ICYMI: Highlights From Our Positively Inspiring and Entirely Digital Celebration with Minnie and Friends

In honor of National Polka Dot Day, the annual fan holiday celebrating Minnie Mouse, Create & Cultivate teamed up with Disney to host Positively Minnie: Polka Dot Summit 2.0 – The Digital Edition. For the second year in a row, and with a full digital refresh, The Polka Dot Summit 2.0 engaged audiences around the world and demonstrated what it means to be ‘Positively Minnie’ through fun, powerful and uplifting programming including Minnie moments, major keynote speakers, inspiring workshops and more.

The February 27th event opened with a special message from modern day Minnie muses, who like Minnie, connect the dots between bold, fun, classic, and fashionable aspects of what it means to be positively YOU! 

Jonathan Van Ness kicked off the keynote sessions, sharing some sage advice on how to cultivate confidence, Marsai Martin proved Gen Z is breaking barriers with BOLD moves, Bri Emery showed us how to create a cozy #MinnieStyle WFH space, and Hailey Bieber discussed the true value of investing in yourself – mind, body, and business. Also throughout the day, celebrity stylist Maeve Reilly hosted personal styling sessions to demonstrate how to style fashionable #MinnieStyle inspired outfits that fit your personal brand, featuring a Disney nuiMOs look to match.

To everyone who tuned in, thank you for joining us—and to those who couldn’t make it, stay tuned. Below, we’ve compiled the key takeaways from our positively inspiring and entirely digital celebration with Minnie and friends. 

MINNIE MUSES

A special message from modern day Minnie muses, who like Minnie, connect the dots between bold, fun, classic, and fashionable aspects of what it means to be positively YOU! 

Quigley Goode | Noelle Scaggs | Katie Sturino | Brittany Sky | Deepika Chopra | Gemma Correll

“Everything that Minnie channels, I want to be that – bold, classic, fun and just full of life.”
– Brittany Sky

“What I like to do is narrow my focus. Stop thinking about the things I can’t control and think a little bit more about the things I can control in my everyday life: My mindset, my actions, my compassion, my kindness.”
– Casey Goode

A CUP OF CONFIDENCE 

Jonathan Van Ness brings a strong dose of optimism to a range of hot topics including how to best cultivate confidence.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Jonathan Van Ness | Television Personality, Hair Stylist, Author, Podcaster

MODERATOR
Ashlee Marie Preston | Media Personality & Founder of YouAreEssential

“The #1 tip for cultivating confidence: positive self-talk.”
– Jonathan Van Ness

“Being bold means sitting with your fear long enough to do it anyway.”
– Jonathan Van Ness

“More awareness, more radical love and compassion–that is what I want for 2021.”
– Jonathan Van Ness

WORK FUN HOME: COOKING & STYLING YOUR SPACE

How to kick-start your day with a homemade meal, create a cozy #MinnieStyle WFH space and add some special touches to positively transform your day.

WORKSHOP HOST
Bri Emery | Owner & Creative Director, DesignLoveFest

“Minnie is always positive–a light during dark times–she’s remarkable in that way. She’s always reinventing herself with a new look or finding new ways to keep things bright.”
– Bri Emery

GEN Z: BREAKING BARRIERS WITH BOLD MOVES

Marsai Martin  illuminates a different approach to letting go of fear, so that you can set (and stick) to your goals this year.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Marsai Martin | Actress & Executive Producer, (Black-ish, Little)

MODERATOR
Olivia Hancock | Associate Editor at Byrdie

“Minnie has inspired me for a long time and being a huge part of my life – she’s iconic, powerful, loves the idea of life.”
– Marsai Martin

“Be confident; which starts by loving yourself; and loving yourself starts by excepting who you are.”
– Marsai Martin

GROWING YOUR POWER OF POSITIVITY WITH HAILEY BIEBER

Hailey Bieber talks about the true value of investing in yourself – mind, body, and business – to create positive transformation.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Hailey Bieber | Model

MODERATOR
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder, CEO of Create & Cultivate

“I just love this idea that Minnie Mouse as this character, is this larger than life iconic being that exudes positivity and confidence and I think inspires so many young women.”
– Hailey Bieber

"The reality is, we are all put on this earth to do different things, so no matter what lane you are in life, you have a purpose."
– Hailey Bieber

"Surround yourself with people that make you feel dope for being you and who remind you of who you are."
– Hailey Bieber

“The best thing anybody can be is themselves.”
– Hailey Bieber

Inspired Women, Inspiring Women

We tend to focus our attention on moving forward and what's next. But in building a better future, we must also draw upon the stories of the past. Where we are now – and often who we are now – is a culmination of the influence and efforts of the women who came before us. In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the stories of influential Black women past and present. Meet the inspired women who are inspiring women – modern-day history in the making.

SHAY SWEENEY

Founder, Sweenshots X Shay Moné Studio and Co-Founder, Influencing in Color

Shay Sweeney wearing Vince Camuto Rib-Knit Lounge Pants, Rib-Knit Top, and Aslee Two-Strap Mule

Name three traits that describe yourself 

Loyal, hard working, God fearing 

As a Black woman, what are you most proud of?

I am most proud of just that, being a Black Woman! I am comfortable in my own skin, I am comfortable with my hair, and everything about me! 

What Black woman from history has been an inspiration to you? 

There are so many to name and hard to just pick one. All of the black women before me that have fought so that I can have a better life - I am forever grateful. One that comes to mind in particular is civil rights activist and journalist, Myrlie Evers. 

How did her influence change your life or inspire you?

Myrlie Evers husband was assassinated because of his activist role during the civil rights movement. After his death she continued to fight for change and has so many accomplishments. She helped secure money for the Nationals Women's Educational fund, the 1st female chair of the board of directors for the NAACP, and even delivered the invocation for President Obama at his second inauguration! Her journey just shows that the fight doesn't stop! We must use our voice and keep fighting for justice and never let up. I admire her perseverance and dedication. 

What question would you want to ask her, if you could have the chance? 

I would ask her how did she find joy through living through so much? Her husband was assassinated because he was a black man wanting equal rights; I would want to not only give her a hug but want to ask her what her thoughts are on what is going on in society now as we are still fighting for change.

Why is it essential to empower other women?

I think women are so strong and powerful and we have to lift each other up and support one another! We are stronger together, and I live by collaboration over competition. We have to cheer each other on, support each other's wins, and show out for each other when needed!

“Don’t let what you see around you dictate what your future looks like. Dream, dream even bigger, and make it happen for yourself!”

SHAY SWEENEY
Founder Sweenshots X Shay Moné Studio and Influencing in Color

What advice would you give to younger Black women today?

Believe in yourself and be comfortable in who you are! Many times we don't look how others want us to look, our hair is not what they deem to be acceptable, and the list goes on! We have heard it for so many generations that at times it's easy to believe that we will never make it and we don't know our worth. Well I'm here today to tell you that you have to believe in yourself, black is beautiful, and never let anyone tell you otherwise! Walk in power! 

What is one thing you know now about being a female entrepreneur that you wish you had known earlier in your career?

I wish I would have known to just start! We often think that we can't do certain things until we are in a certain place in our lives. When the idea comes to mind, jot it down and come up with a plan. Don't wait! The only person often holding us back from doing things is the fear that we have for ourselves. I would have started my blogger journey earlier and started with the resources I had at the time. Don’t be afraid to start, and don't be afraid to fail and pivot! It's all part of the journey. 

How do you hope younger Black women view you? What do you hope they can learn from your experience?

I always say that I hope that people see a petite black woman that has conquered so many things that are not normally done by people that look like me. I've modeled, I've been in ad campaigns for major brands, I've started businesses, I've finished grad school with kids and while pregnant. None of these things were things I ever saw anyone doing that looked like me because I was never the ideal person for those roles and was even the first in my immediate family to even get a masters degree. Don't let what you see around you dictate what your future looks like. Dream, dream even bigger, and make it happen for yourself! 

What is a challenge you had to overcome when building your business/brand that speaks to your experience as a Black woman?

One of the challenges I've faced being a Black woman is often being overlooked and underpaid. Also, when working with brands it's not always about the money. I like to challenge the brands to see what commitments they have for change, what are their long term goals for working with women that look like me, and try to make sure I am not a check box for their campaign. By doing this I feel like my job is to push the needle, and keep the conversation going so that future black content creators can have an opportunity and not be overlooked. (Our Influencing in Color mission)

How do you prioritize self-love and care?

I have a super busy schedule and life! I make a point every morning to drink my hot water, read my devotional and Bible, and journal. I feel like this is my only time of the day where it's peaceful and it's part of protecting my mental state. 

---

RANTI ONAYEMI

Founder, Ranti in Review

Ranti Onayemi wearing Vince Camuto Animal-Print Cropped Pants, Animal-Print Puff-Sleeve Blouse, and Aslee Two-Strap Mule

Name 3 traits that describe you:

I am resilient and tenacious, incredibly loyal and supportive of those I love, and a bit of an introvert (not shy).

As a Black woman, what are you most proud of?

I am proud of my Nigerian heritage and culture. Nigerian women, especially, are amazingly strong and resilient and I would like to think I inherited some of those wonderful traits. In my early Lagos upbringing, I was surrounded and supported by amazing female role models, which gave me a strong foundation and empowered me to dream big. Hailing from such a culture, one almost has no choice but to be independent and fearless.  

What Black woman from history has been an inspiration to you? How did her influence change your life or inspire you?

My first, most profound and lasting inspiration is my Aunt Juliet. As a child, I remember she embodied everything that I wanted to be, poised, driven, stylish and accomplished. She was the first female entrepreneur I knew, I idolized her. She was very encouraging of my passions and dreams, even at an incredibly young age. Her presence in my life introduced me to fashion and nourished my creative side.

What question would you want to ask her if you could have the chance?

I can remember her seeming so confident and collected. Having worked in this frenetic and often overwhelming industry for some time now, I always wonder when she felt she had things figured out or when she felt a sense of stability. I must say, I am hoping to get there one day.  

Why is it essential to empower other women?

I just think back to the many struggles I have faced and the many walls and barriers I’ve confronted along my journey into entrepreneurship and so I guess I feel a sense of duty. If there is anything I’m able to do to give the next generation even a small advantage or insight, I feel it is my responsibility. We are part of a continuum in that way, so I do what I can today, and the next generation passes this good will along. This industry is especially tough and unforgiving for young women of color, so I feel a special commitment and responsibility to help young black and brown women when I am able.  

“I am proud of my Nigerian heritage and culture. Nigerian women, especially, are amazingly strong and resilient and I would like to think I inherited some of those wonderful traits.”

– RANTI ONAYEMI
Founder, Ranti in Review

What advice would you give to younger Black women today?

To be tenacious, never take no for an answer, and understand that you may have to reach out 100 times before you get that first opportunity. Be driven and most importantly, if you get an opportunity, put in the work and deliver!

What is one thing you know now about being a female entrepreneur that you wish you had known earlier in your career?

I was a bit naïve in thinking that working hard is all you must do to succeed and grow professionally. Along the way, I’ve certainly learned there are many other factors and dimensions that are out of your control. To be completely honest, as a black woman, I can remember seeing some friends and peers from different backgrounds seemingly find opportunities and success without facing many of the obstacles and barriers I’ve discovered along the way. Coming from a different culture, I was less aware of how impactful race can be while trying to carve my career path in this country. I hope we are all working to help level the professional playing field for black women and women of color. 

How do you hope younger Black women view you? What do you hope they can learn from your experience?

I am not perfect. Social media has this way of painting that perfect picture, I am far from that. I have my struggles, I have my fair share of challenges professionally and in my day-to-day life. I have also had my share of failures. I hope I can be an example of someone who faces those challenges, never gives up, keeps pressing forward and does not let setbacks get in the way of the bigger picture.

What is a challenge you had to overcome when building your business/brand that speaks to your experience as a Black woman?

Knowing my worth and finding the self-confidence and conviction to ask for what I know I’m worth. Perhaps the hardest part of this is knowing when to walk away from an opportunity when you feel you’re not being appropriately valued, even if it is something you really want or are excited about.

How do you prioritize self-love and care?

This one is a work in progress. Don’t get me wrong, I do love myself, but this industry often feels like a 24-7 adventure, and sometimes this comes at the expense of prioritizing my health and wellness. From time to time, I do have to power down and take some time away from social media and work in general.  It took me a while to realize and accept this, but today, this is essential to my mental health. For me, it is always important to pay close attention to what my mind and body are telling me.  

Simple Ways to Upgrade Your WFH Space

A balanced home sets the foundation for a balanced life to unfold. At Create & Cultivate, we apply this same principle to our workspace—which, for many of us, has taken on new meaning this year as WFH has become the new norm. Whether you’ve temporarily transformed your guest room into a home office or simply designated a corner of your kitchen table to your workspace, the importance of having a dedicated place to work within your sanctuary has never been more abundantly clear. We tapped three entrepreneurial and influential women to showcase simple ways to level up your WFH setup and maximize productivity with Thomasville accents and accessories — proof that small changes can make a BIG impression.

Read on to hear their tips to level up your WFH setup.

Amina Marie | Shop the WFH Setup

1.  An ergonomic office chair is a great investment piece because our chairs are the place many of us spend the majority of our WFH hours. We produce some of our best work when we feel comfortable and supported, so finding a great quality office chair to do just that can help boost productivity while elevating your workspace. 

2. Never underestimate the power of a little extra comfort and support in your workspace. Adding a plush accent pillow with a pop of color can help bring the space to life while also helping provide upper back support in your work chair. 

3. For the ultimate comfort starting from the ground up, adding a soft shag rug adds an extra element of warmth to any space!

Jaclyn Johnson | Shop the WFH Setup

1. An organized home echoes a balanced state of mind. Between busy schedules, commitments, and to-do lists, it’s important to keep life organized to maximize productivity.

2. Begin by creating storage space, so you can declutter and rearrange. Drawer organizers are great because they give smaller objects a designated place. Reducing clutter means you’ll spend less time looking for things, and more time focused on your to-do list.

3. Whether you have a designated home office, or are utilizing your kitchen as your workspace, our WFH environment can quickly become overrun with clutter. Use separate systems to organize your work life, especially if you share a space for work and household duties.

Lisa Diederich | Shop the WFH Setup

1. A great office chair is a must when working from home! This Thomasville office chair is supportive and functional, but also gorgeous! It’s completely changed my opinion of the typical “office chair”. Yes, it’s easy to pull up any old chair you have lying around the house, but taking care of your back and body is important when you spend so much time sitting at a desk.

2. A large, cozy rug really ties a space together. I love using warm neutrals to create an inviting space for productivity and creativity. I always recommend choosing a larger sized rug that will really fill the room. You want all of your furniture to fit comfortably on the rug with room to spare! This new rug is a much better fit for my office and makes the space feel larger.

3. Little accents, like this lumbar pillow, add personality to a space and also tie together your home with your home office. When the rooms flow seamlessly together, you’ll be more likely to enjoy spending time there. Maybe this becomes your new favorite reading corner - whether it’s a budget report or a new novel. 

How to See the Opportunity Around You (Even When You Feel Defeated)

Photo: Color Joy Stock Photography

Life is about seeing the opportunity around you, stepping into the vision you have for yourself, and embracing the work it will take to get there. 

For me, stepping into the vision I have for myself hasn’t always been easy and there has been a ton of imposter syndrome along the way, but leading is about doing scary things and having faith in knowing you were created to do something amazing. 

One thing I know for sure is one bump in the road doesn’t define who you are, or the impact you are meant to have in the world. In fact, if you let it, one bump, or many bumps can inspire you to take the leap to do more with your life. I know this was the case for me. 

One of my major bumps in the road was when I filed for bankruptcy. I was a single mom and not in a financial place to handle everything that was coming my way. I remember leaving the courtroom after my bankruptcy hearing feeling ashamed and embarrassed, but I knew in my heart there was something more out there for me, I only needed to have the courage to go after it. 

It was then I decided to take a leap, bet on myself and move from Ohio to North Carolina with me, my son, our luggage, my last paycheck, and a rental car. I didn’t have a job, but I was willing to bet on myself and had faith the move would create a better life for us.  I was right. 

When you feel defeated, it is critical to see the opportunity and not let the moment define you, or your future.

1. First, it’s okay to feel the emotions that come with feeling defeated. 

It’s normal during tough situations to feel sad, angry, disappointed, embarrassed, frustrated. It’s important to take the time to acknowledge the emotion, so it can be dealt with accordingly. 

When I filed for bankruptcy, I felt ashamed, embarrassed, and irresponsible. I let myself feel all my emotions, I cried and talked it out. As I worked through my emotions, I began to forgive myself, which allowed me to move forward. 

2. Ask yourself, “What is the lesson I can learn from this?” 

As you face your situation, think about the lessons you can or have learned and how your situation can shape your life for the better. 

Thinking about the lessons I learned was a pivotal moment for me because I realized I needed to make more money and be wiser with my financial decisions around money. I needed to think bigger and rethink my career game plan. This big thinking ultimately is what changed my trajectory and situation creating a better life for me and my son. 

Which brings me to...

3. Think about the opportunity around you to change your circumstance. 

There are opportunities all around us. When you are open to seeing them, you create a whole new set of possibilities for yourself. You have to be able to look outside of yourself, your comfort zone, and be ready to be all in to do what it takes to change your situation.

When I moved from Ohio to North Carolina with no real guarantee anything would work out, this motivated me to apply for jobs outside of my original career field and utilize my full experience. I enhanced my education to help me move up the career ladder faster, I moved into upper management and was part of senior management teams in the C-suite.

 Within a few years, my skill set surpassed several of my colleagues and I became the go-to for troubled businesses that needed help with restructuring and streamlining. This experience ultimately is helping me to build my own seven-figure business and helping other entrepreneurs to do the same.    

4. Create an “I never want to be in this situation again” action plan and follow it. 

When life throws us challenges, it’s important to ask how you can not be in the situation again. Use the lessons you learned from Step 2. Think about the steps you need to take, break down those steps into micro-steps, and take real action to achieve your goals. Don’t delay.  

In my situation, after going through what I went through, my action plan was, and is, now to help me never struggle financially again and to make smart financial decisions for my and my family’s future.  

This has helped me to do brave things like start my business, continuously invest in my growth and development, travel the world, buy my home, become the breadwinner for my now blended family of four, and continue to keep doing big and scary things.     

Remember, life is meant to be lived, so it is never too late to step into the life you want to create and to go after more. 

“When you feel defeated, it is critical to see the opportunity and not let the moment define you, or your future.”

—Brandy Mabra, CEO of Savvy Clover Coaching & Consulting

About the Author: Brandy Mabra is the CEO of Savvy Clover Coaching & Consulting and a business and leadership coach. Brandy has 15 years of business management and leadership experience. She has worked in diverse business climates and has turned hot mess businesses into well oiled and profitable machines with engaged teams. Brandy has spent her career building million-dollar empires and now uses her million-dollar skill set to help herself and other women entrepreneurs to do the same. 

Brandy is the founder of Savvy Foundations, a CEO mastermind helping other women show up unapologetically savvy in their CEO role and build a healthy and sustainable business generating multiple-six and seven-figures. Because The CEO Skill Set is the Million Dollar Skill Set. Brandy loves to travel and spend time with her family, she believes you cannot build a business on fumes and CEO breaks are required. You can follow her on Instagram at @savvyclovercoaching.

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Meet Our Latest Clean Food Crush

The COVID-19 crisis has forced many of us to adapt to a WFH lifestyle. While I’m sincerely grateful for a job that allows me the flexibility to work from home, this can be both a blessing and a curse come mealtime. Work week meal prep is a task all of its own, and even months into my routine, I still haven’t quite figured out the proper WFH lunch / dinner routine. No matter how much I meal prep or plan the menu ahead of time, sometimes, my cravings are off-menu.  Cue my latest obsession: Daily Harvest, a collection of over 80 recipes including smoothies, soups, oats, lattes and more, built from fruits and vegetables and delivered straight to your door – that also happens to be incredibly delicious.

As someone who lives a primarily plant-based lifestyle, Daily Harvest has been a total lifesaver. On days where a midday or evening meal would typically involve a spoonful of peanut butter or spending money on unnecessary (and unhealthy) takeout, Daily Harvest has saved the day with its nourishing, chef-crafted food. Aside from convenience, Daily Harvest boasts numerous other reasons that have courted me into making it my latest clean food crush – a love-at-first-bite kind of romance that I can definitely see evolving into a (healthy) long-term relationship. 

“A love-at-first-bite kind of romance that I can definitely see evolving into a (healthy) long-term relationship.”

The longer we embrace the WFH life, the more we learn to celebrate the small wins –whether you put on real pants, made your bed, went outside today or made time for a good breakfast – recognizing these small wins is what we’re am all about these days. Daily Harvest can be that small win – one good choice you can make for yourself, that makes you feel good. Read on for all the ways that Daily Harvest became the small win I could not only count on, but actually look forward to. 

Photo: Courtesy of Daily Harvest

Win #1: Healthy, Clean – and Sustainable

Okay – that’s technically three wins. Daily Harvest chefs and nutritionists craft recipes that are both delicious and free of refined sugars, gluten, fillers, preservatives or artificial anything. Every recipe is built on organic fruits and vegetables and crafted into delicious food that is actually good for you. The company invests their resources into reducing food waste, prioritizing organic farming practices, and going the extra mile for 100% compostable + recyclable packaging made from plant-based, renewable fiber that break down naturally instead of sitting in a landfill for thousands of years.

Daily Harvest freezes its ingredients at peak ripeness to lock in nutrition and taste. For example, cauliflower retains 50% more antioxidants when frozen the day of harvest versus refrigerated options three days after harvest, and berries frozen the day of harvest retain 200% more vitamin c than fresh berries just three days after harvest.

Win #2: Convenient, One Step Prep

Whether you're juggling way more than you planned, tired of cooking or just need to take the night off — Daily Harvest is delivered straight to your door and ready in minutes for when you need it most, so you can have your time back for the things you need it for the most.

Everything takes only one step to prep. Just blend, soak or heat according to the instructions, and enjoy. Little prep, no mess! They’re so quick that my coworkers (incorrectly) assumed I hit the pause button in the middle of my work day to prepare myself an impressive lunch. 

Their latest launch, Mylk is a non-dairy milk made with almonds, pink sea salt and sometimes vanilla bean. It comes in super convenient frozen single serving wedges (each order makes 8, 8-ounce servings). Choose how much you want to make and it can be used with other Daily Harvest food like Smoothies, Lattes, Oat and Chia Bowls. Or, if you’re like me and have ever gone to make your morning coffee only to realize you didn't have any milk or creamer, Mylk is the ultimate one size fits all solution: convenient. It’s always on hand when you need it and ready in seconds, so no more last-minute sprints to the grocery store!

Win #3: Incredibly Delicious

One of my favorite parts about Daily Harvest is the assortment of offerings for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and every snack in between (over 80 recipes, to be exact). I spent a week weaving different dishes into my existing routine. Some of my standout favorites are the Vanilla Bean + Apple Chia Bowl (tip: think breakfast, and beyond – this also makes for a great dessert), the Butternut Squash + Kale Shakshuka Harvest Bowl for those packed mornings where lunch feels far away, Tomatillo + Pepper Flatbread for a quick and healthy dinner, and Espresso Bean + Tahini Bites for a fun mid-meal snack (or an after dinner digestif). 

Not only did Daily Harvest make me happier, healthier, and more productive during my workweek, it proved to me that nourishing and convenient food can taste pretty incredible too.

Get $25 off your first box of Daily Harvest with code CREATECULTIVATE

How to Give a Great Toast No Matter the Occasion

Photo: Create & Cultivate

Whether you’re celebrating your work wife’s promotion or raising a glass of bubbly at your best friend’s wedding, knowing how to give a great toast is a life skill that’s worth mastering, but, of course, that’s easier said than done. When honoring someone with a toast, you want to be heartfelt, kind, funny, and poignant, which is no small feat (especially when you consider that 73% of people suffer from speech anxiety before giving a presentation or public speech), so we tapped two experts for some tips.

At our recent Future You Festive, Jeni Britton Bauer, the founder and chief brand officer of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and Brian Fairleigh, the brand education manager at Chandon, spilled the details on how to give a great toast, no matter the occasion. If you missed their must-watch workshop at our digital summit, don’t worry, we have you covered! Scroll on for Bauer and Fairleigh’s tried-and-true tips on how to raise a glass and give a memorable toast that won’t end in dreaded awkward silence or elicit eye rolls.

Psst… If you’re having serious FOMO, join Create & Cultivate Insiders to get unlimited access to all of our Future You Festival content including video recordings of every panel and workshop download in C&C history.

Tip #1: Read the Audience

When preparing to give a toast, the very first thing you need to do is read the audience. “It's important to see who's in front of you,” advises Fairleigh. “Because what you're going to say to an audience of old businessmen versus your friends at your friend's wedding are totally different things.” Consider who will be raising their glasses with you and let that help inform the content of your toast.

Tip #2: Read the Situation

After you’ve considered your audience, you want to be mindful of the situation. "Sometimes you want to make jokes, sometimes you want to roast the person a little bit, sometimes you want to be very sincere and very from the heart," explains Fairleigh. Being mindful of the occasion will ensure your toast resonates with your audience.

Are you at a wedding where a heartfelt toast describing the happy couple’s meet-cute moment would be most appropriate? Are you raising a glass to your work wife’s promotion where that funny anecdote about how she accidentally signed off an email with “have a nice eek” will get a laugh? Be sure to take both your audience and the situation into account to give a cheers-worthy toast people will remember.

Tip #3: Keep It Short and Sweet

Just as important as reading the room, knowing your audience, and being mindful of the moment is knowing when to wrap it up. “I can't tell you how many times I've seen people give a toast where they absolutely crush it in the first couple of lines, but then, when they see that they're doing well, start taking risks and don't cut it off when they're still in their prime,” says Fairleigh. “Remember the three B’s: Be brief, be brilliant, be gone.”

Tip #4: Prepare

While toasting is meant to be improvisational, a little bit of preparation goes a long way, especially if you’re nervous. “There are a lot of templates that you can use if you're freaked out,” recommends Bauer. “Take someone else's speech and rewrite it for yourself because you will change it in such a way, based on your own life and your own experiences, that no one will recognize it.”

If you’re debating whether or not to use notecards as you prepare for giving a toast, Bauer is pro notecards. "It's not a problem to use cards if you have to, as long as you love people, you care about them, you care about what you're doing, and as long as you're speaking from the heart, it doesn’t matter," she notes. The most important thing is that your words are coming from a place of sincerity.

Tip #5: Be Authentic

Fairleigh's number one piece of advice for giving a great toast? Be authentic. "You just have to be authentic,” he says. “When you're giving a toast, people will see through it if you're saying something that you don't believe in." Speaking from the heart is always a good idea when honoring someone with a toast.

Tip #6: Practice

"Always, always practice," advises Fairleigh. "I mean it works for anything, whether your public speaking or whether giving a toast." Practicing your toast ahead of time will ensure that you’re prepared to deliver a memorable toast and help keep nerves at bay (along with a glass of sparkling Chandon wine, that is!).

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Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Photo: Olya Kobruseva from Pexels

Whether you’re an adventurous Aquarius or a venturing Virgo, your destination is written in the stars—just ask the Astro Twins! In search of inspiration for our next PTO-worthy vacation, we tapped the famous astrologists to map out our next trip in partnership with Alaska Airlines. “Your zodiac sign has a lot to say about your temperament, which means that people will respond to destinations in different ways,” explain Ophira and Tali Edut, the identical twin sisters otherwise known as the Astro Twins.

According to the astrological duo, “fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) are active and curious, preferring places where they can move around and explore. Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) enjoy serene environments that are both comfortable and natural,” says Astro Twins. “Air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius) are the communicators, so the social energy of a town will be the barometer of fun. Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) are emotional and can be ultra-sensitive to their surroundings; a quiet place to recharge in between adventures is essential.”

Keep reading to find out where to travel based on your zodiac sign, but be forewarned, you’re going to start drafting your OOO message before you get to the end.

Editor's note: During COVID-19, travel restrictions are prone to change. Always check before departure and follow local guidance. Alaska Airlines is committed to your health and safety, learn more about Next-Level Care.

Aries: March 21 – April 19

Destination: Palm Springs

Why Aries Should Travel There: Wide-open sky and dry heat offer a relaxing climate for the zodiac’s freedom-loving fire sign. From its modernist architecture to the colorful characters who call Palm Springs home, this town boasts the perfect amount of quirk for originality-loving Aries.

What to Do: Soak up your RDA of socially distanced pool time at the area’s bespoke hotels. Then, pack a picnic (and lots of water) and drive 40 miles to Joshua Tree National Park where stunning boulder formations intersect with spiky trees and other desert flora.

What to Take: Swimsuits and hiking boots.

Top Travel Tip for Aries: Travel with independent companions who won’t mind when you trek off on a solo adventure here and there—you hate to wait!

Taurus: April 20 – May 20

Destination: Yosemite  

Why Taurus Should Travel There: With its granite mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, and towering Sequoia trees, it’s little wonder that Yosemite captivated the heart (and lens!) of Taurus photographer Ansel Adams. This stunning destination will be eye candy for beauty- and nature-loving Bulls.  

What to Do: While shuttle services aren’t operating, roads remain open to vehicles. Park at a trailhead and hike to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias or to the footbridge of the 317-foot Vernal Falls. Hoofing it isn’t required though! Visit Yosemite’s many vantage points by car for a stunning view of Half Dome, the park’s most famous rock formation.

What to Take: A camera (SLR and/or instant film) for your own landscape photography adventure.

Top Travel Tip for Taurus: Agree on budget before the trip to avoid overspending or having to pick up the tab for friends who don’t share your appetite for luxury.

Gemini: May 21 – June 20

Destination: Nashville

Why Gemini Should Travel There: Incredible music and a thriving local scene: those are two of a Gemini's favorite things, and this Tennessee enclave boasts both! In fact, like the dualistic Twin, Nashville's a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. Thanks to its uniquely defined neighborhoods and districts, a journey to this city is like multiple trips rolled into one. It's a lively getaway for these mercurial folks who consider variety the spice of life.

What to Do: Snack on cayenne-drenched “hot chicken” while jamming to live music—along the storied Music Row or by spontaneous discovery of Nashville's talented street buskers strumming on the sidewalk. Head to lower Broadway to soak up a bit of honky-tonk, tip back PBRs, and try a fried bologna sandwich. Take a day to visit historic sites like The Grand Ole Opry and the bizarre Pantheon, which is a full-scale replica of the original Greek monolith.

What to Take: A bag (for hot sauce!) and cash for street musicians and tips.

Top Travel Tip for Gemini: Enjoy making friends in every new destination, but try not to abandon your travel crew in the process!

Cancer: June 21 – July 22

Destination: Bozeman 

Why Cancer Should Travel There: Like the zodiac's crab, this low-key Montana city is an unexpected gem with plenty of charming surprises to unpack. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, a short drive from Yellowstone National Park, Cancers can get their restorative nature fix here. The zodiac's foodies will love the culinary scene here too, which earned the city the nickname "Boz Angeles" for its upscale restaurants.

What to Do: Cancers love to feel cozy and "at home" while on vacation. Put on your finest fleece and take a stroll down the trendy Main Street for coffee and haute baked goods. This Millennial-friendly town has access to incredible outdoor activities that appeal to this sporty water sign. Ski at the world-class Big Sky, soak in the area's hot springs, and if your timing is right, go see Old Faithful erupt at nearby Yellowstone. For a day trip, the Montana Grizzly Encounter— a natural sanctuary built for rescued bears—will tug at sentimental Cancer's heartstrings.

What to Take: Trendy outdoor gear and a backpack.

Top Travel Tip for Cancer: Unless you feel totally comfortable with your travel mates, book your own room. You’ll need private time to reboot along the way.

Leo: July 23 – August 22

Destination: Puerto Vallarta

Why Leo Should Travel There: While a 2021 trip may include more siestas than fiestas, spending time in the sunshine is balm to this fire sign’s soul. The warm weather doesn’t hurt a bit either! With the Sierra Madre range flanking one side of PV and the Pacific on the other, there’s plenty of beauty for this aesthetic sign to enjoy. A dip in the ocean comes with the bonus of gorgeous mountain views… ahhh!

What to Do: Adventurous, romantic Leos can wander the cobblestone streets of this hilly port town. Stop along the way to sample the food, shop for colorful wares (flamboyant Leo’s weakness), and watch the sun turn crimson as it sets in the west. Jalisco, the home state of Puerto Vallarta, is one of the only Mexican areas designated to produce tequila. The bar scene might be limited in PV this year, but festive Leos can schedule a tasting of the area’s spirits.

What to Take: Sunscreen and ibuprofen.

Top Travel Tip for Leo: Don’t expect people to keep up with your “go, go, go!” agenda. You may have to rotate companions for different activities or make new friends along the journey.

Virgo: August 23 – September 22

Destination: Austin

Why Virgo Should Travel There: Let's be clear: sitting around a pool all day is not a Virgo's idea of a fun vacation. These curious, sociable folks need to move around. And they usually show up to a destination with a long list of attractions that they've diligently researched. Finding the best of anything keeps Virgos entertained. Hey, this is the zodiac’s purist and perfectionist we’re talking about! From food trucks to indie boutiques to music venues, exploring Austin will keep this trivia-loving sign engaged.

What to Do: A Virgo’s journalistic curiosity could spin out in Austin! Idea: Organize an itinerary in a streamlined way. Pick a category per day and go exploring, with a camera in tow to record adventures on social media. The city’s famous graffiti and street art is the perfect subject matter for a #MuralMonday. Sample the city’s food trucks and craft brewery tour for #TastingTuesday. Staying fit and active is important to this earth sign. Bike around Austin on a colorful cruiser and get a great upper body workout kayaking down Lady Bird Lake.

What to Take: Selfie equipment like a tripod and remote shutter.

Top Travel Tip for Virgo: Read the reviews and travel blogs, and scout out the area before your trip. Arrive with a list of recommended activities and venues—and try not to be too critical if they don’t live up to your standards.

Libra: September 23 – October 22

Destination: San Francisco

Why Libra Should Travel There: Leisurely Libras can restore their balance in this laid-back Pacific Northwest metropolis. Take in the urban landscape at any of San Francisco’s 220 parks—that’s one every half-mile, and more than any other U.S. city boasts. The top-notch culinary and cocktails scene provide a social fix for outgoing, culture-loving Libras, even while distancing. Take-out or patio dining?

What to Do: Romantic Libras can reprise the art of the promenade, strolling along Fisherman’s Wharf and to Baker Beach for a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. While a bit more planning is required, tickets can be purchased in advance for many of the city’s attractions. With its towering pagoda and 9,000-lb. Lantern of Peace, serene Libras can reclaim their Zen wandering through the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. The Conservatory of Flowers is also in here, providing eye candy for aesthetic Libras with its array of rare tropical blooms.

What to Take: A warm, water-repellent jacket for moments where the fog covers the sun.

Top Travel Tip for Libra: Wake up early to primp so you don’t keep your travel companions waiting—but avoid traveling with people who rush you.

Scorpio: October 23 – November 21

Destination: Anchorage

Why Scorpio Should Travel There: Mysterious Scorpios have been accused of being “icy” at times, but we’re not judging! These ultra-cool waters signs will feel right at home in Anchorage, Alaska where the area’s glaciers sparkle like wonders of the world.

What to Do: Drive two hours to see the Portage Glacier—and if you’re feeling sporty, hit the Trail of Blue Ice, a 7.1-mile path that can be hiked or biked. More two-wheeling adventures await back in Anchorage where snow biking has become a popular way to zip through the sparkling powder and across frozen lakes. Scorpios are night owls and good thing for that! From September to April, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) paint the night sky brilliant hues—a must-see phenomenon for this alchemical sign. 

What to Take: A book to read by the fire.

Top Travel Tip for Scorpio: Bring your creature comforts along for the journey: favorite toiletries, your own pillow, books, and a journal for recording late-night reflections spurred by the trip.

Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21

Destination: New York City 

Why Sagittarius Should Travel There: Have sneakers, will travel! Outdoorsy Archers don’t mind bundling up for an urban odyssey—especially in a place like New York, where there’s potential for discovery around every corner. Although restrictions have been especially tough on this globetrotting sign, the international flavor of NYC can feel like its own kind of passport stamp. 

What to Do: Head to lower Manhattan, then walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge to visit the birthplace of legendary Sagittarians Jay-Z and Frank Sinatra. Stop into a pizza shop for some of the best slices you’ve ever tasted. While suspended between NYC and Brooklyn, marvel at the magnificent skyline and the Statue of Liberty. You may suddenly understand why people believed that the streets here were paved with gold.

What to Take: A jumbo-sized bottle of hand sanitizer.

Top Travel Tip for Sagittarius: While you love to discover an area when you arrive, do some preliminary research—at the very least to reserve a rental car and hotel!

Capricorn: December 22 – January 19

Destination: Jackson Hole, Wyoming 

 Why Capricorn Should Travel There: The zodiac’s mountaineering Goat will feel right at home among the peaks and valleys of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Sporty Capricorns can take advantage of world-class skiing and rock-climbing opportunities. The less daring of this sign will revel in the natural wonders surrounding this town, like Yellowstone National Park.

What to Do: Fill your lungs with fresh air as you hike (or bike!) the alpine trails of Grand Teton National Park. Take a short drive to Yellowstone National Park, home of 500 geysers, including Old Faithful. Stay alert, because you might just spot a moose, bear, or bison along your trek.

What to Take: Binoculars for viewing the native wildlife.

Top Travel Tip for Capricorn: Scout out “the best” of everything before the trip, from restaurants to bars to beaches. Traveling unprepared gives you anxiety.

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18

Destination: Seattle  

Why Aquarius Should Travel There: This Pacific Northwest technology hub is the perfect playground for sporty, innovative Aquarians. With drivable day trips to mountain ranges, snowboarding, skiing, and stunning hikes are easy add-ons to a trip here. Since Aquarius is the sign that rules social change, the city’s historic activism could be a draw for these cosmic revolutionaries. 

What to Do: Seattle is dotted with quaint neighborhoods, each one charming visitors with indie boutiques (hello vintage!), coffee culture, urban parks—and on a clear day, a view of the majestic Mt. Rainier. Ride a ferry to one of the surrounding islands for a day trip. Pick up freshly caught seafood and farm-fresh produce at Pike Place Market, which spans several city blocks in the heart of Seattle’s downtown.

What to Take: A travel mug for sipping the roasts from Seattle’s storied coffeeshops.

Top Travel Tip for Aquarius: Don’t overbook your itinerary. Following spontaneous whims could lead to a much better time than planning every hour!

Pisces: February 19 – March 20

Destination: Maui, Hawaii

Why Pisces Should Travel There: Nothing soothes the zodiac's mermaid (or merman) like a beach vacation. This blossoming Hawaiian paradise delivers all the magic that Pisces live for. No matter their GPS coordinates, this laid-back, ethereal zodiac sign is always on "island time." The unhurried pace of Maui offers plenty of time to dream, meditate, and download divine inspiration for their many creative projects. 

What to Do: Splash in turquoise waters, munch on tropical fruit, nap to music under an umbrella in the pristine sand—white or black lava rock, depending on the beach you choose. Unwind with a mug of cava. Sleep. Repeat. Once thoroughly relaxed, snorkel with "fellow fish" at Honolua Bay or Five Caves—a site for sea turtles, unicornfish, pincushion sea stars, and reef sharks! When you need some shade, cool off under the massive, 16-trunk Lahaina banyan tree which rises 60 feet in the air and spans the length of a city block!

 What to Take: A sketchbook or dream journal—and crystals to charge by the ocean (for the woo Pisces out there!)

Top Travel Tip for Pisces: Book a quiet room so you can sleep and dream with minimal interruptions—rest is key for your vacation rejuvenation.

MORE ON THE BLOG

Living Limitless–Chante Burkett

What do you love most about yourself––what are you most proud of?

I love my strength and perseverance! Powering through tough times and being able to be the rock for my daughter. I’m really proud of my strength and my vision in life.

Is confidence something that came naturally to you or was it something you had to learn?

I’ve always had confidence, it was one of those things “If I don’t love myself, who else is going to love me”

What does confidence feel like to you? When do you feel the most confident?

For me confidence is all about being comfortable with where you are currently in life. Comfortable being you, comfortable in your skin and comfortable in whatever clothing you choose to wear. I feel the most confident when my life is in balance.

How has your confidence changed with time?

When it comes to confidence I feel like we all have or days when we don’t feel the best and might not be so confident. That's why it’s very important to check in on your mental and don’t be so hard on yourself.

Role models are important for women of all ages–is there anyone in particular whose confidence or advice helped you find your own inner beauty?

My grandmother is my biggest role model who helped see my inner beauty at an early age (7). I would sit and watch her (a plus-size woman) get ready for our family functions. I loved how she carried herself and how all eyes would turn on her she could walk into a room. It was definitely her confidence.

Words are powerful, and they can have a powerful effect on our own personal narratives–what advice can you share on learning how to combat negative self-talk and tap into the power of positivity?

Whenever I feel myself going down the hole of negative self-talk I try to focus on the things I love about myself. We will forever have those days when we just aren’t feeling ourselves but that's what positive self talk is for. I also try to journal my negativity away.

Who do you turn to for support in life? Describe how they bring out the best in you and empower you to live your life without limits?

Believe it or not, my father is the person in the life who I run to for support. He reminds me of who I am and what I can do.

What advice can you share for women on cultivating confidence and self-love?

I think the key to self love is learning to be selfish. Knowing that it is ok to set boundaries and it’s important to take time to yourself.

How do you make time to prioritize self-love and self-care?

Self-love/Self-care is a top priority in my life. I map out time for just me daily and once a month I treat myself. It’s important to not only love on yourself but to also take care of yourself.

Living Limitless–Kristina Zias

What do you love most about yourself––what are you most proud of? 

I love that I truly accept myself, the good, the bad and everything in between. I am most proud of my persistence.  I’ve always believed in myself and am very determined.

What has motherhood taught you––and how has it changed you?

Motherhood has taught me patience, unconditional love and that “balance” is unrealistic.  As a working mom, something always has to give and realizing that I can’t be 100% in career mode and mom mode at the same time has allowed me to be more forgiving and patient.

Is confidence something that came naturally to you in motherhood or was it something you had to learn?

Confidence came very naturally to me.  I somehow knew what I was doing and when I didn’t, I wasn’t afraid to ask for help or admit that I didn’t know what I was doing.  

What does confidence feel like to you? When do you feel the most confident?

Confidence feels like a weight lifted off my shoulders.  Being confident is incredibly freeing.  I feel the most confident when I overcome any challenges.

How has your confidence changed with time?

Confidence is a journey and mine has definitely ebbed and flowed. As a teenager, and even in my early 20s, I was very insecure in my body and am proud that now I look at my body with such respect and appreciation.  

Do you ever have moments where you feel insecure?  What helps you to overcome this?

Of course!  I think a lot of times people view insecurities as the antithesis of confidence but I couldn’t disagree more.  Acknowledging my insecurities and working past them is a form of confidence for me and the first step to overcoming them!  Honestly, I’ve been a bit insecure about my breasts since having my son.  They have just changed so much and I wasn’t really doing anything about it, but, getting virtually fitted by Elomi, and now being in a proper fitting bra is such a game changer!  I noticed a change instantaneously!  

Who do you turn to for support in life? Describe how they bring out the best in you and empower you to live your life without limits?

I turn to my husband, my family and friends!  My husband is a big picture guy.  I am a co-founder of The Confident Collective, a women’s empowerment community, and after a successful launch party (we hosted 80 people), he said we should aim to make our future events like Coachella.  When he said that I laughed but he quickly made me feel like it was totally possible, and you know what, he’s right.

How do we raise confident children? What are some ways we can aim to be a positive role model as a parent?

By practicing what you preach, leading by example and letting them know that with hard work anything is possible. I actually recently heard this parenting tip on tiktok (I know, so deep) but it really stuck with me.  Whenever my son does something new or something I am proud of I say, “you should be so proud of yourself” instead of “I am so proud of you.”  I think this little shift in verbiage makes such a big difference!

Living Limitless–Maxey Greene

What do you love most about yourself––what are you most proud of?

My drive. I’ve always been so passionate about my work and my career. I’ve been working hard for a long time and actually feared being a mom might slow me down, but I’m finding my balance and I’m actually really proud of that! But career wise- I launched a clothing collaboration this year with Hutch & Nuuly. It was a dream of mine for a very long time and it felt amazing seeing it come alive.

What has motherhood taught you––and how has it changed you?

You got to go with the flow. I feel like I used to be pretty rigid before my son. With a kid- you can try all you want to have things go a certain way or a certain schedule, but at the end of the day you kind of just have to roll with it.

Is confidence something that came naturally to you in motherhood or was it something you had to learn?

My instincts kicked in incredibly fast. I actually kind of shocked myself. There are definitely moments where I think “what the hell am I doing?” but anytime I look at him and he smiles his big gummy smile- I know I’m doing something right.

What does confidence feel like to you? When do you feel the most confident?

Confidence feels like freedom. Feeling insecure makes you feel anxious and that you just want to hide away. When you don’t feel that way- you can just feel so free. Free to just be you.

How has your confidence changed with time?

I definitely find myself getting even more confident as I get older. I think it has less to do with appearance and more to do with just being secure with who you are. Looks will keep changing, but when your secure with your core self- you kind of flow with the changes.

Do you ever have moments where you feel insecure? What helps you to overcome this?

Of course. Every one has insecurities- it’s what makes us human. I try not to focus too hard on it. I put my attention on things I don’t feel insecure about.

Who do you turn to for support in life? Describe how they bring out the best in you and empower you to live your life without limits?

My partner, Daniel, is my support. I couldn’t imagine not having him cheering me on everyday. He makes me feel capable of anything. His words motivate me, but just knowing that he’s by my side makes me feel like I can accomplish anything.

Living Limitless–Rochelle Johnson

What do you love most about yourself––what are you most proud of?

I love my heart the most. I’m very empathetic and I automatically think about how my actions and words will affect others. I’m also very independent. It’s one of the attributes I learned from my mother and very grateful for. 

What has motherhood taught you––and how has it changed you?

Motherhood has taught me soooo many things. First and foremost it has taught me to never judge the actions of other mothers. It can be so damaging when that judgement is vocalized. I also have learned how to advocate for my children and trust my instincts.  Which can be hard as a more soft spoken person but I know that If I don’t advocate for them, no one will!

Is confidence something that came naturally to you in motherhood or was it something you had to learn?

Confidence in motherhood definitely has to be learned. I was so scared and unsure with my first baby it took a while to enjoy the moments. It was so hard. This time around I’m so much more confident and know that I have everything I need to handle any situation that comes.

What does confidence feel like to you? When do you feel the most confident?

Confidence is not constantly feeling bad about yourself, more specifically your body and how you take up space. Confidence is walking into a room of people that you don’t know, or that don’t look like you and not shrinking down. It’s knowing you belong and you deserve to take up space. I feel most confident when I have an outfit on that I really love, and that helps give you a boost when you walk into that room.

How has your confidence changed with time?

When I was a teenager I looked different from my friends and no one really wants to be different at that age. I honestly had great friends that never made me feel bad about my size but at the same time was insecure because they were all thin, and I wasn’t.  Now I’m a lot more confident because even though I could be the largest person in the room, and I don’t care. I just don’t think about that.  

Do you ever have moments where you feel insecure?  What helps you to overcome this?

I’m most insecure around people that I’m not familiar with. I normally have to give myself a pep talk before I arrive or once I’m there. I tell myself, you’re supposed to be here. You are worthy. I also try to remind self to be open to new places and new people.

Who do you turn to for support in life? Describe how they bring out the best in you and empower you to live your life without limits?

I turn to my husband who is also my best friend for support. He’s one of the people in the world that really knows me. When I talk to him about anything I know he’s going to give me good advice and if I don’t like his advice I will turn to google, lol.  

Living Limitless–Caralyn Mirand Koch

What do you love most about yourself––what are you most proud of?

I love that I can help transform someone's confidence, that is one of my most favorite skills.
Career wise, I am most proud of the online community I've built filled with supportive, helpful and kind people and the #ProperlyFittingBraClub! It's a movement I started to educate and empower women to get a properly fitting bra. 

What does confidence feel like to you? When do you feel the most confident?

I genuinely used to think that I would wake up one day and just magically be confident. I now know confidence isn’t something that is automatic. You can’t just turn on confidence as confidence is rooted in your belief of yourself at any given time. It is something to be conscious of and work at everyday. Think of being, feeling confident like a muscle memory - the more you use it, the more familiar and stronger it will become.

How has your confidence changed with time?

 If there’s one thing I think we all have in common is that everyone has struggled with feeling confident at one time or another in life. Confidence varies from experience to experience, among genders, and can be fleeting, situational, or rooted. Heck, there are still moments when I struggle with confidence about my body, my career, and life in general... I certainly do not have it all figured out and realizing that allows me to recognize the journey, and hopefully can be helpful to you by sharing. 

Words are powerful, and they can have a powerful effect on our own personal narratives–what advice can you share on learning how to combat negative self-talk and tap into the power of positivity?  

Confidence is rooted in self-love. It is really my job to love me first, before anyone else, and before I can well receive love. True self-love involves showing up for yourself even when you feel unlovable, or shameful. Take steps to listen to yourself, identify what caused you to not be able to clearly identify your needs or boundaries. This helps me to feel good about me.

Something I've learned is to speak to myself kindly and lovingly, like I would to a young child (my sweet niece comes to mind). Would I tell my niece that she is a fat, ugly, worthless person? Typing that gave me shivers. I would never, and I do not think any of you would either. So why should I say that to myself or you say that to yourself? On the days when we are down & feeling low, and we all have them, I am particularly aware of that self-talk and strive to always keep it positive.

Who do you turn to for support in life? Describe how they bring out the best in you and empower you to live your life without limits?

My husband, Brian! He is truly my best friend and teammate through everything. He inspires me to be the best version of myself, challenges me and provides some comedic relief through it all.

What advice can you share for women on cultivating confidence and self-love?

Life is a journey, with confidence being a major influencing factor! We all are traveling on our own path, at our own rate. It is not a sprint but a marathon, and I’m here to cheer you on. Know you are worthy! Feel good about you and be proud of who and where you are. Embrace you, as I do! I know how hard it can be at times so by me sharing my journey you'll know you are never alone!

How do you make time to prioritize self-love and self-care?

I'm a strong believer in setting healthy boundaries for myself, and in my relationships and professional life. Having healthy boundaries allows me to make myself a priority, in self-care, career aspirations, or within relationships. Setting boundaries is about giving yourself agency and empowerment. Honoring our limits helps us to take better care of ourselves which leads to feeling confident.

How to Set Your New Year's Intentions (Because Resolutions Are So 2020)

Photo: Color Joy Stock

2020. What. A. Year. I’m guessing that you, like me, are ready to leave 2020 behind and head into the new year ready for some much-needed change. Traditionally, the start of a new year calls us to make a resolution and spend the beginning part of our year making it happen. It’s a time for improvement and renewal buoyed by hope and inspiration. However, if you’re looking to make a deeper, lasting change and achieve greater success in both your personal and professional lives, I’d encourage you to forgo the resolutions this year and instead set an intention.

What’s the difference? A resolution is a specific goal to achieve your desired result typically brought on by a perception of weakness and a need for improvement in an explicit part of your life. For example, common resolutions include exercising for weight loss, healthy eating to reduce cholesterol, signing up for a class to develop new professional skills.  

An intention, however, is an overarching idea of how you want to live a life that aligns with your values and, in turn, drives your actions and decisions. I liken it to the top of an organizational chart. At the very top is your intention, and beneath it lies the different parts of your life (professional, relationships, etc.). Stemming from each subdivision are the many ways that you can incorporate your intention in order to achieve improvements and success within the scope of that part of your life. In this approach, you provide yourself with an overall roadmap for how to live your life in accordance with this value that trickles out to all the parts of your life.  

If you’re ready to make a profound impact on your life, here are the actionable steps you can take to successfully set an intention and implement it into your life.

Step 1: Reflect on 2020

Take a moment to look back at your year in order to understand what aspects of life are important to you and where you can create and cultivate inspired action to achieve more balance and purpose.  Reflect on both the wins and the challenges. Trying to assess your overall approach to life.  

Step 2: Create Your Vision for 2021

Based upon this reflection, ask yourself, “How do I want to move forward in 2021?” What vision do you have for yourself in this upcoming year within the various parts of your life? It is this vision of yourself that will help you pinpoint the attributes that you need to embody in order to achieve this evolution.

Step 3: Set Your Intention

Once you’ve imagined how you will personally define a successful year, you can begin to brainstorm power words or phrases that sum up your overall vision. Go through your list and pick the top two or three that resonate the most with you. Visualize what it would look like to have each intention guiding you throughout your daily life, and based on this projection, you’ll know which direction to head towards for your intention. 

For example, if I reflected on a year that felt constrained because of a lack of work opportunities and a quarantined social life, an intention that might resonate with me is “to be limitless.” This intention would then translate into seeking out or creating opportunities for myself in my professional life and finding ways to expand my outlook and create abundance in my personal life.

If you would like some extra help with finding an intention, I invite you to try out my guided meditation on intention setting on my podcast, “Responding to Life: Talking Health, Fertility, & Parenthood.” 

Step 4: Infuse Your Intention Into Your Daily Life

Resolutions can be tough to maintain because they are so specific and rigid. The benefit of an intention is that it can be flexible and flow with how your life unfolds. Because your intention is an overarching concept, you can play around with your interpretations of it on a daily or weekly basis.

The key to staying accountable with your new year’s intention, however, is to call it to mind every morning. Whether you are able to sit in a three-minute meditation or just reflect on your intention during your morning routine, by calling to mind your intention, you can set a road map for your day making sure to infuse and manifest this value into your plans each day.

“As you head into this new year of much-needed renewal and hope, I encourage you to cultivate this vision of yourself each day with inspired action to create lasting success in all aspects of your life.”

—Josephine Atluri, Host of the Podcast "Responding to Life"

About the author: Josephine Atluri is an expert in fertility and motherhood mindfulness and meditation and in helping others overcome adversity to find joy. Through her unique journey on her path to becoming a mom of five, Josephine weathered many ups and downs with miscarriages, IVF, international adoption, and surrogacy. Channeling her experience to find calm and courage and to focus on perseverance, she now helps others navigate life’s curveballs through online meditation training, fertility mindfulness workshops, and her podcast, “Responding to Life.” 

Josephine is a regular content contributor for Motherly and Red Tricycle and she is also a preferred mental wellness provider for The Fertility Tribe, The IVF Warrior, Robyn, and the Fertility Circle. Josephine’s expertise has been featured in Woman’s Day, Prevention Magazine, Mind Body Green, Well + Good, The Bump, Peanut, and the L.A. Times. During this time of extreme isolation and anxiety, Josephine shares practical stress management tips including tools to help ground yourself via the free meditation videos on her site www.jatluri.com. For a free monthly video meditation and wellness tips, be sure to sign up to receive her monthly newsletter on her site. For daily inspiration, be sure to follow her on Instagram @josephineratluri.

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10 Empowering Books By Women to Enhance Your Career (and Life)

Photo: Kaboompics .com for Pexels

Achieving your career goals, trying to be a successful adult, and keeping your personal life in check can sometimes feel impossible. (If you’re juggling a million tasks and still trying to find time to watch The Bachelor with the girls, trust us, we know the struggle). But no matter how often you may feel overwhelmed, it’s important to know that you can find the balance you’re looking for—it may just take a new way of thinking and organizing your everyday life. 

Luckily, there are resources and mentors with proven methods and insights that will help you find the balance between living your best life and getting to work on time. No one ever said achieving work-life balance would be easy, but with these 10 insightful new books, you will be well on your way to reaching both your professional and personal goals in no time. Written by 10 fierce females who know a thing or two about running their own businesses and carving out time for themselves, you’ll find true wisdom and hope in the pages of these self-help and business-focused books. 

From the creator of one of the biggest natural hygiene companies to Netflix sensation Marie Kondo to a single mother from the Middle East who rose to the top of the tech industry, these books will leave you with anecdotes that will help you find the work-life balance you’ve been craving. If you want to find the perfect work-life balance, add these insightful books to your to-read pile ASAP.

Supermaker: Crafting Business On Your Own Terms

by Jaime Schmidt

Once upon a time, Jaime Schmidt was pregnant and making natural deodorant products in her kitchen in Portland, Oregon. In just seven years, Schmidt had made a name for herself and sold the company to Unilever for nine figures. In her inspiring and insightful book, Supermaker, Schmidt reveals how aspiring entrepreneurs can start their own businesses on their own terms. With tips on marketing, product development and other useful tools, this book gives readers the inside look at what it takes to be successful as a founder and as a woman.

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The Upside of Being Down: How Mental Health Struggles Led to My Greatest Successes In Work and Life

by Jen Gotch

Jen Gotch is the CCO and creator of multimillion-dollar brand, Ban.do, but what many people don’t know is that Gotch didn’t always have the easiest time finding success. Struggling with her mental health from a young age, she was determined to understand how her diagnosis could help boost her creative process. In The Upside of Being Down, Gotch shares candid stories about her failures and successes and how to embrace the parts of life you can’t control.

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Slay Like a Mother: How to Destroy What’s Holding You Back So You Can Live the Life You Want b

y Katherine Wintsch

Katherine Wintsch is no stranger to the difficulties of wearing multiple hats in both her professional and personal life. In her debut self-help book, Wintsch uncovers what it takes to be a mother, wife, friend, and successful CEO. Slay Like a Mother teaches readers how to get past the “just fine” mask women often wear, set realistic goals that you can actually achieve and realize the difference between struggling and suffering. If you’re a fan of Rachel Hollis, you’ll love this new release.

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It’s About Damn Time: How to Turn Being Underestimated into Your Greatest Advantage

by Arlan Hamilton and Rachel L. Nelson

Despite being homeless and underestimated, Arlan Hamilton always dreamed of success. Without any contacts, a college degree or a background in finance, Hamilton used her determination and strength to become a highly-respected investor in Silicon Valley, investing in businesses founded by underrepresented women like herself. In It’s About Damn Time, Hamilton teaches women the importance of believing in yourself, how to create a life you love and the skills you need to make it big when it feels like no one else has faith in your dreams.

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Four Faces of Femininity: Heroic Women Throughout History

by Barbara McNally

If you’re in need of a little inspiration from the women who have come before, you’ll love Four Faces of Femininity. Divided into four sections, McNally’s new book celebrates all kinds of successful women and shows readers how important it is to spotlight women from different backgrounds. From Anne Frank to Michelle Obama, this book aims to help women become well-rounded and happy in all areas of their lives. Four Faces of Femininity also includes exercises that will help readers unlock their power and invest in their goals.

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Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies: And Other Rituals to Fix Your Life, From Someone Who’s Been There

by Tara Schuster

As a twenty-something-year-old, Tara Schuster found herself at the top of her career as the vice president at Comedy Central. But what nobody knew was that Tara was struggling to keep the rest of her life together. Finally, one drunken night, Tara called her therapist, desperate for help, making her realize that she needed to make immediate changes to her life. Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies follows Tara’s journey to transforming her entire being and re-evaluating her priorities. This new self-help book strives to help others create a successful life they truly love.

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Success from the Inside Out: Power to Rise from the Past to a Fulfilling Future

by Nona Jones

Finding success in her career at only 23, Nona Jones was convinced that she had everything all figured out. But soon, trauma from her past came back to haunt her and it wasn’t long before she realized that she was using her work to cover up her pain and suffering. Using anecdotes from her own journey, Jones aims to help other career women take back their lives by embracing their fears, banishing their tragic pasts and finding their own fulfilling success in Success from the Inside Out.

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You Can Have It All, Just Not at the Same Damn Time

by Romi Neustadt

Romi Neustadt is a big believer in being able to do it all. The author, speaker, entrepreneur and life coach has had plenty of experience over the years tending to her career and her family, and in You Can Have It All, Just Not at the Same Damn Time, she teaches readers how they can achieve the same success. With lessons on focusing on the things that matter, recognizing your worth, and creating healthy habits, this book will have you nailing work-life balance like a pro.

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Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life

by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein

Marie Kondo is the queen of cutting out the clutter and making room for further success and happiness and in her new book, Joy at Work, she applies her innovative tips and tricks to the workplace. Work can be draining but there are simple ways to make the days better and focus your energy on the things that matter. Teaming up with Rice University business professor Scott Sonenshein, Kondo teaches readers how to declutter their work space, be better organized and make every second count so you can feel more accomplished and happy by the time you head home.

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Girl Decoded: A Scientist’s Quest to Reclaim Our Humanity by Bringing Emotional Intelligence to Technology

by Rana el Kaliouby

Growing up in a traditional family in the Middle East, Rana el Kaliouby never expected to find the success she now has. Moving away from her home country, she earned her PhD and moved to America as a single mother of two girls. Aiming to humanize technology, her intelligence, and ability to juggle her responsibilities made her a leading figure in an industry mostly made up of white males. In Girl Decoded, Rana tells her inspiring story and encourages women to go after their wildest dreams and forget about the labels and expectations forced upon them by others.

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Written by Ashley Johnson, content editor, She Reads.

About the Author:

Ashley Johnson is the content editor at She Reads, an online media outlet that specializes in promoting books and authors with a female-centric approach. In addition to editorial roundups, exclusive author content and thought pieces, She Reads is committed to building a community of readers who love nothing more than getting lost in a good book.

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

This story was originally published on March 13, 2019, and has since been updated.

Daphne Oz Shares Her #1 Tip for Cultivating Confidence

“Set yourself up for success. Don't be afraid to prepare, and talk nicely to yourself.”

-Daphne Oz, Emmy Award-Winning TV Host, Bestselling Author, Chef, and Aveeno Hair Celebrity Brand Ambassador

Daphne Oz has been dishing out healthy living tips since she was a student at Princeton and writing her first book, “The Dorm Room Diet,” which brought wholesome eating to college campuses everywhere.

Fast-forward to 2020 and she’s penned three bestselling cookbooks, won an Emmy, hosted hit television shows by the likes of “The Chew” and "Dish on Oz", and served as a “MasterChef Junior” judge.

But that’s just her day job. 

As a mother of four, she’s proven that you can have a very successful career and be a present mother, but as she’d say, “the difference between doing it all and having it all is a perspective shift.”

At our Future You Festival, Jaclyn Johnson virtually down with Oz to talk about what it took to build her impressive career, how she’s avoiding burnout as a working mom, and why she’s wielding her influence for good.

On cultivating confidence…

“Confidence stems from ease. It’s when you feel easy in your skin.”

"I feel the most confident when I feel like I'm sharing valuable information that's going to make a positive impact on someone's life."

On putting in the work to build confidence…

“You think ease is easy, it's not. Ease takes work. It takes practice. It takes effort and it’s being prepared.”

“Confidence isn't a destination. Every day you have to pay the dues and catch yourself if you're engaging in negative self-talk."

On avoiding negative self-talk…

"The world sees you and talks to you the way you see and talk to yourself. You have to live it first."

On navigating negativity on social media…

"You should never take with more than a grain of salt anyone's opinion or perspective who's opinion or perspective you wouldn't value in real life."

"You're not going to make everyone happy, and if you do make everyone happy, it's at the expense of you living your whole life fully."

On being a working mom during COVID…

“I would never lie and say that I’ve figured it out because the reality is it's recalibration all the time. There are days where I'm an A-grade mother and a B-grade employee and C-grade wife.”

On making time for self-care…

“It's all too easy for us to work ourselves into depletion and I think it can be something as simple as 10 minutes of listening to a podcast or doing a face mask or a 10-minute workout routine."

On continuing to grow…

“I never feel like I've stopped growing like there isn't a chance I could pivot and try something totally new.”

On finding your passion and being on the field…

"My dad used to say to me, You can't catch the ball if you're not standing on the field."

“If you don't have the skillset, if you haven't been keeping yourself prepared, if you haven't been keeping your eyes open and your eyes on the ball, you're never going to catch it when it's flying through the air.”

On pursuing multiple interests…

"You're allowed to be a multi-hyphenate, you're allowed to change your idea of who you are, and you're making a commitment to be as great as possible for now.”

On making tasks more manageable…

“You can only do what you can do. I think it's a matter of making it bite-sized and making it something that you feel you can tackle."

On her #1 tip for cultivating confidence…

“Set yourself up for success. Don't be afraid to prepare, and talk nicely to yourself.”

Psst… If you’re having serious FOMO, join Create & Cultivate Insiders to get unlimited access to all of our Future You Festival content including video recordings of every panel and workshop download in C&C history.

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I'd Never Met With a Self-Defense Expert Before—Here's What I Learned

Photo: @svklimkin from Unsplash

Feeling uneasy about someone trailing behind you on your walk home alone? Picking up weird vibes from a stranger on the subway? Many of us, unfortunately, can relate.

Global estimates published by the World Health Organization or WHO indicate that about 1 in 3 (35%) of women worldwide have experienced some sort of physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.

The statistics can be frightening sometimes, but they all point to one fact: most women are not properly armed to defend themselves. That’s why we tapped Sara Morrell, Self-Defense Senior Trainer and Account Specialist at TASER Self-Defense, a division of AXON, to share some safety and self-defense tips to empower women with the information they need to defend themselves in a safe and effective manner.

According to Sara, “self-defense training can assist in increasing your options and help you prepare ways to de-escalate, or interrupt a possible attack. Like any tool, competence increases confidence, the more information you have, the more likely you will be able to create a plan and execute that plan.”

Read on for more safety and self-defense tips from Sara, so you to arm yourself with confidence – the ultimate self-defense tool.

“Like any tool, competence increases confidence, the more information you have, the more likely you will be able to create a plan and execute that plan.” ”

— Sara Morrell, Self-Defense Senior Trainer and Account Specialist at TASER Self-Defense, a division of AXON

What are some of the most common misconceptions women have about self-defense?

Many women find self-defense intimidating or believe that you have to be fully trained John Wick style for it to make any difference in your day to day. Little steps taken toward protecting yourself and those you love all count! Good self defense courses help to prepare a person with overall awareness and verbal skills, not only hand to hand training. Feeling safe and building trust comes before learning.

What are your top three safety and self-defense tips for women?

1. Practice awareness. This is the easiest thing to put into practice. When you are out and about, keep your eyes up. Pay attention to your senses. As hard as it can be, try to make sure your phone is put away and you are aware of what is happening around you. If you have to return a call or text, try to keep your eyes up and be aware while doing so. Are you getting a “gut feeling?” Listen to your intuition!

2. Have a plan in place and practice that plan. If you are going to decide to carry a tool of some kind, train with that tool and have a plan for how you are going to carry it. Are you going to carry it in your purse? Will it be easily accessible? Practice how you will be able to remove it from the “holster” etc. so you can build some muscle memory and be able to do it under stress.

3. Practice verbal commands. Be loud! Practice commands that get the attention of others nearby to let them know you need help. For example : “Don’t hurt me!” “Back Up! Work on how you would paint a verbal picture for people nearby by explaining what is happening. I know this can feel silly or embarrassing, but it is really helpful to practice. Get together with a good friend, find a place you can get a little loud and go for it!

How can we empower women with the information they need to defend themselves in a safe and effective manner?

Self-defense training can assist in increasing your options and help you prepare ways to de-escalate, or interrupt a possible attack. Like any tool, competence increases confidence, the more information you have, the more likely you will be able to create a plan and execute that plan.

What are some tools and resources you can recommend to women who want to learn more and take self-defense into their own hands?

I am a big believer in less lethal options. I personally carry a TASER Pulse+. It can be effective from up to 15ft away by causing Neuro Muscular incapacitation (muscle lock up) on an attacker for 30 seconds, giving you a window to escape to safety. It also has the ability to contact first responders when the device is deployed. You can find out more about TASER products on their website.

I think Krav Maga is a great resource to help everyone feel more empowered when it comes to self defense. It is easy to get started and many beginner classes are available. The instructors are great in helping to teach you simple self defense skills you can implement that can be very effective. They teach you how to try and stop the attack and get to safety. I would recommend checking out Krav Maga to find a studio in your area.

There are also many self defense courses available from local law enforcement agencies or community colleges. I would recommend checking out your local law enforcement agency website to see if any events are available.

We have many TASER Civilian Instructors available as well that train not only on TASER energy weapons, but also basic self defense tactics. You can find one in your area here.

What advice can you share on summoning the confidence to be proactive about self-defense?

Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from moving forward. There are so many people out there that want to help you feel empowered and confident in your ability to do whatever you need to do to help keep you safe. With each small step forward you take, your confidence will continue to build.

What do we need to change about how we teach self-defense to women? Why? How are you helping push your industry forward?

Self Defense does not need to be a physical training situation. I think it would be helpful to have more female instructors. It is my opinion that all-woman classes tend to provide an easier atmosphere in which to discuss sensitive issues and help alleviate some of the anxiety some women can have in regards to feeling intimidated or uncomfortable in a training course. My goal is to provide encouragement to women to take the first steps to empowering themselves, however they feel comfortable doing so. The more we talk about it and raise awareness around how important it is to have a plan in place and be prepared, the better.

47 Gifts From Women-Owned Brands for Everyone on Your Holiday Shopping List

Photo: Christina Jones Photography

If there’s one thing we are in full support of over here at Create & Cultivate HQ it’s women-owned businesses. So many of them have joined us at our summits and conferences, contributed to our panels or blog, and educated us all on their journeys to success (including the mistakes they learned from along the way).

Since we’re committed to shopping small this holiday season, we’re supporting women-owned businesses with our wallets and encourage you to do the same if you’re able to. Ahead, we’re sharing products for every type of gift receiver, so check out these ideas and wow your friends and family with these creative, by-women products.

For the Wellness Enthusiast

Ceremonia The Scalp Power-Duo

What’s more relaxing than a scalp massage? This gift set includes both a miracle-oil hair treatment and a scalp masajeador for maximum benefits.

$38

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Gilded The Marble Body Brush

This handcrafted body brush will inspire even the most stressed out person on your holiday shopping list to make more time for self-care.

$88

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Highborn Salome Aromatic Anointing Oil

Crafted with organic, sustainably sourced and extracted essential oils, this distinctive aromatics treatment offers a moment of bliss.

$40

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Palermo Replenishing Salt Soak

Made with a combination of Himalayan pink and Dead Sea salts this pretty pink blend will instantly upgrade a bath time self-care ritual.

$12

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Dieux Forever Eye Mask

Created to reduce unnecessary waste caused by single-use eye masks, these reusable eye patches holds gels, serums and creams close to the skin for maximum absorption. Win, win.

$25

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Fur Fur Oil

Put your gift-giving dollars behind a company that’s tackling the stigma of body hair by giving the self-care savvy person in your life this luxe-feeling oil.

$46

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Lalah Delia Vibrate Higher Daily

Give them a gift that will allow them to tap into their inner power, thanks to Lalah Delia, the self-help pioneer behind the internet community Vibrate Higher Daily.

$20

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Moon Juice SuperYou

Designed to reduce stress, these adaptogen daily supplements are the perfect stocking stuffer for the hard-to-shop-for wellness junkie.

$49

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For the Accessory Lover

Oma the Label The Babba Ring

Inspired by classic Cuban links, this ring is one-size-fits-all and adjustable to fit any accessory lover on your list.

$79

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Vrai & Oro Lightweight Hoops

These 14k gold beauties are a beautiful reminder of how much this person means to you.

$90

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Bird + Stone “My Body My Business” Cuff, Set of Two

This gift speaks for itself. Remind your friend what they’re worth with this statement piece.

$60

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Sophie Monet The Wood Charm Necklace

Some like it simple. This necklace appears delicate, but the quality and intricate detail makes it a perfect gift for a minimalistic loved one.

$140

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Second Wind The Tina Mask

For those who like to be a little flashier, this silk mask complete with an 18k gold chain is just the purchase for them. The simplistic design pairs with the eye-catching chain to create a simplified luxury piece.

$85

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Cuyana Mini Leather Zipper Pouch

Sophisticated yet practical, this pebbled leather pouch is a busy girl’s necessity.

$65

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Catbird Baby Pearl Hoops

Subtle and timeless, these pearl hoops will be beloved for years to come.

$88

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ByChari Two Initial and Diamond Necklace

Give a personalized gift with this two-initial and diamond necklace from the brand that brought us Michelle Obama’s coveted Vote Necklace.

$285

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For the Skincare Junkie

OneKind PM Power Couple

Dream Cream Nighttime Moisturizer + Midnight Magic PM Serum

This two-step nighttime routine is no joke. With supercharged ingredients targeted to repair and hydrate skin, trust us on this one—your friend (and their skin) will thank you.

$72

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Shani Darden Skin Care Perfect Cleanse Set

With A-list clients by the likes of Chrissy Teigen and Jessica Alba, Shani Darden has a sought-after skincare line for a reason. Snag this set for the skincare obsessed.

$44

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Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

This glow-giving treatment instantly restores radiance to dull, rough skin. But the best part? It’s made with clean ingredients.

$65

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Peach & Lily Eco Your Skin Holiday Kit

This jam-packed skincare mask kit takes traditional Korean spa techniques straight to one’s doorstep. Easy to use and effective, this gift is unique from many other skincare products on the market and is well worth the purchase.

$90

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Summer Fridays The Hydration Set

Help them beat dry winter skin with this set of Summer Friday's bestselling Mini Jet Lag Mask, CC Me Serum, and Lip Butter Balm.

$75

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Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

It doesn’t have a devoted following for no reason. Since it’s launch a few years ago, this face oil has become a global phenomenon and anyone who is gifted this will treasure every drop.

$185

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Golde Papaya Bright Face Mask

This is made with 100% pure, edible superfoods such as lucuma, papaya, and sea buckthorn berry so it's packed with vitamin C and smells like a tropical vacation.

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For the Foodie

Pomelo Casa Coral Mini Bowl

This chic, hand-painted mini bowl is an essential for any modern table-setting.

$24

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Brightland 100% Extra Virgin Heirloom Olive Oil

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more lovingly crafted olive oil. You’ll want to put this one on display.

$37

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The Little Market Cookbook Gift Set

This gift has a philanthropic touch that will be sure to warm the hearts and satisfy the tastebuds of any gift receiver. The cookbook gives readers a look into the lives and kitchens of immigrants and profits go toward a charitable cause.

$58

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Sugarfina Candy Care Package

Because, who doesn’t like a bit of a sugar rush during the holiday season (or, any time of year)?

$24

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Yola Mezcal

To toast to the holiday season (and the new year!).

$60

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Mija Superstar Complete Superfood Supplement

This adaptogenic formula has been designed to provide the ideal daily ratio of vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, alkaline greens, and phytonutrients in a daily dose of just two teaspoons. Stay healthy and make it taste good, too.

$78

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Gaby Dalkin Eat What You Want: 125 Recipes for Real Life

This is brimming with deliciously simple recipes that anyone can cook. Our favorite? The cauliflower shawarma bowl.

$28

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Estelle Colored Glass Champagne Coupes, Set of 6

These blush-hued coupes are surefire crowdpleasers, especially when brimming with Champagne.

$195

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For the Go-Getter

Create & Cultivate 2021 Planner

This way, you can make sure your most important dates are all locked in ahead of time. Let’s make 2021 a year to remember.

$10

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Otherland Black Velvet

Give your work wife something to look forward to seeing (and smelling) every day at work. This candle is a breath of fresh air and will break up the monotony while reminding them of you, too.

$36

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Allswell The Deck

Draw one of these when you’re in a creative rut. Developed in collaboration with psychiatrist Dr. Monisha Vasa, each card includes a “Write” and a “Draw” prompt. Shuffle them up, grab a pen and see what emerges.

$25

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Hija De Tu Madre Yo Quiero Dinero Keychain

This speaks for itself.

$16

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Create & Cultivate Energy Up Charging Tassel

Add some spice to your friend’s working life with C&C’s energy up charging tassel.

$20

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Create & Cultivate Success Never Sleeps Card Case

Buy this for a friend who is ready to achieve their goals and do something big in 2021.

$30

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Clare V Clare Crespo 2021 Ice Cream Calendar

Make 2021 a treat with this ice cream calendar.

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For the Homebody

Vitruvi Blush Diffuser

This stunning stone diffuser doubles as décor when it’s not in use and the soft pink hue will really make your loved one blush.

$119

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Rootfoot Palo Santo Pure Essential Oil

This sustainably harvested essential oil is the perfect complement to any home. They only use naturally fallen dead branches that have that have been lying on the ground for more than two years for their products.

$12

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Have a Nice Day Work From Home Mug

Designed by artist Steffi Lynn Tsai, your java-loving friend will love this gift.

$17

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Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe

For that special someone who loves to lounge in style at home, this is the perfect gift.

$99

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The Sill Rubber Plant

This glossy burgundy beauty really makes a statement in any space and the best part? It thrives indoors.

$52

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Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask

Nothing beats sleeping on a 100% silk sleep mask, and this one is washable!

$48

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Ayla Sea Soak

This deeply restorative full-body treatment is as close to a spa treatment as you can get without having to leave your house.

$59

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Jiggy Snow Day by Jo Taylor

Give the gift of a cozy night indoors with a fun puzzle. All that’s missing is a blanket and a glass of wine.

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Ouai Rose Hair and Body Oil

Jen Atkin really changed the game with this one. It performs double duty as a head-to-toe hydrator and it’s also a perfume.

$32

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This story was originally published on December 3, 2019, and has since been updated.

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5 Simple Ways to Make Smarter Snack Choices While Working From Home

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Linh

If you were used to working a 9-to-5 office job, it’s safe to say that working from home these past few months has been an adjustment. Distractions and productivity killers abound, from the living room where the television is waiting to lure you into a binge-fest of The Office to the laundry room where piles of clothes are just begging to be washed and folded. And then there’s the pantry, the place you go to beat stress and boredom and to stretch your legs and fulfill your salty, sweet, crunchy cravings. 

We know all too well that when the pantry is just steps away, it’s hard to resist the allure of a midday snack break—which could be a good thing! In fact, the American Heart Association states on their website that snacking isn’t “bad” for you if you do it in moderation and make healthy choices. And according to Jackie Newgent, RDN, culinary nutritionist and author of “The All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook,” “properly planned snacking can actually help with weight management efforts” and “help keep you satisfied between meals so that you don’t overeat at lunch or dinner.” 

We know this idea that snacks provide satiety until the next meal is important, which is why we’ve partnered with the premium, gluten-free better-for-you snack brand Crunchmaster and Lisa Linh, creator of the home, lifestyle, and wellness blog By Lisa Linh, to share simple ways for making smarter snack choices while working from home. As the voice behind the blog By Lisa Linh where she shares healthy living tips, Linh certainly knows a thing or two about eating well on a busy schedule. 

Ahead, she breaks down how to snack smartly when you’re WFH all day, from scheduling meal breaks to stocking up on nutrient-dense snack foods.

“

I keep nutrient-dense snacks on hand that are easy to grab and don’t make a huge mess while I study, which is why I prefer Crunchmaster crackers as my go-to.”

—Lisa Linh, Creator of By Lisa Linh

CREATE & CULTIVATE: How does having a set meal routine set you up for success while working from home, and what tips can you share for scheduling meals and snack breaks?

LISA LINH: I found that my most productive days are ones where I schedule breaks and meals. So for me, having a routine not only keeps me focused, but also allows me to perform at my best. My biggest tip is to create a realistic schedule that works for you versus trying to use other people’s templates.

Everyone is different and when you create something just for you, you tend to stick to it more. For example, I only take 30-minutes for breakfast and lunch but will keep a secret stash of snacks that I can grab at my desk throughout the day. Others may give themselves an hour and some even eat at their desk, so do whatever feels most convenient and authentic to you.

What tips can you share on stocking up on nutrient-dense snack foods and what are your go-to good-for-you snacks?

While we have a dedicated snack cabinet in the kitchen, I also keep a snack drawer in our office. I try my best to keep nutrient-dense snacks on hand that are easy to grab and don’t make a huge mess while I study, which is why I prefer Crunchmaster crackers as my go-to.

I love that they’re gluten free, come in a variety of flavors, and are made with 100% whole grain. Not to mention, they have no artificial colors or flavors and 0g cholesterol. Also, the crunch is just so satisfying to hear.

My favorite flavor is Original and my boyfriend loves Ultimate Everything. He actually loves pairing the Ultimate Everything crackers with the salmon poke we get fresh from the market or dipping them in humus. I, on the other hand, like it plain.

We both also love that they’re perfect for when we’re on-the-go. Whenever we’re in a rush to leave the house I just throw one into my tote bag and eat in the car. It also is in my gym bag, as it’s a great post work-out snack as well.

“If you treat your breaks as something “to-do” and schedule them into your day, you’ll eventually fall into the habit of checking in with yourself.”

—Lisa Linh, Creator of By Lisa Linh

What is your best nutrition advice for those of us who want to eat better and take care of ourselves while WFH? How can we be healthier on a busy schedule?

When it comes to taking care of yourself, it is important to prioritize your mental and emotional health first. I always advise my friends to ensure that they feel good from the inside first before tackling their physical health, because you honestly have to be in the right mindset before anything else.

Carving out time for yourself can be tough with a busy schedule, but if you treat your breaks as something “to-do” and schedule them into your day, you’ll eventually fall into the habit of checking in with yourself. Self-care is not just bubble baths and massages either, we have to make time to do all the inner work that’s necessary for us to continue to be our best selves.

In regards to eating better, I’m still personally learning about the type of ingredients that go into our food, and so I often ask for advice from my personal trainer and closest friends, who are nutrition experts. I can’t say that I’m always choosing the healthiest choices but we’re all a work in progress and knowledge is power, so education about nutrition is key.

What are some food staples I should always have in the pantry or fridge to cook healthy meals and why?

I’m going to be honest and tell you that, while I’m big on healthy snacks, I am still working in the cooking department, meaning I don’t cook often. For breakfast, I usually have something easy like apple and peanut butter, a banana and peanut butter toast, or a quick spinach and mushroom pita. For lunch, I tend to have leftovers from dinner, in which the majority of my dinners are ordered via Postmates. My favorite go-to restaurants are Granville, Tender Greens, and local sushi, and Vietnamese restaurants. 

Anything else to add?

You only get one body, and while it’s extremely forgiving, it is up to us to really give ourselves the best life we can and that includes taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Linh

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How to Host a Socially Distant Dinner Party for the Holidays That Won't Break the Bank

The holidays are here and that means more fun, more food, and more time with family and friends. But it can also be panic-inducing with all of the gift-buying and party-planning that needs to be done—and all of this is on top of your end-of-year work schedule. Not to mention the current COVID climate, which calls for planning a whole new kind of virtual, socially distant gathering.

But as you know, the Create & Cultivate team has hosted a few dinner parties (and virtual events!) in our time so we’re very familiar with the preparation required to put on a successful evening. We know that sitting down to plan a party can sometimes feel scarier than putting together a business plan! So, we’re here to help with a few tips, short cuts, and ideas to keep it simple and exceed your guest’s expectations at the same time, whether you’re getting together via Zoom or safely gathering outdoors.

Due to COVID, we recommend following the CDC’s guidelines, as well as any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, when planning any holiday celebration this season.

Photo: Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

Gather the Guest List

A great dinner party (especially a great virtual dinner party!) is all about the mix—of guests, that is! You want to make sure that there is a variety of diverse thinkers, movers, and shakers from the introverted to the outspoken, the flamboyant, and the shy. This keeps the conversation interesting and ensures your guests feel entertained throughout the night and want to stay the three courses, plus dessert! And don’t just invite people you know. Pull people from all aspects of your life, of different talents, and all ages. Perhaps your childhood friend would really get along with your new office colleague, so sit them next to each other and watch them hit it off.

Timeline: 3 weeks out.

Create an Invitation

It’s often overlooked but you don’t want to miss this essential party planning ingredient. The design of your invitation will set the tone for the evening and is an opportunity to build intrigue and excitement for your dinner party. It is also a great way to keep yourself accountable. Once the invitation is sent, there’s no backing out. You can go old school and send printed invitations or you can use a digital invite such as Paperless Post which also conveniently tracks all of your RSVPs and responses too. Include all the important information such as time, location, occasion, dress code, Zoom link, etc. and any other details—don’t be afraid to have fun with it.

Timeline: 2 weeks out.

Design the Tablescape

This is the fun part. There are so many directions you could take but before you decide, start collecting inspiration for the tablescape from the napkins to the vases. We highly recommend setting a festive table even if you’re hosting a virtual dinner party to get into the spirit of the event! We love to use Pinterest or create a saved folder on Instagram. One of our favorites is Athena Calderone’s EyeSwoon for ideas and recipes. The goal is to transform your space into something that makes your guest’s jaws drop, even if it’s just serving as a Zoom backdrop. And it doesn’t need to cost you an entire paycheck either. Think fresh flowers (or garden clippings!), candles, napkins, vases, and a pretty tablecloth. (Pro tip: purchase linen from the local fabric store for the tablecloth and the napkins, wash them, and leave the ends unsewn so they have frayed edges. Choose to iron them or leave them crinkled for a cool, unkempt look).

Timeline: 2 weeks out.

Curate a Delicious Menu

A dinner party is all about the food so don’t forget to plan a delicious spread with enticing appetizers and tasty treats that keep everyone happy all night long. You don’t have to be a top chef either. Why not order it pre-made and ready to go? Whether you’re having an intimate gathering with the people in your household or preparing a virtual holiday feast for the whole extended family, our go-to specialty grocer is The Fresh Market. They have everything you need to elevate entertaining for a memorable and delicious holiday including tons of fully prepared offerings so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time connecting with loved ones. You can even arrange to send meals to friends and family from a distance if you’re gathering around the table virtually, or each household attending your Zoom dinner party can order the meal of their choosing!

Timeline: 1 week out.

Put on a Killer Playlist

If you want to good vibes all night long then compile a killer playlist on Spotify with a mix of old and new to keep the tempo upbeat and exciting. Be sure to plan a playlist that features several hours worth of music too and keep the cadence of the evening’s events in mind. Start the night off with lively tunes as you welcome people, then songs during dinner should be calming and mellow as people are eating and conversing, then pump it up again as guests move from the dinner party to the dance floor.

Timeline: A few days out.

Love this story? Pin the below graphic to your Pinterest board.

This story was originally published on November 1, 2019, and has since been updated.

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“Social Media Has the Power to Positively Change Our Lives If We Let It"—Here's How to Be Authentic Online

“Social media has the power to positively change our lives if we let it.”

—Allyn Rose, Women's Health Advocate & Founder of The Previvor Foundation

Keeping up with social media has always been a struggle for me. But it’s never been that I was “too busy” or that I didn’t understand the platforms. The issue was that I didn’t know how to be “authentic” online. I think that’s something that a lot of us can relate to.

How do you balance talking about intimate aspects of your life while still being professional? How do you show a “day in the life” while not fully letting on that you haven’t changed out of your pajamas? How do you talk about your relationship while being respectful and still reserving privacy with your partner? How can you share negative seasons of your life without being a total Debbie Downer? It’s also really easy to start making negative comparisons about your life and the lives of those that you follow. Do people really do their hair and put on makeup every single day? Is anyone’s house that clean all of the time? What type of relationship involves someone picking you up and spinning you around in a picture-perfect embrace on a toilet paper run?

The answer to all of those questions is: “Only the unrealistic ones.” So go ahead and breathe a sigh of relief. But social media matters. It matters because it’s a direct way of speaking to our generation… and that’s a powerful thing. 

I started becoming more active on social media in 2015. While Instagram had begun to grow in popularity, it was nothing like it is now. Back then, it was primarily an overly-edited and perfectly-filtered glimpse into the lives of a beautiful few. Today, it has transformed into a 24/7 display of people’s real lives. People now feel comfortable sharing their trials, as well as their triumphs. We see makeup-free faces, stretch marks, postpartum bodies. We see real life.

“The more I shared about the trials in my life, the more my channels began to grow.”

—Allyn Rose, Women's Health Advocate & Founder of The Previvor Foundation

And I think that represents a generational shift. We’re tired of seeing (and trying to live up to) these perfect lives. It wasn’t until I noticed things start to change that I realized just how inauthentic my online presence had become. I constantly felt like I was playing “catch up” with the trends, the lifestyle, and the never-ending display of perfection. I knew that my life looked nothing like my feed and I made a conscious effort to change that. 

I threw caution to the wind and started talking about what was really going on in my life: undergoing a preventive double mastectomy at 26. I started sharing the way that I felt about my body post-surgery, the impact that it had on my relationship, and how it would change a lot of aspects of my future. Prior to my mastectomy, I had been a Miss USA and Miss America contestant, I was a full-time model and all of that had been put on hold to proactively remove my breasts in an effort to prevent breast cancer. I did this because by the time I turned 16, I had already lost my mother, grandmother, and great aunt to the disease, and I was determined not to suffer the same fate.

I was shocked to see that the more I shared about the trials in my life, the more my channels began to grow. At first, I thought it was just the rubbernecking effect—people slowing down to look at the damage. But as the years went by, a true community began to grow. That community included women who had already battled breast cancer, those who carried a gene mutation that increased their chances of developing cancer, those who were about to undergo preventive surgery, and even those who just wanted to learn how to better support their friends or family members in the same situation. It was wonderful to be able to talk to others who had been in my shoes and those several years out who could offer me some long term perspective on what life might look like when the “dust fully settled.” 

Photo: Courtesy of Allyn Rose

What social media also did was introduce me to the struggles that many women were facing in learning about their options for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. It got me thinking, “Why is there not a comprehensive resource for women undergoing this surgery? Why are women being forced to message strangers on the internet about these life-changing surgeries?” I put my head down and I got to work.

That’s when The Previvor was born. In October 2019, I launched my nonprofit’s website, a digital women’s health platform that allowed women to be fully informed about all of their choices surrounding mastectomy. As The Previvor grew, so did an even larger community of women who were able to support one another through this very challenging time in their lives. I couldn’t believe that something like social media, something that had given me anxiety for years, was now a vital part of my everyday life. And instead of causing me anxiety and FOMO, it was now bringing me fulfillment and a community of my own. 

As the years went by, and I began to face new challenges like trying to start a family. Because of my family’s health history and being the carrier of a known gene mutation, I opted to undergo the IVF process, followed by genetic testing with Shady Grove Fertility. Because I knew that so many women who had undergone mastectomy were also carriers of the breast cancer gene mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2, I decided to publicly share my fertility journey. I hoped that it might remove some of the “fear of the unknown” from other women who may have to go down the same road in the future. I was blown away by the love and support that I received from women around the world. After 10 months of treatment, two egg retrievals, and an embryo transfer, I’m now 18 weeks pregnant with my first child. I really don’t know how I would have navigated this incredibly emotional experience without the support I received via social media. 

It’s hard to imagine navigating the last five years without the people I met on these platforms. It gets a bad rap at times, but social media has the power to positively change our lives if we let it. So I encourage you to stop trying to “keep up” and start sharing your most authentic self. You never know where it might lead you. 

“I encourage you to stop trying to ‘keep up’ and start sharing your most authentic self. You never know where it might lead you.”

—Allyn Rose, Women's Health Advocate & Founder of The Previvor Foundation

About the Author: As a 24-year-old Miss America contestant, Allyn Rose made headlines across the globe with the controversial decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy after losing her mother, grandmother, and great aunt to breast cancer. Allyn's story inspired celebrities like Angelina Jolie and a new generation of women to take charge of their healthcare choices. Determined to encourage other women to know that their scars are beautiful, Allyn boldly became the first woman with a mastectomy to model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. She is the founder of The Previvor, a 501(c)(3) non-profit women's health platform, which serves as a resource for women undergoing mastectomy and the creator of the #SelfExamGram, a social media movement encouraging women to perform a monthly self-breast exam.

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