Wondering What to Send? There's a Bouquet for Every Career Occasion
Bloomin' freakin' brilliant.
Florals have been adorning tabletops for years, but bringing a little bloom to your career is also a good look. And not just for spring.
There are plenty of career occasions where flowers not only spruce up a space, but might even help you get ahead.
And if you’re thinking about sending flowers to a boss, a colleague, or your #workwife, but don’t know where to start, our friends at UrbanStems, the floral brand with fresh blooms delivered to you in minutes, are dishing on the best bouquets for every career occasion.
There's a flower for every occasion.
THE INTERVIEW FOLLOW-UP
Worried that you’ll seem overeager? You don’t need to send the biggest bunch your potential employer has ever seen, but a unique arrangement that shows you pay attention to trends but are also able to think “outside the bouquet” might just be the edge that gets you the job. And if it doesn’t you will have left an indelible impression, that might lead to something down the road. .
Opt for: The Blanc: Striking a balance between memorable and professional is key and super chic tulips are always a safe bet. The wow factor gets upped a bit with an unusual variety: “peony” tulips — lush, fluffy blooms that are the spitting image of their coveted late spring namesake.
THE CONGRATS ON YOUR RAISE
Haven’t you heard? The energy you put out is the energy you bring in. If a friend gets a promotion or a raise, congratulate them with a beautiful arrangement that includes a “thriller” flower, because a flower-filled celebration is in order.
What says congrats best: The Tango. Bold colors are the best way to get the party started! The Tango is full of fiery shades of orange and red, and funky stems like ranunculus and parrot tulips make it feel extra special.
THE BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME
It’s inevitable. There are career highs and lows. But when a colleague or good friend really takes a hit, opt for a thoughtful gesture that will be much appreciated when they’re in the doldrums. Send your pal flowers and a note to remind them that you don’t get flowers without a little rain.
Keep ‘em smiling through the pain with: The Dino. A good laugh is the best way to beat the blues and this quirky dino succulent planter pretty much guarantees a smile. Succulents are easy to care for and super sturdy, so they’ll outlast any rough patch.
THE 'THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY' GIFT
If someone goes out of their way to facilitate an intro, an interview, or patch you in on a deal, a thank you bunch goes a long way. Especially if it’s someone you don’t know very well. They will be all the more willing to help you out next time if you show your appreciation.
Make yourself memorable with: The Mimosa. Garden roses are absolutely fabulous in their own right, but striking colors like yellow and green are completely unexpected. Mixed with feather eucalyptus and dainty wax flowers, it’s sweet and earnest — just the kind of gratitude you want to convey!
THANK YOUR BOSS WHEN THEY DO A GREAT JOB
It’s not as easy to be the boss as it seems. You have a company and salaries and bringing in dollars to worry about all the time. And when you’re the boss, you don’t have someone above you patting you on the back when you do a good job. In fact, it’s a little thankless.
Make your boss smile with: The Cathy. Your boss has enough to worry about, so an ultra low-maintenance air plant is the perfect way to show them some love without adding to their to-do list. Air plants can take a lot of neglect and need almost no water to stay fabulous-looking.
Want more? Head to UrbanStems to find the perfect floral for any function.
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The 5 Ways to Pitch Your Boss to Attend Create & Cultivate
It's not even a hard sell.
photo credit: Tyler Joe for Elle
Tickets for C & C NY are about to SELL OUT, which means it's time to act.
That might mean pitching your boss to foot the bill. This is a smart move, and we are here to tell you how to sell your boss on it.
Some companies have established budgets for job-specific and career advancement training. Some don't. Either way, here are our 5 top reasons to get your capital B Boss to send you to NYC.
RELATIONSHIPS THAT COUNT
The connections and relationships you have access to at C & C are unparalleled. Where else can you interact with #squadgoals and #bossgoals on such an intimate level? Sure, it's easy to ignore an email. A follow-up email. Even a voicemail. But if you take advantage of the golden opportunities in New York, whether through our mentor sessions, it could open a myriad of doors-- not only for you, but for your company as well.
Not to mention, the mentor sessions are heralded by our attendees as some of the useful stepping stones they've ever had.
GETTING A FOOT IN THE DOOR EARLY
Big relationships and partnerships matter, but so does having your finger on the pulse. This is something that Create & Cultivate and our team members excel at. Sure, our past keynotes like Jessica Alba, Rachel Zoe, and Chelsea Handler have seen huge success, but there are smaller, lesser known (though on the path to blowing up) women who your boss might not be aware of… yet.
The conference is your foot in the door, to introduce you to a wide array of valuable partnerships. Round up a list of all potential female entrepreneurs changing the game and brands that will be onsite, research their stats and why you think it would be good to get on their radar now, and sell your boss.
DIGITAL EDUCATION BOOTCAMP
Sure there is fun to be had-- goodie bags and a power cocktail hour, but C & C gets down to brass tacks. The panel discussions, from putting brand before business to why content will always be Queen, gives attendees direct takeaways. You're learning from the best in the biz, like Rebecca Minkoff, Aimee Song, and CEOs who are sharing how they built their businesses. They're there to pass on how they did it, while also encouraging you to forge ahead.
IMPORTANCE OF GETTING OFFSITE
The work environment has changed, and working from a mobile office is one tenant of the new working world. However, beyond working on-the-go it's important to get out of the office and put your skills to good use. As they say, if you don't use it, you lose it. If you spent most of 2016 behind a computer or in an office, explain the benefits of hands-on experience. Whether you want to use C & C to work on interpersonal skills-- like sticking out a hand and introducing yourself to a stranger-- or as the first place to make your mark in the business world, there is nothing like practical application.
"To make your mark in the business world there is nothing like practical application."
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CONFIDENCE BOOSTING
In the same way that a wellness retreat works to revitalize your body, a conference like Create & Cultivate works to boost your brain power, which in turn gives you a confidence jolt like no other. When you leave New York you'll feel energized and ready to dive back into your job with more fervor than ever. Which isn't to say you don't give it your all now, but there is something about the energy generated at C & C that gives attendees the focus and confidence to really assess and hone their strengths.
BONUS: TELL YOUR BOSS YOU'LL BRING HER HOME YOUR VIP SWAG BAG...
And remember when you're presenting this to your boss, it's crucial to nail down specifics that are relevant to your job. Find the speaker, panelist, or mentor that is most beneficial to you, your current position, and your company as a whole. Elaborate on how building a relationship with this person will be of merit to all three. Give your boss deliverables. If you tell her you're going to have a conversation with , make sure you're breaking down why this is relevant. Bosses are interested in ROI.
So get to pitching and follow these words to tickets here.
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#CCStyleSummit: What You Need To Know
All you need to know to get ready for this weekend.
We’re officially a few days away to our very first #CCStyleSummit this weekend! As we’re putting the finishing touches on pop-up at The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills this weekend, we want to make sure that you’re set for success for an amazing day of panels, keynotes, and fun!
If you are looking to make your way out to Fort Lauderdale this Saturday, here are all the things you need to know and what you can expect at the Style Summit:
Get there early! The first 100 attendees will receive a $75 Simon Gift Card - don’t worry you will have plenty of time to shop!
The last 200 attendees will receive a $25 Simon Gift Card as well!
First 200 attendees will also receive a limited edition Create & Cultivate tote bag with goodies!
The Style Summit will be located in close proximity to the Burberry store at The Colonnade Outlets. To locate the store, please see the mall map here.
Parking is free, and valet options are available at Sawgrass Mills as well!
Please make sure you RSVP’d, received a confirmation email from us at Create & Cultivate and also bring a picture ID if you want to partake in cocktail hour.
Coffee and Conversation will start at 10AM, which will give you enough time to get settled in and mingle before our first panel at 11AM!
Looking to show off your styling skills? Make sure to stick around for the Style Challenge at 3PM--- two lucky team members that hashtag #CCStyleSummit on Instagram or Twitter during the Style Challenge will be chosen to win a $100 Century 21 Gift Card and a $50 Bloomingdale’s Gift Card!
There will be tons of exclusive in-store offers for C&C Style Summit attendees from Century 21, Elie Tahari, Furla, Ippolita, Le Creuset, Maje, Rag & Bone, Sandro, The Kooples, The Webster, Valentino, Vilbrequin, Wolford and Neiman Marcus Last Call, and Vince!
Exclusive lunch options will also be available for C&C Style Summit attendees from Paul Bakery, Grand Lux Cafe, and Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar.
We’re excited to come to Fort Lauderdale this weekend, and we hope you are too! Please make sure to show us how you’re getting ready for this weekend using #CCStyleSummit and #FoundAtSimon and tagging @CreateCultivate and @ShopSawgrass! See you this Saturday!
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Dreaming Big & Manifesting Your Hustle Into Something More
Just a little Saturday motivaton from Kat Lane.
Kat Lane started working at a very young age and she hasn't stopped the hustle since. We caught up with the Miami-based radio host, creative director, and musician to ask about balance, hustle and working with clothing brand QPED Life.
She's got the right attitude when it comes to achieving your dreams.
You started working when you were 12. Can you give us a little bit about your background and what compelled you to start so early?
It all started on the dance floor. As far back as I can remember I was dancing, acting, and on stage, and because I grew up around people who worked hard at what they loved - I got used to working hard for what I wanted to do from early on. Age 12 was a big year for me in that I booked my first commercial, I wrote my first song, and recorded the song. I started pursing my love for dancing, singing, and acting on a level where I was actually making money (imagine that!). It was definitely a progressive build, but since I was 12, I remember equating the whole "if you do what you love, you'll never work a day of your life" perspective to the fact that I loved expressing myself through music and motivation.
From microphone to desk. How have you balanced the line of creative and business woman?
There are a couple factors here, the first is knowing the importance of working hard and having a willingness to expand your boundaries and grow on different levels. When I study people I consider "great" at what they do (or did), and see the amount of tenacity, persistence, patience, and ingenuity it took for them to achieve their goals, I clearly understand what I'm taking on, and that it requires both a creative and practical approach. My team at Sound Business Recordings and at QPED Life are branding experts, and have always urged me to stay focused on both aspects (creative and business), as one could not exist without the other.
The second factor is in having an awesome support system between my family and the awesome company I get to work with. There's nothing better than to have a team that finds importance and value in the same things you yourself do - and also a team that cares for each other and has each others' backs.
So what is your role with QPED Life?
I started with QPED Life when it was just a concept that Sean Sloan had created. The original thought was to create something positive and meaningful in entertainment, and digestible for anyone with an ambition to succeed and be the most they can be. The concept evolved into the song "QPED", which I sang and recorded, and which contains a lot of the sentiment of what has become the brand QPED Life - ambition, heart, focus, forward movement, honesty to oneself. Once I really understood the mantras and what the brand stood for, and started seeing the initial apparel designs, I was completely on-board.
I currently consult with QPED Life on the creative side, advising on garments/cuts/fabrics as well as current and future fashion trends. I'll be overseeing our upcoming music program, which you'll hear more about in Q2 of next year, and I'm also a Brand Ambassador for the line. Basically I get to offer my ideas and expertise/vision of what is possible with the brand - from a variety of angles.
And why was it important for you to take on another role?
The entertainment industry is kind of like a creative garden - you can keep planting different herbs/plants/varietals, and they all feed off of the same energy and stem from the same roots. What I've done and continue to do in music - makes the garden more interesting from the outside as well as internally. For example, when I'm searching for new records to play in my radio mix, I get music from all over the world. A great artist is like a journalist reporting on the energy of a particular location or a movement, so many times I get reports that help me spot trends way ahead of the curve. I use this during our QPED Life discussions on new designs, marketing campaigns, social media, and more. Best of all, I get to bring ME to whatever I get involved with, and being in multiple roles allows me to have different ways to reach & connect with people.
What is it about the company that’s unique?
QPED Life is a communal brand that's all about bringing people UP, and this translates from the designs down to the people involved with the company. The owners of QPED Life have a strong belief in the physical aspect of human interaction, which is a fresh take in an era where we're all staring at our phones for a good portion of the day! I think the overall positive messaging and encouragement of dreaming big and putting thoughts into action - is something I believe is not only healthy, but absolutely necessary.
"Dreaming big and putting thoughts into action - is something I believe is not only healthy, but absolutely necessary."
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There is also a level playing field at QPED Life, so doesn't matter if you're a guy or a girl, young/old, etc - your ideas and your work ethic are what are most valued and critiqued. I get a lot of hands-on training and no matter what happens, I know the brand will have my back, and that's not something that everyone can always bet on.
What’s a phrase or image that you really want to put on a shirt?
Love over Hate. We actually made a shirt with Love over Hate a few years ago - prior to launching QPED Life. With the recent political atmosphere, this is a phrase that could really help unite people over what really matters to all of us. Another phrase I'm drawn to is "Shoot for the Moon", and we actually just made a design with this phrase for Kat Lane fans! I really love this piece, you can check it out here: www.katlanemusic.com/merch
How do you see the company growing?
I've seen the company grow from a set of principles, to a song, then designs, and eventually to a real clothing line. You're going to see a lot of growth from QPED Life over the next 2 years, from expansion of the line/designs to accessories, live events, and one huge surprise that will be revealed around June/July 2017 :)
But on a basic level, the messages of motivation and positivity will continue to be conveyed in many different platforms - anywhere the message could make a difference in someone's life. The goal is to grow organically to where people understand and support the spirit of the brand and then the actual physical products - because this is the underlying purpose of why we do what we do at QPED Life.
Do you think it’s important for women to have more than one hustle?
Whether it's for women or for men, hustling just to have a hustle doesn't work, I really feel like you have to work for something that's important to you - and only then will hustle manifest into something more. Our belief has always been quality over quantity - so when you put your heart into something, it will grow into things we never could have imagined. Entertainment in general is important for me - I've always been creative, so having different "hustles" means having different avenues to utilize and share my creativity.
"You have to work for something that's important to you - and only then will hustle manifest into something more."
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"Shoot from the heart,” what does that mean to you?
"Shoot from the Heart" is a message of going for something with honesty for who you are, and giving it all you've got. It's all about being true to yourself.
If we were to find you anywhere at 7am, where would it be?
Radio! I host on weekend mornings on Miami's #1 pop station - the New Hits 97.3
If we were to find you somewhere at midnight, where would that be?
Radio! I have a mixshow on Friday nights too :D I spend a lot of time outside of the office with QPED Life - experiencing life, and since the customer is now the real boss with retail as well as with music and so much more - I like to get out and meet people as much as I can!
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How to Recreate the Look of Create & Cultivate at Home
Transform any room in your house.
Create & Cultivate and High Fashion Home are aesthetically a great fit. And we can never get enough of the vignettes created at our conferences. If we could transport them into our own living rooms, we would. (And you can.)
We checked in with HFH co-founder Dolley Frearson about the company's presence at C&C, best sellers, and how to transform any room in your house.
What about High Fashion Home speaks to the C&C girl?
I think HFH speaks to the C&C girl because we offer them the freedom to choose from a large section of high-style and high-design products that caters to her intelligence, creativity, and individuality. The C&C girl knows how to create her own look; she just needs the right selection/mix of products ranging from timeless and modern to bohemian and eclectic. She loves being fashion-forward and different, but the space must be practical and functional as well.
Who is the ‘High Fashion Home' woman?
She is a confident, worldly woman who loves high-design home décor that suits her modern, eclectic lifestyle. Home décor is important to her because her home/space is her sanctuary that brings her joy and allows her to create memories with family and friends. She loves inspiration and to get lost in her discoveries. Decorating is a journey to her. She is also a savvy shopper who will not compromise on quality and enjoys a seamless, transparent and authentic customer service experience.
"The C&C girl knows how to create her own look."
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We create little vignettes on site at C&C that end up being the most photographed, but what is the best way to update a room? What pieces can we add to create updated “vignettes” at home?
I would say artwork, rug, pillows, and accessories...or any combo of these.
What are your favorite items on the HFH site?
Current faves: Camino Swivel Chairs, Celfie Vases, Revelation II Artwork, Gigi Mongolian Fur Chair, Gold, Wildwood Candleholder, Brass, Chloe Fossil Clam Lava Coffee Table, and Solo Dining Chairs.
What are some of the best sellers?
Camino Chair, Adagio Buffet, Gigi Mongolian Chair, Allura Bench, light gray, Teak Block Coffee Table, Alexa Desk, Gold, Twilight Glow Artwork, Amelia Bed, Duet Natural, William Sofa, Vance Emerald, Ian Sofa, Duet Natural, and Miller Sectional, Crevere Cream
And what makes the store both online and the Houston brick and mortar unique?
What makes our online store and brick and mortar unique is our carefully curated selection of furniture and home décor accessories and how we create room ideas to inspire our customers. Our store is 125,000 square feet and four stories and for those who have shopped in our Houston store, they will tell you that is like a home décor mecca. It would take hours to walk through the store which is a good thing and a bad thing. But the best part is our layout and merchandise mix. We really love to mix it up and it's our goal and mantra to inspire our customers. It's wonderful when you hear first-time or long-time customers say that our place is so inspirational and their favorite place to go and wander. It's so flattering because we know how important their time is and the fact that they want to spend it in our "home"...that just makes me feel so proud of our work and our team.
We are also very proud of our wonderful manufacturing partners and eco-initiatives. We take the time to seek out products made from salvaged or sustainably harvested wood, plant-based materials, recycled fibers, and USA-made upholstery. About 95% of our upholstery products (sofas, sectionals, beds, chairs, etc.) are bench-made in the North Carolina. We are also committed to our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation; For every piece of furniture sold at our store and online, we plant a tree -- so far, that's over 120,700 trees planted!
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Top Hacks for Busy Working Travelers
It's not always easy, but we make it fun.
Who run the world? Women.
But we’re also running all over the place. Taking business meetings and holding court in different areas of the country. We jump on planes (never to conclusions) and we’re constantly on-the-go.
At the least that’s how it is for the team behind Create & Cultivate, and we know we’re not alone. From scouting locations to heading out town for conferences and popups, we’re up in the air and out of town quite a bit. Traveling for work isn’t always easy, but we’ve found a few ways to make sure it’s fun.
Here are some of our favorite travel hacks:
Where to Stay: Use HomeAway Vacation Rentals
Travel for work may not be “vacation,” but with more than 1.2 million rentals in 190 countries, HomeAway offers a smart solution to lodging costs for employees.
The benefits are multifold, especially when and if you’re traveling with your whole team. First, it’s less expensive than renting multiple hotel rooms, especially when you factor in the cost of food. More so, having a kitchen is both a financially and emotionally beneficial. Room service charges add up. So does heading out for every meal. Beyond that, being able to gather in a kitchen (or cozy up on a couch) with your work squad when you’re OOT gives you the much-needed creature comforts of home.
Our team is like family, especially when we’re on location. We pull so many late nights the week leading up to the conference. From midnight oil burning computer cram sessions to early AM (being able to make coffee in the morning is key to getting out the door) powwows, having the team in one place is also one less thing to worry about. Instead of solo working in the wee hours of the night, we’re in it together. Being in a home together is one of the ways we keep sane.
We stayed at a 4-bedroom bungalow in the Kirkwood neighborhood in Atlanta. The home was spacious and perfect for our five-person team (and we made more than a few late-night pizzas).
Spent many late nights gathered around this table.
When you’re away, you can also be home.
How to De-Stress: Pzizz Yourself to Sleep
Stress is an inevitable challenge when you travel for work. There are deadlines and time changes. Even the most seasoned business travelers are plagued by insomnia and burnout, both of which drastically affect your performance.
One of the best rated sleep apps, Pzizz (which, has made a fan of J.K Rowling) has a patented algorithm that plays a sleep-optimized mix of music, voiceover and sound effects. They work together (just like your #workcrew) to quiet your mind, put you to sleep, keep you asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. If you know it’s going to be a long week, getting to bed on time is one of the best things you can do for your body. A well-rested team is a well-oiled machine.
How to Pack: Only Bring a Carry-On
One of the best things about staying in a home vs. hotel is that most homes come equipped with a washer and a dryer. A MAJOR travel hack because it means you can fit everything into a carry-on and not have to worry about paying for baggage or losing it.
When traveling and packing for work trips you need to curate your suitcase the same way you would a proposal: remove the fluff and keep it tight. You can successfully travel (and still look good) for a week with a carry-on.
How you ask? This is our proven strategy: two pairs of versatile pants (one denim, one ‘fancy,’) four t-shirts (assorted colors), two blouses, three pairs of socks, four pairs of underwear (remember you have a washing machine), one dress or fancier outfit, a pair of heeled boots and dress shoes, and one magical, cozy outfit that reminds you of home.
If you’re going to be staying in a city for longer than two days, hit up the local Target and buy bath products in their travel section. You can get everything you need for under $10 (which, is much cheaper than checking luggage). Bring your jewelry or accessories in your purse.
On the plane you should wear: sneakers, leggings, t-shirt, and carry your larger coat.
That’s all you need. Truly. Try it once and you will never check another piece of luggage for work again!
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Why Diversity and Representation Matter in Business and Media
Important takeaways from the #CreateCultivateATL "Shattering the Glass" panel.
photo credit: Sidney Copeland
Gigi Gorgeous looked into the Create & Cultivate crowd this past Saturday in Atlanta and said excitedly, "There is so much diversity under this tent!" The audience cheered, acknowledging the importance of representation at the conference.
The six women on stage, Gigi, Jodie Patterson, Nicolette Mason, Daniela Ramirez, Maya Penn, and Mattie James were gathered to discuss the importance of diversity and representation in business and media. Nicolette put it simply, "People deserve to see themselves in the media."
Here are some of the other important takeaways.
ON NOT PUTTING OURSELVES IN BOXES
Jodie Paterson, co-founder of (recently sold) DooBop and mother of a trans son, Penelope, told the crowd, “We have to be able to choose all of the things that we are, not just one. We have to let our whole selves out."
"I never thought working for a fashion magazine was ever in the realm of possibility for me," said blogger and writer Nicolette Mason. "I had the education and the background, but there was no one who looked like me. No one I could look to as an example," she shared. "When Vogue Italia reached out to me and asked if I would be a contributor and a year from that point Marie Claire asked me to come in as a columnist and I penned a column for five years-- it was so amazing and surreal to know that my voice did have the potential and ability to be part of the mainstream."
ON HOW TO OVERCOME STEREOTYPES
Maddie James, moderator and the blogger behind Mattieologie kept it simple, but succinct “Stories kill stereotypes,” she said. The more we share, the more the outliers become part of the cultural narrative.
This was echoed by Jodie who said, "I see diversity as a domino effect. Diversity is some of us taking the first steps and putting ourselves out there and then asking and demanding it from all. If it's stunted in one area, it's stunted in all areas. People see and feel their way through change, not just statistics. It’s our job to tell stories. It’s also the media’s job to let the story happen."
"It’s our job to tell stories. It’s also the media’s job to let the story happen."
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Gigi agreed. "Being a transgender woman I know the hardships that the people in my community go through," she shared. "I think it's important to get my story out there for the world to see. We saw this with Caitlyn Jenner and Laverne Cox-- they're huge media icons but they made transgender a household topic and that's really powerful. It changes people's perspective."
"When you start sharing stories," said Jodie, "people are able to see and feel their way through change, rather than statistically analyze change.
ON THE MEDIA'S ROLE IN RESHAPING THE NARRATIVE
Maya Penn, CEO of Maya's Ideas, and the youngest (16) on the stage told the crowd, “I think the media needs to start stepping up. They need to say we need more diversity.”
Nicolette added, "It's the job of content creators and media creators to reflect our real world."
Maya said no one should feel like an odd one out. "We need diverse voices to show that representation matters. In non-traditional fields like STEM and science."
“I think the media needs to start stepping up. They need to say we need more diversity.”
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"My third child is trans and we did a video with Cosmo and it received 9 millions views," said Jodie. "It's the media's job to allow the story to unfold. I read this quote that everything is copy, meaning if you slip and fall on a banana, people laugh at you. If you slip and fall on a banana, and then you tell people, you own the laughter because that's your story."
"There have been baby steps along the way," explained Nicolette, "but there is so much more room to include diverse voices."
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The 10 Must Read Takeaways From Create & Cultivate ATL
Save yourself some stress and read this.
photo credit: Kelley Raye Photography
The speakers at Create & Cultivate never disappoint. They never fail with the mic and knowledge drop. Here are ten of our favorite moments from last weekend at #CreateCultivateATL.
AYESHA CURRY ON NOT GIVING YOURSELF BOUNDARIES: “The moment I gave myself a ceiling is the moment everything fell apart. The moment I removed the ceiling, things started happening. I threw that ceiling in the garbage.”
ADRIANNA ADARME OF A COZY KITCHEN ON MOTIVATION: “My motivation was I didn’t have a Plan B. And that still really motivates me. There is so much competition and so many people that are super talented, and to honor the place where I’m at I have to think that way.”
"I didn’t have a Plan B. And that still really motivates me."
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MANDY KELLOGG RYE OF WAITING ON MARTHA ON THE HUSTLE: “I worked two full time jobs for two years. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s beginning or end. I bet none of you followed me when I had 100 followers. This is sacrifice and struggling with finances. Just keep fighting the good fight.”
RACH MARTINO ON SPENDING THE MONEY: “Hire a professional photographer. That first hundred dollars was really hard to give up, but it changed everything for me.”
DOLLEY FREARSON CO-FOUNDER OF HIGH FASHION HOME ON HARD WORK: “Practice like you’re in second, play like you’re in first. It’s a [Steph Curry] quote that applies to the business world because it is about pounding the pavement, putting in the hours and working really hard. Know your competition, respect the competition and push yourself to the limit in any industry. In the end it ends up elevating everyone’s game.”
"The moment I removed the ceiling, things started happening. I threw that ceiling in the garbage.”
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SUSAN TYNAN FOUNDER OF FRAMEBRIDGE ON THE ‘TOP’: “You’re the one ultimately responsible, so you can’t throw blame anywhere else.”
IVKA ADAM ON BEING FOUNDER OF ICONERY: “If you’re not comfortable with uncertainty it’s important to bring someone in as a partner who is comfortable with it, or find ways to bolster that. Ultimately if it’s too rocky for you, it may not make sense for you to start a business. You are unsure every day; it’s so up and down. You have to know yourself and how you handle uncertainty."
IVA PAWLING CO-FOUNDER OF RICHER POORER ON ROLES AT THE TOP CHANGING: “The guy isn’t always the numbers or the brains behind the operation. And the woman is not just the creative. Don’t get hung up on it.”
ANNA LIESEMEYER OF IN HONOR OF DESIGN ON FINDING YOUR TRIBE: "Whether it’s a friend or significant other, it helps to have an outside perspective to give you a set of wings."
NICOLE RICHIE ON TAKING THE 'EASY' ROUTE: "If your want to save yourself some energy, just be yourself. There's nothing else to be. We each have something to bring to the table. I think instead of looking outward and focusing on what everyone else is doing, you have to have trust and faith enough in yourself to know that you’re going to bring something totally different.”
And honorary mic drop from our own editorial director:
"We're not here to play the game, we're here to change it."
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BTS: Our #CreateCultivateATL Speaker Dinner with Crown Royal
An exclusive look at our speaker dinner last week.
We can't believe it's almost been a week since we sat down to delicious cocktails from Crown Royal Vanilla and even more delicious convo at our speaker dinner at the W Atlanta in Downtown. Is it possible to FOMO post event? We think so.
So we're throwing it back to a night of "bests." Where Sarah Michelle Gellar called the night's specialty Vanilla Fashioned cocktail the "prettiest drink ever" she's ever seen. Where the Beckerman Twins, Cailli and Sam deemed their personalized monogrammed bags, "the best takeaway ever." (Which, we'd have to agree.) And countless boss ladies from Nicolette Mason to Adrianna Adarme of A Cozy Kitchen and Ingrid Nilsen raised a glass and toasted to being in a room filled with amazing female energy.
The Crown Royal Vanilla Fashioned is "the prettiest drink ever."
- Sarah Michelle Gellar
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Jaclyn Johnson, founder of Create & Cultivate addressed the speakers, telling them that the kick-off dinner is an event that she looks forward to every year. "It is an honor to have each and every one of you here tonight," she said, "and I am so excited for you guys to experience the conference tomorrow."
Click through the gallery below and enjoy the night's cocktail recipe from Crown Royal!
Vanilla Fashioned
1 sugar cube soaked in orange bitters
2oz Crown Royal Vanilla
Frozen flowers
Flamed orange zest
Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass with orange bitters, top with 2oz Crown Royal Vanilla. Once the sugar dissolves you put in your ice (containing frozen edible flowers) and stir! Orange peels are a great garnish (and you can even ignite the citrus oil when you squeeze the peel by a lit match).
Cheers!
10 Must-Have Products for 10 Million Women On-the-Go
We know how stressful being a boss on-the-go can be. Don't break a sweat.
@thecultofshe
October is Women’s Small Business month. A time where we support and acknowledge the nearly 1200 women who are starting new businesses every day. A time where we celebrate the momentum of the 10 million women who are innovating in their careers.
According to the Survey of Business Owners women-owned employer firms employ 8.9 million people. They generate 1.4 billion dollars. The societal and economic impact is clear.
Dove has always encouraged women to be confident. Not only to define beauty on their own terms, but to be as bold with their ideas. Beauty confidence filters into boss confidence. And it inspires other women to likewise be their best selves. If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.
To celebrate the 10 Million Strong, here are 10 must-have products to make the life of the on-the-go-get-em business woman all the better.
Designed for the mobile lifestyle, this lightweight bracelet also doubles as a charger. Get rid of on-the-go anxiety about a dead battery, charge up and then charge into that meeting. That seat at the table is yours. Or charge during the meeting. Because, multi-tasking.
For the 32-hour business trip, you want a carry-on that can handle anything that comes its way. With a built-in USB port, sturdy shell, and a design to fit almost all airlines carry-on restrictions, you can get in and out of any airport with time to spare.
Suave Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo
On-the-go doesn’t leave a lot of down time. If you need a touch-up or a little refresher, you can get to the root of the problem with a spritz of dry shampoo. Revive your hair, extend your blowout, and look fresh. (It’ll be our little secret.)
Amazon Echo
As founder it may feel like you’re on a small business quest alone, but you’re not. That voice you hear in the background is the sound of Alexa, the brain behind the Amazon Echo. The hands-free speaker you control with your voice. It plays music, controls lights, reads audiobooks, the news, and answers any pressing question you might have. Like, Alexa, what’s my commute? Or Alexa, set a timer for 30 minutes. And you can crank out those morning emails and get out of the house on time.
Dry Spray Antiperspirant
You don’t have time to wait around, and with Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant you don’t have to. It goes on instantly dry so you can just shake, spray and go. Plus, it lasts up to 48 hours -- because it’s important to stay dry during high-stakes moments -- and also cares for your skin. The last thing you want to worry about in a pitch meeting are your underarms.
Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant was a sponsor at Create + Cultivate Atlanta.
The 2017 Planner
Your life might depend on your phone, but what if you lose or break your phone? Every well-prepared boss woman always has a backup, and the best way to make sure that you’re not breaking a sweat when tech fails is to have a planner with you.
Wifi Hotspot
There will be times when you need to answer an important email that requires more than what your phone can do. Even in 2016, wifi is not easily accessible in every corner of the world, so make sure you’re ready with a handy wifi hotspot to save you on any occasion. Because the wifi always, always manages to pull a vanishing act when that 11th-hour email needs to go out.
Airborne or Vitamin C
If work puts you up in the air, you’re susceptible to poor plane air quality and are more prone to getting sick. Stock up on the vitamin C and drinks lots of fluids. The first step to making sure you’re your best self while traveling is taking care of your physical health first.
Business Cards
When you’re traveling, you’re ready to network. But don’t ever miss out on an opportunity to introduce yourself to any potential clients-- whether on the conference room floor or in line at the TSA security check. For every situation, make sure you have your business cards easily accessible. Moo makes all kinds of cards for the modern, creative professional.
Parachute Percale Venice Set
When you finally crawl into bed after a long day’s work or make it home after a trip, you should experience joy. The joy of expertly woven sheets crafted from Egyptian cotton. The joy of affordable luxury. The joy of knowing you gave your day your all.
Sarah Michelle Gellar Talks Transitioning From Hollywood to Startup Founder
"At the end of the day you want the brand to be bigger than the person."
photo credit: Kelley Raye.
Successful women from different careers who now run a startup.
That’s the story behind Sarah Michelle Gellar and Galit Laiblow co-founders of Foodstirs who took the Create & Cultivate stage this past Saturday in Atlanta to an audience of over 500 attendees. They talked a lot about taking the concept from idea to reality, overcoming doubt, as well as shifting out of their previous roles.
‘Part of being an entrepreneur,” admits Laibow, who ran a successful PR firm or 12 years, “is not being afraid.”
They made the jump after shopping for ingredients for a baking play date with their kids. “Ingredients,” says Gellar, “that had more consonants than vowels.” Thus, Foodstirs was born and switch into roles that hadn’t previously imagined for themselves.
“As an actor I’ve watched my industry change,” Gellar explains. “When I started you were either a movie actress or a television actress or you were serious and you did theater; the three didn’t meet anywhere. Then it changed and people realized you could jump from medium to medium.” She was looking for something else when the opportunity arose. ‘Ways,” she says, “[I] could still innovate and still be creative. Also, I’m a mom now, I have two young kids at young and I don’t want to be working 19 hour days and not see my children.”
“Even when you’re a producer you still have other people to answer to. It’s not necessarily the product you intended to make. What I’ve loved,” she says about her new role as founder, “is that now when we have an idea, what you’re seeing is everything we wanted it to be, because it's up to us and only us. It’s our battle to win. It’s so satisfying in a way I’d never experienced and it’s using my reach and creativity in a new way.”
"What you’re seeing is everything we wanted it to be, because it's up to us and only us."
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As for the partnership Laibow says she was hesitant to partner with a “celebrity.” Having come from the PR world she knew that celebrity doesn’t give a brand a fast-track to success; sometimes it's the opposite. “There are so many celebrities putting their names on things and the consumer is much more savvy. I did have a lot of reservations. I knew that if we did have a celebrity it had to be someone who was really passionate. Sarah and I had many late nights talking about it and she really believed it in. She’s a real co-founder. We both invested our own money and time and we don’t get paid right now.”
“It’s been fascinating,” says Gellar, “you think we would have each just done what we’re good at; it doesn’t work like that. In the beginning there were days when it was just us. Neither of us knew how to HTML code so I went and learned how to HTML code our emails. They were maybe not the best or the most professional, but that’s how you start and that’s how you learning.”
“Fail is the first attempt in learning. I don’t see failure as a bad thing. I see it as exercise. When you exercise,” adds Gellar, “you want to work out until your muscle fails so that it grows bigger and stronger. To me those are the steps in learning. That thought in your head is invaluable.”
"Fail is the first attempt in learning."
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“I always wanted the brand to stand on its own,” Gellar says, “I’m not the face of the brand, but I am the co-founder. At the end of the day you want the brand to be bigger than the person. I don’t want to first thing you think of to be me, I want the first thing you think is ‘Wow! That tastes really good.’”
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#CreateCultivateATL: Our Favorite Quotes From Yesterday's Panels & Keynotes
All the quotes to get your week started off right.
We can't begin to describe the feeling of how inspired we are after spending an entire day with 500 amazing boss women under the Atlanta sky. Create & Cultivate Atlanta is a wrap and we are so happy that it was by far one of our best yet with so many amazing speakers, sponsors, and all of our amazing attendees who have also inspired us as well!
If you missed out on this weekend's festivities, don't fret! We'll be sharing video soon from our keynote speakers, but for right now, take a look at all of our favorite sound bites from our speakers that will serve as the perfect mantras for your Monday to get you inspired. And if you attended, comment and let us know what were some of your favorite lessons that you took away from our panels and keynotes yesterday!
It Must Be in the H20+: How This Beauty Company Is Building a Strong Future for Girls
A good foundation matters.
2016 marked the kickoff off year of H2O+ Beauty’s Making Waves Initiative.
The international beauty company that believes that water and hydration are the foundation of true beauty and great skin, made it their goal to directly support organizations whose social missions align with their own.
They partnered with Girls Inc. of Alameda County, a non-profit organization on a mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. It was a natural pairing.
H2O+ knows that strong, empowered girls bolstered by encouragement from their community make for even stronger, empowered women. Beauty comes from within, so does the courage to believe in yourself. But none of us do it alone.
"Beauty comes from within, so does the courage to believe in yourself."
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In 2013, Girls Inc. opened its new headquarters in Alameda County, becoming the first and only resource center for girls in the area. They provide year-round academic achievement and skills-building programs to underserved girls as well as counseling services to over 8,000 girls and families.
When Cindy Melk founded H2O+ Beauty in 1989 she had the goal to put beauty back into the hands of the consumer. She was only 27 years old when she had the idea, but coming from an entrepreneurial background, she had the support of her father, John Melk, the name behind successful ventures like Blockbuster, and her mother, the founder of a successful spa in Chicago. She pitched her father on her business plan, proved her plan viable, and received a small amount of seed funding to get the company up and running for about 6 months. While the rest was up to her, she had the foundation and the support from her family, something that H2O+ recognizes as crucial to success and a bright future.
H2O+ believes that, “progress is forged when communities support, challenge, and inspire women. In our work, we are inspired by the courage of our own founder in her quest to define beauty on her own terms.”
They fulfilled the 2016 mission by sharing the proceeds of their best-selling Oasis Hydrating Treatment with a $10,000 donation to Girls Inc of Alameda County. Moreover, H2O+ Beauty employees supported girls in their local community by volunteering more than 40 hours of their time in workshops and mentoring sessions at the Girls Inc. of Alameda County Simpson Center for Girls.
H2O+ plans to build on the success of their partnership with Girls Inc. with an even bigger and more impactful contribution of time and resources in 2017. We also got wind of a very special event that they’re hosting with Girls Inc. this fall (details are still under wraps), but stay
To learn more about Girl Inc. of Alameda County, visit here. To learn more about H2O+ Beauty Social Mission visit here.
Links We Love: CreateCultivateATL Conference Edition
What we're reading to prep for next Saturday.
While some of us are busy planning our Halloween costumes or gearing up for #CreateCultivateATL, Snapchat is reportedly planning for a 25 Billion dollar IPO.
Smiling again. This is why we do what we do. Who run the virtual reality world? Girls.
Looking for some delicious motivation? Shonda Rhimes used Baskin-Robbins to learn responsibility.
More ice cream stories that matter.
It's a bloody mess out there. Have you gone through your social menopause yet?
We're all crazy-making busy. This writer points out why it's going unnoticed.
Working toward parity is tough. It took 35 years to narrow the pay gap by this amount.
We talk a lot about authenticity at our conferences. But has it become a buzzword, marketing trap?
This is making it almost impossible to wait for the holiday.
And because we all deserve a little laughter. Here's an invitation to laugh together.
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Here's How to Master the Interview Follow-Up
How strong is your follow-up game?
“Follow-up” and “follow through” are two very similar concepts that are key to your success in the business world. And you can bank on potential employers paying attention to your post-interview follow-up skills as an indicator of your follow-through when it comes to the job.
See, landing the interview and then nailing it, that’s just half the battle. You need to follow up with finesse to inch ahead of other candidates. One way to do so is to send a personal thank-you note. The art of the thank you is not lost. We worked with Papyrus, the social expressions company that knows all about a professional thank you, to create the ultimate list of follow-up to-dos.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Before you leave the interview, ask the interviewer about the timeline for making a hiring decision to know when to follow-up.
The way you follow up with your interviewer will indicate how you will follow up with your potential clients. For instance, sending a quick “Thanks for the meeting today” email is great. Most hiring recruiters say the faster you get this out, the better. It shows that you’re on top of things, you have tenacity and you want to stay top-of-mind. Sending more than one email in a week is a bother.
IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED, DUST YOURSELF OFF
And try again.
If they said they will make a hiring decision within a week, sending one more polite inquiry after that week has passed is more than OK. In fact, it’s smart due diligence. You never know why or when something might have slipped through the cracks.
"Landing the interview and then nailing it, that’s just half the battle. You need to follow up with finesse."
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In the second follow-up, mention recent company news, whether it’s a blog post you enjoyed or a news article that included the brand.
Asking, “Did I get the job?” is not what this follow-up is about. Instead, direct your efforts so that the person hiring thinks, “This candidate should get the job.” People don’t like a teacher’s pet, but they do like someone who pays attention. And if you weren’t on the list of potential hires, this might put you on it.
BE BOLD, BUT NOT BRASH
Hiring managers and founders are inundated with emails. Get out of their inbox and into their head with a handwritten note on beautiful stationery.
It should be a bold and to-the-point thank you follow-up in which you reference a specific point of the conversation that you’d like to expand on. It’s not enough to thank them for their time— you need to tell them WHY you deserved it. There is always a tidbit of information that will show how closely you were paying attention.
A good outline of what to write is as follows:
Dear Jackie,
What a great meeting this afternoon! When you mentioned your company is really focused on growing your social media presence among Gen Z, the ideas started flowing. As someone who has doubled their own social media following over the last year and reports a 4% engagement rate, I feel confident that I can help you achieve that goal. I would love to talk over more ideas and strategies with you. Thanks again for your time and the opportunity to meet.
Best,
Arianna
Use all those 140-character skills you developed with Twitter to nail the art of the quick note that will make them want to click through — aka call you back. And what are those “ideas” you mention? That’s for you to share in interview number two. Make sure you drop the note in the mail as soon as you can so that it lands on their desk 2–3 days post-interview.
THE STATIONERY YOU CHOOSE SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU
When you’re picking the card, consider the audience and your reasoning.
Is the company a start-up and you suspect the founder would consider a more playful approach? Was the interview in a more corporate environment where something classic would be appreciated?
After considering your audience, consider yourself. Cards can reveal as much about you as the words you write in them. Here is a chance for you to show your interviewer that you understand the culture of the company, but also feel comfortable injecting your personal brand and approach into their world.
TO SEND OR NOT TO SEND…A GIFT
For some, this is an overeager act. For others, it shows that you’re really serious about the position because sending a gift after every interview would not be good for your bank account.
Choose something that’s fun and won’t take up space on their desk. À la compliment pencils. What’s not to love? Send them with a note that says, “Pencil me in as your new hire.” Or super cute bow tie paper clips for that stack of paper you noticed on their desk.
KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON
Even if you think you lit that interview on fire, it’s possible another candidate came in and burned the building down.
There are going to be plenty of jobs you want and don’t get. The most important thing is to keep building professional bridges, which is why you should also always ask if it’s OK to connect with them via LinkedIn before you leave the initial interview. Make the connection, that way even if you don’t get the job, they are still in your network and they can see your updates.
You never know when that job, or another that’s more suited to your skills, will open up.
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Your #CreateCultivateATL Packing List
All your conference essentials in one place.
As we prep for Create & Cultivate ATL, we want to make sure you're locked and loaded for the big day, and that includes all the things that you should bring on-site! While you'll be walking out more than what you came with (both knowledge and swag-wise), there will be a few things that you will need to make sure to bring to make the most out of your day!
Conference Badge & Federal-Issued ID
If you have been sent your conference badge last month, you're going to want to keep it in a safe spot! Make sure to bring your badge along with a federal-issued photo ID when you come to Mason Fine Art for a speedy entrance.
If you haven't received your badge, don't fret. Your badge will be available at registration, but make sure to have your photo ID for pick-up!
Dress To Impress
Not only is Create & Cultivate one of the most visually-stunning conferences around town, but our attendees are the best dressed in town as well! Make sure to grab the amazing #OOTD, because you never know, you might just end up in our OOTD roundup after the conference! (Check out some past OOTD inspo here.)
iPhone + Charger
This is not the time to forget your phone or run out of battery, and while you might think this never happens, it does. Double check your bag before you leave your hotel. You don't want to miss out on Tweeting amazing soundbites from panels, snapping the best shots from the conference, and even miss grabbing a selfie with one of your favorite speakers. (Although if you do forget your camera, there will be charging stations on site for you because we've got your back like that.
Business Cards
Create & Cultivate offers you the perfect chance to network with fellow attendees and speakers, and a lot of collaborations were born out of meeting at Create & Cultivate from our past attendees. Want to make a lasting impression on those that you meet? Make sure to have your business cards on deck and nurture those relationships into what could be the next big collaboration born out of Create & Cultivate!
The 411 On The #CreateCultivateATL Break & Pop Ups
Prep yourself before you wreck yourself.
Photo by Arnelle Lozada
The countdown is on for Create & Cultivate Atlanta this month, and while we're planning what places to visit, who to meet and even what to wear, we want to make sure you're ready for the big day too.
We have so much in store for C&C ATL, including all of the pop-ups you'll be able to check out during our break (5PM-6PM)! Check out all of our sponsors that will be hosting amazing pop-ups and treats for you to check out and shop below!\
Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream
A special treat for all of our VIP guests from Jeni's! Head over to the VIP lounge during break for some splendid ice cream!
Dove
#ShakeSprayGo with Dove at their booth and snap a pic at their featured GIF photo booth!
Squarespace
Learn how to step up your blog game and make the most out of your website and the Squarespace Studio.
Amazon Fashion
Take a break and at the Amazon Fashion booth and treat yourself with a black and white mani with a special design, and enter to win one of their amazing giveaways!
Crown Royal Vanilla Pop Up Bar
Grab a sip of Crown Royal's new vanilla-flavored whisky, and check out Adrianna Adarme's (A Cozy Kitchen) cocktail workshop in a special breakout session during break!
Kendra Scott
Stop by the Kendra Scott airstream and shop their winter and signature collections, create your own custom piece of jewelry at the Kendra Scott Color Bar™, or spin the prize wheel for a chance to win!
Papyrus
Get inspired with Papyrus and stock up on stylish cards to create a lasting impression! Visit during Happy Hour to enjoy coffee, cards, and sweet treats.
Simon G. Jewelry
Visit their booth and check out their try-on station to check out all the diamonds (and even snap a pic of them) and their "king pop" popsicle stand for a cool treat!
bebe
Visit bebe to enter to win a $500 gift card by taking a photo at their floral photo wall, grab a boozy popsicle, get a free key chain pom-pom and mini bebe Bubbly champagne, and meet and greet with Jessi Malay during the break!
it bed by Sleep Number
Visit Sleep Number to check out their newest brand it bed (and dream in it too), and also take a break by recharging and refreshing yourself at their relaxation lounge! Did we mention that they'll also have a great swag giveaway?
Iconery
Visit Iconery to shop their on-trend pieces from their most popular designers (Stone Fox Bride, Luv Aj, Victoria Six, Anne Sisteron, Mata Brenner, Mara Carrizo Scalise) including pieces few collections. They'll also be holding a giveaway for a chance to win one of their top selling necklaces!
Daniel Wellington
Daniel Wellington is on tour and the mobile pop-up shop is making a VIP stop at Create Cultivate! The Time Traveler will be showcasing all DW collections, including it's newest Classic. The pop-up is fully equipped with a coffee serving station, complimentary leather embossing, and an interactive Photo Booth. You can also enter to win a watch by snapping a pic in the Photo Booth and posting to Instagram using the hashtag #DWonTour!
Simon Malls
Not only will Simon be welcoming you to our attendee happy hour on Friday, but their pop up at Create & Cultivate will allow you to shop from their highlighted brands. Not only that, but they'll also be hosting a giveaway for you to enter!
Mark & Graham
Head over to Mark & Graham's pop up to get a sneak peek at their new fall product, and get on-site calligraphy from ATL calligrapher Ashley Buzzy with the purchase of a new leather zip pouch! You might want to get your monogram, or favorite short saying on it (Rosé all day, anyone?) Also, make sure to shop and pick up a glass of champagne during break!
Framebridge
Visit Framebridge for a chance to win a gallery wall! Find out how many tape measures there are in their bowl, and you just might be the lucky winner if you guess right! Also, let Framebridge know what you want to frame and for whom this holiday season and the best entry gets a frame for themselves and a frame to gift for the holidays. Not only that, they've created free digital downloads you can get on their site. They will print and frame them, and the link to that will be in your gift bags!
Richer Poorer
Richer Poorer will be debuting its newest addition to its innerwear line- the bralette- exclusively at Create & Cultivate- a month before it launches to the general public! In addition, they will be offering tee and muscle tank bundles available only at their booth!
Stop by H2O+ Beauty to check out their reimagined skin and body care lines that combine the power of pure water with the latest advances in skin care technology. Enjoy a consultation with their certified esthetician and sample products recommended just for you. Take home travel sized samples and enjoy discounts on their full collection.
Also featuring pop-up activities from:
Don't forget to #TreatYoSelf by heading over to the Beauty Lounge and checking out the pop-ups below!
BeGlammed
Head over to BeGlammed's pop-up beauty bar to get gorgeous makeup touchups and hairstyling. At the booth, beGlammed’s Founder Maile Pacheco will host a series of contouring sessions throughout the day where you can learn how to sculpt the perfect cheekbone. Hairstyling will focus mainly on braiding and dry styling. Also, pink bubbly champagne and delectable cookies will be available to the pop-ups participants!
Zeel
It's going to be a long day, so make sure to take a breather at Zeel's pop-up and get a 5-10 minute mini-massage. You deserve it, girl.
Shea Moisture
Visit Shea Moisture's Pop Up to check out 6 of their star collections, and also treat yourself with quick touch ups and braids done by celebrity hair stylist David Lopez at their beauty stations! Also, guests will receive one full-sized product as well.
Sara Happ
You should treat yourself, but also remember to treat your lips with some love! Head over to Sara Happ's pop-up to visit their lip scrub station, and learn more about all things Sara Happ!
Nubian Heritage
Visit Nubian Heritage's pop up to travel around the world and grab a passport to visit each of their collection stations. Once you've finished your trip and have your passport stamped, you'll receive a small gift bag with a full-sized product and a leather passport holder. Also, they'll be offering hand massages and will also have bite sized desserts inspired by their Coconut & Papaya collection.
Learn more about the full day schedule here, and see you all in two weeks!
This One Productivity Hack Will Change Your Entire Work Day
Good news is-- you already do it.
It's not just quantity when it comes to sleep, it's quality. Your brain needs those zzzs more than you know to be your most productive and it's something that Sleep Number Chief Strategy and Customer Relationship Officer Melissa Barra knows plenty about.
Studies have endlessly shown that pulling all-nighters is bad for business and that sleep health is key to mental and physical well-being.
Melissa, who has a Sleep Number setting of 30, shared that "quality sleep is essential for health and for performance. Sleep affects all aspects of our life – from mental agility, to physical activity, to general wellness. I am excited to see the beginnings of a cultural shift that recognizes that sleep at the center of a healthy life. A person that sleeps well performs better!"
WE KNOW PERFORMANCE AT WORK IS AFFECTED BY SLEEP
Like most of us, Melissa says that she feels a difference at work when she doesn't get enough shut-eye. "Sleep is core to performance in every part of my life.”
"When I’ve had a good night’s sleep, I feel energized, alert and more creative. My problem-solving and decision-making skills are better."
Some of us think we don't need more than five hours. Others think if we don't look at what time we finally close our eyes, we can trick ourselves into thinking we slept longer. But the body knows and so does your brain the next day. Skimping on sleep means skimping on you.
The right kind of sleep also matters. So...
IF YOU'RE NOT SURE HOW YOU’RE DOING, TRACK YOUR SLEEP
If you lay in bed, wide-awake tossing and turning, you’re not getting quality and restful sleep. A restless state of sleep can have damaging effects on the next day's productivity.
Melissa explains, "Because I track my sleep, I know that on days I haven’t sleep well, it ends up being the start of a vicious cycle. My workout isn’t as powerful; I don’t eat as well as I typically do; and my productivity suffers! Knowing and feeling that difference really drives me to try to get the best sleep I possibly can."
"A restless state of sleep can have damaging effects on the next day's productivity."
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Tracking your sleep can help you with your sleep goals, which in turn will help you with your career goals.
WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR SLEEP
Studies have shown that consuming caffeine six hours before you plan to hit the hay can have haywire effects. You may be technically asleep, but void of the full benefits you should enjoying.
"While I love coffee, I won’t drink it after 3 p.m. because I know caffeine will still be in my system by the time I go to bed and can disrupt my sleep," says Melissa.
Likewise research has found that exposure to the blue light from phones, tablets, and other screens can disrupt sleep and the content can lead to a ‘racing mind’. Melissa addresses this issue by shutting "down my email and texts one hour before I go to sleep – this also helps me wind down from the day and protects my sleep."
REMEMBER: THE HUSTLE DOES SLEEP
If you want your brain to be on it's best behavior, you have to treat your body right.
"I feel most productive on the mornings when I’ve gotten great quality sleep," says Melissa. "When I arrive at the office before anyone else is there. I find that I get my best thinking and best work done during that time."
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Why Nicole Richie Would Make the Best BFF
As if you don't have reasons enough already.
Inventor. Artist. Ex-Girlfriend. Australian. These are all titles Nicole Richie took on in season 2 of her VH1 series "Candidly Nicole." But while it's universally accepted that Richie is a quick-witted comedic Queen, capable of the above and more, she also takes her businesses (multiple), her friendships (more than multiple), and her role as mother (just 2) very seriously.
Almost nine years ago Richie launched House of Harlow 1960, shortly after the birth of her first child, becoming mom and mom to her career simultaneously.
“At that time I had so many fears,” she says. “I had a newborn baby. I was twenty-six. I was starting a new business. I was one of three people that I knew with a baby that was my age. I had no idea what the future would bring. I didn’t even know if I wanted to turn it into a full-blown brand yet.”
Which, is exactly what is has become. The initial 50-piece costume jewelry line has developed into ready-to-wear, eyewear, footwear, and handbags. The most recent collection was released in partnership with Revolve.
Though entrepreneur wasn't exactly a role she imagined for herself, Richie got a taste of that business life, liked it, and last November held the inaugural Pearl xChange in Los Angeles. It is her live-event series for women who want to make connections, share knowledge, and listen to speakers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Marianne Williamson drop some.
At first glance, it’s very similar to Create & Cultivate. That’s not a problem for Richie, who was a keynote at Create & Cultivate Atlanta in conversation with HelloGiggles co-founder Sophia Rossi.
“This is a perfect example,” Richie says, “of how two people in the same business with the same interests understand that we each have strengths. Joining together only helps us spread our wings, reach even more people, build the energy and make the vibration stronger.”
“Joining together only helps us spread our wings, build the energy and make the vibration stronger.”
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It’s the matter of competition being able to life us higher, together, not further apart and it’s a direction she’s focussing a lot of her energy. “I am able to see other people’s strengths where I have weaknesses. That’s not putting myself down, that’s understanding who I am and wanting to build myself up and make myself stronger. I’m so excited to be a part of the Create & Cultivate conference and spend time with other like-minded people who have been in this business longer than me.”
This approach is a through-line with Richie and many of her successful friends.
“Rachel Zoe is an example of a woman where there are a lot of parallels in our careers,” says Richie. “That being said, do we look at each other as competition? Absolutely not. Rachel is Rachel and I’m me. We’re two individuals. We have different lives. I’m so happy for her and I love going out and supporting her."
“Rachel has been very open with me,” she adds, “and this is very important to say, she’s been so open about the ins and outs of her business. She's never once said, ‘You’re on your own.’”
This approach has only helped them both. You can do it by yourself, Richie explains, “but you’re really limiting yourself. I can only get so far on my own."
She brings up longtime friend Sophia Rossi, who likewise understands the sisterhood of business. “Her business is HelloGiggles," says Richie. "It’s online, it’s so different than what I do, but we have found ways to collaborate and I’m really passionate about my friendship with her. She’s somebody who is a true connector. She has no skin in the fashion game, but she loves me and she wants to see her friends succeed.” Friends like Clique Media co-founder Katherine Power. “Sophia started a few years after Katherine, but she is the first person to say, ‘I just copied everything Katherine did. I listened to everything she said and she was my mentor.’”
“Those girls are the perfect example of two friends going after kind of the same thing but who have done nothing but support each other and maintain the closeness. You’re never going to produce the same thing, it’s just not possible. We don’t have the same souls.”
With Pearl xChange Richie wants to take this notion a step further. “When I hear other girls say, ‘Oh, I don’t have a lot of girlfriends,’ or ‘I don’t trust other girls,” I, personally, don’t understand what that means,” she says. “We have to get over that. It has to be a thing of the past and it’s really important to me. To say, or ask, ‘How can I help?’ ‘What can I give?’ and ‘What is the one thing that I have that I can offer?’”
She brings up advice Marianne Williams gave the audience at the first Pearl xChange. “She spoke a lot about us understanding our own strengths and how that takes more confidence than we know. Feeling good within ourselves about what we have to offer— that’s harder than a lot of people think.”
Adding, “There is no how-to book, but the idea of ‘this is how you do it’ can be thrown out. You can create your own way.”
“The idea of ‘this is how you do it’ can be thrown out. You can create your own way.”
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In her thirties Nicole feels more confident and secure in her decisions, her "own way," than ever before. That means exploring and pushing herself and finding new sides of who she is. “You really have to put yourself out there, give everything that you have, and do it authentically.”
“It’s been a slow and steady process of me finding the confidence in myself to take the reigns of my own business and my own life.”
“I think the key is to find the thing that you love and figure out how to turn that into a business. And just be that. Don’t worry about being anything else. Then you’ll feel like your life has alignment and true flow.”
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Rock the Vote President Says Young Female Voters Are Louder Than Ever
From equal pay to reproductive rights.
This November marks one of the most historic elections. Ever. Not only did Hillary Clinton make history when she secured the win as the first female nominated by a major political party for President, but Millennials, the biggest and most diverse generation the United States has ever seen are primed to be a driving force at the polls. In 2008 and 2012, voters under 30 were a crucial piece of winning the presidential election. They stand to make the same impact this election year.
It's something that Rock the Vote, the non-profit, nonpartisan organization committed to galvanizing youth to vote has been encouraging since 1990.
It was 26 years ago when a bikini-clad Madonna motivated generation MTV to vote. Wrapped in an American flag and rapping about former Presidents Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, she delivered the first PSA for Rock the Vote.
Today, according to Rock the Vote, the diversity of Millennials is not simply reflected in age, background, ability or race, but in the way Gen M approached problems, finds opportunities and envisions the future. 80 million strong, it is a generation that wants a better, more just future for all. Young women are a driving force behind that vision. According to RtV "anyone who ignores the importance of young women in this election, does so at their own peril."
"Anyone who ignores the importance of young women in this election, does so at their own peril."
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In a poll released earlier this month with Rock the Vote's partner USA Today, they found that 73% of women between 18 and 34 strongly disagree with banning an entire religious group from entering to the United States. They've also found young women across the country who are engaged in issues that matter to them, like defending access to reproductive rights, reforming the criminal justice system, and securing equal pay.
Young women are poised to make a big difference in the world by voting for candidates who will elevate the issues they care about across every office, not just President. It's why Create & Cultivate has teamed up with Rock the Vote. From encouraging young women to register to talking about issues that matter most, we asked Rock the Vote President, Carolyn DeWitt about the importance of this election, the power of the vote, and a generation that's only getting stronger.
Why is it important for Rock the Vote to be at Create & Cultivate?
It’s so important for us because we know that young women are some of the most passionate and engaged people in this country. Young women are playing a more vocal role than ever before in their families, communities, politics, business and across every facet of American life. Create & Cultivate is a place for young women to come together and learn how to carve out a life for ourselves that makes us proud. At Rock the Vote, we know that participating in elections is also a way, one of the most important ways, that women can shape our futures.
What kind of galvanization have you seen from young women this election cycle?
Young women are getting louder about the issues we know affect our lives. From demanding equal pay for equal work, pushing back against sexism and defending our access to reproductive rights, this election cycle has been one where women are speaking truth to the powers that be. We may want different things, we may have different visions of where we want to be in life, but we are empowered to fight for it and we are only getting stronger.
What do you think a female POTUS would do for the future of our country?
This is a really big milestone for our country—one that has been long overdue. Across the globe, we currently have a record number of female world leaders. This is important because women often approach challenges differently and are often more likely to consider the direct impact of policies on women. But more than that, we are seeing that issues are the driving force behind engagement in elections. Young women are becoming more independent. We want to go to college and not experience crushing debt. We want to get paid what we’re worth in the workplace. We want to turn the tide on climate change and leave for our kids and grandkids an environment that is healthy. No matter who is president come November, we are going to keep fighting for these issues.
"Young women are becoming more independent. We want to get paid what we’re worth in the workplace."
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Do you remember the first time you voted and what that feeling was like?
The first time I was eligible to vote in an election, I was living in Kenya. It was a midterm election. I wasn’t particularly interested in politics; in fact, I would say I was completely turned off by politics. But, I had seen the impact of democracy and the power those in office had over their country and its people. I witnessed that the right to vote, especially free from intimidation was something I had that those around me didn’t. I had visited countries and knew people who had died fighting for a democratic system. I couldn’t take that right for granted. I went to the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and completed an absentee ballot.
Why is this election so important for young women?
There is a lot at stake this election. It’s easy to forget how far women have come in the last few decades and that it wasn’t that long ago that women didn’t have rights over their bodies, protection against domestic violence or harassment in the workplace or equality in places of education, including school athletics. This election, we’re not only fighting for progress, but we’re also fighting against regression. We are more independent and stronger than ever, but there is still work to be done from access to reproductive rights to equal pay. We are also more likely to play active roles as advocates for our families, our friends, and our communities and will fight for the issues that impact the lives closest to us. We know that when we work together we can change the course of our country and build an inclusive system that works for all of us.
"When we work together we can change the course of our country and build an inclusive system that works for all of us."
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What have you seen and learned as a business woman that you can share with our audience?
I’m so grateful that I have had the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today, leading Rock the Vote during this critical time in our nation’s history. I have experienced the democratic process here at home and abroad, in an effort to build more just and equitable institutions. When I was in South Africa, I met with various leaders who helped end apartheid and set up a democratic state and the victims who were imprisoned under apartheid. In Kenya, I was part of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission to build a more democratic state. As an adult, I’ve been the primary advocate and caretaker to a family member with disabilities. Whether as a mother, daughter, sister, neighbor, or employer we often play the role of caretaker and advocate for those in our lives. To me, that means it’s even more critical that we use our voice to express our values in the democratic process. I will always be working to build and protect democracies and fighting for a political system that welcomes everyone’s perspective.
To register and Rock the Vote click here.
Share why you're voting this election in the comments below!
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