A Savvy President Shares Her Rebranding Secrets
How Michelle Newbery turned a small lighting website into a high-end furnishings destination.
Company president Michelle Newbery, who leads the team at online home furnishings retailer The Mine (née ATGStores.com), is fast becoming a recognizable player in a very competitive market niche. In the fast-paced world of interior design, where bright ideas often burn out as fast as they’re born, The Mine’s star is on the rise.
And, thanks to this experience and many others, Newbery’s got some amazing tips on how to navigate the executive arena.
She joined the company in December, 2011, as its chief financial officer, and is now spearheading the biggest rebrand in the company’s history as its president. Along the way, she’s also refining the corporate mission and establishing the importance of social responsibility through the company’s philanthropy program, which focuses on community giving and environmental stewardship.
Read her four tips on how to stake your claim in the business world.
POLITE PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF
Just because you get a “no” doesn’t mean it will stay a “no.” And, turning things around doesn’t require being overly aggressive. For me, polite persistence has paid off. I was told ‘”no” when I expressed an interest in being president at The Mine. I had to ask more than once, and I’m so very glad I did. We often have a tendency to stop when we hit a wall rather than trying to find a way around it – or over it.
BE VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE
Make sure your team knows who you are and how they can reach you. At The Mine, I meet with each new team member after they settle into their new role to ensure they know who I am and where they can find me. I think the best way to let people know you care is to ask them how they’re doing, and doing that almost always results in great insight into what a person needs to be happy and excel. Everyone feels better when they’re assured they’re part of a great team and that management is ready to help.
FOCUS ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS VS. COMPLETING TASKS
How you get things done is just as important as what gets done. I’ve heard people say, “I don’t care how it gets done – just get it done.” But, how well does that set the stage for the next task, or improve the work environment? I find that encouraging teamwork and being aware of others’ needs results in better efficiency and quality.
“How you get things done is just as important as what gets done.”
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Our team does an amazing job of going above and beyond when working together as well as with our partners. In the e-commerce space, we move fast and there is no time for egos or attitudes. I absolutely love it when I hear, “Your team was so easy to work with.”
PLAY THE LONG GAME
Put as much thought into your long-term future as you do your daily tasks. Before you commit to something today, make sure it’s aligned to what you want to accomplish tomorrow; in your work, your career and your life. I moved to Seattle five years ago and it was very intimidating in the short term, but it allowed me to immerse myself in the e-commerce space and take advantage of amazing opportunities I would’ve missed had I not made the leap.
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A Crippling Disease Won't Stop This Harvard MBA & Mom
Because Fridays are made to inspire.
Samantha with son Rocky. photo credit: Taryn Kent
In 2014, I was a couple years fresh off a Harvard Business School MBA program, feeling pretty proud of myself as a 26 year old CFO for a large marketing and web development company in San Diego. I worked 55+ hours a week and loved every second of it. Most of the time. OK, some of the time. Once I found out I was pregnant in October 2015, I decided to venture off on my own and launch my business coaching company, Little Petunia Consulting. I knew there was no way I would be able to handle the work stress, a new baby, and my own health.
See, in addition to being a mama and a boss lady, I also struggle daily with a chronic disease known as Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is a rare vestibular disorder that showers you with fun symptoms such as —
vertigo (attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours)
loss of hearing
tinnitus
loss of balance
migraines with aura (blackout blindness in my case)
nausea, vomiting, and sweating caused by severe vertigo
chronic fatigue
I had to learn really early on in this new phase of my life what my limitations were and how to cope so I wouldn’t lose my shit. It’s taken 9 months, but I feel like I finally have a healthy balance down thanks to some serious tricks and discipline.
I TAKE CARE OF MYSELF
The most important thing I had to learn in this new balancing act was taking care of myself first, so that I could take care of my baby, my clients and everything else afterward. I’ve learned to take a lot of precautions in order to maintain the flow. This means —
No hour long trips to Target just for fun (the fluorescents trigger my attacks)
Drinking a ton of water and resting my body more often than most
Saying “no” when it doesn’t suit my schedule or will overwork me
Disconnecting from screens in order to reset my vestibular system
Another huge precaution I take in order to maintain a healthy balance is by setting some serious boundaries and sticking with them. This means my designated work hours are my work hours, and that work life doesn’t trickle into my time with my kiddo.
"Work life doesn’t trickle into my time with my kiddo."
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Having everything mush together leads to more stress, which leads to more Meniere’s attacks. Boundaries are key.
I CULTIVATE & MAINTAIN AN IDEAL CLIENT BASE
One of the things I love about working with creatives is they tend to not follow the rigid 9-5 rules. They like to meet in coffee shops, and if there are times when my husband or my mom can’t watch the baby, there is noone more excited to hold him while we get down to business. Clearly defining my ideal client has been huge for the success of my business and allows me to work with like minded people who appreciate this season in my life.
I'M ORGANIZED TO A "T"
You guys, I live and die by Asana. I create documented processes for everything — client workflows, intake assessments, onboarding, you name it. I plug each tasks into Asana and assign myself deliverables and due dates. I always have a landscape view of what my week looks like so I can manage my time effectively and adjust as needed.
This also goes for my baby. I use apps to track feedings, diapers, sleep cycles, etc. I know every movement this kiddo makes. I can’t tell you how many times I cross-reference my Asana with my baby apps to get shit done. “Hmm, OK it has been 2 hours and 10 minutes since the last feed which means I have approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to get this client proposal done”. It’s life saving.
I KEEP MY BABY CLOSE
The biggest factor in maintaining work-mama-health balance? Babywearing. I wrap this kid up in a ring sling and get my shit done. Because, as most mothers will tell you, the time you really need to get stuff done is the exact time your child refuses to be put down. Babywearing for the win, forever.
Becoming a mama was the greatest life change that has ever happened to me. It allowed me to step back, reevaluate my priorities, and cultivate a career that I truly love. Balancing motherhood, my career, and my life with a chronic disease has been far from easy, but I’m grateful for finding tools and techniques that work for me and allow me to cultivate my best life yet.
Want to know more about Samantha Welker and her co? Head over to Little Petunia Consulting and follow the boss mom on Instagram here.
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The One Question 99% of Male Investors Asked This Start-Up Founder
But never asked her CEO husband.
photo credit: Sight Unseen
Today at the inaugural Vanity Fair Founders Fair in Brooklyn, Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and CEO of Warby Parker, openly shared his personal experience with raising money and how much it differed from his wife’s, Rachel Blumenthal, experience.
“When my wife was raising money,” the CEO shared with the crowd, “every male VC would ask, ‘How do you spend your time?’ She would say, ‘What do you mean?’ What they meant was, ‘You have kids.’” This was always a deterrent for male investors.
Rachel, who was in attendance, is the founder of the subscription kids’ clothing startup Rockets of Awesome. The brand sends a personalized box of 12 pieces of clothing per child at the beginning of each season, four times a year. Gwyneth Paltrow is a notable fan.
Neil went on to say, “When I raised money VCs would use kids as a reason to bond with me. ‘Oh I have a great nanny recommendation.’ It’s insanity.”
To her credit, Rachel did not go with the 99% of male investors who asked her that question. Nor was she deterred. Rockets of Awesome recently raised $12.5 million in Series A funding. The round was led by new investor August Capital, an early backer of e-commerce giant Zulily, joined by existing investors Forerunner Ventures and General Catalyst. This infusion of capital brings Rockets of Awesome's total fundraising to just under $20 million in the six months since launch.
Other notable takeaways include actress and founder of Draper James, Reese Witherspoon, telling the audience, “A guy has one hit and they say he’s going to win an Oscar. A guy has one movie at Sundance and he gets Jurassic Park,” she explained. “A woman has a hit at Sundance and she has to make six more movies.”
Reese also told the crowd, “If it’s not moving, monogram it.”
For more BTS on the day follow along on our IG Stories here.
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11 Ways to Dress Like a Boss on an Employee Salary
Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.
photo from Saks Off Fifth
Are you dreaming of corner offices from your cubicle? The day when you strut into work, toss your Chloe bag on your chic office sofa with mud cloth pillows and post up for your morning meetings? In this dream does someone bring you your coffee?
Well wake up. Grab your own am java and get excited, because while we can’t switch up your desk sitch, we can offer up this amazing news: it’s possible to dress like you own the place, even as you’re finding your career footing. You don’t have to be the boss to look boss. Pick from three of spring’s top trends at affordable prices from Saks Off 5th and then strut into the building like you the boss.
As they say: dress for the job you want, not the one you have.
ROMANCE IS NOT DEAD
At least this spring. Leave the flings for summer and nab a few key pieces that wow the room and make you wonder if you should be in a relationship with your closet.
A ruffle floral print from Chloe says, “my career is my girlfriend,” and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
You work overtime. So let your wardrobe pull double duty too, by nailing the season’s shoulder and romantic trend in the Cold Shoulder Eyelet Lace Blouse from Parker. Priced at under $70 it’s a steal.
"My career is my girlfriend and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that."
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You don’t need to carry a bulky bag to the office. Case in point: a perfect pink shoulder bag with rose gold accents to hold your most important items: phone, planner, and caffeine drip.
Yes, you can wear a crop to the office if you pair it with some high waist denim. A ice blue Tularosa top that’s also priced under $70, blends delicate details with statement making, deal closing swag.
MAKE A SHOULDER STATEMENT
Shoulder details are here to stay this spring. So throw yours back and show your boss that shrugging ain’t your style. You know exactly how to get after it.
A fresh take on a classic white button-up, this Saks Fifth Ave Red Top is off-the-shoulder and on our record as a spring closet must. Beaded details give it an extra pop of gorgeous.
It’s all the way stripes and shoulders in this dress with tie-up details and scalloped hems. Is is possible to have Casual Friday on a Monday? We say yes.
Think it’s impossible to get couture priced under $50. Not so. When your day includes plenty of client meetings opt for this gorgeous ruffle blouse from Lucca Couture. It’s the ideal blend of fancy meets fashion.
A breezy off-the-shoulder eyelet top that also affordable? Likely story. But no really, it is. Clean, simple, and relevant. Just like that proposal you drafted.
DO DENIM RIGHT
Dedicated to your career and dedicated to denim. Show your flair for the unexpected with denim details that dress up any outfit. From embroidery to raw hems there are options galore.
Our favorite F word? Finances. Runners up include: Flared, flora, and fauna. Which is exactly what this pair of jeans from Peserico is serving up. A financially sound investment into flared, flora, and fauna.
Another oh-so-fashionable F on everyone’s radar this spring? Frayed-edge. Top combine looks and top a romantic top with a frayed-edge denim jacket from Rails (priced well-under $100!).
Stress at work? Bad. Distressed at work? Greatness. For the office creative a pair of painted boyfriend ankle jeans from Hidden will do the trick. Go ahead, show off that artistic flair.
C&C Classifieds Nº34: Countr, Delta, HBO & more
6 new jobs to get you through the week.
One of the biggest reasons employees consider moving jobs is because of pay. We're all trying to MAKE. THAT. MONEY. But sometimes negotiating and advocating on your own behalf can be hard. Still trying to figure out if you are, in fact, not being paid what you're worth? Here are 5 ways to tell if you are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to your paycheck.
Try as we might, sometimes moving companies is the only way to truly grow your paycheck and up your professional equity. If you find yourself in this boat, HAVE NO FEAR. Start by checking out the below job openings.
COUNTR (NY)
HBO (NY)
DELTA (ATL)
NIKE (OR)
HULU (LA)
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP (TN)
Want more?
FULL ACCESS TO CLASSIFIEDS HERE
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Comedy Central's First Black Female Host Talks Getting Internet Trolled
The no apologies intersectional feminist gets real.
Outspoken comedian Franchesca Ramsey is returning to Comedy Central, but this time on her own terms. Yesterday, the network announced that an untitled late night comedy pilot will be executive produced and hosted by Ramsey as part of its 2017-2018 line-up of development shows.
Well-known to the online community, Ramsey had been making her own hilarious YouTube videos, a mixture of song parodies, impersonations, and socially conscious comedy sketches, since 2006, but it wasn’t until she made “Shit White Girls Say…To Black Girls” and went viral, racking up 1.5 million views in just 24 hours, that Ramsey was really put on the map. The video has 11 million views to date, and it gave Ramsey the confidence to pursue entertainment full time. “Quitting my day job took a huge leap of faith, but I knew I wouldn't be able to pursue the opportunities I was most interested in with a 9-5.” We’re all better off for it. Since then the actress, video blogger, and writer has quickly become of the most exciting voices, in both comedy and social activism, of our time.
Ramsey spent time as a writer and contributor to "The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore," where her recurring segment #HashItOut was a stand out part of the Comedy Central show. In 2015 landed her a gig as the host of "Decoded," an MTV News web series that speaks to issues of race and culture. She also still creates original content on YouTube, both for her comedy channel @Chescaleigh and her lifestyle channel Chescalocs, which focuses more on beauty, natural hair care, and styling (the two channels have over 250k subscribers and 29 million views combined), and does speaking engagements at colleges, inspiring and educating (and cracking up) students around the country with her incisive wit and cutting intellect. In short, she’s killing it. But ‘twas not always so. In fact, just a few short years ago, Ramsey was considering giving up on entertainment altogether. “In 2014 my videos weren't doing very well and I had a hard time booking auditions, so I seriously considered abandoning entertainment and leaving NY,” she recalls. “Instead, I got a remote job writing for Upworthy and used that to supplement the few acting jobs I was able to pick up until things started to take off.”
Even now, as accomplished as she is, Ramsey still encounters more than her fair share of challenging moments. “Being a woman of color on the Internet is challenging, let alone being one that openly talks about racism and feminism. I deal with an intense amount of harassment, which at times can be discouraging, but is also a reminder of why these conversations are so important,” she says of the trolls who follow her every move. Ramsey credits her husband, her parents, and her audience for keeping her going when things get rocky. “I'm really fortunate to have people around the world that enjoy my content and continuously reach out to let me know that it's making an impact on their lives,” she says of her devoted fans. A self-described “gym rat,” Ramsey also works out five days a week at 7 am. “It’s when I really let go of everything and just focus on accomplishing whatever my trainer puts in front of me,” she says of her routine.
"BEING A WOMAN OF COLOR ON THE INTERNET IS CHALLENGING."
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Aside from her family and fans, Ramsey raves about her friend and mentor, Tracee Ellis Ross, as an ongoing source of influence and inspiration. “I'm incredibly inspired by her talent, work ethic and humility. She's given me tons of great advice over the years and most recently I got the chance to write for her when she hosted Black Girls Rock for BET,” Ramsey says of Ross, whom she met a few years ago through her YouTube channel. “She's incredibly gracious and a firm believer in supporting and uplifting other women which, is something I think is incredibly important.”
Another thing Ramsey (and we) think is incredibly important? Activism, and specifically, a commitment to intersectional feminism. “It's important to acknowledge our privilege and remember that there are all types of women from a variety of walks of life that face challenges that we do not,” Ramsey says. “If you're truly committed to advocating for women you have to be willing to stand up for all women regardless of race, sexuality, physical ability, religion, class or gender identity, not just ladies that look like you.” For her part, Ramsey is already making a big difference in the steering the current cultural conversation. As for her personal goals? “One day I'd like to be in a position to break and foster new talent,” she says. We have zero doubt that will happen, and probably much sooner than she thinks.
The original version of this article appeared on our site as part of Create & Cultivate 100.
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Exclusive Interview: How This Wedding Company Just Changed the Entire Game
Guess what? You can enjoy wedding planning now.
Big day. Dream wedding. I do. There is major pressure around weddings, but Zola is determined to streamline the process for the ease, comfort, and bliss of new couples. Taking you from planning stages through your first year, the wedding-meets-tech company just released brand new functionality with Zola Weddings, a free suite of wedding planning tools including: your wedding website, registry, check list, and guest list all in one place. Reread that. It's everything in ONE PLACE. It not only saves you time, but major wedding headaches, so you don't have to get bogged down in details. Keeping track of your guest list? No problem. (Mapping your seating chart, that's still on you.) The company's co-founders took to the Zola blog to announce, "Today, we’re so excited to introduce you to Zola Weddings, a suite of wedding planning tools including your wedding website, registry, checklist, and guest list all in one place. And because couples have enough quotes and bills to take care of, we made these tools entirely free to use."
We caught up with Jennifer Spector, Director of Brand at Zola, to find out more about the new suite and why she wishes it was around when she was planning her wedding. As she says, "My wedding planner described weddings as a live performance, a family reunion, a religious ceremony, and the biggest party you’ve ever thrown, all in one day. That is a lot."
What were you hearing from couples and users that made you realize now was the right time for Zola to expand the brand? Why become a one-stop shop?
Since Zola was founded in 2013, we have consistently heard from couples that they wish their wedding websites could be as beautiful and easy to use as their registry. As we have grown, these requests have only gotten louder. Once we decided to build websites for couples, we took a step back and asked ourselves, how else can we help people plan their wedding? The average couple uses 3+ wedding tools to plan their wedding, which is just one part of the planning process. We realized we had to do more, wedding planning was outdated and today’s couples were spending all their time stressed out, instead of enjoying their engagement. So we created Zola Weddings - a free suite of wedding planning tools that includes your wedding website, a customizable checklist, guest list manager, and your registry, all in one place and all for free.
How did the company determine what functionality and platforms to include?
At it’s heart, Zola is a technology company and is focused on delivering the best possible experience to couples and their guests. Most other wedding companies are focused on inspiration, and the look and feel of your wedding day. But for anyone who has planned a wedding (or been involved in a friend’s wedding), there really are a year’s worth of details that take a lot of time and energy. So we focused on streamlining the logistics and planning, so that you can take pleasure in the day of your wedding, not all the endless details that pile up. The biggest pain points we heard from couples were around getting everything done, managing timelines, handling guest communication, and having one place to do it all. By having our Wedding Website, Checklist, Guest List, and Registry all in once place, couples can stay organized at home or on mobile, and take the pain out of planning what should be a wonderful celebration. Zola Weddings is so easy to use, that you can focus on your wedding day, not collecting RSVPs, or remembering to pay the deposit for the band.
Piggybacking on that, you said you wish this was around when you were getting married. What are the functions and tools that you’re most excited by?
I got married in 2015, and two of my biggest challenges were creating our wedding website and keeping track of our guest list. The wedding website becomes this bottleneck for many people, myself included, because before you send out save the dates you need to have all your information on your website. The details need to be close to final. We used what was supposed to be a very simple website builder, but it took weeks and was really frustrating. So I really wish I could have used Zola’s Wedding Websites, because the designs are beautiful and fit with any wedding theme, but it is so easy to use that you don’t need to know how to code, or sacrifice your style with a cheesy theme. For the guest list, my husband and I had our guests, and then both sets of our parents had lists. It became a puzzle fitting it all together and trying to get information from people. Zola’s Guest List manager solves that.
Speaking of, the automated guest list sounds like a GAME-changer. To totally nix the old-school invite, mail-in RSVPS, and to also manage gifts and thank you notes in one place— you’ve saved the new couple so much time. Is time a major factor for the millennial couple?
Yes the Guest List is a total game changer! Time is a major factor for the millennial couple, planning a wedding becomes like a second job for many people because there are so many details and logistics. Today’s couples can order anything from their phone but when it comes to wedding planning everything is so analog. Our Website, Checklist, Guest List, and Registry bring wedding planning into the 21st century, and help simplify and save time.
What are the main considerations for a company when rebranding? Especially online. People get used to an interface and can get thrown when they see something new.
For Zola, we always had an incredibly well-designed site and mobile experience. Our tech, product, and design team is incredible. So our rebrand was less about changing the site or the experience, and more about adding warmth and humor to the brand. I joined Zola right after my wedding, because I had fallen in love with the experience, and wanted to share that obsession with anyone getting married or buying a wedding gift. We approached the rebrand as a way to share our story with couples and their guests. So we relaxed the brand a bit from being quite minimal, to livening things up with more color, whimsy and a personalized tone. We A/B tested every change on the site to make sure that any new addition did not negatively impact our user experience. The result has been a great marriage of new form but the same superior function.
Your pool of millennial users is massive, but in an ideal world, they’re also one-time users. How do you deal with this as a brand?
Ideally our couples only get married once, but they are guests at other people’s weddings, and continue to shop the site after they are married. Zola Registry is an ecommerce site with over 450 brands and almost 50,000 gifts and experiences that we curate. Many couples rely on us to decorate their entire home, long after they are married. So as a company, we want to make sure the experience as strong whether you are a couple or a guest so you will continue to come back and refer friends to use the site.
Big day. Dream wedding. There’s a lot of high pressure marketing lingo around weddings. And globally, it’s a 300 billion dollar business. Does it ever feel like the pressure to ‘perform’ is greater because of those factors?
100%. My wedding planner described weddings as a live performance, a family reunion, a religious ceremony, and the biggest party you’ve ever thrown, all into one day. That is a lot. Then if you add on all of the wedding content online and on social media, it can be quite overwhelming. My advice to couples is to think about the day after, and the year after your wedding - what do you want to remember? Then reverse engineer your celebration to make sure you make those memories, and forget about everything else that won’t be memorable or important to you. The best weddings are the ones where the couple is having the time of their lives, people just want to see you happy!
Is it exciting to be in the middle of an industry that’s in transition?
It is definitely exciting to be in the middle of a company that is transforming the wedding industry. But the industry in general is still quite traditional, and the act of getting married is still very traditional. Even though couples are changing societal norms in many ways, they are still getting married and still celebrating in the same ways that their parents celebrated. So that is what is very exciting - how do we take this very traditional, emotional, and important time, and make it easier and more modern without sacrificing any of the sentimentality or specialness of the occasion. That is most exciting - making couples happy during the happiest time of their lives!
Whether you’re hitched, engaged, or making guest appearances at several nuptials this season, sign up now to use Zola Weddings here for free! And for any NYC-based peeps, celebrate the launch of Zola Weddings with the Zola Retreat this Saturday. Experience some chill vibes and serious om at 43 Crosby Street this Saturday, April 22, 11AM – 4PM. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect.
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What to Expect at C&C NYC!
Calling all attendees. You need to read this before May 6th!
Hey C&C NYC Squad! We are so excited to get the NYC party started! There are so many great things coming your way, but before we get any closer we wanted to give you a sneak peek of what to expect on the big day so you can start building out your day right now!
ALL DAY FUN
First things First, you should be receiving your badge and box of goodies in the mail over the next week or so! Your box will have your mentor power hour selections, your badge with lanyard dictating your track (white = track 1 and black = track 2) and if you are a VIP lots of other swag as well!
POP-UP MARKET
At every C&C Conference, we have a roster of incredible brands that set up shop to give our attendees amazing and unique experiences. From braid bars to influencer meet-and-greets to clothing shops to henna tattoos, there's a little something for everyone. Here are the incredible things you can expect to see at the market in NYC.
Flat lay tutorial with Papyrus
We love a good flat lay, and know you do too! Hop over to Papyrus for the ultimate tutorial on how to achieve the quintessential flat lay; it’s anything but basic.
Boomerang at the Instagram Pop Up
We know you’re obsessed with Instagram just as much as we are. So they will be on-site all-day for all of your Boomerang Photo Booth needs. Yeah Boomerang + Photo Booth = content heaven.
DIY with Erin Condren
Drop by Erin Condren pop-up for a free gift and make your own elastic page holder for your notebook/ planner! They will have the crafts and supplies to make your own. Get ready to get your DIY on.
Henna Station with Simon G Jewelry
Looking to edge things up a bit? Head over to the Simon G pop-up to get a henna tattoo that you can sport all day. These are beautiful and will look perfect on your Insta-grid.
French Connection’s Mid-Summer Collection
We love some good summer fashion. And in the spirit of summer, French Connection will be showcasing their Mid-Summer Collection to help you get ready for all those summer bashes you inevitably have on the calendar. Oh and BONUS! You get a flower crown, courtesy of Crowns by Christy with all purchases.
Flower Power with Urban Stems
Stop by the Urban Stems pop-up and get your flower power on. Make sure to snap a quick pic of the flower-filled beach cruiser (we die) for your followers.. oh, and you get your own polaroid take home. Can you say, "Shake it, shake, shake, shake it"?
Aura Readings at Gorjana
The newest trend is health and wellness, and we aren’t mad about it. Gorjana is providing attendees with custom Aura Readings (complete with a photo for your posting pleasure). We’ve dying to try!
Mica May’s Signature Notebooks
Notebook designer and color master, Mica May of May Designs is bringing the personality to #CreateCultivateNYC. Stop by her pop-up to check out her latest collection of adorable paper goods and get a firsthand look at her new apparel collection that is so happy, you won’t be able to control your smile.
Monogramming Station at Mark & Graham
Mark & Graham is the king of customization. And they are bringing their talents to NYC. Get in on the action by purchasing any of their incredible leather goods and getting complimentary monogramming!
Learn the Art of Styling at Minted
Stop by the Minted pop-up to explore Minted’s new art styling service, featuring limited edition art styled uniquely for you, and Minted Commissioned Originals, allowing you to work directly with one of Minted’s independent artists to create an original art piece as unique as you are. (Pro tip: bring a photo of a wall to receive a complication consultation with a Minted art stylist).
Refinery 29 Brings the Heat
Refinery29 is partnering with Tictail and Cora to create a unique shopping experience with a cause! Stop by the Shibori tent to shop R29- and other female-designed merch that'll help you wear your values: All proceeds go towards She Should Run, a fund supporting women in public leadership. And before you go, visit the Cora table to donate some organic menstrual products to women in need (and snag a free month's subscription for yourself!) You'll leave looking good and feeling even better.
Try Out the it Bed
Need a quick break? Wanna kick your feet up for a sec? Stop by the it Bed pop-up to test out the comfiest (and smartest) bed you have ever experienced. Seriously, the capabilities of this thing are insane. It can tell you how well you slept, when you got your best sleep, and it can talk to your fitness tracker.
Colorful Fun at La Croix
Craving a perfect photo moment to show your social media followers all the fun you’re having at C&C? Head to La Croix for a bright and jaw-dropping photo opt. Oh and there will be face painting and corn hole as well! Did we mention they’re a lot of fun?
Gallery Wall Tutorials at Framebridge
There is never a time when Framebridge doesn’t bring their A-game, and C&C NYC will be no different. Stop by their booth for some pro tips on how to create the perfect gallery wall in your home (or office). They are also doing a Gallery Wall Giveaway so really, STOP BY.
Polling Stations at Tinder
Everyone’s favorite dating app will be popping up collecting key information from C&C Attendees. Want to give them your thoughts? Head to their booth. We'll be publishing (the anonymous) results on C&C Blog!
BEAUTY BUZZ
We also always have a beauty lounge on site where our attendees are able to get glammed up, from makeup to hair to skin care we got your covered. Oh and don't forget to nab your headshot!
Make Your Own Box with Birchbox
Crazy about samples? Us too! Build your own box of cute samples at the Birchbox pop-up. It’s a great way to test-drive some new products and hear all about the buzzed about brand.
New Headshots with Laura Mercier
Need a new headshot? Laura Mercier’s got your back on this one. Stop by their makeup and photo studio and walk away with a new killer shot (and an added boost of confidence).
Essential Oils Tutorial at Saje
Essential oils are everything right now! Saje will be giving out tutorials on how to effectively use these options to cure all of your physical and spiritual needs.
Island Time with Kopari Beauty
Wish that you were on island time? us too! Kopari is serving up some fresh coconuts at the Kopari Cabana, perfect for those of who you can’t contain your wanderlust. Can you say yum?!
Grab a Touch-up with beGlammed
It's a long day, but beGlammed is on deck for all your hair and makeup touch-up needs. From a fresh lip to a festive braid, they'll have you looking fresh.
Kendra Scott Airstream
The cutest airstream there ever was (especially if it's anything like the AMAZING Kendra Scott HQ!). Be sure to check out the latest in Kendra Scott Jewelry and now home decor near the Second Stage.
*VIP PERKS*
ManiCab at Kendra Scott
Hey VIPs, you lucky ducks! Kendra Scott knows the way to a woman’s heart, so she’s serving up manicure’s in the VIP Lounge. Trust us, the Mani Cab is too cute not to drop by.
GRUB HUB
START THE DAY OFF RIGHT WITH BREAKFAST
Start your day with a little Jamba Juice
To help kick the day off, our friends at Jamba Juice will be serving up delicious acia and pitaya bowls, as well as chia pudding for attendees. Get your camera’s ready, we can just see your Insta post now. And if you need a snack, they'll be serving blends at their pop-up all day.
Create & Caffeinate with Coffee at the ATG lounge
Stop by the ATG Coffee Lounge to get your java fix for the day. We know that you don’t work until your coffee does, so drop by early for a cup of Rise Coffee to fuel your day.
Lunch hosted by Saks OFF 5TH
Then comes lunch. Our friends at Saks OFF FIFTH have teamed up with sweetgreen to will yummy yummy salads for all of our attendees. Be sure to stop by the Saks OFF 5th booth to see what other goodies they have in store. (Scroll down, it's RSVP only and you don't want to miss it!)
Saks OFF 5th with Helena Glazer of The Brooklyn Blonde (RSVP ONLY)
Helena Glazer, AKA The Brooklyn Blonde, will be holding fashion court at the Saks OFF 5th pop-up showing attendees how to strike some of those infamous blogger poses (they are NOT as easy as they look). Dying to attend her tutorial? This is an RSVP-only tutorial, so secure your spot here.
*VIP PERK*
Dig into deliciousness from The Meatball Shop during Lunch
Oh, and there’s more! The geniuses behind The Meatball Shop will be in the VIP Lounge providing their signature meatballs to keep you full and happy! It’s a long day, so staying properly nourished is tres important.
Go ahead. Grab a cocktail with Crown Royal!
Feeling festive? Crown Royal will be serving up delicious cocktails all day for VIPs (make sure to show your badge). Find them in the VIP Lounge and at the Bar in the Ruins.
STAY HYDRATED & STAY SATISFIED
It's beauty water to the rescue with Vital Proteins
Vital Proteins will be serving their brand new beauty waters at their pop-up (they come in three yummy flavors: Lavender Lemon, Cucumber Aloe, and Melon Mint). They'll be mixed into flavorful mocktails served by a professional bartender for all to try. But wait... there’s more: stop by to enter to win a year's supply of collagen!
Keep your energy up with Noosa Yoghurt
From down under to NYC, Noosa is bringing plenty of their creamy, delicious and "bloody good" yoghurt to keep attendees satisfied all day long.
BREAKING DOWN THE BREAK
You will be going all day long so the break is a great time to catch up and dive into all the amazing programming our partners have going on. Some are RSVP only so be sure to grab your spot!
Chase Slate: Meet and Greets with Camila Coehlo & Brittney Castro!
Camila Coehlo, lifestyle and fashion mega-influencer, will be visiting the Chase Slate pop-up for a meet and greet! Visitors will also have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Chase Financial Education Ambassador, Brittney Castro, who will be providing the keys to #ConquerYourCredit. While you’re there, add some flair to your wardrobe with a custom DIY tassel keychain and come early to have an opportunity to receive a special gift. (limited quantity available) See you in the Chase Slate suite!
Pier 1 Imports Block Party hosted by Eva Amurri Martino
Summer is right around the corner, so Pier 1 Imports is throwing a Block Party hosted by Eva Amurri Martino (of Happily Eva After). She will be dishing out pointers on how to furnish your own block party just in time for summer. Check it out in the Pier 1 Picnic area outside.
Minted open forum discussion with CEO Mariam Naficy. (RSVP ONLY)
CEO of Minted, Mariam Naficy, will be hosting an intimate forum on the Second Stage from 3-4pm. This is an RSVP ONLY event, so sign up here and be sure to show up on time. They have something special for the first 100 attendees to RSVP and attend to the talk (shhh! It’s a $100 Minted art purchase). Run, don't walk. Link here.
A little about Mariam: A serial entrepreneur, Naficy co-founded cosmetics company Eve.com in 1998 and quickly sold it for over $100 million. Twelve years later, Naficy founded Minted based on her core belief that the Internet could surface hidden creative talent around the world. With perseverance, her online stationery company has turned into a burgeoning marketplace for the world’s best emerging artists. Reaching 70 million households globally with designs sourced from 50 states and 60 countries, Minted has arrived as the e-commerce darling for design.
Sherry B Dessert Studio
Craving a midday pick me up? Grab a cookie (or brownie) from Sherry B! These will be at food stations outside so stock up for the rest of the day.
*VIP PERK*
Cool off with some Jeni’s Ice Cream
Perfect for a beautiful summer Saturday, our friends at Jeni’s Ice Cream are going to be scooping up some delicious ice cream for our VIP attendees. Make sure to get a napkin, this could get messy!
HAPPY HOUR
Happy Hour with Crown Royal & CAVA
After a long day of awesomeness, take a break and celebrate the day with CAVA who will be serving love some delicious hummus snacks. And because you've earned it, it's time to raise a cocktail! Kick-off Happy Hour with a delicious Crown Royal cocktail, or if wine or champagne is more your speed, they’ll have that too!
PRO TIPS
This isn't our first rodeo. Be sure to check out the pro-tips below to make sure you are making the most of the day!
Phone Charging with Shopstyle
There is nothing worse than a dying phone battery. It can singlehandedly ruin a perfectly good day (or make you miss out on a perfectly 'grammable moment). But Shopstyle isn’t going to let that happen! Their charging station will be open for attendees to stop by and get some much needed juice (the battery kind... that is).
Pit happens, but Richer Poorer has you
We love to learn and network, but sometimes you need a mental break. Thankfully the Richer Poorer team will be providing a Ball Pit for our attendees… yeah, just like the ones you played in when you were a kid (except way cooler). Find them by the entrance for all the fun. They will also be highlighting their collection of basics in the pop-up market, because every boss needs her basics!
Need a break, check out this giveaway from Volvo
Craving a getaway? How about Sweden? Volvo is popping up with one of their newest car models available for you to check out in person. Stop by to snag a photo and enter to win the getaway of a lifetime.
Don't leave this at home! Things you should bring to C&C
Bring a schedule of all the things you want to hit up day-of, it’s a day filled to the brim with activities so coming with a gameplan is a clutch move.
In the spirit of good networking, pack extra business cards. You want to be able to hand them out throughout the day. Don't shortchange yourself.
Keep an eye out for your attendee gift box that should be coming in the mail any day now! We are so excited for you to receive, make sure to share it on social with us using #CreateCultivateNYC!
Gift Bags
We know your want them! Gift bags are only available at the end of the night and will be handed out in exchange for your badge. If you have to jet early you will be forfeiting your right come back in but we doubt you'll want to do that ;)
For those who drive, there is Valet parking
We have 100 spots available onsite for valet parking which you can nab for $20 cash on site. However we DO recommend taking an Uber, Lyft, or catching our C&C Shuttle for VIPS at the Redbury Hotel.
International Attendees
You will pick up your badges and additional information at registration. Please let us know upon arriving that you provided us an international mailing address, and we will provide you with your conference goods!
*VIP PERK*
Shuttle Service from the Redbury Hotel (RSVP REQUIRED)
Are you a VIP planning to take the shuttle from the Redbury Hotel in the morning and after the event ends? GREAT! If you could RSVP here to reserve your spot that would be great. Also note you will need your VIP badge or VIP confirmation email to board the bus!
WE ARE SO EXCITED! What are you most thrilled to see! Share in the comments below!
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You'll Feel Like Freakin' Superwoman If You Do This Tomorrow AM
Katrina Bowden shares her kickass 30 minute morning routine.
photo credit: Ben Jorgensen
By: Katrina Bowden
It’s a struggle to fit working out into a busy life. Between career, family, friends, social life...fitness often falls off the list of things to do. I get it! We are all super busy.
But think twice before letting this happen...
Working out has so many benefits beyond the physical ones we know of (hello: abs and a nice bum!). Fitness has major benefits for your mental and emotional well being...so if your life is moving a mile a minute, taking time to work up a sweat can help calm that whirlwind into something more like a nice breeze.
Your workout is YOU time. And no matter how busy life gets, you need to make time for YOU. Always! Most people struggle to make fitness a priority. If you choose to make your health and wellness a priority, you'll be making huge strides in balancing out your mental, emotional, and physical states.
"No matter how busy life gets, you need to make time for YOU."
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My favorite time to workout is first thing in the morning for a few different reasons. First, it gets me going and starts my day on a positive, healthy note. (It also doesn't hurt that it gets it out of the way so you don't have to think about it again for the whole day!) A morning sweat sesh has incredible benefits that impact your body and mind that will carry you through your busy day ahead. Those benefits are:
STRESS RELEASE
Starting your day by getting out some aggression and pent up stress? Yes please! Working up a sweat is a huge stress reliever, so getting that done in the morning will set you up for an easier, less stressed day.
CREATE A STATE OF CALM
Imagine feeling completely zen upon arrival to work or client meetings. Amazing right? Working out first thing can put you in a calmer state of mind, which in turn helps you think more rationally and productively through the day.
KICKASS SUPER WOMAN MENTALITY
Completing a sweat session can make you feel invincible, like a total badass babe who can take on anything. And you are! That feeling carries you into your day with confidence. Having confidence is huge when you are hustling day after day to advance your career. Confidence is attractive and respected in all fields.
ENERGY BOOST
When you finish a killer workout, or even just a balancing one (think yoga!) your endorphins will be running high and your blood will be pumping, making you feel truly alive. Exercise gives you a natural high that lasts for hours after you finish. Even when you are tired/not in the mood- I bet that once you get going, you'll feel energized and ready for anything.
SET YOURSELF UP FOR A HEALTHIER DAY AHEAD
Studies have shown that people who work out first thing, tend to make healthier choices throughout the day. I find this to be SO true for me! On days when I work out, I am all protein and green juice for the win...which in turn keeps my metabolism revved and my body functioning properly all day. You may also decide to take the stairs instead of the elevator or walk to your meeting instead of driving or taking a cab- these small decisions can make a huge impact on your mental, physical, and emotional well being. Healthier and happier you!
Now that I have you thoroughly convinced about morning workouts, let's discuss how to fit it in! I am a big class girl- I love working out with other people because I find it motivating and inspiring. BUT when I am working on set or on location somewhere I have to come up with different ways to workout. And those workouts have to be time efficient. When I am shooting, I love running first thing in the morning. I'll do 3-5 miles and it takes me about 25-45 minutes, then I jump in the shower, get dressed and go. It's fast and effective.
You don't need to go to an hour class to get in a good workout. And if you despise running (give it another shot please!!) you can totally get in a killer workout at home with nothing more than a mat or carpeted floor. Here is a go-to do anywhere workout I LOVE to use when I am working or traveling.
It starts with a light warm up, because you always need to get your body mobilized before starting. Next you do two 5 minute rounds of certain movements, with rest in between the two rounds. THEN, you do a chipper, which means you chip away at the movements listed, trying to get through all of them as quickly as you can. Time yourself to track progress!
This whole workout, start to finish is about 30 minutes flat. Push yourself during the whole thing because if you're only going for 30 minutes, you better make those 30 minutes worth it!
THE WARM UP
Warm up, for 5 minutes: cycle through these movements without rest, paying special attention to any areas that feel tight.
3 walk outs (get those hips and hamstrings moving!)
20 jumping jacks
5 burpees
10 air squats
ROUND ONE:
1 minute burpees
1 minute push-ups (on your knees to modify)
1 minute reverse lunges, alternating legs
1 minute V-ups or bicycles to modify
1 minute curtesy lunges, alternating legs
Rest one minute
ROUND TWO (get that sweat going)
1 minute jump squats
1 minute push-ups
1 minute reverse lunges, alternating legs
1 minute V-ups or bicycles to modify
1 minute curtesy lunges, alternating legs
Rest 2 minutes. Get ready for the Chipper!
THE CHIPPER
Chipper: This should be done as fast as you can go. Take little rests when you need it, but try to go hard!
60 Alternating leg reverse lunges (30 each leg)
50 Air squats (get low ladies!)
40 V-ups or sit ups
30 Burpees (chest to the floor)
20 Pushups
10 Jump Squats
If you are feeling super strong - go through the chipper again starting from 10 jump squats and working your way back up the list. Extra points if you beat your first time!
COOL DOWN
Feel powerful yet?!
Finish with some light stretches to cool down for 3-5 minutes. I recommend these:
Toe touches
Quad stretch
Figure four booty stretches lying on your back.
Katrina Bowden is an actress living and working in New York City with a passion for health and fitness. Her lifestyle blog FitKat by Katrina Bowden combines health and fitness, with a sprinkle of fashion, travel, beauty-- and lots in between.
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C&C Classifieds Nº33: sweetgreen, FRAME Denim, Nordstrom & more
No Bad Days... Sign us up!
photo by @shopbando
Here at C+C, we talk (A LOT) about being your own boss. It's no mystery that it's a lot of hard work, guaranteed long hours, and stressful on a good day. All successful entrepreneurs know that true passion drives motivation which translates to productivity which leads to results. We're into results.
But we've learned through interviews and surveys with our readers, that some of you don't want to run your own businesses, and prefer to work for corporations or pre-established companies. And we loudly applaud you for knowing what you want, it's very ... BOSS of you. And if that's the case, we've got some incredible companies for you to look at below.
SWEETGREEN
(LOS ANGELES)
FRONTGATE
(WEST CHESTER, OH)
FRAME DENIM
(LOS ANGELES)
FOUR SEASONS HOTELS & RESORTS
(DENVER, CO)
FOUR HANDS HOME
(AUSTIN, TX)
NORDSTROM
(SEATTLE, WA)
Want more?
FULL ACCESS TO CLASSIFIEDS HERE
The One Design Hurdle That’s Got 66% of Millennials Down
Big City dwellers, this one’s for you.
photo by @taylorsterling
As active participants of social media, we are frequently bombarded with images of perfect-looking homes that feel so far out of reach. Perfect herringbone hardwood floors, custom fireplaces, antique crown molding, it’s all beautifully overwhelming because we want what we can’t have.
With roughly one-third of millennials certified home-owners, renting is an unavoidable epidemic that most of us are dealing with (or suffering through… well, at least we’re in this together).
One of the biggest woes about renting is the inability to make any drastic design decisions. Whether it’s updating appliances, new light fixtures, or the biggest of them all….. carpet *gasp*. We dislike carpet just as much as the next renter, but sometimes we’re stuck with it. And what do bosses like us do when we’re stuck? We work through it, because we’re bad ass like that.
To help you tackle this major design woe, we tapped three “cool-girl” interior designers for their tips on how to design around that dingy carpet (without compromising your style).
Meet The Designers
Claire Zinnecker, of Claire Zinnecker Design, a boutique interior design group based in Austin, TX.
Kirsten Grove, the leading lady behind Simply Grove, a creative outlet turned full-time interior design business.
Ginny MacDonald, a designer and stylist, based in LA (though, she hails originally from England) whose extensive work can be seen here.
photo by @FromTheGroundUp
LESSON ONE: Rugs are Your Friend
CZ: Layering the space with a bright patterned area rug will take away from your carpet woes. The color and texture draws the attention to it and pulls together the space. You won't even notice the carpet.
KG: When you are using throw rugs on carpet, try layering them to create a textured look that will take away from the first layer of carpet. You can play off of the color of the carpet by incorporating it in the colors of the rug.
GM: If the carpet has a crazy pattern to it then go for something solid and tonal that works with the colours in the carpet. If the carpet is light and neutral then you have the option to overlay something bright and colourful or go with something more tonal (i.e if you have cream carpet, you could overlay a sisal or jute in a slightly darker tone, this would also give more texture). Not all rugs work on top of carpet though. Low pile rugs don't sit well on top of thicker pile carpet and end up moving around so try to use a rug and a carpet with the same pile thickness and it should stay snug. You could also use a rug pad or carpet tape to make it stick even better.
photo by @simplygrove
LESSON TWO: Pull Focus To The Walls
CZ: Distract with paint. Adding paint as an accent wall or even a pop of color on the ceiling can change the feel of the entire space. It creates a fun distraction and gives your space personality.
KG: Carpet can easily disappear when you focus on other aspects of the room. Creating a gallery wall with a variety of colors and textures can force the eye up instead of down.
GM: As well as adding a rug to your space you could also paint the walls in a brighter tone so that it helps to detract away from the carpet. A lot of rentals are painted in the contractors fave "swiss coffee" but painting it in a white or neutral grey will help a space feel more fresh and happy.
photo by @chrislovesjulia
LESSON THREE: Add Surrounding Textures
CZ: Bringing in textures through rugs, blankets, natural wood, etc. makes your home feel cozy and fresh. The carpet will practically disappear when you liven it up with a variety of textures.
GM: Layer accent furniture on top of the carpet like fun colourful poufs, baskets for extra blankets and planters. This not only hides the hideous rug but also brings some life, texture and layering to a room.
Are there other design roadblocks you are experiencing as a renter? Let us know in the comments below!
Breast In Show: This New Biz Is All About Fake Nipples
Would you wear them?
photo credit: Just Nips
Have your nipples been in hiding? Buried under a bra? Well, Molly Borman wants to change that if you're game. The founder of Just Nips is on a nipple mission.
If you track back, Borman has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. “Side-hustles turned to regular jobs, get another side hustle,” says the founder who started her career in the editorial department at Ralph Lauren. She knew she wouldn’t be at the company forever, having watched many colleagues move up through the ranks or on to different endeavors, but Borman hadn’t actualized what her next step would be. Little did she know, it was right in front of her. See, every day at work, she would draw. “I started making a cartoon,” says Borman. “This was my thing, it’s what got me up in the morning, it was my new life plan.” She admits that she didn’t know “how to draw that well” but she chipped away. “Small steps, small steps, small steps,” she shares. “And cartoon me could do whatever she wanted. Cartoon me would be off in Paris and real me would be sitting at a desk.” It was an escape that got her excited. “I was Dilbert,” she says.
It’s also the creative avenue that kickstarted an exploratory side to Borman. She began going to galleries and shows, leading her to this: “I knew I wanted to do an art show about boobs,” she shares. “I didn’t know what that meant or what it looked like, but I was super interested in this feminist voice I’d been crafting through the cartoon.”
Her vision for “the nipples” started there. Originally she intended to work with different artists to message the product of nipple enhancers in their varying styles. “It was going to incorporate this super antiquated notion of ‘You’re looking for a promotion? Try these,’ she says. “So unacceptable,” she admits, but that was the “art” of it— flipping the patriarchy's nipple script on its head. All of these ideas were happening simultaneously— the cartoon, the nipples, and her day job at RL. Until her cartoon got picked up by Lifetime and she quit. “They believed in my idea, which changed everything. They also paid for my idea,” says Borman, “which changed everything.”
Once onboard with Lifetime, the writer turned cartoonist got an animation team, immersing herself in the world of arts and production. “Everything I wanted to do took off from there. It was a crazy catalyst of getting to do what I wanted and getting paid for it, which was incredibly empowering. It took one person to believe in me; I didn’t know I believed in myself.”
"It took one person to believe in me; I didn’t know I believed in myself.”
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That one person wasn’t a senior exec or a high-up at Lifetime. It was an assistant Borman met at book club and to whom she casually mentioned her cartoon. “Then it got real and I started pushing myself. I was taking risks and going for it.”
It was her attitude of “let’s try this,” that got her moving. "I painstakingly took notes about business and what wholesale means,” she says. “There are crazy critical details that make or break a deal. Who do you hire first? What about patents?" Her deep dive into biz learnings at such an intimate level gave her the itch. So Borman called up her mom, told her she wanted to focus on the nipples again, and did. That was the beginning of Just Nips.
photo credit: Just Nips
“I got a manufacturer in Michigan,” says the Michigan native, explaining that being a part of Detroit’s revival is also an important part of her journey. And she started test runs in her personal life.
“My first pair I made with erasers from the end of a pencil. And I just sort of wore them,” she says. “I would meet a friend for lunch and it would inevitably come up.”
“I’ve worn them on first dates to test them out— the first time I wore them on a date they were very crooked,” she laughs. “He [Borman's date] couldn’t stop looking, but he wouldn't say anything, so I finally asked him if he noticed my nipples.” She proceeded to tell him that they were fake and a business she wanted to launch. “I never heard from him again,” she says.
Those kind of responses only fueled her fire.
If you’re wondering why-- why is this a product women need? Should we be calling more attention to our nipples? Borman says, “It’s a perky look. 100% aesthetic,” and that no one has called her out for being “anti-feminist.” At least to her face.
“I never want to push a product,” she explains. “If you don’t like it, that’s awesome. If you’re intrigued by it, awesome. I feel today with feminism it’s more an attitude of 'do what you want.'”
“Are fake nipples the new fake boobs?” we ask. “I hope so,” she laughs. “They’re so much cheaper.”
Just Nips are currently available in two sizes: Cold and Freezing. “A big part of the design and manufacturing was to make sure that the sticky part was safe enough for your skin and worked with a lacy bra as well,” she says, noting that you can wear the nipples any way you please: on skin, on top of a bra, under a bra, or on top of sports bra.
Eventually Borman wants to build a community with more products that “don’t have anything to do with boobs but are focused on the message of ‘women can do whatever they want.’” She’s toyed with the messaging of “desexualizing the nipple,” which is very much in line with the #freethenipple movement. “Men look at the nipples and think you’re horny, but they aren’t sex organs. Sometimes you’re just cold. It’s not a boner,” says Borman.
It’s also not for everyone.
“My mom said she will never wear them. It’s not her look.” Which is totally OK with the nip-preneur. Borman is not deterred at the idea of older generations pushing back against the product. “I hope they do,” she says. “And then I hope they think, I wish we could have done this when we were younger.”
Though she says it’s 100% aesthetic, she is looking to have more of an impact. “There is an underground market for nipples with the trans community,” she says. “Which is sad, but I’d love to bring this all to light. It’s why I made my nipples super pretty. You also have breast cancer and my true next step is working within the breast cancer community to raise awareness. Or raising awareness about sexual health.” The idea is notably more provocative than a pinned pink ribbon. Think of the conversations they could spark at a brunch. The branding, packaging, and product also has the potential to bring a bit of laughter to a woman going through something truly awful, like a mastectomy.
“If I put a smile on someone’s face for one second,” says Borman, “that makes all of the other ‘is it feminist, is it not?’ worth it.”
Have thoughts on Just Nips? Would you wear them? Sound-off below.
How the VP of Marketing at CB2 Creates Its Swoon-Worthy Appeal
Plus her super sleek trick for Instagram giveaways.
photo credit: CB2
Alicia Waters is the powerhouse behind CB2's amazing marketing. As the Vice President of Marketing for the brand that attracts consumers young and old, she is responsible for the voice, the look, and the swoon-worthy pics we can't get enough of. Elevated doesn't have to mean $$$.
Who among the lot of us doesn't covet just about everything in those CB2 catalogs? And guess what? Traditional marketing has changed so much that user-generated content actually now informs what goes into them. If you're feeling curious, you're not alone.
We picked Waters' brill brain about collabs, campaigns, and hooking an entire world on the CB2 aesthetic. And trust us when we say, you might want their goods in your living room, but after reading the below, you'll definitely want to invite Waters over for tea too.
What was your very first job and what skill did you learn there that you still use today?
My first job was in sales at a custard shop. It paid $5.50/hour and was my first taste of independence, so was glorious. Plus lots of free custard -- so what's not to like? I worked there for five years and learned a lot about customer service - i.e. caring for customers when they were disappointed, rewarding best customers in special ways, among other things. (People can get pretty angry, especially about ice cream.) On my first week a man threw his half eaten custard cup at the window at me because I had topped it with hot fudge instead of chocolate... that experience alone taught me how to diffuse anger and to implement checks and balances to drive a more flawless operation.
What do you wish more people understood about what you do?
I think most people have an innate sense of how they want to be marketed to. This points to the fact that marketing really is about psychology and empathy at its core -- and that's what I love about it. That said, I'm not sure if people realize that marketing decisions are rooted in analytics. We constantly sift through data to identify segments and micro segments, to dissect / optimize media performance, and to understand the incrementality of various media platforms to make sure we're getting the best return on our dollars. Even with creative ideas and decisions, we are constantly looking through data to optimize performance.
"Even with creative ideas and decisions, we're looking through data to optimize performance."
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Which parts of your business come the most naturally to you? What skills have you had to work overtime to develop?
When I joined CB2, I was comfortable with the strategy & marketing pieces, having studied both disciplines in college/grad school and having led marketing teams at other companies. I truly do like all aspects of marketing, but my favorite marketing activities are collaborations and customer research.
The aspects of the business that were newer to me upon joining CB2 were e-commerce and visual merchandising. The A/B testing approach of e-commerce has inspired me to mimic a similar process when testing new marketing vendors. Visual merchandising is an incredibly effective discipline that balances creative/analytical. I've realized that visual merchandising and marketing are cousins, and must work in synch at all times. So we've maximized our cross-functional communication among those two groups as well.
We now live and work in the multi-screen economy. How do you ensure the CB2 vibe is strong through all your channels?
We use a basic content calendar to coordinate messaging across channels. Our teams are challenged to ensure that our messaging is cohesive -- yet differentiated by channel -- so customers have a real reason to engage with us across platforms. Not an easy task!
Marketers need to know how to merge disciplines. It’s not just enough to have beautiful ad anymore. Would you say that marketing and branding need to have a 360 approach and how does social tie into this?
Not too many years ago, our distribution channels were really simple - retail, e-commerce, and catalog. Now, our distributions model has become exponentially fragmented. My role has morphed into the voice of the customer (across platforms & fragmented distribution channels), identification of new collaborators and technologies/vendors to test, in addition to my "base" job. When I first started at CB2, customers primarily got their inspiration from print and catalogs ... while both still play a role, clearly that model has blown up! Social media has become the place where our customers start their searches and do research. We need to be where they are (which means we test out new platforms continuously), providing information and inspiration that informs and excites them. The beauty of social media is the real time feedback ... our customers have impeccable taste and quickly give us a sense of where we need to head. Programs like #mycb2 (user-generated content) have started to actually inform our catalog shoots (vs. the other way around) as our creative customers use and shoot our product in incredibly innovative ways.
The CB2 collab with Lenny Kravitz drove crazy sales and engagement, which can be hard for any brand to pull off. What do you think you do differently that made that work so well?
Thank you!! I think a key factor in that collaboration's success was that it came from a place of authenticity. The theme and inspiration behind the collection came from Mr. Kravitz himself, whose own extraordinary vision & life shaped every glamorous, sexy piece. Also, the CB2 design and buying teams gave full rein to Kravitz Design to create the pieces (rather than micromanaging in any way), so they ended up in a place that wasn't watered down but instead true to the original vision. Our customers care a lot about authenticity. The visuals and tactics we developed fell into line under that same vision. My favorite individual marketing tactic was the social media auction on Instagram. We posted a photo of the sleek Nova Side Table and asked people to bid on the piece by commenting “I want it” in the comments. The person to leave the last comment at the end of the auction won the item. Trick is, we didn't state the end time.
photo credit: CB2
How did the collab with Ross Cassidy come about?
I met Ross through our Webby winning campaign, APT CB2, back in 2014. Ross was a rising star and Pin influencer who rallied our customer base to create a crowdsourced design of a stunning dining room online that CB2 then built out in real time in a New York City apartment. I was equal parts blown away by his unequivocal talent and his magnetic charm. It was clear there was an opportunity to share Ross' design vision with our customers as it felt really fresh and elevated for the brand. At his first meeting with our head of brand Ryan Turf, he came more than prepared, bringing along full sketches for a Japanese-inspired collection with CB2. We were smitten, the rest was history.
Any advice for young women who are looking to stand out in their careers?
My advice is to be authentic to yourself and to work hard. Understand your strengths and find environments where you can shine - run from those that require you to try and be something you are not.
"Run from environments that require you to try and be something you're not."
Tweet this.
What has been your personal edge and helped you stand out through your career?
A bit of a rule breaker attitude. I have never been a great rule follower. Today's constantly evolving marketplace, which is always thirsty for new ways of thinking and new models, suits me pretty well.
The Beyoncé lyric that describes your mood right now?
Don't bore me, just show me - Check On It
As someone who has to travel a lot for work, what are your secret airport hacks?
I always take a photo of my parking spot so I don't forget it, and I pack a few extra ziplock bags and am surprised every trip that they still come in handy. I wear a scarf on most flights and use it as a pillow if needed, and I bring my eye shade to I can get some zzzz's.
My favorite airport hack at Chicago's O'Hare Airport (my airport) is that you can order tortas by Frontera (acclaimed chef Rick Bayless's famous restaurant) on an app -- so I can pick them up on my way to my flights or I place an order as I'm landing and then have a delicious meal to pick up/ take home.
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An Honest Look At Working Moms and Postpartum Depression
Spoiler: It's not easy.
I had a relatively normal pregnancy. There were certain complications, but when b-day arrived and push came to shove, I pushed and shoved and wailed for my own mama, who along with my daughter’s father, Chris, held my hand through a 36-hour, hell-on-earth labor. Pitocin went in like a lion, and my baby came out like a lamb, a tad purple and smashed, but perfect nonetheless with rose-bud lips, violet-blue eyes, only ten toes, and a birthday three-hours shy of the day her father and I met.
Fast-forward: we were a unit, dodging debris and diaper explosions with grace and confidence, and even in the face of the holy f-caboose that attaches itself to the newborn baby train, when we swerved, we never went off the road. In fact, I went back to work when my daughter was just 6 weeks old, and I thought, "I've got this." I danced at my desk my first day back. "Ohhhh, I've goottttt this."
Except I didn't.
The first night the postpartum beast showed its rotten teeth I called Chris' mom at 12:30am. Chris was out of town working, as he often was, when my body jolted awake sweating and shaking.
“I know it’s late,” I cried to his mom over the phone, “but something is wrong and I’m too scared to be alone with the baby.” She rushed over and spent the night with me, petting my back until I fell asleep. “You’re OK,” she whispered in the dark. “You’re OK.”
Except I wasn’t.
Despite the signs I refused to accept that my problems were psychological. “It’s my hormones readjusting, high blood sugar (I'm T1 Diabetic), my kidneys, neuropathy, a tooth infection,” I justified. It was only when the dentist, little mirror in hand, made clear that, “There aren’t even any cavities,” did I finally break down and ring my OB-GYN to convey the following:
“I’m scared and shaky all the time, dizzy, terrified to be alone with B, and,” this was the kicker, “I think there is a ghost in the laundry room.” Rauschenberg’s ghost actually, who I thought I could keep locked up by placing the laundry basket in front of the room’s doors. Some crazy lady shit.
“Why do you keep doing that?” Chris asked one night after catching me in my ritual.
“You don’t want to know,” was all I said. “Rauschenberg in the laundry room,” sounds like a good novel, but not necessarily a sangfroid sentiment.
I felt no relief having unloaded my secrets to a professional. Nor did I feel relief when she rattled off the following, “postpartum depression,” “panic,” “normal,” “number to a psychiatrist,” without a single non-lexical vocable in her voice. I jotted the number down, curled up on the floor of my daughter’s nursery and sobbed, “But I’m not depressed.”
When I shared the diagnosis with Chris, he had the same response: “But you’re not depressed.”
To the outside world, I wasn't. I was working. I was taking care of my baby. I was handling my business. Except I was also, sobbing in the bathroom late at night and at work. Hiding from a ghost artist.
So HOW did I work? Looking back, I don't know. I really don't. It was the worst year of my life.
I do however, have the following advice:
Recognize when you do not in fact, "got this."
For countless women, heading back to work, PPD or not, is not an option. We need to make money. And for some of us, certainly myself, we want to be able to handle life the exact same way as we did before.
The problem is, postpartum depression grinds slow, but it grinds fine, and when you're dealing with it in the middle of your work grind, the symptoms can be hard to recognize. PPD isn't just tears and baby blues. Shit can hit the fan when you least expect it-- like a panic attack in the middle of the biggest meeting of your life. (Yep.)
Get help.
I'm a little bit Type A. Or a lotta bit, depending on the day you catch me, and at one point I really, truly thought I could do this on my own. Acknowledging the issue is the first step, seeing someone is the second. You don't need to do this alone. Even if you feel like you can't share with anyone in your office, that's what the professionals are for. No one at work knew I had PPD (until now).
Sometimes being smart and independent means knowing when to ask for help.
Figure out if you're protected by the ADA.
In hindsight, not telling my boss was def not the most intelligent move, and my pride could have cost me my job. If you work for a company of 15 or more, PPD is protected under the American Disabilities Act. A law enacted by the government in 1990, it provides civil right protections to individuals with disabilities. You need a doctor to diagnose you and you'll need to tell your boss.
In most case, your employer is not bound by the law if they don't know about the disability. And like any good lawyer will tell you: put it in writing.
Use your vacation and sick days.
I hoarded my vacation days, with the idea that I was stockpiling them for some impressive European vacation I was never, ever going to take. But there were days I was completely useless at work. Nauseous, anxious, tired; the sound of email in my inbox could send me into a dark rabbit hole.
Use the days. You can picnic in Paris some other year.
Delegate your work load.
If you're in the position to not take on extra work, don't. You can prove that you are an invaluable asset to the company by getting better, and kicking ass when you're back to your normal self (it will happen). Taking on too much work in the midst of PPD and doing a half-assed job is only going to make you look worse. And then you'll feel worse. And then... so many tears.
Remember, there is always someone out there who has been through it and thrived. Even though that first year was hell-- I'm still here, better than ever.
The 4 Best Ways to Cope with a Panic Attack at Work
No, you're not having a heart attack.
Claire, a new graduate, recently scored her dream job: a junior editor at her favorite fashion magazine. Claire dreamed of this position ever since she flipped through glossy magazines as a teen. Claire spent every summer in college interning for the chance to be considered for this position and her hard work finally paid off! Everything was perfect......perfect until the third day on the job. It was early morning, Claire walked into her first round table meeting, prompt, with a large latte in hand. Eventually, Claire’s new colleagues started piling into the room, including the Editor-in-Chief. As they took their seats and the meeting started, a strong feeling came over Claire. She started feeling as though something was terribly wrong! Within seconds Claire felt short of breath (literally gasping for breath), her heart was racing, and sweat was running down her newly purchased blouse. What was happening? As Claire sat in her seat she thought: Am I having a heart attack? Am I going to die? Everyone is starting at me!
For all of you who have endured a similar episode likely know far too well what Claire experienced (it’s hard to forget if it happened to you). A panic attack occurs abruptly and often spontaneously ‘out of the blue’ as an intense feeling of fear and discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes. If that wasn’t enough, some of the following symptoms also occur simultaneously: chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, nausea, dizzy, tingling and fear of losing control or “going crazy.”
Unfortunately, because such episodes occur ‘out of the blue,’ nowhere is off-limits; including your place of work. Panic attacks are gruesome, but can be even trickier to navigate while on the job. Below are 4 ways to cope when your body is hell-bent against cooperating with you!
"HOLY CRAP, I THINK I JUST HAD A HEART ATTACK?"
“Holy crap, I think I just had a heart attack?”
“Holy crap, I think I just had a heart attack?”
Due to the fact that these symptoms mimic many medical emergencies, it is not uncommon for those suffering to feel like they might be having a heart attack or dying. Often, those who endure their first panic attack will visit their local Emergency Room (ER) in order to get checked out….. and wouldn’t we all if we thought we just had a heart attack? Ask your family doctor for a pamphlet at your next appointment and educate yourself on what an attack looks like. Understanding panic is the first step in coping. Although such attacks can be incredibly uncomfortable, panic attacks are short lived and will come to an end.
“WELL HELLO PANIC. I CAN'T SAY IT IS NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN."
Just when you thought that was over (as you hoped it was a one time occurrence), panic has decided to visit once again. Panic may have returned without an invite, but this time you are prepared and ready! Now that you know what your body is experiencing as a result of education (as per above), it is time for the next step: Acknowledgment. Like with all uninvited guests, it is polite to acknowledge any ‘unwanted’ presence. You can give your panic a name to minimize its impact.
"You can give your panic a name to minimize its impact."
Tweet this.
"MAY I EXCUSE MYSELF PLEASE?"
It is one thing to experience an attack in the comforts of your own home, but it is another to have a panic attack at the office. Many people suffer in silence for fear of being seen as ‘weak’ or ‘not cut out’ for the job. Although it is often expected that you leave your private life outside of the office, it can be helpful to let your boss and colleagues know when personal challenges may impact the job (do this carefully, and only reveal details you think are pertinent to your job). Giving your boss a heads-up makes it that much easier to leave a meeting abruptly. Making others aware prior to the next attack is not only helpful for lowering your distress level, but you may get a few helpful tips from others…..as it is highly likely others in the office are faced with a similar challenge.
"PANIC, YOU ARE NOW INTERFERING! GAME OVER!"
What is the different between having a panic attack and having a panic disorder? Panic attacks become a disorder when there is a significant and persistent amount of time (greater than one month) worrying about having another attack or possible consequences of an attack. Additionally, those who fear another attack often engage in significant maladaptive behavioral changes related to an attack (ex: absentee from work) as a way of coping with the fear. If you find yourself persistently worrying about another attack, so much that you avoid things that remind you of previous attacks, it’s time to seek help!
Blare June is a lifestyle blogger from Halifax, Nova Scotia. What makes Blare June's blog unique is that in addition to fashion she writes about mental illness, empowerment, and overall wellness. When Blare June isn't blogging, she is working as a physician specializing in psychiatry in Halifax. You can find Blare June online atwww.blarejune.com or on Instagram: @blarejune.
How These 3 Working Moms Are Handling This Crazy Stat
Kids are so dang expensive.
photo by Could I Have That?
In case you haven't heard Beyoncé is pregnant with twins. What you might not know is that in Jay Z's and Beyoncé’s prenup it states that she gets a cool 5 million for every baby she bears that’s his. Do the math babes. That means Queen B is carrying around 10 million dollars in her uterus. Which is, unfortunately, more $$$ than most of us will see in a lifetime.
Also another unfortunate fact: CNN recently revealed that raising a child to age 18 will costs $233,610-- pre-college. So what is a working mom to do? We checked in with three of our favorite working moms to get their life tips and tricks on saving money, even with baby at home.
Angela Sutherland, investment executive and co-founder of the new organic children's food delivery service Yumi, has two kids and three great tips for saving money-- especially as it relates to your TAXES. If you already filed your taxes this year, take her advice and make this a priority in 2018.
First, she says, "Depending on which state you're in you can actually buy pre-paid tuition, locking in the current rate of tuition, which is actual an amazing deal given the rate of inflation. The only downside is you have to decide early (very early!) which college your kid will go to, however, if you have a very strong state school it could be a great way to save." For those legacy families, look into this.
Second, she shares, "Be a lifetime learner! Few people know that you can claim up to $2k in tax credit every year for the classes you take. That's not $2k off of your taxable income like other deductions, that's actually a straight credit off your calculated taxes owed." And finally, says the mom and business owner, "There's a tax credit that's called the Dependent Care Credit- of which few people take advantage. But you can get up to $3k per child of tax deductions when you use a nanny or someone who cares for your children if you work."
Mom-to-be and writer Jane Helpern shared this practical advice: "Drive a Prius. Bring your lunch to work. And swap your Equinox membership for the YMCA which offers free childcare. Don't have a pool because they cost a lot to heat and don't be afraid to send your kids to daycare."
Postpartum doula Stephanie Matthias takes a slightly more holistic approach to the numbers game. "If you count your rent and gas, everything that costs money," the single mom of two explains, "summer camp, classes, buying birthday presents for kids in the class, or the fact that they want to go a vending machine at school because their friends do, it adds up." But she has some positive ideas on how to flip the script.
For one, "Enlisting family to help with childcare is huge, if it's possible," she shares. "I've chosen to have the kind of career where I work freelance, where I make my own hours. I'm not only doing what I want to be doing, but it's also really conducive to motherhood. I've made very strategic career decisions in order to accommodate being a mother."
She also shares, "I've never been a good budgeter. I'm not a frugal person. Even when I was working four jobs living in a $1000 dollar one-room apartment on the East Side (of Los Angeles), I would still go to Whole Foods and buy water. I used to think of money in terms of scarcity, in terms of what I could and couldn't afford. Now I think about money in terms of what kind of life I want to have. Do I want a life of experiences? What kind of life do I want for my kids? And what do I want to teach them about money? This approach has helped me spend less. It's almost like eliminating sugar. How I want to feel longterm is analogous to what I want my life to look like longterm. This reworking has completely changed the way I think about money. The money that I make during the time that I'm working, that's time that I'm spending away from of my kids. That makes the money more valuable to me and makes me more mindful of what I'm spending on. That money better be going toward stuff that makes our lives great. I'm not gonna work all these hours and spend money on shoes." Half of the time she says she doesn't get home until after her youngest in already in bed and there's an element of mom guilt that kicks in. The voice that says, "I didn't spend the day with you, I'm gonna get you something."
Matthias continues, "It's easy for working moms to feel like, 'I'm gone and I'm making x amount of money, so I can afford these really cute toys and it will make them happy.'" Not true she insists. "All your kids want is quality time with you. The more hours I work, the more money I make, the more that voice kicks in. That's when we do things to placate our kids. That's a massive waste of money. Every fifteen dollar tiara and thirty dollar ballet skirt, that all adds up. That's money you could put into their college fund."
She adds, "From a super practical standpoint, I am super strategic about where I do my food shopping. I want everything to be super high quality, but it's not always practical to only shop at Erewhon. I joined Thrive online. It's an online grocery store that doesn't sell produce. But instead has all of the snacks that go in lunches, etc. Everything is super discounted."
Extra credit pro tip: Babies grow and they grow fast. You're replacing their clothes every couple of months and many of them are barley worn. If you plan on having more than one, buy gender-neutral items so the next child can wear the hand-me-downs. And for new moms who are nesting (that innate desire to get ready for baby) don't be fooled by the marketing world. Babies don't need their own everrrrything-- from body wash to detergent to hair brushes. Don't nest yourself out of a nest egg.
Have more money saving tips? Share below!
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Why This TV Powerhouse Is Joining the Board of Planned Parenthood
Female anatomy.
Photo credit: Dove.
This morning, ELLE.com exclusively revealed the news that Shonda Rhimes – creator of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder – will join the national board of Planned Parenthood and speak for one of the most trusted health care providers in America.
In an interview with ELLE.com, Rhimes and Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s President, discuss their new partnership.
Shonda Rhimes on her reaction to Cecile Richards inviting her to consider a role on the Planned Parenthood national board:
“When someone you really admire … calls on you to serve, you say yes. The fact is that women’s health is under fire right now. And so to me, it feels like it’s important to help fight back. I just want to be of service. And I’ll do that any way I can.”
On why Richards reached out to Shonda:
“Shonda was already serving on the board out in Los Angeles, and she’s been a great supporter for a long time. But what she brings not only to this board, but frankly to the world is her commitment to lift up the stories of people who don’t always get heard, whether it’s in the way she talks about LGBT issues or women’s reproductive health care or [the way she] centers people of color on television. To me, the most important work we can do at Planned Parenthood is make sure that the voices of all those folks are heard, particularly in this political environment. And there’s just no one better at utilizing the power of storytelling than Shonda Rhimes.”
Rhimes on representatives and cable news pundits positioning Planned Parenthood as a “woman’s issue”:
“I'd put it this way: There are a lot of men who run things. And so for them, if it's not about them, it's considered an ‘other.’ I think the point of our country, our planet, the reason we're all here, one of the best things that we can do is be concerned about something even when it doesn't concern us. That's the whole point. The fact that I've never had to use a Planned Parenthood, the fact that I've never been in need of medical services I couldn't afford or didn't have access to, doesn't mean I shouldn't be concerned about the fact that other women don't have that access … When you help make people healthier, it makes the nation healthier, it makes the world healthier, it makes the economy healthier.”
Rhimes on the relative lack of “backlash” to Olivia Pope having an abortion on-screen:
“I don't know that I was surprised. But I think that the studio and the network were surprised that there wasn't a backlash. Yes, as we've all become more educated and aware, I think people have developed very different opinions over what is "controversial" and what's not … In this scene we were portraying a medical procedure that is legal in the United States of America. I wasn't sure what everybody was so concerned about. I was accurately portraying a medical procedure that the Supreme Court says people are allowed to have. I wasn't going to pull any punches. It's been a long time since Roe v. Wade, and I do think [most people] are able to have respect for other people's choices. Most people, I think, have accepted that it's not up to them to control other people's choices, except, it seems, when it comes to Washington, D.C., where everyone has an opinion about people's uteruses.”
Richards on what we can expect from Rhimes in this new role:
“The best thing we can do is just channel the enormous creative energy and storytelling ability that Shonda Rhimes already has to do our work even better. And she couldn't be joining us at a better time. When so much basic health care is under attack, as we saw just a few weeks ago, as a room full of men negotiated away maternity benefits for women, it's never been more important for people's stories to be told … Shonda has always been unapologetic about speaking truth to power. She does it every Thursday night. We're just incredibly grateful that of all the ways she could be spending her time, she's committed some of it to Planned Parenthood.”
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This One Job Hunt Tactic Is No Longer Working
So why is everyone still doing it?
According to a 2015 study done by the National Federation of Independent Business, 48% of small businesses report there are few or no qualified applicants for the positions they are trying to fill. This suggests that many people apply for jobs they aren’t qualified for, which gives hiring managers the idea that qualified candidates aren’t out there.
Studies show that global IQ scores have risen by an average of 20 points since 1950, implying that there should be qualified candidates out there, so why are so many people still struggling to land a job? The answer lies within the job application tactics being used.
The incorrect job hunting tactic that candidates often use
Often people employ the “spray and pray” tactic when applying for a job. This term has become common among recruiters when describing a candidate that applies to tens or hundreds of positions in the hopes that someone will bite. On average, each corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes. This means that your resume has to be outstanding in order to stand out from the crowd. When using the spray and pray tactic, resumes usually don’t hold the specified requirements or keywords, causing them to get turned down immediately. When you don’t customize your resume to each job, it’s clear that you’re using the spray and pray tactic, and this doesn’t bode well for your reputation.
"Your resume has to be outstanding in order to stand out from the crowd."
Tweet this.
Why this tactic doesn’t work well
On top of the fact that your resume is among hundreds of others in the application pool when you apply online, there’s another internal issue which makes it hard to secure a job. Scott Uhrig at Agile.Careers explained that, “Roughly 80% of jobs are never posted–probably closer to 90% for more senior jobs. The competition for posted jobs is insane…the best jobs are almost never posted.” If a job isn’t posted, you’re going to have a pretty hard time applying for it online.
What job tactics you should be using instead
The Beatles had it right when they sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” GlassDoor estimates that being referred by someone at the company boosts your chance of successfully landing a job as high as nearly 7%.
Don’t have any direct contacts in your industry? Use your LinkedIn profile to leverage who you know and increase your professional network. You never know who will be able to connect you with someone who can help you develop your career. At the very least, use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters. Research also finds that staffing agency referrals increase your chance of a successful job placement by more than 5%, and in-person referrals — such as meeting a company representative at a job fair and giving them a resume — increase it by about 4%.
Why these tactics work
Referrals generally produce a better hire, and statistics suggest that referrals lower the company turnover rate. 46% of referral hires stay over 1 year, 45% over 2 years and 47% over 3 years. Amy Segelin, president of the executive communications recruiting firm Chaloner, explains how the best (and most unexpected) hires happen: “Out-of-the-box hires rarely happen through LinkedIn applications. They happen when someone influential meets a really interesting person and says, ‘Let’s create a position for you.’” Why? Because it’s much easier to establish a connection and show your personality in person. While you can highlight what you’ll bring to the table and the skills you have, it’s almost impossible to show how well you’ll fit in with the company culture or how well you’ll get along with other employees on your resume alone.
______________
We live in an age where you can apply to hundreds of jobs with the click of a button, but just because it’s possible, (and easy) it doesn’t make it the best tactic to use when job hunting. Why this job tactic isn’t working is because when you apply via online application, you’re one of hundreds of applicants, which makes it hard to give off a lasting impression. Instead, focus on leveraging your network, asking for internal referrals, and using your contacts to get your resume in front of the right person. And when in doubt, remember that quality of your application will always serve you better than the quantity of applications you’re submitting.
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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C&C Classifieds Nº32: DBA, Create & Cultivate, Levi Strauss & more
Let's keep the #EqualPayDay momentum going
Photo by LaLaFauxBois
This week we celebrated #EqualPayDay, a day established to acknowledge the current wage gap and (hopefully) incentivize women to insist on pay equality. The fact of the matter is: at the current rate, the U.S will not reach pay equality until 2152. That's literally 135 years from now.
This week on the blog, we asked 15 professional women to share their salaries with us, in hopes of sparking wage conversations within our community (and in turn, your own communities). Because equal pay for equal work is not just a noble notion, it's simply the right thing to do.
CREATE & CULTIVATE (LA)
DIGITAL BRAND ARCHITECTS (LA)
LEVI STRAUSS & CO (SF)
NEIMAN MARCUS (DALLAS)
APARTMENT THERAPY MEDIA (NY)
FREE PEOPLE (PHILADELPHIA)
Want more?
FULL ACCESS TO CLASSIFIEDS HERE
All the Things Pregnant and Working Mothers Are Doing Wrong
They don't want you to be right.
Photo credit: Pexels
Written by: Jane Helpern
Women! If you think they're bad, just wait until they deign to bring a tiny, helpless human into the world and then attempt to receive meager compensation from their employer for it. Whether it's a basic survival tactic like drinking water or a more complicated endeavor such as carrying on a career, they deserve to be exiled. Or worse. Here, a list of 54 things pregnant women and working moms are doing all wrong.
Taking maternity leave
Returning to work too quickly
Eating licorice
Staying home
Def working
Def staying home
Eating fish
Owning cats
Being stressed
Being young
Being old
Def being old
Def being young
Being single
Drinking coffee
Earning more than their husband
Using hairspray
Traveling to Mexico
Consuming a single drop of alcohol
Working overtime
Working 32 hrs a week or more
Wearing heels
Wearing Spanx
Drinking Diet Coke
Going to Subway
Being in a heatwave
Being Chrissy Teigen
Eating cereal
Eating organic
Having a night nurse
Exposure to secondhand smoke prior to conception
Wearing makeup
Not enough salad
Being Kim Kardashian
Having heartburn.
Jane Helpern is a freelance writer, copywriter, and founder of Jane Says Agency. She enjoys helping brands find their voice, writing about fashion and feminism, and walking-at-an-incline-with-wine™