Advice, Career, The Conference Arianna Schioldager Advice, Career, The Conference Arianna Schioldager

Blog Better Have My Money: From Blogger to Entrepreneur

Hilary Sloan of ShopStyle talks monetizing your blog and more! 

The best part about being a successful entrepreneur and influencer is not the freebies or VIP access; it’s being able to use your creativity to share your passion with the world. Arguably, one of the biggest measures of success is to take your creative output and turn it into a business. Our successful colleagues in this industry who are savvy about monetization wear so many hats! Photography, styling, editing, PR, and sales, to name a few skills. So . . . how are you going to get from blogger to entrepreneur?

BE AUTHENTIC

It sounds easy, but it’s going to get much harder when the prospect of a much-needed paycheck is dangled in front of you. We all have been fans of a favorite blogger, only to watch her scale in following and then see her content become one irrelevant ad after another. It feels inauthentic. It alienates your hard-earned user base.

Don't be afraid to say no when a proposed partnership feels off-brand. Be polite, and if you choose, perhaps keep the door open for the future. Focus your brand partnership outreach where partnerships feel organic and where you know you can really create fun and compelling content. Here’s an example from my own social media platform (actually it's my dog's platform, but she's truly fabulous): I passed on a partnership with a brand because it didn't feel like it made sense with Ella Bean’s luxury persona, and I  later saw the brand partner with some of the biggest names in social media. The campaign TOTALLY worked on those social channels, but it wouldn't have worked on mine. I was excited for my colleagues, and the agency actually told me they respected that I was so honest (polite, of course!). The flip side is we partnered with a luxury vacuum cleaner to make a fun video, and it was one of my top-performing posts in terms of likes and comments. The content was fun, on brand, and relatable. Engagement that is aligned with your organic content should be a benchmark of success for your business as you negotiate deals.

ORGANIC INCOME

 Monetizing your platform(s) isn’t all about giant deals and big paychecks.

Are you using affiliate links? No? Then stop what you are doing and go sign up for ShopStyle Collective. No, really. It's hands down the easiest way to monetize your content from day one. The open platform makes it easy to sign up no matter where you are in your blogging career, and the tools make it simple to create tracking links on all your favorite products, enabling you to monetize all the content you are creating anyway. Vloggers and Instagrammers: you can optimize with these tools, too. We've got you covered. Don't wait until you've got a certain amount of followers or think because you might be newer to blogging that affiliate monetization isn't for you. Starting to consistently create affiliate links from day one ensures you'll grow your revenue as you scale your following. Bonus: you’ll also have insights into products and brands your users click and purchase. You can use this information to help guide some of your content and glean insights into consumer trends. You’re now empowered to be a consumer expert AND you are making money.

OPTIONS, OPTIONS, OPTIONS 

 While you are creating content with all those affiliate links, don't forget to give your readers options. We all obviously want the gorgeous Chloé crossbody bag you are rocking in your post, but your readers may have budgets that fall on the lower end of the spectrum. Use widgets to create options at the bottom of each post to give options at multiple price points. This is also a great tool when you are showcasing something from a past season or if you focus on vintage. Experts tell me that the rule of thumb is to have three to five options on the primary focal piece in your post. That amount of product is digestible for readers and manageable for you. Plus, you can just plug in your search term into ShopStyle and voilà! Options galore. You are welcome.

THINK MOBILE

We all know that converting users to make purchases on mobile is challenging, and that really is a bummer considering more and more users are spending time consuming your content on mobile. It’s time to get creative. One idea could be to create a newsletter signup so you can email users links to what you've worn. Make sure you stay up to date as new innovations roll out to get your users shopping on their smartphones. Challenge your affiliate partner to give you mobile monetizing options. Don't forget your mobile ad placements. If you've got banners and widgets on your site, optimize some of those placements for mobile, and don't miss out on that audience. Prepare yourself — mobile money is going to be all of our BFF.

THINK BEYOND THE BLOG (AND INSTAGRAM)

Your properties are incredibly important, and you should be creating content that drives users across your various channels. That said, maybe your photos are incredible. Have you thought about marketing your photography to your clients and time as a photographer for brands to use on their content? Are you a killer stylist and could crush the styling on your favorite brand's next lookbook? Can you edit a closet or stage an insane vignette? Brands crave unique content ideas. Get experience doing something that sets you apart from the pack as you grow your business. Offer those services to small brands or powerful influencers that you align with, build your portfolio, and barter for social and blog post mentions while you grow. You'll make deep relationships that will last a lifetime. You’ll benefit from editorial features and social mentions that will help you scale and gain experience that makes you totally unique.

Bonus tip: not all payments happen to be made via money. Social currency is incredibly valuable when scaling your presence online. If a brand doesn't have a budget to work with you but you know that brand is an ideal partner, think about how to make it worth your while. Trade content for features on their various channels. Make the content and social exchange a recurring feature.

Through all of this, don’t forget to have fun. You got into this world to create your own business, so enjoy the process and remember to savor the wins and view challenges as opportunities to push your skill set and learn. Cheesy but true: in my experience, the hardest challenges I’ve come up against have made me smarter, made me faster, and allowed me to score higher revenue opportunities than before.

Hilary Sloan leads ShopStyle’s East Coast business development team and works with top brands like Net-a-Porter.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barneys New York to monetize via affiliate and creative partnerships. In building relationships with brands and working with ShopStyle and ShopStyle Collective’s blogger community, she realized that many young bloggers don’t quite have the tools to get started on building their business. She’s spoken in the past at Create + Cultivate, IFB, and other blogger conferences on the topic of monetization, revenue, and brand partnerships. When not at ShopStyle, Hilary can be found applying all her skills to her own mini influencer, her dog, Ella Bean.

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"If You Fail, Fail Forward" & Other Genius Takeaways From Our High-Powered Passion Panel

“I started to learn more about things outside my comfort zone, and that’s what allowed me to build my business.”

Last week, we partnered with Dell and Microsoft to gather some of the best in the business to bring you High Powered Passion: a panel moderated by Alicia Quarles, journalist and media entrepreneur, in conversation with five mega-successful entrepreneurs who are shaking things up in everything from PR to party supplies: Jordan Jones, Founder & CEO of Packed Party; Katie Dunlop, Founder & CEO of Love Sweat Fitness; Genevieve Padalecki, Founder, Now & Gen; Rakia Reynolds, Founder & CEO of Skai Blue Media; Karli Henriquez, Entertainment Influencer & Co-Founder of Know Alias. We were blown away by their insight on building a brand, marketing their skills, and hiring the right employees. Below, we’re sharing some of our favorite mic-drop moments from the panel.

On brand authenticity:

“For us, it’s about telling stories of authenticity for people who don’t have the voice to tell their honest stories.” - Rakia Reynolds, Founder & CEO, Skai Blue Media

“Having something women can feel and connect to really allowed my brand to grow.” - Katie Dunlop, Founder & CEO, Love Sweat Fitness

“I like to walk the walk. It’s not just about raising money, it’s about being a part of the community. I’m really proud of that, and I’m really proud that my audience is excited about it as well.” - Genevieve Padalecki, Founder, Now & Gen

On launching their businesses:

“Setting limitations for myself was one thing I was raised to never do.” - Karli Henriquez, Entertainment Influencer & Co-Founder, Know Alias

“So many people are scared to start, but because I was so young and maybe naive, I didn’t really ask for forgiveness and just figured it out. I jumped in and was fearless.” - Jordan Jones, Founder & CEO, Packed Party

“I wish someone had told me to have more confidence. No matter what size your platform is, no matter what your message is, just be confident in who you are and go for it—don’t be apologetic about it.” - Genevieve Padalecki

“When I started saying yes to opportunities, I started to learn more about things outside my comfort zone, and that’s what allowed me to build my business.” - Karli Henriquez

“Just be confident in who you are and go for it—don’t be apologetic about it.”
— Genevieve Padalecki

On effective marketing:

“Setting a brand standard that says we talk to people how we want to be talked to and we make products that we ourselves need—that’s really set us up for success.” - Jordan Jones

“When creating your elevator pitch, you should be communicating your position in the marketplace, your purpose as a person and a brand, and your personality. Who are you in a room full of people?” - Rakia Reynolds

“Number one for me is listening to my community. They’ll tell you what’s missing from the market and what you need to adjust.” - Katie Dunlop

On balance:

“When you’re a startup, you’re doing everything. After a while, you can suffer from decision fatigue. But in order to be your best, you can’t be the driver, passenger, and navigator all at the same time. For me, it was about being super focused in gathering the right people around me who could also execute and believed in the mission of the business.” - Rakia Reynolds

“Stay woke and get some sleep. Take time for yourself. It’s OK if someone sees you relaxing. It’s OK to not post every single day.” - Rakia Reynolds

“If you fail, fail forward. It’s not the end of the world. Do you, be authentic, and you will win.” - Karli Henriquez

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"There Are No Lucky Accidents" — Natasha Lyonne on Authenticity, Advocacy, and Imposter Syndrome

“An admission of inner brokenness is OK. That’s the stuff that makes us who we are.”

We were beyond excited to host Natasha Lyonne as our keynote speaker in Austin this year! As the co-creator, director, executive producer, and star of the Netflix hit series Russian Doll, Natasha knows what it means to hustle. With more than 30 years and 70+ movies under her belt, she’s not just an industry powerhouse, but a role model for any woman who’s chasing her dreams. Below, we’re sharing some of our favorite mic-drop moments from Natasha’s keynote panel.

On hiring an all-female writers’ room for Russian Doll:

“The people that were best for the job happened to be women. It was really about surrounding myself with allies.”

“My hope is that we hit a tipping point where we’re restored to a point where men and women can work together as equals, where we all learn to work together beyond gender.”

“I felt additionally empowered to be the most 360 version of myself when working with a group of women.”

On imposter syndrome:

“An admission of inner brokenness is OK. That’s the stuff that makes us who we are. And Michelle Obama’s recent book helped me recognize that—because I was like, ‘Surely this woman has cracked this.’ But her experience of ‘Am I enough?’ is healing to read.”

“My goal in making a show like Russian Doll would be that it allows me to continue to speak very transparently around my own experience and acceptance. That’s our grit. That’s what makes us who we are.”

“At every level, everyone is constantly experiencing imposter syndrome and asking ‘Am I enough?’ and ‘Am I taking up too much space?’ It’s just necessary to push past it.”

On being your true self:

“I was afraid of not letting it all hang out in all its messiness. I think we embrace it and celebrate it in someone else, but as soon as it’s our own, it’s like a deep shame spiral.”

On finding your tribe:

“Find something safe in this life and let it tether you.”

“Something I love about working with women is that we spend so much time unpacking things like having kids that there’s something very fun about getting to get in the zone and watch them crystallize in this other pocket.”

On social media:

“The one thing I would caution the kids is compare and despair. Don’t buy the lies of social media. Everyone is architecting a make-believe life.”

“Proceed on social media with caution. Spend the time having human interactions. Life experience can’t be beat.”

On shining light on real issues through her work:

“I’m glad to have been a part of OITNB, but I’m happier that there was some attention or awareness brought to the prison industrial complex. The heavier aspect of working on the show for years as as team has been intense, processing what we’re really doing.”

On changes in Hollywood:

“It’s complex to know what’s changing. We’ve had good news in Hollywood, but let’s see how it tracks into the new world.”

“It’s a good time to be a woman in film, but the numbers aren’t there yet. These are early days.”

On work, success, and looking back:

“Directing an episode of Orange is the New Black was very healing around my own self-doubt, worthiness, and steadiness—there was something about the fact that the producers, and Netflix, and the cast were all open and inviting to it. I would be at the monitor just weeping. It was healing for me.”

“We work hard in life. There are no lucky accidents.”

Advice she’d give her teenage self:

“You’re in the war, but the war will be over. I promise. Hang tough, babe.”

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“Be Each Other’s Wing Woman” — The Showstopping Moments You Missed From Our Austin Pop Up

“When you do get a seat at the table, know your stuff.”

Yesterday. Was. Amazing. If you were one of the lucky attendees at our Austin Pop Up, you know it’s true. For those of you who weren’t, don’t worry: We’re sharing all the fire advice and amazing insight from each and every one of our speakers (like the inimitable Tan France and Natasha Lyonne!) below. Huge shoutout to all our moderators and panelists for making it a day full of learning, laughter, and tweet-worthy inspo. We’re still riding the high!

Read on to hear our speakers’ thoughts on finding your niche, forming your tribe, and following your passion.

Marketing Masterclass: Growing a cult following & building brands people love

“When you do the work you believe in and are passionate about, the money comes.” - Adrienne Bosh, Founder, Sparkle & Shine Darling

“You cannot fear your executive team. Understand their goals.” - Erin Silver, Head of Social Media, Volvo

“When I saw my female and minority friends not getting the same opportunities as the white boys, I decided to do something about it.” - Sarah Kunst, Founder of Cleo Capital

“When you’re starting new things, you’ll always need your tribe of women with you.” - Adrienne Bosh

“Don’t try to be like anyone else in the room. Be you. You’re there for a reason.” - Carrie Colbert, CEO of CarrieColbert.com

“Brand matters. I’ve worked on a team that canceled an entire campaign because one small element wasn’t on brand.” - Sarah Kunst

“When you do get a seat at the table, know your stuff.” - Carrie Colbert

“It’s not about numbers for me—it’s a question of ‘is this working toward my purpose?’” - Adrienne Bosh

“Don’t try to be like anyone else in the room. Be you. You’re there for a reason.”
— Carrie Colbert

Content Economy: Meet the influencers making waves in the creator universe

“It’s so much better to be your authentic self.” - Genevieve Padalecki, Founder, Now & Gen

“I push myself and my team to ask, ‘How is this person or this recipe showing our readers they can be more intentional and present?’ It all has to go back to that core vision, and that’s what’s helped up define a unique point of view.“- Camille Styles, Founder & CEO, Camille Styles

“I wish [that when I first started,] I knew that my failures would add to my strength as a creator.” - Paola Mathe, Founder, Finding Paola & Fanm Djanm

“Figure out what your niche is. How is what you’re doing different from everybody else?” - Reesa Lake, Partner, Digital Brand Architects

“If you have something you’re passionate about, you can make it work. Reaching out to other people was a lifesaver for me, because I was able to build a community and learn what I wanted to learn.“ - Dani Austin, Founder, DaniAustin.com

WorkParty The Podcast: In Conversation with Tan France

“Be each other’s wing woman. Men are doing enough tearing you down—don’t make their jobs any easier.”

“Call her out if she’s being negative.”

“Being the first of anything is hard. People look to you for representation of every community you’re part of. I don’t want to be the only one.”

“Keep your payroll tight. Make sure you know every facet of your business.”

Real Time, Real Talk: How brands are keeping up with the digital day to day

“The more you blend in, the more you get lost in a crowded marketplace.” - Maxie McCoy, Author & Speaker

“Navigate life the way you choose to.” - Bruna Schmitz, Roxy Pro Surfer & Ambassador

“Fuel what your soul is craving. That’s what I make time for.” - Jessi Afshin, Founder, The Darling Detail

“One way I’ve been trying to incorporate balance into my daily life is time blocking. When I’m working, I’m working.” - Courtney Shields, Founder, Bring Your Own Beauty

Keynote Panel: In Conversation with Natasha Lyonne

On hiring an all-female writers’ room for Russian Doll:

“The people that were best for the job happened to be women. It was really about surrounding myself with allies.”

On imposter syndrome:

“At every level, everyone is constantly experiencing imposter syndrome and asking ‘Am I enough?’ and ‘Am I taking up too much space?’ It’s just necessary to push past it.”

On being your true self:

“I was afraid of not letting it all hang out in all its messiness. I think we embrace it and celebrate it in someone else, but as soon as it’s our own, it’s like a deep shame spiral.”

On work, success, and looking back:

“Directing an episode of Orange is the New Black was very healing around my own self-doubt, worthiness, and steadiness—there was something about the fact that the producers, and Netflix, and the cast were all open and inviting to it. I would be at the monitor just weeping. It was healing for me.”

Advice she’d give her teenage self:

“You’re in the war, but the war will be over. I promise. Hang tough, babe.”

#StartSomethingPriceless: How these women risked it all to build their dream

“As females, we need to build multi-billion dollar companies. Let’s all think at that level.” - Payal Kadakia, Founder & Executive Chairman, ClassPass

“You have to stick it out. If you believe in what you’re doing, stick it out.” - Sonja Rasula, Founder & CEO, Unique Markets

“When you’re self funded and a client says ‘I need you to cover the cost of this,’ you don’t say no—you say ‘yes, no problem’ and figure it out.” - Jaclyn Johnson, Founder & CEO, Create & Cultivate

“It’s about finding people who have the ‘can-do, going-to-learn’ attitude.” - Payal Kadakia

“We noticed that there was no place for black people to find out about the men and women in politics supporting issues they care about. So we’re launching Blavity Politics.” - Morgan DeBaun, Founder & CEO, Blavity

“You have to stick it out. If you believe in what you’re doing, stick it out.”
— Sonja Rasula

“We need more women handing out the capital.” - Payal Kadakia

“My executive assistant was the employee that made the biggest impact for my company.” - Morgan DeBaun

“You have to be willing to sacrifice. The worst thing that could happen, is you go bankrupt. OK, big deal. Thank you, next.” - Sonja Rasula

Create & Innovate: Build a one-of-a-kind brand in a crowded marketplace

“Know your purpose and what you want to share with others.” - Camila Alves, Founder, Women of Today

“We really try to marry the experience of leading the brand and what we do if we’re following the brand.” - Sami Fishbein, Co-founder and COO, Betches Media

“As women, it’s in our DNA to manage crisis.” - Julie Smolyansky, President & CEO, Lifeway

“Know your purpose and what you want to share with others.”
— Camila Alves

“How am I am going to add value to the communities I want to connect with?” - Sophie Kelly, Senior Vice President of North American Whiskeys Portfolio, Diageo

“We have something for everybody while staying true to who we are.” - Paige Adams-Geller, Founder & Creative Director, PAIGE

“We’re able to speak to women in the way they speak to each other.” - Sami Fishbein

“Whenever there’s a crisis, I tend to run right into the fire.” - Julie Smolyansky

Shoutout to artist Emily Eisenhart for creating our amazing ATX mural. The future IS bright with talented ladies like her in our corner.

Don’t wanna miss out on more mic-drop moments from our events? Get your tickets to our New York conference now!

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Celebrating Self-Love at the Launch of Modcloth's New York City FitShop

“I love all my dualities, all my layers.”

Last Friday, Create & Cultivate hosted a dinner celebrating the launch of ModCloth’s New York City FitShop. We invited some of our fave fashion and lifestyle influencers (like Dylana Suarez, Natalie Lim Suarez, and Hunter McGrady) to check out the new shop, snag some Insta-worthy moments in the *adorable* dressing rooms, and enjoy dinner and drinks together.

The ModCloth FitShop isn’t like a regular store. Instead, you can book an appointment with a ModStylist, who will help you throughout your showroom experience. You’ll try on your picks (in sizes 00-4X), choose your faves, and your stylist will have everything shipped direct to your door—with no shipping costs!

ModCloth is all about loving the body you’re in, so before the dinner, we asked a few of our guests what they love most about themselves….

“My heart. I care—a lot.” - Katie Sturino

“It’s the fact that I’m a multidimensional woman. I love all my dualities, all my layers—that’s what I love most about myself.” - Tracy G

“What I love most about myself is my confidence.” - Hunter McGrady

“I love that I’m a really good dog mom!” - Keiko Lynn

Want to get in on the ModCloth shopping action? You don’t have to live in NYC—the brand has stores in San Francisco, Washington DC, and Austin, too!

This post is sponsored by ModCloth.

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What to Expect at Our Austin Pop Up

Get ready for Austin!

Austin, we’re back! You showed up for us last year—more than 6,000 of you RSVP’d to see our keynote speaker Gina Rodriguez drop some knowledge—and we can’t wait to come back and do it even bigger and better at this year’s Austin Pop Up, presented by Mastercard.

On March 10, we’ll be hosting another FREE one-day pop-up event with amazing panels, delicious food and drinks, shoppable pop ups, and everything else you’ve come to know and love about Create & Cultivate events. Here’s what you can expect this year…

Location

The Allan House

1104 San Antonio Street

Austin, Texas 78701

Parking

We highly suggest you plan to use a ride-share service! There are street parking options and a few paid lots nearby, but availability is not guaranteed.

What to Bring

Your ID! We’ll have drinks onsite for those 21 and up.

Arrivals

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Space is not guaranteed, so arrive early (seriously—this event will fill up fast!). The first 150 guests will receive a gift bag full of goodies!

Want to skip the line?

We’re offering our #createcultivateATX attendees early access to our new Create & Cultivate Insiders program before it launches on April 2nd. Sign up today and use your membership to get front of line access to all of our events for the year. Did we mention it also unlocks some pretty amazing perks? Get excited to gain access to our entire archive of panel videos, monthly digital mentor sessions where you can join live to ask your questions to some of the best in the biz, plus an entire library of career worksheets & downloads that we’ve created to help you THRIVE.

Learn more here!

SHOPPING, FOOD, &
FUN IN THE SUN

We’ve partnered with some of our favorite brands to bring you amazing shopping experiences, to-die-for photo ops, and delicious food and drinks! Peruse each booth to find your new go-to brands for home, beauty, and fashion!

LIFESTYLE

Mastercard

Our presenting sponsor is here to talk all things small business. Stop by to snap some ‘gram-worthy moments that’ll make all your friends at home jealous!

Glade

Have you experienced the new Glade® Essentials Room Mists that are lightly layered and infused with essential oils? Try a spritz before adding some flair to your manicure at a statement nail bar—then show it off in a fun photo op!

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Chameleon Cold-Brew

Need an afternoon pick-me-up for a day full of panels? Chameleon will be serving organic black nitro cold-brew coffee alongside local jeweler Nina Berenato, who will be creating custom embossed keychains for guests!

Not Your Father’s

Cool off with a Lemonade Freeze from Not Your Father’s, our favorite boozy root beer brand! Find both flavors locally and across Texas at HEB.

CORE

Stop by CORE’s upside-down pop up to hang out and hydrate!

Crown Royal

Stop by the Crown Royal booth to build a care package for the Purple Bag Project, a partnership with non-profit organization Packages From Home. You’ll pack uplifting notes, food, and personal care items into repurposed Crown Royal bags to send to American military heroes overseas.

Lifeway

We’ve got everyone with dietary restrictions in mind! Come sample Lifeway Plantiful, the first plant-based probiotic beverage made from organic and non-GMO pea protein with 10 vegan kefir cultures. It’s dairy-, gluten- and soy-free.

LaCroix

Snap some IG-worthy pics in La Croix’s interactive booth and (duh) pick up your favorite flavor, too.

AUTO

Volvo

Stop by the Volvo pop up to check out their brand new S60! It’s kind of our dream car.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Does your hair need a refresh? Stop by the Batiste booth to get styled by a pro, then show off your new look in a fun photo op.

PAIGE

Get your ‘gram on, then grab some goods! Social media is your currency at the Paige Social Shop, so snap that IG and get free swag like scrunchies, shirts, and pins!

Roxy

Stop by Roxy’s mini shop to see the latest swimwear, dresses, and easy tops. Grab a reusable straw and custom pouch, then stop by the “Make Waves, Move Mountains” wall for the perfect photo op.

OGX

We’ll have stylists on site to give your hair a quick makeover so you’re ready for photo ops all day long!

SCHEDULE

Power Breakfast | 10:30 - 11:00

Start the morning off with coffee & conversation with the best in the biz before a big day of programming. We’ll be serving up cold-brew coffee and a light breakfast from Chameleon Cold-Brew, Lifeway, and Purely Elizabeth.


Panel: Marketing Masterclass | 11:00 - 12:00

Hear from marketing masters on growing a cult following and building brands people love.

Panelists:

Erin Silver | Head of Social Media at Volvo

Adrienne Bosh | Founder of Sparkle & Shine Darling

Carrie Colbert | CEO of CarrieColbert.com

Claire Fountain | Mental health advocate & creator of Trillyoga

Sarah Kunst | Founder of Cleo Capital

Moderator:

Shira Lazar | Media Entrepreneur

Fireside Chat | 12:00 - 12:30

This intimate one-on-one panel gives you the opportunity to hear the ins and outs of the career of a super-successful woman in business. We can’t wait to share our guest for this chat—you won’t want to miss it!

Panel: Content Economy | 12:30 - 1:30

We’ll pass the mic to some of our favorite content creators to hear how they’re making waves online and IRL.

Panelists:

Paola Mathe | Founder, Finding Paola & Fanm Djanm

Dani Austin | Founder, DaniAustin.com

Camille Styles | Founder & CEO, Camille Styles

Jen Pinkston | Founder, The Effortless Chic

Genevieve Padalecki | Founder, Now & Gen

Moderator:

Reesa Lake | Partner, Digital Brand Architects

Panel: Real Time, Real Talk | 1:30 - 2:30

How do brands keep up with the constantly-shifting digital landscape? Listen to these ladies share their secrets for social and more.

Panelists:

Jessi Afshin | Founder, Darling Detail

Agatha Ashiofu | Founder, Irony of Ashi

Eman | Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur, and OGXpert

Bruna Schmitz | Roxy Pro Surfer & Ambassador

Courtney Shields | Founder, Bring Your Own Beauty

Sophie Kelly | Sr. Vice President of North American Whiskeys Portfolio, Diageo

Moderator:

Maxie McCoy | Author and speaker

Lunch | 2:30 - 3:30

Sure, Texas is known for its BBQ, but we’re challenging you to think outside the box. Why would lunch be any different? We’ve got something for everyone, including vegetarians! Grab some lunch from Beyond Meat, bottled water from CORE and delicious malt beverages from Not Your Father’s, then get your WorkParty book signed by author Jaclyn Johnson!

And be sure to stop by our Crown Royal bar for cocktails throughout the day!

Priceless Conversations, Powered by Mastercard | 3:30 - 4:30

We’ll gather our small business advisory to chat about all the trials and tribulations of running your own biz. Stay tuned to see who’s on the advisory—you’ll definitely want to hear from these talented ladies!

WorkParty Podcast Live | 4:30 - 5:00

Watch a live taping of WorkParty the podcast, one of the top-rated weekly business podcasts on iTunes!

Keynote Panel: Create & Innovate | 5:00 - 6:00

Learn how to build a brand in a crowded marketplace with advice from women who’ve done it themselves.

Panelists:

Paige Adams-Geller | Founder & Creative Director, Paige

Camila Alves | Founder, Women of Today

Julie Smolyansky | President & CEO, Lifeway

Sami Fishbein | Co-founder and COO of Betches Media

Keynote Conversations | 6:00 - 6:30

We’ve got an amazing keynote speaker coming soon—you’re gonna want to RSVP ASAP so you don’t end up on the waitlist for this one!

Happy Hour | 6:30 - 7:30

Cheers to an amazing day! Grab one last beauty treatment, shop the pop ups, and #treatyourself with some bubbly courtesy of Chandon in an Instagrammable (duh) Tossware glass—you deserve it!

FAQs

Can I leave and come back?

Yes, but as soon as you leave, we’ll let other people in—which means if you come back, you’ll have to wait in line again!

Can I save a seat?

Unfortunately, no. First come, first served.

I didn’t RSVP. Can I still get in?

You must RSVP to gain entry! Don’t forget!

Am I guaranteed entry?

We cannot guarantee anyone entry. Please line up early to secure your spot!

Will I have fun?

Duh! We’re throwing the best #WorkParty in town.

Who's ready? Comment below to say hello to fellow attendees!

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Meet Our New York Conference Speakers

Get your notebooks ready, ladies.

Do you have your tickets for our New York conference yet? We have some ah-mazing speakers in store for you. Scroll through to read up on the incredible women you’ll get to learn from at our NY event on May 4th!

First things first—we cannot wait for our keynote with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley! The acclaimed fashion model, actor, designer and businesswoman will be chatting with Allure editor-in-chief Michelle Lee (another one of our idols!) on all things business, beauty, and striking out on your own. Rosie launched a new site, Rose Inc., last year, so she’ll come to the event full of advice on launching a brand from the ground up. You’ll also hear from:

Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter. Lisa founded Carol’s Daughter in her Brooklyn kitchen in 1993 and has since built a haircare empire she sold to L’Oreal.

Rebecca Minkoff, fashion designer. In 2001, Rebecca designed a spinoff version of the “I Love New York” t-shirt. The piece appeared on the Tonight Show and Rebecca has been a household name in fashion and accessories since.

Holly Thaggard, founder & CEO of Supergoop! When Holly’s close friend was diagnosed with skin cancer, she decided to focus her career on sun protection people actually want to wear. Her products are now available in stores nationwide.

Noor Tagouri, journalist. When Noor was younger, she was told she would never be the TV news anchor she dreamed to be if she continued to wear her hijab. Today, she’s a successful journalist covering identity, culture, and politics—and she’s a Tedx alum.

Gabby Bernstein, speaker & New York Times bestselling author. As a motivational speaker, yoga teacher, and meditation expert, Gabby has been featured on Oprah’s SuperSoul Sunday and is a regular expert on The Dr. Oz Show.

Marie Forleo, entrepreneur & host of MarieTV. Marie gave up her 9-5 job security to follow her passion: coaching others to find theirs. Today, her online training programs are beloved by thousands.

Jaclyn Johnson, founder & CEO of Create & Cultivate. When Jaclyn saw a gap in conversations, resources, events, and community for female millennial entrepreneurs, she launched Create & Cultivate to fill that gap. She’s since built it into the conference and digital platform we know and love today.

Katie Sturino, founder of The 12ish Style and Megababe. Katie launched her blog, 12ish Style, to fill the fashion industry void between size zero and plus size. Then she launched Megababe to fight thigh chafe and boob sweat in style. Today, both the blog and the brand and powerhouses in body positivity.

Erin Silver, head of social media at Volvo. After stints at Burberry, Rebecca Minkoff, and Ralph Lauren, Erin took her social smarts to Volvo, where she’s changing the game in influencer relations and strategy.

Jaime Schmidt, founder of Schmidt’s Deodorant. Jaime turned her hobby of making natural deodorant into a wellness empire—the brand became so successful, she sold it to Unilever in 2018.

Nabela Noor, content creator and activist. As a beauty vlogger, Nabela is breaking barriers around body positivity and self-love. Her nonprofit Noor House provides housing, education, and food and water access for Bangladeshi families.

Nicole Tollefsrud, influencer development manager at ShopStyle. With more than a decade of experience in influencer relations, Nicole has a unique look at the intersection of brands and social amplification.

Cynthia Andrew, attorney and blogger. Attorney by day and lifestyle blogger by night, Cynthia’s career is anything but traditional. She’ll share how both gigs have influenced her path as an entrepreneur.

Tezza, creative director and influencer. Tessa Barton is the ultimate multi-hyphenate. As a musician, creative director, stylist and traveler, she’s building an influencer empire via her own personal brand.

Hilary Sloan, director of business development at ShopStyle. Previously at SheFinds and PopSugar, Hilary has an inside look at how commerce and content intersect.

Maxie McCoy, motivational speaker and writer. In 2010, Maxie realized she wasn’t happy at her corporate job—so she left. Today, she’s a motivational speaker who inspires others to “build a deep sense of self belief and the rest will follow.”

Tamara Mellon, fashion designer. Tamara cofounded Jimmy Choo in 1996—and then left the company to do it all again under her namesake brand, Tamara Mellon. This time around, she’s doing it minus the markups and high prices.

More speakers coming soon! Keep checking back for updates—and grab your tickets for the New York conference here!

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5 Entrepreneurs & Execs Share How Technology Has Changed Their Careers

“Your setbacks are a setup for a really great comeback.”

From social media to emails, podcasts to presentations—technology affects every facet of our lives at work. And it’s changing every day. 

We wanted to know how some of our favorite technology leaders and entrepreneurs are using technology to build brands and products, as well as how the women behind that technology made it happen, so we teamed up with our friends at Dell last week to host the #DellExperience Power Players pop-up chat at CES. We loved listening to Alicia Quarles chat with Rachel Tipograph, Kimberly Bryant, Rakia Reynolds, Gerri Tunnell, and Stephanie Hallford about how their careers have evolved—and how they’re shaking up the industry themselves. Below, a few of our favorite tips from the pros:  

Their best piece of business advice…

“Invest in your voice. Your ability to be a powerful orator will get you much further than any other skill.” 

- Rachel Tipograph, founder & CEO of MikMak

“Step into the unknown. As women I think we’re always trying to think 10 steps ahead and always know what’s next, but where the real growth and opportunity lies is in the unknown.”

- Kimberly Bryant, founder & CEO of Black Girls Code

“Understand that things take time. We see so much glory through social media, but more people have to tell the story behind the glory. If you understand that things that time, you compete with yourself less and less.“

- Rakia Reynolds, founder & CEO of Skai Blue Media

“Vote with your heels. If you’re at a job you don’t feel is working, walk in and be vocal, or go find a job that will reward you for being you. Too often, people stay in a place where their skills are not fully realized, and you have to know the time to either walk in and ask for change or walk out.”

- Gerri Tunnell, SVP of Marketing, Dell 

“It’s OK to say no.”

- Stephanie Hallford, VP & GM, Business Client Platforms at Intel 

On starting a new venture…

“The part that I love about my job is the part after you’ve learned a bit but you don’t know everything, and you have just enough time to think about things in a really different way from everyone else.”

- Gerri Tunnell 

“Your setbacks are a setup for a really great comeback—and everybody loves a comeback. Look at it as an opportunity to innovate and build something new.”

- Rakia Reynolds

On inclusion in the industry...

“We need to look at what it means to be a black woman, or a gender-nonconforming person, or a disabled person in technology. Where that intersectional line happens is where we see the biggest gap. We can’t solve that unless with have a broader discussion around what inclusion and diversity looks like across the spectrum.”

- Kimberly Bryant

“We all have unconscious biases, and it’s so important to understand what those are so you can come from a place of understanding and action.”

- Gerri Tunnell

“Great leaders make other leaders. I’ve had people pour into me, and I’ve gotta pour support back into others.”

- Rakia Reynolds

Dell’s new XPS 13 is thin and light with an innovative top mounted HD webcam and has up to 21 hours of battery life. The XPS 13 is a beautiful and powerful product that helps powerful women get the job done.

On the future of tech...

“I want to see a young woman that has risen through the ranks of the tech industry and is the CEO of an emerging field. I want them to be able to break the barriers so much so that there won’t be a need for a Black Girls Code in the future.”

- Kimberly Bryant

“Young women are so socially-conscious about what they do and the mark they leave on the world. In the future, these women will be in places of power and will use technology for good.”

- Kimberly Bryant

CES 2019 was a hit and we were so happy to see so many of our Create & Cultivators there. This was our first time at the event and we’re so grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with Dell, who has been a real champion of women in the tech space. Same time next year? Sounds like a great plan to us! 

This post is sponsored by Dell.



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How to Ask Your Boss to Buy Your Create & Cultivate NY Ticket

It’s so worth it.

Tickets are going fast for C&C New York! Don’t have yours yet? Have you considered asking your boss to foot the bill?

While some companies have established budgets for career advancement training, many don’t. If you’re not so lucky, here’s how you can pitch your boss on the paying for your ticket to the NY conference.

RELATIONSHIPS THAT COUNT

The connections and relationships you’ll build at C&C are unparalleled. Where else can you interact with like-minded hustlers, smart CEOs, and boss ladies you’ve looked up to for years on such an intimate level? If you take advantage of the golden opportunities you’ll receive in New York—whether through our mentor sessions, keynote speaker tips, or mingling during happy hour—it could open a myriad of doors...not only for you, but for your company as well.

GETTING A FOOT IN THE DOOR EARLY

Relationships matter, but so does having your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in your industry. Sure, we’ve had keynote speakers like Jessica Alba, Rachel Zoe, and Chelsea Handler on our roster, but also smaller, lesser-known names your boss might not know...yet. This conference is your chance to get your foot in the door before anyone else, introducing you to people, ideas, and relationships you may not have heard of otherwise. Do your research on who’ll be at the conference, round up some stats, and present your boss with a good case of why you think it would be good to get on their radar.

STRAIGHT BUSINESS ADVICE

Sure, there is fun to be had—goodie bags and a power cocktail hour, to name a couple—but C&C gets down to business. The panel discussions offer direct takeaways: You’ll learn from the best in the biz, like Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Michelle Lee, Rebecca Minkoff, and other CEOs who will share the deets on how they built their businesses.

IMPORTANCE OF GETTING OFFSITE

If you spent most of 2018 behind a computer 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 BOOST

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 boost like no other. When you leave New York, you'll feel energized, empowered, and ready to dive back into your job with more fervor than ever. There’s something about the energy generated at C&C that gives attendees the focus and confidence they need to really assess and hone their strengths.

NAIL THE PRESENTATION

When you're presenting a new cost to your boss, it's crucial to nail down specifics relevant to your job. Find the speaker, panelist, or mentor that would be most beneficial to you, your team, and your company as a whole. Elaborate on how building a relationship with this person will be of merit to all three. Bosses are interested in ROI, so show them why it’s worth it.

You can find the link to buy tickets here.

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Our First-Ever Create & Cultivate Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to our three amazing winners!

We’re so excited to announce the winners of our first-ever Create & Cultivate Scholarship in partnership with Chandon! We selected three winners to attend each of our Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami conferences, with round-trip travel, a one-night stay, and a ticket for a friend. These women exemplify what it means to be an entrepreneur, and we were thrilled to host them at C&C! Here’s what we were looking for in a candidate:


1. The business is majority female-owned/female-led (majority defined as minimum 51%)

2. The business is U.S.A. founded + operated in at the time of application

3. The applicant is 21 years or older at time of application

4. The business revenues do not exceed $150K in year prior to application

5. The business has a defined purpose and mission and a specific use for the fundsH


And below are the lucky winners! Stay tuned to find out who will win $10,000 in funding for their business on behalf of Create & Cultivate and Chandon!

Samantha Santana

Samantha Santana Creative | Instagram

Tell us a little about your business and what makes it unique.

My business, Samantha Santana Wallpaper & Creative Studio, is a design studio in which I create photographic realistic and illustrated removable wallpapers and other goods. Many are created with real florals that I style in real space. I also provide custom design services to other small businesses and larger brands, helping them create wallpaper, packaging & branding artwork, photography, textile design, etc. Every aspect of my business right now is done through me. Design work, packaging, accounting, branding, social media, and, hopefully soon, printing. I am trying to save money and buy a printer. I would like to manufacture my own product out of my garage, to better control quality and lower my prices.

What makes my business unique is that I design everything in house with real flowers, as I use to be a florist. I sought to find a way to work with fresh florals without working in the event industry, and the idea for my style of surface patterns and artwork was born. I am so glad people really seem to like what I do!

How has attending Create & Cultivate helped you take your business to the next level?

Attending Create & Cultivate this past year has helped my take my business to the next level in multiple ways. Firstly, the application process for the Los Angeles scholarship program aided me in laying out my goals for the year and strategize how to achieve those goals. I expanded my product line and designed lots of new work. Secondly, the networking I was able to do at the Los Angeles Summit help me land multiple features in print and online publications, such as Origins Magazine and Thoughtfully Magazine. These publications help legitimize my work as a retailer and an artist, leading me to more sales and, more importantly, my biggest client yet. I can't share what business it is, but it is HUGE. Like, I was blown away this business wanted to work with me, and I can't wait to share that work and the wallpaper install in a few months. I really can not wait to see what the next year holds for me, and Create & Cultivate truly played a huge part in encouraging my hustle and expanding my business.

What are your goals for 2019?

My goals include launching 10-15 new removable peel & stick woven wallpaper patterns, launching a notebook, fabric and cell phone case line, and expanding my wholesale business. Ideally, I'd love if I could provide wholesale and drop shipment product for retailers to carry in their brick & mortar and online stores. Similarly, another goal of mine is to collaborate with other artist, innovators, and small business owners. I am currently working on a line of florist wallpaper collaborations, and dream of expanding to other artist as well. Likewise, I'd like to grow the licensing side of my business by finding a artist representative to share my work with other brands for use in their product lines. Lastly, I would like to generate enough income to hire one employee to help me with office management and my shipping department, so I can focus on creating new artwork and developing new wallpaper innovations and product lines.

When you look back at 2018, what is the most successful or exciting memory you recall?
Looking back on 2018, I have to say my most successful and exciting memory was the birth of my daughter, Juniper, with my husband, James. She is sitting in my lap right now grabbing the keyboard as I type! Juni has changed everything for me, and part of the reason now I work so hard to stay self-employed. I want to be available for her and someday show her all the cool work her mama produced while pregnant and through her first years. It has been so hard to be the primary caregiver while working, but it’s so worth the sacrifice. Second to birthing a human, I would say my most exciting memory was my hot air balloon ride with Create & Cultivate and Chandon. I was so terrified, but it turned out to be a magical experience (like riding a cloud). I truly have checked off a few bucket list items this year I had no idea I had!

How would a $10,000 grant help you take your business to the next level?

If I won $10,000 in funding, I would invest the money in 4 specific ways. First, I would expanding my wholesale inventory, which would gain me the ability to provide wallpaper and custom wallpaper lines to retailers. Secondly, I would hire an employee to help with business operations so I can focus on creating new artwork and product. Thirdly, I would invest in product development for notebooks, fabric, woven blankets, art prints, and phone cases. Lastly, I might also use the funds to purchase a new camera for my floral photography.

Afenya Montgomery

The iCan Collective | Instagram

Tell us a little about your business.

The iCAN Collective (innovation, collaboration, accountability, network) connects diverse entrepreneurs to resources that allow them to create, launch, and scale a business. We're a Chicago-based company curating premium events featuring successful business owners to share advice and their entrepreneurial journeys with attendees. We are all about creating meaningful content and experiences for diverse entrepreneurs, creatives and leaders. We're the only organization doing this work quite like this, with a focus on multicultural entrepreneurs! I want people to see representations of themselves in business, media, and corporate leadership in a way that they may have never seen before.

How has attending Create & Cultivate helped you take your business to the next level?

Attending Create & Cultivate was a game changer for me! I learned to really put myself out there. It's so easy to think that your idea is only a good one to you, but sharing with others like you makes all of the difference. Being surrounded by like-minded women that all wanted the same things out of life as me was so motivating. I listened to the fireside chat with Ben Silberman (Pinterest) and have been working on a strategy to use Pinterest to grow my reach and brand. I learned from Alli Webb (DryBar) how filling a gap in the market can be the key to a profitable business. During the Mentor Power Hour, I connected with Ebony Lee, Senior VP of Strategic Development at Comcast and was able to build a relationship that led to a potential partnership with her company. I met far too many amazing people to name, but I took away so many actionable tools, tips, and resources to lay foundation for an amazing 2019 and beyond. Create & Cultivate is for the woman who knows where they want to go and just needs some help getting there. The conference was EVERYTHING because you are able to hear the stories of people who started out just like you and have made so much impact in their businesses and careers. Being able to witness success on this level in such a relatable way lets you know it's possible, and that you can do it, too. I'm taking my business to the next level because C&C gave me more confidence, motivation, and inspiration to really go for it—to seriously go out there and get everything I am working towards. Attending this conference was a blessing, and I will keep going back!


“Create & Cultivate is for the woman who knows where they want to go and just needs some help getting there.”


What are your goals for 2019?

Creating a more solid business foundation, increasing digital content, growing my community and increasing brand awareness, increasing revenue through sponsorships and creating additional income streams (products and services).

When you look back at 2018, what is the most successful or exciting memory you recall?

One of the most exciting moments in my life, period, was winning this scholarship. That's a given!  

Looking back on 2018, I am proud of myself for launching my new #GoalGetHer initiative and hosting my second-annual conference. #GoalGetHer is not only an inspirational hashtag, but also an event series supporting women (and men) in building viable businesses. These events empower, inspire, and motivate attendees to embrace their gifts, conquer goals, and create a foundation for building successful businesses. The November conference created a safe space for people to learn from each other, share ideas, and build strong networks through collaboration. Following [C&C CEO] Jaclyn's journey has really helped me strengthen my own business skills, get an even thicker skin, and push through obstacles to make IT happen. 2018 has been about finding my strengths and being strategic about creating a brand that's built to last. All of the year's wins and losses have been about learning more than anything else. I'm grateful for every single experience.

How would a $10,000 grant help you take your business to the next level?

I would use the funding to support the efforts of my new #GoalGetHer series. We recently launched this series of events that focuses on conquering goals, creating your own opportunities and building lasting businesses and brands. I HAVE to keep providing this content for men and women that need it and this funding will help me do just that.

Sasha Flynn

Adore Adorn | Instagram

Tell us a little about your business.

Adore Adorn is a direct-to-consumer e-commerce jewelry brand. I personally design every piece. The brand was built on a set of 10 mantras that exist to keep us in check and add something to the world—rather than take away. Fashion can be ephemeral these days, but we like to think that the natural materials used in jewelry has an opposite effect. I know that I hold an incredible amount of power within my creativity. For my customer, every fashionable expression is documentation that they have a choice to purchase with purpose. Adore Adorn works directly with our suppliers to source goods that are sustainable and crafted with love. We do our best to not overwhelm the planet with too much stuff as we are small batch, and sometimes custom-only. We design to last. We provide keepsakes that can be held within your lifetime and carried on, if chosen.

How has attending Create & Cultivate helped you take your business to the next level?

The Vision Summit was all about believing and creating. For me, I found the most value in being amongst peers who spoke on the panel, as well as meeting some great women during the networking sessions. I reached a point earlier this year where I was really stuck with my social media persona... I felt like I was having a hard time getting my message across and I realized it was because I didn't feel I could authentically share the place I was in. My year consisted of putting my head down and working, with no fun stuff like traveling and socializing. I took my personal Instagram page down for about 4 months, and I allowed my marketing assistant to work on Adore Adorn's social media pages, solely. I couldn't figure it out—but I was just "over it." The summit felt like the opposite of what I'd been feeling. I connected with creatives that were “doing the work" on social media and truly creating results. The messages from the panels let me know that everyone struggled with it from time to time, but that consistency and staying true to who you really are‚even if that only reaches a niche audience—is what will make your presence stick. Of course, I shot a lot of content on that day, and I have since been a lot more actively engaged. I think the summit gave me fresh eyes to realize that I wanted who I am online to match who I already feel I am, offline. So, thank you!

What are your goals for 2019?

In 2019, we hope to offer our mid-luxury goods to a wider range of consumers that enjoy personalization and customization. We think jewelry is the perfect way to offer goods that are unique to the consumer. Jewelry, by nature, has the ability to last for generations. The story of a piece can be passed down amongst loved ones without ever reaching the "grave." With the direct-to-consumer model, we will have the opportunity to maintain closer customer relations and build something that is truly meaningful.

When you look back at 2018, what is the most successful or exciting memory you recall?

2018 was CRAZY demanding! I opened a showroom in Atlanta, GA this year. It took me almost 6 months to design the space and make it fit within the brand aesthetic. I worked with Savannah College of Art and Design to hire recent graduates across 4 different majors to assist in the process and help elevate my brand. The showroom is an intimate space where customers can come in and design made-to-order custom jewelry and enjoy the experience of learning about natural stones, crystals, energy, and so much more. We partnered with WeWork to open a showroom in their Buckhead location. They have been so gracious to allow us to completely customize the space to fit the Adore Adorn brand. The entire experience has been one for the books, but above all, reaching new people to spread our message has been the best part. We just have so much that we'd like to share, which is why I was extremely excited to close out the year with Create & Cultivate, along with the potential of a business scholarship.

How would a $10,000 grant help you take your business to the next level?

We hope to use the $10,000 in funding for marketing the unique stories of creative women across the United States. We are story-tellers at heart and hope to build a documentary/content segment that highlights women that are using their life experiences and know-how to build companies that are unique and marketed towards the smart consumer (such as the Adore Adorn target consumer). We hope to fund a marketing campaign that allows the world to see these non-celebrity and non-influencer women for the strength and humanity that they have built in their respective industry.

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Ask The CEO: Should You Go Into Business With Your Partner?

Communication is the foundation of a great relationship, work or otherwise.

In 2009, Courtney Nichols Gould left her job as a tech startup executive, moved to Los Angeles, and took a beat to think about what she wanted to do next. While in LA, she reconnected with an old colleague, Gordon Gould, who was researching how nutrition affects children’s brain health. The two joined forces and launched SmartyPants, a vitamin company with a sharp focus on high-quality ingredients, affordability, and great taste. Coincidentally, she and Gordon also fell in love and got married, so her business partner is now her real-life partner, too.

We checked in with Courtney on her biggest hurdles, best advice, and what it’s like to run a multimillion-dollar business with her spouse.

How did you step into the wellness space?

SmartyPants started out as a conversation among friends and shared struggles in finding an elegant, high-quality, palatable, and affordable solution to gaps in our diets and our family’s diets. Initially, we just wanted to launch a comprehensive solution for parents, but as soon as we launched our “baby” online back in 2011, we heard from so many parents that they wished we would make a comprehensive supplement for them to use as well. We realized the problem we were trying to tackle was great. Any problem takes time, attention, and likely money to solve, so being able to put all that energy toward solving a problem for a much larger group of people moved our interest to an all-out obsession that has been the engine for our growth—both in the number of customers and retailers we serve (from Amazon to Whole Foods to Costco) to the number of grant recipients we reach through our work with Vitamin Angels (8 million grants and counting!).

If you could go back to year one, what piece of advice would you give to yourself?

Every unpredictable nightmare increases your company’s capacity to handle its much bigger future—which turns a negative into a very big positive.


What do you think are some of the biggest hurdles in the wellness space today?

I think the scariest one is the “everyone is an expert” issue. Wellness has become one of the biggest growth areas for investment, which means a ton of money is flooding in, so ill-founded ideas can get resources. That might have negative consequences for investors in a field like fashion or mattresses, but in a field that intervenes with someone’s health, consequences are felt by the end user themselves. Combining that growth with primarily online sales without the kind of checks that retailers require (proof that you are testing and producing your products in accordance with FDA guidance) can create the very real risk that someone could become hurt, which is bad for all of us.

“Having someone in the trenches with you, husband or not, is critical to make sure you are leading with your best ideas.”

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What is the best part of having a Co-CEO? And what’s it like working with your husband?

Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely and stressful business. Having someone in the trenches with you, husband or not, is critical to make sure you are leading with your best ideas. Bouncing things off each other ensures more rigor around your thinking and also means you can have a bad day and someone else can help step in and vice versa. Most of the great businesses I admire have a team at the helm. Working with your significant other can be hard, and it can be amazing! It’s all about communication. We feel really lucky to have been able to build this business together and for our kids to witness the amount of work required to build something from scratch.

Do you have any advice for women who are considering getting into business with their partners?

Make sure you have different skill sets. It works for us because we have very different areas of expertise. I run the business with a focus on product design from beginning to end, and he is our chief data scientist with a strong expertise in e-commerce—the foundation of our business.

What about your job makes you feel the most complete?

Being able to see that we are having a real impact: Through providing a better product to our customers; by showing other companies they can make better choices and still be profitable, which helps to change the industry as a whole; and by putting a matching grant in place with Vitamin Angels before we launched. That allows us to have a much bigger impact than we ever thought possible.

Where do you see the wellness and vitamins industries in the next 5 years?

I think you will see an increasing focus on quality and efficacy and a lot of new and interesting formats to drive compliance. With a lot of investment dollars out there, there will be plenty of competition, and that’s always a good thing for the end user.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

  1. Never do or say anything you wouldn’t want to see printed on the front of the New York Times.

  2. It’s how you make the hard decisions—that no one will ever know about—that shows you where your integrity lies.

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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

 

McDonald's 

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.

VANS

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. 

WeddingWire

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!  

OGX

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. 

Nordstrom Beauty

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

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!

Vital Proteins

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

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.

Microsoft Teams

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. 

ShopStyle

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!

Sexy Hair

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

Serena & Lily

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.

RX Bar

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.

LUNA

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.

Mary Kay

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.

Health-Ade

#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

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.

cabi

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.

Biossance

Don’t compromise your beauty routine. Sample some of Biossance's best-selling products IRL and get glowed up before the day is over. 

Living Proof

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.

Oui By Yoplait

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.

La Croix

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.

Volvo

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.

Pinterest

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.

Stumptown Coffee

Create & Caffeinate all day long. Stay energized all day with endless coffee breaks from Stumptown.

OLLY

Self Care ladies! Time to take care of yourself and sample some OLLY vitamins and snap cute pics with fellow attendees.

 

The Grub

Harvest Juicery

Stay hydrated throughout the day with fresh juices courtesy of Harvest Juicery. 

DINE|AMIC GROUP

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.

Vince Camuto

Find out why Vince Camuto wants the “The world at your feet.”  Snap a pic at their swoon-worthy photo moment. 

BIC® Soleil® razors

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?"

Tweet this. 

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."

Tweet this.

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."

Tweet this. 

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."

Tweet this. 

 

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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."

Tweet this. 

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."

Tweet this.  

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."

Tweet this. 

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."

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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 .

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!

Mary Kay Beauty Stations

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.

OLLY

Stop by the OLLY Vitamin bar to learn more about how taking your essential vitamins keep your beauty game on point.

OGX Hair

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!

MoroccanOil

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!

Olive+June

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!

Mane Addicts

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. 

Halston

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.

WEN

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!

Audible

"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.

LensCrafters

#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!

Otterbox

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!

 

 

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