What to Expect: C&C Chicago Conference 2018
From the Instagram moments to all the grub.
Hey C&C Chi-town squad! We are so excited to get the Chicago party at House of Vans started! There are so many amazing things coming your way, but before we get any closer to the big day, we wanted to give you a sneak peek of what to expect. Besides the jam-packed speaker lineup and beautiful greenery ambiance provided by Bloomscape, the day is full of Instagrammable moments, shopping, food and drinks, and tons of inspiration. Get ready!
WeWork Attendee Happy Hour
If you’ve never been to a C&C Attendee Happy Hour the night before a conference, you are in for a treat. Please bring your badge, found inside your super-cute C&C box, or email confirmation for entrance.
You'll get to mix, mingle and network with fellow boss ladies and conferences attendees. Don't forget to bring your business cards and snap some selfies with your new friends!
WHEN: August 24th, 2018 | 6:30-8:00 PM
WHERE: WeWork, 20 W. Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60654
On to the Conference...
Eat Up
Breakfast: Enjoy an assortment of breakfast items to start the morning off right, courtesy of Health-Ade kombucha.
Lunch: A delicious array of your favorite sweetgreen salads will be available to choose from during our lunch hour.
Break: McDonald's will provide craveable and delicious Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, World Famous Fries® and everyone's favorite ice cream!
Mentor Power Hour
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal, our Mentor Power Hour will allow attendees to connect with experts from different industries. Those looking for advice on launching or managing their businesses will get the 411 from experts in respective fields from this extensive hour of real-talk advice, information, and Q&A time.
All-day Fun
Pop-up Market
Stop by the McDonald's pop-up office and speed pitch your business plan for a chance to win a $5,000 grant towards your business! A winner will be announced prior to our final keynote of the day. Pitching happens during breakfast, lunch, break and happy hour.
Are you an Old Skool type or a Checkerboard Slip-on kind of girl? Pop by the VANS pop-up to shop the latest and greatest from our amazing host. VIPS will receive an opportunity to customize their own pair!
Need a hand while you're on-site? Look for the ladies decked out in all VANS gear & they'll be able to help you out.
Step inside a real-life wedding with WeddingWire through the day, their pop-up will transition from an inspo-worthy reception tablescape to the after-party to end all after parties. Take your wedding personality quiz, earn prizes, snap a polaroid and walk away ready for your big day!
The OGX braiding and styling station will features vanities and top notch hairstylists who will be providing guests will dry hairstyling and product sampling throughout the day.
Beauty touch-ups and product sampling from some of Nordstrom Beauty's top-selling beauty brands plus a floral moment that will make you SWOON!
JCPenney will be hosting a one-stop shop for the business girl on the go. Try on a new fall jacket, update your professional headshot and grab a customized desk nameplate before you go! It's girl-power in the corner office!
Get your collagen fix at the Vital Proteins pop-up shop. Vital Proteins' products are natural sources of protein, that provide nourishing collagen promote collagen production in our bodies, which we all need more of as we age.
Pacifica Beauty wants to know what your superpower is! Stop by to partake in their celebration of crystal power and spin the prize wheel for a special gift. Holographic crystals go to those who take a snap at their "What's Your Superpower" photo moment.
Are you the “the influencer”, “the collaborator” or “the heart” of your team? Find out at the Microsoft Teams pop-up! Snap a pic at the Microsoft photo booth, experience the interactive wall, and download Microsoft Teams for the chance to win a cool prize.
Step into the visual world of Shopstyle and discuss monetizing your blog and social channels with their knowledgeable account managers. Learn more about their campaigns and exciting new opportunities to expand your influence. Don't have a Shopstyle account yet? What are you waiting for?! Sign up with one of their team members on site at the event!
Stop by to get your hair braided by one of Sexy Hair's "Knotty Bar" stylists and step out with a whole new look for the rest of your C&C Chicago experience
Need a cozy pit stop? Experience fall in Lake Michigan with Serena & Lily, by grabbing a spot around the bonfire and settling in for some s'mores and giveaways.
Stop by the RXBAR pop-up for a photo op with your new besties and grab your custom-made box of RXBARs on your way to the next big thing.
Find out your negotiator style at the LUNA pop-up. Are you a peacekeeper, mix-master or prizefighter? Walk away with a pin that fits your style.
Brows in need of a touch-up? Check in at the Mary Kay Brow Bar for an "eye-opening" session with global makeup ambassador, Luis Casco.
#FollowYourGut to the Health-Ade pop-up and get inspired with some dream office goals, while sipping your favorite flavor of best-tasting kombucha around.
Dyson is a company founded on innovation. In our hair laboratories, we invented methods of testing to combat real-world hair problems like loss of natural shine, lack of smoothness and extreme heat damage. Stop by Dyson’s Hair Lab to discover how to maintain your hair every day. Enjoy touch-ups with the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer and get expert styling advice, and then strike a pose in front of the Dyson shimmer wall.
Think you’ve got great style? So do we! So much so in fact, that we think you should consider becoming a personal stylist. Stop by the cabi suite for a complimentary styling session. Learn all about cabi’s unique career opportunity that lets you be the boss, call your own shots...and look absolutely fabulous doing it! We know you’ll love your look, so you can order one piece from cabi’s Fall 2018 Collection after your session, on the house. Spots are limited, and by appointment only—RSVP here.
Don’t compromise your beauty routine. Sample some of Biossance's best-selling products IRL and get glowed up before the day is over.
Today's the day for #YourBestHair, which means you ought to make time to try out Living Proof's brand new Perfect Hair Day Body Builder. Living Proof's styling consultants will be there to show you just how to create customizable body with the twist of a nozzle (it's never been so simple!) And because customization is everything, you'll also want to get in line and snag your own personalized, embroidered clutch.
Say "oui" to DIY! Sample some delicious French-inspired Yoplait yogurt and get crafty with their glass pots to make some new home decor à la The Oui Atelier.
Drink up and get your IG content while sipping everyone's favorite cans of fizz, made to order by their very own LA Croix mixologist.
Embrace the future! Experience the Volvo XC60 T8 Plug-In Hybrid on display. Take advantage of the Volvo VIP viewing area for the best seat in the house.
Curious to know where your creativity will take you next? Get your tarot cards read and learn the best practices for creators, direct from the Pinterest team, themselves.
Create & Caffeinate all day long. Stay energized all day with endless coffee breaks from Stumptown.
Self Care ladies! Time to take care of yourself and sample some OLLY vitamins and snap cute pics with fellow attendees.
The Grub
Stay hydrated throughout the day with fresh juices courtesy of Harvest Juicery.
Pair your drinks with treats from La Bodega, Barrio, and BomboBar.
JCPenney Happy Hour
Pre-game the last keynote of the day thanks to JCPenney. Fashion meets fine cocktails during our Chicago conference happy hour. Meet your fellow create & cultivators, speakers and mentors before Jennifer Hudson hits the stage.
VIP Perks
If you snagged a VIP ticket, read below for details on all of the fun you’ll be getting throughout the day.
During breakfast, head to the WorkParty Library Lounge to pick up your signed copy of WorkParty. Check your Welcome Box for your your special ticket to grab yours.
Use your VIP badge to experience an interactive VIP WeWork lounge and private glam stations.
Pop by the VIP exclusive Chandon bar serving Chandon Aluminum and single-serving bottles filled with delicious Sweet Star, specially designed for the on-the-go lifestyle. Chandon Aluminum is light enough to pack for the park, beach or any other outdoor adventure you have planned. Complemented by floral notes, Chandon California Sweet Star is a blend of crisp Chardonnay and luscious Pinot Noir, resulting in a semi-sweet sparkling delight.
Do It For The Gram
If you’ve ever been to a C&C, then you already know there will be tons of IG-worthy content. Get ahead of your timeline planning and get familiar with some of the Instagrammable moments you’ll find.
Find out why Vince Camuto wants the “The world at your feet.” Snap a pic at their swoon-worthy photo moment.
BIC® Soleil® razors know that 88% of women shave for themselves! Stop by the BIC® Soleil® razor booth to take a dip in the tub and share why you shave – you might even walk away with a special gift from BIC to celebrate #WhyIShave.
Plus, so many more photo-worthy moments brought to you by Create & Cultivate. We'll keep you hanging on these though... :)
END OF DAY SURPRISE
At the end of the day, we're dropping a *MAJOR* surprise announcement. We can't share any details just yet so you'll just have to wait and see.
PRO TIPS
Things to Bring With You to C&C
Your badge & mentor cards! They will get you in and get you where you need to go!
Make sure to plan ahead with all of the things you want to hit up day-of. It’s a day filled to the brim with activities, so coming with a game-plan is key.
Also, in the spirit of good networking, make sure to pack extra business cards. You want to be able to hand them out throughout the day, so don’t shortchange yourself.
Keep an eye out for your attendee welcome kit that should be coming in the mail! We are so excited for you to receive—and make sure to share it on social with us using #CreateCultivateCHI!
Who's ready!? Comment below to say hello to fellow attendees.
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How This Founder Raised A Total of $67 Million For Her Company
Two women putting it all on the line. NBD.
Susan Tynan, founder and CEO, Framebridge
Jaclyn Johnson, founder and CEO of Create & Cultivate and Susan Tynan, founder and CEO of Framebridge first met at Create & Cultivate DTLA right before they hopped on stage together. But they vibed immediately.
There are commonalities that bond entrepreneurs and startup founders. A deep understanding of the hard work, sleepless nights, and putting it all on the line. So the two decided to have real-talk and share it—because that's what we at C&C are all about.
Since their initial conversation, Framebridge has managed to raise an additional $30 million of funding. This brings Framebridge's total raised to $67 million after the company recently closed a Series C round of funding.
Create & Cultivate: As a female CEO, what was the process like for raising a round of $30M for the company?
Susan Tynan: Now that we have a real business, what we've built speaks for itself. We raised $30M because we built a business that consumers love. Every nuanced detail we sweat creating this business translates to successful fundraising. Some people might be able to raise based on swagger, but we did because we built something fundamentally good.
Do you have any advice for women who plan on meeting with investors for their business?
Susan: Yes! Paint the big picture. Women have a tendency to be really credible about what we can achieve in the near term. Make sure you're presenting how big of an idea your business and your conviction in leading it.
Learn more business tips from Susan & Jaclyn below.
JACKIE: I like to jump right into things. I think most entrepreneurs do. So can we talk founder-to-founder for a moment about the hard moments? The ones where you know you need to pivot, but you have no idea what direction to turn? What do you do in those instances?
SUSAN: You can turn to a lot of people for advice - and I do - but, at the end of the day, the hardest decisions are yours alone. It's important for me to anchor myself in the basics of the business and review, "Why did I found Framebridge? What are we providing customers? How can we keep getting better? What type of organization did we want to build?" I work through most issues by reviewing the fundamentals. Then the answer usually emerges. And I SoulCycle! A 45 minute loud-music workout sorts out a lot for me, too.
JACKIE: Totally. Everyone always talks about needing to answer the ‘WHY,’ in a simple but compelling way. Sort of like an elevator pitch to yourself. It’s definitely not easy in the moments when you can’t answer that.
SUSAN: What are some other big challenges of running your own company that took you by surprise? Was there one big piece of advice you wish you had earlier?
JACKIE: There were SO many. Everyone warns you, this will take over your life and you will work harder than you’ve ever worked before, and there’s a part of you that doesn’t believe it entirely. And maybe if you did believe it, you would never do it. I imagine that’s how people feel about their first kid. Lack of sleep and nonstop travel are both tremendously challenging. So is feeling like no one will ever care as much as you do— and the truth is, they won’t.
I wish someone had told me to get everything in writing. And I mean everything. You live and learn and sometimes that means losing money because you thought spit and a handshake were binding. Newsflash: They’re definitely not.
JACKIE: What was the most surprising part of starting a business for you?
SUSAN: I was surprised by how many people thought I was nuts to try. I left a great salary and a career that looked pretty linear. But what if it doesn't work? So, what? The truth is, I cannot imagine a way I could have grown more personally than by starting this business.
"I left a great salary and a career that looked pretty linear. But what if it doesn't work? So, what?"
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JACKIE: What was the hardest?
SUSAN: The hardest time - by far - was the period just before we launched. We had raised some money and we had made some big bets - on a warehouse, on our custom packaging, on our site design. And, yet, we didn't have customers! That felt terrifying. Now, everything is based on what we know our customers want. It's much easier, at least psychologically. What has been harder than you expected? What has been easier?
JACKIE: We've never raised money and that’s been both a blessing and a stressor. We’re not beholden to investors, but that also means I’m responsible for making this thing work. Me? I have a company and employees and this amazing community of women who turn to us for career advice… that’s the best feeling, it’s also the scariest.
Jackie (center) and Susan (far right) on panel at CreateCultivateDTLA.
JACKIE: Let’s shift for a minute from scary to fun. Because this world is fun. You have an idea. The idea starts to take shape, becomes a business, and before you know it, that one idea has snowballed into something HUGE. What was the moment like for you when Framebridge went from idea to reality?
SUSAN: So, the truth is we have no time for reflection. I try to force reflection on other team members so I have a chance to reflect too. Just this week I made Tessa, our Creative Director, take a moment and say - "We're shooting a TV ad - in real life!!" And, on Cyber Monday last year, we blew away our sales projections and we all went out together. I'll always remember that night, being with that group, and celebrating together. What was your turning point or moment that made you decide to take your idea and turn it into a real business?
JACKIE: I looked around and I didn’t see want I needed. That’s where almost all entrepreneurship is birthed from. I was running (No Subject) and felt a little lost, a little confused by all the moving parts of business, especially those where I was a novice. I started Create & Cultivate as a side project. The response was so overwhelming that I knew it was going to be something big, IF, and this is the big IF, I was willing to commit. Things don’t blow up because they stay a side hustle. If you expect people to get something out of your business, service, whatever it is, you need to be willing to put your heart into it. You can half-heart a side hustle, sure, but if you give it your whole heart, you give yourself the opportunity to create something bigger.
I think that’s also so important to point out. Committing to your idea gives you the opportunity, it doesn’t mean you will succeed. No matter how hard you work. That’s advice I wish I had early on too and I think is important for our community to understand.
"Committing to your idea gives you the opportunity, it doesn’t mean you will succeed. No matter how hard you work."
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SUSAN: In a short amount of time you have managed to create an unbelievable community of likeminded women from all over the world. For some young entrepreneurs it can be intimidating to network - any advice on making connections that last?
JACKIE: I think it’s intimidating to network because of the feeling of impostor syndrome. The feeling that you don’t belong or you haven’t earned your seat at the table. That comes and goes in waves. Make connections last by believing that you have something important to say and that people want to listen. But also, make sure you’re adding to conversations. That will keep you top of mind. Everyone has impostor syndrome. At least all of the female founders I’ve spoken with and the ones who move through fear are the ones that move the needle and make connections last.
SUSAN: Well, for sure, I relate on impostor syndrome and the isolation of being a founder. It's weird because you signed yourself up for it, but then you have so much responsibility and no one to turn to. Framebridge employs 120+ people (including 100 more seasonal employees) and they are able to take trips and buy houses and grow their families because of Framebridge. That's incredible.
JACKIE: Speaking of seats at the table, how do you feel when you walk into a boardroom or a huge meeting? Do you feel influential? Powerful? Like you’ve earned your chair?
SUSAN: Good question! I've gotten so much better at these meetings. I'm talking about my business and I know the most about this business and I truly, deeply believe in it. So, it's easier to be confident. And I always play pump up music before I go in (Lose Yourself, Eminem and the mellower Adventure of a Lifetime, Coldplay). And, cheesy, but true, I always do a power pose or two in the elevator.
JACKIE: Cheesy is necessary sometimes. We love a good AM jam around here. And power pose is strong. That’s something that produces actual results. I love a good pep talk too.
Framebridge at CreateCultivateDTLA
JACKIE: So we do a lot of “real” talk at C&C because it’s important for women to know they aren’t alone, but it’s also important for them to know about the exciting and "everything is possible" side of owning a business. What are the good moments for you? What makes it all worth it?
SUSAN: Customer stories get me choked up. Because I dreamed that if we built this, people would frame special items and they do - things that make them proud or happy or make their friend laugh. I truly get a kick out of each customer who thinks of a creative thing to frame.
JACKIE: I know, I get inspired by conference attendees and women we meet through our platform. That was the whole point—to create a strong social network of women helping each other. There's no feeling quite like it. Speaking of social what do you think is the future of social? Where is it heading?
SUSAN: Well, I think the coolest thing about social is that it self-polices. You have to produce good content. I think that will continue to be the case and maybe even get more competitive. It's very cool that it's not like you can blast out your message without providing something in return —you have to actually earn your following!
"The coolest thing about social is that it self polices. You have to produce good content."
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JACKIE: I also feel like you have to earn your team. It's not easy to create a solid, well-oiled unit. How did you go about assembling your team? Do you have any hiring advice?
SUSAN: I knew the first members of my team from other companies. So, we liked and respected each other and we're loyal to one another and we have fun. And, now, I try to recruit people who want to work really hard and have a lot of fun. I've realized we only have room for people genuinely excited by what we're doing and people willing to roll up their sleeves. It's tough to interview for those qualities, but we're getting better at teasing it out.
SUSAN: What are your thoughts on hiring friends and family? Do you recommend keeping business separate from your personal life?
JACKIE: Yes, separate. It’s hard to be a boss and a friend. It’s hard to be a friend and employee. There are exceptions of course and every team is different, but instead of making employees out of friends and family, you should hire employees and make a family out of your team.
"Instead of making employees out of friends and family, you should hire employees and make a family out of your team."
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The One Thing That Held Kristen Bell Back
And what she did about it.
photo credit: Brian Bowen Smith
Despite the unfolding drama over a Lazy Boy in the Bell/Shepard household, Kristen Bell's life in Hollywood is refreshingly not dramatic.
Sure, she can play a woman who accidentally winds up in a heaven-like afterlife, a cut-throat emotionally stunted employee, voice a Gossip Girl and a princess Frozen into our hearts, and find time to work alongside her hubby in the soon-to-be-released CHIPS, but she's also the woman who surprises her older sister, Sara (+ fam), with a basement renovation, has everlasting and true love for sloths, fiercely protects her daughters' privacy, and dedicates her time to organizations like This Bar Saves Lives. She's the kind of woman you want to grab fro-yo with and then let in on your plans to take over the world. She's the kind of woman you'd want around in a crisis. And you know what? She'd probably show up with a pickaxe, extra batteries, and some space blankets.
We caught up with the actress and activist to chat aging in Hollywood, dealing with the girth and grit of social media, and what she's so damn excited about.
Social media wasn’t around when you were a kid, but you definitely seem to have a healthy relationship to it now. What advice to you have for young girls dealing with the pressures of social?
My hope for young girls in regards to social media is that they are able to discern the difference between actual reality and presentational reality. Once you acknowledge that everything you see is precisely curated and tailored to perfection, you are freed of the futile need to “keep up”. Social media can be super fun, but when taken too seriously, it breeds feelings of false inadequacy. It makes people, young and old, feel as if their life isn’t show worthy enough. And conversely, while you shouldn’t feel less than because of social media, you also shouldn’t feel more than. Don’t let your feelings of self-worth come from detached clicks. My fear is that young people conflate Facebook likes with human affection. They confuse the heart on Instagram for a beating one. My advice is to let social media be fun. Don’t let it be important.
"Let social media be fun. Don’t let it be important."
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Who are some women you admire either in your professional or personal life? And why?
There are many women in my life I look to as examples of good, but one that stands apart is Shannon Sedgwick Davis. She is an attorney, a philanthropist, and is currently the CEO of the Bridgeway Foundation, an organization devoted to ending atrocities around the world. I am in constant admiration of her ability to balance humanitarian and for-profit work, and her unwavering commitment to kindness. She is a model of compassion and my personal yardstick for righteous human conduct. She rules.
How, as a woman have you thought about growing older and is that any different than how you’ve thought about it as an actress?
As I’ve gotten older, my life experiences have only gotten better. Age has brought me a newfound confidence, appreciation and peace that were previously missing. In regards to work experiences, I think the common sentiment is true: work becomes more challenging as an actress as you grow older. I have been very lucky in my career opportunities, but objectively age limits the roles you play. I can no longer play a 20 year old. It’s not ageism; it just wouldn’t reflect reality, and the entire profession is predicated on creating convincing realities. So, yes, I think there are professional challenges that come with age, but I also believe thoughts control your language and your language controls your life. Negative thoughts attract and self-fulfill a negative outcome, so I do my best to re-frame the picture and not allow future limitations to become my present ones.
You’ve said that you “shatter” a little bit when people don’t like you. How have you balanced this feeling with a career where, at least initially, you’re hearing “no" a lot?
I, often find that many of the people pleasers I know are artists in some capacity. Yet, there is no other industry more fraught with no’s; death to someone who is always searching for a yes. When I was younger, I found this juxtaposition very hard to reconcile. But, I reached a point where I learned, out of necessity, to divorce my need to please from my career. It was the only way to survive the rejection and ultimately it was the key to success. There is a lot of excess noise that comes with allowing everyone to have a say in your self-worth. Once you shed that, you instantly become (ironically) a more likeable version of yourself.
Plates are spinning around you all the time: actress, activist, mom, wife, friend. What’s your strategy for when you drop one?
Gentleness. It’s impossible to complete life’s balancing act with a perfect record. You are bound to wobble or misstep or even fall. It’s just part of the game. But dwelling in temporary defeat is what causes more permanent ones. So, it’s very important to be kind to yourself, shake it off and move forward.
"It’s impossible to complete life’s balancing act with a perfect record."
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What are you most excited about?
I’m excited about the near future when today’s girls are running the show. I attended the Women’s March in Los Angeles and was in awe of how many young faces were amongst the crowd. It was inspiring to see youth in action; 5th grade faces demanding equality and showing a mental strength beyond their years. When I was young, society asked its children to be polite, to follow the rules, and to stay in line. This new group has thrown all of those commandments away. Young girls are now being raised to ask questions, they are being taught to know the difference between “what is” and “what should be,” and they are learning how to demand fairness at a very young age. It brings me peace to know our future lies in these hands.
Join us and Kristen Bell at SXSW where she'll be joining us on stage as our featured speakers. RSVP here. First come, first serve.
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The Career Tactic That Will Get You One Step Closer to Becoming A Boss
Guide your mentees -- and yourself -- to greatness. (It’s a win-win.)
(Credit: #WOCinTech)
“They” say those who can, do; those who can't, teach.
We’re flipping the script and calling BS on this one. Because those who “teach” in a mentorship role are doers and next-level leaders. So much so, they serve as role models to the eager protégées who learn from their wins and their fails.
We know that having a mentor (or four) is a critical component to success. It’s a two-way street, really, because becoming a mentor and imparting your wisdom on the lucky candidates under your wing will serve you in more ways than you know.
Mentorship has always been an important tenet at Create & Cultivate; in fact, the mentor sessions are a key component of the Create & Cultivate conference. And while the Bosses imparting their truths to keen attendees are at the top of their game, they are clearly honored and stoked to be advising the ladies in their mentoring sessions.
So if you’re looking to take your career to the next level, it might be time to consider becoming a mentor.
Here are 6 reasons why:
IT MAKES YOU AN EXPERT
Whether you’re meeting with your mentee(s) on the regular or serving as their mentor on the phone or via Google Hangouts, they will try to absorb every tidbit of wisdom you’re sharing. And when you’re focusing on your trade, you’re becoming an expert on the topic as a result -- whether you realize it or not.
So if the pesky feeling of Imposter Syndrome creeps its way into your psyche every now and then, kick it to the curb with your renewed “expert vibes.”
After all, even though you’re slaying career-wise, every now and then you might second-guess your path, passion or purpose. This is normal!
Sometimes our inner critic / doubter / hater gets the best of us and makes us wonder, “Have I got what it takes?” Being a mentor and the ensuing validation it offers might just be enough to give you the confidence boost you need.
IT CAN OPEN YOUR EYES TO A WHOLE NEW PERSPECTIVE
Imagine being a mentor to the next Uber founder? They might be right there, in the next batch of millennial leaders. And if you are currently mentoring a high school student, then you are likely gaining amazing insight into the generation younger than millennials, dubbed Generation Z (a.k.a. Gen Edge).
You’re getting direct access to these brilliant and ultra tech savvy minds, and this can open your eyes to a whole new business idea or new way of doing things. So enjoy and stay dialed into these a-ha moments.
YOUR PUPIL MIGHT JOIN YOU ON YOUR QUEST FOR WORLD DOMINATION (#SQUADGOALS)
As you impart your truths and help pave the way for the bright young leaders of tomorrow, you might spot a spark in one of them and realize they should join your team.
Whether they join you on a freelance or full-time basis, imagine the magic that can be created when you find the right people who share your vision and complement you in the best ways possible.
IT'S REWARDING AND FULFILLING
Throwing it back to Create & Cultivate Los Angeles this past May, where kindness was one of the key themes. All the keynote speakers emphasized the importance of being nice, and Rachel Zoe shared her open-door philosophy as a boss.
Helping someone else make the most of their career is the ultimate way of paying it forward. When you feel fulfilled and happy to help an up-and-coming dynamo, it adds to your gratitude bucket, which is a popular element in becoming successful. So make karma your kween and pay it forward by helping others as a mentor.
"Make karma your kween and pay it forward by helping others as a mentor."
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Eventually the student might even become the teacher -- the ultimate “yaaasss!” moment.
IT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED
When someone is looking to you for advice and wisdom, you need to make sure you’re up for the challenge. This is the perfect motivation to keep your expertise sharp, on-point, and always ahead of the game. After all, if they’re looking to you for inspiration, you need to make sure you’re worthy of their spotlight.
IT KEEPS YOU GROUNDED
The appreciation your mentees experience when receiving your expert advice and dedication is enough to light up your day, and give you all the feels.
Remember that you can be a mentor to different people, at different stages of their careers. This is a great way to stay on your toes and be reminded of what it’s like to be in the very early stages of your business.
As well, online platforms like Glassbreakers allow you to sign up as a mentor to modern women from diverse backgrounds, and you get matched up with women with common career goals.
READY TO MENTOR?
The whole “mentor-mentee” relationship requires chemistry, kind of like finding a partner. So try to be in tune with the people you encounter throughout your day-to-day, who might just become your protégées, pretty organically. Or seek out some lucky candidate(s) to take under your wing, with a local “Big Sister” program or mentoring organization.
However you go about it, embrace it, because being a mentor is the gift that keeps on giving.
Karin Eldor is a coffee-addicted copywriter, with a long-time love for all things pop culture, fashion and tech. Ever since she got her first issues of YM (remember that one?) and Seventeen in the mail, she was hooked on the world of editorial content. After earning her Communications degree, she spent 6 years honing her craft as a Senior Editor for AskMen.com. More recently, Karin enjoyed gramming and strategizing as Social Media Manager at ALDO. Today, she is Chief Content Writer at 818 Agency and a social media consultant.
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5 Ways to Pitch Your Boss to Pay for C&C Chicago
We're here to help. So write this down.
Newsflash: tickets for Chicago are going fast. And if you've been adding to cart, walking away, coming back, and obsessively wondering how do I make this work?
We have some tips on how to pitch your boss to foot the bill. It's more than a conference, and your attendance is a win for her, just as much as it is a win for your Instagram feed. 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 the Windy City.
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 Chicago 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 Issa Rae, Gloria Steinem, Kim Kardashian, Catt Sadler, Jennifer Hu Brooklyn Decker, 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. Check out the conference line up now to get started on your research.
DIGITAL EDUCATION BOOTCAMP
At Create & Cultivate NYC we had an Instagram panel, where the women of IG broke down some truths. Influencers who spoke on panel (some with over a million+ followers) were in the audience taking notes. (We recapped it for you here.)
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 Chriselle Lim, Emma Chapman from A Color Story, Patrice Yursik from Afrobella.com, 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 2018 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 Chicago 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 Jennifer Hudson, 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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The 6 Key Pieces of Advice from Meghan Markle's Create & Cultivate Keynote
Treat yourself like you treat your BFF. And more gems.
It's been said that a woman who knows exactly what she wants is one of the most powerful creatures in the world. When Suits actress and The Tig founder Meghan Markle took to the Create & Cultivate stage on at our #createcultivateATL conference she gave attendees a glimpse at what that looks like.
Charming, intelligent, and unafraid to let her guard down, Meghan is the definition of the modern woman. In celebration of her big day, we're reliving our favorite moments and best pieces of advice the actress, editor, and activist shared with #CreateCultivateATL attendees.
1. "DON'T GIVE IT FIVE MINUTES IF YOU'RE NOT GONNA GIVE IT FIVE YEARS."
Passion was a hot topic at the conference all day. Meghan echoed this sentiment by telling the crowd that if they couldn't see themselves dedicating five years of their life to their endeavors, what was the point in even giving it five minutes?
"Five years sounds like a long time," she said, "but it's really not."
Time is precious. Focus your efforts on your passions and success is sure to come. "That's when you see your long-term goals payoff," she added.
photo credit: David Rosario.
2. "BLIND OUTREACH IS JUST LIKE AUDITIONING, IT'S A NUMBERS GAME."
Meghan started developing The Tig after receiving advice from The Coveteur co-founder Jake Rosenberg, to do a site herself. A company had approached her to essentially create MeganMarkle.com, but after giving herself a gut check she knew it didn't feel right. She wanted her site to be less about fashion and include more "think pieces and op-eds about empowerment."
But just because she's on a show, the actress said she still had to blind email people. "No one knew what The Tig was at the beginning," she said, "but I kept putting out outreach. At the time some people loved Suits and some people hadn't a clue what it was. It seems like I had more of an in, but it wasn't the case."
She told the audience about cold emailing Heidi Klum's assistant for an interview request. "I don't know Heidi Klum," Megan said, "but she said yes."
"We all do cold outreach."
photo credit: David Rosario
3. "STOCK EMAILS WITH TYPOS? FORGET IT."
Meghan is all about a personal touch, explaining that she still sends out handwritten thank you notes. "I can't tell you how few of them I get," she said, "but one hundred percent of the time, I end up remembering that person."
And even though she acknowledges typos happen, she says it's vital to make sure you're proofreading. It shows the recipient that you're paying attention and that you value their time.
4. "YOU DON'T HAVE TO PLAY DRESS UP TO BE A FEMINIST. YOU ARE A FEMINIST EXACTLY THE WAY YOU ARE."
After an audience member asked Meghan how she balances being a feminist with being feminine, Meghan answered that there is no difference. "They are not mutually exclusive," she shared. "You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women."
"You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women."
Tweet this.
You're allowed to be a feminist in whatever way that looks like to you.
5. "DON'T TRY TO WIN THE PART, JUST WIN THE ROOM."
Meghan shared that as a biracial actress she has heard 'no,' an endless number of times. "Because," she said, "I was going in for the ambiguous girl, the black girl, the white girl, even the sassy Latina girl-- even though I'm not Latina and I'm not even that sassy."
"It's very hard to not question something about yourself in those moments," she said of the endless parade of nos. "But at the end of the day it does not matter if you get that part or you get that dream job. It may see like it at the time, but if you make fans of the people who saw you in that room, that carries on so much longer than what that job might have become."
6. "IT'S ALL STILL EXCITING. BE GRATEFUL FOR THE LITTLE THINGS. THAT'S HOW YOU ENJOY IT."
Meghan told the audience that for five months she climbed into the back of her trunk after auditions because she couldn't afford to get the broken locks on her car fixed. "This epic day happened where the locks stopped opening with the key," she shared. "And the clicker wouldn't open the front doors. I couldn't afford to fix the doors and this was my girl, this is how I got from one audition to the other." So she would drive to auditions, park in the back of the lot, and once they were over, she'd wait until no one was paying attention and climb back into her car through the trunk.
Never in her dreams did Meghan think she'd be on a show that has run for six seasons, but in sharing real and humbling moments she's able to enjoy and stay grateful for the journey.
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What to Expect at our Beauty Summit
New York, we’re on our way!
We’re so close to our first ever Beauty Summit in New York City! We hope you’re ready because we’ve got a jam-packed day of activities for you to enjoy. Starting with breakfast and ending with a happy hour, you’ll be thoroughly entertained.
Here’s what you can expect!
Breakfast from Daily Harvest
10 - 10:30AM
Beauty is from the inside out. Enjoy overnight oats and chia parfaits from Daily Harvest and get ready for the big day!
Lights Camera Action Panel
11 - 11:45AM
The influencers and brands taking the web by storm are joining the stage to tell us what it’s like to be in the spotlight of this new beauty movement.
The Disrupters Panel
11:50 - 12:35PM
We’ll be passing the mic to the women shaking up the beauty industry to tell us what it’s like from the inside out.
Lunch
12:45 - 1:15PM
Enjoy delicious salads and wraps for lunch from our friends at Tender Greens.
Balancing Balance
1:15 - 2:15PM
Ladies from the new frontier of wellness and self-care are joining the stage to remind us that we are our most valuable asset.
Mary Kay Workshop
2:15 - 2:45PM
We’ll be learning how to master the 10-minute face with Mary Kay global makeup ambassador, Luis Casco.
BREAK
2:45 - 3:45PM
Check out all of our fun pop-ups and get freshened up for the rest of the day. Full list below!
Spotlight Conversation
Mario Dedivanovic & Michelle Lee
3:45 - 4:15PM
The Masters Panel
4:15 - 5PM
The Glamstars who are currently killing the glam game will hop on stage to give the 411 on how they get it done.
Keynote Molly Sims in conversation with Kelly Bales
5 - 5:30 PM
Happy Hour
5:30 - 6:30PM
Celebrate beauty and new friends during our Moroccan Oil happy hour! Enjoy cupcakes by Baked By Melissa and safe to eat cookie dough tasting jars by DŌ.
Pop Ups!
Check out all the pop-ups to get your beauty touch ups done and learn about new products and more from our partners!
Is it even a beauty summit if there’s no makeup? Check out the Mary Kay Beauty Stations throughout the day to get a fabulous makeover and stay photo ready all day long.
Stop by the OLLY Vitamin bar to learn more about how taking your essential vitamins keep your beauty game on point.
Our friends at OGX are hosting a braid bar to give you touch ups and a fun style for the day to ensure you’re mane is picture perfect!
Discover your best style with a dry styling session from a Moroccanoil artist, and receive complimentary must-have products from the leaders in argan oil-infused beauty!
Hair done, nails done girl! The amazing ladies at Olive & June will be hosting a mani stations with their new nail art stickers we’ve all been obsessing over. Don’t miss this mani!
For ‘gram-ready GLAM, stop by the Mane Addicts station and get your hair touched up by expert stylists to stay picture perfect throughout the day.
Travel through time with Halston! Take a photo with an original Studio54 disco ball and explore their curated collection of iconic vintage designs and new spring/summer styles with timeless allure.
Stop by the WEN Beach Cabana and snap a fun Instagram pic with your new friends. Shop till you drop and receive a special edition WEN branded coconut!
"Help Yourself" to a cup of confidence and complimentary coffee. At Audible's Help Yourself Coffee stand, featuring life-changing advice from Mel Robbins, author of The 5 Second Rule and the new Audible Original, Kick Ass with Mel Robbins.
#LoveWhatYouSee all day – find the frame that fits your face shape, personality…and completes your entire outfit. And learn more about maintaining vision health. You’ll also get a chance to win a complimentary Clarifye eye exam and frame!
Don’t forget to stop by the otterbox pop up to get a “device makeover” experience from Otterbox and their brand new collection. Leave the booth with a clean phone and a new case!
Headshot Station
After you’re all done up go get your new headshots taken in the photo studio and update those social media profile pics!
New York we cannot wait to see you!
Who's ready? Comment below to say hello to fellow attendees.
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Indio Is Calling: What to Expect At Our Desert Pop-Up
Fun right this way.
We’re throwing a free party in the desert on April 14th and you don’t want to miss it. We’ll have beauty treatments, drinks and lite bites, our very own WorkParty resident DJ spinning throughout the afternoon– DJ Smiles Davis and tons shopping for you to enjoy! There’s an exciting video booth from MINI and OM Digital to deliver you your IG worthy content right on the spot.
The first 150 guests will be getting a special swag bag, so come early and ready to party!
Meet us at the Ace Hotel - 701 E Palm Canyon Drive from 10 AM to 5 PM
HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING
Breakfast
10AM - 12PM
Enjoy a mimosa bar, cold brew and lite bites for breakfast to keep you energized throughout the day.
We’ll be starting with beauty treatments from head to toe!
Shine on all day, but first lather on that Supergoop sun screen. Then, head on over to get pampered at the R+Co braid and bun bar. Hair done? Time for nails. Stop by the Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails bar and get fancy with Olive&June nail stickers on top! Don't forget to check out the Biossance booth for skin treatments with estheticians who'll be dishing out best practices for summer skin care.
Panel: Creator Nation
12PM-12:45PM
Our first panel of the day begins with a fun and insightful convo around the intersection of fashion, art, music and culture.
Panel: Mini Moguls
1:00PM-1:45PM
Up next, the women dominating the fashion and beauty game will be dropping gems and sharing details on how the do what they do.
Break Time
2:00PM-2:30PM
Take a dance break, grab some lite bites and drinks from La Croix! You'll have another chance to check out the beauty pop-ups and get some touch ups done.
Keynote
2:30PM-3:00PM
We’re having a very special keynote conversation that will be announced soon!
Happy Hour
3:00PM-5:00PM
Dolce Vita is hosting a happy hour to remember! Grab a cocktail and get down with your new friends.
They day will be filled with tons of fun and inspiration, we can’t wait to party in the desert with you. This event is free, RSVP only and first come, first served. That being said, there won’t be any physical tickets distributed prior and we suggest arriving early!
RSVP here and don't miss out!
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We're Popping Up! Join Us in Miami with Clinique
Makeover what.
Wanna put your best face forward? We want to help. It's why we're teaming up with Clinique to bring you a mini popup in Miami on April 5th, 2018.
We'll be chatting strong foundations, the newest beauty buzz, and what makes you feel the most beautiful.
Panel: Best Face Forward
Speakers
The Breakdown
6:00 PM | Doors open! Enjoy Clinique beauty treatments, networking + a professional headshot station to upgrade your biz profile.
6:30 PM | Panel: Best Face Forward
7:30 PM | Happy Hour drinks + networking with your fellow Create & Cultivators!
Where
Aventura Mall | 19501 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL
RSVP for this event has been closed. Thank you!
Why One Model Called This the Best and Most Diverse Panel Ever
#CreateCultivateLA didn't mess around.
“Sometimes I wake up after days like yesterday & I think “how is this my life?” How did I get so incredibly lucky to not only speak on panels about body positivity & being a boss with some of the strongest women I know, who happen to be my friends and who are ACTUALLY CHANGING THE WORLD?! I know the answer, I got here from really hard work, privilege & never taking no for an answer. Not listening to people who said I was too short, too fat, too tattooed, too outspoken, too much, myself. I was reminded yesterday that there is still so much work to do, and that we ALL have to keep showing up for not only ourselves but marginalized bodies & people. Thank you to @createcultivate for having me & to @jessbeegood from @livestrong_com for moderating the best & most diverse panel I’ve been a part of to date.”
So wrote Tess Holliday on her Instagram following Create & Cultivate Los Angeles this past Saturday. Joining her on panel, were @ihartericka, @mamacaxx, @mynameisjessamyn, and @danikabrysha. The group of women went in on everything from the “body positive” movement and whether they believe in it to how they identify.
Below are some of the amazing highlights from the panel.
Jessamyn Stanley
Yoga teacher, body positive advocate, and writer
Jessica Bordner Photography
On panel, Jessamyn said she’s interested in disrupting the industry beyond visibility. She not only wants to be seen but to be heard and understood.
“I came to body-positivity to really understand myself in a more whole way. I am attached to the understanding for all human beings that who we are on the inside dictates who we are on the outside.”
“I have so much conflict, thinking about where we are with body positivity and actually cracking the mainstream. I am one of very few fat, black, queer, yoga teachers. Or that’s what people think. It’s patently false. There are so many people who look so many different ways. The fact that anyone would find my presence anywhere surprising is frustrating on a deep level.”
Though she says she never intended to be the face of a movement, and still doesn’t think of herself in that way, she’s not mad at it. “If there is going to be a cracking of the mainstream, I’m not upset to be in that space. Visibility is critical. Living my truth and just existing can have an accidental purpose.”
She continued, “I think we need to get to a place beyond television, advertising and movies to be our ‘goals’ for life."
Eff the rules she said. Do what you do. Love who you are. That’s the only plan."
Ericka Hart
Cancer warrior, activist and sexuality educator
Jessica Bordner Photography
Ericka Identifies as a black, queer and femme woman. She spoke on the importance of being clear with how she identifies because it holds weight in a room. She mentioned that when people feel uncomfortable with her being queer, it’s a reflection of a problem they are facing internally. “If someone has a problem with me being queer, they really just have a problem with themselves,” she told the room.
“I’m used to not seeing myself,” said Ericka. “But I’m really interested in disrupting beyond viability. So yes, I walked topless at New York Fashion week, and that felt amazing. But what I’m interested in is the fact that W Magazine just released at stat that said 0.4% of [fashion] shows this year were diverse. I don’t know how many shows exist at New York Fashion week, but there are many. If you look at the Fashion industry it’s not interested in being diverse and it’s not interested in giving it back to the black and queer and trans people who invented it. I’m interested in actually making the institution different— the system different. We have to be critical about diversity and inclusion. It’s so much more than visibility.”
Tess Holliday
Model, Author, Momma & Feminist Founder of @EffYourBeautyStandards
Jessica Bordner Photography
“We all should just do whatever the fuck we wanna do. And whatever feels good for us,” the model said to a cheering crowd.
“I didn’t see anyone who looked like me. I wanted to be the person that I didn’t see. I started putting myself out there on social media. I’ve been doing it now for eight years.” As a US size 22 Tess told that crowd that she is still the only model for her height and size signed to a major agency. But she is committed to seeing that change. “I’ve accomplished what everyone said was impossible, and I’m hoping to help other people do the same.”
Tess also spoke on how she had to break away from waiting on other people to reassure her on things. She used to be stuck in a place where she needed her decisions validated by those around her, but she’s not interested in that anymore. She now knows that she has the power to reassure herself.
"My best piece of advice would be to be yourself and be authentic. Do something that you love, and don’t be afraid to not do what you love. Just go for it!"
Danika Brysha
Plus size model and founder of @ModelMeals
When Danika started her modeling career she was faced with tons of negative criticism around her size and her curves.
She said, “I heard from people, ‘You have such a pretty face,' but they were just insinuating the rest of me wasn’t up to par, and that just wasn’t true.”
“I spent my whole life feeling like not enough. To get into the plus-size industry and recreate my normal of what beautiful looks like is incredibly powerful.”
MamaCaxx
Survivor and Role Model
Jessica Bordner Photography
“Body positivity is really embracing marginalized bodies,” shared MamaCaxx.
“In college I used to have a cover prosthetic. My goal was to hide and conceal. The very first time I decided to take off that cover, I remember it took me two weeks to actually leave my house. I had so much anxiety.” When she did leave the house and subsequently decided to have a photoshoot with a metal leg, Caxx explained that the recurring comments surprised her. “People were commenting that they’d never seen a black girl with a prosthetic,” which she said, is not her world. “What you think of disability is not what it is at all. It’s only one identity. And it crosses all people. Black, white, queer, women, men.”
She continued, “In the fashion industry I don’t see a lot of people with visible disabilities. But what you gain from fair representation goes such a long way.”
What brands do you think are succeeding at fair representation? Let us know in the comments!
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The 10 Best Quotes from #CreateCultivateLA
Hello #MondayMotivation.
We're not your typical conference.
We have magical shit that happens. From keynote Kim Kardashian dishing her best career advice to our audience (she's not into lazy) to Chrissy Teigen real talking going back to work with postpartum depression, we're sharing some of our favorite mic drop moments from the day.
Chrissy Teigen: It’s important to do something you love on a daily basis.”
Kim Kardashian: “Show up. Do the work. Don’t be lazy. There’s no short cut.”
Aimee Song: "You should find joy in just creating and posting content, not the numbers. If you don't, then you should do something else."
Kim Kardashian: “You have to have your shit together mentally, to put out great product.”
Lauren Conrad: “Whatever you do, you’re going to have tough days. So make sure you have as many great days as you can.”
Nina Dobrev: "I stop following people if it looks like they're just posting because they're getting paid to do something."
Traci Inglis of ShoeDazzle & JustFabOnline: “Being a business owner is a status, being an entrepreneur is an attitude.”
Anine Bing: “If you surround yourself with great people then you can achieve higher goals.”
Kimmie Greene of Quickbooks: “What comes easy to you is still a gift. Don’t feel bad when you charge what you're worth.”
Jen Gotch of Bando: “Take connection over transaction.”
Have favorites from the day that you want to share? Comment below!
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WorkParty Fireside Chat: How Refinery29 Co-Founders Actually Met
Plus more from #CreateCultivateLA.
Refinery29 started out of a 750 sq. ft apartment with a $5,000 dollar investment. Today it's a global empire. And at Saturday's Create & Cultivate LA, co-founder Piera Gelardi shared with a crowd of over a thousand women about the brand's roots and it's commitment to inclusiveness.
In a WorkParty fireside chat with C&C founder Jaclyn Johnson, the two got down to brass tacks
On Starting
“I started Refinery about 13 years ago with three co-founders.” Though Piera studied art, she knew she didn’t want a solitary career. “I grew up in a family business. There were always people around. So I knew I wanted to start looking at careers that would bring the artistic side of me out, but that would also bring out my entrepreneurial spirit and love of collaboration.”
She got an internship at a publication called City Magazine. “It was a great experience because it was very small and hands-on. I learned about the design side, about styling, and I also learned a lot from my boss, the executive editor, Christene Barberich, who is also my co-founder at Refinery.”
“I worked there for a couple of years but I started to feel fatigued by the magazine cycle. I wanted to start something on my own.” When she and her other two co-founders, her then-boyfriend, now husband, Philippe von Borries and Justin Stefano, needed an editor, she told the two to call up Christene and ask if the brilliant editor knew anyone. Christene surprised Piera by her desire to get involved in the idea.
“She called me up and said, ‘I think this is an amazing idea, I want to get involved, but I can only get involved is you’re actually committed,” Piera explained, crediting Christene as the person who really convinced her to take the jump. “That was the moment I decided I was really going to commit myself to it.”
On Cultivating the Career of Her Dreams
“Some people have a long-term vision of where they want to be and they make the plan.” Piera explained. “But I’ve been someone who’s needed to try something and respond to it. Really give whatever I try I full shot.”
“Bringing joy, satisfaction, and leaning into your own strengths at work is so necessary,”
“I think bringing joy, satisfaction, and leaning into your own strengths at work is so necessary,” the co-founder shared.
On the Birth of 29Rooms
Piera knew she wanted to do something big for the ten-year anniversary of the brand.
#WorkParty. Right?!
“We wanted to celebrate ten years as a brand. We wanted to honor our roots and style. But also celebrate all the different topics that Refinery now covers. We wanted to create an experience that would disrupt fashion week by being inclusive.”
29Rooms Is Refinery29's funhouse Of Style, Culture, And Technology. Fans get to experience Refinery29’s imaginative spirit IRL through an interactive funhouse of style, culture, & technology, brought to life by a group of global artists and visionaries across mediums.
Bringing fashion, culture, and style to the people has been their goal from the get-go.
“Fashion is very exclusive, very didactic, and designed to make you feel bad about yourself and make you feel insecure,” shared Piera. “We wanted to create a space that celebrated self-expression and individuality. In the beginning we didn’t feel like part of the fashion world, but we loved what style represented as a form of expression. We’re always looking at what’s missing and how we can better serve our audience. Always looking at who we can create space for.”
Elevating different voices is built into the R29 ethos. ‘It’s always been important to listen to our audience and listen to our team. The Refinery team is our audience.”
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4 Beauty Bloggers Share What Beauty Means to Them
It's a big B word.
What does beauty mean to you? It's personal, we get it, but it's a topic of note lately and one we'll be chatting about at C&CLA this Saturday.
As such, we had the most brilliant brunch with Clinique to kick off #CreateCultivateLA and it was a blast! Moisture surge was a hit! Millennial pink was the color. Beauty was the topic of discussion.
Destiney aka: Mom Crush Monday told us that Moms all around the world epitomize beauty to her. We asked her and Denise Vasi how they are teaching their daughters about beauty.
Destiney says, "Moms just radiate so much light and beauty to me. I teach my daughter about beauty through affirmations. We talk about being beautiful from the inside out."
Denise Vasi shared that when teaching her daughter about beauty, "The most important thing I want her to know is that beauty starts from the inside and whatever natural state she's in at any moment, that is when she's the most beautiful."
Specs and Blazers aka: Nike shared with us that she feels the most beautiful, "when I'm creating and writing for my blog."
Sazan says her two-month-old daughter epitomizes beauty to her, "because she's perfect!" We believe it.
Melissa Alatorre's definition of true beauty is, "Being confident in who you are and being yourself and never changing because you are unique and beautiful just the way you are."
Sophie Elkus and Simply Bianca Alexa both say their mothers define beauty for them. Sophie loves that her mom is caring and cooks for her. Moms are the best.
Bianca shared that her mother and grandmother epitomize beauty for her, "because they're such strong and powerful women and ever since I was little they've taught me to be comfortable in my own skin and to love who I am."
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How To Remember To Eat Lunch At Work
What? I have to eat too?
The week of C&C is a crazy, wild ride.
And we’re all along for it, but sometimes we forget to eat.
Which, everyone, including your mom, knows is vital to your overall well-being, brain health, and sanity.
Drink water. Eat food. It shouldn’t be that hard, but it is. Your adrenaline takes over. And in the midst you forget to feed yourself.
Here are some reasons why that’s a horrible idea.
SKIPPING LUNCH SLOWS YOUR METABOLISM
Also, it slows down your ability to quickly process information. What you want to do when you hear your stomach rumble, is answer the call. Sometimes that means opening up the little “Postmates” app on your phone .
SERIOUSLY, TAKE YOUR LUNCH BREAK.
Disconnecting from work mid-day can actually GIVE you an energy boost and make everything run more smoothly. When it comes to event production, there are so many tiny balls in the air and skipping lunch ensures that some of those balls will drop. Our Senior Event Producer, Adri Contreras, knows that ordering lunch is key, especially when it comes to long grueling days onsite. But who has time for that?! (Not us.)
Luckily, Postmates stepped up and sent the crew a healthy spread from Kye’s. It’s a health-focused eatery with a ton of options-- from organic gluten-free wraps and vegan yummies for the plant-based eaters on our team, it filled our team up, without leaving them sluggish. Which, says Adri, is exactly what we need during the day.
SMART WORKERS MANAGE THEIR WORK/FOOD ENVIRONMENT
Like we’ve said, don’t work so hard that your plate is full but your stomach is empty.
If you want to work smart, you have to be smart. That means powering up on healthy options.
Luckily, Postmates delivers anything from anywhere. And on the days you know will be insane you can even schedule your wrap delivery ahead of time. That’s like the grown-up version of packing your lunch. #SorryNotSorryMom.
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WHAT TO EXPECT RUNDOWN – LA 2018
The whole day broken down here!
Hey C&C LA Squad! We are so excited to get the LA party started! There are so many amazing things coming your way (ahem, Kim Kardashian West) but before we get any closer to the big day, we wanted to give you a sneak peek of what to expect.
Attendee Happy Hour
If you’ve never been to a C&C attendee Happy Hour the night before the conference, you are in for a treat. Please bring your badge for entry or your attendee confirmation.
Not only do you get to mix, mingle, and network with fellow C&C attendees (bring those biz cards) you’ll also get a your first big (head) shot.
LinkedIn is providing headshot and Linkedin page optimization services. That’s right. You’ll look totally pro, before you hit the C&C circuit the next day. Plus we'll have plenty of mocktails from La Croix.
Address: Rolling Greens 7505 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90036
Limited parking will be available onsite. We recommend taking an Uber or Lyft.
ON to the conference…
ALL DAY FUN
POP-UP MARKET
At every C&C Conference, we have a roster of incredible brands that set up pop-up shops to give our attendees amazing and unique experiences. There is a little something for everyone. Here are the incredible things you can expect to see at the market in LA.
Make a .gif with La Croix
Stop by the La Croix photo booth and visit the live artist who will be sketching attendees in their cute outfits + La Croix can in hand!
The Little Market
Get empowered and check out a shoppable market in the pop up lounge by The Little Market --featuring bags and accessories, candles, homegoods and more! They are all about "empowering female artisans around the world," which is empowering to us.
Supergoop!
"Find your shade bar" manned by Troop Supergoop! Bartenders stocked with powder and other Supergoop! Faves. Match your shade and get a glam takeaway.
Slip Silk
Who doesn't love a good Hollywood Celebrity beauty secret? Stop by the Slip Silk pop up and get a free custom embroidery. Learn why all of Hollywood’s stars, stylists and dermatologists can’t stop talking about this luxury beauty tool.
Simon G
If you’re feeling a little adventurous be sure to stop by the Simon G. booth and get ready to shine bright like a diamond. Simon G Jewelry will be offering piercing on site.
Quickbooks
The coin savvy Quickbooks team will be holding office hours for all attendees interested in some onsite financial advice. It's tax time. Take advantage of this.
Office Hours with QuickBooks
12n-12:30 p.m. Lisa Greene-Lewis, Taxes & Self-Employment
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Paco de Leon, Finance for Creatives
1 – 1:30 p.m. Lisa Greene-Lewis, Separating Business & Personal at Tax Time
1:30 – 2 p.m. Paco de Leon, Side Hustles & Money
5 – 5:30 p.m. Kimmie Greene, Beyond the 1099 – When (and Who) to Hire
5:30 – 6p Kimmie Greene, Know Your Value – How-To Contracting Tips
Saje Natural Wellness
Stop by the Saje pop up to learn about plant-based remedies for common ailments like sleep, stress, headache, cold & flu and tummy upset. The first 50 people to make a purchase will also receive a complimentary limited edition ‘100% natural’ t-shirt!
Saje connects people with the healing power of plants, offering 100% natural essential oil blends, body care, and home environment products that are sustainably sourced from nature’s most beneficial plants.
Rolling Greens
Rolling Green is hosting a popup plant shop. Get ready to figure out the next Fiddle Fig. What’s better than greenery? Not much if you ask us.
Mott50
Shop and snap the selfie you’ve always wanted at Mott50’s Create & Cultivate pop up. Choose from their Chrissy Teigen and Luna Legend approved Avocado styles or the chic new prints from their Resort 2018 collection and receive 20% off your purchase!
Cabi
Stop by the cabi suite for a complimentary styling session. Think you’ve got great style? So do they! Sip some champs and learn all about cabi’s unique career opportunity that lets you be the boss, call your own shots...and look absolutely fabulous doing it! They know you’ll love your look, so you can order one piece from cabi’s Spring 2018 Collection after your session, on the house. Spots are limited, and by appointment only—RSVP here.
noosa
noosa yoghurt is hosting Mentoring Circles: Finding Your Mate at their booth! Sign up at their booth to participate in a mentoring session with co-founder Koel Thomae! Sessions will take place during the 5-6pm break at the noosa booth. To reserve a spot, visit the noosa booth ahead of time, and grab yourself some bloody good yoghurt while you’re at it!
Little Words Project
Don't miss out on the Little Words Project pop-up where you can enjoy 15% off pricing on their bracelets, as well as, write a note on the "kindness wall” and leave inspired to share kindness all day.
Wedding Wire
Wedding Wire’s pop up is full of colorful fun! Check out their confetti bar to pack your party in your purse. And if you’ve got a shiny new ring finger accessory, chat with their reps on how to make your big day, the best day ever!
Blue Sky
Blue Sky is SO, totally excited to present their personalized planner + notebook program at Create & Cultivate LA. They can’t wait to walk attendees through their one-of-a-kind, completely personal way to plan their year. Take 2018 by storm and personalize your very own planner or notebook in their booth (with a special code just for C&C attendees!), and be the first to get a sneak peek at their newest designs to come!
RXBAR
If you aren't familiar with RXBAR, they make a whole food protein bar with simple, clean ingredients. Coming in thirteen delicious flavors, each bar packs 12 grams of protein and is gluten free, soy free and dairy free. They are perfect for an on-the-go breakfast, pre/post-workout fuel or a convenient snack.
Be sure to stop by their pop-up to talk all things RXBAR. They'll be sampling various flavors, playing Plinko, and giving away some RXBAR swag.
LIVESTRONG
Time's up on sexual harassment and assault! But there's still work to do. LIVESTRONG contributor, self defense expert, 3rd degree black belt and creator of Stilettos & Self Defense, Jennifer Cassetta, teaches women around the world to feel more strong, safe and confident from the streets to the boardroom. She empowers women to communicate boundaries and fight back when we need to. At LIVESTRONG's C&C booth, Jennifer will be showing you how to use how to use your body as a weapon. She'll lead you through emotional and physical self defense moves to help you kick butt and unleash your badassery into the world. RSVP below!
Shopstyle
Join the Shopstyle pop up to connect, share, and create. In collaboration with Instagram-artist I Scream Colour, a larger-than-life 'Collective Art" experience will allow guests will contribute to the piece on site, while connecting with ShopStyle members directly. The final creative piece will be featured on ShopStyle platforms, at future brand activations, and more. Discuss monetizing your blog and social channels. Learn more about their campaigns and exciting new opportunities to expand your influence. Don't have a Shopstyle account yet? Sign up with one of their team members at the event, and you’ll get $50 to your account.
Living Proof
Pop in the living proof photo booth with some of your new friends and learn some new styling tips and tricks with celebrity stylist Mara Rosak. Get a sneak peak of some new living proof product too!
The Mine
Don’t miss The Mine’s furniture and home décor giveaway at their pop up booth. You’ll also get the chance to snap the perfect polaroid in this Instagrammable urban oasis.
Richer Poorer
Grab a t-shirt at the Richer Poorer booth and get custom chain stitching on the front pocket. What’s better than a custom t-shirt!?
Soko
Experiencing the soko way through on-site personalization of their Iga Cuff where you can add initials to the bracelet. You’ll also get info on their best-sellers & sneak peak of the spring collection!
organicgirl
Lettuce help you shine! Sip organicgirl’s brand new hydrating and nourishing bevvys, see what your favorite greens brand is up to and snap a photo of yourself with their highly grammable living heart wall.
FabFitFun
Stop by the FabFitFun pop-up for one of two exclusive boxes curated just for Create & Cultivate attendees. If you’re a VIP ticket holder, you’ll receive your first box for free! Choose from either the “Boss Lady” or “Queen of Content” Box, packed with more than $300 of hand-picked beauty, fashion and lifestyle products from brands like FOREO, tarte, Oribe, and Living Proof.
OM Digital
The OM Digital pop up will be a guaranteed IG opportunity. Their fun video booth will make you want to grab your new friends and make magical shit. Stop by for string art, IG vids and more!
Framebridge
Get some art deco inspiration at the Framebridge pop up on site. You can never have enough inspo for ways to hang frames.
BEAUTY BUZZ
The Glam App
It's a long day, but The Glam App is on deck for all your hair and beauty touch-up needs. From a fresh lip to a festive braid, they'll have you looking fresh.
Neutrogena
A Saturday is just not complete with a face-mask right? The Neutrogena face mask bar will you give you a chance to learn the proper techniques and real benefits of using face-masks to get the most out of them.
Nordstrom Beauty
Meet the team of professional Beauty Stylists for Nordstrom beauty to look and feel your most fabulous. You’ll get to try one of their hot trends for spring or elevate your natural beauty. Check out all their favorite brands (Charlotte Tilbury, Tom Ford and MAC, to name a few). Don’t miss their experience wall to play and sample (face mist, anyone?), plus free sparkly pink tote bags and goodie packs to take with you.
Dermalogica
Dermalogica will be hosting a "build your own skin kit" activation where attendees can pick from best sellers and targeted products that fit their needs. Skin isn't one size fits all, and therefore your skin care routine shouldn't be either! You’ll also receive a fun cosmetic bag to hold all your goodies on your way out!
TRESemme
Leave your #HairStatement at C&C after checking out the TRESemme styling station. Stylist Justine Marjan will be styling in their booth during break.
Nudestix
You’ll have plenty of chances to get Instagram ready at C&C and the nudestix booth is one of them! The nudestix team believes a natural look is a perfect fit for any face and a touch of color here and there is enough to bring out our finest features, so check out their beauty products for face, eyes and lips. They'll be doing touchups all day long!
Biossance
Try a sample of the Biossance Probiotic Gel Moisturizer and 100% Squalane. You can also experience a “Sugarcane” field to see where all their ingredients come from.
EcoTools
Check into the EcoTools 'Glamping' stations. Choose a station you want to highlight (face, eyes, finish, etc.) and then experience their eco-friendly brush sets and products. Once you’re feeling fierce, check out the fun photo booth for a picture perfect moment!
GRUB HUB
Breakfast with Health-Ade
+Smoked Salmon (or market veg) Tartine with Kite Hill Cream Cheese
+noosa Yogurt and Purely Elizabeth Parfait with Market Berries
+Barney Butter Overnight Oats with Chia and Blueberries
+Assorted Pastries: Almond Muffins with Chia, Hemp, and Flaxseed; Noosa Yogurt Lemon Loaf; +Chameleon Coffee Coffee Cake
Lunch with Flowerchild
ALL DAY SNACK-AGE
Purely Elizabeth : All the granola samples
Suja : Stay hydrated with a variety of healthy juices
Health ADE : drink up with their onsite kombucha mixologist
Crown Royal Bar : Check out the Crown pop up to take pics with polaroid cameras with your new friends and enter to win a camera to take home with them.
HAPPY HOUR GRUB
Jewel - Ebony + Ivory Chia Pudding, Emerald Kale, Pad Thai
HomeState - Brazos Tacos, Brisket Tacos, Queso & Chips
Same Same - Spicy Laab and Mini samples of Thai Iced Tea
Baldoria - Citrus Stuffed Endives Fresh Ricotta Toast with Vanilla Kumquat Compote
Pixsweet - Custom popsicles
EXPRESS SPOTLIGHT
According to a recent study from Express and Levo, pursuing passion in a career is a top priority for women. Join their spotlight session with Patrice Croci where they'll discuss exactly what women want from their career and the growing popularity of side hustles.
MEET THE SPEAKERS during BREAK
+ Nina Dobrev will be hanging in the Reebok Booth
+ Denise Bidot will be kicking it in the LIVESTRONG Booth
+ Maria Hatzistefanis will be signing her book “How to be an overnight” (already an amazon best seller)
*VIP PERKS*
Techstyle
They're giving you the ultimate #closetgoals experience! Create your own meme and enter for a chance to win a year worth of shoes + get styled from head to toe by JustFab & ShoeDazzle! Pop by our booth, snap a photo, mix + mingle with the ShoeDazzle + JustFab social teams.
LOLA
It’s a very important period perk. We’ve got LOLA in the bathroom and tamp samps for all VIPs!
The Glam App
Hair done, nails did. They've got a nail art station for VIPs only.
PRO TIPS
Things to Bring with You To C&C
Make sure to bring a schedule of all the things you want to hit up day-of, it’s a day filled to the brim with activities so coming with a game-plan is key.
Also in the spirit of good networking, make sure to pack extra business cards. You want to be able to hand them out throughout the day so don’t short change yourself.
Keep an eye out for your attendee gift box that should be coming in the mail! We are so excited for you to receive, make sure to share it on social with us using #CreateCultivateLA!
Who's ready! Comment below to say hello to fellow attendees.
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Meet Three Enterprising Women Who Make Their Own Hours
And have the career of their dreams!
Three women from three different cities with different backgrounds and dreams have all discovered a career they can control—where they’re in charge and defying the rules of today’s workplace.
How? Cabi. These three cabi Stylists turn homes into “alternative stores,” changing the way women shop for fashion—and the way they work. But beyond providing a solution to the frustration of modern day shopping, and earning a meaningful income while doing so, cabi Stylists are all about lifting women up, inspiring them to look and feel great, and becoming their best selves.
We’re dishing more.
Hannah Tomlin from Franklin Tennessee joined cabi as a Stylist in 2015. “I’d always dreamed of having a career in fashion,” Tomlin says, but admits, “Internally, I battled how to be part of this industry without getting engrossed in a culture that makes women feel like they aren’t enough.” That is, until she found cabi.
Katrin Brown, from Long Beach, CA has been a cabi Stylist for four years. Brown says, “As a young girl, I watched my mom build a sustainable business from home.” It was through that lens, as well as her mom’s mentorship and leadership, that Brown realized why building a cabi business was such a smart move for her future plans. She began her cabi career in 2014 and hasn’t looked back. She also has a full-time corporate career. Talk about hustle.
Archina Kumar, known to her friends and family as Cheena, also became a cabi Stylist in 2014. It was a decision the Northern Californian came to after pursuing multiple jobs and career paths that left her feeling unfulfilled. “I wasn’t passionate about my work, nor did I have the flexibility I needed.” For Cheena, cabi was a perfect solution. Given the flexibility to make her own hours, while also maintaining the ability to connect with people and transform women’s lives, Cheena found her passion.
Created as a way for women to live the life they’ve always wanted, cabi has changed the way women shop and work during the last 16 years. As more and more women grow frustrated and overwhelmed with the traditional shopping experience, cabi offers a solution that, amongst a digitally connected age, is grounded in human connection and relationship through independent Stylists who present the seasonal collections at home shows for groups of friends.
As a company dedicated to helping women create & cultivate the career of their dreams, we wanted to hear more from the women creating their dream careers with cabi.
More below.
Why was it important for you to take your career into your own hands?
Hannah Tomlin: After working 7+ years as a dental assistant (and countless other jobs), I realized the best I could hope for the future of my career was a small raise, if or when my boss would allow it. I also quickly realized I had a limit on my personal growth potential and I struggled to stay motivated. I felt like I was living to work without time for friendships, relationships, and the things that meant the most to me. When considering cabi, I thought, “Wow. This might be a really good opportunity for me to support myself.” I took the leap, and within a year and a half, I was able to quit my other jobs and just do cabi.
Katrin Brown: I remember I’d tell my friends my mom didn’t work because, in my eyes, she was always with me and my two siblings…whether she was cheering us on at our sporting events, helping out in our classrooms, chauffeuring us around from one activity to another, or getting dinner ready.
I came to learn that cabi provided her an opportunity to be a professional businesswoman doing something she loved with the flexibility to be a full-time mom. As I started my professional career, it was important for me to be part of a company that was more than just clocking in and out. I wanted to find a career that excited me, challenged me, and allowed me to do meaningful work. Most importantly, I wanted to maintain a work-life balance that allowed me to be fully present in my family, just like my mom. Cabi has given me the opportunity to do exactly this—and it’s fun!
Cheena Kumar: Before cabi, I held many different jobs, from a speech therapist on a Native American reservation to admin support and even a Zumba instructor. I was left in a challenging place where I needed a job and needed to connect with people since I was miles away from home. I also knew I needed the freedom and flexibility to pursue my passions that fulfill me, which is music ministry at my church. Cabi has given me all of this and provided the flexibility for me to do both.
Above: Katrin and her fave-- the Amour Dress.
In what ways does cabi allow you to redefine the rules of the workplace?
CK: As my own boss, I’m able to decide my hours, as well as the amount of time and effort I put into my business. More importantly, my work is meaningful and fulfilling—serving women and helping them feel confident in their own skin, letting their true beauty shine. For me, it’s not all about the clothing, it’s about the connection with each of my clients. We really get to personally know our clients, and what works and doesn’t work for their lifestyles and bodies. It’s not a relationship purely based on digital connection, it’s a personal relationship where I can become their go-to-fashion resource.
As a cabi Stylist, I have the privilege of working alongside incredible women who encourage, motivate, and inspire me. We’re always helping each other grow personally and sharing ways to grow our business. I’m so proud to be part of a company that’s transforming women’s lives through relationships.
KB: I’ve been able to completely redefine the traditional workplace through my cabi business because I get to manage it from home (sometimes in my pj’s!), call my own shots, set my own hours, and be my own boss! I have the freedom and flexibility to take my business with me wherever I go. That’s not the structure of a typical corporate job. When I’m not managing my business from home, I’m enjoying ladies’ night out with incredible women of all backgrounds and giving them an opportunity to build their wardrobe without having to go to the mall or shop online.
Above: Hannah and her fave-- the High Slim Jean in white.
HT: Cabi allows me to be my own boss, make my own schedule, and earn a substantial income with no ceiling, all while uplifting and serving women. I don’t know of another career or job that allows even two of those things at once! Starting a cabi business comes with all the rewards of being an entrepreneur without the risks and cost of starting a traditional retail business. We are making women look and feel good every day, helping them discover their personal style and building their confidence, which translates into every part of their daily life. You can see that change on the inside for women.
What’s been the most exciting part of working for yourself?
KB: The most exciting part of working for myself is knowing I’m investing in myself and there’s no cap on my earning potential. I work to live and don’t live to work. I feel fortunate to build this business over time alongside my full-time career and know effort over time will set me up for success as my family grows.
I WORK TO LIVE AND DON’T LIVE TO WORK.
Tweet this.
CK: I love that I’m my own boss! I have the freedom to be true to who I am. I enjoy the flexibility of being in control of my work hours, time, and effort I put into the business, giving me time for other passions of mine. There is no one else putting pressure on me and that’s a beautiful thing.
HT: My cabi business has been so rewarding and amazing—better than I could have dreamed! I never thought I would be my own boss and now I know there is so much freedom in that. I’m able to make time for what is most important to me. I feel more confident and content saying “no” to things that are unnecessary so I can focus on the things that matter. It’s such a blessing to have the ability to be my own boss! I can work as much or as little as I want in a way that allows me to balance all of the other responsibilities in my life.
What makes the cabi entrepreneurial opportunity unique and different from other businesses?
CK: Together, we’re changing the way women shop and work. The cabi opportunity lets us turn homes into what we call “alternative stores” without the overhead of a storefront. And, there isn’t the risk of a traditional entrepreneurial business—cabi has my back every step of the way and I’m surrounded by a community of like-minded women who support me at every turn. I’ve always felt that cabi is so much more than just a clothing brand. It’s a community of women that empowers other women to look and feel confident inside and out. I haven’t found this anywhere else.
HT: The most unique thing about cabi is the way cabi Stylists are all independent, yet we are in this together. We often say “You’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself,” and that’s because I’m surrounded by nearly 3,500 cabi Stylists who are here to support me and a Home Office that gives me the tools and training to be successful in my own business. We each run our businesses in a way that fits our personal lifestyles and work toward our own personal goals, yet there is not an ounce of competition between Stylists. I can’t imagine attempting this business without the love and support of my cabi community. It makes my life and my business so much richer and helps me to be a better Stylist.
Above: Cheena and her fave-- the Franklin Blouse.
How has your cabi business brought you financial security?
CK: As a single woman, it’s great to know I’m substantially contributing to my savings and building my future. When the time comes to get married, I know I can contribute financially and that’s such an empowering feeling. I see unlimited financial growth opportunities in my cabi business and I feel great assurance that I’m in control of my financial plan. As I continue to build my team and expand my business, my income can become sufficient for my needs for many years to come. But beyond just financial security, I get to do this business in a supportive and collaborative community of strong entrepreneurial women.
KB: I run my cabi business alongside my corporate career, which has brought me and my husband financial security in so many ways. Through my added cabi income, I was able to offset some of our wedding costs this past fall, I’m contributing to the down payment on our soon-to-be first home, and it helps fund the vacations we value so much!
How do you time manage when you don’t have a “boss” or “office?”
HT: It definitely takes discipline and organization. This is still a learning curve for me, but I’m always getting better and sharing ideas and tips with fellow cabi Stylists! In fact, we have regular calls with our teams so no one is ever left on their own; it’s our time to collaborate, get new ideas, and support one another. I try to keep a steady sleep schedule and routine to create the feel of getting up and going to the “office” and to maintain productivity.
KB: Cabi has given me the tools and training I need to be my own boss lady! I’m on top of my calendar to stay organized and manage my time. Setting “business hours” is key to making time for my husband and hobbies. My planner helps me prioritize my to-do list, achieve my goals, and stay focused on what’s most important.
And of course. We need to know. What’s your favorite fashion piece for this spring season and why?
KB: I’m loving the Heavy Petal trend and I adore florals in every variety—especially mixing florals and stripes. My favorite fashion piece is one-and-done dressing seen with the Amour Dress and the Simple Playsuit. I often tell my clients you can’t go wrong with dresses and playsuits all day, every day!
CK: I love the Franklin Blouse. The pop of red and the intricate detailing of the horizontal and vertical red, white, and blue pinstripes makes this such a flattering top for all shapes and sizes!
HT: Hands down, The High Slim jean in white. I LOVE white jeans because they make any outfit pop, and The High Slim has all of the best design elements: a higher rise (HELLO comfort in the waistline!), the perfect amount of destruction, and a stretchy yet gutsy fabric that’s comfortable and not sheer!
To learn more about a career with cabi, please visit cabionline.com
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How to Handle Yourself at Work Drinks
Calm down, this is still business.
It’s finally happened.
You’ve been asked to WORK DRINKS. (#workparty.) After weeks of back and forth and fiddling with your schedules to make it work, the day has arrived. If you’re a little nervous, you’re not alone. First work drinks can feel like a super awkward odd first date. Are we friends...are we acquaintances...are you a spy and have plans to tell my boss everything I say? You never know.
So, what does it mean? What can you talk about? You’re still working, but it doesn’t have to be so buttoned up. This isn’t a conference call-- and there’s no hold music (prayer hands). To help you prepare we hit up our friends at Diageo to suss out some appropriate work drink convo starters. Think of these as your cue cards to success.
HUMANIZE YOURSELF
Hey you, yes you. You’re a human. Not a robot behind a computer with super emailing skills. Many of us have only every connected over email. Don’t start the convo off digging into proposals or ROIs. Talk shop… about yourself. You don’t need to over-divulge. Your new acquaintance is not your new therapist. Rather, talk about something you’ve done recently that has nothing to do with work. For instance, a book you read. An article that you enjoyed. “Did you happen to see that piece on The Cut…?” It’s a super easy, informal way to start that makes all parties feel at ease. If the answer is yes, bond over the content. If the answer is no, fill them in and see what they think.
ASK THEM ABOUT THEMSELVES
Once you’ve broken the ice with a little cocktail, ask how they got started in their current position. It’s a great way to get to know about their past and their work history, without flat-out asking about their day-to-day. While they’re talking about their past, present, and future, figure out a way you can help them out… if it makes sense. One of the best ways to make a good impression during a work drink meet up is to find common ground and goals. For instance, you might have someone you can introduce them to who can help them out. Maybe their company is looking for a new web designer and you happen to know the perfect person. Allow the convo about work to flow naturally, and you might end up being able to help them (and your friend) out. It’s a win-win.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
You don’t want to order #thesame. You want to show that you make your own decisions and are self-sufficient, that includes your cocktails. It’s the little things. Do your research before going out
to drinks so that you can make an educated decision and order your cocktail confidentially.
Some great cocktail choices include: the Crown Royal Old Fashioned, Crown Royal Vanilla and Hard Soda or Crownberry.
THEN BE DIRECT
Once you’ve done them a mini favor, bring up how you can better serve each other. If it’s going well and this is someone you can see yourself working with, don’t be afraid to put that on the table with a simple, “We should figure out how we can work together.” You’ll be able to read their vibe if they want to work with you as well. There’s no reason to side-step around the ask, whether it’s for your full time job or a side-hustle you’re working on, be direct.
Take charge.
And remember: Even if your boss or drinks-mate orders another cocktail, only ordering one shows self-discipline and maturity so make sure you sip slowly and drink plenty of water. If you do however, want to go home a make yourself a celebratory ‘job well done’ drink, we’ve got a couple of recipes (below) for you. Cheers to that!
Vanilla Mule
•1.5 oz. Crown Royal Vanilla
•2 oz. Ginger
•1 oz. Soda
•Lime
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a copper mug and garnish with a lime.
CHEERS! 🥂
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The Importance of Putting Pen to Paper in the Digital World
It’s the write stuff.
To prove the title of this post true… ya know, that we’re really not joking around about the importance of this post, I wrote it out by hand before I typed it. It felt tedious at first. A little finger crampy. Do I even know how to spell words like committee or entrepreneur on my own, I wondered. (Not a proud thought.) It was tricky, tricky, but yes.
Because look, the irony of typing a post about the importance of putting pen to paper, was not lost on me. Typing is definitely faster, easier to share with colleagues, but it’s not necessarily better.
Here are some reasons why, and our friends at Blue Sky are no stranger to this concept:
Slow Down, You Crazy Child.
If you caught on to our Billy Joel reference, you might also know that Vienna waits for you. What does that have to do with writing, pen and paper? A lot! We are TIED to our computers and our screens. No matter what kind of “healthy” relationship you have with your tech, humans aren’t meant to always move this fast. It’s crazy. The internet can wait for you while you make notes *gasp* in a notebook.
Writing slows you down, makes you think about what you really want to say, instead of what comes flying off your fingertips at 90 WPM.
The challenge: Next time you go into a brainstorming meeting, leave your computer closed. Take notes with your colleagues on paper and see what kind of magic you come up with. There’s so much note-taking variety out there – from personalized notebooks (in small, medium, and large sizes depending on your preference), to grid notes, lined notes and more. The options are virtually ENDLESS. (And if you don’t believe us, virtually (literally) personalize your very own here.) The ease of planning can start online – but the act of writing, pen to paper, is where you’ll see the benefit.
The Mid-Sleep Ah-HA!
It used to be common to wake up in the middle of the night and scribble an idea down on a piece of paper by your bedside. In the morning, when you awoke, it would be there, staring you in the face. More and more we hear of people doing this with their phones. However, there are two reasons this isn’t the *best* way to 2am brainstorm.
First, all of the science proves that the blue light from your phone disrupts good sleep. Opening your phone in the middle of the night to jot something down, is way more disruptive to sleep than a pen and paper.
Second, a note taken in your phone in the middle of the night is essentially buried. It’s buried beneath texts, IG scrolling, checking the news and your email. However, a note on your bedside table smacks you right in the face in the morning. That idea gets to be the first thing you consider upon waking. It might be the best consideration you have all day.
The challenge: Instead of writing a note on your phone and disrupting your sleep, write in on a pad of paper or notebook beside the bed. The personalized To-Do notebook by Blue Sky makes this feel like second nature for those thoughts that just need to be jotted down – at any hour, any day. Literally: just write your to-dos, must-dos and have-tos all in one reliable spot, and stop. your. worrying.
There’s a reason we like notes on the fridge.
A handwritten note or goal gives us clarity and focus. Typing goals is fine, dandy, and speedy, but by handwriting goals, you might slow down (see point #1) and find new insight. Writing down goals gives you a kind of direction that a laptop can’t.
The challenge: free write your goals--speed write if possible, and see what ends up on the bottom of the page. It might totally surprise you! The benefit of a Blue Sky personalized notebook? You have tons of white writing space for all of the goal-setting and forward-thinking you want. And the best part? Don’t just hit the ‘delete’ button when you’ve reached a milestone. Cross off each goal (literally) when you’ve accomplished it. And remember, Blue Sky was with you on the journey to that moment.
Have reasons you like handwriting vs. typing? Share in the comment section below!
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You Don't Want to Miss Out on Doing This At CreateCultivateLA
Leaving empty-handed is not an option.
Swag bags aside, Create & Cultivate is a breeding ground for new connections.
So if you're leaving empty-handed, you're doing something wrong. You should be exchanging info and making plans for 2018.
If you're worried about your networking skills and how to do just that, we've got you covered.
Practice makes perfect.
If you’re feeling antsy thinking about what you should say to start a conversation with someone, practice with your friends and see how you can nail down the starting a conversation with a stranger. From the approach, to how you introduce yourself, to what you talk about, make sure you can simulate the an entire conversation with a stranger via your friend. Come in ready with a game plan and see that networking anxiety go away.
Engage with the crowd (or the attendee next to you), but don’t be an attention seeker.
It’s easy to fall into the hole of talking about yourself and letting people know about all the things you do in a networking setting. But take a look back and think about the last person who wouldn’t stop rambling about themselves.
Exactly. Don’t be that person.
This is why it’s important to nail down your elevator pitch and keep it short, clear, and concise. Give people the Cliffs notes to your story, and leave them wanting more so they are more inclined to email, call, or text you and get to know you more. Rule of thumb: always keep them wanting to know more.
"Always keep people you network with wanting to know more."
However, make sure you’re treating the crowd with the same level of interest as you would want them to give you. Be genuinely engaged in knowing who they are, their career, and their story, and see how you can start building a strong connection.
Don’t give out your cards, trade them.
Of course, we should always come handy with a stellar set of business cards that we're ready to hand out. It’s an obvious tip, but one we have to remind you of. Make sure that your business card isn't generic and can show off your creativity and brand effortlessly.
Also, a rule of thumb to have when you’re networking is to make sure that you’re sure you get as many business cards as you hand out. You don’t want to leave empty handed.
"Make sure that you’re sure you get as many business cards as you hand out when networking."
Follow-up.
After you’ve finished meeting a new person and have hopefully gotten their contact information, make sure that you’ve written some notes and remember one key point in your conversation (doesn’t have to be business related, it can be something about your mutual love for Honey Nut Cheerios).
Wait a day or two to follow up, and use that key point as a conversation starter for the next time you reach out to them. Not only is this a good way to remind them that you met, but it will let them know that you were genuinely engaged in what they had to say and who they were.
And if you happen to meet someone at our happy hour on Friday, feel free to email or text them that same night so you can meet on site at Create & Cultivate LA the next day! #BuildYourCCSquad
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We've Got *all the* Tips If You're Rolling to Create & Cultivate Solo
Solo is the new yolo.
Going anywhere by yourself can be intimidating. Let alone being solo amongst a thousand women!
Recently, I attended Create & Cultivate Seattle. I did a lot of things leading up to an during the conference that helped me make the most of it. Some of it I did intentionally and some I did unknowingly - only realizing how helpful it was really after the fact.
That being said, I'm hoping some of these takeaways I'll be sharing with you below help you get your money's worth (because conferences aren't all that cheap!).
Study the agenda
All conferences are different but for the most part, they have a lot going on. Before attending Create & Cultivate Seattle, I *literally* did some brief research on every single speaker that was going to be there! This is a step you could also (should definitely) do before purchasing your ticket. That way you know if the content they're offering is even something you're interested in understanding more.
When I received my track (sometimes conferences will assign you the discussions you'll be attending), I did even more research on the speakers that were a part of that track! You could also make notes on the people you want to try and approach or even make note of panels you're okay with skipping, so you can check out the pop-up shops instead (or whatever else is going on at the conference you're attending).
Make your own agenda
This may be the most important step if you're serious about making the most out of your time there! Because you may have so many options, really take the time to sit down and write out a personalized agenda for yourself. Take note of all the things you definitely do not want to miss and maybe add another column of things you'd also like to attend if you end up having the extra time for it!
Did you end up seeing some individuals that you would like to try and introduce yourself to during your research stage? Write their names down! Also even take a brief note on what the individual does and why they inspire you. You'll definitely want to do that if you have a long list of people you're planning to try and meet.
Browse social media
Events nowadays typically create their own hashtag! And if they do it ahead of the event, explore that hashtag to see if you could find other people who will be attending too! Maybe you'll find someone you make plans to meet with ahead of time and you're ahead of the game when it comes to meeting people. I found a handful of women doing this and I think I only actually met one or two of them. But we still follow and support one another on social media (both the ones I met and didn't meet).
Be business card ready
Okay. Some people say business cards are outdated but regardless, I always have them on me. Especially if I'm attending an event where "networking" happens and the chances of this or that person remembering my name, contact info, and "title" are slim!
Don't have a business card or even an actual business? Don't sweat it. Head on over to Canva and use one of their templates or check out Moo.com! Put your name and contact info on there and call it a day. Just make sure you have something to hand all the awesome people you'll meet.
Attend the pre-game
Some conferences may have a pre-event before the big day. Some only offer it to VIP. Regardless, do some research and check to see if there's a mixer the night before or something. If there is, definitely go! Yes, even if you're intimidated to go alone. To be honest, I was a little hesitant myself but the thought of meeting someone who ended up miraculously becoming my future business partner motivated me to go. (Hey you never know!)
Create & Cultivate had a "happy hour" the night before and I met a few girls there that I ended up seeing throughout the day of the conference, which was cool because we'd say hi to each other and briefly go over how our days were going. Plus I still keep in touch with some of them on social media!
Pay attention to the pre-event emails
I am so happy that I took advantage of the shuttle that Create & Cultivate offered via *email. (Make sure you're checking and reading all the emails the conference sends you if they're doing that sort of thing). The Create & Cultivate Seattle conference itself was actually located in town right outside of Seattle, so I saved myself from a couple expensive Uber rides. Not only that but I actually also met my conference buddy in there!
Create a conference buddy
This isn't required. Totally optional. And also totally not guaranteed to happen. Your "conference buddy" is basically the person you randomly end up meeting, connecting with, and spending the day(s) together! I lucked out. Though, I totally would've been fine having not found a buddy because I wasn't expecting to. But I will say it was awesome experiencing it with someone I had just met and debriefing all the panels right after we saw them. As mentioned, I met her on the shuttle on my way there! We clicked, found out we were on the same track, and (without verbally expressing it) decided to conquer the day as a unit.
Venture away from your conference buddy
Although it is awesome to find someone you click with enough to experience the event together... you still want to give yourself the opportunity to meet and network with other people! Conferences are cool because you and all the other attendees have similar interests. So allow yourself to click with multiple people by straying away from your conference buddy every now and then.
Attending Create & Cultivate Los Angeles in February of 2018 and have some more questions about the experience? Feel free to reach out or comment below!
Jocelyn is an event planner and writer currently creating in Tucson, Arizona with an affinity for Hip Hop, food, travel and storytelling. Bienvenido!