C&C Classifieds Nº41: Provista, Inked Brands, Le Grand Courtage & More
You should feel rested after that long weekend and ready to hunt.
Fresh Listings
Classifieds No. 41
How do you feel after that long Memorial Day weekend? Rested? Relaxed? Ready to hit the ground running? We thought so.
The holiday weekend might mark the unofficial start of summer, but if you're ready to dig in and find your dream job before the official kickoff on Tuesday, June 20th, then bury yourself in our newest batch of Create & Cultivate Classified right now.
Finding your dream career is a click away. And if you're feeling stumped on why you're not hearing back from certain companies, click over to read about the crazy stat that will change how you're applying.
Inked, Los Angeles, CA
Le Grand Courtage, Los Angeles, CA
Provista, New York, NY
UrbanStems, Washington, DC
AwesomenessTV, Los Angeles, CA
Small Girls PR, Los Angeles, CA
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ITK: Tips for Co-Founder Success
Finding your ideal mate in business.
Many of us have a vision of launching a business with co-founder who is the perfect compliment to our right brain or left-brain selves. Strong creatives tend to seek business strength and vice versa, but actually finding the perfect fit can be more difficult than we like. This is largely because we 1. Travel in circles that tend to be more like us 2. Don’t understand our own personalities, weaknesses and core competencies 3. Are eager to find someone that when we do we say “YES” too quickly. There is a formula to finding the right partner and setting yourself up for success. Lets dive in.
YOUR INNER GAME
Your capacity to understand your traits as a leader is essential. Are you passive aggressive? Can you hire people well, but struggle with firing? Do you think you are always right? Maybe you have self-worth issues. Or, like me, maybe you are a work-a-holic and treat your business like it’s your first-born. No matter what your unique personality type, it's critical to understand how you work and to be honest about it. Launching a business is not the time to work through your personal baggage, but you are the center of your business so these things do come up. You need to square away personal obstructions and work through anything that might keep you from performing at your optimum. I suggest making a list of how you like to work, what types of personalities you have worked well with in the past, and what might someone else need to know about you to know if you are a good fit for them. Do you like to do things last minute but never miss a deadline? Your potential co-founder will need to know not to worry about your commitment.
"Launching a business is not the time to work through your personal baggage."
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WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE
Aside from bringing a great idea to the conversation you need to stack up your skill sets. I always ask my clients to make lists: what are they really good at, what would they like to learn, and what is something that they would have to hire out/have zero interest in learning. If you are a creative that struggles with business matters or vice versa it's important to itemize the specifics. I work with a lot of clients that are creatives and need a business backbone, and let me tell you, you can be successful doing it on your own, but its definitely easier when you are working with someone who loves MS Excel if you hate it.
MATTERS OF MONEY
Who pays for what? With a biz partnership it's cleaner if both parties can equally split liability and expenses. Not only does this keep things feeling balanced, but there is true shared ownership. If going 50/50 is not a possibility and you are looking for a co-founder to fund the operation, you might actually be looking for an investor. In my experience having a co-founder that's really an investor can muddy decision-making processes. A co-founder should be able to bring something beyond money to the table. They should have skills and expertise that will relate directly to the day-to-day operations. If your co-founder is unable to invest as much money as you are or nothing into the business it’s critical that you stipulate in your operating agreement how your investment gets paid back over time and if/when the company dissolves. At the end of the day this is about playing fair, doing what’s right for the business and yourself.
"Having a co-founder that's really an investor can muddy decision-making processes."
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DOING BUSINESS WITH FRIENDS & LOVERS
In theory it’s a wonderful idea to start a business with a friend or romantic partner. Working with someone you know you already like and have things in common can be very rewarding, but it does require knowing yourself very well to pull this off successfully. Before launching into a business idea with someone you care about make sure to ask yourself and him or her- why now? Why would you two be the best to do this together? What complimentary traits do you have? Discuss how long you want to test the process and have a trial period together before committing to a contract. And yes, you will want a contract! Business amongst friends/lovers can still get ugly and you want to have a contract out of respect for you and them. The goal is to preserve the relationship and possibly launch an amazing business!
TINDER FOR CO-FOUNDERS
I wish there was Tinder for Co-Founders (kind of like Bumble BFF...). But as of now there are only co-founder sites that really focus on technology. Sites like CoFoundersLab, FounderDating, and Angellist are a few places to look if you are looking to start an ecommerce site, otherwise I suggest good old fashion LinkedIn and reaching out in Facebook groups, friends and family. As you would on a first date, you need to make sure to meet your potential co-founder for coffee or a drink and not just trust the phone or email. You wouldn’t marry someone without really knowing him or her right? So why would you risk your financial investment working with someone you don’t know well. (Jessica Alba jokes that partnering up with her co-founder is like an arranged marriage.) I suggest dating around. Dating around means having lots of coffees and working on small projects with someone to test out the personality styles and core competencies. Think of it as an experiment. You could sign an NDA, but really, it's not necessary unless you have a patent pending. Ideas are easy come, easy go, but execution is hard. You need a partner you can execute with that has a shared vision. Don’t expect your first couple dates will yield a co-founder! Be patient.
"Ideas are easy come, easy go, but execution is hard."
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Some people are not co-founder types and that can be as useful to know about yourself as is finding the right partner. Business owners who fly solo must take it upon themselves to find the right help to get things done. It's impossible to think you can run a business all by yourself- you simply won’t scale. You need support, someone to challenge you, and someone to fill the holes.
Syama Meagher is a retail strategist for brands and retailers. She helps entrepreneurs launch and grow fashion business through ecommerce, wholesale and brick & mortar. Syama is a former at Barneys New York, Gucci, AHAlife and Macy’s. To build your brand and create a profitable business check out www.ScalingRetail.com and email hello@scalingretail.com
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Why This CEO Says You Have to Risk It All
Sorry. There's no half assed entrepreneurship.
Would you quit your job and risk it all for your business?
That’s what Daina Trout, CEO and co-founder of Health-Ade Kombucha, did in 2012. During graduate school at Tufts University for Nutrition, Trout discovered her love for holistic and fermented foods. But when she found herself climbing the corporate ladder of a pharmaceutical company in her late twenties, she felt her career going a little sour. And not in a healthy kombucha way.
Rather, Trout was coming home at night in tears from a corporate job that left her "feeling so unfulfilled." Though she was “moving up the corporate ladder and doing pretty well,” she explains, “I’m somebody who doesn’t even take Tylenol. So to work for a pharmaceutical company was weird. I was a number. It was very red-tapey and I was particularly rebellious. There were 100,000 employees there and I wanted to be a leader. I felt like I had it in me to do that.”
"I wanted to be a leader. I felt like I had it in me to do that.”
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Alongside her co-founders, husband, Justin, and BFF, Vanessa Dew, the now-CEO quit her job. She calls it her most important jump. “I had steady job, where I was moving up and getting awards, to start a kombucha company in the farmer’s market,” she laughs. At first she did attempt to split her time.
For about four months over the summer of 2012 the three co-founders tried working the farmer's market circuit on nights and weekends while keeping on with their day jobs. “I was completely driving myself into a brick wall," Trout says. "I was starting to lose my mind." Adding, "And there is no physical way I could do this if I had a kid.” Noting that at the time, she didn’t.
Right around November 2012 is when the trio knew they couldn’t continue at this pace, nor were they doing at good job at either. They weren't going to expand, “certainly not into Whole Foods,” Trout shares, if they didn't commit. So in December they shook hands, made a pact, and as of January 1, 2013 they were full time Health-Ade. “I remember that first day we showed up, January first and realized, ‘Oh shit, there is no paycheck coming. And we have no money.’ Maybe 600 dollars. It was really dumb in a lot of ways when you look back at it on paper. I don’t know if you have to do it like that, but for us, this is our story.”
"We’re not cautious people. If an account wants to carry Health-Ade I don’t see how I could say no. And that’s the beautiful thing about being able to paint your own canvas: We get to make the choice and we deal with the impact."
She says from the beginning they set the pace at turbo. "We’re not cautious people. If an account wants to carry Health-Ade I don’t see how I could say no. And that’s the beautiful thing about being able to paint your own canvas: we get to make the choice and we deal with the impact."
During the startup stage, it was high impact all the time. “Those next two years were the toughest," she says. "Physically tough. We were manufacturing and brewing kombucha. Who do you think was carrying the cases around the brewery? Delivering it to stores? Working the farmer’s markets? It was us. I was in the best shape of my life, but physically and emotionally taxed. There would be times I would take a walk, look up to the sky and look for any kind of sign that I had an ounce of sanity in me.”
Health-Ade is now a national brand and report being the fastest growing kombucha company in the U.S. Something Trout calls, “a crazy ride,” but for now she’s “on the horse and it’s exciting.” In 2016 they raised more than $7 million in venture funding from CAVU Venture Partners.
This year alone the company is seeing 4x growth, which many companies never see. “But it’s hard,” she says. “There is a misconception out there that it's glamorous,” Trout says of starting a business. "We had to dedicate our entire life. It’s almost like having a child,” shares Trout, who is now the mother of a two-year-old.
And yet, she says, there is a lot of positive. "I had to start this business. I had no choice in a way. It was a voice within telling me 'There is something bigger out there for you. You’re going to regret this your whole life.' Now I can make my own rules and it is so incredibly fulfilling at the end of the day, no matter how bad of a day I’ve had I never go to bed thinking ‘I don’t want tomorrow to come,’ or wake up the next morning thinking, ‘Oh my God, I don’t want to go to work.’”
The CEO says the closest thing to the entrepreneurship highs and lows is being mother for the first time. “I’m 36 and have had a lot of experiences, and nothing in my life has come even close to starting a business, except for having an infant."
"Nothing in my life has come even close to starting a business, except for having an infant.”
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Like motherhood, Trout says, "You eventually come to terms that you need to find your own way. Follow your instincts. Starting a business is very similar. I had to find confidence in myself and my decisions. Once you get the confidence, it’s over. It’s a complete confidence game. I think that’s why men traditionally have been better at this. But women are realizing, ‘Hey we’re fucking awesome too and we can do this. That’s all it is.”
Doing it they are. “This year we’re going to sell two million cases.” Considering five years ago the co-founders were making the product by hand with siphons in their tiny apartment closet, "lucky to make 60 cases per week," to sell “two million is insane and really cool." That means the pace hasn't slowed down, nor has the uncertainty. "We’re running this thing really fast right now. And it’s a discomfort zone.” All the time Trout says.
But it all comes back to the company's tag line: Follow Your Gut, which the CEO jokes everyone assumes is about the gut-positive health benefits of probiotics. While that's fitting, it’s also not the case.
To risk it all, Trout and her co-founders really had to trust their own instincts. “It has to do with how we started this business: you surrender to the fact that nobody is going to give you the answer. You hold the paintbrush. And the sooner you realize that, the more you can paint. Our whole lives we’ve always had someone to assist us with that paintbrush. A manager or a teacher, someone you can call on. Maybe you don’t realize that you’ve gone through life painting with assistance or painting by numbers. The reality is, starting a business is like a huge blank canvas where nobody knows what you want to paint, but you.”
Arianna Schioldager is Editor-in-Chief at Create & Cultivate. You can follow her @ariannawrotethis.
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Refresher Course: You Need These 3 Networking Reminders
Never stop improving.
photo from Who What Wear
In a recent interview, 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. So how do you get to the jobs that aren’t ever posted? The answer is simple: networking.
Recent studies done by LinkedIn show that nearly 85% of people have used networking to find or obtain a job. If jobs aren’t posted online, you’ll need to leverage your connections to get inside knowledge about positions pertaining to your career. This task sounds daunting, but if you take initiative, it’s a fairly simple process.
Surround yourself with industry professionals whom you enjoy
While you might find friends at work, that isn’t always the case, so it’s important to put yourself in situations where you can meet others and build new friendships (or at the very least, make new connections).
Attending networking events in your field of work is a great way to meet people in your field and gather inside knowledge on potential jobs. While you may not be connecting with the people at your office, industry events give you the opportunity to find others in your field who you mesh with. If you enjoy what you do, finding others who enjoy it as well will hugely benefit you.
No idea how to find networking events in your area? Check out the links below to figure out what’s right for you!
- Create + Cultivate (we host local pop up events on top of our conferences!)
- Six Degrees Society
- Career Contessa
- Levo League
Often networking organizations have local chapters so you get to know people in your area. This is a bonus if you’ve recently made or plan to make a big move and are trying to meet new people!
Join a professional organization
This doesn’t just mean attending networking events. Joining a professional organization that is specific to your line of work gives you access to networking events, industry insights, job opportunities, and gives you up to date information about the job market. As an added bonus, professional affiliations look great on your resume! Finding an organization might take a bit of research, but almost every industry has an organization which has huge benefits for members.
Here are a few examples:
- PIHRA- Professionals In Human Resources Association
- National Student Nurses Association
- Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches
- American Marketing Association
There are associations and memberships for almost every profession you can think of. It might take a little digging, but just utilize your google search skills and you’ll easily find something that works for your needs. If you do become a member/affiliate, make sure you take advantage of all the perks. Join online or in person groups, connect with others in your industry, and sign up for newsletters so you can get the latest industry information.
Ask for an introduction
This can seem awkward if you’re not used to it, but asking someone for an introduction to a mutual connection or friend can benefit you greatly. Browse LinkedIn for people who work at a company you’re interested in or hold a position that you’d like to gather more information about and see if you have any mutual friends. I recently had a friend ask for an introduction on LinkedIn, which led to a great conversation about a potential job opportunity. Recent studies show that as humans, our first impulse is to help others, so introducing two connections with the goal of helping one party will likely pan out well.
More specifically, people often are more likely to help those that they have a connection with, so acknowledging a mutual friend or acquaintance will help with that as well. There’s a reason that the saying “squeaky wheel gets the oil” is so common. Asking for an introduction may force you out of your comfort zone, but the worst thing that can happen is that someone will say “no.” In the long run, the benefits of asking for an introduction far outweigh the potential downside.
________________
Networking is has always been important, but as the online job search becomes more and more daunting, networking is more crucial than ever before. This simple skill is something that will help you further develop your career, make new connections, and potentially land you the job of your dreams. If you’re not currently networking to help with your job search, use these three tactics to help you get in the game and improve your networking skills for the better.
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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The Importance of IRL in an Online World
We gathered some of our favorite hostesses to talk networking when you're a busy boss.
Photos by Monica Wang Photography.
As we delve further and further into a digitally connected, screen obsessed world we can't help but believe that the importance of IRL meet ups, happy hours and general face to face connection are going to grow more and more important. And, as the memorial day weekend is upon yes (HELL YES LONG WEEKEND) I asked some of my favorite hostesses with the mostesses their tips on hosting a killer soiree without losing your mind and how to network without being a creep.
We chatted about these tips with the ladies at a fete hosted at my new casa (had to finally break it in) , which I just completed in collaboration with our friends at CB2.
Monica Wang
Photographer
"Every time someone asks you a question, consciously ask them two questions in return so there is a back and forth. It's such a snore when someone is going on and on about themselves. Ha! I have had this happen more than once...
Serve all your food at room temperature at a designated station and create a self-serve bar with a big cocktail punch bowl and wine. That way you can be fully present in conversations and not worrying about whether people's glasses are getting empty.
Put your phone down when guests arrive and try to plan ways to avoid using your phone ---- such as leaving signs at the door so people know how to get into the event or plan to take your photos before guests arrive. There is nothing worse than a host who is constantly on their phone and I would say that this is a taboo esp if it gets in the way of conversing with your guests."
Adriana Adarme
Founder of A Cozy Kitchen
“Admittedly, I haven’t always been the best at working it. For a long time I thought that to network I had to be fake but I’ve realized that I can just be me! I ask questions that I’m genuinely curious about, I listen to what people are saying so I understand who they are and, when asked, I share things that are meaningful and real about myself.”
Jaclyn Johnson
CEO of Create & Cultivate
In terms of hosting, I love getting amazing groups of women together (duh), but while some people might think a happy hour or back yard hang sesh is frivolous it's not! I have had so man connections made, business bloomed and friendships born out of connecting really amazing women. One thing I will say is don't be afraid to talk about what you are working and more importantly what you are struggling with! People have incredible advice and are absolutely willing to help, you just have to ask.
Leave your tips in the comments and enjoy the long weekend!
The Most Inspiring Advice from Octavia Spencer's 2017 Commencement Speech
Nothing hidden here.
photo credit: Pexels
Octavia Spencer, the actress and author who starred in the monumental film Hidden Figures, and who was named Woman of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals, addressed the Kent State graduating class of 2017 earlier this month.
Taking to the stage, the Oscar winner told the class, "Many of you are filled with relief, exhalation, and perhaps a bit of anticpation for what tomorrow brings."
"Your work to this point is far from unnoticed," she said of the celebration. "It's an achievement that not everyone receives. Remember this feeling... You. Have. Earned. It."
So what was her best advice for the new graduates?
"Keep chasing those moments where you discover something new about your voice. Don't ever let that end. Keep your minds and hearts open to life's endless and unforeseeable possibilities," she said. Explaining that, "the best years are very much ahead of you and they can be whatever you want them to be. Your work, your life, your week days and weekends can all be filled with as much meaning as you dictate."
The actress also warned the crowd against the comparison game, noting that if she had read a list of "25 actresses who broke through by 25," she would have stayed in bed. “I guarantee you that none of them looked like me –none of them,” she said.
“Ignore the silly ’30-under-30′ list that the internet throws at you before you’ve even had your morning cup of coffee,” she said. “Those will be the bane of your existence post-graduation, trust me. Trust me. Comparing yourself to other’s success only slows you down from finding your own.”
"Comparing yourself to other’s success only slows you down from finding your own.”
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As for the fear of the unknown that comes creeping in post-graduation? You're joining a world where there "are no more graduations," she said. "The journey you take now will be lead by you alone. Don't let that scare you. Let that liberate you. No one came here the same way, and you won’t all achieve success the same way.”
She also maintained: "Don't let anyone define you generation for you. Think big. Show up early. Stay late. And bust your asses. But stay focussed so that your change and growth is intentional. As well as to not let success or failure define their lives. Treat triumph and disaster "just the same," she shared.
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The Top 3 Questions All New Bloggers Should Ask Themselves
We checked in with a top Miami-based blogger to find out.
photo credit: Blame It on Mei
With a degree in graphic design and a masters in business admin, Mei Jorge, the Cuban-born blogger behind the fashion blog Blame It on Mei, had her pick of careers. But the Miami-based fashionista shares that, "It is very gratifying to know that I can inspire women to look and feel their best no matter the price tag, age, lifestyle, or even personal circumstances. Even though I love graphic design and have had a lot of fun in that career, I have always been passionate about fashion."
For years she skirted around the suggestion from friends that she should start a blog. "I pushed that idea aside," she explains. "Only to find myself wondering 'what if' a few years later. I finally took that big step and I couldn’t be happier about doing so."
We caught up with Mei to talk the importance of design, why her style is steeped in the traditions of Latin women, and the three questions new bloggers need to ask themselves.
How does your background play into your content?
My feminine style is flavored with the traditions of the Latin women. In our culture, feeling sassy is intertwined with timeless style, and our days are bursting with vibrant colors and music. Because Miami is an extension of my Cuban background, it’s easy for the customs, colors, and cuisine to inspire my colorful looks. Even when I wear muted or neutral tones, I always add a pop of color.
What is it about the Miami blogging scene that is different from the rest of the country?
Miami is such a dynamic and eclectic city. There is always something to do, a new place to see, or a new restaurant to try. Events like Art Basel and Swim Week have made the Miami fashion scene one not to miss. And because of our coveted beaches, warm climate, and especially large blogging community, many brands choose it as their destination to host events or launch products.
Since you studied Graphic Design, how important is a logo?
A logo is one of THE most important aesthetics of a brand. That is how your audience will visually identify you so I strongly suggest with a professional if you are unsure about where to start.
How much time did you spend designing your own site? And what are some tenets of site-building that you think bloggers should consider?
Initially, I took a few days to research, design, add widgets, and customize it to my needs. I am always trying to improve it, which makes it an ongoing project. Because of my graphic design background, I obviously had an advantage. However, building a website is not only about the pretty aesthetics. Finding a good host, searching for the right customizable template, whilst also learning the ins and outs of your publishing platform, takes time. If you are somewhat savvy, you can try to build it yourself but even then it takes time. It will probably take more time than if you hire a professional.
How did some of your first partnerships come about? Did you reach out to brands with a media kit? Did they reach out to you?
Most of my first partnerships reached out to me directly. At that point in my blogging journey, I was hesitant to reach out to any brand. After I gained some confidence and became member of a few blogging communities, I finally designed my media kit and reached out to some of my favorite brands.
How are you working to evolve your brand?
My brand is an extension of myself, my style, and my personality. By being consistent, adding value to my content, and being relatable to my followers, I keep true to my mission; which is to inspire women to be confident in their daily lives.
"I keep true to my mission; which is to inspire women to be confident in their daily lives."
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photo credit: Blame It on Mei
What is the “big picture” goal for you as a blogger?
I would love to work with a large retailer to create and design my own line of clothing and accessories. As an influencer, this would be a huge accomplishment and the climax of the hard work and dedication I have put into my brand.
Where do you think the blog/influencer world is heading?
The blog/influencer world is experiencing a growth phase that will eventually reach maturity. Currently, brands and influencers alike are learning that influencer marketing will become more meaningful in the years to come. This type of marketing will take over traditional mediums, it’s just a matter of time for brands who are not already aware, to grasp the concept.
What tips and tools are you using in your day-to-day to keep up with the changing world of social?
I try to keep myself informed, thus I am constantly researching the newest changes to the different platforms. But more importantly, I see what my audience responds to. At the end of the day, social media may change but I want to stay as loyal to my followers as they are to me.
"Social media may change but I want to stay as loyal to my followers as they are to me."
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Are you utilizing stories on IG?
Yes, I am really enjoying it and so are my followers. It can be hard to connect to your audience with a still image, but through the Stories feature, your followers get to know you on a one-on-one basis. They get to relate to your everyday life and see that you are no different than them.
If someone wanted to start a blog today, what are the top three questions you think they should ask themselves before they get started?
1. What is the main reason why I want to start a blog? Be specific; do you love writing and want a book deal? Do you have an on-air personality and want to be on TV? Do you want to help others?
2. Can I commit to blogging consistently? Blogging is a very self-sacrificing career, but it definitely comes with very rewarding opportunities and experiences. But if you want to grow your blog, commitment is a trait you will need to possess.
3. Am I willing to work hard? Blogging is hard work. It takes many hours in a week to plan your editorial calendar, reply to emails, pitch to brands, be active in your social media channels, prepping for a photo shoot, among other tasks. But with dedication and commitment you will reap the benefits.
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Exclusive Video: 3 Self-Made Women Get Away From It All
Will travel for Aloha.
in partnership with Marriott Hotels
photo credit: Brecht Vanthof
Want to know how boss women manage their busy careers with travel? We headed to the Wailea Beach Resort in Maui this past weekend in partnership with Marriott Hotels to chat with female entrepreneurs, an NY Times best-selling author, lifestyle bloggers, and all around badasses to host our #CCxMarriott popup. We luau'd and clinked our Mai Tai glasses as the sun went down, but we also made time for talking about the travel business of business.
Watch the below videos to see what Kelly Oxford, Grasie Mercedes, and Leura Fine all know about traveling brilliantly.
KELLY OXFORD, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR & WRITER
GRASIE MERCEDES, BLOGGER & ACTRESS
LEURA FINE, CEO & FOUNDER OF LAUREL & WOLF
video credit: Brecht Vanthof
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C&C Classifieds Nº40: Inked Brands, The Dog Agency, Urban Stems & More
Jobs are coming up roses today.
photo credit: Mansur Gavriel
A job is a job. You go in, you work hard, you leave everyday. But what if you could get more out of the experience? Say a Work-Fam? Work Wife? New Crew? Yeah.. a new job offers not only new professional potential, it also opens you up to a whole new social crew that you can get to know. We spend so much of our time at work, it helps if you're making the best of it. Your future squad could be at any of the below companies. All you've got to do is apply.
Inked Brands, Los Angeles, CA + Bowling Green KY
The Dog Agency, New York, NY
Urban Stems, Washington, DC
Fitbit, San Francisco, CA
Sony Music Entertainment, New York, NY
Tronc, Chicago, IL
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5 Blogger Tips That Are Anything But Basic
Start your week off right.
photo credit: Pop Sugar
The sheer number of articles written about how to be a blogger proves at least two points:
That it is not as simple as taking a pretty picture and;
That there are a lot of people trying to be bloggers
We all know by now that it's not an easy job. So we’ve rounded up some of our favorite tips and tricks from past C&C speakers and bloggers we love.
1. Courtney Kerr says to keep it personal. Do you need to build your own app? Maybe not.
“I am a human and I’m not an app. If I want a nail apt I don’t mind downloading an app. If I want a car to come pick me up, that’s an app thing. I think an app takes away the personal encounter I have with my readers and almost seem like I'm saying, 'Well you’re not good enough to interact with me on Kerrently.com'— it takes all the personal out of it.”
The blogger and influencer says a large part of your success happens in that personal space. Don’t overlook that.
2. Caroline Harper Knapp of House of Harper says that to work your analytics you have to pay attention to where people are spending time.
What does that mean? In this multi-screen economy, really figure out where people are spending chunks of time digesting your content. The blogger says: “Your Google analytics can tell you where readers are looking at your content— mobile or desktop. Make sure that everything is just as user-friendly on a smartphone as it is your site." She also notes that" People really want to consume content via video."
The mom and influencer echoes what Kerr has to say about apps and personalization. “People want to see you and hear your voice. They want to know you. That’s a focus for us right now. Asking my audience to download something feels like too many steps."
3. Olivia Watson of Livvyland says to really focus on mobile experience.
Mobile is the gateway to your blog. If people are having an enjoyable experience with your content on their phone, they are more likely to convert to online (computer) readers.
“I would focus on having a really great mobile experience. And then call it a day. If your site is built the right way it will update across all of your platforms,” Watson shares.
4. Build your email list from the start.
Everyone is very (verrrry) focused on growing their follower count, but zeroing in on that number isn’t the only thing you should train your sights on.
Your email list should be your day 1. You need to get into inboxes. Social platforms are awesome, but as an influencer or blogger you are beholden to that platform. Building your own email list is the way to connect with your followers directly in the exact way you want to do it.
Plus, if you ever want to write a book? Guess what? A publisher will ask you have many email subscribers you have. It matters.
5. Scratch your own itch
This is the new twist on being authentic. You need to create content that your readers love, but you also need to create content that is real to you.
Don’t look to the left or right of you when it comes to creating content. Hone in on what you’re good at and build a base from there. Austin-based blogger Camille Styles is great at this. She shares, "We want to empower women and show our readers how to be the healthiest happiest they can be. Topics around wellness and mental health are really important to us. Those have been some of the topics that perform the best.”
Arianna Schioldager is Editor-in-Chief at Create & Cultivate. You can follow her @ariannawrotethis.
Do you have any great tips for blogging? Sharing is caring below.
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Survey Shows That Women Still Feel Men are Intimidated by their Success.
It's all about the journey, not the destination.
photo credit: Becki Smith/Smith House Photography
Create & Cultivate's NYC conference was full of inspirational women with diverse career paths and experiences. We wanted to capture their insights by running a Tinder poll to see how they answered some of today’s important questions about being a woman in business. We were fascinated by some of the results: for example, 55% of women said they didn't know what they wanted their career to be right after college. Your career is a journey - you don't have to have it figured out right away.
Scroll through to see some of our favorite findings from attendees.
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Why This CEO Says You're Not Firing Fast Enough
The CEO breaks down why firing can be more important than hiring.
This past weekend, we gathered 150 female entrepreneurs and creatives in Maui at the Wailea Marriott Beach Resort to talk business, brand building and bold moves.
Our Keynote Speaker, Leura Fine, CEO of the fastest growing interior design disrupter start up, Laurel & Wolf, left our audience feeling enlightened, entertained and inspired with her candid conversation with our founder Jaclyn Johnson on life as a CEO, the ups and downs of building a business and how to be a better boss. Below, we put together our 5 key takeaways from the conversation of which you can view in full here.
1. The title 'CEO' means many different things along the way.
Leura explained that when she was CEO of 3 people vs. 10 people her role changed, from 10 to 25 another change and another change and so on and so forth. The point is, your role as CEO should change over time as you hire people. The role should expand from a more tactical day to day role to more strategic. You have to get to a point where you are trusting the people you hire and then the people they hire in order to scale effectively.
2. You are not firing fast enough.
Firing, something no one likes to talk about, but is so crucial to growing your business effectively. Leura explained it's not only important to hire quickly but fire quickly as soon as you know someone is not a fit either culturally or with the work. Keeping an employee for too long that isn't a fit can be just as detrimental as not having anyone in the position at all.
3. Keep your board small.
Leura explained that many tech companies and start ups start putting together really big boards and start handing out equity right at the beginning. Leura says, for her, building out a small but highly strategic board is much better than having multiple voices in your head and in the room. Think long and hard about strategic partners, investors and money and make sure they also bring something to table besides just cold hard cash and opinions.
4. Communicate differently to different people.
As a founder, Leura says, you have to say things differently to different people. She explains, communicating with her development team vs. her marketing team can require different types of conversations and ways of communicating. Once your company gets to a certain size the communication structure can easily breakdown, even people who sit right next to each other might not be communicating effectively. Leura says they put into place strategic meetings and events to ensure everyone is on the same page and work is getting down as effectively as possible.
5. Don't overpay yourself.
Leura says she is "the lowest paid person on her executive team" and that's okay. She talked about how she didn't pay herself at the beginning of the company and then eventually took a salary that basically just covered her costs of living. She stressed how important it is to hire super capable people especially in senior level positions and that often comes with a hefty price tag or the allure of equity within a company that is growing. For her, the big pay off will be her equity stake in the company not necessarily her salary and as a CEO this is a common strategy.
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Your Best Bet to Getting Through Long Days at the Office
Say goodbye to tired eyes.
Long days. Long nights. It’s a routine inevitable in any job, and one many of us are used to. While we certainly don’t recommend doing it a lot (for your mental and physical health), sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do.
For those inevitable moments when you have to pull long hours but still have to perform and stay on your game, there are five ways to help keep your mind and body fresh.
1. Stay Hydrated
Yes, coffee is very appealing when pulling long hours (hello lovely Nespresso machine!) but coffee also dehydrates you, which makes your eyes tired... which, is the worst thing ever. Make sure to counterbalance any cup of coffee (or shot of espresso, amen) with a glass of water. It will also keep you fresh
2. Take A Walk
Long hours, often comes with long sitting spells. And if you haven’t heard to saying “sitting is the new smoking”. YIKES! We suggest taking a quick walk, preferably outside. Not only will this get your blood flowing and help you up your steps for the day, it will also clear your head and give you a mental breather. Sometimes, stepping away from the one thing you’ve been looking at ALL. DAY. is exactly what you need to reignite your inspiration!
3. Eat Up
We’ve all heard the term “brain foods,” but it’s not just a buzz phrase. There’s actually merit to the notion that certain foods can help you focus longer and harder. If you suspect that you’re going to have a late night in the near, plan ahead! Stock up on blueberries, avocados, nuts, seeds, and if you’re feeling really adventurous, some salmon (known for its Omega-3 fatty acids).
4. Practice a Little Self Care
If you’re anything like us, you probably have the tendency to neglect yourself when stressed or slammed with certain assignments. But there are always some quick things you can do to zoosh your spirit and self. And your eyes are one of the first giveaways that you’re feeling tired. The perfect antidote for long hours? A buildable, lightweight eye cream that will keep your eyes looking and feeling fresh into the wee hours of the morning. Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Eye Cream with SPF 20 will brighten the under eye area and will prevent premature signs of aging (damn you, computer screen), and will protect you from harmful UV rays. Just dab some on throughout the (seemingly endless) day to protect the delicate skin and look refreshed.
5. Wash Your Face and Moisturize
Seems simple, but splashing cold water on your face and dabbing an antioxidant-rich moisturizer on mid-day can feel like a cup of coffee for your skin. Origins A Perfect World SPF-40 Age Defense Moisturizer with White Tea is clinically proven to instantly boost hydration levels by over 60%. Super-charge your skin and then super-charge the rest of your day while protecting it from environmental stressors.
Have tips you feel like divulging? Share in the comments below!
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Why This Food Blogger Says There Is No Beauty without Imperfection
Real life doesn't have a filter.
image credit: Photography by Turkan
It's fitting that Aran Goyoaga, twice over James Beard Award finalist, food blogger and fountain of gluten-free recipes, says that "everyone should take Instagram with a grain a salt."
Food has been a part of Aran's story from the beginning. As a child in the Basque region of Spain, "surrounded by pastry chefs," it never occurred to the now Seattle-based culinary mind behind Cannelle et Vanille, that baking would be her path as well. "My family encouraged me to go to university, travel the world, get a higher education and get away from the blue collar job that baking was," she shares. "When I was growing up cooking for a living did not have the same aspirational career perspective that it does today." She ended up going to university, where she studied business and economics. "It was only after I finished my studies, moved to the US and found myself so far away from my family that I realized that pastry was the one bond that kept me connected to my roots." Her first stop was Florida, where the professional pastry chef worked for a large hotelier. A job which taught her reigns and ropes of all aspects of the kitchen. She initially stopped working to stay at home and raise her son. But the kitchen called her back. And food became her gateway to photography. Her photos have been described as romantic, unfussy, and nostalgic. Many writers have described Aran in the same way.
Today, the mother of two, baker, food stylist, author and photographer of the cookbook Small Plates & Sweet Treats, stays grounded and connected to her heritage through cooking and baking. "I have always loved working with my hands," she adds.
image credit: Photography by Turkan
We met up in her gorgeous photography studio by Pike Place Market to chat social media, building a brand, and how her works feeds her soul.
How do you decide what to show, what to keep private? And how to be/not be a brand?
I am not sure what connotation "to be a brand" has (it probably means different things to different people) but I don't necessarily identify myself with that term. I suppose that with every piece of work I choose to show the world through social media, I am establishing a style, a personal taste, an affinity to something, but I don't generally want to sell anything or push product on people. I engage in some advertising work that I relate to or products I might naturally use but honestly my goal is to develop personal content that has an emotional narrative so branding doesn't really fit into that so easily. My instagram account is a bit of a cinematic world view that I have. Visual narrative is what drives my work and I would say I focus very much on that aspect. Sure, what I show is part of my life: my friends, my children, the food we eat, the places I see, but it has a very specific filter and I am not trying to say that is everything my life is. Everyone should take Instagram with a grain of salt.
After working for a large hotelier, what work lessons did you bring into your own business?
I loved working in a big team, especially in a company that has such high standards for service, but honestly, it made me realize that I love working for myself and making the kind of work that I want to do. I love the flexibility of working for myself despite the perils of instability.
Can you tell us a bit about the new project you’re working on and why making something that feeds your soul is important?
I spent big part of 2016 working on a new video series that explores my relationship with food, from my family roots to an eating disorder, to feeding the creative soul I never thought I had, to being open to the world and let go of a lot of the rigidity that ruled my life for so long. It is the manifestation that there is no beauty without imperfection. The series is called "A Cook's Remedy" [ed note: the first few episodes released early 2017]. I have produced the series with an incredible team of women in Seattle called Common Thread Creative. I am so excited to put it out into the world.
"There is no beauty without imperfection."
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image credit: Photography by Turkan
You moved from Spain to South Florida and have settled in Seattle. What about the city feels like home?
Seattle reminds me a lot of the Basque Country where I grew up. It's a lot larger and more majestic than the landscape of my youth, but there is a similar quality to a lot of northern countries that make it feel like home. The rain, the green, the introspection... Seattle is a city that looks forward and inward and that is a perfect balance for me. Makes me feel safe.
Aran's recommendations below:
Favorite market to buy your ingredients: Ballard farmer's market on Sundays, especially between May and October.
Have a morning cup of coffee: There is so much great coffee in Seattle that it is hard to choose. I love the morning vibe at Oddfellows. It truly is the place to get inspired in Seattle. And The Fat Hen makes incredible lattes. I also love Porchlight Coffee and Records for the obvious reasons: Coffee and music. My two favorite things in the world.
Eat a delicious gluten-free meal: Again so many places. I am just going to name a few because one wouldn't be enough. The lamb burger with no bun and fries at Tallulah's, the roasted vegetables and Jersey salad at Delancey, anything at Sitka & Spruce and Whale Wins (so many gluten-free options), baked eggs at The Fat Hen, pho at Ba Bar, Juicebox for almost everything on the menu, tacos at Copal, London Plane for their papadum and salads, Stateside for amazing Vietnamese and the list goes on.
"Seattle is a city that looks forward and inward."
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Take your family out to dinner: Pho is the one thing we all agree on so Ba Bar is definitely our spot. Also El Camion which is a little taqueria in Ballard, especially in the summer. We are a family of simple tastes.
If you had to take a ferry to one island, which would it be and why: Vashon Island because that is where my dear friend Carolina lives and I love visiting her there.
Tourist spot in Seattle that you’ve never visited: The Underground Tour... I've heard it's interesting, but just creeps me out a bit.
Favorite spot in the city to sit and be still: That is the one thing that is abundant in Seattle. Just take a hike in Discovery Park, Lincoln Park, a walk around Greenlake.....all around us.
Best free entertainment in Seattle: Going to KEXP radio station and watching one of their live performances. The new space is incredible with La Marzocco coffee shop and Light in the Attic record store. It's close to my home and love spending time there.
Arianna Schioldager is Editor-in-Chief at Create & Cultivate. You can follow her @ariannawrotethis.
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C&C Classifieds Nº38: Pointe Studio, Modway, ELR Media Group & More
photo by Becki Smith
No brainer: company culture is important. Even more so in start-ups. With small teams and more intimate work settings, establishing a solid company culture is just as important as balancing the books, attending to client needs, and hitting big KPIs. But sadly, not all companies get it right.
If you suspect your company is making one of these 7 company culture mistakes, it may be time to think about moving on to something new. TA-DA: 6 new openings for you to peruse! Go ahead, you know you want to.
POINTE STUDIO (OC)
ELR MEDIA GROUP (LA)
MODWAY (REMOTE)
PT Graphic Designer
email portfolios to yg@modwayfurniture.com
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SMITH (WA)
JCPENNY'S (TX)
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The 7 Culture Mistakes Startups Always Make
Consider this your list of don'ts.
photo credit: Molly Winters
Every founder knows that culture is crucial to a startup’s success — as Fred Wilson says, “If you want to be in business forever, you need to build a culture that sustains the business” — but there are seven common mistakes that startups make when creating their culture:
1. YOU THINK CULTURE JUST "HAPPENS"
Running a startup means your burn rate is always in the forefront of your mind, and as a result, everything takes a backseat to getting to MVP. Culture can be fixed later, right? The truth is that “culture” is just another way of saying “how we work here,” and by the time you get to your MVP, it will be deeply entrenched.
FiveStars’s founder Victor Ho never took the time to officially define the culture— he felt it was too “cheesy”. But as they grew from 40 to 80 employees, their culture got diluted and as people clashed over ways of getting work done. As quoted in Fast Company, Ho described it as “one of the hardest periods of the company.” Rather than waiting to define your culture, consciously shape your culture while you build your MVP. You don’t have to go on an expensive company retreat, or write an elaborate culture deck. It can be as simple as writing down five words that describe your culture and once a month, as a team, discussing whether they’re still appropriate.
2. YOU ONLY HIRE YOUR FRIENDS
Hiring for a startup requires a high level of trust: you need your team to work hard and make the right decisions, and the team has to believe in you and your vision. So it’s only natural to look for people from your existing network. This can be useful at first — homogenous teams communicate better and demonstrate greater cohesion — but can quickly lead to trouble.
Hyperloop One was launched with great fanfare, but was hit with a lawsuit due to (among other things) the co-founder hiring his brother as general counsel, and dating their PR consultant, whose fees then nearly tripled. Avoid this by establishing the rules of engagement early on, including what happens in a worst-case scenario (such as firing your friend). You should also think about how you’re going to integrate people into the existing culture; your goal is to prevent cliques from forming or for people to feel excluded from an “inner circle.”
3. YOU THINK HIRING MORE PEOPLE MEANS SUCCESS.
Celebrating is so important because success at a startup can be so rare in the first months. It’s comforting to be able to point something that’s a clear sign it’s all working. And as Buffer’s founder noted, “Team size is easy to understand. Sometimes it impressed people when I told them how big the company was, and I was proud to share it.” But the company brought on too many people, too fast, and was forced to lay off 11% of the company. Protect team morale by tracking more accurate measures of success, and find ways to celebrate small wins regularly.
4. YOU SPEND TOO MUCH $$ ON PERKS TO COMPETE WITH OTHER STARTUPS
Bribing employees is a common Silicon Valley practice — what else are meals by gourmet chefs, meditation classes, and laundry service but attempts to get more work out of employees? And those bribes don’t come cheap: shrinking VC funds forced Dropbox to cancel its free shuttle and and limit free meals.
If you really want your team to do their best work, regardless of your compensation budget, give them meaningful work. Show them how their work is directly impacting the organization, and how the organization is making a difference in the world. In other words, give them purpose. Oh, and don’t worry — “purpose” doesn’t necessarily have to be a product or service that saves the world (though that’s a plus); it just means that you have a compelling vision and mission.
5. YOU OVERWORK PEOPLE IN PURSUIT OF THE PRODUCT.
Signing up for a startup is a commitment; long hours and outrageous goals are part of the bargain. But push too hard, and you’ll flare out. At Zynga, for instance, long hours, “aggressive” deadlines, and an obsession with performance metrics led to a talent drain, and even hampered its ability to acquire companies. To prevent burnout, hold regular check-ins with your team to help them manage workload and stress levels. And don’t forget to check-in with the founder: 30% of founders report being depressed, as opposed to only 7% of the general population.
Again, we’re not saying you won’t spend some long nights and weekends at this office, but don’t make it a cultural norm.
6. YOU DON'T FIRE JERKS BECAUSE THEY'RE SMART.
Hiring the best talent is highly competitive, but ignore the “no asshole” rule at your own peril. Despite their superior skill set, their personality will destroy your team culture, not to mention their productivity. In one of our engagements, we worked with an executive whose attitude turned the rest of the team against him. This led him to protect his own job by guarding his data more and more closely, leaving the startup completely in the dark when making crucial decisions. Still not convinced? Jump to 4:30 to hear Paul Graham, founder of YCombinator, talk about his “no asshole” rule.
The best way to avoid this problem is to carefully screen for jerks during the interview process, listening for self-centered answers and trash talking past employers. (As Raylan Givens of Justified noted, “If you run into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole. If you run into assholes all day, you’re the asshole.”) But if one has slipped past your radar, talk to them and make it clear how you expect their behavior to change. If they don’t shape up, then it’s time to go your separate ways — the rest of the team will thank you.
7. YOU BELIEVE THE RULES DON'T APPLY TO YOU.
Pushing the limits is a great way to get new customers and attract attention… until it isn’t. Zenefits was lauded as a major disruptor in the insurance industry, and its investors pushed it to increase its sales goals. Unfortunately, to meet those goals, the company ignored state regulations — which ultimately threatened to destroy the organization and forced the CEO out.
Before you even think about lawyering up, sit down with your founders and determine your company values. What’s most important to your team? When might you need to debate an action before moving forward? Check in every quarter so that when money’s on the line and deadlines approaching, you know what you stand for.
Written by: Paula Cizek, Director of Knowledge & Editorial at NOBL. NOBL is an organizational and team design consultancy that unleashes the creativity and capability of teams through new ways of working. Sign-up for one their upcoming team design bootcamps.
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When This Editor Was Told 'Fashion Is Not for You,' She Did This
Going beyond the binary.
photo credit: Becki Smith/ Smith House Photography
"They looked me up and down and said, 'Fashion is not for you.'” That was the experience of Fashion Bomb Daily founder Claire Sulmers while working in the editorial department at a magazine. But instead of letting that slammed door stop her, Claire stuck to a mantra of "I will not lose," and built something different. Something inclusive. Something that matters. The @fashionbombdaily IG currently has over a million followers and the site serves as a platform for people who had the audacity to exist, when an industry told them otherwise. "We decided to take the bull by the horns," the editor and Harvard grad explained. "With a tremendous platform, you can’t afford to be silent."
It is a sentiment echoed by all of the women who took to the stage for the Beyond the Binary panel at Create & Cultivate NYC, moderated by Bobby Kim. "If you're not going to give me the job, I’m going to go out there, find it, and do it better," said Deddeh Howard, the Liberian-born model who last year released her Black Mirror photo series, where she replaced models like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid in major campaigns.
“There are a lot of women who feel like they don’t fit inside a pretty little box, but there are a lot of people out there who are looking for something different,” shared Claire.
“I worked in the fashion industry for nine years in public relations,” shared Katie Sturino of 12ish Style. “My mentality was always, ‘Why am I so fat?’ ‘Why can’t I fit into these clothes?’ But I flipped the script and asked why am I punishing myself like that?”
Also joining them on stage was model Emily Sears who gained notoriety last year when she began DM'ing the girlfriends and wives of men who would send her dick pics. "There is no picture of what a feminist looks like," Sears told the crowd, acknowledging that her predominately male following hates when she talks about feminism, but that doesn't stop her. She's not excluded from the conversation simply based on her looks or the fact that she posts sexy photos. "That's my decision and it's not an invitation for abuse," the Aussie-born model explained.
photo credit: Becki Smith/ Smith House Photography
The main thread pulled through the conversation by Bobby Kim, co-founder of The Hundreds, and, most recently JENNIFER, was the question of whether or not it's getting better.
"Is the industry changing?" asked Bobby. "Is it open, more embracing?"
“There’s a lot of ‘token,’ explained writer and blogger Nicolette Mason. “Here’s our person of color, here’s our person above a size 12, here’s our gender non-conforming individual, and that’s supposed to be enough. But brands need to think what they’re actually representing, the passive choices they’re making in all of their collateral, in-store signage, language that is used, and if it’s not leading the conversation, if it’s only for those marketing and PR moments, then it’s not worth anything.”
“We need to stop with the labels, the categories, and give more people more opportunities,” said Deddeh. “I wasn’t trying to attack the brands,” she said of Black Mirror. “I was simply trying to get them to see what I can do and what any girl out there can do.” It’s about consciousness and awareness.
Right there with her was Venezuelan actress, writer, and executive producer, Maiah Ocando who told the audience, "First of all I’m a human, then I’m a woman, and THEN I’m Latina. What opens the door for me is also the thing that closes the door." Just because she's Latina, Maiah explained doesn't mean she likes tacos and is curvy. Not shocking: typecasting is a thing. She refuses to let it be her thing.
"First of all I’m a human, then I’m a woman, and THEN I’m Latina."
Tweet this.
“Look, if I can’t change their minds, I’m going to create my own path,” explained the actress in reference to “white men.” She was interrupted by enthusiastic applause from the audience. "Well, I am," she projected. "I’m going to be my own executive producer. My own writer."
The conversation didn't stop at the jobs held by the women on stage. "You also need more diversity behind the scenes,” explained Claire, so that major mistakes don’t keep happening. “You need nuance and context.”
For Nicolette, politics in her “brand” are a “non-negotiable,” even if that means losing a job now and then. “It’s imperative to me. I’m a queer, Middle-Eastern woman, and I can’t imagine not using the platform I have to speak to intersectionality. Working together and being part of the resistance together is such an important part of how we’re going to grow as a society. The personal is political and hopefully that’s how we create a better tomorrow.”
"The personal is political and hopefully that’s how we create a better tomorrow.”
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photo credit: Becki Smith/ Smith House Photography
Similarly, Emily shared that she has "absolutely lost jobs" because of the stances she takes, but she likewise encouraged the audience to “stand by what you believe in and the right jobs will come.”
“The reason we’ve all found success is because we have a point of view and we’re vocal about it,” elaborated Nicolette. “It’s important to give visibility to our individual identities, our voices, and to show people that they’re not alone.”
This is not the easiest road to walk. And for every two supporters, there’s a hater.
Protecting the indentity of what she called a "family and Catholic" brand, Nicolette told the story of a prominent Italian designer that reached out to her and said, “We really love you, but you’re gay.” So she recommended ten other people they could use. "That’s one example,” she said, "but there have been many. I do talk about Black Lives Matter, I do talk about trans rights, and some brands won’t touch me. On the flip side," she furthered, "there are brands that are so grateful and supportive.” She cited Target as one her “biggest cheerleaders,” as well as Barbie, which has doubled down on diversity efforts.
Claire jumped in to agree. “You have to stay true to yourself.” When honoring the lives of black men shot by police, Claire said, “We decided we were going to have a ‘black out’ day where we posted nothing." She paused, noting, "You can’t afford to be silent.”
Arianna Schioldager is Editor-in-Chief at Create & Cultivate. You can follow her @ariannawrotethis.
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Dream Careers: This Woman Rode a Great White Shark
And five other local Hawaii women crushing it.
photo credit: Pexels
We love the beach as much as the next Cali-girl. But do you know what we love more? Women who are making waves.
That’s right. Ladies who are blue crushing their dreams and aspirations. And since we’re heading to Maui for a fab pop-up at the newly revamped Marriott Wailea with Kelly Oxford, Sophia Rossi, Grasie Mercedes, Whitney Leigh Morris, Carley Rudd and Barefoot Blonde, we wanted to dig into some local Maui women living out their career dreams in paradise.
To join us for our #CCxMarriott popup in Maui on May 20th, hit the link at the bottom of the article to RSVP. First come, first served a Mai Tai.
1. Marissa Eveland and Melissa Jasiny
This Maui-based duo are the co-founders of Issa de’ mar, a swimsuit line that began with a passion for hand-sewing their own swimwear and testing it on the local female surfers to make sure it could stand up to the elements. It did... and locals couldn’t love it more. The line, named after the founders’ combined nickname, “The Issa’s,” paired with the Hawaiian saying for “of the sea,” launched in March 2013. At first they sold suits out of a tiger painted ice cream truck with Roam Hawaii, a mobile marketplace they started with their closest friends. Word began to spread across the island that there were swimsuits that didn't sacrifice on look or North Shore performance. And while the duo may have at first experienced many late nights and tears when hand-sewn pieces didn’t fit as expected, everything is now moving along swimmingly. The brand is currently sold in major retailers everywhere from Hawaii to the Netherlands, proving fashion meets function swimwear is a radical market.
2. Ocean Ramsey
Growing up surfing and driving, Ramsey has always been close to sharks. Whether swimming alongside of them, studying them extensively, or educating others about their existence, sharks of all shapes and sizes hold a special place in her heart. Ocean has made it her life’s work to understand these often misunderstood and feared creatures. She takes daily free dives with sharks (in the open ocean), and now owns two local businesses that are centered around exposing locals and tourists alike to these ocean creatures. She has also hosted a TED Talk titled “How sharks affect us all”.
3. Kimi Werner
A United States National Spearfishing Champion, a certified culinary chef, and an award winning artist, Kimi is a seemingly fearless babe who draws her life’s inspiration from the ocean. Known most readily as the woman who rode a great white shark (literally, here’s proof), we greatly admire her courage for tackling the impossible. Born in Maui, Werner is an accomplished spearfishing champion, but after years of competition, she quit the sport to focus on free driving and enjoying the ocean more holistically.
4. Chef Bev Gannon
Beverly Gannon is one of Maui’s most popular chefs. Born in Dallas, TX, Bev is a local culinary master and owner of several different restaurants on the Island. She is head chef at the Hali’maile General Store and as a result of her successful leadership, is also the author of a popular cookbook: “The Hali’imaile General Store Cookbook. As one of the OG chefs credited with the development of Hawaii regional cuisine in the ‘90s, Chef Gannon is a James Beard award winner.
5. Coco Ho
A member of the the Pro Surf Tour, Coco Ho is a local legend. Born in Honolulu, Coco began surfing at the age of 7. (NBD.) She was the champion at both the 2014 Los Cabos Open Of Surf WQS 6 Star and the 2014 Oceano Santa Catarina Pro WQS 6 Star. Coco has been voted top three in Surfer Magazine’s fan favorite surfer poll. And the pro surfer posed naked for ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue, 2014 saying, “I want people to be able to embrace being strong. It is feminine and it is beautiful.” Mahalo and cheers to that.
Want to attend the event? RSVP here! Space is limited.
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Struggling with What to Get Your Boss on Her Birthday?
We've got options.
photo credit: Doran Poma/ Haute Beauty Guide
The newest line of designer greeting cards from Papyrus and Judith Leiber Couture will meet your needs for multiple upcoming holidays.
Judith Leiber Couture is a name synonymous with elegance, style and sophistication. For more than fifty years, the brand’s incomparable evening bags and crystal minaudières have been recognized worldwide for their meticulous attention to detail and flawless hand-craftsmanship. Frankly, you can’t take your eyes off of them. The same can be said for Papyrus greeting cards, which have made a mark in the industry as the premium, handcrafted greeting cards people give for the most cherished and special occasions.
As part of their Designer Collaboration Series, Papyrus and Judith Leiber Couture have teamed up to develop a beautiful collection of one-of-a-kind greeting card designs inspired by the signature crystal-encrusted evening bags Judith Leiber Couture is known for. Luckily you don’t need a six-figure salary to own a piece of gem-encursted art; if a gorgeous Judith Leiber Couture bag isn’t currently in the cards for you (pun intended), there is definitely a piece in Papyrus’ line that will catch your designer-loving eye.
The line includes an assortment of 15 greeting cards for a variety of occasions, including everyday, birthday and wedding. Also,a large selection of blank cards allows you to customize your message for a number of different occasions, like certain career milestones or personal accomplishments.
Here are our card choices for a variety of occasions that call for a fabulous card sending moment!
IT’S THE BOSS’ BDAY
People often wonder, do I buy my boss a birthday present? Do I not? How do I know how much money to spend? Our response: you can never go wrong with a thoughtful card. In this case, we love both the cake slice or the koi fish designs. (We can already hear the koi/coy puns rolling off your tongue.)
A FRIEND’S RAISE
Celebrating the success of others is paramount to your own success. So, when your best gal pal tells you she came out on top from her salary negotiations, be ready to shower her with warm wishes and congratulations. Tell your friend that they are the unicorn of their company with the unicorn card. If this card doesn't bring out your inner dreamer, we don’t know what will.
A MAJOR MOVE
Is someone in your life taking a leap and heading to the Big Apple to deep dive into the next wave of their career? Reward them for their bravery and conviction with a perfect see-you-later card. And obviously, the meticulously embellished New York card is perfect for this. Not only will this show your encouragement for the big move, but the sparkly design and 1,500 gems also make it frame-worthy keepsake they can keep forever.
LITTLE SIS IS GROWING UP
Graduating from college has so many emotions attached to it; it’s liberating, exhilarating and flat-out terrifying all at the same time. Show your little sis some support by writing her a warm note in the hot air balloon card like, “On to the next adventure, and on your way up”. We think it perfectly captures this moment in her life she can reflect upon for years to come.
These are cards are a ton of fun, but they certainly don’t skimp on the sentimentality either. They feel elegant, but entirely appropriate for all of your celebratory needs. The Papyrus X Judith Leiber Couture collection is now available online at papyrusonline.com. The collection is also launching in select retailers, with nationwide availability coming in October.
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8 Working Moms Share Some Real Talk This Mother's Day
The juggle is real.
photo credit: Pexels
To all you working moms out there we salute you. There is no harder job. And this Mother’s Day we hope you feel inspired by these 8 amazing women. They are founders and CEOs, women of Wall Street and champions for change. But above all, they are mom.
KATIA BEAUCHAMP, CEO & cofounder, Birchbox
Becoming a mom has made me better at time management, delegating and prioritizing. It has truly allowed me to identify my priorities and give me a mental break from always thinking about the business. Before I had children, it was hard to really turn my brain off from work. Now as a mom, I understand how important those mental breaks are in helping me bring a refreshed perspective and approach to my work. It is hard to achieve this ideal notion of "balance," but my approach is to recognize that there will be times when one aspect of your life needs more from you. Overall my goal is two-fold: be present in the place I need to prioritize (work, family, friends and me); be nice to myself. — on balancing a huge career while being a mother to twins (and pregnant)
"Becoming a mom has made me better at time management, delegating and prioritizing."
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YASMINE DELWARI JOHNSON, co-founder, Alliance of Moms
"A man may work from sun to sun, but a woman's work is never done." My grandmother who had 12 kids said this over and over. I cannot tell you how many times I hear Nanny's voice and these words in my head. — on the best piece of advice she’s ever received.
JULES LEYSER, co-founder, Alliance of Moms
Society's narrative that women can have it all is creating an enormous amount of pressure and stress. I am definitely a feminist and never more so than right now but I think its fine for women to do it all just not necessarily all at the same time. Its pretty impossible to be a full time working mom who looks like she's ready to shoot a magazine cover on a daily basis as well as be able to debate the nuances of the refugee crisis in Syria. But that's what held up to us as the model for female success. I would like for the conversation to be more about self care rather than competing in some social media race for who can get the most followers. — on changing the conversation for women
SARA FOSTER, producer, writer & actress
I don't raise my daughters with the mind set of having to fight for their empowerment. Maybe that isn't smart, but I raise them with the idea that it's already in them. It's there, so no need to fight for it. Honestly, we have vaginas. We have all the power. -- on the power within
MELISSA GRILLO ARUZ, VP of Platform, Forerunner Ventures
"Stop pretending like you aren’t important.” I think every little girl should grow up with this one as it is something that many young girls struggle with especially during their early adult years. — on the best piece of advice she’s ever received
REBECCA MINKOFF, founder, Rebecca Minkoff
Some days I do, but other times of course I don't. It's impossible to strike the perfect balance every day. I think a lot of it is trial and error and more than anything about trusting yourself. Knowing when to step in and knowing when it's okay to step back. — on whether or not she feels like “supermom”
JENNI KAYNE, founder, Jenni Kayne
After I had my second child, I really struggled for that first year. It was really challenging to balance having to kids and running the business. — on a time in her life she found incredibly challenging
SALLIE KRAWCHECK, CEO, Ellevest
Right after I had my daughter, I cried to my mother that I couldn't do my job and be a mother to two little ones. She brushed off my tears and said (in a pretty brusque way), "Of course you can. You're just going to be really tired for awhile." She was right. — on the best piece of advice she’s ever received