Embracing the 1-Year Career
By Baily Hancock
Picture the collegiate graduating class of 2018. The bright-eyed optimistic graduates go off to their first adult job where they’ll work from 9–5, 40 hours a week for 40+ years, steadily climbing the corporate ladder until they retire around their 64th birthday with a fat pension.
If you chuckled while picturing such a far-fetched scenario, you’re not alone.
Many of us entered the workforce at the start of, during, or immediately following the Great Recession. Prior to the early 2000s, those who succeeded followed the playbook passed on from generation to generation, putting their heads down, logging the hours, and pledging their loyalty to one company for their entire career.
That plan of attack no longer works.
Now the successful ones are those who consistently sharpen their skills, build and nurture their communities, take ownership of their professional development, and are ready to adapt and react to whatever comes their way.
It’s tempting to feel like we got ripped off and robbed of the adulthood we were promised, but take heart, this new evolved workplace fits us better anyway. Millennials were born for this; we grew up trying and doing everything, playing a sport and taking music lessons, learning to speak a second language and mastering Mario Kart. We are multi-talented, multi-passionate people who were basically trained to be level-uppers who know how to game the system. Because of our easy access to knowledge and the never-ending content barraging us through multiple screens, we learn quickly and get bored just as fast. If anyone was going to survive this ever-changing workplace landscape, it’s us.
However, even when change is ultimately for the better, it still tends to turn people into trembling piles of anxiety. Most people I know feel overcome with paralysis by analysis when faced with the question, “what am I doing with my life?” (Which, for the record is a ridiculous question.) Deeply ingrained societal habits die hard, so even though we know the old way of moving through our career isn’t right for us (nor is it even available) we can’t help but feel uncomfortable facing the new work reality and finding our place in it.
So how do we learn to navigate the treacherous waters of this ever-changing working world, while remaining true to ourselves and our never-ending quest for professional fulfillment and purpose? We embrace “The 1-Year Career” mentality.
The 1-Year Career is a whole new way of thinking about work and your place in it. It encourages you to evaluate your professional happiness far more frequently than the generations before us had to, setting short-term goals and achieving them with small, actionable steps year after year throughout your entire career.
It does not involve reinventing yourself every year, nor does it imply that you should quit your job every 12 months and bounce around companies like a job-hopping psychopath.
When you think about your career in one-year increments, it enables you to focus on only the next couple of steps ahead of you. We’re far less likely to feel overwhelmed when we consider not what we’re going to do with our entire life, but instead, what we’re going to do in the next 365 days. One year seems doable; long enough to accomplish a good amount, but short enough that we can plan for most of the variables that life may throw at us.
Many of us pursue a career path that a younger, more naive version of us chose at college orientation, but that person couldn’t possibly have anticipated who we’d become in the decades ahead. By embracing “The 1-Year Career” mentality, we’re able to make real-time decisions about what we want today, not what 18-year-old us thought we’d want.
Time really does move fast (most days I’m still mentally in 2015), so if you aren’t stopping to pause and reflect on the regular, years will fly by before you even know it. Knowing that we should regularly take the temperature of our professional happiness is one thing, identifying and making the changes necessary is another.
Overwhelm can happen when you set big goals but don’t take the time to break them up into actionable steps. When you regularly evaluate your professional satisfaction and make the moves necessary to maintain it, you’re far more likely to stay excited, energized, and happy throughout your entire career.
Like relationships, long term career happiness takes work. Sometimes you’ll be the one who decides to take a leap and quit your job, other times your job will quit you (being let go sucks, but take it from someone who’s been there, you’ll survive.) Knowing how to rebound and be adaptable is what will keep you from breaking when you’re faced with any scenario.
Practice makes perfect, so by continuing to strengthen your resilience muscle and taking time to reflect and assess your situation, you’ll not only be able to handle the chaos of adulthood, you’ll welcome it.
Millennials, we get the job done.
Baily Hancock is a Career Happiness Strategist and the creator of, “The 1-Year Career”, an online course launching in spring 2018. Her weekly podcast, "The Baily Hancock Show" helps people figure out how to make big career moves with small steps.
Poppin' By: Why A Rebrand Was the Best Choice for This Popular LA Florist
Her vase is definitely half-full.
Introducing "Poppin' By" a Create & Cultivate profile series in Partnership with Chandon. Every month this year we're profiling a female entrepreneur, popping by their work space and enjoying a bit of bubbly. Here's a cheers to amazing, working women!
Kelsey Harper, the creative brain, founder and florist behind one of LA's most sought-after floral and event design companies, had to do the impossible.
After years of going by FLOWER GIRL LOS ANGELES, Kelsey was given an option: battle it out legally for the name or change it.
For many entrepreneurs the thought of a rebrand is a nightmare. For Kelsey, it represented opportunity. *Note, this is the frame of mind common amongst successful entrepreneurs. There are no doors, only windows.* Of the opp, Kelsey says, "I decided that I would rather invest the money I would have spent on a lawyer, into a beautiful cohesive rebrand. I had outgrown the name, it felt young and tired and I also felt confined by the words "Flower Girl" and “Los Angeles."
In other words: Kelsey's flower vase is half full.
So, inspired by her fortitude-- April showers bring May flowers after all-- we popped by Kelsey's new space Matriarch Floral in the newly launched Fred Segal LA to chat new beginnings, old names, and the flower that she's just not that into.
You trained as a special effects makeup artist. Then moved to Maui. And your love of florals grew. What was the point you knew you wanted to shift careers?
I started doing flowers as a hobby for the families I nannied for and assisted. After almost 8 years of being on someone else schedule, I knew my next step would be to work for myself. I did not have any formal flower training, but my love for taking a raw material, combining it with others texturally and color wise really made me so happy. In the back of my mind my dad always told me, "Do something that makes you happy, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” and flowers were that for me. While it is a lot of physical labor, I still wake up excited about my career.
"Do something that makes you happy, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Flowers were that for me."
Were you prepared to launch your own biz?
I was not at all prepared. I was inspired by my two best girlfriends who had both started their own businesses in the fashion industry and I learned from making many mistakes and being careful not to repeat them. I still feel like I would benefit from taking a business class or two.
At what point did you decide to rebrand to Matriarch?
After a potential legal battle for the name “Flower Girl” I decided that I would rather invest the money I would have spent on a lawyer, into a beautiful cohesive rebrand. I had outgrown the name, it felt young and tired and I also felt confined by the words "Flower Girl" and “Los Angeles". I wanted to redefine my brand in a way that didn’t restrict me from working in different creative areas or places and also use a name that really resonated with me, something that was strong and feminine, and something that wouldn’t cause brand confusion with many of the other “Flower Girl” brands that were popping up in different cities, further diluting it.
What influenced the decision to take out a retail space?
After having an online shop for so many years, I wanted to take the opportunity to really get out in the field and meet some of my loyal clients who I had never met in person. Also, I wanted to offer same day delivery and pick up for those who needed something sooner than the next business day. After 6 months in the space, I’ve realized that people still prefer to shop online, so we have transitioned the space into a beautiful plant and gift shop during the week and are there creating fresh bouquets and arrangements on the weekend when it's a bit busier, to avoid waste.
Is it beneficial to be in a space with other retailers?
It’s really amazing feeling like a one stop shop for people who are looking for a gift and want to incorporate fresh flowers. The family like environment is inspiring, and a lot of the shops in Fred Segal are female run.
What would you call the most fun/exciting aspect of your business?
It’s really fun executing my clients' visions in my own interpretation. Each arrangement is custom made to order so that we can really capture what we think our recipient might enjoy. The large scale installations are my favorite part of what I do. It forces me to think outside-the-box, as sometimes we are creating/executing things that haven’t ever been made before.
"Each arrangement is custom made to order so that we can really capture what we think our recipient might enjoy."
What’s the hardest part?
Balancing work life and family life is always a challenge. I want to be a present mother but also a good business owner and sometimes I’m needed in both areas at the same time. Also, managing accounting and emails has always been a challenge. This last year I brought on an accountant and studio manager to help in both areas and it has definitely positively affected business.
For those who want to work with big companies, how do you get in with names like Chateau Marmot and Sunset Towers?
Being an LA native, I am lucky enough to call some of the large businesses I work with friends. I think working with people who you know and people who trust your vision, whether the business is large or small, is my best advice. Sending free/ promo arrangements or work is also a nice gesture to say hello and give a client an idea of what you’re capable of.
What’s been the craziest request you’ve ever received?
The installation we did for Depeche Mode earlier this year was pretty insane. We installed in the window of Fred Segal, over 3,000 red roses that floated across the 18ft window and were suspended from the ceiling. We had creative freedom but the installation was definitely difficult to assemble. Each rose had a water tube attached to keep them alive for a full week.
Favorite floral of the moment:
Spring is definitely here early this year and I am loving a greenery called Spirea. It is such a beautiful color and the little white blossoms are so dainty and have beautiful motion.
Flower that you’d like to see put on pause:
Gerber daisies are definitely at the bottom of my list.
Your turn! Be sure to Pop BY and visit Kelsey at Matriarch Floral in store at Fred Segal Sunset:
8500 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Check her out here: www.matriarchla.com
And follow along on her floral adventures here @flowergirllosangeles
Be sure to check back next month for the next installment of Poppin' By.
Photo credit: Tyler William Parker
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Why Beauty Is About Inclusivity on Every Level
And other inspired moments from our TINTED x CoverFX beauty panel.
Photos by Klarisse Gepilano
Makeup can make you feel empowered.
That was the topic of conversation at the CoverFX “Power Play” panel held tonight in Los Angeles at the Bumble Hive. Hosted by TINTED founder, Deepica Mutyala, the women *and man* with mics talked everything from diversity in beauty to their favorite feature. It's all about loving yourself! With her platform and YouTube channel, Deepica has always been a champion of bringing change to how we see beauty.
As such, a core part of the TINTED mission is to push the conversation forward around diversity and inclusion in the beauty space. For their part, CoverFX has always showcased range in their shades and has consistently shown that they appreciate the #TintFam in their message, espeically with their newest Power Play foundation launch. And that's exactly what they chatted about.
To find out what all the buzz was about, keep reading for some of our favorite quotes from the evening and be sure to watch the above Live video!
First up: "Beauty is about inclusivity on every level. Supporting and empowering all the shades in between,” explained the TINTED founder. “It’s not about a race or ethnicity. It’s about making sure everyone know there’s a space for them.”
ON BEAUTY STANDARDS
"I really want them to admire other people’s beauty without questioning their own. There is space for everyone. -- Ami Desai on how she wants her kids to see beauty
“The beauty industry's responsibility is to eliminate the standard of beauty. There is no standard. We need to stop putting a standard to beauty. Being a male in beauty is definitely a different experience. When it comes to beauty it’s always ‘girls, girls, girls.’ I want to eliminate standards and stereotypes. Any guy can wear makeup if they want it. Do what you want if it makes you happy." -- Influencer Victor Ramos
Photos by Klarisse Gepilano
"There is no standard. We need to stop putting a standard to beauty.”
ON 'THE WORK'
“Stop the mindset of the ‘token’. It’s not just black or white or something in middle. There is a whole spectrum in between. Don’t just put someone in and check a box because it’s very obvious.” -- Deepica Mutyala on encouraging brands to end tokenism.
"We have an opportunity to speak out. That’s what encourages change. When I’m on set, I’ve found that my skin tone is very hard to match. There’s always been a struggle. It’s a big problem. It’s so important to have brands like CoverFX because people will just slap whatever they want on your face and get you out there." -- Actress Ajiona Alexus on being on set in Hollywood
“Sometimes all people see is the beauty. But deep down, it’s important to know, beauty is only one thing-- the work you do behind the scenes, needs to be a beast. Show the world your true worth and talent.” -- Ajiona Alexus on her Tweet, "Sometimes you gotta be a Beauty and a Beast."
Sometimes you gotta be a Beauty and a Beast.
“I remember telling myself OK if no one is gonna be at Sephora, I’m gonna be at Sephora.” -- Victor Ramos on not waiting for someone else to be "the first."
“We’re not going have brands tell us what we need. I think we’re the first generation that’s saying 'We’re calling the shots and we’re gonna celebrate everybody.'” -- Victor Ramos on the importance of his work.
"I’ve always been passionate about animal rights. I’ve spent so much time creating resource for people. CoverFX is cruelty-free and completely vegan. In every area consumer voices are huge. It’s so exciting to see how many people are putting their truth out there." -- Tashina Combs
ON SELF- ACCEPTANCE & SELF-LOVE
“You should feel great how you are, exactly how you are.” -- Deepica Mutyala
“As a kid, beauty was my way of fitting in. Now it’s my way of standing out.” -- Deepica Mutyala
“As a kid, beauty was my way of fitting in. Now it’s my way of standing out.”
“Here I am. You’re going to have to accept me as I am.” -- Victor Ramos
“I love my skin tone. When I was younger I went through ‘that phase.’ You’d always see the blonde guy, but I’ve learned to appreciate myself so much it’s almost weird.” -- Victor Ramos
“I love my nose, even though I don’t. It’s my paternal grandfather’s. Everything on your face is a roadmap to where you’ve been and where you’re going.” -- Ami Desai
Photos by Klarisse Gepilano
Did you tune in? What were your favorite quotes of the night?
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C&C Classifieds: Leaf Group, Christy Dawn, Tone It Up & More!
Another day another dolla.
Another day another dollar.
Another Wednesday another C&C Classified listing.
If your current job is on your spring cleaning list, today is your lucky day. Check out the fresh batch of new jobs below.
Interview Mag - NY, NY
Tone It Up - LA, CA
Christy Dawn - LA, CA
The Real Coconut - Santa Monica, CA
Creatures of Comfort - LA, CA
WANT MORE? SIGN UP FOR OUR FULL LIST OF CLASSIFIEDS HERE!
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How One Company Went Wild With Their Workspace
It's doggone awesome.
The Mine, an online home furnishings retailer owned by Lowe’s, recently completed a rebrand for their online storefront and that meant their headquarters needed an update as well. Studies show that the environment in which you work and live can affect your attitude and focus. Since The Mine is located in drizzly Seattle they needed an extra boost of energy in their offices to keep creativity and productivity at the forefront of each day.
The Mine enlisted their own interior design team to redesign every nook and cranny and their unique take on conference rooms will make you want to schedule a few extra meetings just to hang out in them! They decided to go bold here and be inspired by the tropics! We asked the designer below for her inspiration behind the room.
“The wallpaper is energizing and the decorative items allow The Mine team to experience our online offerings up close. Our goal is to provide all of our spaces with an individual story or theme to showcase even more of our amazing collections.” – Ellen Morrow, Interior Designer of The Mine
“Inspired by the outdoors, our Green House conference space serves as one of our biggest meeting spots and makes those in the room feel refreshed and happy.” – Hayley Francis, Trend Manager of The Mine
The Green House is filled with shades of green, warm wood tones and textured materials like rattan, cotton and concrete. The mixing and matching of textures makes for a playful look that can inspire even the bluest of Monday’s! It’s no surprise that the company dog, Finn, is digging the new style.
- Fern Hanging Basket | 2. Rattan Mini Pendant | 3. Palm Leaf Wallpaper | 4. Bell Jar | 5. Office Chair | 6. Marble Dining Table | 7. Lala Stool | 8. Hanging Chair | 9. Fern and Moss Basket | 10. Lancashire Bookcase | 11. Bette Decorative Planter | 12. Gray Chalcedony Trio
If you want to add some wild décor to your workspace shop the look here!
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4 Important Ways To Tell If You Have Analysis Paralysis
Help. Totally stuck.
photo credit: Becki Smith House Photo
If you're anything like 99% of the working world, you're likely suffering from something dubbed analysis paralysis.
Analysis paralysis or paralysis by analysis is the state of over-analyzing (or over-thinking) a situation so that a decision or action is never taken, in effect paralyzing the outcome.
*Plays Stuck in the Middle with You on repeat while staring at computer.*
Do you have it? Here is are four simple questions to ask yourself and get out of your analysis rut.
1. How much do you rely on Google?
Diamonds may have been a girl's best friend at some point, but Google has swiftly pulled into the lead. But be careful: over-Googling is akin to hoarding. If you're stuck in a hole searching for answers to questions that even the world wide web can't answer, you might be hoarding answers.
And let's face it: you will always find a counter-point to an argument online. That's half of what the internet is for. So stop Googling and start with the search bar within.
"Stop Googling and start with the search bar within."
Tweet this.
2. When is the last time you made a decision and stuck to it?
It's natural to second guess yourself, especially when you consider the speed at which everything moves. From tech to content we're working at seriously rapid paces. But if you're constantly playing teeter-totter with your decisions, it's not only hindering your productivity, but it's also hurting your brand. Sticktuitiveness doesn't only apply to toughing it out and seeing a project though. It also applies to making up your mind and sticking to a tough decision.
Leaders make decisions. Period.
3. How much of your day is spent receiving and managing information vs. doing your job?
Email has presented a bit of a paradox. Sure, it makes getting sh*t done easier than ever, but it also means managing your inbox is a full time job. In order to move the needle, there must be a point during the day when you don't check your email and you simply do the work. And if you need help figuring out how to do that-- check out how these 5 bosses handle their inboxes.
4. Are you always in search of a *better* solution?
This is tricky because on the surface, better is "better." But sometimes the "best" solution is the available one. Some people are forever in search for other, so-deemed better alternatives. But if the hunt for "better" prevents you from nailing down a solution, it's no solution at all. And *perhaps most importantly* studies have shown that this kind of behavior can lead to depression, perfectionism and regret.
Do you feel paralyzed? Chime in below and let us know. We'll respond with helpful tips. (We think.)
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Our Fossil Women To Watch Nominate Their Own Women On The Rise!
Watch Us Work!
Texas - you NEVER cease to amaze us. Yesterday's Austin Pop-Up with Fossil was no exception. From fans who started waiting in line at 5:30AM to the brilliant speakers including Actress, Activist + Director Gina Rodriguez who laid it all out there for our attendees.
As we spent the day celebrating the wonderful Women To Watch, we also tapped the speakers to nominate a woman that they're watching. Check out their picks below!
Sacha Strebe, Editorial Director of MyDomaine shouted out Denise Vasi as she's going to be the next BIG THING!
Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth gave love to the Queen of Style + Color: Brittni Mehlhoff from Paper & Stitch.
Cyndi Ramirez, the brains + beauty behind Chillhouse (+ all of the fire manis served up on site yesterday) nominates Sarah Larson Levy the Founder of Y7 - the hip-hop Yoga studio with a cult following.
Elizabeth Chambers Hammer, Founder of Bird Bakery nominated Whitney Wolf Heard of Bumble as her woman to watch for all of the amazing work she's doing.
Brandy Pham, Founder of our favorite social planning platform PLANOLY nominated Dallas-based designer Nha Khanh for her amazing creativity.
Gina Rodriguez kindly nominated Create + Cultivate Founder + CEO Jaclyn Johnson. And we have to agree :)
Gina Rodriguez's Mic Drop Moments from our Austin Pop-Up
“They talk about the boys club right, but where’s the girls club?”
All photos by Becki Smithouse Photography
Lead actress in the CW comedy-drama series, Jane the Virgin and Founder of I Can & I Will Productions, Gina Rodriguez truly fits the mold of being a WorkParty starter.
Coming from a childhood in Chicago, Gina stays humble with her success and is passionate about offering other women opportunities every chance she gets. One of our favorite quotes of the day?
"Pass the plate to your homegirl and we'll all fucking eat.”
“They talk about the boys club right, but where’s the girls club?”
As the keynote at the Fossil Pop-Up, Gina’s passion for female empowerment was contagious. When speaking on the success of Jane the Virgin, Gina mentioned, “What is so amazing about Jane the Virgin isn’t JUST that Jane is a Latina, but she’s a woman.” Growing up, Gina noticed the lack of representation in the media and looked at it as an open opportunity to show what she can do in the industry. Reflecting on the success of the recent box office hit, Black Panther, she said moments of representation so powerful like this, prove that you can never tell us that we are not profitable. You can never tell us that people do not wha
“You can never tell us that we are not profitable. You can never tell us that people do not want to see our stories.”
Gina’s recent directorial debut was a game changer. Reflecting on the many second chances that men in the entertainment industry are often provided, she knew that when her opportunity arose, it was now or never.
“I knew that when I got the opportunity to direct, I needed to come SO correct that I couldn’t be denied.”
And she did. The episode of Jane the Virgin that Gina directed did numbers.
Check out more mic drop moments from Gina at #ccxfossil below:
“I do not do anything alone. I have an amazing group of people on my team who lead me and follow me.”
“I’ve never arrived, I’m constantly a student. I’m very humbled by that.”
“I want to create art that liberates people.”
“With art, we have the ability to create tolerance and opportunity and spread love.”
“The blessing of the journey is the reminder that there are human beings trying to rise above all the hate in the world.”
“Kindness goes a long way.”
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What To Expect at #createcultivateATX
Let's go, y'all!
photo credit: Becki SmithHouse Photo
April shower bring May flowers but March brings the C&C team to Texas. That’s right! For the third year in a row, we’re heading to Texas to get interactive with y'all.
With the bomb C&C panels you’ve come to love and expect and Keynote Gina Rodriguez, we’re bringing the heat. (Austin is bringing the BBQ.)
Location:
The Refinery, the kick ass female co-working space!
612 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
Parking & What to Bring:
Austin weather can be a bit unpredictable in Spring, so bring a sweater. While the event will take indoors you don’t want to get caught unprepared!
Oh, also, bring along you ID. (There will be champagne and Crown Royal cocktails for those 21+.)
While there is parking by the venue, we *highly* recommendation using a ride-share company. Uber works in Austin, as well as local ride-share companies like Ride Austin, which s a nonprofit that pays its drivers the highest percentage among ride-share options. Just sayin’.
Arrivals - Here’s what you can expect:
Line up early!! Seriously. While we won’t be letting anyone into the space until 10:30 AM, the first 150 attendees will get gift bags full of goodies as soon as they walk-in. So again, line up early! We’ll be providing drinks from Chameleon Cold Brew, Health-Ade kombucha and RXbars for you to snack on while you wait in line! Bird Bakery will also be providing breakfast.
Morning Meditation
The day starts with a 15-minute 11:30 AM Meditation led by Body by Simone. Get a little om in before we bring it on home with panels and mentor sessions.
Lunch
Sure, Texas is known for its BBQ, but we’re challenging you to think outside the box. Why would lunch be any different? We’ve got something for everyone, including vegetarians! Grab some lunch from Beyond Meat, which will be serving sliders.
Drinks & Snacks
They’ll be plenty! From RXbar, Justin’s Almond Butter Snack Packs & Hippeas. As well as Chandon, Austin Eastciders, Crown Royal cocktails, Waiakea Water, and La Croix.
Mentor Hour
As soon as you grab your food, chat with one of our amazing mentors from 12 PM - 1 PM.
Stop by to chat with our talented mentors on anything career related. They’re excited to meet everyone and share their success tips with you!
Mentors include: Sarah Kunst, Ashley Rose, Simone de la Rue, Brandy Pham, Jen Pinkston, Maxie McCoy & Sanetra Longno.
The C&C team will be standing by (in Lilac Richer Poorer shirts to help guide your to the right mentor.) You’ll be able to switch at a 30 minute mark when we announce from stage!
Shop ‘til you drop
[FYI the Fossil pop-up shop will be open Saturday as well:)]
Check out the Fossil pop up for new Fossil gear! The shop will be open all day! If that wasn’t enough, if you purchase a tote from Girls Inc, the artist @haveaniceday will be onsite customizing bags with your choice of the following phrases: Bossitivity, Woman to Watch & No Bad Days.
That’s #Bossitivity in action.
Get pampered
Hello gorgeous! Get some cute nail art courtesy of ChillHouse and then stop by R + CO hair to get touchups.
Snag Snacks
Don’t forget to delight in some homemade Holy Roller Ice cream and coffee from Chameleon Cold Brew! Everyone needs a little caffeine and sugar rush.
Snap a pic
Now that you look good- snap a pic.
It wouldn’t be C&C without a photo booth-- but Fossil is providing attendees one that will work for your career. Do not leave without grabbing a professional headshot from the Fossil headshot station.
Happy Hour!
It’s not C&C without Happy Hour. With drinks as well as small bites at the Food Bar from La Pera Austin, there will be lots to chat and cheers to.
FAQs
Can I leave and come back?
Of course you’re welcome to leave--- but if you come back, you will have to wait in line again. Once you leave, we’re letting other people in who are waiting in line.
Can I save a seat?
Unfortunately, no. We will not be allowing people to save seats.
I didn’t RSVP can I still get in?
Read this one carefully! In order to gain entry, you MUST RSVP. DON’T FORGET.
Am I guaranteed entry?
As this is an RSVP only event, we cannot guarantee anyone entry. Please line-up early to secure your spot!
Will I have fun?
Oh, you betcha. *Does arm swing.* We’re throwing the best #WorkParty in town.
Can't wait to see you!
Roundtable Topic: Should You Invest In Cryptocurrency?
Sending help from 4 women who get it.
graphic: Chloe Cecilia
The value of bitcoin fluctuates. That’s cool, right? But what does it mean? Cue us banging our heads against a wall. As self-diagnosed non-techfluents we really tried to understand cryptocurrency. Bitcoin by Bitcoin.
And still, we felt lost. Cue: sad violin.
So we went to the experts because we want to gain some cointelligence. Here's who we tapped.
Sarah Austin: A two-time venture backed startup founder and renowned entrepreneur, Sarah’s known for her work with artificial emotional intelligence agents (NBD). Having seen Silicon Valley firsthand, she is also the founder of CodingFTW, a nonprofit organization established to assess and address the gender divide that is so prevalent in the technology industry. (Big deal.)
Lisa Frame: Lisa is based in LA and the head of Content at crypto and financial startup Stackin. She’s also the creator of Crypto Obsessed, a cryptocurrency group managed by women. (Obsessed.)
Madeline Mann: As the head of People Operations Operations at a blockchain technology company, Gem, Madeline is used to explaining blockchain to people. (YES!) She also is the host of Self Made Millennial where she posts videos weekly on how to find and excel in your career.
Nicole Loher: She began her career at Tumblr, obsessed with with social media and emerging technologies within the digital space. She’s now Global Digital Editor at Christian Louboutin and teaches at NYU. (Prayer hands.)
If anyone can explain crypto, it’s them. And thank goodness. Dig into the below.
You’re welcome.
What is the easiest way to explain blockchain to a confused non-tech nerd?
Madeline Mann: Imagine you are back in first grade. Your teacher hands out gold stars for good deeds. The teacher makes one kid in charge of keeping a tally in her personal notebook of how many gold stars each student has. You all grow uncomfortable with this...is she giving herself more gold stars? She was absent the day I got my gold star, was it recorded? How accurate is her account? You all decide to change the system from centralized to decentralized. Everyone takes out their notebooks and copies down her account of the class' gold stars. From now on EVERYONE in the class writes down when someone gets a gold star. Now everyone has their own record of truth and no one can cheat and give themselves more gold stars because when their amount is compared to what everyone else has recorded then it will be proven as a faulty star. This is the principle behind blockchain, it is an archive of actions that is spread across thousands of computers so that it is near impossible to tamper with the information.
Sarah Austin: Blockchain is a technology that allows companies a transparent and secure way to store data in ordered records.
Lisa Frame: Without using terminology like “nodes” or “ledgers,” a blockchain is a distributed record book. Each “block” or “line item” in the book is a transaction that is verified by thousands of other computers not just one person, bank or foundation.
It’s basically the equivalent of sharing a photo publicly on Instagram to verify your outfit is smoking hot, instead of sending one photo to your roommate. You now have a record of hundreds of people verifying that your outfit is goals. It takes out the middleman, which makes it decentralized. Our current banking system is centralized. This means we rely on their private record keeping.
Centralized banking is basically a controlling ex who tells you to change outfits because your dress is "too short," according to “their records.”
Centralized banking is basically a controlling ex who tells you to change outfits because your dress is "too short," according to “their records.”
Tweet this.
Nicole Loher: Simply put, blockchain provides a decentralized database of transactions (as it relations to bitcoin) that everyone within the “network” (i.e. that owns Bitcoin) can see. To simply further - the network is a chain of computers that must approve of an exchange of currency before it can be verified and recorded. Think of it as a decentralized stock market.
OKSO. BITCOIN. What do blockchain and bitcoin have to do with each other?
Lisa: Bitcoin purchases are verified through the blockchain. Instead of one bank saying “yes, she owns Bitcoin” you have thousands of computers, around the world, verifying your purchase.
Sarah: Blockchain is also associated with "Bitcoin" (a popular token), "cryptocurrency" (digital tokens of all kinds) and ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings). A token is a feature of a blockchain technology. With all the buzz and hype around Bitcoin, and money being raised from the sale of digital tokens, there is a growing misconception around the actual value of building a business. This notion needs to be recognized by entrepreneurs who want look past the buzz of cryptocurrency and focus on the underlying Blockchain technology to create new value.
Can you give a sensible analogy that most anyone could understand?
Madeline: Blockchain is to Bitcoin as Windows 10 is to Microsoft Office. Blockchain is the underlying technology of Bitcoin, and Bitcoin is the first and most well known example that utilizes blockchain technology, but blockchain can be utilized in countless other ways.
Bitcoin is the first and most well known example that utilizes blockchain technology, but blockchain can be utilized in countless other ways.
Nicole: Bitcoin is the buzzy cryptocurrency that everyone is talking about. There are many types of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin just happens to be the CocaCola stock of this market. The Bitcoin network orders transactions (think of it like a buy in the New York Stock Exchange) by putting the transactions together into groups called blocks. Each block contains a definite amount of transactions and a link to the previous block.
Speaking of buzzy. Why and how did cryptocurrency start to matter?
Lisa: Now is the answer. Why it matters is because cryptocurrency could be as a big of a technological breakthrough as the telephone or the internet. The blockchain technology is the real breakthrough as it solves the double spend problem. Where bad people could conceivably spend digital money more than once. It's also bigger than just Bitcoin. We can now transfer digital property safely. It has the potential to be much bigger than just a digital currency also. Someday all of our contracts could be done through crypto, such as real estate and legal contacts, our medical records could be on the blockchain. The possibilities are really endless.
Madeline: Cryptocurrency allows people to own their wealth without a central party, like a bank lording over it. It also presents exceptional ease of use both domestically and across borders that allows for rapid transfer of wealth. For example, for me to send a friend $100 it takes roughly 5 days for our banks to reconcile the transaction. With most cryptocurrency transactions it takes just a few minutes or hours to reconcile. With the rise of ICOs (initial coin offerings) it allows companies to raise money through token sales with the public, where consumers can invest in companies and projects they believe in (think Kickstarter on a larger scale). This could highly benefit women entrepreneurs, and in fact we've seen several high-profile ICOs led by women, such as Propy and Paragon! ICOs present an alternative to VC funding, a group that has been shown statistically to be unconsciously biased towards giving funding to companies with male founders. ICOs present a new avenue to funding where biases and pedigree may become less pronounced.
Nicole: Cryptocurrency (i.e. Bitcoin specifically) was kind of an accidental side project by way of a person (who is still yet to be confirmed) that goes by Satoshi in the late 2000s. Essentially what he created was the first decentralized “peer-to-peer electronic cash system” in order to prevent double spending. This was incredibly advanced for that time.
Bitcoin is the buzzy cryptocurrency that everyone is talking about. It just happens to be the CocaCola stock of this market.
Why doesn’t anyone know who Satoshi is?
Lisa: We will never know the real answer but I can think of 5.6 billion reasons why! One theory as to why Satoshi never came forward was that governments would try to come after he or she to try to cut off the head of the snake. Remaining anonymous prevented them from having a face to attach to Bitcoin and letting the technology stand on its own.
Sarah: Because that person doesn’t want to be discovered. Probably because Satoshi is afraid of going to jail.
Madeline: Satoshi Nakamoto is the pseudonym of the person or persons who invented Bitcoin and their identities have never been revealed. The draw of Bitcoin, and blockchain at large, is that the technology utilizes a decentralized network so that no central party owns the information recorded on the blockchain, like a bank or an information aggregator like Facebook. At its core, there are no "leaders" or "owners" of the Bitcoin blockchain which is why an anonymous creator fits perfectly with the mission.
What does it mean to “have” a Bitcoin?
Lisa: From a technical standpoint, owning a Bitcoin means having possession of the private key for the number of Bitcoin(s) you own. Like having the code to the safe to get your money. From a simpler standpoint it's like owning a stock. You have the right to sell it or transfer it to whomever you want.
Sarah: It’s just another way to buy goods and services. It also may mean that someone is holding Bitcoin as an investment.
Madeline: A misconception is that to have bitcoin you have to buy a whole Bitcoin, which discourages many new people from investing because they have sticker shock. But a Bitcoin can be split into one hundred million pieces. Therefore a person can invest any amount and still experience the ups and downs of the market. If you invest $200 when Bitcoin is at $13k and it goes up to $20k as we've seen, then your investment would have swelled to around $320. Not bad!
Right not bad. Which leads to investing. Why is Bitcoin stock worth so much?
Madeline: First of all, I want to dispel the misconception that buying Bitcoin is similar to buying stock in a company. There are no underlying business fundamentals to Bitcoin - no stream of cash flow that you can discount to present value. There is no "Bitcoin Corp." The value is based on the community collectively believing it has value. Bitcoin effectively combined the attributes of scarcity and utility to create a "digital gold" for the internet age. Bitcoin is scarce because it is an deflationary currency, in that only 21 million bitcoins will ever be in circulation. There's 12.5 bitcoin released approximately every 10 min, and that amount halves every four years until we hit the ceiling of 21 million. It has utility because bitcoin allows individuals to have full and uncensored control over their own wealth, by converting it and securing it digitally on the Bitcoin blockchain. Bitcoin, and cryptocurrencies in general, also facilitate the nearly instantaneous and inexpensive transfer of value anywhere in the world, 24/7.
Lisa: The same reason why anything has worth! Supply and demand. There are currently just over 16.7m Bitcoin in circulation and the maximum that will ever exist is capped at 21 million. This set cap is well known, making its scarcity transparent. Some people consider it a great store of value because of this, like digital gold. Imagine if the world's gold supply was capped at 21 million ounces. One ounce of gold would likely be worth a million dollars or more.
Nicole: There are two trains of thought here. As Bitcoin is the most popular coin, and the one that is most frequently traded, we've seen two vastly different markets emerge (note: the first being totally speculative). There's a lot of hype around cryptocurrency that banks will begin opening cypto trading desks in 2018 - like stock trading. There's a theory that these financial institutions are fueling the conversation and pumping money into the market, so it's at it's prime when it hits mass and the government actually figures out how to regulate this circus. In the meantime, the news and all your pals are talking about it, making this a really crazy cycle of inflation. The second is just, well, the general public is interested so they're buying. Bitcoin is, as I said, the first cryptocurrency and the one that's most easily tradable on an open market, like Coinbase. It's the shiny new toy of the financial world - a world that's so behind the times - so everyone is interested and looking.
It's the shiny new toy of the financial world - a world that's so behind the times - so everyone is interested and looking.
If anyone can invent a cryptocurrency, how is it worth anything?
Lisa: Well, anyone can start an online business. Some companies will continue to have value and some won't. Like anything there will be winners and losers. There are something like 1,300 cryptocurrencies. They're not all going to make it, but a lot of them, such as Bitcoin, have a good chance at holding their value and going up. Bitcoin also has first mover advantage, meaning it was first to the market. Plus it's name is now synonymous with cryptocurrency, like Kleenex with tissues.
Madeline: Ultimately the worth is based on the community collectively believing it has worth. Just like a diamond ring or a Louis Vuitton bag, they are priced so high because consumers value them. I do caution you all be aware of what you invest in because there are scams - artificially inflated tokens and dubious ICOs that are not good investments.
If someone *raises hand* wanted to invest in Bitcoin or another kind of cryptocurrency today, would that be a smart move?
Lisa: Research! I personally think the biggest mistake someone can make is investing in something they don’t truly understand or believe in. It’s extremely volatile and you could lose a lot of money. It's also a good idea to really try to wrap your head around blockchain technology. That's the game changer! Also, only invest what you’re okay with losing because you could lose every penny you put in. How can women educate themselves more on cryptocurrency? I really love community threads like Reddit or FB groups! It’s nice to be able to ask questions and get feedback from a like-minded folks without feeling embarrassed or judged. Watch as many videos as you can, read as many articles or books. Immerse yourself in this new world.
I also recommend reading the White Papers of each coin you're interested in. These papers should accomplish a few things: inform you on their project, what they want to accomplish, their roadmap and methods for meeting those goals. Google all the jargon you don’t understand or ask groups their thoughts. Oh, and trust your gut. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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Madeline: In short, absolutely, it can be a smart move. Do your research and only invest money that you would be willing to lose. The invention of cryptocurrency has given rise to a wild and unregulated new capital market for investors. There are incredible opportunities there, but you need to carefully research the underlying technologies in order to confidently ride out the incredible volatility that cryptocurrencies experience every day. Values have been known to increase by over 100% a day, and decrease by 95%+ in the same time span.
Sarah: BTC or ETH are not a bad investment so long as you consider yourself willing and ready to potentially lose the money you invest, but who am I to give investment advice? I’m not a financial advisor. I do think it’s smart to diversity your portfolio and Bitcoin is now it’s own asset class.
Nicole: Well,If someone wanted to invest in Bitcoin or another kind of cryptocurrency today, would that be a smart move? You know, honestly, it's like trading within the stock market...except you don't have an advisor. That's on you.
How can women educate themselves more on cryptocurrency?
Sarah: Study up ladies! Read, read, read. I read “The Age of Cryptocurrency” and found it to be a useful book to get started with.
Madeline: Come to meet-ups, we hold one at the Gem office called the Los Angeles Ethereum Meetup. I'm also a part of several women's Facebook groups where we chat about investing, all levels welcome.
Nicole: Be wary of what's out there and take everything at face value. Do your own research, but also know Reddit is a phenomenal place to start.
Have more questions! Comment below and we'll get them answered!
THE MORE YOU KNOW.
C&C Classifieds: Matrix Model Staffing, Luxury Garage Sale & Good American
It's gonna be a good day.
photo credit: Becki Smith House Photo
Another day. Another classifieds listing. At least for us. Because we're trying to help you make those dollars.
Check out the below!
Matrix Model Staffing
Special Events Booker - Miami
DBA - LA, CA
Start Today
Good American - LA, CA
Free People - LA, CA
Links From Our Group Chat: Teens Take Control, Herstory + It's Oscar Sunday!
We know you're on your couch.
It's the Oscars! But if you're not a fan of award shows, check out some of the links we texted each other back and forth this week.
Good eats and good biz. GrubHub Maps women-led restaurants.
15 trailblazers on what history books will say about women’s activism in 2018. It's called Herstory.
Teenage strategy sessions are leading the movement against gun violence.
Colleges won't punish suspended students. Here's why.
There are 500 + women running for office in 2018. Huzzah!
Sugar & Cloth knows how to throw a great party. (Plus she's be hanging with us at our Create & Cultivate Austin popup.)
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Skincare Facts Your Mom Never Told You
MOM. We gotta talk. We know you grew up in the ‘70s when baby oil in the summertime was a thing, but you kind of left out some key education about skin care. And while glowing skin is lovely, sun damage is never in style.
So, this is where we school you, with a bit of help from Mott50, the first anti-aging fashion brand with built-in sun protection...in every garment!
Think about it. How much are you spending on serums and lotions to keep your skin glowing and looking young? Why should you only worry about your face?
Here are some unique pieces of knowledge you should know.
There’s no such thing as forever young, but…
“Sun protection is the #1 remedy for anti-aging. Anti-aging concerns are driving the wellness phenomenon. Everyone wants to look and feel younger, for longer,” celebrity Dermatologist, Dr. Brodsky.
The cold hard truth is this: 90% of skin cancer stems from sun exposure. 50 million people are treated annually for skin cancer.
Guess what kind of sun protection doesn’t wash off:
You’re busy. Running around to meetings and you don’t always think about reapplying sunscreen on your arms or hands. #sunspots. It just so happens that the sun’s peak hours are between 10am-4pm. That’s right. Prime meeting time. Don’t get caught unprepared.
"Clothing is the best way to protect against the dangers of the sun, it doesn't wash off, it maintains for the lifetime of the garment, and there is no need to reapply every two hours,” says celebrity Dermatologist, Dr. Amy Brodsky.
You don’t have to reapply, unless you want to change your clothes.
“An average tee only has a UPF of 5 … you might not get visibly burned, but the UVA rays are still penetrating your shirt…and UVA rays are what cause aging, sun spots, and can cause cancer!” says Anne Reilly of the Mott50 team.
All Mott50 apparel and swimwear is UPF50. Protect and love the skin you’re in by wearing something that’s good for you! And sun protection is now the #1 priority of the US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.
And because we gotta give it up to our C&C keynote Kim.
“‘Don’t touch your face’ – Kim Kardashian West swore by this in a Vogue interview and who wouldn’t want the complexion of the one and only selfie Queen,” says Madeline Flanagan of Mott50.
And KKW is right. We spend all day picking up phones, shaking hands in business meetings, and touching our grimy computer keys. Why would you want all that on your face? You don’t.
What other skincare tricks and tips do you have for us? Don’t worry, we’ll pass them along to Mom.
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How to Keep Work Stress From Showing Up on Your Face
You gotta glow to grow.
We know the pains of long days at the office. And we know what it feels like when those stressors show up on your face. It’s the worst. And it makes you feel even worse than you already do.
But we have some tips to keep those dreaded hours from showing up as bags under your eyes. Listen up!
Sleep.
Your body boosts blood flow to the skin while you snooze. So sleep deprivation causes a decrease in blood flow to the skin surrounding your face. Sleep is very important for your skin. skin. Sound Sleep Cocoon is a revitalizing treatment gel-cream that transforms skin overnight by optimizing nighttime skin recovery. Tamarind Seed Extract and motion-activated French Lavender Essential Oil (with Sandalwood and Patchouli) work all night to promote deep, restful sleep for healthier-looking skin by morning. Other key ingredients include Persian Silk Tree Extract which reduces signs of skin fatigue and restores vitality while Wu-Zhu-Yu Extract provides visibly radiant skin by the a.m.
Practice mindfulness.
Be aware of what you can and can't control. If you are feeling "stressed out," take a quick moment to shift focus to what you can control. Write out everything on your mental to-do list. Take a walk. Take a dance break. Step away from your current situation and pay attention to the details around you. Your skin may thank you.
Open your eyes.
If you don’t get a good night’s sleep – don’t stress! Or, stress positive! Dermalogica’s Stress Positive Eye Lift reduces the signs of fatigue in the eye area, and embraces the concept of “good stress” – the idea that stress can have a positive effect on health. Your eye area is often the first to show signs of stress. When you're about to take on a challenging task, give your eye area a quick massage with a hydrating product like Stress Positive Eye Lift. This can help energize your skin and reduce visible signs of fatigue.
Cool down.
Keep a face mist handy when you're at the office. Dermologica's breakout clearing all over toner can help minimize stress-induced breakouts, while lemongrass and bitter orange refresh, energize, and revive stressed skin. Stay cool, calm and collective ladies.
Have tips of your own for a stress face? Share in the comments below!
6 Times it's Actually OK to Send Nudes to a Coworker
Hear us out.
We’re talking the Love Me Nudes Natural Edition palette from Nudestix. It’s a six-piece lip kit for kissable, nude to bold lips in a limited-edition Nude(art)ist tin, and perfect to take you (or your co-worker’s) office lewk from day-to-night.
The Love Me Nudes box is everything you need—from nude to bold shades with the smoothest formulas—for all-day wear on lips (and cheeks, too). The set features two new hand-blended Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balms in shades Ally and Tay Tay, eponymously named after sisters and NUDESTIX co-founders Ally and Taylor Frankel.
Co-founder Taylor recently spoke at Create & Cultivate Los Angeles, talking with the crowd about what it means to be a young founder in the billion dollar beauty biz and why Nudestix is primed for success. Particularly, because they know that beauty is on the inside, which includes the inner-workings of their company.
With every purchase of the Love Me Nudes set, NUDESTIX is donating a portion of their sales to the Love is Louder project, created in collaboration with actress Brittany Snow and the JED Foundation. NUDESTIX proudly supports Love is Louder because its message of love and support is parallel to their own. They believe that everyone is beautiful, and that we should embrace our imperfections because that’s what makes us unique.
Hello. We 100% agree.
"Our Love Me Nudes for lips are so fun and easy. You have every shade to mix and match any look—and you can pop the tin in your bag to-go,” explain Ally and Taylor.
Those shades include: Ally, Tay Tay, Mystic, Rose, Retro, and Purity.
I.e. the six times it’s OK to send nudes to a coworker.
Which shade is your fave? Share in the comments below!
Why One Model Called This the Best and Most Diverse Panel Ever
#CreateCultivateLA didn't mess around.
“Sometimes I wake up after days like yesterday & I think “how is this my life?” How did I get so incredibly lucky to not only speak on panels about body positivity & being a boss with some of the strongest women I know, who happen to be my friends and who are ACTUALLY CHANGING THE WORLD?! I know the answer, I got here from really hard work, privilege & never taking no for an answer. Not listening to people who said I was too short, too fat, too tattooed, too outspoken, too much, myself. I was reminded yesterday that there is still so much work to do, and that we ALL have to keep showing up for not only ourselves but marginalized bodies & people. Thank you to @createcultivate for having me & to @jessbeegood from @livestrong_com for moderating the best & most diverse panel I’ve been a part of to date.”
So wrote Tess Holliday on her Instagram following Create & Cultivate Los Angeles this past Saturday. Joining her on panel, were @ihartericka, @mamacaxx, @mynameisjessamyn, and @danikabrysha. The group of women went in on everything from the “body positive” movement and whether they believe in it to how they identify.
Below are some of the amazing highlights from the panel.
Jessamyn Stanley
Yoga teacher, body positive advocate, and writer
Jessica Bordner Photography
On panel, Jessamyn said she’s interested in disrupting the industry beyond visibility. She not only wants to be seen but to be heard and understood.
“I came to body-positivity to really understand myself in a more whole way. I am attached to the understanding for all human beings that who we are on the inside dictates who we are on the outside.”
“I have so much conflict, thinking about where we are with body positivity and actually cracking the mainstream. I am one of very few fat, black, queer, yoga teachers. Or that’s what people think. It’s patently false. There are so many people who look so many different ways. The fact that anyone would find my presence anywhere surprising is frustrating on a deep level.”
Though she says she never intended to be the face of a movement, and still doesn’t think of herself in that way, she’s not mad at it. “If there is going to be a cracking of the mainstream, I’m not upset to be in that space. Visibility is critical. Living my truth and just existing can have an accidental purpose.”
She continued, “I think we need to get to a place beyond television, advertising and movies to be our ‘goals’ for life."
Eff the rules she said. Do what you do. Love who you are. That’s the only plan."
Ericka Hart
Cancer warrior, activist and sexuality educator
Jessica Bordner Photography
Ericka Identifies as a black, queer and femme woman. She spoke on the importance of being clear with how she identifies because it holds weight in a room. She mentioned that when people feel uncomfortable with her being queer, it’s a reflection of a problem they are facing internally. “If someone has a problem with me being queer, they really just have a problem with themselves,” she told the room.
“I’m used to not seeing myself,” said Ericka. “But I’m really interested in disrupting beyond viability. So yes, I walked topless at New York Fashion week, and that felt amazing. But what I’m interested in is the fact that W Magazine just released at stat that said 0.4% of [fashion] shows this year were diverse. I don’t know how many shows exist at New York Fashion week, but there are many. If you look at the Fashion industry it’s not interested in being diverse and it’s not interested in giving it back to the black and queer and trans people who invented it. I’m interested in actually making the institution different— the system different. We have to be critical about diversity and inclusion. It’s so much more than visibility.”
Tess Holliday
Model, Author, Momma & Feminist Founder of @EffYourBeautyStandards
Jessica Bordner Photography
“We all should just do whatever the fuck we wanna do. And whatever feels good for us,” the model said to a cheering crowd.
“I didn’t see anyone who looked like me. I wanted to be the person that I didn’t see. I started putting myself out there on social media. I’ve been doing it now for eight years.” As a US size 22 Tess told that crowd that she is still the only model for her height and size signed to a major agency. But she is committed to seeing that change. “I’ve accomplished what everyone said was impossible, and I’m hoping to help other people do the same.”
Tess also spoke on how she had to break away from waiting on other people to reassure her on things. She used to be stuck in a place where she needed her decisions validated by those around her, but she’s not interested in that anymore. She now knows that she has the power to reassure herself.
"My best piece of advice would be to be yourself and be authentic. Do something that you love, and don’t be afraid to not do what you love. Just go for it!"
Danika Brysha
Plus size model and founder of @ModelMeals
When Danika started her modeling career she was faced with tons of negative criticism around her size and her curves.
She said, “I heard from people, ‘You have such a pretty face,' but they were just insinuating the rest of me wasn’t up to par, and that just wasn’t true.”
“I spent my whole life feeling like not enough. To get into the plus-size industry and recreate my normal of what beautiful looks like is incredibly powerful.”
MamaCaxx
Survivor and Role Model
Jessica Bordner Photography
“Body positivity is really embracing marginalized bodies,” shared MamaCaxx.
“In college I used to have a cover prosthetic. My goal was to hide and conceal. The very first time I decided to take off that cover, I remember it took me two weeks to actually leave my house. I had so much anxiety.” When she did leave the house and subsequently decided to have a photoshoot with a metal leg, Caxx explained that the recurring comments surprised her. “People were commenting that they’d never seen a black girl with a prosthetic,” which she said, is not her world. “What you think of disability is not what it is at all. It’s only one identity. And it crosses all people. Black, white, queer, women, men.”
She continued, “In the fashion industry I don’t see a lot of people with visible disabilities. But what you gain from fair representation goes such a long way.”
What brands do you think are succeeding at fair representation? Let us know in the comments!
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How to Budget For Your Big Day
Big day typically means big spend. It doesn’t have to.
Engaged couples underestimate how much they will spend on their wedding by about 40 percent. Those are some double-digit numbers. It’s a 200 billion dollar industry.
According to WeddingWire research, one of the biggest pain points is understanding vendor pricing information. There are hidden costs and upcharges. For instance, if your wedding food stains the silverware you rented, you might be responsible for paying 7k to replace every fork. (Yes, that’s a thing that happened to a friend.) “Setting a budget is a critical first step in wedding planning, but today’s couples remain unclear on how it could -- and should -- all add up,” says Sonny Ganguly, CMO, WeddingWire.
WeddingWire’s Wedding Cost Guide’s category-specific pricing data includes the high, low and average range of what other real couples recently spent in their geographic area to help couples have a clearer understanding of what to expect to pay for a comprehensive set of wedding services. For example, if you have a larger bridal party, expect to shell out more when considering florals for each attendant (the average cost of a bridesmaids bouquet is $75).
On average, couples in the U.S. spend nearly $30,000 on wedding ceremony and reception costs, yet determining how to budget for the various vendors and services involved often feels like an overwhelming challenge.
So we’re breaking down some costs and solves.
THE MUSIC MATTERS
If you love the full, rich sound and abundant energy of live music, then hiring a wedding band to perform during your reception is an absolute must! While the average wedding band cost is $4,000, band prices for a wedding may vary widely depending on where and when your wedding is taking place, as well as a number of other factors like the number of musicians and length of time. In fact, the cost of a wedding band typically ranges from $2,500 to $6,000 in the U.S.
What makes it less expensive: A DJ.
On average, hiring a DJ to play at your wedding tends to cost less than hiring a wedding band. Most couples in the U.S. spend between $450 to $2,000 on their wedding DJ. Remember though, that with a wedding band you are paying for multiple professional musicians to perform on your wedding day, while a wedding DJ is usually a single pro. While hiring a DJ for your wedding can be a more cost-effective option, many couples are spending more on their wedding DJ nowadays than in past years as they are devoting more of their wedding budget to their guests’ experience (a great DJ can read a crowd and ensure your dance floor packed all night long!).
PHOTO BOOTH FUN
You want the night to be memorable and you also want guests to walk away with a cute memory. People love a photo booth-- and the pics can double as a wedding favor.
In total, wedding rental costs usually average out to about $650 with photo booth starting prices averaging $550. Read reviews and find a rental company that has stellar customer service. This is your wedding after all. And remember: you will likely be renting your photo booth by the hour, so the more time you would like your photo booth to be present at your wedding, the higher your photo booth rental prices will be.
What makes it less expensive: You can opt to put throwaway cameras on tables and have guests shoot their own moments. But remember, you still have to pay for the cost of developing those cameras, which is about $20 dollars per roll. Depending on how many tables you have, the photo booth might end up being the better option, especially when you factor in quality control.
THE NECESSARY RENTALS
Other event rentals you will likely need for your wedding including tables, chairs, dinnerware, and much more. On average, most couples in the U.S. spend between $400 to $1,000 on wedding rentals. You will need to think about the following rentals:
Tables
Chairs
Dancefloor
Linens (tablecloths, napkins, chair covers, etc.)
Drapery
Lighting
Furniture
Audio/visual equipment
Tents
Vases and other vessels
China
Barware
Flatware
Glassware
Consider that some venues include rentals like tables and chairs in the packages, but if you want your wedding to look a certain way-- you might have to bring in your own.
What makes it less expensive: When you’re considering the venue, consider what their packages include. It might make the most economic sense to take all of their offerings into consideration so you can best budget for your big day. If they don’t have good chairs, it might not make sense. All details add up! Make sure you create an Excel doc for yourself and pop those numbers in. You don’t want to be surprised(!!) come the honeymoon at how much money you spent.
For more information, and to find out what couples near you are spending on specific wedding services, visit weddingwire.com/cost.
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C&C Classifieds: Goop, Museum of Ice Cream, & More
It's a delicious batch of jobs.
We're blowing our own damn minds.
Oh my word. It's already the last day of Feb. How did that happen? We're not sure, but what we are sure about is our brand new batch of job listings from amazing companies that anyone would be lucky to work at.
So, put on your thinking cap, break out that resume, and write yourself one bombass cover letter for any of the below
Tandem Entertainment - LA, CA
Museum of Ice Cream - NY,NY
Stand Up To Cancer - LA, CA
Goop - Santa Monica, CA
Entertainment Media & Production Company - NY,NY
Alliance of Moms - LA, CA
WANT MORE? SIGN UP FOR OUR FULL CLASSIFIEDS LISTINGS HERE.
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What One Teacher Says Is the Real Job of Educators
And her hopes for her former students.
I was a school librarian in a DC public elementary school for six and a half years until I resigned in January of this year. On October 17, 2017, we thought we had an active shooter in our building and went into a frenzied lockdown. Five seconds after I received a text message from my colleague that said ACTIVE SHOOTER double doors opened and a line of 22 second graders came through, headed to me.
For everyone who is not a teacher, you can imagine this moment: rushing them into the classroom, putting paper over the windows, locking the door. You can imagine what it means to be this kind of adult — one responsible for the lives of 22 children.
Teachers are aware of this responsibility every day. Specialists, like I was as the school librarian, are aware of what it means to be responsible for every student in the building for at least 45-minutes once or twice a week. We know all of them.
What you can’t fully imagine, if you are not a teacher, is the information that will rush through your brain.
Their parents’ faces. The beautiful things these children have said to you over the last few years (the horrible things, too). Every holiday and Teacher Appreciation Day card, every post-it they stole from your desk to write that they love you, the books and authors they like best, their favorite outfits, their favorite read aloud, the bad things that have happened to them that are in case files in the main office, the good things they want to share the moment they see you. The ones who still can’t tie their shoelaces. The strength of each of their hi-fives. Which kids they play with at recess, who eats school lunch and who brings it from home, which ones take the bus, which ones have baby siblings they can’t wait to kiss on the foreheads at the end of the day, which ones have older siblings that they try, hilariously, to emulate, and on and on and on and on.
Non-teachers don’t know what it means to be the keepers and protectors of that beautiful information.
Non-teachers don’t know what it means to recognize in one horrible instant that you are all that stands between them and a bullet if the gunmen makes it to you.
But I never wished for a gun that day. I never wished I had a gun to fight back with.
I thought about how many of them my body could cover. I thought about where would be best to hide them and which angle they would be most visible from. I thought about how thick the bookcases were and if they could take a bullet. I thought about the strength of a deadbolt. I thought about the weakness of glass. I thought about what size body could fit through a broken window.
I never wanted to kill whomever might have been on the other end.
Because teachers, more than most others, can recognize a child in anyone. They’re uniquely interested in understanding what might have happened to them to bring them here, from the six-year-old with anxiety, to the teenager with a gun, to the adult with a gun. And I hate that person, that person with a gun, but I also think about how we failed them. Society, parents, schools, mental health providers, child protective services. I think about how someone, or many someones, failed them.
I won’t be able to say this the way I want to, but: until we fix all of the very, very fucked up pieces in our society, the best defense we have is stricter gun laws. And for anyone to deny that is absurd. And to arm teachers, to even suggest arming teachers, is such a horrible example of where we’re at.
The situation that day ended up being a terrible miscommunication, based in fear and news that there was an active shooter in the building behind us. After many hours of searching, this turned out to be false information. We didn’t know this until the school day was nearly over. I have never been more scared and exhausted in my life.
I work with adults now in a public library and I have a whole other perspective on how awful the world can be, but I also see the children in every single adult that comes in that door. I see how society failed many of them.
But if the students in Florida are an example of our future, I have to believe some of this can change. If my former students are an example of our future, I have to believe some of this can change.
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The 3 Top Takeaways from Express Spotlight Session
Passion, purpose, and gettin’ paid.
Alyssa Dawson Photography
From making money to rocking your personal brand, the Express x Levo Spotlight Session at Saturday’s Create & Cultivate Los Angeles dug into the truth of passion, purpose, and getting paid.
Taking the stage were Patrice Croci, Vice President of brand marketing at Express, Alisa Leonard, President of Levo and an expert on the insights and data that drive this generation of women, and Maxie McCoy, author, speaker, and all around inspiration.
Together the powerhouses chatted about the importance of recognizing women’s economic power, those blurry lines between work-life balance, and how the majority of women define a purposeful career.
Drawing on key stats from an Express x Levo survey which polled over 500 working people, they broke down some key highlights, which we’re sharing below.
Alyssa Dawson Photography
Talking Money & Passion
Key Insight: 39% of women want meaning and purpose while the majority of men want money from their careers.
“You have to be really cognizant of your purpose and passion,” shared Patrice Croci with the crowd. “BOTH of them matter.”
Echoing this sentiment, Allisa Leonard said, “We have economic power. We have to learn to own it.”
Women may say purpose is the most important factor in their career, but we also have to be aware that if it don’t make dollars, it don’t make sense. Getting comfortable talking about money is a step we all need to take. Whether that means asking for a raise, talking to friends about money, or knowing your worth, money has power. We have to learn how to use it.
“We have economic power. We have to learn to own it.”
Especially when it comes to the next takeaway.
Talking Side Hustle
Key Insight: 43% of women (38% of men) report having a side hustle
Maxie McCoy turned to the audience during this segment of the convo and asked, by a show of hands, how many in the audience have side hustles. She was greeted by a sea of hands in the air.
It’s something often discussed at Create & Cultivate, as many of the women in the audience are looking to take their side hustle full time. But how does one do that? It’s personal.
Alyssa Dawson Photography
“Work is life and life is work,” shared Patrice. “You have to figure out what your definition is. We have to be versatile because there is a blur. It’s time to get comfortable in it.”
That also relates to the first insight-- because you have to get comfortable asking to be PAID for your side-hustle.
Speaking of personal...
Talking Personal Brand
Key Insight: 14% of women feel they have their personal brand figured out, with 18% indicating their personal brand is “fluid.”
Becki Smithouse Photography
This blur Patrice referenced is incredibly important because it affects how we communicate ourselves to the world. Online or off, we compartmentalize our lives way less than we did 25 years ago. Even 10 years ago. It’s both liberating and daunting. And it’s also likely given way to the importance of a strong personal brand.
The nature of what women want has changed and as such women today are charting new courses everywhere we look. We are changing leadership roles, and we’re changing the face of the workforce – because we’re not scared to prioritize what matters most to us.
What matters most to you? Share in the comments below.
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