Style Guides: The Colorful Content Queen Bri Emery

It's been said that "Good clothes open all doors," and perhaps no one knows this to be true more than the entrepreneur—which is why we're kicking off Style Guides, our new series on women who've merged business and fashion sense to build seriously stylish careers. These icons understand that personal style is a lot more than just what you put on in the morning. Rather, it's how you present yourself, define your brand and stand out in a crowded space. So stop, look and listen.—PRESENTED BY TOPSHOP

Bri Emery is an art director based in Los Angeles, CA and the creative director behind the lifestyle blog and design studio, Design Love Fest (where she hosts regular workshops for creatives). She’s lent her creativity countless brand campaigns and brings her knack for bright colors and composition to life on her popular Instagram feed. 

Instagram: @designlovefest

Wearing: Topshop checkered trousers, Striped Daisy Trim Tee, Neon Floral Jacket

First 3 apps you check in the morning (in order)?

Mail, Instagram, Calenmob

What's next on your to-do list? 

I am planning the designloveFESTIVAL, which is happening on October 24th!

What’s your earliest internet memory?

Lots of AOL chat boxes and my terrible guessshopr29 screenname!

What was a breakthrough moment in your career?

When I quit my full-time job and took a leap of faith that this blogging world would work out for me!

You've been granted a 2-week, all expenses paid vacation: Where do you go?

Greece and Turkey are next on my list! Just Google “natural baths in Turkey”—it’s unreal.

Who would be your dream person to call up for business advice?

Tina Fey

What's the next creative project you'd like to tackle?

I’m starting to get into product collaborations and definitely interested in doing more of them!

What's your go-to look on the job? Off-duty?

My work outfit isn’t that different from my off-duty look! I prefer a pair of black or patterned cropped trousers with a simple striped tee and white Vans.

"Why are we working so hard if we can’t pause for a second and be proud of our efforts!?"

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Any words of advice for fellow creative hustlers?

When you are a hustler, I think it’s easy to forget to enjoy your successes. I know for me, I will finish a big project and immediately start thinking about what’s next. Why are we working so hard if we can’t pause for a second and be proud of our efforts!? We should all do that more often.

Your 3 most-used emojis?

Heart, Crying-laugh, Dancing Girl

Photos by Calvin Lim, @killacalshoots 

Link Up: What we're reading, watching & lovin'

From "Why Live Streaming is the Future of Fashion Week" on Racked.com

Your weekend reading material right here: Everyone goes to fashion week, anti-fashion is still fashion, The Rock saves puppies; and following your head or your heart.

Why Live Streaming Is The Future of Fashion Week: With IMG is streaming 51 shows, this will be the most watched NYFW yet.

Why Americans Dress So Casually: A fashion historian's interesting and academic take on why everyone's in sweatpants.

Amuse: i-D magazine x Vice's new platform. They state that nobody's perfect, but this new site is pretty close. We're obsessed with all of their content.

Choose Your Own Adventure Instagrams: These are our account director Drea's jam right now. She got sucked into one Weiden + Kennedy created for Old Spice, and also recommends Rick and Morty Rickstaverse. Play on your phone to get the full experience.

We're Not Nearly As Busy as We Pretend to Be: Something to think about, and will FOMO soon be replaced by JOMO, the joy of missing out.

The Rock rescues drowning puppies: Cements status as world's favorite person ever.

Are you a head person or a heart person?: How you answer could say a lot about you.

What emotionally intelligent people don't do: Including indulging in indignant passivity and not recognizing indifference.

What Everyone Thinks It's Like To Start a Successful Startup: When do we get bought?

Listen Up: 5 of Our Favorite Podcasts

The last few days here in Los Angeles have been super hot. The kind of hot that makes even the smallest task seem complicated, sweaty and entirely un-doable. We've been passing the time by cracking non-stop cans of Lacroix, sitting in front of a cranked-to-the-max AC and listening to podcasts. Here, five favorites that are helping us keep our cool.

99 Percent Invisible

Based out of Oakland, 99 Percent Invisible was created and is hosted by Roman Mars, a radio veteran with an impossibly cool name. Ostensibly, design is the thread that runs through each episode, but the topics are far-flung and anchored around interesting stories, complex personalities and objects you might be familiar with, but have never really thought about. 

Favorite episodes: The Mystery House, Palm Reading, PDX Carpet

Reply-All

A podcast about something near and dear to our hearts: the internet. Dun-dun-duh! But rather than only discussing trends and technological advances, Reply-All looks at how people use the internet and unearths often hilarious, often heartbreaking stories, about how the internet permeates our lives. 

Favorite episodes: Craigslist, Jennicam Revisited, The Man Who Refused to Email

Millennial

As the title suggests, this podcast is about being in your '20s and all the good—and bad—times that come with it. Host Megan Tan recants her millennial struggles in real time, and whether she's listening to Jay-Z to hype herself up while applying to jobs or laying bare the truth that going after your dreams isn't always sexy, the show is nonstop 'I've been there' moments.

Favorite Episodes: Brunchies, Nothing To Lose

Rerun

Though it's only three episodes old, Rerun has the potential to become one of our go-tos, as it's a cannonball into the nostalgia pool. In each episode, Buzzfeed Executive Editor Doree Shafrir taps a special guest to rehash and discuss a special episode of a classic (think classically trashy or classically nostalgic) television show. So far, they're batting 1000 with Freaks and Geeks (co-hosted by Tavi Gevinson, no less), Daria and America's Next Top Model. 

Call Your Girlfriend

Billed as "a podcast for long distances besties everywhere," Call Your Girlfriend is girl talk of the highest order. You want reviews about period underwear? They've got it! What if you don't care about underwear, but really want a review of the Taylor Swift tour? Well, they've got that too. Hosted by two of our favorite ladies on the internet, Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow, this is like chatting it up with your BFFs—who just happen to know everything.

Favorite episodes: Appropriate Emoji, Comfortably Chic,

Did we miss any that you love? We want to know! Let us know what you've been listening to in the comments below and we'll check 'em out. 

Professional Opinion: Maxie McCoy on When—and How—to Take a Sabbatical

Have you ever had a moment of such intense frustration that your mind wandered to ditching it all, putting your things in storage, moving to a foreign country to just be, and create. You probably shrugged it off as totally illogical. Completely impossible. Crazy. And irresponsible. But what you should really do the next time your mind goes there is go for it. Literally do it. Take the leap.

Around this time last year, a version of this happened to me. I had a dream business I wanted to launch. Everything else seemed like a block to it. A loud whisper told me to go. Instead of pushing it down, I gave it a microphone. And I went—to the other side of the world to Bali—where I created the foundation for my now very real dream. The next time you get the urge, call or screaming whisper to take some significant time away, re-read the answers to these questions, because they're probably the very same questions that are holding you back. 

What if I don't have enough in the bank?

I didn’t either. Truly. When I thought about needing to go away and jumpstart my dream, it was the last thing I had thought about or financially planned for. But then I learned the power of “and” by getting over my own fear. I learned it didn’t have to be one or the other—I could work a bit and still go away to work on my dream. I talked through it with a team that I loved, and had work I was grateful for. It was a win-win for everyone.

If that’s not realistic, then create a plan for what you would need. Having lived in a dream-place like Bali, it’s amazing how much less you need for your day to day. Get out an excel sheet. See what you’re working with. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised.

Having space will provide clarity beyond anything you can imagine.

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What would I do solo for so long?

Everything. Nothing. Anything. You might surf. Or write. Or better yet create the foundation for your future business. Hire an intern to help you move things along. Finally sit down to create the business plan. Meditate. Stare at the ceiling. Having space will provide clarity beyond anything you can imagine. You’ll get into the groove of uninhibited creativity. And it’ll be momentum that will carry you and your dream work forward.

No matter what you do, you’ll learn what it means to find happiness and comfort from within. You’ll learn to rely on yourself for the comforts you need, instead of your usual external go-tos. And you’ll likely meet a lot of friends along the way, whether you stay close to home or travel to a faraway continent.

Will people think I’m crazy?

Totally possible. I’m sure many people thought I was. But the right people got it. And that’s what matters. Largely, people who are openly judgemental are simply experiencing something within themselves as they watch you go after something awesome.

And regardless of who judges, and who raises an eyebrow, I can promise you this: When you return, everyone will want to talk to you. You’ll be the business launch that has a very fun story. And you’ll have an experience so important to the development of your soul and your work in this world that what 'they' think is rockingly irrelevant.

Everyone needs some space. Space to breathe. To dance. And most importantly to dream. There’s no better place to jumpstart your future than on a sabbatical.

Maxie McCoy is the energy designer of Maxie, where she shares soul wisdom on the digital video series #maxie and her weekly writings. Maxie offers soul sessions, workshops, one-on-one coaching, and words of wisdom you really shouldn't miss. If you want your spiritual and emotional IQ shooting to the stars, follow along at maxiemccoy.com. 

Style Guides: The Minimalist Modernist Jayne Min

It's been said that "Good clothes open all doors," and perhaps no one knows this to be true more than the entrepreneur—which is why we're kicking off Style Guides, our new series on women who've merged business and fashion sense to build seriously stylish careers. These icons understand that personal style is a lot more than just what you put on in the morning. Rather, it's how you present yourself, define your brand and stand out in a crowded space. So stop, look and listen.—PRESENTED BY TOPSHOP

Our obvious first choice to profile was Jayne Min. After starting her career in streetwear, Jayne captured a loyal following through her blog, Stop It Right Now, where she showed off her monochrome color palette, a knack for pairing high-end labels with skate sneakers, and a fluid androgyny that was the epitome of tomboy chic.  Now, she works on both sides of the camera creative directing, styling, designing, and then some for brands such as Stella McCartney, Moda Operandi, Calvin Klein and Marni. We caught up with Jayne, gave her a few pieces from Topshop, and she gave us a piece of her mind.

Instagram: @STOPITRIGHTNOW

Wearing: Topshop white cropped trousers & funnel neck top

What are the first 3 apps you check in the morning (in order)? 

Mail, Calendar, Notifications 

What's next on your to-do list?

Volunteering at shelters!

What’s your earliest internet memory?

AOL chat rooms

What was a breakthrough moment in your career?

In my design career, finally designing at my teenhood dream skate company (Emerica). In my internet career, being featured in Vogue for the first time in the September issue 2012.

You've been granted a 2-week, all expenses paid vacation: Where do you go?

I would either do a Europe tour of London, Berlin, Antwerp, Copenhagen; an Asia tour of Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong; or go with my dad to climb Kilimanjaro again.

Who would be your dream person to call up for business advice and why?

Not specifically for business but for general career and family balance advice, probably Phoebe Philo. Obviously she's widely loved for her designs, but I admire and respect her as a working family woman. It's aspirational.

"I admit I've pushed it a few times wearing bathrobes around the office."

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What's your go-to look on the job? Off-duty?

Comfort is everything, on and off duty. I've been fortunate to have had a career that didn't require me to have a separate work closet. Being a designer in the skate apparel industry, I was always free to wear whatever I wanted. I admit I've pushed it a few times wearing bathrobes around the office. AC in the workplace is a serious issue. You'll rarely ever catch me in a skirt.

Any words of advice for fellow creative hustlers? 

Have respect for your profession and take the time to learn the craft and learn from and respect your predecessors. And never think you're above anything.

3 most-used emojis?

Heart, Devil, Poop

Photos by Calvin Lim, @killacalshoots 

Get Psyched: 5 Female Entrepreneurs Share Their Mantras

Last week when we were watching the VMAs, one moment stood out to us more than any others—and no, it wasn't one of Miley's outfits. Instead, it was when Demo Lovato told herself "I am enough" right before going on stage for her rockstar performance. We've all had those moments—where we need a little extra encouragement—which was why it was so refreshing to see that huge pop stars have them, too. In solidarity with Demi, we tapped five of our favorite female entrepreneurs to tell us what they tell themselves when the going gets rough.

"Find the beauty."

I work on so many different projects and in so many different fields that I had to learn early in life to make every single thing around me beautiful. 

Veronica Valencia, The Design Hunters 

"Be appreciative."

Everyday I always remind myself to show appreciation to everyone I interact with, whether it's someone who works for me or someone I take a meeting with. Showing a kindness and especially gratitude always goes such a long way. Making someone feel good about an accomplishment definitely adds positivity to an ordinary day! 

Julianne Goldmark, Co-Founcer Emi-Jay, Inc. 

"You don't get ahead by playing it safe."

Take risks, but be ready to live with the repercussions as plans do backfire. Innovation means it's never been done before. Of course you have no idea what you're doing, just don't let anyone else know. 

Rachel Tipograph, Founder & CEO MikMak 

"I love you."

It’s one of the only things that puts it all in perspective for me. At the end of the day (or beginning or middle), if I can say “I love you” to myself and mean in it, nothing else really matters.

Emily Greener, Co-Founder/CEO I Am That Girl

"Life is all about taking risks, and how boring would it be to live a life where you weren't doing things that terrified you and took you way out of your element?" 

This is what I tell myself when I'm psyching myself up for a big project, TV appearance or speaking engagement. Then it's pretty easy to remember why I do what I do, no matter how many freakin' butterflies I have in my stomach. 

Jordan, The Balanced Blonde

Do you have a mantra you love? Share it in the comment section below!

Read Up: Create & Cultivate Book Club

We could wax on forever about the virtues of books: they're portable, they feel good in your hands, they look good in your apartment, they give you a chance to get off the internet—and most importantly—you learn something. That's why we're kicking off Create & Cultivate Book Club! Each month, we'll pick a book (we're also open to suggestions!) and invite you to read along, and in a couple of weeks, we'll check back in to see what you think. At the end of the month, we'll wrap it up and discuss how/if the book was applicable to us and what we were able to apply.

Our first book is The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna. A designer who worked at startups such as Medium, Uber and Mailbox, Elle left her full-time job to become an artist, and first wrote about should and must on Medium. In the hugely popular essay, she defined 'should' as "how others want us to show up in the world" and 'must' as "what happens when we stop conforming to other people's ideals and start connecting to our own." These two concepts are recognizable to anyone who's ever felt like their career didn't match up to who they were, and especially to any entrepreneur who's ever decided to pursue their passion only to hear "Here's what you should do..." a million times. 

Through writing, quotes, and illustrations, Elle takes the reader through her journey and offers tips and tools for recognizing the shoulds and musts in their own lives. 

We're excited to dive in! If you're reading along, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below or @ us with #ccreadup.

Press Play: Create & Cultivate CHI Recap

Create & Cultivate Chicago 2015 from create cultivate on Vimeo.

Now that we've fully recovered from #createcultivateCHI, all we can think is again again again! But until next time, we'll have to make due with this video, which brings some of the amazing speakers, awesome people, good times, inspiring moments—and donuts—together again. 

Get more to-go inspo from #createcultivateCHI here, and sign up for our newsletter here to find out where we're headed to next! (Hint: We'll be announcing our next destination this month!)

Create, Cultivate, & Do: Robin Arzon

We're natural born creators and cultivators, which means we're always on the move. Doing what we love, doing what we need to get to that next step, and doing what we can to help others.

That's why when Sara Haile, creator of People Who Do reached out to collaborate on a series celebrating those "who do," we were totally game. We continue the series with lawyer-turned-athlete and co-founder of Undo Ordinary magazine, Robin Arzon. Get to know the powerhouse below. —PC 

People Who Do: Robin Arzon

by Sara Haile

Name, username, craft(s): Robin Arzon

Street athlete, former lawyer turned ambassador of sweat, Head instructor at Peloton, Co-founder of UNDOORDINARY.

To date, what accomplishments (of any kind) are you most proud of?

There are honestly so many and I’m really proud to say that. I was a corporate lawyer for seven years, I just trekked through the Serengeti with nothing but a machete, I survived being held hostage, I run over 100 miles a week. I mean, if we’re not doing things to make us proud I think we have an obligation to re-create ourselves. Thankfully my list continues to grow.

Your motivating mantra to get through tough moments: 

That’s a good question. The mantra I use most regularly is “I am.” I use that a lot when I’m running. 

What’s your favorite thing you’ve learned so far this year?

Probably that survival is really an innate instinct and that we’re always capable of a little bit more. 

What’s your favorite lesson you’ve ever learned, ever?

To take ownership of your scars. I think taking ownership of our flaws and things that have maybe dinged us throughout the way is a better approach.

What's your go-to song to put you in a better mood?

Hip-hop is my thing. If I had to pick one album it would be Wu Tang Clan's "36 Chambers," and as for an artist and song, Beyoncé's “Upgrade You.”

Favorite method for logging any kind of inspiration: 

My social media platforms, mostly Instagram.  

You lead such amazingly creative and forward-thinking projects that have a great following within the digital space. What’s the biggest thrill that you get from them?

The biggest thrill I get from leading a public life as an athlete is seeing the look in other people when they realize that they can do it too. I find that there’s something really powerful about the community of athletes who have arisen in the past five years, which is based on regular people doing extraordinary things. I see that all the time in my riders and runners and people who train with me, and the biggest thrill of leading that life publicly is watching people individually grasp that narrative too. I respect people who put inspiration into action because I otherwise don’t really see the point of any of these kind of hash-taggy social media things. If you’re not bringing it into your own life and doing something to tell your own story, then that’s a real shame…

"put inspiration into action."

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What is one thing that is so satisfying in your career that you wouldn't be able to do if you had chosen another career path? 

I was a lawyer for a long time and I’m certain that I wouldn’t be able to push and pull my own body weight like I do now if I hadn’t chosen to become an athlete. That’s different from being physically fit and more about owning your space in the world. 

Three words that you want to be remembered by:

Do epic shit.

What’s the next goal?

I'm writing my book right now which will be published next summer, and I’m really excited about my documentary, Run It Out. My next goal as an athlete is to do my first triathlon, and then I plan on running across the whole country soon.

By "do-ing", you create your own unique legacy. What do you want that to be? 

I would hope that my legacy is seen through the lens of strength. I think that I am someone who believes in writing really powerful stories with how we move and act and think, and I hope my legacy is one that inspires people to do that in their own life. 

See more (and more of Robin) at People Who Do. And stayed tuned for more from PWD on C+C in the coming weeks. 

Freelance photographer Sara Haile has always seen the importance of pursuing creative ideas of any kind. She created People Who Do to highlight the importance of balancing creativity with motion, and to show a deep appreciation for the motivation it takes to show up and excel at your craft. 

Press Play: Create & Cultivate Chicago 2015

Create & Cultivate is an online platform and conference series for female entrepreneurs in the digital space. On August 15th, 2015 we brought the show on the road to Chicago, IL! We hosted our keynote speaker, Garance Dore, alongside amazing female entrepreneurs like Whitney Port, Hannah Bronfman, PS I made this, Cara Santana, The Barefoot Blonde, Geri Hirsch, Margo & Me, Nadia Abhoulson and so much more. Learn more below!

Do It For The Gram: Tips For The Best Instagram Feed

The Creative Class

For a lot of us, Instagram can be our weapon of choice when it comes to dominating the social media game. Unlike Twitter and Facebook, it is one of the social media channels where you can express yourself or your brand creatively and really put best foot forward when it comes to building a great aesthetic. 

To gather a bit of inspiration, we end up following some amazing Instagrammers in hopes of following their creative footsteps, but how do some brands and Instagrammers maintain some of the freshest looking feeds that you can scroll through forever? We've taken some notes from some of our favorite Instagrammers, and took note at what really makes a perfectly-produced Instagram.

Choose Your Floor

@jaclynrjohnson

@airbnb

@rosaalyn_

This is your foundation and your destination. Where do you want to be in your post? A minimalistic warehouse with concrete floors? A 5 star hotel bathroom with marble counters? A coffee shop with beautiful blue tile? Keep your eyes peeled on the floor because that can be one of the best assets to your photo when shooting from above.

Add Texture

@feralcreature

@bashpartygoods

Have a variety of textures and fabrics on hand to add dimension - be it fur (or faux-fur) , turkish towels, decorative pillows, lace...the list goes on. For food styling, feel free to scatter a few crumbs around the food to make it feel more natural, and adding some dish towels or utensils helps too! Don't be afraid to get messy!

Lighting Is Key

@takubeats

@jess_hannah

Lighting is by far the most important aspect of your photo. Always shoot your subject near a window, door, or even outside where there is an abundance of natural light. Sometimes, it helps to crawl to the corners of the house below the windows to get the best lit areas. And for the best lighting during the day? Make sure to take advantage of the golden hour before sunset for some of the dreamiest natural lighting. 

Give some props to your props

@daniirey

@bonnietsang

@orionvanessa

Throw in some plants, leaves, gems, magazines, candles, etc.. It always pays to stock up on trendy Instagrammable props to make your feed more beautifully composed. Plus, more props means more stuff to add to an amazing flatlay!

Use your iPhone's focus

By holding your finger down on the screen until a white box appears. Use this to center in on a focal point. Then slide your finger up and down to adjust the exposure (hint - it's easier to correct over exposed photos than underexposed).

Landscape vs. square photo

@jess_hannah

@monicamoraru

If you want your feed to be consistent, make sure to either stick to filling the entire square on your posts, or doing landscape with white borders on the top and bottom. Whatever you choose, make sure it looks thoughtfully planned out and composed, and not like you just threw up a photo on your feed because you had to. (Patterns are key!) However, with Instagram's amazing new update released this week: you can post landscape photos without it ruining your entire feed if you use the entire frame! Huzzah! 

Color Palette

@amy_stone

@vanessacesario_

Some of the best Instagram feeds done an impeccable job at using the same color palatte, and not having any off-theme colors throw off their feed. Sticking to two to three dominant colors on your feed will make your Instagram much more alluring, which will definitely rack in the likes and the follows from people who will be inspired by your feed.

Quotation Marks: Create & Cultivate CHI

Our team is still buzzing from all the energy, creativity, and general great advice we collected at #createcultivateCHI. The photos are in, so are some fun videos, and we've rounded up a few of our (and your!) favorite takeaways from the conference below. Feel free to repost, share, create, and cultivate! 

Make sure you're signed up for our newsletter to be the first to know about our next date + location (we're announcing it verrry soon)! Can't wait to do it again.

start each day by sending a selfless email—no networking or plan-making, just a friendly check-up.

melisse gelula of well + good

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there's room at the top for everyone; it's harder to get there all by yourself.

Emily Jackson of The Ivory Lane (tweet this)

the things you say no to define you more than the things that you say yes to.

Garance Doré (tweet this)

How was your day at #createcultivateCHI? We love hearing from you and rounded up some of your posts below. Keep 'em coming!

The Balanced Blonde

Kelly Zugay

Social Life Chicago

Blair Curiosity

Who What Wear

Only for the Sweetest

Between Two Coasts

Gold Hatted Lover

Shopstyle Collective

Corri McFadden

In Honor of Design

the12ishstyle

A Glam Lifestyle

Everyday Cuvee

Lovely Little Style

The Curly Diaries

Whitney Port

Public Lives Secret Recipes

Enter To Win A #CreateCultivateCHI VIP Gift Bag!

Did you miss out on #CreateCultivateCHI? Don't fret! We're giving a chance to ALL of our newsletter subscribers to win one of our Chicago VIP gift bags!

Here's just a taste of the brands that you can expect in our gift bag:

-Simple Skincare
-Physicians Formula
-Say Yes To Carrots
-OPI Products
-Topshop
-Stemology Beauty
-Paul Mitchell
-White Elephant Designs
-Pure Barre
-Corkcicle
-Soulcycle
-Kevin Murphy
-Library Of Flowers
-Vrai and Oro
-Fromm Beauty
-Everbelle Co.
-A Drink With
-Kendra Scott
-This Is Ground
-Pointe Studio
-Richer Poorer
-Skillshare
-DreamDry
-Mira Fitness
-General Assembly
-Wild Ophelia
-The Dress Movement
-Hello
-Frank Body

To enter, click here to sign up for our newsletter and you'll be automatically entered!

Already signed up? Don't worry - you're entered into the drawing too!

Giveaway ends September 1st, 2015 (11:59 PM PST)! Winner will be contacted September 2nd, 2015!

Good luck! 

Work Notes: Textile Designer Ellisha Alexina

Textile designer Ellisha Alexina in her studio

While restoring hand-painted silk scarves for Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, Ellisha Alexina was inspire to turned her fascination with art, fabrics, and history, into a full-fledged textile business. 

After experimenting with the effects of layering watercolors and natural plant dyes on textiles, Ellisha developed her own mixed media process that blends screen-printing and hand-painting, winning over clients like Johnny Depp and garnering critical success—all before her 30th birthday. Here, the 26-year-old shows us her studios and shares her notes on making it work. —JM

 

On getting started

I launched my first textile collection in Fall 2013. I have always had an inclination toward textiles, design, and working with my hands. It was my final year in college when I discovered a way to print fabric by hand painting on silkscreens, and became drawn to the technique.

After college, I opened my studio in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Mentorship was essential in the beginning stages and I found a great one in Peter Fasano. When building my studio, we would meet and discuss the industry, inspiration, and the handmade process of textiles, and Peter introduced me to other designers in the trade which was extremely helpful.

On her breakout moment

Having the first collection accepted into the Holland & Sherry New York showroom has been one of the most rewarding experiences so far. I loved their showroom and remember calling them directly and managed to schedule a meeting to show my work. It was so nerve wracking, since I knew they'd never heard of me! At the meeting, I could tell they were really intrigued, and about a week later I received an email saying the brand had been accepted for representation. That moment was groundbreaking for the company, and me personally.

Inside Ellisha's studio

On Challenges

Balancing the business needs along with the creative side has been the most challenging experience so far. I am always wanting to create new designs, new methods, and new fabrics—that's what I'm drawn to as an artist. I find myself always asking two questions: "what's next?" and "how?" I think a lot about evolving the brand, but I also realize that rapid growth in the beginning stages isn't actually always what's best.

On Lessons Learned

I have learned about the importance of discipline, keeping focus, and having a clear vision to build a solid foundation. With that said, I just launched my second collection in May, which I'm very excited about. I have been exploring product design as well as a collection of wallpaper. While I can't wait to see where this all goes, I'm constantly reminding myself to take note of the beauty of daily achievements. It can be easy to lose sight of when you're always thinking ahead.

“take note of the beauty of daily achievements...it’s easy to lose sight when you’re always looking ahead.”

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Advice to others getting into the textile business

My best advice is to keep true to your perspective. There is a world of prints, colors, patterns, scale, and decisions out there. Don't let what other people have done alter your style. Your vision is the most important to keep while creating a fabric collection. Inspiration and an understanding of trends is important, but you need to find a way to use those only as a tool to help you create and not let them overpower your originality as a designer.

On her process

The most natural aspect of design to me is creating movement within the pattern. When developing a print, I often start with a blank piece of drawing paper and black pen. I use my inspiration and references to guide the style of the print I am creating. While looking at my references, I create a simple black and white drawing. I do this over and over, rhythmically, until I have achieved something that bounces to the eye. Adding color to the print and choosing color stories takes me a lot of time. Part of me thinks it is because I gravitate toward neutral colors, so adding too much saturation changes my vision of the print. I have to set strict deadlines for these kinds of decisions, otherwise I would never choose!

On what's next

Very recently, I've gone back to my original paintings from my first collection, Mendel, and began experimenting with them for an Archive Collection of wallpaper prints. The original colors of these paintings are harmonious with gemstone tones, which is exciting and new to the brand. I have also been traveling to antique trunk shows and finding vintage chairs to reupholster, which is leading the way to the beginnings of an e-commerce store.

On age in business

My age has impacted my business in a few different ways. Undoubtedly, being a young designer allows me to come into this field with a vision that has not been colored by opinions from the industry. I love coming out with new prints and working with designers because I do not have any preconceived limits on what is or is not possible. That might sound risky, but to me that is so exciting! On the other end, being young can also give people the idea that they can walk all over you because of your inexperience. So my advice there is: stay confident, and do your research. Those people who treat you negatively because of your age aren't people you want to be doing business with. Know your market, and let your age serve as part of the development of the brand.

Follow Ellisha on Instagram for everyday inspiration and view her line at ellishaalexina.com

T.G.I.F: Strategic Double Booking with Smoke & Honey

The New Happy Hour via Chalkboard Mag (Photos by Tyler Thomas)

Turning Networking into a Social Affair

by Rachel Mae Furman

All we need as busy entrepreneurs are a few more hours in the day. Is that too much to ask? Well, apparently yes, so we need to be more clever with our time.

It’s time to start strategically double booking to kill a few meetings and social obligations with one stone. Now, I’m not talking about important meetings that require your undivided attention. Contracts and budgets require a special one-on-one focus. But those meetups you just haven’t been able to get around to—that friend who wants to collaborate, an old colleague that started a new business, that younger friend who wanted advice... Pretty soon you’ve got every lunch and happy hour booked two months out at the expense of your precious downtime.

"strategically double-book to kill a few meetings & social obligations with one stone"

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Spending all of your extra time meeting up can make good social interaction start to feel like obligation or a chore, which sucks all the fun out of the experience. It’s time to start multi-tasking and turning meetups into strategic social occasions. Instead of running all over town, I like to combine two or three meetups into a productive happy hour at home. But there is an art to getting everyone on-board and staying on-task. Here are a few tips on how to execute a fun and productive multi-meeting:

1. Keep it Simple

Throwing a party takes planning and energy. Just having 4-6 ladies over for crudité and networking isn’t as overwhelming. Have a purpose and a few treats and keep it at that.

2. Curate Your Crew

When combining meetings, you want everyone to feel like they got more out of the experience, rather than less of your attention. Keep the group small, and make sure everyone is from a similar industry or could benefit from being introduced.

 

3. Build Anticipation

An invitation always makes a get together feel more special. Make a simple invite on Paperless Post to set the tone for a special and productive day.

 

4. Set the Intention

Be clear in the wording of your invitation that this is a productive meet-up to bring together a few of your favorite ladies to network or talk about a specific topic over a glass of wine or a cocktail.

 

5. Stay On Task

Start the Happy Hour with an agenda. Introduce everyone, say why you brought everyone here, and mention some specifics that you’d like to discuss.

 

6. Keep the Timing Tight

Chatting can often last for hours. Be clear upfront about timing—a start time and end time—so that your invites will be remembered as productive and efficient rather than all-day affairs.

 

7) Make Easy Treats

Since this is a meeting with colleagues, you need something that wows but is easily executed, so focus can stay on the topics at hand. See the recipe below for an easy and healthy happy hour hack…

 

Fresh Pressed Juice Cocktails

It's easy to make fresh cocktails for a happy hour or a meeting; the key is a little preparation. The cocktail doesn't have to be complicated if the presentation can provide the "wow" factor. For a healthy cocktail option, I use an easy template of Spirit + Juice + Bubbles. Just mix your favorite Pressed Juicery flavor with 1 ounce of your spirit of choice and top with an artisanal soda. I like rum and ginger beer with Apple Ginger Lemon Cayenne juice, gin & tonic with Strawberry Lime juice, and vodka and club soda with Beet Apple Ginger juice.

Before the gathering, I pour all three ingredients into mini glass bottles with a funnel, capped off right away to hold in the carbonation, then kept refrigerated until guests arrive. When the party starts, the guests can simply pour their pre- made cocktails over ice, so it leaves the hostess—you!—free to mingle.

The Drink Template

1oz Spirit (Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Rum)

2-3oz Juice (Favorite Pressed Juicery flavor)

1oz Bubbles (Artisanal Soda)

With an agenda and a cocktail in hand, you can now mingle about the room freely. You may just bang out three collaborations by the end of the evening, catch up with some colleagues and feel on top of your social life. Who says you can’t do it all?

Cheers,

Rachel Mae

For more on the pursuit of leisure visist www.smokeandhoney.com

Create & Cultivate's Good Hair Day with Paul Mitchell

Photo by #createcultivateCHI attendee @wayfaringrachel

There was great hair a-plenty bouncing around #createcultivateCHI. From perfectly tousled waves (as Instagrammed above by @wayfaringrachel) to heat-wave friendly braids, and we followed the trail right back to our very own Beauty Lounge where Paul Mitchell was serving up some really, really good hair days. Along with envy-inducing hair, our attendees left with a bevy of Paul Mitchell products (one of our favorites is their Extra Body hairspray) to keep up the look at home. The Paul Mitchell crew also did hair for some of our panelists, so be sure to check out Rachel Parcell’s flowing locks and Nadia Aboulhosn’s high-pony for even more inspiration!

Thanks to skincare from Simple, technology from Nu Face, Venice Collection manis from OPI, makeup by The Glam App, and of course, Paul Mitchell on hair, we hope everyone left feeling confident inside and out, Instagram-ready, and primed to take on the world!

Tag your best beauty moments with #createcultivateCHI and #paulmitchellus so we can follow along! 

Phhhoto x #createcultivateCHI

From Sturgis and Ren on the A/V Club panel to watching all of you flashing pearly whites and Simon G diamonds for the camera, PHHHOTO gave us some of our favorite #createcultivateCHI moments. Take a look at all of the Phhhotos from the conference here and if you haven't already, download the app ASAP to keep the fun going. Pro Tip: Phhhoto is also one of the best new communities out there to get noticed and reach a whole new audience. If it's good enough for Beyoncé (a lowkey Phhhoto power-user), it's good enough for us! 

See all the PHHHOTO booth pics from #createcultivateCHI here!

Branded Content 101: The Rise Of Brand Publications

Pineapple mag via Coffee Table Mags

by Dana Kelly

The evolution of blogging and the rise of the influencer class has fundamentally changed the way consumers, specifically Millennials, consume media. Increasingly, we are able to curate our newsfeeds, news cycles, and the content that is delivered to us. Google, our go-to information hub, receives over 4 million search queries per minute from the 2.4 billion people that are online. That’s one big data party. With this kind of volume, it’s only natural that digital communities are formed, which are then strengthened by social media and shifting cultural norms that glorify content sharing and curation. We use brands, and their online personas, to construct our own self image. The brands we buy, wear, and follow tell our peers who we are, and what we stand for. This is the springboard insight for all branded content.

As we grow more comfortable sharing our lives with our communities online and offline, we grow more passionate about endorsing the products, content, and brands that we buy into. The more shareable a brand’s narrative, the more eyeballs it can attract using its consumers as a vehicle.

Lifestyle brands have the most natural integration into branded content as so many Millennial eyeballs gravitate towards the aspirational, mobile-friendly visuals on Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr. But we’ve moved beyond the days of a one-off sponsored brand post on any given blog. In order to be truly competitive in a sea of content, brands need to invest creative resources into capturing their audience’s attention and giving them a reason to share their brands’ stories.

The Journal by MR PORTER

Five O' Clock by Harry's

MR PORTER is a best-in-class example of a fashion brand that, paired with the rise of editorialized menswear and the advent of Men’s Fashion Week, has captured a hugely dapper demographic with its weekly online and print publication, The Journal. The weekly features aspirational fashion, arts and culture stories relevant to the menswear e-tailer’s sartorially inclined consumer base, or 2MM male web viewers per month. MR PORTER's sister site, Net-a-Porter also has a print publication, Porter, on newsstands all over.

In a similar vein, Dollar Shave Club is launching The Bathroom Minutes, an online blog with an expanded print magazine for the brand’s subscribers. The primary objective for this publication is to build a community of customers through lifestyle content, which features employee and subscriber submissions. Featuring user-generated content is another community-building tactic that brands like Dollar Shave Club use to engage their audience to share their own branded content. The grooming space is becoming especially saturated with heritage brands competing for the same debonnaire audience, as exemplified by Dollar Shave Club competitor Harry’s, which is spearheading its editorial efforts with the online magazine 5 O’Clock. The list goes on, and the content becomes more diversified with celebrity and influencer integration.

This explosive and experimental growth for lifestyle brands in the editorial space has paved the way for less-traditional brands. Airbnb’s print publication Pineapple explores the intersection of travel and anthropology, while King Arthur Flour boasts impressive blogger by-lines in its publication Sift. Even mattress brands are hopping on the quality content bandwagon. Mattress startup Casper is making it a brand priority to invest in its editorial vision. The brand hired former editor in chief of the New York Observer and founding editor of Gawker, Elizabeth Spiers, to lead the in-house publication Van Winkle. Brands that you might have never considered topical or aspirational are now becoming editorial tastemakers and household names.

Pineapple magazing by Airbnb

Let’s face it, if your go-to flour brand and mattress company each have their own publications, we’ve entered an age where it is expected that every consumer brand is producing their own content. We now demand this commitment to content from our favorite brands if they want a stronghold on our attention. According to an Edelman Consumer Marketing Study, nearly 90% of global online consumers want brands to share content online. If brands are able to supply enough content and address timely and functional matters, their content has the opportunity to be present and relevant in their consumer’s daily lives. But at what cost? Many brands have neither the time nor human resources to produce content in-house. Nearly 62% of companies today outsource their content marketing, many of them turning to media companies with cultural cache such as Vice or Refinery29 for custom content creation and distribution.

Given the current state of affairs, the following considerations can help align your brand with a branded content strategy:

1. Consider your brand’s narrative.
2. What publications does your brand currently pull inspiration from?
3. What type of content is your target consumer engaging with online?
4. Can your brand narrative authentically integrate into existing online series and trends?
5. Do your consumers currently contribute user-generated content to your brand on social media?
6. Do you have any consumer insights that could steer the creative? i.e. is your product used during a certain time of day, or does it alleviate any common stresses?
7. Can your brand fill a calendar year of content on its own? Or does a seasonal media partnership feel more appropriate?
8. Can your product or brand be art directed in an appealing way to consumers?
9. How can you drive consumers closer to point of purchase through digital content?
10. How can you play to different social platforms’ storytelling strengths for your brand?

Once you can see that a content strategy makes sense for your brand, be prepared to build a more engaged brand audience, and extend your consumer base to new people who can discover your brand based on content that resonates with them.

Dana Kelly is a content strategist by trade and subscribes to the notion that life, lifestyle, and the left coast are what matter most. The California native spends most of her days at Mistress, and has a deep love for words, wine, and great in-flight entertainment.

#createcultivateCHI: The Pop-Ups

Havenly

Havenly is a women-led start-up founded by two sisters, Lee Mayer and Emily Motayed, who wanted to create the easiest way to decorate your home. They provide beautiful interior design, all online, all for just $199 per room.

The Havenly team has designed & decorated a unique pop-up space for all of our Chicago attendees to enjoy between beauty treatments and cocktails! To learn more and #getdecorated, visit havenly.com and shop the pop-up on site!

MiraFit

Ok, confession: our founder Jaclyn went to meet the MiraFit team at their Chicago headquarter and made the C+C staff super jealous when came back wearing a super cute (like, really, really cute) new gold MiraFit bracelet that does everything from counting your steps to your workouts and calories burned. Jackie’s obsessed with it, so are we, and now you can get your own at the pop-up, too!

Whitney Port

Whitney Port needs no introduction. She’s a seasoned Create & Cultivate speaker and designer of some of the most coveted conference looks. Her line Whitney Eve will be on full display at #createcultivateCHI, where you can see the line in person and get style advice from the brand. 

Topshop

You’ve already seen some of our favorite Topshop looks on Instagram, and we’re even more excited to have some of their latest and greatest stock on-site at #createcultivateCHI! Get ready to do some damage and shop with your fellow attendees!

Lulu & Georgia

Our entire space will be decked out with everything from rugs, to artwork, and furniture from our ultimate lifestyle go-to, Lulu & Georgia. We get so many questions about where to get our C+C decor, so this time we’ve made it easy for you with a pop-up shop IRL. 

ShopStyle

If you’re recommending products on your blog or social media, know that your influence (and every click) is worth cold hard cash. We’ll be talking shop about the business of blogging all day at #createcultivateCHI and our partners at ShopStyle Collective will be on-hand to demonstrate exactly how you can be earning through their network. The’ve got tons of tips (and refreshments!) so do yourself a favor and get a one-on-one at their pop-up.

The Beauty Lounge

Also make sure to check out the Beauty Lounge where The Glam App, NuFace, Paul Mitchell, and OPI will be primping and pampering attendees all day!

What to Wear & Where: Topshop x Create + Cultivate

We teamed up with @topshop to pick a few of our favorite looks for work, play, and #createcultivate! We've been posting them all week and here's a roundup of all the looks (and where to get 'em).

See them all on Instagram @createcultivate and get ready to shop the Topshop pop-up at #createcultivateCHI on Aug 15th!

 

[clockwise from top left]

At the Office 

White Trousers, Ribbed Funnel Neck Top, Fringe Boots

At the Conference

 Graphic Striped Top, A-line Bouclé Skirt, Strappy Pointed Flats

T.G.I.F. 

Ribbed Funnel Neck Top, Fluro Mini, Satin Sneakers (on sale!)

The Interview 

Belted Utility Dress, Metallic Platform Pumps