying, attracting and placing individuals on temporary or permanent work assignments is core to our business, regardless of the size and scale of the labor program we are managing. We have found, through decades of experience, that peer referrals are the best and most consistent source of talent. Similarly, in presenting our company and its solutions to new clients, the best voice, on our behalf, is that of our current customers.

We achieve success through a “client for life” philosophy, which encapsulates who we are as an organization. Within our staffing business verticals, our mission is to find, to understand, and fulfill the needs of another. In doing so, we become more than a staffing placement agency, but rather a career advisor to the working class seeking an ally to gainful employment, continuing education, skill development, and personal advancement. At the corp-to-corp level, client for life is practiced daily through an “everything matters” approach to customer service. If it matters to you, it matters to us. This mantra has resulted in long-term relationships with our client partners, as well as an evolution of innovative service and technology solutions we have implemented with clients, large and small, over decades of account management. As relationships with our clients mature, these same clients have been our most effective advocates in helping us attain new business with new clients in new markets, worldwide.

In 2017, you were appointed to the Federal Communications Commission’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE). What’s been the most rewarding part of serving on the advisory?

Serving the FCC in an advisory capacity on Diversity and Digital Empowerment is something I take seriously and with gratitude.  Many communities today are not prepared for day-to-day digital communications, let alone disaster readiness. Infrastructures and business that offers jobs and life needs require digital access and those communities not well serviced are not attracting this forward economic empowerment.  Working with the nation’s top experts across fields of knowledge that support building out better sustainable communications is significant. Add to that the ability to impact how women, minorities and other other disenfranchised persons are supported in our nation’s build out and treatment of these persons - and you readily understand the gratitude I feel for the ability to contribute.  

““Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally.”  That’s a really big self commitment for many, especially as cultures continue to rub, blur and evolve.”

What advice do you have for women with great ideas that are afraid to launch them?

Communicating with clarity, purpose, passion, and honesty will enable you to serve others in a profound way. One thing that  I always tell my audience that whatever it is you want in life, don’t wish for it, work for it. It is a guiding principle taught by my parents and I have followed it from day one. Through effective communication, hard work, and empowerment of self and others, success can and will be achieved - so long as you believe in yourself and invest the time and energy required to launch any great idea. At the end of the day, more people regret what they did not do than anything they ever did!

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

Joy in seeing those around me achieve success in life and work is one of the greatest gifts of my work. Growing up in Tarboro, NC, the most professional people I saw on a daily basis were the teachers and preachers in our community.  While I have immeasurable respect for these professions, I know that advancing the worker is a part of the solution to healthy living I can best contribute to. Our company is in the people business, making connections between individuals and companies each and every day. Each connection we make presents unlimited opportunities from which individuals, companies and communities grow.  This is powerful! We work with educational institutions as well as corporations. Our value is driven by how well we honor the worker. At AppleOne, it is intentional that we’ve ALWAYS had our founding principle be “The applicant is the center of our universe!” This includes interns as well as temporary and professional/full time workers - across 32 countries!

You founded Act 1 in 1978. How has the company grown, changed, or shifted priorities with the rise of the internet and social media?

The internet and social media have enhanced how we interact with the community at large, moving from local interaction to a more “glocal” approach to market branding and broadcast messaging. However, as a family-owned, private enterprise, we still believe and value human interaction. Although job postings and marketing initiatives are more easily communicated via the internet and social media, our recruiters, talent advisors, and client service teams still emphasize personal, one-on-one communication to drive superior results.  Early in our development of workforce technologies, I understood that a competitive advantage would be to ensure that ‘technology become our geography’, as this offered competitive opportunity for ActOne Group amongst a field of publicly funded companies.

Here’s another interesting aspect: As a public speaker and champion of education, inclusion, and empowerment, social media has allowed me to connect with a vast and diverse population. On a daily basis, I’m able share those professional and personal moments that assist so many people.  

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

While not surprising, it certainly is a highlight of my career that our children have embraced what we do and have chosen to build careers supporting the family business. The gift of seeing Katharyn and Brett adopt the values and enjoyment of advancing people’s careers incorporates so many of the desires of my heart.  Brett has chosen to work in leadership in our company and Katharyn works on our technology and branding innovation. That they are cooperative in their respective chosen areas of contribution means the world to me. That they authentically and passionately live by the values rewards me in the most magnificent manner!

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

In my family, as in many, we live by the principle that “We fall down. We get up!”  Our parents encouraged us ‘stay watchful’. They often would tell to pay attention to everything because everything matters!  Sustained by these beliefs, I’m confident of my ability to succeed. This eliminates the wasted time of worry. Worry does not ever pay.  Solutioning does!

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

Growing up as John and Elretha Bryant’s kids, we were fueled with many Mommyisms and Dad’s sayings.  They all rank best prize. One that I took as my personal mantra years ago is: “Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally.”   That’s a really big self commitment for many, especially as cultures continue to rub, blur and evolve.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

Everything!  Notable - In 2018, I finally established my STEM placement service, AllSTEM.  AllSTEM’s mission is To create powerful connections for STEM professionals and employers.  It goes right back to what I saw, and wanted to impact, in my childhood community. Enabling competent and valued workers to have valuable and growth oriented careers.  What a blessing!

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 STEM & FINANCE LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: STEM & Finance: Sarah Kunst

A 2016 study revealed that black women head up only 4% of women-led startups and raise an average $36,000 in funding—or about .01% of the money pulled in by the average successful startup.

Sarah Kunst is in that 4% minority. “Here we are in a country that celebrates black women like Beyonce and Serena Williams—and startup founders who share their race and gender cannot land even 1% of all venture funding,” she wrote in Fortune Magazine after the study was published.

Against these statistical odds and institutional advantages of whiteness and maleness, Sarah has excelled. She is the managing director of Cleo Capital and an investor and entrepreneur who has worked at Apple, Red Bull, Chanel & Mohr Davidow Ventures, to namedrop a few. She was the founder of LA Dodgers-backed app ProDay, a subscription workout app that allows users to workout alongside professional athletes and fitness celebs. Oh, and she’s also a contributing editor at Marie Claire—as her hobby. If her resume isn’t evidence enough, Sarah is a force to be reckoned with and a role model for women trying to break into the boys’ club that is the world of venture capitalism. When she gives you advice, you write it down.

What are the characteristics you look for when investing in someone’s idea or business?

While the market and product have to fit and there has to be a compelling reason that the company could become a billion dollar company, the thing I look for most is a founder who I totally believe in and who won’t quit until they achieve their goal. Someone who is humble, hard working, and a deep thinker I can count on to make me money.

What is your advice for women who want to pitch their businesses to a VC firm?

Research, research, research! So much about getting investment dollars is understanding all of the subtle things about how investors think. Read about their firm, read their Linkedin and other social media, read or listen to interviews with them—the more you know about the people who are going to give you money, the more effectively you can pitch them. Learn a ton about your market as well. Know which companies are already in market, know the total market size, what’s driving growth...There are so many barriers to fundraising, especially for women, but no one reading this has the barrier of not being able to use the internet to research. Use that as your secret weapon. Look at pitch decks and pitch contests or demo days of companies your investor has funded. Be voracious about data gathering and use it to get your money!

As an advisor, can you tell us a little about what this role entails and the kind of work you do?

I help companies. It can be really basic block and tackle things—introducing them to a realtor for office space or someone to put product in their gift bags—or it can be huge things like investor intros, revenue planning, hires and fires. But I’m there to serve the company and be a sounding board to the founders.

You’re also a contributor for Marie Claire. With so many things on your plate, what lead you to take this on and why do you think it’s important for women to explore different avenues of creativity?

I’ve always had a toe in media and I love the team at Marie Claire so it was a no brainer. I also choose to fill my free time with hobbies like this instead of other things. It really energizes me and introduces me to new people and experiences. I think it’s totally fine to focus on your day job and reserve the rest of your time for leisure, but I love to have my hand in several things. Do what feeds you; if that’s doing a lot of stuff, don’t let the leisure lovers get you down!

What do you think your biggest hurdles are in your job, day-to-day and/or long-term?

The hardest part of investing is thinking both long term—when will a company exit, what is coming next for an industry or sector, what is the strategy of the next fund, etc.—while acting and living in the day-to-day.

What is one app you can’t live without and why?

Uber! The ability to get anywhere I need to be with the tap of a button is a life changer.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

I used to see every obstacle as a hurdle to jump. Now, I pause and see if they are instead a speed bump and a sign to slow down or go another direction. I think life sends signs and sometimes we’re too busy achieving to focus on if the direction we’re headed in is still the best fit for us. We don’t stop totally until we’re dead, but there’s no shame in pulling over, turning around or driving slowly sometimes. We are not Mario Andretti.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

Love! Loving my job, people and the experiences I have. If that’s the guiding light, everything else gets a lot easier.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

Helping people build their dreams. It’s so amazing to be able to be a tiny part of someone’s destiny and mission in the world.

“Nothing is easy, so stop trying to figure out easy and instead focus on enjoyable, fulfilling, meaningful.”

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

“You know what’s easy? Nothing.” Nothing is easy, so stop trying to figure out easy and instead focus on enjoyable, fulfilling, meaningful.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

I never thought I’d be running my own venture fund at 32. It’s been a crazy ride with surreal highs and rock-bottom lows, but I’ve learned so much and met so many people who inspire me that I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What’s your superpower?

I tend to default to “yes.” Yes moves you forward. If it’s a new experience or someone you trust and your gut isn’t screaming “NO,” make time for things and see what happens.

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 STEM & FINANCE LIST HERE.

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