Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Katie Jane Hughes

Katie Jane Hughes, aka the Porefectionist, is ditching the filter and changing the game with her #normalizeskintexture hashtag (it now has over 2000 posts). The celebrity makeup artist is redefining “Instagram skin” by swapping out the photoshopped imagery of beauty’s past to welcome in a new era of natural, unedited realness, and we’re here for it along with almost 400,000 others.

This refreshing take on makeup has inspired an entirely new generation of artists and enthusiasts who are flaunting their flaws instead of covering them and brands are taking notice. Inspired by her movement, Glossier reached out to Hughes to work as a creative consultant on their Play makeup collection, and the collaboration has continued ever since.

In this chat, Hughes shares how her mom inspired her makeup career, her no-filter approach to beauty, and how Rosie Hungtington-Whiteley slid into her DMs.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: How did you get your start in the makeup world? Where did it all begin? Why did you gravitate towards makeup as a career?

KATIE JANE HUGHES: I was a nerdy kid. I wasn’t popular and I was bullied, so makeup was my medium. I would turn myself into a glam version of myself so that I wouldn’t get bullied. I was naturally quite good at it. My mom was a singer and would always put on her black mascara and bronzer and a bright red lip when she went out for a gig, so I was definitely influenced by her and her beauty routine. That is where it started. It all stemmed from my mom. My mom had four kids by day and was a superstar glamazon woman at night.

I don’t have any formal training but I’m not self-taught—I believe we all learn from one another. With the amount of information on the internet to say self-taught is funny. We all learn from one another. I learned from being on set with makeup artists. Whenever I am on set with Rosie (Huntington Whitely) I will learn from her.

I would say Instagram was a propelling factor in the world I am in. When I first started I assisted. Instagram wasn’t a thing. YouTube was becoming apparent. I started to post a little about what I do every day and people were picking up what I was putting down. They would say ‘I love that I can see your pores’ and ‘this is what skin is supposed to look like’ or ‘this is so refreshing’ so I gravitated towards that.

This is what I know and love. I don’t know how to do full coverage and make it look good. I don’t ever really want to, it’s not my preference. That is what propelled me—realism and that freshness and giving people the tap on the shoulder to say it’s okay if your mascara falls. There is a lot of perfectionism—flawless this flawless that—we don’t need any more of this energy—be more accepting of the fact that we have pores and we do age.

You work with so many amazing celebrities and models now—How did you get your work in front of names like Rosie Huntington Whitely? What advice do you have for other artists reading this?

I never had an agent until recently. I have a friend who is managing me now. I am a special case makeup artist hybrid creator, there aren’t many in that category yet. My celebrity work came off the back of social media. Rosie (Huntington Whitely) DM’d me one day and said: ‘I love your makeup when I’m in New York maybe we can work together?’ Instagram really opened up a lot of doors for me. Even though I have frustrations with it from time to time I don’t think many people’s careers would be where they are without Instagram.

“There is a lot of perfectionism—flawless this flawless that—we don’t need any more of this energy—be more accepting of the fact that we have pores and we do age.”

You've now built an incredibly successful personal brand—What advice do you have for people reading this who want to build a presence on social media and career from their passion? What are some unique social/marketing tools you've used to grow your brand organically?

Figure out what it is that people like you for and build a story around that—build content plans around that loosely. I don’t plan my content at all, I build a flow and a cadence. Have a few things to live by like a mantra and use those in your work—then it will become apparent through your work on Instagram that it’s yours.

Being an entrepreneur is never a smooth path—What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned through the process? What have been the biggest challenges? Why?

Because of the space that I sit in, I almost live two lives as a makeup artist and on Instagram. It trips me up because my community wants to see makeup looks on my face because I’m not a supermodel—I’m not one of these insanely alien-like beauties. I have real problems with my face—I have a hooded eye, a soft jawline—they like it on me because it is relatable to them.

However, when a photographer looks at my Instagram for a big campaign or editorial there’s a high chance I won’t get that job based on my Instagram. I haven’t been a photographer request, I’m a talent request. I love what I do on social so much so it doesn’t matter to me and I feel like I want to be on the celebrity side more than the photographer side—I want to shoot with celebrities. That said, of course, I want to do more editorial, so that is where it gets tricky for me.

My advice for people in a similar situation is to mix it up, authentically and organically in the feed with things you are working on—on you, on a subject, for a photoshoot. I want my content to perform, to be seen, I want people to be inspired by it—it’s not about the follower count. That’s why I care more about what goes on my feed and I’m selective about what work I put on my feed. As soon as it looks like it is shot in a studio it performs 50% less (on Instagram). They want to see what is shot with an iPhone and what’s real.

I take everything as it comes and I mold into the situation as best as I can but at the end of the day, I am socially forward. That is my strong suit. I educate on the fly. I’m good at that and I’m not going to forfeit that with my audience for the sake of a job here and there.

You have spoken about wanting to set realistic standards for beauty with your content. How receptive do you feel that audiences have been to this "real-life" take on makeup and beauty? Why was this important to you? Do you think the industry is moving towards this?

Instagram is embracing less of a Paris filter daily—that is so empowering to me. Nobody’s skin has poreless texture, everybody has pores so why are we trying to look like we don’t? If one of my shoots is over-edited, that isn’t going anywhere near my book. The first thing that made me go more in that direction was how much people craved it and the representation. Glossier was the first with that kind of branding and we work so well together. Their community and my community are the same people pretty much.

I get so many DMs (every other day multiple times a day sometimes) with “how do I get rid of pores” or “what is the best primer to fill in the pores” and I would literally say “go and look in the mirror for a while, stare at them and accept them.” I’m always hitting people with the home truths. It irks me to see things over touched or over-edited. I understand it but to compromise any texture feels like a lie, it feels like it should say something at the bottom like “this has been retouched” just like an ad. The more we can show the real beauty, the better.

You work as a product advisor now to Glossier—What does your role look like/what does it entail? How did this opportunity come about? What advice do you have for other artists who want to partner with brands

They found me on Instagram, about two and a half years ago. I had a meeting with Annie Kreighbaum (she was creative on set at the time and always involved in product development) about this new brand coming called Play. A bunch of their inspiration was my eyes, and I thought this is so cool. Emily (Weiss) literally said ‘your work is so inspiring, it’s so cool we want you to be involved in this project.’ So, I worked closely with the team from the pencils to the reformulation of Gen G, the eyeliner, the brow pen.

I’m not obliged to do content but I do because I use their stuff every day and I would absolutely go buy Stretch Concealer and Future Dew. I didn’t want to pigeon hole myself to only work with them, so a creative consultant would be the best way to put a name to it. In a similar way, I work with Elemis and now because of the nature of my world on Instagram, every single job except with Glossier has social components to it. That’s the beauty of my day-to-day, it’s different and so fun.

You've achieved so much success, but if you could go back, what do you wish your younger self knew when you were first starting out in the beauty industry? Why?

To enjoy it all a bit more and not cry. I’m a perfectionist and a neat freak. I like everything to have an order, but I realize I need to enjoy the process a bit more—everything is going to figure itself out. There isn’t much you can do in the moment, so just go with it. Kate Bosworth posted on her Instagram about the 5x5 rule—If it ain’t going to matter in five years, it shouldn’t last more than five minutes in your head. It’s so relevant. Whenever something happens socially that is uncomfortable, I panic because my world is in social media but is this going to be news in five years’ time? Probably not, so forget about it.

“Instagram really opened up a lot of doors for me. Even though I have frustrations with it from time to time I don’t think many people’s careers would be where they are without Instagram.”

The beauty industry is an incredibly saturated one from YouTube tutorials to Instagram IGTV—How do you set yourself apart from other major players in the industry? And how do you maintain confidence in your craft in such a competitive industry?

Being in the position that I’m at, within the league that I’m in, there is always competition. What I’ve learned is that there will always be competition, no matter what level or what league, and there will always be jobs you won’t get. What is meant for you you will have. That is how it works. The point is to remember, there is only one you. If you really think about that, it’s mad. There is only one person that looks exactly like you—it’s important to remember that.

You have to be patient and open, say yes to as many opportunities as you can, work hard and be nice to people, and you will go far. Be mindful of what your output is on the planet. I think we all just have to stop thinking about what anyone else is doing and create. Do stuff that takes your mind off the competition, that makes your creative thirst quenched, and let that show.

Being online means you can build a big following but it also means you're open to criticism—How do you deal with negativity? What is your process? What advice do you have for other artists in the space who care about what others think of their work? How do you not take it personally?

It’s hard not to take things personally and to not be affected by it. I had someone DM me about my chipped tooth. I feel comfortable with my chipped tooth, it adds character but this woman was not letting me have the last word. You’re just never going to win with some people. I try to use it as a learning experience for both people involved. I still get flustered with my words in certain situations, because, by the way, I am real, I have feelings.

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

I am a go-with-the-flow kind of person, even when I like to have control I also don’t. I get upset at the moment and react and then it goes away and I focus on what I’m trying to do. Social is in a weird space, everyone’s engagement is low. I gain 6000 and then I lose 3000—it’s a strange time right now and it’s crazy how social media can have an effect on you, your psyche and mental health. I don’t think of it as work because it’s fun, but this is my job. What if this platform disappeared? What would I do tomorrow? Well, I’d move onto TikTok and I would adapt.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who have an idea but don’t know where to start to execute it? What key traits do you need to succeed as an entrepreneur today? Why?

When I was training to be a makeup artist I worked at Space NK. That was my retail world and I would work part-time so I had the flexibility to switch if a job came up. I knew I wasn’t going to be there forever so I would call in sick if a good job came up. I had the hustle. I would work 23 days straight without a day of working as an assistant and at Space NK. I couldn’t take any days off. So my advice would be to build your career alongside what you are currently doing just to see if you even want to do it. Use Instagram and other marketing tools that are free to create buzz and community and collaborate as much as possible. Don’t sell yourself short, don’t give everything up because you need to eat and live but if an opportunity arises and you want to go for it, then yeah be available.

What are you manifesting for 2020? What plans do you have for the year ahead?

I want to start thinking about what I want to do next and the impact I am going to have on the beauty industry—is it a brand or a website? There are a lot of ideas in my head.

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 BEAUTY LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Julia Cheek

Julia Cheek is disrupting an outdated facet of the medical industry that hasn’t had competition in years. After visiting half a dozen different doctors and spending thousands of dollars on lab tests in order to get an accurate diagnosis for chronic pain and fatigue, she knew something had to change.

Enter, Everlywell, a company that’s on a mission to make lab testing easier and more convenient with at-home collection kits that provide digital results in just days (not weeks). And it’s struck a chord. In just two years, Everlywell has experienced 300% year-over-year customer growth delivering tens of millions in sales to hundreds of thousands of people. After being “rejected for funding dozens of times” the company raised $50 million at the beginning of 2019 to continue expanding.

Ahead, we ask the founder and CEO all about disrupting the healthcare industry, including the mistakes she’s learned from along the way, and why she thinks now is the best time to be a female CEO (with kids in tow!).

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You started Everlywell to create a better solution for a problem you faced. Can you outline what that was and how you are hoping to solve it with Everlywell?

JULIA CHEEK: A few years ago, I was struggling with chronic pain and fatigue. I probably visited half a dozen different doctors to figure out what was wrong with me. Even with insurance, I paid thousands of dollars out of pocket for lab tests over the course of many months. Most of the time, I never even received my results. In the end, it turned out I had a simple but debilitating set of vitamin deficiencies and hormone issues. Once I had the right tests, I felt better within weeks. 

My experience was frustrating, but I’m actually one of the lucky ones. Lab testing is a $25 billion dollar industry that leaves behind millions of people each year—especially people who are uninsured, lack access to transportation, live in rural communities, or have work schedules that make it difficult for them to visit the doctor. I wanted to modernize the lab testing experience to make it affordable and convenient for everyone, especially people who aren’t being served by the current system. That’s how I ended up starting Everlywell. 

Can you recall some of the challenges you felt early on and how you turned that around/into an opportunity?

Some of the challenges I experienced are ones we all face: people lead busy, complicated lives. Almost everyone is short on time and money. It can be hard to be proactive about your health, especially when your symptoms are considered “vague” or difficult to diagnose. My challenges inspired me to create a better lab testing experience: one with clear, affordable prices and digital results; no waiting rooms, and no surprise bills. In 2019, you can get almost anything delivered to your door: eyeglasses, prescription medication, even personalized deodorant. We think lab testing should be just as convenient.

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

Part of what I’ve learned as a founder is that you can’t be everywhere at once. I’ve worked hard to build an incredible team that I can rely on to handle any bump or hurdle that comes our way.

“I want other women out there to know it’s completely possible to change an industry while being a new parent. It’s not easy, but it is rewarding.”

You have raised over $50 million for Everlywell, appeared on Shark Tank, and invested in companies yourself, so it's safe to say you know a thing or two about funding a business. What is your best advice for small businesses looking to raise capital? What are the most common mistakes people make when raising money? Why?

When I first started Everlywell, I was rejected for funding dozens of times. I was a woman in a male-dominated industry and it was my first time founding a company. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I also knew I only needed one person to say “yes” to me. My advice to other founders: don’t get discouraged. Even if you hear “no” a hundred times, all it takes is the right person eventually saying “yes” to get your business off the ground.

You worked in the corporate world before going out on your own. What was the hardest part about starting your own company? And what was the most rewarding? Did you always see yourself becoming an entrepreneur? Why/why not?

I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I didn’t know what kind of company I wanted to start until I had my own frustrating health experience. What I experienced intimately was the frustration of not understanding what was going on with my body, feeling like my doctors were treating me like a number, and never knowing how much my doctor’s visits and lab tests were going to cost. I was inspired to start Everlywell because I know millions of other people have had similar experiences with lab testing, and I saw a clear opportunity to fix that.

What do you wish more people knew about your job? What are the biggest misconceptions?

Not everyone knows that I actually have two jobs—I’m a CEO and a mom! I just had my first baby a few weeks ago. I wish more people knew that it’s possible to give 110% to more than one thing in life. I do think things are changing for the better, though. Just in my industry, the CEOs of Ancestry.com and 23andMe are both moms. And here in Austin, where Everlywell is headquartered, the founders of companies like Bumble and Outdoor Voices recently announced they’re about to become moms too. I want other women out there to know it’s completely possible to change an industry while being a new parent. It’s not easy, but it is rewarding.

The healthcare industry has fierce competition and the at-home testing industry is not immune. How do you set your brand apart and fight through competitors?

Companies don’t decide if they’re disruptors: people do. Disruption happens when people use a service or buy a product that changes their life in some way… then they keep using it. We have customers tell us every day that being able to take affordable lab tests at home has helped them take control of their health and better understand their bodies. We don’t pay too much attention to our competitors because our customers tell us almost everything we need to know. That’s how we stay focused on building the best lab testing experience that we can.

You've achieved phenomenal success but that didn't come without hard work and determination. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way and what have they taught you?

Founders are always up against a wall with hard decisions—starting a company is a roller coaster and it’s not possible to control every variable and situation life throws at you. But the one thing you can always control is your own actions. Being a good person wins every time. 

What key traits do you need to succeed as an entrepreneur today? Why? What’s a piece of advice you’d give to women starting out in your fields? Why?

Being an entrepreneur means being inspired by a problem. Take a look at the world around you. What’s wrong? What’s outdated? What could be better? No matter what you’re building, that’s a good place to start. 

Everlywell has grown significantly in the last three years. Why do you think it has been so successful? What advice can you share for other entrepreneurs reading this who want to achieve similar success?

Be laser-focused on tasks that help you get closer to your goal. If something doesn’t help you achieve your goal, don’t do it.

“Don’t get discouraged. Even if you hear ‘no’ a hundred times, all it takes is the right person eventually saying ‘yes’ to get your business off the ground.”

With success comes growth, which means you have to figure out how to scale while keeping the culture intact. How have you grown or fostered team dynamics over time? Are there particular meetings, tools, or practices you use to keep people on the same page?

Culture has to be a priority from day one because changing a culture is harder than building one. I always look for people who are transparent, motivated, and inspired by challenges. 

What is the best advice you have been given? Or a favorite piece of #realtalk?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to stay true to your principles 100% of the time because it's actually easier than staying true to your principles 99% of the time. Building a business often means making hard decisions. There have been times when we could have done things in an easier way or a faster way. But we wanted to do things the right way—it’s what we owe our customers. 

You've brought about so much change in a short time but what more can be done to make healthcare accessible to everyone? What changes do you hope to see in the health industry? Why?

How many times have you gone to the doctor and not known how much your bill was going to be afterward? The lack of price transparency in healthcare is a huge problem. In fact, almost half of Americans who are sick and injured don’t go to the doctor because they’re afraid of how much it will cost. People should never compromise their health because they don’t know how much they’re going to be billed for their lab test, their doctor’s visit—even their surgery. It’s a huge problem in America today, and one we’re trying to fix in the lab testing space.

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?

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

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 HEALTH & WELLNESS LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks needs no introduction.

The model, entrepreneur, television executive, and business CEO has spent decades in the spotlight, accomplishing everything from walking the runway as a Victoria’s Secret angel to posing on the covers of Sports Illustrated, Vogue, and Elle to hosting her wildly popular TV show “America’s Next Top Model” and teaching as a guest lecturer at Stanford. And that’s just scratching the surface.

Now, she’s bringing modeling to the masses with her latest project, ModelLand, a location-based, experiential attraction where beauty, fashion, entertainment, technology, and food and beverage collide. Below, she talks about why she decided to launch ModelLand, how she navigates being a role model to so many young people, and what gives her the inner confidence she’s known for.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: We're so excited about the upcoming launch of ModelLand. What can you share about this amazing project? What can we expect from ModelLand? How different has this process been to anything else you've done in your career? Why?

TYRA BANKS: The trajectory of my career has changed threefold. At first, it was all about me, me, me. How many covers could I land? How many fashion shows could I book? Then, during America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), it was all about them, them, them. It was about giving this small portion of people who wanted to be models a real chance at achieving their dreams. After “ANTM” I began to wonder how I could help others grow and be the fiercest versions of themselves. I am now answering that question through ModelLand. I have finally arrived at us, us, us. At ModelLand, everyone can be the fantasy versions of themselves and turn every hallway into a runway together.

ModelLand is modeling for the masses. It’s a new, one-of-a-kind experience combining the worlds of beauty, fashion, modeling, and interactive storytelling. ModelLand is a destination where all beauty is discovered and celebrated. Based on the fictional story of the same name, this immersive and permanent attraction will intersect a fantasy version of the modeling world with state-of-the-art interactive entertainment, creative collaborations, curated retail, discovered designers in residence, eventful dining, and special events. ModelLand is not only a brand that brings new talent forward to be discovered, but it’s also a brand that enables you to discover yourself and own it.

Your book Perfect Is Boring is all about lessons you’ve learned from your mom. Can you share the main lesson you learned from her and how it shaped who you are today?

My mama has always—and still—teaches me to never give up. She always compared success to access inside a house. She'd say, “It doesn't matter if you get into the house through a window, a door or through a hole in the roof—you just get in! Doesn’t matter if the front door is closed. You get in!”

“Resilience is not something that’s easy. I do need to pause and lick my wounds.”

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

Resilience is not something that’s easy. I do need to pause and lick my wounds. But there is something in me that always desires more. And my mama always told me to get off my butt! My mama trained me well at a young age, and now as an adult, I know that I just have to keep going!

You are a role model for so many young people who are in awe of your career but also of your confidence. What traits do you need to be a successful leader? Why?

Clear vision, confidence, and a badass team that you empower to execute!

You came out of modeling retirement with your Sports Illustrated cover, which focused on body positivity and ditching cookie-cutter notions of beauty. What gives you the confidence to do this? What is your advice to women who are struggling with their confidence?

It’s all about empowering women and using myself as an example. I wanted to help begin a beauty revolution, perfect is boring.

You have been very financially successful in your career. What is the biggest money lesson you've had to learn the hard way? What is your best piece of financial advice for new entrepreneurs?

Yes, I’ve had a lot of success, but I’ve also had losses from investing in my own companies. I never understood why Silicon Valley praised losses, but now I understand there’s always a lesson, even in financial failures.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in building your business and how did you turn it into an opportunity?

I “Beyoncé” the challenges! It just looks like the sourest lemon, but I always find the sugar and make it delicious again!

You're also a successful investor. If someone, wants to pitch their business to you, what are three crucial elements they should include in their pitch deck? What are you looking for when you invest in a company?

A unique product/service and a founder who eats/drinks/sleep their business and also knows that they can’t do everything and surrounds themselves with others of competency.

“It’s all about empowering women and using myself as an example. I wanted to help begin a beauty revolution, perfect is boring.”

You're on your third year as a guest lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business teaching personal branding. What are your top three personal branding tips? Why is personal branding so important?

For my students, branding is important because they’re graduating and moving into various, highly competitive fields. Within our breakout sessions, my students learn how a strong personal brand can create a competitive advantage, how one can differentiate themselves in their respective fields, how to supercharge their brand, as well as when to pivot and evolve their brand.

There is so much competition out there now, especially in the entertainment industry. What makes you and your business stand out? How do you find/create a unique point of view and stand out from the masses?

I don’t view myself as an entertainer that does business, I view myself as a businesswoman that also happens to be an entertainer. By approaching my business that way, I understand that popularity and relevance are fleeting. I look at my company and businesses from a strategic standpoint and don’t fallback being a “celebrity” or trying to be a cool person with a cool dress going to a cool party.

The filtered world of social media often hides a lot of the hard work and behind-the-scenes hustle. What is the reality of being an entrepreneur today? How hard is it really? Be honest!

One thing my team and I always say is the world only sees 5% of what I do. I go to an office every day. Sometimes I have 3 to 5 hour-long meetings, and I’m constantly having to make quick decisions. It’s no joke—and definitely not for everyone. I, however, LOVE being in meetings and strategizing far more than I like simply holding two photos in my hands…

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?

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

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 ENTERTAINMENT LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Kiitan Akinniranye

To say that Kiitan Akinniranye has built a successful platform for showcasing her sense of style via social media is a bit of an undersell. By the numbers, the fashion influencer has garnered over 556,000 followers on Instagram and 259,000 subscribers on YouTube—no small feat in the golden era of content creation. And, notably, she’s managed to parlay her social media success into a popular headwrap brand called Atarah Avenue.

So, how exactly has she garnered such an impressive audience? Her style is definitely a reigning factor, but it’s her pearls of realdom that have cultivated a community. Like this recent poem that she shared via Instagram: “You Dear Brown Girl, Don’t be afraid to shine. Your hair is so beautiful. And your skin is divine.” At our Self Care Summit, she reinforced why she’s one of our favorite people to follow on social media by telling us: “I have a job title of being an influencer and I don’t take that lightly… it is my duty to make sure I am spreading positivity.” (Cue applause.)

Ahead, we ask the fashion influencer and entrepreneur to fill us in on how she stands out in such a saturated space, her secret for growing (and maintaining) an engaged social media following, and the mistakes she’s learned from along the way.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: On top of your successful style platform on social media, you are also the founder of Atarah Avenue. Why did you launch this company? What is your brand’s mission? What vision do you have for the company?

 KIITAN AKINNIRANYE: Atarah means crown in Hebrew and I created the company to celebrate black women’s beautiful crowns and accentuate them with my accessories. I’m really happy we are entering a period where black women’s hair is being more socially accepted, I grew up at a time when it wasn’t, and so the mission of Atarah is to empower women by showcasing their beauty but also giving them great accessories to support them on their hair journeys.

You are such a successful content creator with more than 259K subscribers on YouTube and 530K followers on Instagram. What makes your content stand out in a very saturated space? How do you break through the noise? What's the secret?

I think my content is unique because it’s coming from me. I think we’re really living in a golden era of content creation where all you need is an idea, some material, and an iPhone to sell your content and build a following. It's a beautiful thing to see. My followers buy from me because I think they like my style, support my vision, and enjoy Atarah, but honestly, there are so many amazing men and women taking leaps in fashion and I am honored to be a part of it!

“We’re really living in a golden era of content creation where all you need is an idea, some material, and an iPhone to sell your content and build a following.”

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

Working as an entrepreneur is always a challenge because you are paving your own path and carving your way in what is mostly unknown territory. I really see hurdles as a part of the job, which I think takes the pressure off of me when I hit a bump; to not see it as an extension of myself or the work I put into what I’m doing. My best work and growth comes when I’m most challenged, so even though those moments are hard, I can stick with it by looking forward to what’s coming on the other side.

What advice do you have for other content creators reading this who want to achieve the same success you've experienced? How hard is it to break out today?

I think it was easier when I started because there were fewer people using social media to create personal brands, but I definitely think it’s still possible to do now. The biggest thing I would encourage people to do is be yourself. That’s so cliché, but in this market, nuance is so important. I follow so many accounts for fashion tips but each of them brings something different. Some people are super funny, some people are really detailed with their styles, some pages I just love aesthetically. Your quirks are what will set you apart in the end.

What is your best social media advice?

Be authentic and post frequently. These are two things that can be really hard, especially when you grow a big enough following that companies start reaching out to work with you. My friends really help to remind me why I started my brand, which is to empower black women like us, and I’m constantly assessing my partnerships to make sure they stay true to the authenticity of my brand. Then, you just gotta be consistent with your output, which is really hard, but if people know they are going to get content from you regularly, they are more likely to stay around. Inconsistent posting makes for inconsistent results.

You cover so many content categories on YouTube, but if you had to pick one, which would you say you most enjoy creating content for? Why?

I started Youtube to share my hair tutorials, and it’s definitely still remained my favorite thing to post and watch. I love seeing all of the creative styles and new looks, it’s gives me tips for my own styles, and it’s also just inspiring to see what everyone else is doing.

With success comes opportunity, but that also means you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?

First, my friends. I don't know where I would be without them. They encourage me to constantly push myself, and they also provide me with constructive criticism, which I really appreciate. My followers also keep me inspired. I am always looking to put out the best content for them because I know there are people who look up to me and look forward to seeing me grow. I'm really fortunate to be where I am, especially because I never thought that I would make it this far.

How do you remain unique and true to your voice in such a competitive space?

I am my only competition. It’s definitely a hard mindset to keep at all times, but I think society has really tried to push this idea that there’s only so much space in any room for people who aren’t white men, and that’s completely false. I’m unique because I’m me, sharing what I love with people who love it too. I’m always challenging myself to push my limits and try new things, but it’s an internal push, not an external one.

What's a mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it? How did you turn it into an opportunity?

The biggest career mistake I’ve made, I’d say, is taking on too many projects at once. I did this once at a pivotal moment in my career when I was transiting to a different state. I had already taken on a really big project and was approached by another huge brand for a partnership. I didn’t want to say no to either, so I took them both on. That was a big mistake!! I lost a lot of sleep and energy making sure I got the work done. In the end, the clients were happy, but I was miserable. It was a lesson in saying “no” and realizing that it’s not a "great opportunity if it comes at the wrong time.

What do you wish you’d known when you were first starting out? Why? And what do you wish more people knew about your job? What are the biggest misconceptions?

When I was first starting out, I had no idea what I was doing, and that made me insecure. I was taking in everyone’s opinions, negative or positive, to heart and that just ended up confusing me more. When it comes to content, I am always open to constructive criticism and I love hearing from my followers, but now, I have learned that it is best to not share every aspect of my life. It's best to have a core group to look to for advice and counsel and make sure you’re thoughtfully filtering everything else that’s coming in.

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?

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

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

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

Create & Cultivate 100: Fashion: Camila Coelho

With 8.4 million followers on Instagram and over four million subscribers across two YouTube channels (one in English, one in Portuguese), it’s safe to say that Camila Coelho is a modern-day style icon. So it was only natural that the Brazilian-born fashion influencer would try her hand at design sooner or later.

Earlier this year, the influencer-turned-designer launched her eponymous fashion label, Camila Coelho Collection, to much acclaim from the stylish set. (Influencers by the likes of Brittany Xavier, Leonie Hanne, and Danielle Bernstein have all been spotted sporting pieces from Coelho’s covetable 60-piece collection.)

Ahead, Coelho talks to us about the launch of her new fashion label, the one thing she wishes more people knew about the fashion industry, and the hard-and-fast rules she tries to live by to separate her work from her personal life.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You went from working at a Macy's Dior makeup counter to now having 8.4 million followers on Instagram who look to you as a style icon. To what do you attribute your success? Why do you think your voice and style has resonated so much with audiences? What's your secret sauce?

CAMILA COELHO: I originally sought out to have a creative outlet where I could share my passion for makeup with the rest of the world. Down the line, it became a career, but it took true perseverance.

Audiences like consistency and connection; I try to give them as much of that as possible. Through my channels, I'm able to have real conversations with followers in an organic way. I'm also receptive to feedback about my content and collection; what are people liking/disliking, what do they want to see more of, styles they'd recommend, etc. 

The influencer industry is incredibly saturated now but you were one of the first—how do you ensure your brand and voice stand out in the competitive market? What advice do you have for people starting out now?

Maintaining my own brand and identity has been key to standing out. Success doesn't happen overnight. I certainly have had challenges and felt unmotivated at times but you just have to stick with it and create engaging content for people to enjoy. 

“Be creative, find an angle that makes you different, and run with it no matter what anyone tells you.”

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

I'm constantly searching for new inspiration in the cities I travel to, the people I meet, and my followers, because the more that I'm learning and growing, the more I'm able to translate that into my work. I think my work ethic paired with my ability to engage and organically inspire my fanbase has been a driving factor in my success to date.

Your hard work and your success was recognized when you were featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 list—how did it feel to have that stamp of approval from the industry? How did it help your business? What did you learn/take away from the experience?

Being recognized by a top business outlet sheds light on the fact that I'm an entrepreneur. The influencer industry, in general, gets overshadowed by consumer perception that we live a glamorous life traveling and taking selfies all day. What they often don't realize is that there’s an entire backend to brand deals: content creation, editing, design, strategy, financial planning, and more. 

Now you have your own fashion brand, what was the experience like moving into product design? What do you wish people knew about the fashion industry?

Launching my own collection has always been a dream of mine, so seeing it come to life this year has been so surreal. I’ve seen a variety of women around the world in my pieces, styled in their own creative ways. It means even more to me because my collection is really an embodiment of my digital community; I’m creating pieces for my followers who have been so supportive of my career and have grown with me as my style has evolved. Ideating so many new styles a month and working with my design team to bring them to fruition is no easy task.

I recently moved to L.A. to be closer to my production team since there are endless rounds of design, fabric selection, fittings, and content shoots. The more support you have, and the team you choose to surround yourself with, will ultimately define your career and help bring your vision to life.

How do you define your personal brand? How has it changed since you started? Why is it important to establish a brand and point of difference?

I was born in Brazil and raised in the U.S. since the age of 14, so naturally, I'm a global brand. I have followers around the world and am often able to connect with them given the amount of work travel I do. My personal brand has always maintained positivity, empowering people to feel their most confident, sexy, and glamorous selves.

You’ve created a very special community online, what is your best social media advice? How can others develop the same rapport?

Maintaining individuality and consistency can be challenging but they’re the keys to success. If you're simply trying to replicate what someone else is doing, that can quickly become transparent to your followers. Be creative, find an angle that makes you different, and run with it no matter what anyone tells you. 

What is the best advice you’ve been given? Or a favorite piece of #realtalk?

Back in the day, I came across a saying from the designer Shoshanna Gruss, “Once you know which silhouettes flatter you, filter trends ruthlessly." This opened my eyes that the #1 secret to look good is to know what looks good on your body shape. I’m petite for example, and you will always see me in high waisted pieces, which make me look taller than I really am.

With success comes opportunity, which can mean you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?

It's all about balance to me. With work, I'm often traveling so much, especially with my husband, it does get hard sometimes to separate things. I’ve learned that you really have to set rules and separate your work life from your personal life, particularly on the most challenging of days.

When it comes to my husband, after a certain hour we try to disconnect. We have a rule where we don’t talk about work. In the morning we try to talk about work after breakfast so we can have our personal time. When I’m home I try to always see my friends, my godson, my nephew, and my family and spend quality time with them. When I’m with them, I try to disconnect from my phone as well. 

I love my job and I love what I do, but I also try to do other things like seeing my friends, setting up family vacations. The simple things in life make me happy, they let me breathe and disconnect from everything that’s going on. I try to separate things and try to disconnect as much as I can when I have time, and that’s how I keep my balance.

“Success doesn’t happen overnight.”

From Instagram, you seem incredibly bold and self-confident, but we all know the reality can be very different away from the filter. What advice do you have for others who want to achieve that confidence? How do you summon that? 

Take care of yourself, first and foremost. You want to feel good when you wake up in the morning with no makeup on and continue to feel good throughout your day. I'm at my best when I've gotten enough rest, when I've found time to work out and eat well, and when I've spent time with family. I'm my most confident when I'm healthiest, and all of these things add to my overall health. Then as you begin to layer on makeup or clothes or more to your look and your day, you'll feel better and more confident.

From there, I always recommend that you search for as much inspiration as possible. The more you see a trend or spend time with someone you admire and who makes you feel inspired, the more you will tend to like trying new things and feel comfortable and bolder with your choices.

What's a mistake you made and what did you learn from it? How did you turn it into an opportunity?

Since I’m always following my heart, I try not to have regrets. I look at mistakes as the best learning opportunities enabling me to work smarter and harder. It’s important we all make an effort to be the best versions of ourselves.

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?

Outliers—it explores the various differences between us as humans, and why some succeed more than others.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 FASHION LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Chriselle Lim

When Chriselle Lim launched her YouTube channel in 2008 the word vlogger didn’t even exist. Now, she has 750K subscribers. Combine that with her 1 million+ followers on Instagram and you have a recipe for influence. But beyond curated imagery and designer dresses, Lim pulls back the filter to share the real, raw, and candid version of her life as a mom of two running three businesses. Yes, that’s right, three! Lim oversees The Chriselle Factor, Cinc Studios, and her new venture, Bümo, which is bringing childcare to the workplace for millennial parents.

And all of this is on top of her brand collaborations (she just launched her own Barbie) and travel (she sits front row at all the big designer shows during fashion week) as an influencer. That’s a serious work ethic. Read on to hear all about how Lim gets it done, her journey to success, and when she has to put on the breaks to prevent burn out.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: When you started The Chriselle Factor, did you expect it to develop into the expansive lifestyle network that it has become? What are you most proud of as it has grown?

CHRISELLE LIM: No, I didn’t. When I first started it was purely for fun. I was just documenting my outfits as a creative outlet while I was in college.

You've mentioned that you started off your career intending to be on the business side of fashion. What motivated you to start creating your own content? And how do you feel about being on the front end now?

I never thought I would be in front of the camera. I always loved the making of and being behind the scenes. I started my blog initially to document my styling projects and the work that goes on behind that but when I uploaded my first YouTube video and blog post that featured me in it and see the excitement from the audience—I knew there was something there. I felt very uncomfortable in the beginning (especially on video) but the more I did it the more comfortable I got.

You started creating YouTube content in 2008—which, needless to say, was a very different time—now, there is so much competition. How have you remained unique and true to your voice over the years? How has your channel and content changed over the years? How do you cut through the noise and maintain a unique POV in a saturated space?

Yes! YouTube is where I started and it’s still one of the core focuses of my businesses. To be honest it has been challenging. YouTube definitely favors newness so being an ‘OG’ definitely has its downsides at times too. I started with fashion and beauty tutorials but after having kids I realized that my audience wanted to see more than something perfect and pretty. They wanted realness. I think everyone was craving authenticity on social media since so much of what they saw was curated and filtered. That’s why we decided to start my series Catchin Up With Chris where they see my real life—the chaos at home trying to juggle being a mother of two while maintaining my business. It was a side they’ve never seen of me and they appreciated it.

You just have to remember that your audience is just like you—they grow up and your content has to grow with them. Just because you started with one thing doesn’t mean you have to continue to only do that one thing. It’s okay to change grow and evolve. Not everyone will like it but as long as you remain true to yourself and where you are at in life that’s all that matters. There a lot of noise out there and sometimes how you cut through the noise is just shutting off and not watching what others are doing but doing what feels right for you.

“Don’t expect to get paid in the beginning. In fact, you are going to have to invest your own time and money.”

You have millions of followers across social media, YouTube, and your blog, The Chriselle Factor. What advice do you have for newcomers? Be honest, how hard is it really? What do they need to do to break out?

It’s hard and you have to put in the work but I started out at a different time where it was hard in a different way. One thing that still remains true—no matter what point in time you are starting off—is that you need to treat it as a serious business in order for you to really break out. Put in the work. Great content takes time to create.

Don’t treat it as a hobby but really go in and figure out a plan of how you are going to stand out—create a content schedule and stick to it. Whether it be on Instagram, YouTube, blog, etc. if you want to work with some of these brands how are you going to show love? Don’t expect to get paid in the beginning. In fact, you are going to have to invest your own time and money. If you don’t know how to edit, hire someone who knows how to edit so your content stands out.

Don’t worry about getting millions of followers but focus on content and serving the small audience you have. Find a focus, a unique point of difference, and you will find a niche audience. More than ever people are looking to work with micro-influencers who have a dedicated and unique POV. Focus on content and your voice and message.

Beyond the filter of Instagram, you're a mom of two—you have your hands full and you're very honest about that with your followers. What do you wish people knew about your job? What are some of the biggest misconceptions?

Something else I wish people knew about my job is that the burn out is real. I’ve seen it happen with my peers and myself. Because my job is so much about my life, I’m constantly working and constantly ‘on.’ When you are constantly creating content around everything it can easily mess up your mental health. You need space and time for yourself. I experienced this even more after becoming a mom. I was serving my kids first then my audience, then my team, then after a while you become numb to your own needs and wants. It’s a real thing and I’m seeing burn out happen so much. It’s important that a creator knows about this before jumping in.

Now you just launched a Barbie that you designed, bringing some inclusivity to a much-needed space. What are your hopes for this collaboration? What change do you hope it brings? And how do you hope it inspires the next generation? How important was this project to you as a mom?

Being able to design my own Barbie was a pivotal moment for me in my career. It brought me back to my purpose and the reason being behind what I do—to inspire the next generation and provide opportunities that never existed when I was a kid. Growing up in a predominantly all caucasian community I was always aware that I didn’t look like my peers. I hid behind pounds of makeup and spent a ton of my hard-earned money on cool clothes so I could fit in.

I grew up looking up to women that didn’t look like me and it had me wondering why I looked like me. How come I couldn’t have round eyes and lighter hair— I couldn’t understand. Especially at a young age, kids are looking to identify and to be able to say ‘me too... if she can do it then I can do it too.’ I hope that through my Barbie it will allow the little girls and boys to dream and allow them to look at themselves and know that they can be successful and achieve what they want. I hope that this brings more awareness and conversations around inclusion. As a mother of two little girls, this is everything—for them to look at these Barbies and know that they are represented and be proud of who they are.

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

To disconnect and get re-inspired. So much of what we do comes from a creative place, you have to give yourself room to breathe so you can get re-inspired. I usually detox from social media for a few days so I can go find some inspiration elsewhere. Also talking helps. I talk to my team a lot. We are always constantly bouncing ideas off of each other. It can get lonely sometimes so having a person or a group you can get creative with is important.

You share a lot of your personal life through your many channels. How do you decide where to draw boundaries? What to share and what not to share?

As a new mom, I’m still learning every day—I’m not perfect. I can proudly say with my own self I don’t really have boundaries as I’m an open book and I think that’s why my followers appreciate my realness and rawness—and they continue to trust and follow me. But when it comes to my family that’s a different situation.

Now that Chloé ( my oldest) is getting older she has opinions and ideas. A lot of the time she does not want to be on camera and I just have to respect that. She did not choose to be in front of the camera as that is my profession and not hers. I’m still having fun with Colette as she is an infant but I’m sure there will be a point in time where I have to draw the boundary and the line for Colette as well. I want them to feel fully respected by their choices. Even as young as they are. Kids are way smarter than we think.

With success comes opportunity, but that also means your schedule is packed. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?

People assume that the more success you have the fewer challenges you have when in fact it’s quite the opposite. The busier you get it becomes even more important to prioritize yourself. I wake up at 4:30 AM to have ‘me’ time. I do a 5 AM work out class and have a few minutes to myself before the kids wake up at seven. It’s the most important time for me as it’s the only time I get to myself where I don’t have to worry about anything else but me. Once the kids wake up it’s go, go, go, go, go. So the only way I can keep inspired and motivated, especially on those challenging days, is to spend time with myself and give the self-love and appreciation it needs and deserves.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs? How can they achieve the same success you've experienced?

My advice to other entrepreneurs is to be patient and pace yourself—it’s a marathon and not a sprint. You don’t want to go hard and burn out. You want to slowly build something sustainable and something that can scale over time. Think through a strategy and a goal instead of just waking up and hoping that something will happen. Everything that has happened to me happened because it was a part of my bigger plan. Think big picture and know where you want to go with this but immediately scale back and ask yourself what can I do now?

So many of us hope and dream of big success but big success doesn’t happen by just thinking and dreaming. A lot of it happens because of the execution of small things. I’m also a big believer in hiring better than yourself. Find people that are better than you and have them help you. It’s okay to know that you are not great at everything.

You just launched Bümo—what can you tell us about this new project? Why did you launch it? And what can we expect to see from this new business?

Bümo is a company that brings childcare to the workplace for millennial parents. I launched Bümo because when I had two kids I had to go back to work right away, and I literally cried all the time. I had so much guilt as an entrepreneur, as a mom, as a partner. Everything made me feel guilty. I then realized that childcare options are so limited and it really doesn’t have to be that way. We will be opening our first space in the Westfield century city in the Spring of 2020 right next to Bloomingdales on the second floor! We are so excited as we believe that the millennial parents are all about working hard but also being a present parent.

What is the #1 book you always recommend?

Outliers and The Tipping Point, both by Malcolm Gladwell.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

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

Create & Cultivate 100: Find New Roads: Daisha Graf

Daisha Graf has a lot of titles to her name. As an actress, dancer, model, singer, influencer, and fitness coach, it’s a bit of an understatement to say she knows a thing or two about managing multiple careers simultaneously. (Really though, when does she have time to sleep?)

Below, she shares her advice for those who want to pursue multiple career interests but don’t know where to start, the biggest lessons she’s learned from working with famous artists by the likes of Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Ariana Grande, and the definition of success that keeps her motivated and inspired every day.  

CREATE & CULTIVATE: What advice do you have for those who want to pursue multiple creative interests but don't know where to start? How do you manage all of these careers simultaneously? Why did you choose to pursue them all instead of honing in on one specific thing? How has this benefitted you, and would you recommend this path to others?

DAISHA GRAF: I think, if God gave me all of these talents, I should use them all. It took me several years to let go of the fact I'm not pursuing one active career like many other people... but then again, I've never done things the conventional way, and I'm okay with that. I will say, I haven't necessarily pursued them all at once. I've allotted solid amounts of concentrated time to them all. Most of my life through college was solely dance (and piano till my senior year of high school.) I was on a professional track to pursue a modern dance career. It wasn't until college at Hofstra University studying for my B.A. in dance where I discovered hip hop. From there, I shifted focus. After college, I studied commercial dance and my career blossomed. Once I felt I had a handle on that field, several years later I pursued music heavily. Then, years after that, I pursued acting (which is present time). I gave each of my interests the proper time, individually, to hone my skills. Now, I now switch hats easily if I need to. Listen, it's a daily journey and there have been plenty of times that I wondered why I couldn't choose a career with a clearer path, but I genuinely feel this arts life chose me.

You started as a back-up dancer who’s performed in some of the largest hip-hop, pop, and R&B acts in recent memory alongside icons like Rihanna, Diddy, Pitbull, TLC, Santigold, Janelle Monae, Jill Scott, Ariana Grande, Big Boi, and Beyoncé, to name a few. What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned from working with them? What advice do you have for other dancers reading this who want to achieve your success?

I've learned that working as a team is always the best and most successful way to run a business, create a healthy environment, and cultivate an electric show. If everyone doesn't feel seen or if the group a a whole feels divided, that's how the show is going to feel... disconnected. I've also learned how important it is to be professional: be early, know how to take constructive criticism, know when to speak up and when to listen, and know how to handle money matters. Being kind goes a long way. Treat people how you would want to be treated. There are been several instances that I have booked a gig "out of nowhere" because someone remembered me from something years before. Also, I had no idea where I was going to end up. I just buried myself in the work. Train, train, train. Stay in class. That is my home base. That is all you have to worry about. Be a good person and work hard. The rest will manifest for itself.

We read that you hope to use your art to effect change, what does this look like for you? What changes are you hoping to make? What messages are you hoping to spread? Why?

I think the arts are the biggest tools of self-expression. Imagine if little kids couldn't draw or play. Imagine if we never listened to or played music or moved our bodies. I genuinely feel that people would be more frantic, depressed, and in a constant state of rage. The arts are our outlets. The arts create safe spaces for this expression that can be understood in any language. Feelings are universal. Also, the arts cultivate an intellectual, critical, empathetic, and creative way of thinking. They promote quick problem-solving skills, team building, unity, and an outlet for all. I truly believe they’re necessities in the human experience. This is why I love storytelling in any capacity (dancing, singing, acting) because it is the space where people from all backgrounds can really SEE each other in new ways. The arts have to be made more easily accessible to all.

“‘Making it’ is subjective. I have in no way, shape, or form ‘made it’ in my mind. I feel once I’ve ‘made it’ there will be nothing left to pursue. I never want to feel that.”

How did you make the transition from dance into the world of entertainment and acting? What doors did you have to break down?

I had always wanted to try acting, but my focus had been on dance and music. My music management at the time had a connection to an acting agent and I asked if there was a way to be connected. I was lucky enough to secure a meeting, and I pitched myself. I was honest about my lack of acting experience, but I assured her that I was professional and was willing to train my ass off. I had years of live stage performance and film under my belt already (“Step Up: 2,” “Step Up: 3D,” music videos, awards shows, etc.), so it was just adding a few more layers to what I already knew. She took me up on my offer and here we are. Sometimes you just gotta leap through a door even if you feel you aren't "ready." You never know. Bet on yourself.

Your career looks like a dream run on paper but we all know there is a lot of hustle and hard work behind the scenes. Can you talk us through your journey and share some of the struggles along the way? What is the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make professionally and how did you get through it?

Haha, the "on paper" dream is a trap! Don't believe it. Yes, I have done a lot of cool things. Sometimes I need to take a step back when I'm frustrated to look how far I've come. It is by no means easy. I am a freelance artist, so I do not always know when or where the next check is coming (hence the 3,849 jobs I juggle). I've crashed on many a couch and cried on many a shoulder. The amount of money my family and I have spent on my training throughout my life is insurmountable. The amount of rejection one receives can be daunting at times, but I have this mustard seed of faith that has always stuck with me since I was young confirming that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. The hardest decision I’ve made was to leave everything I knew in N.Y.C., my family and friends, and start anew in Los Angeles. I decided to transition to acting. I didn't feel like I was starting over necessarily, but I did feel I needed a drastic change. I recommend a lot of self-care, finding your tribe, faith, and patience. If you love what you are doing, its easier to let go of the timeline because you know this is what you will be doing in some capacity for the rest of your life. There is some ease in that thought for me. I will never not be an artist. 

You said in an interview that you did not feel you were born with natural ability as a dancer, but you worked hard, stayed disciplined, remained faithful, and grew confident in yourself. What does it take to be successful in your line of work? How much effort, how many hours do you have to put in before you make it? Why?

"Making it" is subjective. I have in no way, shape, or form "made it" in my mind. I feel once I've "made it" there will be nothing left to pursue. I never want to feel that. I will always be striving to be better, learn, and grow. Again, you can't shortcut hard work. Whatever you pursue, you have to train. You have to put in those hours. The work speaks for itself, and if you haven't done the work, it shows. The artists that appear effortless in their work appear effortless because of the tireless work they have put into their craft. They have toiled every day for years to the point where they can let all the training go and be free because it is that deeply ingrained in them. You have to do it every day. Every day. You have to try and fail. You have to fail forward. Then try again. Through it all, remember to have fun in the process because that is why you started. 

You are also an ambassador for DevaCurl. What does your role entail? And why did you choose to partner with them?

Thank God for them! I started going to the salon some 10 years ago in New York. They have shaped and colored my hair ever since. I reached out to their social media department one day in hopes of a collab and we cultivated a relationship. They have hooked my hair up for years and years. I am so grateful. Even after I moved to L.A., I still go to DevaCurl affiliated salons. They have been consistent. Much love!

You're the co-founder of Daisha and Alicia Graf Arts Collective (a.k.a. D(n)A Arts), an initiative you and your sister, Alicia Graf Mack, created that is committed to enriching lives through the arts. Can you tell us more about this project? Why did you start it and what has been the impact on your community?

My sister and I started this collective in pursuit of spreading what we know of the arts to others. My sister, Alicia Graf Mack, is now the director of the Juilliard Dance Department and has a wealth of knowledge through her professional career as a dancer and educator. Together, we can hit many sides of the arts spectrum. We hold several different, affordable workshops, as well as offer scholarships for students to attend. Community service through the arts is important to us as well as there are several communities that have not had arts exposure. We also act as mentors for people who would like some guidance in navigating a career in the arts.

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

I go back to my home base and stay in class. I keep training. If I need to take some time away to process some feelings, I'll do that too. Yoga, meditation, quality time with friends, journaling, and time in nature are very healing for me. I practice gratitude and think about what IS working. I dust myself off and keep it moving.

Success is such a broad term and it means something different to everyone. How do you define success? What does being successful mean to you?

Success for me is: "Liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it," Maya Angelou. To be in complete alignment with how you feel, your purpose, and how you are pursuing it is #goals.

What advice do you have for people reading this who haven’t found their path/passion yet? Where do they start?

I would tell them to be aware of what they DON'T like and stay away from that. Be aware of what things bring you joy, even if they are not the typical things you think could create a career. Stay open-minded and continue to explore those areas. Journal about it! Get ideas down on paper. Also, take some risks and try new things.

There is so much competition out there now, especially in your line of work. What makes you and your business stand out? How do you find/create a unique point of view? What advice do you have for others who are aiming to find the white space and build a unique brand?

It is easy to get stuck in the idea of becoming a person or artist that you think others want to see. This or that thing worked for them, so I have to do it like that. I got stuck in that mentality for a while, but it wore on my spirit. Through a lot of self-work and hard lessons, I found it more serving and, ultimately, more interesting for me to be my unique, messy self. Be YOU. That's what people are drawn to. Nobody wants to listen or watch clones of other people. People want to feel. Be vulnerable. Own your truth and show up as you are. This is why is it such an honor and privilege to be an artist. We get to make people feel. There is such power in self. When someone walks into an audition room, or any space fully grounded in who they are, it shifts the energy.

Whose work do you most admire? Why?

I admire the work of my family. Every single one of them. I also admire Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, the Obamas, Oprah, Meryl Streep, and so, so many more. I feel all of these people have pursued lives of purpose and have persevered no matter what. In the passion for what they do, they have influenced so many people along the way.

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?

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

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 FIND NEW ROADS LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Small Business: Kelsea Olivia

If you’ve ever been to a Create & Cultivate event then you’ll be very familiar with the work of Kelsea Olivia. Her sculptural floral arrangements adorn every single element of our conferences, summits, and parties to visually bring them to life. Founded in New York, East Olivia is a women-led creative agency that brings immersive installations, creative production, and styling to businesses and events across the U.S.

But turning her passion into profit took a lot of grit and hustle. Luckily, Olivia doesn't shy from hard work and just as well because she believes that it’s the key ingredient to building a successful small business. Read on to hear how she worked full-time at Anthropologie for almost three years while building East Olivia on the side, how she’s adapted to her new leadership role managing a team, and her biggest lessons along the way.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: As the founder of East Olivia, you create stunning floral and visual installations for some of the biggest brands in the beauty and lifestyle industry. Turning your creative passion into profit is everyone's dream but it's not an easy step to take. How did you create and cultivate the career of your dreams? What advice can you share for others who want to do it too but don't know where to start?

KELSEA OLIVIA: I worked on building East Olivia for nearly two and a half to three years before I considered stepping away from my full-time gig. I was truly passionate about the Anthropologie brand and felt in many ways that bringing my skillset to this company could be an exciting and lucrative career path for me. However, over time I realized that I only have so many hours in a day and so many possibilities as to how I can allocate the value that I bring to the table. Something that truly impacted me deeply was seeing the ability to create jobs for talented creatives, specifically in NY, at a living wage while providing health insurance.

The desire to do this, the drive to do this is not the norm. Many more fiscally successful businesses do not even offer these things but to me, it has been a non-negotiable from day one. I want my employees to see that we put our money where our mouth is. We are walking the talk, talking the walk, etc. There has yet to be a more proud day for me as the owner of EO as when our health insurance cards were delivered via snail mail. I opened up those envelopes and truly shed some joyous tears.

“It will be difficult but it will be worth it.”

You were freelance prop styling while working full-time for BHLDN/Anthropologie in NYC before launching East Olivia. How long did you freelance while you were building East Olivia? When did you know it was time to press go and leave your other jobs to do EO full time? Why?

I hired two full-time staff before I hired myself full-time. I did this because I wanted to minimize the amount of compromising I would need to do on the artistic side in order to make this work.

You now run a large team in NY and LA but you travel all over America. How have you handled the growth both personally and as a business? What has the hiring experience like? Can you share any hiring advice for those going through it right now?

Hiring is hard. Setting apart those who are excited to be apart of what you are doing versus those who really what to step up to the plate is extremely difficult. but if you can differentiate between the two of those you will have such a strong jumping-off point.

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

I always start first with a trusted group of other business owners that I can ask for advice and insight. I cannot stress enough that we do not know what we don't know. If I cannot humble myself and ask for support I am stuck, stagnant and surrounded by fear. Admitting I don't know everything is the first step towards learning the insights and tools that will get me to the next level.

You are extremely popular which is great, but that also means you're very busy. What are your productivity hacks for getting it all done? What three apps or sites do you use every day that help keep you organized and on track?

My number one hack is to take the task you are avoiding the most and do it first. Such freedom is gained by getting that thing out of the way. Three apps I love are Planoly, Xero and Google calendar. I mean it’s basic but I truly live by my calendar now.

You've achieved so much success, but what do you wish you could go back and tell yourself when you were first starting out? Why?

I truly don’t know if I wish I could tell myself anything except to accept what is and that thing will always turn out better than what you'd expect.

You've grown as a brand and as a person since the launch of East Olivia, what are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned throughout your career and what have they taught you?

My biggest lessons have been that first impressions truly are not always what they seem and that there is no substitute for hard work and humility. Even when others around you may pressure you to take the easy road, pride in your work can only come by truly putting in the hard work.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who have an idea but don’t know where to start to execute it?

It will be difficult but it will be worth it.

What have been some of the hardest money lessons you've learned along the way? What is your #1 money tip for small business owners? Why?

My number one money tip is to remember that you do not know what you do not know. Be humble. Look for resources, seek out advice from those you trust. We're never too good to ask for support from those who know more than us.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 SMALL BUSINESS LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Entrepreneur: Giada de Laurentiis

Giada de Laurentiis doesn't take no for an answer. In fact, it only gives the celebrity chef fuel to work harder and prove them wrong. Despite all of her success as a globally-revered celebrity chef, Emmy award-winning television personality (she has eight shows on the Food Network), New York Times-bestselling author (she has nine cookbooks including a series of children’s books), and NBC Today Show contributor, Laurentiis’ biggest obstacle has been getting people to take her seriously.

“I was in a field that was very heavily male-dominated—I didn't look the part,” she told us at the Self-Care Summit. “It's best that we just show them—actions are always louder than words. You show them every day and you don't get emotional. Men do not work well with emotional women. Be consistent with your work and that’s when they know, and start to take you seriously.”

Read on to hear more of her sage career advice, how motherhood made her better at her job, and what she attributes to her success.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You are one of the most recognizable faces in the food world—you’re now a globally-revered celebrity chef and Emmy award-winning television personality with eight shows on the Food Network, nine New York Times bestselling cookbooks (including a series of children’s books), and you’re also an NBC Today Show contributor. Tell us about the first product you made under the Giada brand and what it feels like now to be a household name around the world?

GIADA DE LAURENTIIS: The first products I launched under my name were Sicilian sea salt, a herb de province mix, and a few pasta shapes. I knew that I didn't want to put my name on a product unless a story could be told and I had a story and great recipe with those ingredients when paired together, but unfortunately, a lot of people would buy the items separately, like just the salt or just the pasta, and that was disheartening for me. After that first product launch, I decided to partner with Target because they had the shelf space to show the story I wanted to tell with my products. The story behind anything I do has always been key for me and it still is to this day.

You launched your lifestyle and e-commerce platform, Giadzy.com in 2017. Can you talk through why you created the brand? What the response has been like? And how you manage to fit it in with all of your other commitments?

Giadzy first started as a passion project because I wanted to have a direct voice with my fans and I wanted to talk to them about what they're interested in, what kind of recipes they wanted to see. A lot of the stuff I do is evergreen because other companies push for it to last forever and please the largest number of people, so I really wanted to do something that was different. What was refreshing about launching Giadzy is that I could narrow the focus and talk more about being a mom and my genuine interests and have more of a conversation directly with my fans.

“The more that people tell me no, the more I’m going to prove them wrong and work harder.”

In those the first stages building Giadzy and the Giada brand what were some of the obstacles you faced early on and how did you overcome them?

I think the biggest obstacle was people taking me seriously. I was in a field that was very heavily male-dominated and I didn't look the part—I was ‘too little’ and ‘too cute.’ And I was constantly told that no one could trust a skinny chef (people still say that to me to this day). So I didn't fit the mold and I think that's what the problem was—when you love something so deeply, but somehow you don't look the part and maybe don't act the part, it's really hard to change peoples' minds. So I think my biggest challenge was getting through that.

We read that every millionaire has at least 7 streams of revenue and you’ve definitely nailed that—what advice do you have for other women looking to emulate your success and financial freedom?

Diversify your portfolio, don't put all your eggs in one basket—but you need to think about what baskets you're putting them into. For me, I started with television shows and from television shows, I went to cookbooks and from cookbooks, I went to products and then eventually I went to restaurants. The goal for me was to not always be on television.

For years I was on planes and in different places for months at a time and it was taxing on my body, so I tried to find ways to not always be on camera. Also throughout everything don't forget your core business and try to have every additional source of income you have, be an arm to your core business and feedback into it.

You were the first woman to open a restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip with “Giada in The Cromwell” in 2014. You followed that success with “Pronto by Giada”, also in Las Vegas at Caesar's Palace last year. What were some of the obstacles you faced as a woman in the traditionally male-dominated restaurant business?

It was really hard. I didn't really want to do restaurants. I really just wanted to be the owner of the place my grandpa had when I was little, but Caesars kept knocking at my door for years until finally one day they showed me a space that was a two-floor parking garage that overlooked the strip. The view was incredible and my name would be right on the strip and I thought I'm going to go for it.

But it was really hard because the industry is so male-dominated and a lot of the men I was working with quite frankly didn't know how to talk to women and I found myself yelling in board rooms which I'm not proud of. There were many times I thought, ‘this is going to be the biggest mistake I've made,’ but at the end of the day it put me on the map and it got everyone to take me seriously. Plus, Vegas is an international city so all of a sudden my brand went from being in the U.S. to being known internationally. It was hard but so worth it.

In among all of this professional success, you had your biggest personal achievement, giving birth to your beautiful daughter, Jade. How has motherhood changed your relationship with work? Do you think it has given you an advantage? Why/Why not? and how?

I thought getting pregnant would end my career, I didn't think it would be possible to juggle everything. Surprisingly though, Jade helped me overcome a lot of those fears and realize that I could still have a career. She also taught me how to cook quickly. I think before I had Jade my recipes were a little longer and a little more complicated, but becoming a mom made me better at what I do because it taught me how little time we actually have for food, but how important it is. Jade also made me think of how important my culture is, which from a young age had taught me the importance of sitting down and eating together with family. So in short, I learned a lot of things from Jade and she truly made me better at what I do.

With success comes opportunity but that also means you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?

I'm not done yet. I feel like there are more conversations to be had, especially with helping women and helping moms. I think there's a lot of stuff going on that women don't share about aging, career, relationships, etc. I think that through food, culture, and self-care we can get to a point where we take care of our body and mind first and have better all-around success.

“I think that through food, culture, and self-care we can get to a point where we take care of our body and mind first and have better all-around success.”

You are an incredibly successful and accomplished businesswoman, but unfortunately, women at the top are still rare—women hold 6.6 % of Fortune 500 CEO roles and while female millionaires are on the rise, men are still ahead—we’ve heard it can get lonely at the top, so I’d love to know, who do you turn to for business advice? What is the best advice you’ve received? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

My Aunt Raffy has been a mentor to me forever and also my chef friends, as well as my lawyer Eric Greenspan. I used to actually cook for Eric and his family before I got my Food Network deal. He's the person I turn to all of these years later and look to him to make important decisions. My grandfather used to say, “you always want a doctor and a lawyer at your table, so if you get sick you have someone to take care of you and if you get in trouble you have someone to get you out of it!”

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs and young chefs? How can they achieve the same success you've experienced? What key characteristics do they need?

You really have to believe in yourself. I always told myself, ‘the more that people tell me no, the more I'm going to prove them wrong and work harder.’ I thought as long as I continue to give people great recipes, eventually, I'll break them down and eventually they'll trust in me. But I knew I was going to be in it for the long run and honestly it's taken 18 years and it hasn't been until the last five or six years that I've really felt like I've risen to the place I want to be. So don't forget that it's a journey and make sure you ask yourself if whatever you're doing is what you really want to be doing, otherwise it's going to be tough.

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 ENTREPRENEUR LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Food: Nyesha Arrington

In a field where the gender gap is getting wider, not narrower, Nyesha Arrington is inspiring the next generation of women in the food industry.

Though the accomplished chef is perhaps best known for her appearance on season nine of “Top Chef,” she’s certainly spent her fair share of time in Michelin-starred kitchens across the country, from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. She was even deemed “a force in Los Angeles cooking” by late L.A. Times food critic Jonathan Gold. (And, for all those foodies out there, she’s currently preparing to compete in the prestigious Bocuse d'Or world culinary competition trials.)

Ahead, Arrington explains how she’s carved out a successful career in an industry that’s not only known for its sharp knives but also its cutthroat competition. Read on to find out what advice she has for up-and-coming female chefs, how she’s managed to bounce back after failed business ventures, and why she firmly believes that there’s not one great recipe for success.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You are currently preparing to compete in the Bocuse d'Or world culinary competition trials. How do you prepare for a competition like this? What strategies are you planning to use? Why did you decide to compete?

NYESHA ARRINGTON: The reality is I have been preparing for something like the Bocuse d’Or competition my whole life. Playing team sports, studying martial arts, and working for some of the best chefs over the years has built my mind to sustain the mental willpower it takes to undergo such a challenge. Deciding to compete in the Bocuse d’Or felt like it was the next step for me in my culinary journey. As a creative, I am in a constant state of upward mobility, both in my craft and in my artistic expression. The opportunity to represent women and minorities on a global culinary stage was a huge honor that I felt was my duty to show up for.

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

Being a person of multifaceted interests allows me to navigate my life in a way that keeps me learning, which is very important to me. I tap into the different areas of opportunity while manifesting diverse avenues of success. A lot of times, it can be challenging to create balance on the front end when you’re going into business. You are giving it everything you've got in the tank—and this goes for double in the food space. I find working out, painting, being an activist for our planet, and volunteering food banks at has created a unique voice in which I can connect with man [woman] kind from a humanitarian lens. 

“Sometimes things fall apart, it’s part of the journey.”

What advice would you give a woman at the beginning of her career in the food industry? Why? What do you wish you could go back and tell yourself at the beginning of yours?

I would tell a young woman at the beginning of her career to have perseverance. I think that is so important because she did not choose an easy career or path. There are going to be good days, bad days, and there are going to be hard days—but you must always persevere. 

At the beginning of my career, I think I would want to hear the exact same thing that I am telling this young woman. Perseverance is key and it has helped me get far in life, not only in my professional life but in my personal and spiritual life as well. 

Between moments of great success, you've also had business ventures fall apart. How do you move through these downtimes and come out of it better and invigorated? What have been some of the greatest lessons you've learned about yourself and your businesses through these challenging moments in your career?

I am a firm believer of “failing upward.” For individuals like myself who are self-made, sometimes things fall apart, it’s part of the journey. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Learning, growing, building, adapting. I have had to learn a lot about what I want and do not want in the public eye. Running my first kitchen at the age of 24 definitely taught me a lot about success and failure. The most important life lesson I learned is that there is no one great “recipe” for success. All of life's adventures in business are different and require different versions of yourself. I value the uncomfortable times because they push me to grow.  Stepping into new arenas can be seen in two forms, either as a defeat or an opportunity for growth. 

What is it about your career that makes you feel most complete? What drives you?

What makes me feel most complete about my career is the ability to nurture and connect with people. Cooking is a humble gift that transcends gender, race, religion and is a place to draw energy from to be a steward of our Mother Nature. Ultimately, the sustainability of our planet is what drives me the most in writing my love letter to the art of cooking.

Can you recall a mistake you made and share what you learned from it? How did you turn it into an opportunity?

A mistake I made early on was not following my gut. I’ve been steered in the wrong direction whenever I don't listen to my intuition. Being able to have visited over five countries and 12 states this year, connecting with so many beautiful faces from different walks of life, I can definitely say taking a leap of faith to lean into myself this year as a brand has been beneficial in leading the life I want to live. 

You've described cooking as artistry and even hosted "Food Is Art" dinner installations. Can you share a little more about this philosophy? How has this viewpoint served you through your career?

I am a “creative,” whether I’m curating an immersive experience through cooking or I’m creating visual art using the mediums of watercolors or acrylics. Cooking is an art using the medium of food. Creating a landscape of an experience through temperature, texture, and flavor balance. 

Your unique POV has been the secret to your success in such a competitive space. What advice do you have for upcoming female chefs? What are the main traits or characteristics you need to be a successful chef today?

Being a trailblazer in the industry comes from staying authentic to my message and bringing life experience to my plates of self-expression. Cooking is such an intimate articulation that combines a celebration of mother nature and technical skill. Today in the industry, it is important to be very business savvy and diversify.

What drives your passion for your cooking? Where do you source your inspiration? How do you incorporate that into your cooking style? Why?

My cooking life is literally an outward expression of what is in my soul. Growing up, I had a very diverse landscape of inspiration in Los Angeles. My parents always supported my love for art and it very much plays into my approach of how I translate that to the plate today.

You are currently "freelancing" and cooking mostly for private events. Why did you make that pivot? What is your vision for this business strategy? What can we expect to see next from you?

It's been a super fun year! I am the type of person who wants to connect with as many people around the globe as possible. I feel like I am living my best life when I experience different cultures and share life experiences, recipes, and learn new techniques. The business strategy is one of wanderlust, I have met some very powerful people on this planet and you can expect to see me continue to work towards activism and change for good. 

“There are going to be good days, bad days, and there are going to be hard days—but you must always persevere.”

With success comes opportunity but that also means you have your hands full—what keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?

For me, self-care is paramount. Proper nutrition for brain function has allowed me to have clear thoughts and not feel anxious. This year, I adopted an alkaline vegan diet and it has changed my life. I also have a great support system! A group of hard-working women who support each other with so much love and compassion. We call ourselves the “Allday Divas” and met in the best workout group in L.A. led by fitness extraordinaire Lacey Stone. I used to think I didn’t have the time to work out and now I cannot function properly until I jump into a spin class or lift heavyweights.

What is the #1 book/cookbook you always recommend? Why?

The Four Agreements is my all-time favorite book!

In The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.

My dad gave me this book when I turned 21 years old. He is a very spiritual gentleman and I undoubtedly value his universal perspective of life. This is the most recommended “self-care” book I tell people about and I have read/re-read it at least 20 times.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 FOOD LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Fashion: Paige Adams-Geller

Paige Adams-Geller was one of the denim industry’s most sought-after fit models before she transitioned into a career “behind the seams” and launched her namesake fashion brand in 2004. She is now considered a true pioneer for disrupting a billion-dollar industry that is traditionally male-dominated and ultimately rising above the skepticism and cynics to create a global brand with a cult following.

Needless to say, PAIGE is now an über-successful premium denim and lifestyle brand that stands apart from competitors in a saturated space. But don’t take our word for it, let’s look at some stats. The brand now employs around 300 people from Los Angeles to London, with 15 brick-and-mortar stores (and more on the way), an online e-commerce site, and retail partnerships with Shopbop, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Anthropologie. Oh, and they stepped beyond denim to launch sell-out footwear in 2018 with more accessories to come.

To get the scoop on how she did it, we tapped Adams-Geller to share the life-changing events that led to her namesake fashion brand, the secret to PAIGE’s continued brick-and-mortar success in the digital age and their sustainable initiatives that include greener processes and eco-friendly designs.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You started out as a fit model before moving into a career "behind the seams"—what inspired you to take that leap? How did you move past the fear to pursue a career in denim?

PAIGE ADAMS-GELLER: I was inspired to start PAIGE by a series of events that were life-changing. I was attacked in the workplace by my boss on a modeling job, which lead me to the Rape Treatment Center in Santa Monica. During the aftermath, I was in therapy and was able to open up and start talking about an old buried wound—I was raped when I was 16-years-old and had never shared this with anyone. This was a pivotal moment in my life, one of immense healing and growth. Through this process, I was able to let go of shame and blame, and find my voice. With that, I knew I needed to find my purpose and passion in life in order to move forward.

From there, I went to a life coach and that’s when the idea of starting PAIGE was born. PAIGE would be the accumulation of all of my past experiences—modeling and acting, my education at USC in Broadcast Journalism and Communications, as well as my love of fashion. PAIGE would also give me the ability to use my brain and talents and no longer be treated as a commodity.

Empowering others is my purpose and my passion is the fashion business.

How did your career as a fit model inform your pivot into the denim designer role? What skillsets transferred over? And what did you have to learn?

My career as a fit model turned into the opportunity to be a technical fit expert and design consultant to the top brands in Los Angeles. The premium denim market was exploding in L.A. and I worked for all of the top denim brands at that time. I was able to absorb what start-up companies were doing and learn everything from fit and design to business while on the job. 

When I started PAIGE, I had a strong foundation and understanding of what it takes to build a business. I felt denim would be the best start and was able to build my dream team. 

I have learned so much on the job, from how to manage a team to honing in on the mission and vision of a brand, to international business and retail expansion. 

“Empowering others is my purpose and my passion is the fashion business.”

There are very few female founders in the denim industry, what do you think being a woman brings to the table? What challenges have you faced along the way that are unique to you being a woman in a male-dominated industry?

I think being a woman brings a lot to the table. The premium denim industry was male-dominated and had very few women representing our thoughts, needs, and perspective. It was my goal to see premium denim through a different lens, to work as a woman designing for other women and really transitioning denim to be part of real fashion culture. 

As someone who has suffered from an eating disorder and body dysmorphia, I also wanted to share my experiences and embrace inclusivity. PAIGE was founded on wanting women to love their body, to feel comfortable in their skin and comfortable in their genes.

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

Resilience is key! The nine bars on the side of our jeans represent nine lives, the constant reminder to grow, evolve, and change. I have needed the help of others many times along my career path and I have learned the hard way that I can’t do it alone! It's important to find your way of coping, growing, and taking time for yourself. Whether that includes meditation, support from your spouse, or therapy, it's so important to stay open-minded and allow yourself the space to breathe while never becoming complacent.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? Or a favorite piece of #realtalk?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is: Secrets make you sick. If I had never gone to get help and share my past, I would have never been able to heal and start the company so this continues to be my mantra.

Your business continues to thrive both online and in brick-and-mortar stores despite media reports of other big fashion businesses struggling in recent years. What is the secret to your success? What makes PAIGE a standout brand in a saturated space? Where do you see Paige Denim in the next 10 years?

I like to think our secret to success is the strong teams we have built. There are team members who have been at PAIGE since day one, others for 10 to 12 years, and every day we continue to grow and bring in fresh perspectives.

As a brand, we're able to stand out because of our strong voice. We know who we are and we know what we stand for. The original voice of the brand is still there so I can lead all management teams with a strong creative direction and without confusion. We also try not to do too much, too soon—slow and steady wins the race. I see PAIGE continuing to expand into other categories one step at a time as an iconic California lifestyle brand that will be here for years to come.

You're always at the forefront of innovation from design to marketing, where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from getting outside and seeing the world. I love to travel and stay open-minded so I can take in all that I am seeing and doing. I also look to all the young people who work within the company. I love hearing their thoughts and opinions, it definitely helps to avoid tunnel vision!

There is a huge sustainability push in the fashion industry, especially in denim. Where do you see PAIGE in this movement? What are some of the initiatives you're moving towards to incorporate greener processes and eco-friendly designs?

Our commitment to sustainability has only grown in the last few years. During the California drought, we all worked together to do all we could to make our entire business greener. California is our home and it's such an integral part of our brand and its DNA that it became imperative for us to do more than ever. We moved production to factories that focus on lasers rather than chemicals. This reduces the use of the chemicals while still creating the same wash effect. We also focused on water usage and using recycled water wherever possible. 

The part closest to my heart is that our team created a Sustainability Crew! It's an in-house council of our most devoted environmentalists. They have done everything from creating new recycling programs to eliminating the use of single-use cups. Instead, we all have reusable PAIGE cups! It makes me so proud to see everyone with them!

What's a mistake you made and what did you learn from it? How did you turn it into an opportunity?

An early mistake (without knowing it at the time) was the brand name and its labeling, which was very limiting. It featured my signature and the words "premium denim." Because of that, many believed that we only made denim and could only ever offer women’s. We worked hard to simplify things and came up with the simple name PAIGE along with a more modern logo. It allowed us to grow to become the lifestyle brand for men and women that I had always dreamed up. It also works for whatever the future holds too!

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs? How can they achieve the same success you've experienced?

My advice for other entrepreneurs is to have a "reason to be," and a clear vision and strong voice. If you are passionate and authentic, your point of difference becomes a greater asset. It’s also important to remember that you will make mistakes, the key is to learn from them in order to grow.

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?

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

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 FASHION LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Find New Roads: Sigal Cordeiro

When it comes to game-changing women forging a new path for the generations to come, Sigal Cordeiro is at the top of our list. As the Vice President of Urban Mobility and Maven Car Sharing at General Motors, Cordeiro is redefining what the future of personal mobility looks like while smashing the glass ceiling for women in the automotive industry.

We’re so inspired by Cordeiro’s story and know you will be too! Read on to learn more about the groundbreaking work she’s doing with Maven, her advice for women who want to break into their field, and some lessons she’s learned along the way. Grab a pen, these are tips you’ll want to write down!

You’re the vice president of Urban Mobility and Maven at General Motors. Can you explain your role and what it entails? What does your day-to-day life look like on the job?

At General Motors our vision is to create a world with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. One way of helping to achieve our vision is Maven, GM’s car-sharing business. Maven is helping to redefine car ownership by making cars available to people who are looking for on-demand transportation, all through seamless technology. Leading Maven, I oversee all business operations, including guiding the strategy, reviewing future plans and providing insights to ensure our members have a great experience.

Your mission is "to define the future of personal mobility through an on-demand car-sharing marketplace"—Can you elaborate on what that means and how you are bringing this mission to life?

The sharing economy is an important societal shift taking place that is impacting a lot of industries, including automotive. Consumers are increasingly valuing access to assets over ownership, and with this comes an openness to sharing things. Just look at Airbnb and Rent the Runway, for example. Years ago, who would have thought people would be okay with sharing homes and clothes? The openness to share is changing the way people look at transportation too. Maven supports this movement by making cars available on-demand.

It’s important that we consider how people want to access mobility now and in the future. Maven members can look for the date and time they need a car, make a reservation, lock and unlock the car, and start it, all through a simple app. Today, consumers have a lot more options to get around, if they decide that owning a car is not right for them.

“I hope as a society we can get to a place where there is nothing stopping women from achieving success in any industry.”

You work in a traditionally male-dominated industry—What drew you to work in the automotive space? What advice would you give to other women who want to break into the industry? Why?

I started my career in marketing and I knew I wanted to work with products that people care about; products that create an emotional connection. Cars do that for many people. It’s a highly involved and emotional purchase. For many, owning a car is a symbol of accomplishment, it brings joy and a sense of achievement. Cars also transport you to some of the most special moments in your life. I love working with products and services that have this kind of impact on people’s lives.

While the automotive industry has traditionally been male-dominated, this is changing. Just look at General Motors, where we have a female CEO and CFO inspiring women across all industries to believe in themselves and aim for the top. I definitely encourage women to consider the automotive industry—or any industry of interest—without hesitation.

With success comes opportunity, but that also means you have your hands full—What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?

Mobility is a critical consumer need. It’s what allows people to get to their jobs, get back home to their loved ones and enjoy amazing experiences during trips. Working on a business that enables mobility for so many people makes my job truly rewarding. And being a part of the future of mobility and what it will look like makes it even more interesting.

You have really carved out a blueprint for other women behind you who want to get into the automotive industry—What message do you have for these women? Have you had any mentors along the way? What did you learn from them?

I hope my career can serve as inspiration for other women who are considering going into traditionally male-dominated industries. I hope as a society we can get to a place where there is nothing stopping women from achieving success in any industry. There have been several female role models in my professional life and one common thing they have taught me is that I should always be proud of who I am and the perspectives that I bring to the table. Anything is possible if you believe in yourself and work hard to achieve your objective.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job? Why?

At Maven, we are helping people access transportation so that they can get to where they need to when they need to—whether it be to make money, visit a friend, or go on a trip. I love being a part of something that is rooted in purpose and helping improves our members’ lives. It’s also fulfilling to be the leader of Maven, as my team is filled with extremely talented people who are passionate about changing the future of mobility.

You've achieved phenomenal success but that didn't come without hard work and determination—What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way and what have they taught you?

BE POSITIVE: Having a positive attitude helps you navigate the challenges that you will invariably face. Plus, nobody likes to work with someone who is always negative—choose to be positive!

BE OPEN TO TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS: The more challenging the better. That’s how we learn and grow.

WORK AS ONE TEAM: You can’t possibly do everything on your own. Collaborate. Delegate. Your team will make you much stronger.

SPEAK UP: Don’t be afraid to share your opinions. Diversity of thought is critical for the success of every business so share your point of view.

“The key is to not fear change but to embrace it.”

If you could go back to the beginning of your career with the knowledge you have now, what's one thing you would tell yourself and why?

Be confident in yourself. There were times early in my career when I doubted myself and my ability to succeed. There was no basis for it and seeing what I’ve been able to accomplish to date, it is even clearer that I should have never questioned my ability to grow and contribute.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success

The first step is to be accepting that you will encounter bumps along the way and to be okay with it. The only constant is change—those bumps keep your career interesting and will make you grow. The ability to face challenges with courage, learn and pivot when needed, are critical skills that everyone must develop, particularly in these ever-changing times. For me, the key is to not fear change but to embrace it.

What are you most excited about/looking forward to in 2020?

We have a few new mobility product and service ideas being explored for Maven, so I can’t wait to keep improving the lives of our members as we continue to evolve our car-sharing business.

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 FIND NEW ROADS LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Robin Arzón

It’s no surprise that Robin “The Fitness Queen” Arzón’s motto is “do epic shit.” As the vice president of fitness programming and head instructor at Peloton, a 26-time marathoner, a brand ambassador for Adidas, a New York Times bestselling author, and, not to mention, a former lawyer, she does epic shit every day—and makes it look way easier than it actually is. 

Arzón lives every day like it’s her last, and that’s because she almost did experience her last. A traumatizing brush with death (she was held hostage at gunpoint) when she was 20 served as the impetus behind her joie de vivre approach to life. She has become an inspiration to thousands with her enthusiasm and message to live life to the fullest.

Here, we ask Arzón to share her sage advice for anyone considering a huge career shift, how she pushes through negative thoughts or moments of doubt and persists, and the changes she hopes to see in the health, wellness, and fitness industry.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You left a successful law career to start working in the health, wellness, and fitness space—what was the catalyst behind this career shift? What advice would you give to others considering such a huge career change?

ROIN ARZÓN: While practicing law, I developed a double life as an athlete. I counted down the hours until I could run again. I needed to live for more than an hour of joy a day.

My career transition advice: 

1. Take an honest inventory of your current skillset and circumstances. How do you need to level up? 

2. Plant all the seeds. Do not ask to “pick someone’s brain.” Instead, offer help to those who you admire and seek mentorship from. 

3. Move your body, your office furniture. Shake things up for a new perspective. 

4. Just start. Fear is paralyzing. There will never be the right time to level up. Use fear as fuel. Fear is your friend. Jealousy shows what you care about. Fear shows what you have to work on. Act it out. Don’t figure it out. 

5. Discomfort is your biggest ally. Nerves mean you care. 

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

Hurdles are jet fuel to a hustler. Recalibrate your focus and go back to the tips above.

You are a brand ambassador for Adidas—how do you choose what brands to work with? How do you manage those partnerships?

Brand partnerships are marriages, not dates. Adidas was an obvious synergy in how they elevate the everyday hero in sport, especially for female athletes. I was also drawn to their mission to change the narrative for young girls in sport. We put strength on a pedestal. I left law to monetize and leverage who I am, how I view movement and push the conversation forward for how the everyday person can do epic shit. That's my North Star. When you know your mission, everything else falls on gut instinct.

“The most successful people don’t fear failure—they fear mediocrity.”

How do you define your personal fitness brand in a way that stands out?

Do epic shit.

As a 26-time marathoner, you know a thing or two about persistence. How do you push through negative thoughts or moments of doubt?

Our inner voice is the most powerful conversation we have. When you tell yourself "I can’t, I won’t, historically I haven’t," then you’re stuck. You might as well reframe that story. The most successful people don’t fear failure—they fear mediocrity. A lot of people want that finish line but they aren’t willing to work for it. I am not that person. I actively revere and seek out discomfort.

What do you wish more people knew about your job?

I only make it look easy.

Peloton has changed the in-home fitness game—how has working on an online platform changed the way you work?

The scale and breadth of our Peloton community are powerful. We are part of a family of over 1.4 million strong. I've never been part of a sports team in my life. I didn't play sports as a child and never identified as an athlete until adulthood. Peloton is the ultimate, global sports team. Everyone is welcome. Everyone has the opportunity to level up through a connected fitness experience on their bike, tread, mat, and phone.

What is the best advice you have been given? Or a favorite piece of #realtalk?

Complaints are not a conversation. Nobody owes you shit.

Your New York Times bestselling book Shut Up and Run is a guide to help anyone achieve their running goals. What is the next big goal you are working toward?

My next book about the hustler's oath, confronting fear, and using discomfort as a launching pad. And making Peloton the biggest wellness brand on the planet.

What changes do you hope to see in the health and wellness/fitness industry?

The democratization of wellness by improving access for all communities. Empowering more people to step into power through movement. I want to eliminate every barrier of entry for someone to reach their strongest self.

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 HEALTH & WELLNESS LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Small Business: Paige Appel & Kelly Harris

At a time when e-commerce is on the rise and big chains and small mom-and-pop shops alike are going out of business, Paige Appel and Kelly Harris are reinventing the brick-and-mortar retail game. With their inspired Los Angeles-based shop, Midland, the creative team is bringing back the nostalgia of in-person shopping—all while supporting local artisans while curating an inventory of covetable finds in the process. (And ICYWW, you can count industry heavy-weights by the likes of Emily Henderson, Amber Lewis, and Sarah Sherman Samuel as fans.)

But before Appel and Harris were disrupting retail, they were running their own event production company, Bash Please, which they sold in late 2016. (Yes, the pair have been best friends since their 20s). Talk about a major pivot, but the pair haven’t looked back and are looking at expanding into more retail locations in 2020. Ahead, the dynamic duo fills C&C in on the marketing tools and strategies they’ve used to successfully (and organically) grow their business and the advice they’d give to young entrepreneurs who have a great idea but don’t know where to start on executing it.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: Your early careers were in the film industry and advertising—but you also started an event production company called Bash Please in 2009 which you later sold. How have these careers informed your new roles as founders? What skill sets have you carried over? Why?

PAIGE APPEL & KELLY HARRIS: Working in film and advertising in our 20s was much like grad school for the job of life. Those careers shaped our historical and aesthetic points of view as well as toughened us up in the Los Angeles creative hustle. Working from a strong foundation helped us become successful in the event production business quickly and we had a book deal before we even had enough events to really showcase. That business grew from a hobby to a full-fledged operation quickly which is what really prepared and launched us as female founders.

We always said that producing an event was like producing a movie with only one take. There aren't directives such as "cut" and "take 5" and "reset". It's go-time and everything has to be perfect and smooth. You can't tell a bride to stop and go back down the aisle because the quartet missed a note. So in that way, our first company really prepared us for the worst-case scenario, to be on top of every nuanced detail, and to learn how to manage all personality types. It was the Master’s program of life. If anyone needs a well-rounded education, go work in events.

Being a founder is never a smooth path. What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned through the process of starting Midland? What have been the biggest challenges? Why?

One of the biggest lessons we've learned since starting Midland is that retail is an ever-changing organism. Keeping up with the demand to have new items in-store for the regular customer while also staying true to our original vendors is creative and challenging. We’re constantly asking ourselves, “What will be the long game win? What makes a good retail shop stay in business? Why do we go back to certain shops? Beyond the social media game and the lure to fast and cheap fashion, how can we be sustainable financially and ethically?”

We want to offer beauty and quality with a distinct aesthetic while still being approachable and not pretentious. Reaching that customer requires constant analysis and marketing. We live in a time where big chain stores and small mom-and-pop shops are going out of business, so planting our feet in the grounded reality that this is not a guaranteed place to thrive. It does require our attention and our passion which keeps us interested and working on refining our customer's experience and searching for the goods that really speak to us and not just what is popular at the moment.

“All entrepreneurs have set-backs and mountains to climb. Ask for help. Use your community resources. Stay humble and be right where you’re at.”

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

Hurdles are inevitable as an entrepreneur. If you look at them as opportunities to shift and grow, they can be your biggest helpers in achieving success. We are lucky to have each other to bounce ideas off of, encourage each other's talents, take on different roles, give each other a break, and allow space for a different point of view. We often take a day to "deep dive" on all things working and not working in the business, and if there is a problem, we take a little time to spin out and vent and curse and purge our fears and then re-center ourselves and tackle it the best way we know-how. It's important to allow yourself that moment or hour or day to expel the negative feelings about the bump in the road so it doesn't wreak more havoc.

Then we switch gears, and if we can't get over it, we ask someone more seasoned than us. Asking for help, tapping into our community of knowledgeable entrepreneurs, and looking for someone smarter than us to guide, have all been essential ways of evolving and learning. We’d highly encourage anyone starting a business to look for opinions and data from other people. Also, don't get too stuck in one path. With three careers behind us, we don't look at an endeavor as the "one that has to work." If something isn't working or maybe it is working but you want to switch gears, find a way to do it. Fluidity creates freedom and if you feel trapped in a job, you will be unhappy and that business won't prosper.

You operate both online and brick-and-mortar retail stores, what have been the hardest parts about running retail? Why did you decide to launch physical stores? Would you recommend it?

We believe in a sensory experience. You can't really get that online. You can't touch or smell or even see the details when buying something from a website. You don't interact with a human being. You don't engage with a piece. It's a flat experience. We want our customers to come in and feel like they encountered something special and rare. 75% of our customers walk in and say, "What is that smell? I want it!" They feel the worn concrete floors, they see the oil-stained spruce shelves, they rest in the leather window seat, they touch the hay in the Japanese stucco wall, they ask about the dried flowers on display, they hum along to the Patsy Cline song on the Midland playlist. It's a vibe and we ourselves love to just be in the shop with it.

The hardest part about retail is getting people into the shop to fall in love with a piece of pottery. A certain fragrance. A linen shirt. A Mexican cookbook. A vintage record. Nowadays, people look for the ease and immediacy of online shopping and we understand that to some degree, but it's a limited experience. We send them a little scent and some dried flowers when they shop online with us, but we really hope our customers can come in and hold the carved stone Zuni Owl fetish and feel it's medicine. Or spray our signature sweet hay and palo santo scent. When a customer comes alive in our shop and a maker is ecstatic to be a part of the roster, that's what makes us feel we are doing something good for the soul. It truly makes us happy to support good people making intentional products and to collaborate and buy from people of indigenous cultures. And we recommend any job that makes someone happy and supports a creative, working person's livelihood.

We read that you met via Twitter, is that true? How have you turned a friendship into a working relationship? What's the secret to making that work? Would you recommend it? What advice can you share?

The good old days of Twitter! Before Instagram was the way. We were both working on our hobby careers—post-film and advertising—and some blogs had published our work. Paige reached out to Kelly via twitter to meet up for coffee and work on a project. After three canceled meetings, they met up at Bloom Cafe on Pico and hit it off instantly. After working together on three events, we agreed we were better together and merged companies.

We highly recommend having your best friend as your business partner! It has worked so well for us and we continue to evolve in both roles. We get asked this question a lot, “What’s the secret to being best friends and business partners?” We honestly just work well together and really like each other. It's a marriage. Honesty, trust, and commitment to what's best for each other and the business is key. Talking through the arguments, being vulnerable, and respecting each other's way. Having no ego and letting the other person shine when they deserve it. Knowing who's strengths should lead and when to take a back seat. Trusting each other and keeping each other in a safe space to be ourselves. Pushing each other to be better. It's a complex and beautiful relationship. It's dharmic to be in this work together. Feels every essential to our selves to be partners.

You've achieved so much success since launch. What do you wish you could go back and tell yourself when you were first starting out? Why?

To always meditate before going to work! We really believe that if we operated from a centered and calm place before making any decisions or dealing with any human beings, our work in this world would be clearer and more connected to all of the success. Sometimes, something that is making money can leave fragments of yourself and others behind. We felt this way quite a bit with our event company. Casualties of our family relationships, employees, clients, etc. because we were operating from an overly ambitious, often fearful place that wasn’t always in line with our soul work. Recalibrating our intentions makes the work and the partnership much richer and kinder to ourselves and to all around us. That vibration we hope spreads wider than the Los Angeles hustle that can grind away at being present and not comparing ourselves to what others are doing.

When you're a small business you have to fall in love with the numbers. What have been some of the hardest money lessons you've learned along the way? What is your #1 money tip for small business owners? Why?

Money comes and goes. Don't get too attached to it and don't judge your success based on your bank account. A lesson we learned and value is that money spent on team building, taking care of our employees, giving to a charity, supporting an up and coming artist, are all things that seem luxurious but are actually essential to creating wealth in your community and in your soul. Allocating money to support the greater good of humanity benefits your own business in intention and in conscious. Don't complicate your accounting. Simple spreadsheets (thank god for Google Docs) and a good bookkeeper will keep you stress-free.

Creating buzz so people know about your brand/shop can be challenging for small businesses. How do you market your business? How are people aware of your business? What are some unique social/marketing tools you've used to grow Midland organically?

Tapping into our community and asking for help on social media is key these days. People organically post photos from the shop and in our clothes but also we also reach out to influencers and ask if they will post if it makes sense. Cross-promotion increases visibility and that's really what it's about with online marketing. It's a saturated world of images nowadays so staying active in people's feed is key without being obnoxious and over-posting. Hosting pop-ups with designers and makers in-store where customers can get a custom and in-person meeting with them has worked really well. Carrying goods that people are drawn to and love is the best marketing. Word of mouth will always be a tried-and-true way to increase your growth. If someone has a good experience, they will tell others.

“Word of mouth will always be a tried-and-true way to increase your growth. If someone has a good experience, they will tell others.”

Your store is really popular, which is great, but it also means you're very busy. What are your productivity hacks to get it all done? What three apps or sites do you use every day to help keep you organized and on track?

Productivity hacks! We love that phrase. Definitely, a shared calendar and shared notes, shared email addresses, and group texts. The more eyes on something, the better, and the easier it is to answer and keep the flow going. Google Docs, for sure, to keep track of orders, and Apple Notes to keep track of customer requests and in-store happenings. When someone clocks in, they can see an end-of-day report from the closing shift and reference the notes to see if anything needs to be shipped or a customer contacted. Connecting the dots for everyone keeps us sane and communication clear.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who have an idea but don’t know where to start to execute it?

Start by working in the field you want to go into. There’s no better training than learning from someone already doing it. Sometimes you may have to intern or volunteer, but take some time to research and learn. Then go for it. If you can't work for someone else, then just don't be afraid to learn by trial by error and don't get discouraged. All entrepreneurs have set-backs and mountains to climb. Ask for help. Use your community resources. Stay humble and be right where you're at.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 SMALL BUSINESS LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Shani Darden

Shani “The Skin Whisperer” Darden is, hands down, the most sought-after esthetician in Hollywood. With a client list that includes A-listers by the likes of Chrissy Teigen, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jessica Alba, and January Jones, it’s no wonder getting an appointment at her recently opened skincare studio in Beverly Hills is nearly impossible. 

To the joy of skincare fanatics, Darden started bottling her cult retinol serum in 2013. And she’s since launched an everyday skincare line, complete with a cleanser, moisturizer, and toning essence, that makes getting glowing skin attainable for those who may not be able to snag a one-on-one appointment with the esthetician to the stars.

Here, Darden generously offers insight into her success, including her strategy for turning every challenge into a valuable learning experience, her decision to launch a skincare line, and her process for developing new products that stand apart from the rest.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: After years of working as Hollywood's hottest esthetician, you decided to launch your own skincare line in 2013. What was the catalyst for this decision? How has your brand changed over the years?

SHANI DARDEN: I launched my Retinol Reform six years ago, and then, last year, expanded the line by launching Texture Reform, which is a gentler retinyl palmitate serum. I realized that some of my clients with sensitive skin couldn’t tolerate retinol so I wanted to develop a serum that would work great for their skin too. After I launched Texture Reform, I released Daily Cleansing Serum, Daily Toning Essence, and Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer. These are meant to be your daily skincare essentials to supplement your treatment products.

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

Every bump in the road has been an incredible learning experience. I think those moments are invaluable because they help you better understand what does and doesn’t work.

What do you wish your younger self knew when you were first starting out in the beauty industry?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take risks. Be your most authentic self!

When developing your skincare line how did you make sure it would stand apart from other products out there? How do you keep growing your brand?

Every product that I make, I test for so long, as well as test it with my team and my clients.

For many years, I’ve been working with different ages, ethnicities, and skin types. I’ve tried so many different ingredients and formulas and have been able to really determine what works best for all different types of skin and why. I have taken all of that knowledge and put it into my own skincare line.

My focus has been on developing products with the most efficacious ingredients to address the concerns that I’ve heard about from clients and customers over the years. An amazing treatment product can make all of the difference in your skin. A powerful treatment product that uses really effective ingredients paired with the staples like a great cleanser and moisturizer can transform your skin.

What changes do you hope to see in the beauty industry in the future?

My philosophy is: less is more. I think we are overdoing it with skincare. There’s a machine for everything now, and I hope we get back to a place where we aren’t doing as much because it can damage your skin.

What is your best social media advice?

Bring value to everything you put out there.

You are an esthetician to the stars. Has who you work with, changed the way you do things? Do you feel your clients have helped shape your success?

I’ve been fortunate enough to have some truly amazing clients with me from the very beginning. Amazing clients have led to amazing referrals, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take risks. Be your most authentic self!”

Where do you find the most inspiration? What drives your passion?

Everything I do is for my two daughters. They are my greatest inspiration.

Your new Beverly Hills studio gained a lot of media attention, as you move into this new chapter what's next for your brand?

I have several innovative products in development that we will be launching in the near future. Content creation is always top of mind for me as well. My new studio is the perfect space for me to be creating content to continue to help people all over the world!

How do you define beauty? What makes you feel beautiful?

Feeling confident in my own skin is what makes me feel beautiful.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 BEAUTY LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Entrepreneur: Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin

Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin decided to go into business together just four hours after meeting. True story. Though the move may sound like a risky one, it’s more than paid off for the design-minded organizational geniuses.

Shearer and Teplin’s sought-after home organization company, The Home Edit, has garnered a long list of celebrity clients by the likes of Mandy Moore, Busy Philipps, Kacey Musgraves, and Khloé Kardashian. Not to mention over 1.4 million followers on Instagram, a line of products at The Container Store, a New York Times bestselling book, and a forthcoming Netflix show produced by none other than Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine.

Here, Shearer and Teplin share their tips for navigating a business relationship with a close friend, their tried-and-true social media marketing strategy, and their preferred stress-relieving activity, which (hint!) requires a box of crayons.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You two met and became instant friends and shortly after business partners—how have you developed a good working relationship? What tips can you give to other business partners trying to make it work?

CLEA SHEARER: We met, became friends, and decided to start a business together after just four hours. Are we crazy?! The answer is probably yes. But that’s what makes us such great business partners. We have this shared ability to trust our instincts and just do. To this day, you can still find us making huge life-altering business decisions over lunch. What’s even more strange is that Joanna and I are simultaneously the same people and complete opposites. It’s what allows us to spend so much time together without calling it quits. We rely on each other’s individual strengths to take the lead when needed, and to help balance out our independent weaknesses.

JOANNA TEPLIN: It’s true. As business partners, it’s SO important to be cognizant of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It allows you to work more efficiently and divide and conquer without ego or frustration holding you back. We actually took the Enneagram Institute test together and it provided a lot of insight for us into the good (and bad) sides of our personalities. The more you know yourself, and your partner, the more successful you will be. Being different isn’t bad, it can actually bring more opportunity.

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

JOANNA: It all goes back to trusting our instincts. If something didn’t turn out the way we planned, there’s usually a reason for that. We’re all for moving forward in a different direction and taking the knowledge we’ve learned from what didn’t work to help us find what will.

CLEA: What Joanna said. We’ve learned that analyzing things until we are blue in the face is just a waste of time and usually leads to one of us crying in a corner. We’re better off not getting stuck on a problem, even if it means risking a trial and error. You learn from those mistakes and bumps in the road, so we might as well embrace them.

““Setting the bar just low enough to accomplish all kinds of bite-size victories helps us stay motivated.—Clea Shearer”

Why do you think organization has become so popular? To what do you attribute your success?

JOANNA: I think people are realizing that organizing is about more than making a space pretty for pretty’s sake. Believe us when we say that if it were just about staging spaces for gorgeous photos, we would have been out of business a long time ago. One of the things we love most about having organized homes, and one of the things we often hear from our clients, is how calm they feel when everything’s put away. Organization can help save time, money, and ultimately, your sanity.

CLEA: When we first launched The Home Edit, we had a very clear objective: Transform the way people think about organization. We weren’t satisfied being just another couple of organizers who could sort things into bins and use a label maker. We wanted to showcase the magical sweet spot that exists where form meets function when spaces are efficient, user-friendly, and beautiful all at once. It not only makes sections of your home more enjoyable to look at, but it also inspires people to maintain it—and isn’t that the whole point?

Your Instagram account has over 1.4 million followers, how has social media changed or impacted the success and growth/awareness of your business? What is your social media strategy? What unique social marketing tips do you have for other entrepreneurs to help grow their company online?

CLEA: Instagram is the perfect tool to market our type of business. People love seeing photos of organized spaces because it elicits a sense of calm, which let’s be honest, is always nice. But even more importantly, the photos inspire them to do the same in their home and we can offer the tools to get them there.

Then, there’s our Instagram stories, where we share a more personal side. It gives us a unique opportunity to engage with our followers, and show them that just because our feed is perfectly curated doesn’t mean that our lives are. Joanna jokingly refers to it as “The Mullet Philosophy”, which means business in the front (organization on the feed) and party in the back (us and all of our issues in stories). I wouldn’t necessarily call it a strategy, it’s just what felt the most authentic to us. Not every follower of ours is interested in organization, some just come for the stories. Either way, it’s important to remember that when building a brand, both count. 

JOANNA: Speaking of owning our strengths and weaknesses, I have absolutely no clue how to use social media. I am so thankful that Clea not only enjoys it but is really, really good at it. It’s a full-time job, people, and that’s truly what it takes.

Your business has grown significantly with a book and a TV show. What was your biggest challenge this year and what did you learn from it?

JOANNA: Expanding our business while also traveling non-stop proved to be a challenge. It takes a lot of effort to make sure that nothing falls through the cracks, especially when you don’t remember what time zone you are in. It was also hard dealing with the guilt of being away from my family and missing my kids and husband constantly. But I learned that in order to manage it all, I had to be patient with myself and set realistic expectations. It’s better to compartmentalize than to spread yourself too thin.

CLEA: Being pulled in a million different directions. This past year has taught me a lot about the importance of prioritizing and the power of saying no. There’s only so many hours in a day and setting clear boundaries helps me be fully present where it matters most.

You have teams in Nashville, L.A., and N.Y.C. What has been the biggest challenge in expanding? How do you grow a team and keep the same quality and culture across the board?

JOANNA: Expanding a company can definitely be a risk, but we’ve always been confident that with high risk comes high reward. It’s obviously been a challenge to navigate our non-stop work schedule and all the aspects that go into launching a new city, but we try to take it one step at a time and have realistic expectations for growth. 

With every new team, we’ve learned that in order to maintain the same quality and culture across the board, the first step is to trust our instincts in the hiring process. It goes beyond whether or not someone is good at organizing, we want someone who can collaborate and bring their own unique strengths and weaknesses to the table. Being hands-on and creating an environment where people aren’t afraid to be themselves and ask questions has been our greatest tool. 

With success comes opportunity but that also means you have your hands full—what keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?

CLEA: It’s all about embracing the Low-Bar Lifestyle, which is a credo we came up with to describe just barely managing to make it through the day yet still feeling like you achieved something. For instance, if we give the kids a bath, then we get a gold star in parenting. If we shower instead of putting our hair up in a bun, that’s another A+. Setting the bar just low enough to accomplish all kinds of bite-size victories helps us stay motivated.

JOANNA: “Surviving Not Thriving” is another mantra we live by. Whenever we are having a challenging day and nothing seems to be going right, it helps take the pressure off and laugh at ourselves a bit. No one is perfect and life is too short to feel guilty about that.

“It’s like anything in life: Work hard, trust your instincts, and surrender to the highs and lows.—Clea Shearer”

Success is such a broad term and it means something different to everyone—how do you define success? What traits do you need to succeed today?

CLEA: Success is figuring out what your strengths are and owning them. When I was a kid, I was somewhat shy and awkward and would count down the days until spring break so I could stay home all day and organize my pencils. (Yes, I’ve always been this nuts.) The point is that I never knew that this could be my job... and it just so happens to be the only thing I’m actually good at. 

JOANNA: What Clea said. I did the same thing with my miniature horses. Being successful (and happy) takes owning your strengths, with the humility to admit to your weaknesses.

What do you wish people knew about being an entrepreneur? What are the biggest misconceptions?

JOANNA: There isn’t a one-size-fits-all process for starting a business. And our story is the perfect example. Building a successful business doesn’t happen overnight and be prepared for everything that comes with that. There will be times when you feel completely lost without direction and that every decision you’ve made was a mistake. But then in a matter of a day, you feel on top of the world. It’s like anything in life: Work hard, trust your instincts, and surrender to the highs and lows. 

CLEA: If you want to start your own business because you want to “be your own boss,” I’ll go ahead and stop you right there. Owning a business is hard work and takes sacrifice. As much as it seems like you can just show up whenever you want and make things happen, that’s very unlikely. What you give is what you get.

You co-wrote a New York Times Bestselling book together, also titled The Home Edit. What was the co-writing process like? What did you learn from that experience?

CLEA: I still can’t believe we wrote a book. AND THAT WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF WRITING ANOTHER ONE!!! It’s like I gave birth and forgot about how painful the pregnancy was… until I decided to do it all over again. The co-writing process is collaborative, just like when we organize. I do the bulk of the writing, which is usually stream-of-consciousness, and Joanna goes back and makes sense of it. 

JOANNA: When we started writing the first book, we had no idea whether or not people would even read it. That was the scariest part. But thankfully, we decided to risk it and found out how supportive our followers truly are, and we are so, so, so thankful for that.

What is the best advice you’ve received? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

JOANNA: “Don’t focus on the problem, focus on the solution.” This was the advice that my (very entrepreneurial) grandfather always reminded all of his kids and grandkids. 

CLEA: “Never take the first room the hotel gives you.” — My mother

What's a mistake you made and what did you learn from it? How did you turn it into an opportunity?

Hiring people that weren't a good fit for our company. It was a tough lesson but ended up a blessing in disguise. It made us take a step back and really think about what qualities are important to us in team members. It goes beyond being good at organizing because we can train someone in that skill. But what we can't teach and what matters the most is that they bring enthusiasm, positivity, and collaboration.

What is the #1 piece of advice you'd like women to know when starting out or building a business today? Why?

Bet on yourself and no one else. You are the ticket to your success and that's your greatest power. 

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?

This may be an unusual answer to this question but… adult coloring books. It's like our therapy and helps to relieve stress after a long day. Seriously, go buy a coloring book and a pack of crayons and you'll thank us.

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 ENTREPRENEUR LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Music: Sarah Barthel

When you tune into Sarah Barthel’s emotive lyrics from the popular electro-pop duo, Phantogram there’s a moment where space and time disappear and you lose yourself. Tracks like “Mouthful of Diamonds” and “When I’m Small” became instant hits and garnered an immediate global fanbase, but it’s easy to see why. It’s not just Barthel’s insane musical talent that attracts us to her—a killer style, ever-changing hairstyles, and ultra-cool persona make us all wish she was our best friend.

And after being on set with her for the CC100 photoshoot, we can attest that she is all of the above, and more. Barthel’s electronic-rock music has been pushing the boundaries of pop for over a decade, inspiring audiences around the world and musicians. Billie Eilish recently covered the group’s 2016 hit, ‘You Don’t Get Me High Anymore’ for BBC 1 Radio and called it, “one of her favorite songs.”

Ahead, the singer/songwriter shares her musical journey, how she collaborates with friend and Phantogram’s other half, Josh Carter, and some major career advice for emerging musicians.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: Your latest release and third single this year, 'In a Spiral' was just released—Can you talk us through the creative process for this song? What was the inspiration/drive? How have you grown since releasing your first album? How has the music evolved?

SARAH BARTHEL: In a Spiral has been sitting in my pocket for a few years in the hopes that it would make it on our last album Three. I started writing on josh's original beat when I lived in NYC and loved the energy and how fresh it sounded. The rest of the song was finished up in Joshua Tree and you can definitely hear the desert influence in the sample that Josh added. We love writing songs that you can't put into any category and this one is definitely that.

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

I think keeping things fresh and exciting is very important especially being in a band together as long as we have—each album cycle is a new journey experience. They all have their own hurdles to overcome but it's a part of the journey.

You've been collaborating with Josh since 2007 and I read that you kept most of your music to yourselves in the beginning. It wasn't until 2009 when you started giving away free CDs on a street corner—what does your creative process look like? How do you maintain a good working relationship? What tips do you have for other creatives on making a partnership work successfully like yours?

Josh and I are one of the lucky ones. We've been friends our whole lives. He's like a brother to me and my best friend on this earth. I call him my biggest witness as well as my psychic twin. We've always had the same vision musically, visually, and aesthetically. We are one of the lucky bands because we've never had our egos get in the way. I'm his biggest fan and he's mine.

Our drive to make the band a success has been the same since day one. We knew what we wanted and we hit the ground running. My advice to other bands is to understand why you want to be doing this. It's not an easy road but if you're doing it for the right reasons, then you will find your success, whatever that may be.

“It’s not an easy road but if you’re doing it for the right reasons, then you will find your success, whatever that may be.”

Who in your field most inspires/influences you? How has this person shaped your career and music style? Why?

I'm inspired by artists who aren't afraid of evolving, growing, and experimenting. Artists like Beck, Outkast, and Kendrick Lamar are good examples of this; each one of their records is nothing like the last and continues to allow themselves to be true artists. I strive to do the same as an artist.

Music, like any art, is really subjective. Do you ever read what people say about the music or their response, whether it’s positive or negative? How do you respond/deal with criticism? What advice do you have for other creatives reading this who are dealing with that? What helped you get through the early/uncertain stages of your career?

I used to give a shit—it's not worth it effecting your art. As long as we maintain our integrity, it makes me feel satisfied. I want to make music that is fresh and innovative. If people don't understand it, it's okay. That just means it's ahead of its time and that's a good thing to me.

You always seem so bold and self-assured—where do you think this confidence stems from? What advice do you have for people who are feeling self-doubt and want to have more courage?

It comes from believing in my art—I know what I want and who I am.

You and Josh have chosen to take an unhurried approach to create music rather than pumping it out on-demand. Why have you chosen this slower-paced strategy? What are the advantages/disadvantages? Would you recommend this?

We've built a solid fanbase organically so all of our fans are true fans. They understand and respect us as artists. Sometimes that means waiting a little longer because they know the product will not disappoint. All killer no filler is our motto. If the art you are making is timeless, then time doesn't matter as much.

The filtered world of social media often hides a lot of the hard work and hustle behind-the-scenes—what is the reality of being a musician today? Be honest!

It's a hard road to get to where we are now. I'm so glad we started when we did because social media shows a fake reality. It's not glamorous but that's not why we do it. I can't even count the number of disgusting bathrooms and green rooms I've had to change and put on makeup in, how many strangers floors I’ve slept on, and top ramens I've eaten in the past but it was well worth it.

You tackle some of the big topics head-on in your music with raw lyrics and moody beats which really resonates with your fans. Have you always felt drawn to this style? Where does it stem from? What advice do you have for other musicians reading this who are still finding their style or voice?

I have always been drawn to emotional and meaningful music—the rawness comes from my heart. My art is honest and vulnerable and I think our fans can see that it comes from somewhere real. People are fed so much bull shit in this world so they want to find the truth somewhere. My advice is, people can smell bullshit a mile away so be honest with yourself.

With success comes opportunity but that also means you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?

The reminder that I get to live my dream every single day and my art makes a difference in people’s lives.

You've had such a successful career in such a short space of time—What do you wish you had known when you first started out? What advice would you give other young women hoping to break it in the music industry?

We've been a band for 10 years! Holy shit yeah that's a long time. My advice to myself 10 years ago would be don't try and do it all. There is a breaking point that can be very dangerous and harmful to your mental health—just be aware of that.

“Don’t try and do it all.”

You have a really unique image and your personality shines through on your Instagram. How do you stay true to who you are and your voice? What advice do you have for other women who want to carve a unique POV for themselves?

Thank you! I think this goes back to being confident in who I am, accepting myself and not being afraid to live my truth. Even if that truth is being Post Malone for Halloween or feeling myself in the mirror, haha.

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why? What is the #1 album you always recommend? Why?

I'm kind of a weirdo when it comes to books—the darker the better—so I'd recommend any Bukowski or Hubert Selby Junior. Dang, my number one album is a tough one. There are too many albums that have had a huge impact on me. One of the recent favorites that I could recommend is Angel Olsen’s Woman—it's phenomenal.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 MUSIC LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Music: Jessie James Decker

We don’t have to tell you that Jessie James Decker has had an impressive career in country music and beyond (but we will anyway). Her latest album “Southern Girl City Lights,” debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. Her book Just Jessie is a New York Times bestseller. And her clothing line Kittenish has not one but two successful brick-and-mortar retail locations (no small feat in the era of online shopping.) Like we said, impressive.

Given all her recent success, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s been all roses for the country music star since the start—but, as you may suspect, getting to the top was much harder than it looks. As a teen, she auditioned for (and was rejected by) most country labels in Nashville—but she refused to give up, which isn’t easy in a field as cutthroat and competitive as the music industry.

Below, the persistent singer-songwriter tells us all about her remarkable, chart-topping career in country music, including why she’s glad her career didn’t take off when she was younger, how she stays grounded despite all the fame and fanfare, and her #1 piece of advice for today’s up-and-coming musicians.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You are such a successful country music singer but where did this passion stem from? What is your earliest music memory?

JESSIE JAMES DECKER: I have been singing for as long as I can remember. My earliest memory is at the age of two singing Disney songs into a plastic mic for my mama. I knew I loved to perform and entertain and make people happy early on.

In addition to being a musician, you are also an author, founder of a clothing brand, and the curator of a makeup collection. Where do you draw inspiration for all of these creative projects? Why did you expand into all of these categories?

I'm a creative person, and I feel all of these outlets are a way to express my creativity and inspiration in many different ways. My mind is always going and always coming up with different ideas and I've been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people to help make those visions come to life. I'm a girls’ girl and, from makeup to music, these things can make a woman feel good in their own skin.

You've amassed such a huge following in such a short amount of time with millions of fans around the world listening to your music. How do you stay grounded despite all the fame and fanfare? What advice do you have for other up-and-coming musicians?

I grew up in a very humble household and my family raised me to always remember what's most important in this life and to keep it real. I am grateful and very blessed for the wonderful dreams that have come true but I am still the same girl I was when I left home. I think that's what my fans appreciate about me. I'm not trying to be something I'm not and I'm honest about who I am and what I portray. Authenticity will never steer you wrong.

“Be your unique self because chances are, someone in the world can relate. And that’s all anyone wants these days—to not feel alone and to know someone gets them.”

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

When I hit a bump in the road, I always feel it’s a sign I need to pay attention to. Maybe I need to take a step back and re-strategize or maybe its time to take another direction to get to the goal I'm trying to achieve. For me, there is always another way to get there, even if I hit a bump.

Who inspires and influences you the most? How have they helped shape you and your career? Why?

My mom inspires me more than anyone, she gave me the courage and confidence to make my dreams come true. When I was ready to give up and when I felt like something wasn't achievable, she always put things into perspective and encouraged me to try again. Giving up was not allowed in my house and I'm glad it wasn't.

What do you wish you had known about the music industry when first starting out? What lessons have you learned along the way?

I have learned to be patient. I wanted to be a big country star at the age of 19 when I got my first record deal. I would get so frustrated and make decisions based on a "wanting it now" attitude, but I'm glad it didn't happen then. Looking back, I wasn't ready. I think I needed to be happy in my personal life and have a family to really know what was important in life in order to succeed in my professional life.

Music is a cut-throat industry—how do you handle rejection? I read in an interview that it can still be challenging for you to think that some people don't like you, how do you deal with criticism like that?

Growing up, I was bullied terribly in school, so feeling rejected will always be something that hurts. But, it’s also something I'm used to, therefore, I'm stronger for it. These days, if I'm rejected, I have a good attitude about it because that means they don't "get me" and I don't need to be in business with someone or a company that doesn't have the passion for me and my projects.

With success comes opportunity, but that also means you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?

I just get this feeling in my gut that I don't want to fail. I want to succeed. Once I put my mind to something, I have to see it happen. Also, my family motivates me. They keep me going every day because I want to make them proud. I want to show my daughter that she should never give up. The words I tell her daily, whether she's playing soccer or about to do a cheerleading performance, are, "You got this girl!"

What's a mistake you made and what did you learn from it? How did you turn it into an opportunity?

Early on, I thought I knew everything. Not in a "know it all way," I just knew who I was so strongly, that I didn't want to take any advice about who I was as an artist from anyone. I will say, it worked out better in the end, though. If I had molded myself into the artist that the labels wanted me to be, I wouldn't be sitting in my dining room right now answering these questions with a cup of coffee and my kids running around living my best life!

“I just get this feeling in my gut that I don’t want to fail—I want to succeed. ”

What advice do you have for other musicians coming up behind you? How can they achieve the same success you've experienced? How hard is it to break into the industry? Why?

Use social media to be heard... literally. I didn't have this tool when I was starting out, and my goodness, it’s a huge tool to have! You no longer need large companies to tell you that you’re great in order to get behind you. So many talented artists are now being discovered from building their own fanbases and following because of their talent. Be your unique self because chances are, someone in the world can relate—and that's all anyone wants these days; to not feel alone and to know someone gets them.

The music industry is such a competitive space. How do you stay true to who you are and your voice? How do you stand out and cut through the noise?

I've been told "no" from the beginning because I was different, but I decided that I would create my own path and it wouldn't deter me from making my dreams come true. I got creative and knew that if I did things my way and created a fanbase, then that would be all I needed to keep going. I have always wanted to be a role model for women, and I knew my voice could help and inspire them. I have proven that there are many ways to make it in this industry, and you don't have to follow any cookie-cutter path.

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?

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

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 MUSIC LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Melissa Wood-Tepperberg

After years of struggling with self-doubt, cystic acne, and an eating disorder, Melissa Wood-Tepperberg started taking steps to drastically change her life. She enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, earned her health coaching certification, and eventually launched her wildly popular eponymous platform Melissa Wood Health.

Fast-forward to 2020, and the health and wellness coach has amassed something of a cult following, thanks in part to her trademark MWH Method, which can be done at the office, at home, at the park, and pretty much anywhere. With over 210k Instagram followers and 16.4k YouTube subscribers, it’s safe to say she’s struck a chord with the wellness community.

Ahead, we ask Wood-Tepperberg how she turned her passion for health and wellness into a successful business, how she finds work/life balance, and how she switches gears when she hits a bump or hurdle in the road.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: How did you decide to get into the health and wellness/fitness industry?

MELISSA WOOD-TEPPERBERG: Honestly, it was less of a decision and more of something I was completely guided towards after having a horrible relationship with myself for many years. I woke up one day and knew something needed to change. So, I made a decision that changed my life forever. To actually change something!

Melissa Wood Health is more than just a workout—how do you define your brand? What do you think makes you or your business stand out?

Melissa Wood Health is a wellness platform created in hopes to not only guide you to feeling your absolute best but moving into a place of complete alignment with yourself. I believe people join my community because of the shorter workouts I share that you can do anytime and anywhere using your own body weight. Most importantly, I think it’s my unfiltered way of sharing what people connect to most.

You were able to find your way out of a dark time, discover your passion, and turn it into a successful business—how did you become the confident entrepreneur you are today?  

First of all, thank you. I tried my hand at many things I “thought” I wanted to do. But once I found what truly made me happy, I decided to give it 100% of my attention. That discipline coupled with my genuine love for what I now do every day is what led me down a path to success. Staying the course and staying true to myself are what continue to carry me today.

“I’m really learning that bumps in the road are par for the course. It’s not how many you hit but how you recover from them that matters most.”

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

I’m really learning that bumps in the road are par for the course. It’s not how many you hit but how you recover from them that matters most. I’m grateful for the lessons I’m able to take away from these experiences. Instead of looking at them as “bumps,” I suggest looking at them as a way that redirects you towards your purpose. 

What is the biggest work challenge you have faced? What did you learn from it?

By far the biggest work challenge I’ve faced is not following my gut intuition on something that was speaking so loudly to me. Always listen to what that little voice is saying to you.

You have two children and run your business at the same time—what is your life hack for getting it all done? What is your go-to mantra for staying motivated?

Omg, my life hack is constantly reminding myself every day that I’m doing the very best I can in all roles. Learning to manage my time and stick to a schedule (sorry Dylan) helps keep me in check. And building a team that has strengths that I don’t have. My go-to mantra for staying motivated is: It’s not just about me anymore—I have to show up for so many people in my life. And I love it, I jump out of bed and can’t wait to start my day. As long as it’s not before 6 A.M.

What do you wish more people knew about your job?

I’m not just sitting around working out all day and filming myself. Hahaha. I know I share a lot on Instagram Stories, but remember, Instagram doesn’t show everything! I’m in the office with my team Monday through Friday and all hands are still on deck during off hours because running a digital business means it never sleeps. 

You built your brand primarily online—why did you choose to do this? What would you suggest to other entrepreneurs looking to build a digital brand?

I was guided to teach digitally. As soon as I started, I knew it was where I was supposed to be. Being able to connect with people all over the world and hearing any ounce of impact I’ve had in their lives completely shifted something in me. For others looking to do the same, I would tell them to get specific on what message they want to share and, most importantly, do it in your own voice. And practice, practice, practice. Do your research, follow like-minded people in the space and read the book Subscribed!

“For people just starting out, I think the most important thing is to take the focus off your following, likes, and views and hone in on your gift.”

What is the best advice you have been given? Or a favorite piece of #realtalk?

The best piece of advice I’ve been told is that time is money. You have to think about the things you’re spending your time doing and if it’s worth taking time from something you actually love. This is something my husband taught me—and it’s not about the money, it’s about putting your time into things that matter most.

What changes do you hope to see in the health and wellness/fitness industry? What's next for you and the brand?

My team and I are constantly working on creating the best user experience and more live experiences where I can better connect with people face to face.

What do you wish you could go back and tell yourself when you were first launching your business? Why?

If I could go back, I would tell myself to do less opinion shopping. To fully follow your heart, your gut, and your vision. And no matter where you are, just start because nothing will ever be “perfect,” you adjust as you grow.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who have an idea but don’t know where to start to execute it?

For people just starting out, I think the most important thing is to take the focus off your following, likes, and views and hone in on your gift. That one thing that sets you apart and that you want to share with the world. I truly believe that when you come from this place and your intention is to share from your heart, things start to align. Consistency is also key.

Anything else you would like to add?

Keep an open mind with whatever it is you’re doing. I would have never imagined years ago that I’d have this burning desire to share my workouts online.

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 HEALTH & WELLNESS LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Ally Maki

Ally Maki knows firsthand that representation matters.

When she was younger, she joined club after club in search of a community where she felt seen—but they all came up short. Which is why the actress (who you no doubt recognize from popular TV shows like “Cloak & Dagger,” “Dear White People,” and “Wrecked” and whose voice you know as Giggles from “Toy Story 4”) founded Asian American Girl Club, an apparel company that celebrates Asian American women.

But this is about so much more than just apparel. Maki has launched a movement. A global community has rallied around AAGC’s culture-pushing content that is “dedicated to the normalization of the next generation of AAPI gals and boss babes,” as their mission so aptly puts it. Maki is giving the next generation a platform and a voice—and she’s just getting started.

Ahead, the actor tells Create & Cultivate all about her plans to carve out the career of her dreams and empower women like herself, how she handles failure, and her #1 piece of advice for aspiring actresses starting out today.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You started doing musical theatre when you were six but you’ve also worked in the journalism field and even performed in a band. How did you settle on acting as a career? What did it take to get to where you are today? Was Hollywood receptive or have you had to fight for your spot? Why?

ALLY MAKI: I've had a love for performing since before I can remember. I was the kid who put on very detailed musical puppet shows from my bedroom but would be completely silent at school. I was insufferably shy. My parents were extremely supportive and really allowed me to try everything as a kid, even when we all knew it wasn't going to be "my thing." Sports was a total disaster. But I always got to try, which was important. When I started doing theater, everything started to make sense for me. It was the one place where I felt like I could be as crazy and weird as I wanted without any judgment. I think that passion and want for a safe space are what has always kept me going through any situation I’ve faced. It will always be fuel for me.

You recently landed the part of Giggle McDimples in “Toy Story 4.” We read that you were a huge fan growing up and that it was one of the first films you saw in a movie theater, what was your first memory of seeing “Toy Story?” Can you talk through why and how this movie impacted you? And how did this character Giggle allow you to unlock your true potential?

Friendships create the baseline foundation for a person’s life, especially during childhood. “Toy Story” as a franchise has taught me so much about friendship, purpose, and identity. I remember my mom had this huge basket that when you opened the top, was just filled to the brim with old school clam shell Disney VHS boxes. It was like a real-life treasure chest. “Toy Story” was the film that played on repeat all day long.

Animation hits in a way for underrepresented kids that’s insanely powerful. When you don’t see people who look like you on screen, you find yourself desperately searching for representation in any format. Characters like Buzz, Woody or Slinky Dog defied stereotypes and created heroes that looked as imaginative as we wanted. Anybody could find comfort in Rex’s anxiety. We saw ourselves in Hamm’s wisecracking wit. Giggle shows me how to use my voice in a big way even when I feel small. And we all know at the end of the day that these characters would be there for us at any moment.

“If I’m not vocal about my unique experiences, there is no one else who can tell them.”

You’re also on a lot of the merchandise, and you now have little girls dressing up as you. What does that mean for you to see that? How will that impact generations coming up behind you and why is that visibility important?

It really means everything. Seeing little girls dressing up as Giggle during the release of the film was absolutely one of the most emotional experiences. It’s a hard feeling to describe. I found it fascinating that through all the brilliant minds at Pixar who helped to create this character, a new iteration of what is possible was put into existence. I love that girls can now say “of course I can be police chief, duh.” This is what TV/film characters do. They can change culture in an instant. I remember a moment that really got me, a mom had sent me a message on Instagram saying that her 6-year-old Asian American daughter had just seen the film and told her excitedly, “Giggle looks like me.” She’s making that connection. It’s moments like these where you feel it on a massive level.

As one of the few South Asian actors in Hollywood what are some of the biggest challenges, you've faced as an actor? Do you think this is changing? And what more needs to be done?

I moved to L.A. when I was a teenager, and by the time I was in my early 20s, I remember feeling so burnt out. The industry was a massively different place than the awesome little musical theater camps I grew up in. All of a sudden, we were being categorized and put into separate boxes based upon factors like appearance and ethnicity. At 14 years old, it did a doozy on my self-worth. I internalized it in a way that went far past auditioning—I told myself I could never play or deserve to be a leading character. Even in real life. Half of my inner battle has been really reprogramming my own psyche. Finding and nurturing young talent in front of and behind the screen is so important. It’s about creating that pipeline of creativity.

You're the founder of Asian American Girl Club, so when you're not busy filming, you're working tirelessly to inspire Asian American girls and women to not be afraid to use their voices and be proud of who they are. When did you decide to start this club? Was there a moment that inspired the movement or was it something you always wanted to do? How do you join the club, what do you do once you're in, and how is it inspiring change?

There really was no specific “aha” moment for the creation of Asian American Girl Club, but rather a culmination of all of the life experiences I had not only experienced but witnessed through the eyes of other AAPI women around me. These women are multifaceted, beautifully talented, and so wanting to build a sisterhood of support. It’s something I found was missing in my own life, as a girl who had two brothers and very few female friends growing up. AAGC was founded on the floor of my living room with nothing but a name and a logo, truthfully not really knowing what it would be. We uploaded it to IG at 10:30 pm and I swear the next morning our inboxes were flooded with messages from girls around the country just wanting to tell their stories and share what it means to them that this exists. A few had sent in college style essays that read as if they were taken from my very own mind.

One of my hopes for AAGC is that it inspires others to start their own companies, projects our just aim for their highest dreams—because they see others who look like them doing it. To be fearless and strong knowing there are support and community behind them saying, “Yes, it’s possible.”

When did you first realize that you are a voice for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community? And how do you feel about that responsibility?

When I first started doing interviews, I was just answering questions authentically from my life experiences. Through each one, I started to get clearer and more confident in what I was saying and how it could be valuable for others. It certainly feels scary, but at the same time, I realize that if I’m not vocal about my unique experiences, there is no one else who can tell them. That springs me into action.

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

Just follow your heart. If you had told me a year ago, I would have my own business, I would have probably laughed. Just follow where your intuition is taking you. It knows you better than you know yourself.

You've had an incredibly successful career. If you could go back and talk with young Ally, what do you wish you could tell her? Why?

That you can do all the things you’re dreaming of. It’s all possible.

You have become a role model to so many young women everywhere, what advice would you give to a young woman hoping to follow in your footsteps? How should they be prepared? What are the key traits to succeed in entertainment today?

Don’t be afraid to use your voice and take big chances. Everything good that has ever happened in my career has come from a moment of choosing what may seem like the scarier path—but something about it rang true to me and only me. You have to own that.

Take time alone to really think about what your true goals are. They are going to be unlike anyone else’s—and that’s okay.

Speak up for those that may not have as loud of a voice.

Embrace your uniqueness. The weirdest parts about you are usually what people will resonate most with.

The entertainment industry is incredibly competitive, how do you create a unique voice and character that stands out above the rest?

Funny enough, the hardest part about creating a character, for me, is grounding it in authenticity first. The trap of acting is feeling like you need to be someone else before you can play a character. Finding that tiny bit of truth that rings true for me is the impetus for everything else. Once you find it, it seems to open everything. You can then add all the fun nuances and character-driven elements and it still feels real.

Most people are scared to voice their opinions for fear of the ramifications, but you always seem so bold and self-assured. Do you ever worry being so outspoken will hurt your career? Where do you think this confidence stems from? What advice do you have for people who are feeling self-doubt and want to have more courage?

It’s certainly very scary, in this social climate, to feel like you can speak up, and I deal with that fear all the time. In my experience, I’ve always tried to stay true to who I am and speak directly from my personal journey. That’s all I can ever speak from. I remember when people first started to talk about representation, people would ask me my thoughts on it and I would just share things that have happened to me. Throughout the years, the more I talk about it, the stronger I get. It becomes less about fear and more about finding those people that connect with what you’re saying. Start small. It doesn’t have to be a full-on TED talk, but maybe practice a mini one in the mirror to yourself solo and go from there.

You don't seem afraid of making tough decisions, but what is the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make professionally? And how did you get through it?

I am actually a terrible decision-maker. It’s something I’ve struggled with over the entire course of my life. Through mistake after mistake, I’ve finally come to the realization that it was never the decisions themselves that were difficult, it was always my underlying reasoning for making them. I was making choices based on what I should do and the validation of others versus following my heart, intuition and what I want to do—should versus want. It’s been a definite uphill battle these last few years as someone who is an absolute perfectionist and eager to make the people around me proud, but I realize that I am no good to others if deep down I’m not happy or fulfilled. All the art we create has to come from that good place. Don’t ignore that first gut feeling telling you what you know is true for you.

“Just follow where your intuition is taking you. It knows you better than you know yourself.”

Who in your field most inspires/influences you the most? How has this person changed/influenced your career? Why?

I am incredibly enamored by those who walk the walk confidently and use their voice for change. Ava DuVernay, Reese Witherspoon, Malala, and activists during the Japanese American internment camps. My friend and editor-in-chief at Allure, Michelle Lee, who time after time shows how we can use our influence to help others.

Success is such a broad term and it means something different to everyone. How do you define success? Why?

Success should never be measured in comparison to others or defined by money or fame. There are so many alluring factors that come with a career in the arts, but I find that, at the end of the day, if you don’t 100% love what you’re doing, it will never fulfill you, no matter how high up you get. I’m still that girl that would put on goofy shows in my parent’s living room and I hope to never lose her. I really try not to let other people define my personal success. When I go into auditions, I only feel like a failure if I think I let myself down. If I knew I didn’t do the best that I could have or wasn’t true to myself. Everyone else’s opinion I try not to let affect me as heavily.

With success comes opportunity, but it also means you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?

Being grateful and feeling everything. My stylist, Zadrian Smith, and I were recently in New York to attend an event that I considered to be a pretty big moment in my career. I remember being so extraordinarily overwhelmed by it all—the travel, feelings of unworthiness and social anxiety, looking and feeling confident (which are two completely different things) balancing auditions that always seem to pile on when I’m away. It’s so easy in these moments to lose focus of why we’re doing it all. It becomes a bit blurry and you can really lose yourself in the moment.

My inspiration in those times really comes from putting into focus what my goals are and the things I’ve day one dreamed of. When I feel it’s all too much, I will literally freeze in the middle of the room, take a deep breath and start to remind myself what I’m really doing this for and why it matters to me. If we don’t have our “why” then the doing just starts to feel like work. You start to just feel like a chicken with your head cut off.

The filtered world of social media often hides a lot of hard work and behind-the-scenes hustle. What is the reality of being an entrepreneur today? How hard is it really? Be honest!

This question makes me laugh because most people have no idea that we at Asian American Girl Club are a teeny tiny team. That means that—from posting to keeping up the shop, developing new products, social media campaigns, shoots, and writing content—it is mostly all created between a couple of people. I am hands-on with every single detail. It’s madness and there are times where I will just burst into tears, yell into a pillow, or fall onto the hardwood floor in the shape of a sloth-like snow angel. Entrepreneurship has challenged me in ways I never thought possible, but I love it so much. One DM from a girl who says that it helped her understand herself in a new way makes everything worth it. I’m such an adrenaline based person so the thrill of not knowing what’s around every moment gives me massive energy.

What is the best advice you have been given? Or a favorite piece of #realtalk?

“What’s the worst that can happen?”

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why? 

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

What is the #1 movie you always recommend? Why?

Early Miyazaki films are the cornerstone of my youth. They were some of my earliest showings of outside-of-the-box heroines and women that were powerful in extraordinarily imaginative settings.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

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