Like A Boss: 10 Women We Love Who Made Forbes 30 Under 30

Alex Taylor, 28 is the VP of Digital Strategy at Clique Media Group. Taylor makes the "Media" list, and was a keynote speaker at Create & Cultivate Los Angeles 2015 held at the Book Bindery in Culver City. 

Meg He, 28, and Nina Faulhaber, 28 cofounders of ADAY, an online lifestyle brand for active women. These women were chosen for the "Retail and ECommerce" List. 

Chloe King, 28 is the Social Media and Digital PR Manager at Bergdorf Goodman. She's also beyond stylish, savvy, and smart -- making it no wonder she made the "Marketing and Advertising" List. 

Stephanie Korey, 28 is the cofounder of Away, the direct-to-consumer luggage company taking the travel world by storm. Stephanie made the "Retail and E-Commerce" list and recently talked fundraising with the Create & Cultivate blog. 

Aimee Song, 29 is an interior designer and founder of fashion blog Song of Style, which gets over 4 million views a month. She makes the "Art & Style" list as a true blogstar. Aimee was a keynote speaker at Create & Cultivate Los Angeles 2015.

Lauren Sherman, 29 is the VP of Marketing at Shyp. The company with on-demand courier pickup, professional packaging, and low prices that rival big shipping companies. Lauren made the "Marketing and Advertising" list and served as a mentor at Create and Cultivate Chicago 2015. 

Annie Lawless, 29 is the cofounder of SUJA Juice and made the "Food and Drink" list. The powerhouse will be on the main stage at Create & Cultivate Dallas 2016 talking about killing the entrepreneurial game. 

Whitney Tingle, 29 and Danielle DuBoise, both 29, of Sakara Life, the organic meal delivery service that's more than food. It's a lifestyle. The two made the "Retail and Ecommerce" List and will be speaking on the "Startup to Success" panel at Create & Cultivate Dallas 2016. And check out the interview we did with the ladies in December! 

Forbes 30 Under 30 is the list that kicks off the new year for enterprising young people. We are proud to say that C & C Founder and CEO Jaclyn Johnson made last year’s list (hello, #humblebrag). This year, we are even more proud to see that many past speakers and professionals that we work with have landed a coveted spot. 

When we asked Stephanie Korey of Away what making the list meant to her, she said: "What I'm most proud of at Away is the early team that my co-founder Jen (who was Forbes Under 30 last year!) and I have brought together. It's great to start the year with well deserved recognition for everything the team at Away has accomplished up to now, and it's awesome momentum for all the even greater things we have up our sleeves 2016. Stay tuned!" 

Danielle Duboise and Whitney Tingle of Sakara Life felt similarly. The founders said, "Wow, it's almost impossible to capture how we feel. We started Sakara as two childhood best friends going through our own personal food journeys, making meals in our tiny NYC kitchen, and delivering them ourselves on bicycles. Today, we're not only feeding thousands of people across the country, but helping them live healthier, happier lives and feel amazing in their bodies. Being recognized by Forbes is such an honor and truly an example of the meaning of Sakara - 'the manifestation of thoughts to things.'"

Our hats and heels are off to this fine group women. We look forward to seeing what 2016 brings you.  

A Natural Eye: Tammy Price of Fragments Identity

For interior and product design veteran Tammy Price, owner of Fragments Identity, "pillows are like art. They can transform a space, they can make a plain sofa come to life, they can change the texture of a chair."  Which may not be true of every pillow, but the detail of the textiles Tammy choses make spaces feel special in a way that mass produced goods can't. She has an eye, and it's one that caught our attention. 

We checked in with the designer to find out where she catches that inspiration train and the story behind the piece of furniture that got away. 

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. HOW YOU CAME UP WITH FRAGMENTS IDENTITY, AND HOW THE BUSINESS FITS INTO YOUR IDENTITY. 

I have been an interior designer, showroom owner and interior home product developer for the past 29 years. Design was my passion and when I created new products it was always a “piece of this, with a piece of that”, which I felt were the “fragments” of different elements. It is a complete reflection of things that I love. A mix of old and new, crispness and awesome textiles. I am a lover of all textiles! 

WHAT IS IT ABOUT INTERIOR TEXTILES THAT APPEALS TO YOU?

Absolutely everything! Tone, texture, the way they fabricate. In a way they are a blank canvas that you can create into many many things. They can become incredible art! 

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

I think that when you are so deeply passionate about something, you can find inspiration in absolutely everything. There is no shortage. 

WHEN YOU RUN YOUR OWN BUSINESS IS IT POSSIBLE TO SEPARATE WORK AND PERSONAL?

Well, design flows 24/7 for me, but I still make sure that I always take the time to prioritize for my family. It’s really great to surround yourself by people who understand your creativity and let you be who you are. 

WHAT'S THE MOST SURPRISING ELEMENT--SO FAR-- OF BEING A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR? 

By being a female entrepreneur, you can find a way to make everything happen and open every door you want to go through.- there is always way!!

WHAT'S A SURPRISING PAST JOB YOU HAD THAT BENEFITS YOU TODAY?

During college, studying for my degree in design, I worked retail management and visual merchandising. While it wasn’t interior design, that job really gave me the platform and opportunity to learn about design and product development. 

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST MISTAKE MOST PEOPLE MAKE WITH INTERIOR DESIGN?

Not being patient enough to wait for it to all come together. The designer has the whole vision, but it takes time for it to all come together and you have to wait for it to unfold. 

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR YOUNG FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS?

Never let somebody tell you that you can’t do something, because you can. Just do it and go for it.

"Just do it and go for it." 

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WHAT'S A PIECE OF FURNITURE YOU FOUND, DIDN'T PURCHASE, AND HAS HAUNTED YOU FOREVER?

While I was driving through Napa, I spotted a vintage club chair that I had to have! At the time, I was driving a rental car and I tried to fit this chair in that car every way possible until I had to give up :( I still want that chair!

Be sure to check out Fragments Identity in the Create & Cultivate Office and Guest Bedroom! 

Boss Dating Tips from Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe

Whitney Wolfe is the Founder of Bumble. The dating app where women have to make the first move (because you only live Beyonce, amiright all my single ladies?). Which seems to be an approach that many women are taking in both their business and personal lives. But when you’re busy hustling, it’s highly possible that dating falls at the bottom of a very long to-do list. So we checked in with the CEO to find out her tips for dating when you’re a boss, like her. 

1.  When you’re busy, throwing paint against the wall to see what sticks isn’t the best approach. Part of the point of dating apps is to suss people out, “break the ice, keep it lighthearted, and let us be your wing woman,” says Wolfe. Use this opportunity almost as a first date that doesn’t require you to leave your house. (If only dating was actually that easy. *sobs in ice cream.*) 

"Use dating apps as an opportunity almost as a first date that doesn’t require you to leave your house.” 

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2.  There are plenty of fish in the sea, and the pool of Bumble men is on point. But with over 1 million users just about evenly split between men and woman, remember: mercury poisoning is also real— we’re looking at you Jeremy Piven, emoji wink. So you need to manage your expectations about what a dating app can do, in the same way you manage your stress, employees, work load, and email inbox. There’s no magic bullet for anything. Mitigating expectancies is crucial, especially when you’re first starting out.

3. No group photos. Do you head into an investor meeting with a posse? Do you bring your bestie to your business brunch? Nope. If you want to be taken seriously, be serious. Show your face in your profile pic. Wolfe says, “If you have six photos of you and all your friends, it’s going to be harder for you to make great matches.” Beyond that, it’s fine to show that you have friends and you *woop Drake voice* know how to cut a rug, but as a HBIC you should also know there is such a thing as over-selling it. Be confident in you. That said…

4. You’re a Boss in the boardroom. There’s no reason you can’t be Queen Boss on Bumble too. Wolfe says, “There is nothing more attractive than confidence and intelligence.” We’d have to agree. If a man is intimidated by a powerful woman, then he’s not the man for you. Going on a date with him is just a waste of your time. If in in your initial convo he’s trying to one-up you, give him the the ole “BRB” and never come back. 

5. Time and again female CEOs reiterate how important it is to be authentic. When you’re looking for investors, when you’re starting a business, when you’re pitching a client— authenticity and honestly are key when making smart business decisions. Wolfe says, “I would never wear red lipstick in real life, so for me to then put photos with a full face of makeup and red lipstick would be ridiculous. Sure, it might get more right swipes, but it’s not the right kind of men I’d be attracting. It’s not important to have a first date—it’s important to have something authentic and real.”

It’s not important to have a first date—it’s important to have something authentic and real.”

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6. Use your time wisely, and be online during peak times. There are good times to Instagram (ahem, 12nEST when Europeans are home from work, the east coast is heading to lunch and the west coast is rising and shining), and there are smart times to Bumble. That sweet honey hour for Bumble according to Wolfe, “is at 6pm.” Which just happens to be Happy Hour. Coincidence? Nope. 

Be sure to check out Whitney on the Main Stage this January at Create & Cultivate Dallas, where she’ll be dolling out much more than dating tips. Think: How she landed a spot as the first female guest on Trevor Noah’s “The Daily Show.” 

The Bright & Busy World of Designer Jolene Kraus

Most people say separate work and pleasure, but when your husband is your partner — in both life and business— how do you draw a line between the two? For Jolene Kraus, who co-founded Park Studio, an LA-based lighting and interior design company, with husband Ben, the answer is simple: "We like that our lines are blurred. I think that’s what makes us successful." 

The duo are also parents to 13-month-old Arden, and work out of the studio in their backyard. But, according to Jolene, when you love what you do "it's not really work," so negotiating this territory is easier.  "Yes, we have to physically make every fixture, box it, answer all emails, work in quickbooks, etc," she says, "but I am beyond proud of the business Ben and I built in under two years." Beyond that Jolene notes that creativity doesn't operate on a 9-5 schedule, so bringing business home is part of the job. "It's impossible for us to automatically shut off our creative thinking caps at exactly 5 pm.” Based on the designs Park Studio is putting out, we wouldn’t want them to.     

We checked in with the multitasking maven to find out more about those blurred lines, busy days, and Park Studio’s bright future. 

HOW IMPORTANT IS COLLABORATION WHEN IT COMES TO CREATIVITY?

We are often building custom fixtures for our clients and we rely heavily on collaborating during that process. I truly believe every fixture has been the result of a successful collaboration. This could happen over months or just weeks, but we generally work from sketches to mock-ups to the final production run. We each speak up during the process.

IS THERE A DESIGNER (OR TWO) YOU'D LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH?

Of course we would love to collaborate with commune. My product and color heroes are Scholten + Baijings--I would love to work with them!

HOW DO YOU BALANCE MOM LIFE AND WORK LIFE?

Our nanny works 9-5, so we are with Arden from when she wakes up until our nanny gets here. And the same in the evenings—when the nanny leaves at 5, we are with her until bedtime at 7. That doesn’t mean that one of us won’t take a phone call or answer an email. I want our daughter to see the importance of hard work and make sure she understands that mommy and daddy have businesses to run. Hopefully we are setting up a legacy for her. 

THAT SAID: MOM, WIFE, AND SMALL-BUSINESS OWNER--WHICH JOB IS HARDER?

That’s a tough one. They all have their challenges, but they are all also very rewarding. I am beyond proud of the business Ben and I have built (in just under 2 years); and our daughter is our obsession (also under 2). Ben makes it easy to be his wife. He would do anything for us, so thankfully that job is the easiest. Being a mom is hard knowing that she is at an impressionable age-- she’s now starting to say what we say (yikes) and we are really seeing her Scorpio personality these past couple of weeks. Being a mom also means I don’t get a lot of me time-- thank God for dry shampoo and granola bars. Being a small business owner is very hard. we don’t just wear many hats, we wear every hat. from dropping off packages at fed ex to writing every email reply to designing and building the fixtures. all of that said, we are very grateful for what we have and wouldn’t change a thing!

"We don’t just wear many hats, we wear every hat."

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HOW ESSENTIAL IS LIGHTING TO SETTING THE TONE OF A ROOM? WHAT GOES INTO CONSIDERING THE LIGHTING IN A ROOM?

Lighting is the most important aspect of a room, and I’m not saying that just because we have a lighting company. we can always remember that time we went into an overly lit room and could only think about how we must look in that harsh light (though maybe it’s a girl thing). lighting for a room needs to be the right scale and the right output. you don’t want a small fixture in a large room and you definitely don’t want too much light/output in a small space. That’s why we make multiple styles of fixtures that create adequate amount of ambient light to accommodate the majority of room sizes. 

The Sonoma Chandelier, $1300. This chandelier hangs in the Create & Cultivate office. 

"Thank God for dry shampoo and granola bars."

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HOLIDAYS AND NYE PARTIES ARE HERE. WHAT IS THE BEST DINNER PARTY LIGHTING?

We always tell our clients to put their lights on a dimmer. The ability to create mood lighting is always a good thing.

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST INTERIOR DESING MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE?

Scale and proportion. From too small of an area rug, to too large of a sofa. Scale and proportion are challenges for the untrained eye.

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE THE "EYE" FOR INTERIOR DESIGN?

I think it’s important to hire professionals who do have expertise in the field. Though, if you are on a budget (as all of us are), there are definitely great resources that can help with that process. Homepolish is one of our favorite design consulting services. 

In general we like to follow these tips:

+Chandeliers should be 30” - 36” above a dining table. That helps create an intimate setting.

+Drapery should just skim the floor. 1/4” above the floor to be exact.

+Paint all of your walls, not just an accent. If you’re brave enough to paint one wall black, paint them all—or it will look like you ran out of paint. 

WHERE DO YOU SEE PARK STUDIOS EXPANDING?

Very soon we will be more than a lighting studio. We are in the process of manufacturing hardware (think drawer pulls and knobs) and updating our pillow offering. More than anything I would love to design furniture and rugs. We want to be a one-stop shop for affordable, great design.

FINALLY, TELL US! YOUR SECRET LA FURNITURE SHOP SPOTS?

A+R on La Brea,  Noir  / CFC,  all of the local flea markets, St. Vincent de Paul, and we are craigslist lovers.

Create & Connect: Aiming For Success with Michelle Madsen

One look at Michelle Madsen’s Instagram, and you’re immediately drawn into the cool hues and minimalist aesthetic that she’s built for the past 3 years. This is how she’s built her blog, Michelle Take Aim, to look like - cool, calm, and collected, a total reflection of how she is in person. But with her blogging full time, working photo shoots, meetings on top of meetings, and even slotting in time for a trip to Canada, it’s amazing to think that someone who works so hard for their own brand, as well as others, is just so relax. So naturally, we had to get into her mind to see how she deals with the busy trap while still keeping her cool.

“I think one of the biggest things about blogging that makes it hard to juggle is bouncing around from creating content, being active on social channels, meetings, events, travel, editing, writing, etc.. It’s a lot of juggling, all while making life seem pretty seamless and fun! I do blog full-time now and it definitely keeps me on my toes, as crazy as that may seem.”

-Michelle Madsen

---

You're a full time blogger and owner LOVE NAIL TREE - how to do you balance the two while also doing digital marketing for clients?

Every day is different - whether I’m working on photoshoots and emails, or out from meetings to events, I try to plan ahead and prioritize what’s most important for the day. I’m a big list-maker. I have a ‘master list’ and a daily list… sometimes it’s a little ridiculous. The biggest thing that keeps me bouncing around with blogging is that it’s a few jobs in one. It can be a little overwhelming to jump from creative to social to running the behind-the-scenes side of the business like emails and deadlines.

"I’m a big list-maker. I have a ‘master list’ and a daily list… sometimes it’s a little ridiculous."

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The Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard is the perfect tool to switch from one device to another with the touch of a button, which makes multitasking so easy. What are your best hacks for multitasking?

I just recently starting dividing my month into days where I focus on different parts of my business. For example, I spend a full week brainstorming and shooting content, the next week will be a lot of writing and editing and then I have more free time in my day-to-day to focus on the business end. It’s been a huge help.

What did you do before you became your own boss?

Since out of college I’ve been working mostly for myself. My husband and I have a clothing line, LOVE NAIL TREE, and before blogging I did this full time. Being an entrepreneur has lots of perks but it’s also so hard to turn it off.

Is there anything these you want to add under your belt for future projects?

I have some ideas in mind - one is starting a brand with a friend. We are in the planning stages! I have also started dancing again and would love to take it on as a bigger project and incorporate into my blog one day.

Fundraising Fundamentals with Away -- Plus a Carry-On to Fly For

Away, founded by Jen Rubio and Stephanie Korey is a direct-to-consumer luggage company from two former Warby Parker execs. To get their company off the ground they raised over $2 million in seed funding, banking on the idea that luxury travel accessories needed rethinking. They wanted to create luggage for the way "people really move" that didn't also cost an arm and a leg. 

The duo created a beautiful, high-end minimalist carry-on without the high-end price tag. At under $250, Away just made traveling in style (hello: silk lining, removable laundry bag, TSA approved lock, charging ports) a whole lot easier. In fact, you're going to plan a trip just to take this bag for a spin. 

We checked in with Jen and Steph to talk fundraising, believing in your product, and of course, the best meal they've ever had at an airport (shoutout to the Delta terminal at LAX). 

For someone looking to raise capital, where is the first place to start?

STEPH: The best place to start is researching how companies in a similar industry and stage as yours have raised capital. There’s a ton of information online. If you can get introductions to founders who have done it and learn from their experiences, that’s the best route forward. 

What went into fundraising for Away? How did you establish what you needed?

S: We thought first and foremost about building a company, not fundraising. We developed a plan and a financial model, and figured out where in that plan we would need capital to keep moving forward. We worked for many months and only started fundraising when we reached a point where additional capital was needed to keep making progress. 

Women notoriously don’t talk about money. Do you find asking for money scary?

S: Not at all, investing in a promising early stage company is a great opportunity, not a donation. Early stage investors are constantly looking for the next big deal and early stage companies are looking for great investors who can help the company grow. It’s a win-win situation for both parties. 

"Investing in a promising early stage company is a great opportunity, not a donation."

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For women who don’t have a background in writing business proposals, what would you suggest? 

S: Utilize your network, that’s exactly what mentors are for. There are actually a ton of great resources online, and if you can couple that with advice from someone you trust,  that’s ideal. 

If comfort and trust are key to any good business deal, what would you say to women who are offered the funds, but don’t like the deal?

S: With any negotiation, the most important thing is understanding your options. If you don’t like the terms of the deal, you can absolutely go out and try to find better terms elsewhere. Once there are multiple investors interested, that helps to set a “market rate” for the deal. 

What did working for Warby Parker teach you about direct-to-consumer brands?

S: We learned so much from Warby, they’ve set an incredibly high bar for modern retail brands. The most important takeaway was the power of an incredible customer experience - if you singularly put your customers first in every decision you make, they will be loyal brand ambassadors forever. 

How do you gain the trust of a customer? How do you gain the trust of investors? Are the tactics similar?

S: I think it’s very similar. You gain trust from anyone by being very honest, thoughtful, genuine. Never try to trick or exaggerate to an investor or customer, you’ll lose that trust forever. 

What sets Away apart from other luggage companies?

S: It’s so disappointing to be bogged down by cumbersome luggage, dying electronics, or lack of organization. More than anything, we wanted to eliminate some of that so people can really focus on the joys of travel.

While working at Warby Parker and Casper, we saw those companies completely transform the previously poor consumer experiences and high prices for the eyewear and mattress industries. In January of this year, we decided the luggage industry needed similar improvements, and created Away to offer consumers the highest quality luggage for a fraction of the price with a great consumer experience. 

JEN: While we’re starting with luggage, we’re really on a mission to create a brand and community that encourages people to explore new places and cultures and equips them with whatever they need to do that as joyously and seamlessly as possible. Our own travel experiences and desire to cultivate authentic connections globally have been huge driving factors in the product, brand, and community that we’re building. Away takes a people-driven approach to everything we do: making things beautiful and functional, creating things that are emotionally and technically meaningful, and continually thinking about how people will interact with us.

People’s attentions are more scattered than ever. Do you think the “elevator pitch” is more or less vital than before?

J: People are being pulled in so many different directions now that you need to be able to communicate your idea in a way that they’ll remember after your conversation. What’s more important than a staged “elevator pitch” is being able to gauge the person’s interest or initial reaction so you can tailor your conversation to be something they’ll remember. A polished, effective pitch is nice, but to be engaging you have to be able to be fluid.

"To be engaging you have to be able to be fluid."

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What are some of the most important questions you need to ask investors? 

J: Do you understand our business and our approach? Can you refer me to entrepreneurs you’ve worked with? What kind of follow-on investments do you see the company needing? What’s your preferred way (method, timing) of communicating about the business? What’s your end game?

Not only do question like these help you figure out if you and the potential investor are aligned in the business and the strategy, but also aligns expectations for future investment rounds, a potential exit, and involvement in the company. It’s also important to be aware of potential personality or culture clashes since you could potentially be working with this person for a long time.

Best meal you’ve ever had at an airport: 

J: The Salt Lick at AUS for a last shot of BBQ before leaving town. Pak Loh Chiu Chow for dim sum at HKG. For best selection, the Delta terminal at LAX wins: airport versions of some of my favorite LA restaurants, like Lemonade, Border Grill, Real Food Daily, and Lotería.

Tip for being a good traveler: 

J: Leave time for the unexpected. Some of my favorite travel memories are experiences that came up along the way that I never could have planned. It’s great to have a sense for what kind of trip you want—seeing friends, touring sights, total relaxation, etc.—but allowing yourself to take advantage of surprises along the way will often lead to something really special.

When you want to get Away: 

J: I go on Kayak with a budget in mind and then start typing in airport codes.

Images courtesy of @joannepio for @thestyleline

Sleeping in With Ariel Kaye of Parachute Home

Parachute Home is a direct-to-consumer home essentials brand based in Venice Beach, CA, helmed by Founder and CEO Ariel Kaye. Prior to launching Parachute, Ariel spent ten years working in brand development and advertising in New York City, but after an amazing night's rest in luxurious sheets at a hotel in Italy, she was on the hunt for the same experience at home. When she couldn't find it, she took matters into her own hands: "If you can't find it, create it." 

Create it, she did. 

We caught up with the bedding maven to find out what she's thinking about at 4am and if it's possible to relax when you're in the business of bedding.

Your favorite bedtime drink?

I love to wind down with chamomile tea. It is almost instantly relaxing, and there’s good reason for that, too. It’s rich in calcium, magnesium and other trace minerals that naturally relax muscles and nerves.

Do you sleep with the windows open or closed?

I try to bring the outdoors inside as much as possible with big, open windows…I love being cozy under warm blankets and feeling a fresh breeze. 

Snuggled under the covers or throw them off?

I’m one of those people who is half in and half out. I always end up with one leg above the covers. 

Early to bed or early to rise?

I’m in flux, honestly. I definitely prefer life as a morning person and try and get to bed by 10:30pm on the weekdays. I especially love waking up early on the weekends. There’s nothing better than getting in a long workout and a delicious breakfast all before 10am. l do still find myself burning the midnight oil on occasion –there’s something about the wee hours of the night when when you feel like you’re the only one awake and there are zero distractions. I can be super productive then.

The last time you slept in? What did it feel like?

I love sleeping in on vacation. My boyfriend and I went to the Ojai Rancho Inn a few weeks ago, and we turned off our phones and woke up at 11am. It felt like heaven.

What’s on your nightstand right now?

My days are so frenetic, I keep my room clear of clutter to keep calm. I only stock my nightstand with my essentials: a himalayan salt lamp, a tall glass of water, book and my iPhone.

How many pillows is too many pillows?

There can never be too many pillows. I have four right now, plus two decorative ones on top. 

"There can never be too many pillows."

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What’s the color scheme in your bedroom? What does it reveal about you?

I’m all about neutrals. My bed currently has our Ash Percale Bedding, and it’s accented with our newly launched Essential Quilt and Shams in Graphite. I accent with a few plants to bring some color and greenery into the space.

It’s 4 a.m. and you’re wide-awake. What are you thinking about? 

Work. Always work.

Guiltiest TV pleasure to watch in bed?

I don’t watch much “guilty pleasure” programming. Right now I’m obsessed with “Fargo” and “The Affair.” 

A bad bedtime habit you can’t quit?

My biggest tip for the perfect night’s sleep, which I have a very hard time following through with, is disconnecting from your phone. Get rid of the blue lights and put your phone outside your bedroom. Don't look at your computer in your bed. I don't do a great job at it – the first thing I pick up in the morning is my phone – but there are times when I try to be diligent, and it's amazing how it affects the quality of my sleep.

Something most people don’t know about you?

I’m a trained opera singer. You’d probably only know this if we’ve been out to karaoke together and I’ve had a drink or two!

Don’t lose sleep over:

The small stuff. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the little things, but don’t lose sight of the big picture.

"Don’t lose sleep over: The small stuff." 

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Why are luxury sheets so important to you? How do they make your life better?

You spend ⅓ of  your life in bed, so your sleep experience matters. A good night sleep impacts every aspect of your life - your health, happiness, productivity. We spend time counting our steps, obsessing over the ingredients in our food and making sure that we are taking care of our bodies. It’s important to take that same type of consideration with the way recharge each night. 

Sheets come in direct contact with your skin, so it’s extremely important that they feel good and that they are free from harmful substances. I sleep better at night knowing Parachute sheets are made of the finest, long staple Egyptian cotton and that they are Oeko-Tex and REACH protocol certified, which means no toxic chemicals or artificial dyes. 

Your dream sleepover?

Does a sleepover with my best girlfriend count? Talking until the sun comes up and laughing until it hurts...there’s nothing better!

Good Vibes Only: Touring the HelloGiggles Office

"We set the tone from the beginning that we would only allow positivity and a supportive community, and that took the lead." Co-founder Sophia Rossi on maintaining the voice of the site.  

And hustle. The startup was recently acquired by Time Inc. for a reported 30 million. 

Development Executive Caroline Edwards finds working on the couch in the lounge, "a very comfy, social, and productive area." 

Shelves are filled with games and books that take you way back. "Sweet Valley High" and "Baby-Sitters Club" back. When forced to choose between the two series, Sophia says "SVH, all the way." 

As for the expansion, Sophia sees the company becoming, " A multi-platform media brand-- from a marketplace for our illustrators, to original digital series, to TV and Film."

The conference room that launched a million giggles. 

Contributor artwork hangs on the wall. 

Also in conference room: VIBB. Very important boom box. 

Editor in Chief Jen Romolini has been with HG for almost 2 years. Her most valued item in her office, nay world? "My Meryl pic is my favorite thing in the world. She's such a kick ass, creative, intellectual woman, who calls her own shots. Which is what I want to be. In control of my own destiny." 

"Hello, Ryan Gosling?" Sale Director Evelyn Weisskohl answers her Dream Phone. 

On the desk, copies of Sophia's latest book, "A Tale of Two Besties: A Hello Giggles Novel." Aforementioned Dream Phone. And a peppy mug. The usual. 

To stay positive and snark-free a la HelloGiggles manifesto, Sophia says, "I TM (transcendental mediate twice a day)." Also keeping her giggling: "Anything that Erin Foster or Nicole Richie text me."

HelloGiggles played nice on the internet. And won. The company, founded in 2011 by Zooey Deschanel, Sophia Rossi, and Molly McCleer, had one initial goal: to be a place to make the internet smile. Almost five years later, the site has turned its posi content readers into full-fledged giggle junkies, with a reported readership of 18 million uniques a month.

Sales Director Evelyn Weisskohl told us, "I was a fangirl before I worked here. This office is exactly like reading the site, but in real life." 

At the moment, IRL, HelloGiggles has a staff of 29-- 4 of whom are based in New York. It's a number that Sophia expects to at least double over the next two years, as the team also intends to take over the office space next door. 

A recent acquisition by Time Inc. for a reported $30 million, is making the expansion possible. Sophia, who is staying on and will report to Time Inc.'s executive VP says, "It feels very validating to go from my apartment to being a part of a public company like Time Inc. We are going to be run independently but have all the benefits of this legacy brand as partners."

We popped into the company's DTLA office on the heels of the purchase and in anticipation of Sophia's trip to Dallas for Create & Cultivate this January. Click through to get the deets on their digs and the happiest staff, maybe, ever. 

All images courtesy of Jeff Mindell. 

HelloGiggles office designed by Clayton Asher Doyle of Plantation Design. 

Future So Bright for Artist Nobel Truong

When you graduate high school at 16, there's a good chance you're gonna be ahead of the game. For artist and producer Nobel Truong, it's certainly proving true. After graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in philosophy, she crossed the pond to attend Cambridge and study philosophy and business. Degrees which, at first glance seem a bit incongruous, but have served her artistic existence well. "Keeping an open mind and being flexible is something that is important to bring to any business model," she says. "Even if you do not work with a physical product, it is always important to consider the different ways something can be executed."

From ceramics and furniture to prints, acrylics, and textiles, Nobel has her creative hands in all mediums, producing projects out of Nobl, her creative studio. 

We checked in with the San Francisco-based designer to get the goods on her process, her seemingly endless supply of creative juice, and why she prefers transparency in both business and her materials. 

Where did the idea for the illuminated cacti come from?

I had a dimly lit apartment and needed more lighting in the space. I had also just learned how to use a laser cutter and wanted to work with acrylic--  plastics are the best material to cut on a laser cutter. I was really inspired by the Memphis Group and was a bit nostalgic of the mid-century decor and architecture of my hometown in Southern California, so I felt succulent themed lighting would be most fitting. I had some idea of a succulent lamp from the start, but it went through a few iterations before it became the product that I have now. I debuted the cactus lamp at Pop Up Flea in Los Angeles in September and the support for the product has been so great that I began making more fluorescent acrylic pieces and larger scale cacti.

Who are some designers you admire?

Marcel Breuer, Le Corbusier, and Mies van der Rohe. I am a huge admirer of the structural forms and function that marked Bauhaus architecture and the play on colors and shapes pioneered by the Memphis Group. I also draw a lot of inspiration from the works of Noguchi, Ray and Charles Eames, and Nelson for the furniture I design and build. I am particularly interested in mid-century modern furniture and home decor. All in all, I think there is an appeal to good design which transcends different creative fields and it is for this reason that I look to architects, industrial designers, and graphic designers for inspiration in my work.

How do you feel being female in the male-dominated design space?

It definitely has its challenges and there have been times where I felt intimidated by my peers in the field, but I have also learned that if you are passionate about your work and you are driven in what you do, then gender really does not matter. As I continue to work in the field, the peers I used to be intimidated by have now become sources of inspiration and motivation. Any doubts I have had in my ability and work are now new projects or challenges to take on. I have always worked by the motto that "you can do anything" and so I never really saw issue with hauling my own lumber to the shop among the primarily male woodshop community. Beyond this, I also often look to Florence Knoll, Ray Eames, and other female figures in the industrial design space as inspiration to continue pursuing the field and not let the fact that I am in a male-dominated design space steer me away from my creative endeavors. 

"If you are passionate about your work gender really does not matter."

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How did you make the transition from objects to furniture? Has working in a larger medium been more challenging than expected? In what ways?

Actually, a lot of my work grew out of necessity. I started with housewares because when I had housemates the only furnishings I had control over were my bowls and cups. So, I took ceramics classes and made bowls and cups. I moved into my own apartment this January and couldn't find furniture that fit my aesthetic, was conservatively priced, and was also space conscious. What began as an attempt to make something I could not find in the market eventually amounted to me learning how to operate woodworking tools and CNC machines. My first woodworking project was actually a sofa for my apartment after taking a woodworking safety class and spending a few days researching and sourcing materials. 

The transition to a larger medium definitely has its own learning curve, but it's something that is made a lot easier with modern manufacturing techniques and CNC machines. There are a lot more things to consider in a piece that will occupy a 10ftx10ft space as opposed to a small 3in cup. How structures are supported and how they will look as people move around them creates a different set of design problems. All that said, I have been really enjoying the challenges of building large structures and am constantly thinking about ways to incorporate the simplicity in my smaller scale designs in my large scale build-outs. 

Creativity is most often associated with the individual, but is there a social dimension to creativity that's particularly relevant in the 21st century. Have you found the need to mesh these two concepts?

I definitely think there is a social dimension to creativity, but I do not think it is one to overshadow one's creative vision. What I mean by this is that I think it is important to stay true to one's creative vision while also keeping in mind the social impact and responses your work will generate. There is a lot of exposure and resources for creatives today through different social streams, and it is important to learn how to handle this information and use it to your advantage. On this point, I do find myself meshing the two concepts to the extent that I capitalize on social streams to draw inspiration for new work. From a product development perspective, I want to produce work that is an addition to someone's home, so it is important to research what would suit the spaces of my target market. I am not sure if this is particular to the 21st century, but I do feel that the technology available today has made this kind of information much more accessible and easy for creatives to learn, grow, and adapt to. 

How do you feed your creative soul?

Honestly, just a stroll through the neighborhood. There are so many hidden gems sprinkled throughout the city landscape are often overlooked because they are lost in the dry suburbs. Neutra's house is right in the heart of Silverlake, for example, and there is a Noguchi garden in the office complex across from South Coast Plaza. I have spent hours reading about some of these works but nothing really compares to moving through the spaces in person. Beyond this, I have always found the characters I cross paths with in the city to be particularly inspiring. Chinatown during lunch hour, for one, has always been my go-to for color inspiration with all the residents in their colorful apparel out shopping in the market. 

"Chinatown during lunch hour has always been my go-to for color inspiration."

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Picasso once said, "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist." What are some rules you've broken? What are some rules you've stuck to?

I have broken a lot of rules in both my creative and entrepreneurial endeavors. As far as design is concerned, there are a lot of design elements that some might deem staples of the industry which I don't exactly conform to. This is because I try to trim away as much unnecessary frill as possible and focus primarily on the quality and structure of the core product. 

As far as my business is concerned, I do not follow the typical retailer format. I do not wholesale my products and price everything as direct-to-consumer. This is namely because I feel really passionately about pricing transparency and the movement towards direct-to-consumer businesses. Since I began making home furnishings and accessories because I could not find what I wanted at an affordable rate, I wanted to make things affordable and assessable for others as well.

All that said, there are some principles and rules I have always stuck to in both my creative and business pursuits: I have always worked towards the thought that the best design is one where there is nothing left to take away. Whether that means designing shelving units that require no hardware for assembly or a business that is completely vertically integrated, I have always felt passionately about eliminating excess and middleman work to focus on the core of a design or business. 

"The best design is one where there is nothing left to take away."

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What's next for you?

Definitely more large scale sculptural work and installations. I am particularly interested in the interaction between lighting and acrylic and would like to create a large scale build-out to highlight the interaction between the two mediums. The aim here would be to create an interactive experience through lighting castes on acrylic work. Beyond this I am also looking forward to working more with a variety of materials and fabrication methods in future projects such as welding, sewing, and lathe work.

For everyone heading to Create & Cultivate Dallas in January, don't miss Nobel's cacti installations (for inspiration and totally Instagrammable photos) all over the venue! 

Create & Connect: Sisilia Piring Works Hard, Cuddles Hard

On set Sisilia Piring is cool, calm, collected. You would never know that the fashion photographer, style blogger, and self-professed adventurer is also a mother of two. Having shot with clients such as Levi's, Reformation, Burberry, and Estée Lauder to name just a few top-notch brands, her work is clean and bright. Plus we love a lady who takes a break during the workday for "cuddles." A bonus of working from home.

Though her work speaks for itself, we wanted to hear from Sisilia herself on why the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard works with her fast-paced lifestyle. This week on the Create & Connect series presented by Logitech, Sisilia tells us all about what's coming up next, what inspires her, and a former job with a "sassy" boss.

+You’re a full time mom and full time creative. What’s a life hack that works across both jobs?

Staying organized by making out schedules and lists ahead of time. Not really a life hack but this helps me tremendously because it's easy to forget something when you have a fussy child screaming at you!

+Juggling a wide array of clients can make it difficult to stick to your creative vision. How do you jump between clients? And how do you make sure that your aesthetic aligns with a client’s needs?

Typically when a client reaches out it means we have similar aesthetic already, which makes the initial process go by quickly. I usually print out a mood board for all my shoots and keep it handy so whenever I'm chatting with that client I already have a visual of what we have decided on and this makes it easier for me to remember which story goes with what client.

+How does being a photographer benefit you as a mom? And vice versa?

Being a mom has kept the playful side of me alive which in return inspires a lot of my work. A lot of my work right now is colorful, fun, and playful. You can thank my kiddos for that. The kiddos benefit having a mom as a photographer because they typically get the fun props I shoot with and we go on fun family adventures when I'm scouting for locations or when I’m traveling for a shoot. They love being on the road and get so excited in exploring different cities.

"Being a mom has kept the playful side of me alive which in return inspires a lot of my work."

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+What did you do before making the leap to full time photographer?

I was a caregiver to a sassy blind woman for a couple years.

+Do you have any side projects? Or your eye on in the near future?

My husband and I own a mobile screen printing business. It's called The Ink Truck and it's basically screen printing on wheels. We don't design our own shirts but instead offer our services to brands to use as a marketing tool. We are also in the process of building our own creative agency with a couple of our friends. A one stop shop where we offer photography, motion, art direction, graphic design, retouching, and screen printing services.

+Walk us through how you balance your personal and professional life.

I'm not a big phone person so if I don't have to be on it I have it put away. When I'm working from home we have lots of breaks throughout the day for cuddles, dancing, and singing. We also drive down to our neighborhood coffee spot which happens to be next to a park and grab a cup of joe and play with the kiddos.

"I was a caregiver to a sassy blind woman for a couple years."

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+You’re late, you’re walking out the door for a meeting, and your kid spills all over you. You:

Try not to raise your voice and find a new outfit ASAP!

+Van Gogh once said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” What small things lead you to where you are now?

That photography class in the 8th grade that inspired my love for photography, ditching school so I could play with Photoshop and make my own website, meeting my husband at work, moving to Chicago, dressing up my friends and photographing them.

+When you feel creatively drained, who/what/where do you turn to?

I call my mom, plan a family trip, even if we are going just a couple hours away, meditate, and write.

+How do tools like the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard keep you streamlined and focused?

It's so nice to have the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard with me because it makes the process of moving from one device to another seamless, especially when you're in a hurry.

+How many hours of sleep do you need?

All I need is 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep with blackout curtains and I'm good. Ha, that's what I wish for anyway :D

Lindsay Jang of Yardbird Talks Hong Kong Female Bosses

Three years, three successful ventures. Lindsay Jang has seen the kind of success most only ever dream of. In part because she doesn't just dream, she hustles.  

After opening Yardbird (considered by many one of the best restaurants in Hong Kong) with chef Matt Abergel, the duo then opened RONIN and Sunday's Grocery. And then Jang launched MISSBISH, an editorial and e-commerce site focussed on fitness, food, and fashion. And she has two kids (Lili and Ronin). And she still manages to sleep. She's a one-woman ampersand. Did we mention TOPFIT? Her boutique fitness space. The hits keep coming, and yet she has a pulls no punches attitude. How does she do it? We checked in with Lindsay to find out how, her favorite spots in HK, and how she feels about gender roles in business. 

Must eat Hong Kong spot?

Yardbird, RONIN, and Sunday's Grocery... Obviously! 

Must shop Hong Kong spot?

The Lane Crawford warehouse in Horizon Plaza. 

When you want to splurge you head to?

Céline. 

When you want to save?

ShopBop

Best place to unwind?

Happy Foot for a 50 minute foot massage followed by a 75 minute body massage. 

Best place to get caffeinated?

I'm not a coffee drinker, but if I was, I'd head to Coco Espresso. 

How do you make the most of 24 hours?

Wake up early, get my kids off to school, clear my inbox, workout, meet with my teams, hang out with my kids after they finish their daily activities, cook dinner, watch Netflix (if I'm not asleep by then). 

How is the female boss scene different in Hong Kong than New York? 

I feel like people don't talk about it as much in Asia as they do in the US. Gender is not a key point of separation when it comes to success, or at least it's not publicly discussed. 

Other boss women in Hong Kong that you admire? 

Kim Kollar, Yenn Wong, Peggy Chan, Jaime Ho Ku.

The last woman you had lunch with who gave you a great piece of advice? And what was it?

Stephanie Arsham. She reminded me how important it is to unplug and be present around your loved ones. Ignore technology for a few moments and truly engage. 

Something you can get in Hong Kong you’ve never found anywhere else?

An airport check-in in the city center with a high speed train that drops you inside the terminal. Super efficient. HK has the best airport in the world. 

Chinese culture is male-dominated. How does that make you feel as a female boss? Do you think about it?

It never crosses my mind. 

Do you ever change your leadership style based on what country you’re working in?

No. Team building, in my opinion, is the same everywhere. Empathy and positive leadership translates globally. 

Are female entrepreneurs treated differently than male?

Not in my experience. 

Do you get tired of being asked how you balance motherhood and a successful career?

Sometimes, but then I realize that people are genuinely interested so I'm happy to share. 

Are female entrepreneurs treated differently than male? "Not in my experience." 

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When you have time off you:

Sleep. 

If you didn’t live in Hong Kong, you’d live: 

In LA. 

What’s the recipe for success? 

Hard work, kindness, trust. 

Create & Connect: Mel Rod's Stylish Life Depends on Her Phone

In 2010 when Mel Rod created her now popular style blog Mel RodStyle, it was more of a fashion journal. Five years later, having secured past partnerships with major brands like Keds, Smashbox, and Tacori, we’d call it more than an online diary. The speed at which she needs to operate is warp, moving between staying true to her brand, and engaging her readers on social. Every day brings the potential for something new-- plus, the influencer has a wedding to plan. She is on-the-go more than ever, and still admits to preferring the old-school “bulk” of a laptop to her phone.

Which makes the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard ideal for her lifestyle. This week on the Create & Connect series presented by Logitech, we chat with Mel about figuring out organization, her big dreams, and her favorite part of each day.

+Walk us through your organization process when you multitask.

As much as it sounds silly to say, my life depends on my phone. I am constantly on it and use the notepad and calendar for taking notes and keeping track of my meetings, appointments, etc.

+How do you deal with the busy trap?

Well, first by prioritizing everything on the agenda. I make a list of what is most important or urgent to complete, and I give myself a specific time for each task. And in between, I take breaks to clear my head, and because you just have to. Working out helps me to release stress and gets me right back on track.

"My life depends on my phone." 

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+ As a natural born multi-tasker, how have tools like the Logitech K380 Multi-Device helped your productivity?

I’m old-school and at times I prefer to work from my laptop, but when I’m on-the-go (which is most of the time), it’s difficult to do that. The Logitech K380 has been more than convenient for me because it makes me feel like I’m working from my laptop when I’m on-the-go, and since I’m always on my phone, it just works perfectly with my schedule.

+What is one thing that you wish you could do in your career, but haven't done yet, or are planning to do?

I would absolutely love to design my own shoe line. It’s something I’ve wanted for many years.

+Do you prefer working in an office setting vs. a home setting?

I prefer working from home because it allows me to concentrate without any distraction. I feel more productive when I’m at home.

+With work, life and travel, and even a wedding around the corner, how do you allot time for each without having one overpower the other?

As much as I want to get everything done all at once, it is impossible. You have to do one thing at a time or give yourself a certain amount of time to work on each task. It’s been crazy busy, especially with planning a wedding but luckily, I have people around me that have been more than helpful.

+What's your favorite part about being a busy bee?

My favorite part is that it is never boring. Everyday is a new day and always different.

Oh Deere! Lime Crime's Founder On Being Real in the Beauty Biz

Doe Deere, Founder of Lime Crime

The Lime Crime HQ in Woodland Hills is everything you would expect. It’s bright. The walls are various shades of pink and green. There are neon signs and glossy painted flowers on the walls. 

The indie makeup line, known for its unconventional colors is the brainchild of Doe Deere, a figure who is known perhaps for being equally as unconventional as her brand. Her hair, at the moment, is light purple. She’s in an a-line skirt with white knee socks and a jacket with flowers pinned to the lapels. In person, she's exactly what she portrays online. She is the brand, which is probably in part why it’s so successful. This is no act. 

“Most people that meet me in real life always comment how much I look, sound, and feel the same as I come across on the Internet,” she says. “It’s a bit of a surprising reaction because why would you want to make yourself different?”  This is a valid point, especially given the homogenized state of the beauty industry, because though she's in the business of beauty, what Doe are Lime Crime are offering is not a Facetuned version of beautiful. 

She very honestly talks about being in high school, not feeling beautiful, and being a tomboy. “I felt very alone. I didn’t think that I could be beautiful. I gave up on myself until the day I discovered makeup,” she says, fully confident in her tenor. “I thought wow if this can make me feel this way, wouldn’t it be amazing if I could take this idea, amplify it and give girls and women more tools and colors to feel the same way about themselves?” And that’s how it started. That was the goal behind Lime Crime, a name that came during Doe's eBay selling days, because it was available, was her favorite color, and gave a sense of coloring outside the lines. 

“What that means to me is that I am doing a good job of communicating myself and my brand on the Internet.” Good is a bit of an understatement. Lime Crime currently has over 1.8 million followers on Instagram, and has doubled their office space and team in the last year. Even in the face of more than a few scandals. 

It’s no secret that Lime Crime is polarizing. There are sites dedicated to its demise. A “misguided hatred,” that originally stemmed from what Doe explains as a “quote attributed to her that she never said.” The company was also slapped with an FDA warning in July of this year regarding an ingredient in Velvetines, a vegan and cruelty free line of liquid matte lipstick stains, that is not approved for use in the United States. The FDA issue, which Lime Crime has always refuted as a labeling error, has been resolved entirely as of November, 2015.  “We just got a closeout letter saying that the FDA received our lab results,” she says. “Confirming that it was a mislabeling issue. And we have labeled everything correctly.”  

If Doe seems relatively unfazed by the allegations it’s because she’s confident about what she is building with Lime Crime. In fact, regarding the controversy that’s surrounded the brand she’s the exact opposite of reactionary and divisive. “Even though I am a target. I know I’m not the only one. It’s not unique to me or to Lime Crime. If you are putting yourself out there in a big way, you will always be criticized.”

Moreover she says, “I built this company brick by brick, from nothing. From my attic in Brooklyn. To me my customer is God. There is no way, not a chance that I would ever insult them. I love her. I’m obsessed with this girl. The one in my head I stay up at night working for. Everybody in my company is too.”

And working she is. Regarding their expansion she says, “Doubling the team means becoming double the leader.” 

It's a team she talks about like family. “We challenge each other to bring positive-only energy to the office.” Noting that it is vital that they all, “connect with each other on a human level, and perform better as a unit.” She believes that this approach will help Lime Crime double their revenue again this year. What will also help is new product. “We’re doing hair dye. That’s finally happening.” She’s been dying her hair forever and wanted a product that would fade gracefully and beautifully. She was incredibly involved in its development. It’s part of the reason she moved the company from New York to LA in the first place.

“Doubling the team means becoming double the leader.” 

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“I spent a lot of time doing development by mail and eventually was flying back and forth, but I’m really hands-on,” she explains. “I wanted to work in the lab and create the products with my own hands not just explain to a chemist what I want.” She also never wanted to dig her car out of the snow ever again. 

Now she tests and develops every product— and lives in a climate where makeup looks great year round. “I walk into a lab, nine out of ten times I know exactly what pigments I want to use, exactly what the formula needs to be.” 

When I ask her who she gets dressed for in the morning, she's says, “The future me. Somebody that I aspire to become. The better more evolved version of myself.”  The colors may be unnatural, but this sentiment is not. 

“I love being a woman and being in charge. My goal from the beginning was to cultivate a team of independent thinkers, male or female, who treat each other with respect and speak their mind openly and honestly.” 

“I love being a woman and being in charge."

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And now that she knows she has the right support and no longer feels alone, the future is bright. “I am ecstatic to bring out all the products I've been dreaming of all these years! 2016 is going to be our year -- watch out, world!”

Katherine Schwarzenegger Is the BFF You've Always Wanted

She's currently working out to Justin Bieber's "The Feeling," but we have seriously good feeling about Katherine Schwarzenegger. Yes, of that family with the unmistakable last name who is making moves in the blog world with her eponymous site. What's also unmistakable is that the USC grad, twice published author is not resting on her laurels. From food and fitness advice to fashion and inspiration, her lifestyle game is strong. 

We chatted with Katherine about giving in to fear, the power in vulnerability, and asking herself: WWBD? What Would Beyoncé Do? Make sure to check her out at Create & Cultivate Dallas this January when she talks about defining your personal brand and voice. 

In your book, “I Just Graduated…Now What?” Honest Answers from Those Who Have Been There,” John Legend is quoted as saying, “It’s not wrong to be afraid.” Why do you think we are so determined to always appear brave and bold?

I think people don't really value fear as much as they should. So much is learned when you're afraid to do something. When somebody graduates college, there's so much pressure from everyone and society to come out of school brave and ready to go into the world with confidence and having a concrete plan. For most people this isn't the case. I felt very unconfident post-college and I felt like those four years were supposed to prepare me for everything I would experience in the real world and the reality was, I felt very under prepared. We should really give people a break and applaud them for being afraid, especially when they're able to express their fear openly. This humanizes us and allows us to know that it's OK to not always have everything together, because that's impossible. At the end of the day this pressure to be brave and bold all the time just puts an unnecessary amount of pressure on everyone to always be perfect and never show their flaws. I have found when I show my flaws, amazing and beautiful things happen and I actually end up learning so much about myself and about life, that should be encouraged more often.

"So much is learned when you're afraid to do something."

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To that point, there is also a degree “putting your best face forward.” When is it OK in life to be vulnerable? 

I don't think there's enough emphasis put on the idea of being vulnerable. Being vulnerable is definitely a really scary thing, you never know what's gonna happen, how people might react, what life will hand you, etc. But it's almost always guaranteed to be a huge learning experience for you. I think most of us wait to be vulnerable when were in a really safe place because that's when it feels most comfortable, but I think we should try to be more real more often. I'm not saying to pour your heart out all the time, but pay attention to your feelings and express them. You don't always have to have it together around your friends and family, and chances are when you decide to let your walls down and be vulnerable, you will be humanized and allow others to also feel their feelings. What I've learned is that when you allow yourself to be vulnerable is when you allow yourself to really feel and then to grow.

What to you do when you don’t have “the answer?” 

The first thing I always try to do when I'm searching for the answer to something is to look at how I feel in my gut. I know a lot of people always say to trust your gut but sometimes it's easier said than done. A lot of times I overthink things so when I need that extra reassurance. I always like to pay attention to how I really feel in a situation and go with that. If that doesn't work, I always ask myself "what would Beyoncé do?"

How can vulnerability be powerful?

I think vulnerability overall is incredibly powerful thing because you're at your most honest with yourself and with those around you. So that right there is a powerful thing. Vulnerability humanizes us and allows our flaws to be exposed and that's a big risk.

"I always ask myself 'what would Beyoncé do?'"

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When has your fear had a positive effect?

Fear can protect you which is a positive thing. If you are in a relationship and you're afraid then you know to get out. Fear can also block you. It can prevent you from doing a lot of great things and really living. So while fear is inevitable, it should hopefully be something you don't allow to control your life.

We’re always asking those older than us for life advice. But what is a memorable piece of advice you received from someone much younger than you?

I get a lot of great advice from people younger than me because I have a big family and at a certain point age doesn't matter – we  all hang out together. I think one of the best pieces of advice that I got from my youngest brother, Christopher, was in reference to a person I was dealing with who wasn't giving me what I wanted or needed in a relationship. I was venting to him (my family is very close) and he said to me that not everyone knows HOW to love and live the way we do. You need to accept people for they are and love them for their great parts, but also love their flaws. Half the time I think he is a prophet because the things he says at his age are insanely brilliant and this talk I had with him was life changing. It helped change the way I look at people and what I am able to expect from them as well. 

You published your first book as a twenty-year-old at USC. Which goes to show that it’s never too early to jumpstart a career-- and many feel like they have to have it figured out before graduating. What would you say to those struggling with college/work balance?

It's normal. Don't think that anyone isn't struggling with the college and work balance because everybody is. I think where we get messed up is when we think we have to have it all figured out. The reality is you never have it all figured out and you are constantly learning for the rest of your life about how to balance. So definitely don't think that you have to have it figured out before or after graduating because even if you think that you do, it will change 1 million times. We all struggle with that balance, but I think the best you can do is do what feels right for you. It's definitely important to be able to work hard and take your career seriously but also to put a huge amount of focus and attention on your friends and your family and things that make you happy. When I was writing my first book, one of the best pieces of advice I received was from my mom – she said that you will work hard and spend time on your career but at the end of the day your job won't be holding your hand or wiping tears or helping you up, that comes from relationships, whatever kind that might be. So put focus on your career but also on your friends, family and partner. 

What are some small, daily ways we can use our voices for positive change? 

The smallest and easiest way we can actually make a big change every day is simply by treating people with kindness. You would be surprised how different your life could be and the lives of people you interact with could be if we could just be kind to one another. Life is hard, people are struggling and hurting, so just by being kinder to others you will make yourself happier and change the course of another persons day. 

What’s one small change you’ve made that’s had a huge impact on your life and career?

Definitely cutting out the negativity has had an overall huge impact on my life and career. Your '20s are for learning all the messy things: how you want to live your life, what kind of people you want around you, what's important to you as an adult, etc.. When I made the decision to remove a lot of the negativity in my life-- whether that was people or situations, everything improved so much. It's a hard thing to do but it's the best thing that you can do. 

Another big change that I made in my life was to try to remove all judgment. I think we judge people's decisions so much and we don't pay attention to our own life. We criticize and judge people's every move instead of just letting people do what they want-- it begins to consume our lives. The moment you let people do what they want and choose to love them instead of judging them you will be a freer and happier person. 

What’s your go-to outfit? The one you’d throw on every day if you could get away with it?

Probably black skinny jeans, black ballet flats, and a black t-shirt. That's my easiest go to outfit that requires zero thinking. I make sure to have my favorite pieces of jewelry on 24/7 so it makes the outfit look more put together even if I just throw it on. I never take off my jewelry so that always helps with basic easy outfits like this one.

Best piece of advice you’ve received from your mom? 

That's a tough one because she gives me so much great advice. One that I can think of off the top of my head would be the importance of a handwritten thank you note. I used to hate doing it when I was younger but I now write all my notes on stationary. It’s timeless. I would say the biggest peace of advice my mom taught me that changed the way I view people and interact with people is the importance of treating everyone with kindness because you never know what someone's life is like at home. Whenever someone is rude or mean for no reason, have compassion for them and give them a smile because you don't know what they are going through. They could have a dying parent, a sick child, a bad marriage, recently let go a work, heartbroken, etc. Life is HARD, we are all human and we struggle, so if someone behaves badly to you for no reason or doesn't treat you kindly, know it probably isn't about you and about something worse that is causing them pain. Have compassion always and send love.

A woman you admire:

My mother (and Beyoncé).

If you could tell your generation one thing it would be:

Change is a good thing. A lot of people in generations older than ours look at the fact that we change passions, change careers, change locations etc as unstable and I think we should look at it as exciting and a good thing in life. Our generation can have several different jobs by the time they are 30 and that's okay. I think it gives us the chance to try a lot of things and hopefully find what we are passionate about and be able to have a career around that. It can be discouraging as well and hard to get the acceptance of other generations but just do you, it's all a process that will hopefully lead to a bigger and better version of who you are. 

Create & Connect: Aimee Santos Gives Us Her Life Hack

Aimee Santos of Swell Mayde is a natural born maker. Or as she calls herself, a “mayker.” As both designer and style blogger, she's had to figure out how to strike a balance between the two and thrive in the face of chaos.

She's always in the midst of multitude of creative projects. Whether she's sourcing and dishing what we need to be wearing (and buying for friends and fam) this holiday season. Or teaching us how to DIY an envelope wrap skirt, we are always amazed by how she finds the time to keep the momentum in her work life and manage productivity. 

Which is why she’s part of this week’s Create & Connect with our friends at Logitech! We pick her brain below to see how her career has flourished, and how she's managed her hectic life with the help of tools like the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard.

+What side projects do you indulge in aside from blogging and designing?

Drawing and making jewelry.

+What is the one life hack that has helped you be more productive?

I love to start my day early. I feel so accomplished by the end of the day.

+How do you balance designing and blogging?

Stay organized and keep a detailed calendar.

+How important is a work life balance for you, or do they intersect?

So important. I need moments of the day/week that I can relax and re-energize myself.

+How do tools like the Logitech K380 Multi-Device keyboard help you be more productive and manage multitasking?

Having a keyboard for my phone and iPad is life-changing. I am able to finish tasks much faster. It also allows me to multi-task so easily since I can connect multiple devices to it and switch between them with a touch of a button.

+What is the one thing you like to add under your belt but haven't had the chance to do yet?

Interior designer/real estate developer.

+How do you deal with the busy trap?

Try to stay organized.  When I feel overwhelmed, I take a moment and schedule out my day/week. It instantly de-stresses me to know that I can get through everything with proper planning.

"Stay organized and keep a detailed calendar."

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Make sure to check out Aimee’s blog here at swellmayde.com, and if you’re looking for the perfect holiday tech gift to get you started this Black Friday, be sure to add the Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard to your shopping list!

Tina Craig Reveals How She Turned a Blog into a Business

Tina Craig of Bag Snob.

Starting your own business is a little like raising a human. The hours required are endless and you never stop working. Or thinking about working. Or dreaming about work. So if you're going to turn a hobby into a business, it better be something you love. Something that Tina Craig and partner Kelly Cook of Snob Essentials (formerly Bag Snob) know plenty about. 

In 2005, the site began when the then stay-at-home moms were sharing their love of bags via a Moveable Type account. This was before the ubiquitous presence of social media. Before there were models for affiliate partnerships.  They were Internet pioneers dreaming of Birkins-- and it paid off. 

Originally Bag Snob featured on-point and honest reviews that readers came to trust. Over the last ten years, the site has grown exponentially, incorporating seven different Snob categories including: beauty, fashion, and even "Tot Snob." The duo also launched their own line, Snob Essentials in May of 2014, which sells through their e-commerce platform and HSN. 

Today with revenue reported in the seven-figure range, it's clear Tina and Kelly have hit their stride, and managed to get their hands on a couple of Birkins in the process. 

We caught up with Tina to chat bags (obviously), blogging, and her best piece of #snobwisdom. Be sure to catch Tina on her home turf at #CreateCultivateDallas this January! 

You’ve been at this since 2005. Which means, you're officially double-digits and turned a blog into a booming e-commerce affiliate marketing business. How have you seen the industry change for the better? For worse? 

I think change is always good, and it’s also a necessity. On the upside, the shift and consequent growth has created an entire industry of multi-media platforms from where individuals are able to share their opinions with the world. 

Where do you see it heading? 

I think true experts will emerge as important curators to help edit the constant influx of material absorbed (and in most cases, not quite absorbed) by our increasingly overloaded generation, as well as help mitigate the habit of over-sharing that comes with the prevalence of social media. 

What have you learned about being a non-snob “Snob” in the fashion industry? 

Being nice is easier and less time-consuming than being rude. Also, treat everyone the same. It’s the right thing to do, you don't know what hardships or battles people are going through-- a kind word or gesture can change and brighten someone's day. Plus you never know when the person sitting next to you will turn out to be the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company. (This has happened to me more times than I can count.) Lastly, helping others just feels good. 

When you first started, social media platforms like Instagram weren’t a thing. How have they changed your relationship to your work? 

Platforms like Instagram have not only allowed for a closer connection to our readers but a direct dialogue with brands. I met one of my (now) IRL besties, Aliza Licht, who’s also known as DKNY PR Girl, from Twitter. She saw a scathingly negative review I wrote on a Donna Karan bag and challenged me on it via a tweet. I respected her forthrightness and began tweeting with her regularly. Our tweets became well-known and attracted a bevy of other friends we called the Twitterazzi (our Twitter squad includes Erika Bearman, a.k.a. Oscar PR Girl). Our relationship blossomed and we (Kelly and I) subsequently designed a capsule bag collection for DKNY, the first of its kind between a major brand and a blogger. 

"Achieving your dreams doesn't mean it's time to relax."

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Do you think it’s possible to enter and be successful in the blogging world at this point?  Especially for fashion bloggers who don’t have a “snob” budget?

Absolutely! We started Bagsnob.com with $20 and our love of bags. There is always more room for new and unique voices in any industry. 

If your favorite bag could talk, it would say? 

Pay more attention to ME! You have too many bags. 

Your best piece of #snobwisdom? 

Never give up, and don’t be afraid of change. I am the most persistent person, I will try and try again and rarely give up. Even if I don't achieve a certain goal, I always feel I have succeeded as long as I learned something along the way.    

What does “It’s in the bag” mean to you now that you’ve established your brand? 

It means I now have to work twice as hard! Achieving your dreams is one thing and as satisfying as it is, once accomplished, it doesn’t mean it’s time to relax. Maintaining your dreams is another issue entirely, and that’s what true success is all about: Working hard, enjoying success, and never sitting back and declaring yourself “done” is what it’s all about. 

For everyone coming to Dallas for Create & Cultivate, what are some secret must-shop spots you are willing to give up? 

Dolly Python! My friend from LA scored a full-length blonde mink coat with Neiman Marcus tags for $250 from this vintage boutique. Also, VOD, which is a supremely well-curated store from former Dallas Morning News fashion editor Jackie Bolen. And finally, 4510, the ultimate one-stop shop for luxury goods (and my favorite!).

That Good Good with Sakara Life

                                                      The Founders of Sakara Life

One of the secrets of success is to consistently pursue your goals. Even when you think you've achieved them, keep going. But juggling a full schedule and your dreams is impossible without the proper fuel. Brain food. Body food. Overall nutrient-dense, well-being food, that doesn't scrimp on taste (or count calories!). Which is where Sakara, a ready-to-eat wellness delivery program, comes into the picture. 

Focus in on Whitney Tingle and Danielle Duboise in a Brooklyn kitchen in 2013. That's when  they dropped everything to give their all to Sakara and the idea of a nutrient-based lifestyle program. Their first deliveries were made via bicycle and the two quickly attracted clientele like Gwyneth Paltrow, Lena Dunham, and a group of Victoria Secret models like Lily Aldridge and Erin Heatherton-- all of whom we would equally classify as #goals.  These are women who work hard for what they have, and make their food work for them, which is what Sakara is all about. 

We chatted with the founders about going for it, feeling sexy, and that tricky little b word we spend so much time thinking about: body. 

You've created such an amazing service for busy individuals. What do you feel sets Sakara apart from other food delivery services?

Whitney: We are not just a food delivery system - we are a nutritionally designed lifestyle program that heals the body on a cellular level. We like to say we’re like a personal chef and nutritionist, rolled into one sexy package. But beyond the quality of food and nutritional integrity of the program, we really, truly aren’t just food. We are a lifestyle. Yes, we’re delivering you breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but we’re also reminding you to slow down and smell, feel, taste, and thoroughly CHEW your food. We’re teaching you about the health benefits of goji berries, asking you to pair your meal with a powerful mantra for the rest of your day, and reminding you to love yourself. 

Danielle: We also refuse to sacrifice taste or gourmet quality for health – because we know you don’t have to. We work with chefs from top restaurants around the world, like Le Bernadin and Jean Georges, to come up with unique, inspired meals that are outrageously delicious in addition to being good for you. Our philosophy is that food should make you feel sexy—eating clean should be fun!

How did you master the logistics of delivery?

W: It’s not easy! But it was a really important part of the business for us. We wanted to make this way of eating as easy as possible, so we had to deliver everything straight to our clients’ doors, ready to eat. We’re constantly working to improve our delivery process to make Sakara the best possible experience for our clients. After mastering meal delivery in New York & LA, our next challenge was figuring out how to ship our meals nationwide – which is coming soon! 

What do you wish you had known in the beginning?

W: That when kale and salt combine they can create quite a sulfur stink bomb! That sulfur is so good for your body (it aids in detoxing), but most people are not fans of that smell. We love stinky kale though! 

D: That’s a tough one because everything we’ve been through has been such an amazing learning lesson, I can’t imagine not experiencing it. I guess just to reassure myself constantly not to be afraid. To take the leap, hire on the expensive people, move into the big space, etc. Put it out there, connect to a bigger mission, make space for success, and work your butt off to get there.

"Put it out there, connect to a bigger mission."

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Your business has rapidly expanded across the US. How do you keep up with all the different locations and employees?

D: Communication is key! Every week we have a meeting at our New York City headquarters, and both our Brooklyn-based kitchen team and our LA office call in and participate. It’s a great opportunity to check in and make sure we’re all on the same page and headed in the right direction.

W: We also make a point of spending in person time at all locations, with all employees. As we grow, it’s important that everyone is connected to the mission of Sakara – that’s what fuels this beautiful fire!

What advice would you give busy females who are struggling with finding the time to eat healthy?

D: Well, this is the whole reason we started Sakara—to make it easy for busy women (and men!) who want to be healthier but can’t find the time. It’s so important to make your health a priority and take care of yourself, not only for your waist line, but also for your relationships, career, etc. We talk a lot about optimizing your day by outsourcing things to experts, so that you can focus on the things you excel in and the things you love to do. Whether it’s laundry, cleaning, workout plans, or meal delivery, let people take care of you, so that you can take care of everything else, and still feel great.

W: Aside from a Sakara meal delivery program, which makes it super easy to eat healthy all day long, it’s really important to keep your pantry stocked with healthy foods – because that’s what you’re going to reach for. We’ve struggled a lot in finding high quality, fresh whole food pantry items and snacks, which is why we’ve created our own! All of the deliciousness will be launched very soon in our Clean Boutique!

We love your mantra of "food should make you feel sexy"! What are your go-to meals or personal favorites?

D:  Foods that are messy, juicy, flavorful, and I can eat with my hands. Anything from our Indian Spices Samosas to our new Cardamom & Chocolate Cookies.

W: Our Youth & Beauty Salad is one of my favorite meals in the world. But, I also feel pretty sexy eating some French fries in my dress and heels.

What has been your proudest moment with the business?

W:  I’ll never forget the first time a client told me her Sakara story. It was at our first S-Life event and this beautiful, commanding, vibrant woman was explaining to me how she had been diagnosed with Lupus years ago and had been seeing countless doctors and taking countless medications ever since and nothing was working. Her life had spiraled completely out of control until she stumbled upon Sakara (this was back in the early stages of Sakara, so we like to think the universe brought her to us). After 2 months of Sakara she was completely off her meds, full of energy, kicking butt at the job she almost lost, head over heels in love, and finally feeling like herself again. She’s still a client today. We get stories from clients like this everyday and Danielle and I spend some together reading them each day to help ground us and bring us back to why we’re doing this.

D: It’s hard to say! Moving into our own beautiful space in Soho…becoming bicoastal…growing our business to support over 60 brilliant employees who believe in Sakara.

What is next for Sakara?

D: We just launched our meal delivery program in Miami, which has been on our list for so long! Now, we’re gearing up to unveil our revamped Clean Boutique, which has everything to help our clients live clean, have fun, and feel sexy while doing it (everything from dark chocolate to vegetable chips to our rose water cocktail mixer). Stay tuned, because there’s more super-exciting news coming soon!

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GIVEAWAY.

Guys! We are so excited to team up with Sakara Life and are giving away of week of their meals to a busy entrepreneur (like yourself!). Enter to win by filling out the form below. (Note this giveaway is only open to residents of New York City, Southern California, Greater Boston, Washington D.C, Philly and select NY, NJ, and CT counties.) Giveaway ends 11/27/15! 

Create & Connect: On-the-Go with Go-getter Puno DosTres

When you work as a creative, the need to produce quality innovative work is always on your mind-- even if that means you’re working on multiple projects at once. That’s how us creatives function, and we find solace in the chaos of multitasking. Our friends at Logitech get it, and that’s why we’re in love with their new K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard. A piece of tech that allows us to do just that.

In celebration of the release of the K380 Multi-Device, we’re highlighting some of the hardest working women in the digital space. All of whom have multiple projects under their belt, and whose careers have thrived off of multitasking and efficient productivity.

This week, we are featuring Jennifer Puno, better known as Puno DosTres. Puno is a creative from Los Angeles who quit her day job to build to her own business. Today, Puno has co-founded Map and PeopleMap.co with husband Daniel, co-founded ilovecreatives.com with none other than Eva Goicochea, does UX/UI design, and dabbles in photography and styling. Is there anything this girl hasn’t done? We caught up with her in between hustles to chat about traveling with total strangers, avoiding the pitfalls of “busy,” and making every minute count.

+What is your favorite thing about working on the go?

The freedom! This past summer, Daniel and I went on an epic trip in Europe that started in Copenhagen. Our intention was to stay for only three weeks, but we started swapping homes with a few different people on behomm.com and ended up staying for two months! It’s not easy traveling and working, but if I am super disciplined and the internet is on point, I can get about 2-4 hours of work done in a day. It really helps to stay in one city for 2-3 weeks.

+What are some of the best relationships or projects that have come from traveling for work?

I've just started doing more "strangercations" where I travel with a complete group of strangers. I know, sounds super Road Rules, huh? On my first strangercation, I went to Iceland and took Star Trek photos, which led to a hunt for hot springs in California.

Just recently, I went to Sayulita with Coast To Costa and helped them build their website. If anyone wants to go to Baja, come with us!

+How do you deal with the busy trap?

Calendly keeps me in check by putting rules on how many meetings I can book a day. I also find that when I work out on a daily basis, I prioritize my day better.

"I don’t dwell on tasks."

Tweet this.

+With so many projects running at the same time, how do you manage focusing from one project to the other?

I start hiring as soon as I can by automating as many processes and finding really smart, resourceful people that are super fun to work with. Also, I don’t dwell on tasks or over complicate processes. If I do, it’ll just never get done or becomes super annoying.

+What is your #1 hack when it comes to staying productive and keeping focused?

Harvest is the one app that really forces me to track my time. It’s not easy and I don’t like doing it, but every minute counts when you’ve only got about 10 hours in the day to work after working out, eating, sleeping, and re-doing that cat eye three times.

+How do tech tools like the K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard help you stay productive?

With the K380 Multi-Device, my fingers are elevated so I can type all day long. I also have a wacom tablet that I used instead of a mouse. It was a bit of a learning curve to get used to, but I can’t live without it. My wrist doesn’t hurt anymore, I’m super precise, and it feels more natural when I’m designing. If I had to work with a mouse, I physically feel like my body has to stop and that’s super frustrating. Same thing with typing too long on my iPhone, my fingers feel swollen. Does anyone else feel that way? :)

+How do you celebrate ending a productive week at work?

Usually a really good beer or super delicious meal. If it’s crazy productive, I love to cozy up in the bed and just veg out with Daniel.

Meet the Speaker: Stephanie Mark of The Coveteur

                                                                                                                             Stephanie Mark of The Coveteur

Securing a feature on The Coveteur has become a symbol of "you've made it" amongst the fashion set. Created in 2011, the site began as a fun side project-- where two childhood friends had the idea of diving into the closets of the most stylish street style stars and tastemakers.  The idea blew up. Big time. The site is now a prospering digital hub for fashion, profiling huge celebrities, offering shop-able closets, and has officially claimed its spot as a household name. In short: the coveteurs have become the coveted. 

We sat down with co-founder and marketing director, Stephanie Mark, to find out what makes the girl boss tick. Spoiler: when she says her favorite quote is, "Do whatever you want," we know she means it. (Get even more insight at Create & Cultivate Dallas when she speaks on our "Finding your Angle" panel!)

Your first job: I filed papers at a doctor’s office.

Your first girl crush: Ginger Spice

Favorite form of exercise: Boxing

In high school, you were voted “Most likely to... have a career in fashion.”

Last thing you do at night before you go to bed: NETFLIX

Thing you can’t resist buying in the checkout line: Anything travel size from the checkout at Sephora. Everywhere else: a bottle of water and a magazine.

Your local coffee spot: I love the green tea at the Soho House in Toronto.

Go-to cocktail: Tequila Soda with a lime- it is basically the unofficial drink of The Coveteur.

Favorite time of year: Summer and fall.

Best gift you’ve ever received: My first nephew was just born- so that is by far the best gift I have ever received. In terms of fashion- my parents got me a Hermès watch when I graduated from Parsons.

Next thing on your to-do list: MOVE! I am moving to New York and I need to start setting up my place there.

Proudest moment: Starting The Coveteur.

Favorite quote: Do whatever you want.

"Do Whatever You Want!"

 Tweet This.

THIS OR THAT

Your wallet: Totally organized, or packed with ATM receipts?

PACKED. And my purse. I call them both mobile garbage cans.

Saturday morning or Sunday night?

TIE!

Karaoke: In the crowd or on the stage? If on the stage, what song?

Stage. Anything (and I mean ANYTHING) from the '90s.

Shopping: In store or online?

In store.

In flight: work, nap, or movie?

Nap or watching endless amounts of TV shows.

At parties: On the dance floor, deep in conversation, by the snacks?

Dancing…with snacks.

Check out some of our other Create & Cultivate Dallas speakers featured on The Coveteur including: Tina Craig Bag Snob, Katherine Power of Clique Media , Hilary Kerr of Clique Media , Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere and Sophia Rossi of Hello Giggles.

Meet the Speaker: Sophia Macks of Beyond The Mag

Founder and CEO of Beyond The Mag Sophia Macks has defined a brand for herself through creation, curation, and collaboration. With all the proper ingredients for a brand that thrives off of culture and fashion, Beyond The Mag has established itself as one of the most visually stunning platforms to date. It's her amazing vision that has racked in amazing collabs with Coach, Chanel, Barneys New York, and Harper's Bazaar (just to name a few.)

With all the focus on Beyond The Mag, we wanted to have a little fun and get to know Sophia a little more before we see her in January at Create & Cultivate Dallas. Get inside Sophia's head and make sure to catch her on Brand Vibes: How to create a brand that lives beyond the blog bubble at Create Cultivate Dallas! 

Your first job: 

Marketing Coordinator at WeWork 

Your first girl crush: 

The Olsen Twins. Duh.

Favorite form of exercise: 

Horseback riding

Which Disney character are you: 

There's been a precise evolution: 3 year old Sophie was Wendy from Peter Pan, 7 year old Sophie was Nala from Lion King, this was followed by a large, Disney-free time gap, and now I'm the flying carpet from Aladdin. 

In high school, you were voted “Most likely to..."

"create my own world & live in it.” They weren't wrong.....

Last thing you do at night before you go to bed: 

Watch a documentary 

Thing you can’t resist buying in the checkout line: 

Ugh, that Wintergreen Trident gets me every time!

Your local coffee spot: 

Starbucks on 43rd and 3rd. So basic! :/

Go-to cocktail: 

Old Fashioned

Favorite time of year: 

October 15th through end of Thanksgiving weekend.

Best gift you’ve ever received: 

Puppies. Olivia (Portuguese Water Dog) in 2002 and Daisy (Cockapoo) in 2014.

Next thing on your to-do list: 

"Dive the Titanic" and "write thank you note" are side by side with 50/50 chances of actually happening first. Stay tuned.

Proudest moment: 

When I made Beyond The Mag into a profitable business. 

Favorite quote: 

"Your word is your master."

"Your word is your master."

Tweet this.

THIS OR THAT

Your wallet: Totally organized, or packed with ATM receipts?

Contrary to popular belief, it's totally organized. 

Chocolate or Vanilla? 

Chocolate. Though I don't mind a good swirl of 20% vanilla, 80% chocolate.

Saturday morning or Sunday night? 

Sunday night, oddly. 

Dinnertime responsibilities: Cooking or doing the dishes? 

Neither! I set the table with clashing prints.

Karaoke: In the crowd or on the stage? If on the stage, what song?

On stage - anything from the RENT soundtrack or "Can't Fight The Moonlight" by Leann Rimes

Shopping: In store or online?

Both, but I'm famous for my online hunting skills amongst friends.

In flight: work, nap or movie?

A "Napvie" - the act of napping while simultaneously watching a movie. 

At parties: On the dancefloor, deep in conversation, by the snacks?

Eating snacks on the dancefloor whilst engaging in deep conversation. That conversation ends immediately when I run out of snacks.