C&C Classifieds: Forbes, Pomp & Whimsy, Modcloth + more!
Spring cleaning those career moves.
Another day another dollar.
Another Wednesday, another Create & Cultivate Classifieds listing.
It's officially spring and that means it's time to get cleaning. If your career is on your clean up list this season, you're in the right place. Dive into this week's new classifieds list below and start sending out those resumes ladies.
Happy Spring!
Pomp & Whimsy - Multi-City LA, SF, SD
Modcloth - SF, CA
United Entertainment Group - LA, CA
Forbes - NY, NY
Patients & Purpose - NY, NY
Whole Foods - ATX, TX
WANT MORE? CHECK OUT OUR FULL CLASSIFIEDS LIST HERE!
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Zoey Deutch Is No Flower In Her New Movie
But she is blooming brilliant.
"Flower," the new dark teen comedy from director Max Winkler, starring Zoey Deutch was made in 16 days with a half a million dollar budget. Not bad for a flick that's earned a yellow check as a NYT Critic's Pick.
Not bad for a film that begins with an underage girl giving a police officer a blow job.
That's right. When we first meet Deutch's character, Erica Vandross, she’s performing oral sex on a cop in his squad car. Nearby, her own squad secretly records the encounter in order to blackmail him. They score a paltry 400 bucks from officer Dale (the entirety of his bank account), as part of an ongoing extortion hustled up by Erica to earn enough cash to bail her dear old dad out of jail. What, you weren't a vigilante at 17? As Deutch says in the movie’s trailer, “Shaking down a child molester is our moral obligation.” Sure, at her high school she gets called a “slut,” but Erica, rather believably to the credit of Deutch's portrayal, does not care what anyone thinks of her. “It's called feminism," she tells Luke (Joey Morgan), the son of her mother Laurie's (Kathryn Hahn) new boyfriend.
There are male critics who don't love the flick. But women (and the New York Times) are in agreement: it fucking rocks. For Deutch, who played the *almost* only female in Richard Linklater's "Everybody Wants Some," and last year's "Before I Fall" it was an opportunity to play a role traditionally written for a dude.
Erica is confident, but manic. Oogles the hot old dude at the bowling alley. Wears socks with slides, rocks a mean mom-jean short, a "Daddy" t-shirt, enjoys giving blowjobs and drawing said penises in her diary of dick. In short: Erica's not "likable," or so say the powers-that-be-reviewers. There are a laundry list of unbecoming traits that friends and fam heeded the actress against. "I must have poor reading comprehension skills. I thought she was fucking awesome," joked Deutch. "The unanimous response was, 'Aren't you afraid of playing someone potentially so unlikeable?'"
The answer simply, was no. In fact the only part of the movie that flummoxed the then-twenty-year-old was a dancing scene. "Blowjob scenes, totally fine," Deutch jokes. "But dancing was the worst. I'm the worst dancer."
"Blowjob scenes, totally fine," Deutch jokes. "But dancing was the worst. I'm the worst dancer."
But the way she carries the film is a dance. That between "likable" and "unlikable," teetering between the two so deftly that you're not, NOT rooting for her. Despite her shortcomings and occasional cruelty, you want Erica to win at life, to love herself, to reclaim her innocence, at least in some capacity. She's not without soul. She's certainly not without heart. "Flower" shows teens as they are-- not as they ought to be.
It's also fun and so refreshing to see this part played by a woman, you understand.
"This kind of character when played by a man is morally ambiguous," says Deutch. "When it's a woman," she continues, again returning to that word women all too often hear in the workplace, "she's unlikable." Contrary to the warnings of peers, Deutch says playing the role of Erica "is the most profound and fun and fulfilling thing I've done in my career so far."
"This kind of character when played by a man is morally ambiguous. When it's a woman she's unlikable."
Her director, Max Winkler, agrees. "I'm really proud of her performance," he says. "For a twenty year old to be able to carry a movie like that...I'm still not jaded by how good she is." It's an enthusiasm he likewise shared for his crew. On set, he says, "Almost all of our department heads, except for the gaffer and the grip, were women." Adding, "The set ran so much better. Everyone follows the DP on set, and there was no ego, there was no fighting."
"It was so weird for me to realized that I had never worked with a female DP," says Deutch of Carolina Costa, the film's Director of Photography. From there Deutch started looking into other film set stats. "Did you know that less than one percent of women score movies?" she asks. She didn't. Now she does.
Though the film was made two years pre-#metoo movement, there are parallels that alone make the movie worth seeing. Without giving away any spoilers, while the solutions the teens come to in moments of revenge, and subsequent panic, aren't necessarily the best solutions, they are still taking action. Which is something that Deutch is all about. "We're not capitalizing on the movement," says the actress, "but the hope is that all of the discussions breed more action."
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The Weinstein Company Went Bankrupt
Here's what we learned.
As expected, the Weinstein Company, went belly-up bankrupt. Smell ya later perpetrators.
Reported first by Variety, the outlet states, "The Weinstein Co. announced Monday that it had filed for bankruptcy, finding itself unable to survive the allegations of sexual abuse leveled against co-founder Harvey Weinstein last fall.
The company may yet be able to reorganize and continue to produce TV shows and films under new ownership. Lantern Capital put in a 'stalking horse' bid, which provides a floor for a bankruptcy auction."
But what does filing for bankruptcy really mean? And what on earth is a stalking horse bid? Does the headless horseman ride him into your town? Sadly, no. (Childhood dream, smashed.)
So we're breaking down some familiar and unfamiliar terms.
BANKRUPTCY: WHAT EVEN IS IT?
As a young woman I first started to dig into the concept of bankruptcy in 2010. That's right. The first year R&B superstar Toni Braxton claimed $50,000,000 in debt and chapter 7'd her life. Un-break her heart. But then she filed for bankruptcy a second time. 6 months after that second filing in 2014, Braxton purchased a $3 million dollar home in "The Oaks" neighborhood of LA. How does that work? It's confusing that most people who file bankruptcy emerge in one piece.
Contrary to popular belief, many folks think that filing bankruptcy wipes out all debt obligations. That's not exactly true. You still have to pay off at least some of your debt, and what kind of bankruptcy you file will determine how that works.
So, let's break down the two most common types of bankruptcy.
You've likely heard of a Chapter 7 filing and a Chapter 13 filing (there are also chapter 11 and 12 filings-- the latter of which is only for farmers and fisherman, which is sexy), but for most of us who aren't 50 million in debt, we don't know the difference.
According to FindLaw.com, "Chapter 13 bankruptcies generally fall under the reorganization category, meaning that you will probably be able to keep your property, but you must submit and stick to a plan that will allow you to repay some or all of your debts within three to five years."
Chapter 7 bankruptcies normally fall in the liquidation category, meaning your property could be sold in order to pay back your debts. Property in this case could mean a car of second home. To file Chapter 7 you have to meet certain financial eligibility requirements-- your income being the most important factor.
So does the Weinstein Company filing bankruptcy mean it's going down for good? No. Will it ruin their credit? Didn't Harvey already do that?
For more light reading on the subject of bankruptcy click here.
WTF IS A STALKING HORSE
Since I don't spend my days perusing bankruptcy webbies, I had never heard this term. (Horse terms I do know include: "Get off your high horse," "Eat like a horse," and my fave "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.")
[side bar: comment your favorite horse idioms in the comments below and let's be internet neiiighbors.] Back to biz.
According to The Cut, "The sale of TWC to an investor group lead by former Obama administration cabinet member Maria Contreras-Sweet and billionaire Ron Burkle fell through earlier this month. On Monday, the Weinstein Company released a statement expressing hopefulness about a new investor, Lantern Capital Partners, who submitted a 'stalking horse' bid to purchase the company in advance of a potential bankruptcy auction. 'The Board selected Lantern in part due to Lantern’s commitment to maintain the assets and employees as a going concern,' TWC said in the statement. 'The Company hopes that this orderly sale process under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court will allow it to maximize the value of the Company’s assets for the benefit of its creditors and other stakeholders.'"
A Stalking Horse offer or bid is as follows: A stalking horse offer, agreement, or bid is an attempt by a bankrupt debtor to test the market for the debtor's assets in advance of an auction of them. The intent is to maximize the value of its assets or avoid low bids, as part of (or before) a court auction.
Does the stalking horse ride off in the sunset with the company assets? Again, this shit is complicated and there are pros and cons to this approach. National Real Estate Investor does a good job breaking down the pros and cons in language that makes sense.
Did this help or are you more lost than ever?
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These Women Keep Us Smiling on a Daily Basis
A catalyst for happiness.
A catalyst for happiness.
Naomi Hirabayshi and Marah Lidey co-founders and co-CEOs of Shine met while working at DoSomething.Org. Spurned perhaps by the company name as well as a mutual desire to “provide an accessible solution to wellbeing," the duo developed a daily text messaging service to address our shadowy negative thoughts. Instead of letting them lurk in the dark corners, Naomi and Marah wanted to normalize the struggle, the day-to-day hustle of life.
With a background in advertising, where she “built an understanding of the value of an impression” and “how much people will pay for exposure,” Naomi was able to convert that information while at DoSomething. Calling it “the most formative step” in her career, prior to starting Shine, Naomi built “an expertise in the power of messaging to reach people around issues they care about.” As the Director of Mobile Products & Messaging at the company, Marah likewise lead a team to create engaging digital experiences to encourage young people to make an impact on their community. She also oversaw and lead the creation of the organization’s mobile apps.
Naomi says, “In our friendship we were able to process work and life goals together because of the shared trust, admiration, and accessibility. What’s amazing is that our dynamic was both the catalyst for the product, and our dynamic was also the perfect breeding ground to become co-founders.”
Shine became the way for the the co-founders to scale the support they offered each other through a product. It also became a way to provide an accessible solution for wellbeing services.
At the beginning of this year Marah and Naomi launched a new campaign, called #ResolutionRealTalk. In celebration of the New Year, #ResolutionRealTalk works to remind people to practice self-compassion around 2017 goals. The co-CEOs explain that 80% of New Year resolutions fail by the second week of February. Self-compassion is one of the primary ways to stay on track. “Our goals often aren’t sustainable,” explains Marah. “Change is hard overnight, and when we set unrealistic, binary milestones for ourselves and subsequently struggle to reach them in a short timeframe, we crash and burn.” With a record number of millennial women leaving their jobs, Naomi and Marah want to prevent the work-and-burn crisis that is affecting their generation.
“The things that are the hardest are hard, because they’re worth it.”
Tweet this.
Along this journey Naomi says her kindness was often perceived as weakness, but knows that often “the things that are the hardest are hard, because they’re worth it.” Acknowledging that Mindy Kaling's message of ‘Why not me?', really resonated with her, "as a woman, a woman of color, and an entrepreneur.”
In their personal lives most everything is currently taking a backseat to Shine. With the goal of making their messaging service “the largest platform for millennials and well-being,” they admit to being “all in on Shine.”
With 93% of users reporting that they are more confident and have seen an uptick in daily happiness and mental health, the future looks brights (and female) with Shine.
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Deepica Mutyala's Best Skincare Tips for Busy Women
Deepica’s skin is not a trend
Beauty influencer and Founder of TINTED, Deepica Mutyala, says her skin is not a trend.
In her first tutorial upload to YouTube, Indian-American on-air beauty expert Deepica Mutyala takes a friendly and simple approach to contouring. It's not over-the-top. She uses her day-to-day products. The lighting... could be better. It's her barebones, barefaced entry to the world of YouTube. Never in a million years did she think millions of people would tune in. But they did.
And it's the inspiring emails she receives that keep her going. "Surround yourself with those who want to see you win," the beauty guru has said.
We tapped the beauty expert and Neutrogena ambassador to get some skin care tips for busy on-the-go women and get our fresh face game plan together for the changing of seasons.
How does your skin react to weather changes and what do you use to be proactive about skincare throughout the seasons?
Deepica: I have dry skin and also skin that tends to hyper-pigment easily. I'm always using hydrating products but, one shift for me seasonally is that in the winter I will switch to products that quench my skin even more. There's also more masking than ever in the winter for me. Maybe because I'm at home more but also because my skin needs the extra love then the most.
What are 2 mandatory skincare activities you’d recommend for busy women?
Deepica: Products with SPF built into them are a must - saves you time, energy, effort, and money! I'm not sure if this is weird, but at least growing up the face wash that was in my shower wasn't the same as the one in my medicine cabinet. It was one that I like but don't love but had there just to have.
What are your favorite travel friendly products?
Deepica: Tatcha Camellia Gold Spun Lip Balm keeps my lips super nourished every day, and I pack it on, even more, when I'm traveling. I always bring the OLLY Restful Sleep Vitamins too! Planes are a great time for me to finally disconnect my mind and get sleep. It's not easy for me to do that with starting a new business so I never travel without them. Also, I never go without my travel pillow. I don't get how people sleep on planes without them!
Skincare tips for boss ladies who have late nights and early mornings?
Deepica: Hydration! In order to keep my skin glowing, it needs all the moisture it can get! My schedule is always so busy, now more than ever with the launch of TINTED (🙌🏾), so my favorite way to unwind after a long day is to mask. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask is one of my faves because the serum quenches my dry skin and when I’m done, I just rub all of the good stuff into my skin for the night and wake up to super soft skin!
Vitamins are also my best friend these days! Not to be repetitive, but OLLY’s Vibrant Skin gummies always help me keep my skin healthy when I don't really have much time to take care of it. Also, I always keep my Neutrogena makeup remover wipes next to my bed incase it's THAT long of a day, and it's a reminder to take your face off, and go get your skincare on.
What are the essentials to nightly skincare?
Deepica: I love a good nighttime serum - I like to feel like I'm sleeping in an overnight mask so I wake up with my skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Best advice for women dealing with skin insecurities?
Deepica: You're not alone - every girl has them including me. That said, as I've gotten older, I've truly learned to embrace my flaws. No one is perfect I think with the social media world it's hard to remember that. Not enough people are talking about the reality of their lives and putting on a persona for the world that they think people want to see. I think if more people were just real and shared the reality of how they felt we all would win.
How do you keep up the flawless fresh face during filming?
Deepica: I care about skincare more now than ever in my life. I didn't think I had to because my mom's skin is basically perfect, but she didn't play with makeup for a living so there's that. With the amount I have to take my face on and off on a daily basis for filming, I use any and every opportunity I can to be makeup free and let my skin breathe. Water has been my best friend and vitamins are a core part of my life now. I used to slack with SPF, but it's not an option anymore. That and using a skin essence are both recent life developments that won't be going anywhere anytime soon!
If you were stranded on an island and could only have one beauty product what would it be?
Deepica: Officially a broken record but OBVIOUSLY SPF! I can't emphasize the importance of that enough. I also feel like women of color aren't as good about it because we don't see the red burning as much as other women. The burn is real though - layer it on! Side note: Kate Somerville and Supergoop both have a great spray SPF so you aren’t left with a white overcast on your face for someone with my skin tone and I love everything that’s in spray form. Makes life so much more efficient!
Have any of your own skincare tips for on-the-go boss babes? Let us know in the comment section!
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Links From Our Group Chat: Rihanna Cancels Snapchat & More
Cozy up for a good read (ing.)
Reading is good for you and knowledge is power. So get on clicking the below.
What do you know about this ground-breaking Barbie?
Why are brands so confused by LGTBQ communities?
Where has all ambition go-on-one?
This Ellen Pompeo piece is work a re-read.
Code switching while black at work.
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Why the Worlds of Fashion and Tech Are Merging
One of these things is *just* like the other.
What do fashion, design and tech have to do with each other?
Well, A LOT, based on the GameChangers panel hosted by Dell x Create & Cultivate in Austin this week.
When it comes to innovation and change, technology is enabling better engagement with consumers and brands, as well as creativity and efficiency. Technology is evolving the fashion industry and fashion is influencing technology. Read through for the hot topics of the day and how technology is the future of fashion - in store and online.
THE TECH IMPACT ON THE FASHION INDUSTRY
Speed is of the essence in the modern world and tech helps us get there. “Obviously a lot has changed with the internet,” shared Charcy Evers, a fashion and retail trend analyst. “‘The consumer wants, what she wants, when she wants it, on her own terms. And if she doesn’t get it, you lose her.”
That’s a scary but exciting proposition. Charcy asked the crowd in attendance, “Where does the creativity of the designer end and tech take over?” She also told the crowd, ‘it has to be seamless, or else I’m out the door,” of her experiences with tech. And it’s true.
“Things are working much closer of the speed to market,” but the key is finding the sweet spot. You can jump on something too quick and your customer is not ready for it, or you can miss the boat,” explained Evers.
“Our audience appreciates that done is better than perfect,” Morgan DeBaun, founder of Blavity, shared. “They want it now. We have to keep up with that expectations and let go of our perfection. We learn a lot about our audience just by listening.” There was also the recognition that content creation is a 24/7 job and in order to keep up you need tech that works for you.
“I’m really careful at looking at my analytics and seeing what people are paying attention to,” explained Genevieve Padalecki, the massive blogger behind the platform Now and Gen, who boasts an unheard of 25% engagement rate. “My biggest platform is Instagram because I feel like it’s the most honest and real.”
HOW TECH INFLUENCES FASHION AND VICE VERSA
The two concepts go hand-in-hand. The lines are blurred, if not already merged.
Nicola Honeycutt, Dell’s Principal Designer, told that crowd, “We look to industries like fashion and textiles for trends and inspiration for our color and materials in our products -like the Rose Gold aluminum and Alpine White woven glass fiber in our New Dell XPS 13 laptop. And new colors can actually be invented with advances in technology. It’s pretty amazing.”
The industry is changing fast across the board. Today, two out of three Millennials prefer to shop online rather than go to a physical store, with 80% of Americans having made an online purchase in the last month! We know that millennials are influenced by tech and that their affinity for tech is reshaping the retail space.
As retail and fashion trend analyst Charcy Evers explained, “What’s driving trends today is the innovation that’s happening in technology. With every new innovation the customer’s mind and behavior is altered, so the expectation has changed.” Consumers expect products like the New Dell XPS 13, which combines both fashion innovation and tech in one device.
How do you see fashion and tech coming together in your world? Share in the comments below.
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Breakfast Recipes to Keep You Healthy and Glowing
Giving you a reason to eat before rushing out the door!
We all know breakfast matters and that it’s important to kickstart your week on the right foot. Which means, no, you can’t simply drink caffeine for breakfast. That’s a surefire way to crash and burn.
Look, we know it’s easy to grab a latte to go. And it might feel like you don’t have time for breakfast in the AM. Or it’s hard when we feel like we’re eating the same thing over and over again. So we’re giving you options: three amazing ways to make sure you eat breakfast and fuel your week.
Give Your Oats the Barney Butter Treatment
At Barney Butter, it's all about the almonds. And since almonds provide brain fuel and energy-- here is an awesome recipe to try.
Enter “Oats in a Jar” to the rescue! This recipe is resourceful, super easy (no cooking at all!), and it’s great for a morning on the go (very portable!) Best of all it tastes great – and it’s great for your body, too!
INGREDIENTS
The general rule is 1 part oats to 2 parts liquid, plus extras. In this batch I added 1/3 cup oats + 1/3 cup coconut milk + 1/3 cup coconut yogurt to the Barney Butter jar, then added 2 tbsp flaxseed meal, and half a banana. For liquid you can use any variety of milk, any variety of yogurt, any probiotic drink (kombucha or kefir), or even water. Great add-ins are any dried fruit, nuts, mashed or sliced bananas, fresh berries, shredded dried coconut, chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp oil.
Toppings are up to you!
DIRECTIONS
Add your ingredients to the barney butter jar.
Shake it up!
No need to get it uniformly mixed, just give it a good sloshing and then screw the cap back on. Stick it in the refrigerator to soak overnight.
The next morning, all you’ll need to do is grab the jar, grab a spoon, give it a stir and dig in! It can also be given a quick heat up in the microwave if preferred.
Kite Hill + Purely Elizabeth Bomb Combo
Photo by Alyssa Dawson Photography
Truth, they can be enjoyed on their own as well, but we think a yoghurt and granola AM combo is the exact boost you need. Especially when they are each made of ingredients that help you eat better, feel better, and are packed with nutrient-rich ingredients.
You can toss Purely Elizabeth's classic blend of ancient grains + superfood seeds on top of yoghurt or even blended into a smoothie.
Speaking of delicious yoghurts, Kite Hill is dairy and soy free, giving you that almond boost once more. Their plain almond milk yogurt is produced exclusively with local, top quality almonds that provide a smooth and delicate mouthfeel and flavor. The natural flavor of their almond milk is balanced with acidity produced by Probiotic cultures that are aged with the milk during production.
Or you if you want to get a little fancy in the AM-- we’re betting you can fig-ure this one out.
INGREDIENTS
1 tub Kite Hill Plain Unsweetened Yogurt (16 oz)
1 bag of Purely Elizabeth granola
1 package Kite Hill Artisan Almond Milk Ricotta
16 Fresh ripe black figs (approx. 4 figs per person)
Bee-free honey
Extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt
DIRECTIONS
Wash and slice the figs in half.
Heat a sauté pan on medium and add half the figs to the hot pan, flesh side on the direct heat.
Allow the figs to caramelize without flipping for 2 minutes.
Drizzle some olive oil onto the figs.
Remove the figs from the pan and allow them to cool.
Sweeten the ricotta with bee-free honey to taste.
Spoon the plain yogurt onto the plate in the form of a layer.
Add the sweetened ricotta.
Alternate caramelized and raw figs on the yogurt base.
Sprinkle Purely Elizabeth on top for some extra crunch.
Drizzle a little olive oil, sea salt and bee-free honey.
How do you plan your morning meals? Let us know in the comments below!
Year-One Tips to Start a Business
And why you should love your taxes. Yes love.
So you wanna start a business?
Well, buckle up ‘cause it’s going to be one bumpy, albeit exciting ride. There are so many things to consider when you’re in GO mode. There are even more items you don’t even know you should be considering.
Luckily, that’s why we tapped Kimmie Greene, Head of Communications at QuickBooks Self-Employed. As someone who is actively advocating for the self-employed with the goal of inspiring and mentoring people who work for themselves, Kimmie knows exactly what you should be paying attention to. Find out all of her tips and why you should love your taxes. Yes, we said love.
Know Your Strength
Understand your skills and what gives you energy, and find ways to focus on these things while uncovering opportunities to outsource areas that do not fuel your passions or may take longer. This may include finding a co-founder to partner with as you start a new business who has complementary skills, such as one person with product or services expertise, while the other is a finance or operations expert.
Build a Foundation
Energy attracts energy. As such, life only gets busier as you’re starting a business. Often entrepreneurs try to “grin and bear it” through an early rough patch, expecting it will get easier in a few weeks, but then something else crops up. The reality is, something is always around the corner, so take the time upfront as you’re starting out to tackle the nitty gritty details that will set a strong foundation for future success. These often include naming the company and creating the brand, addressing legal details around starting a business, and establishing financial systems, such as opening separate bank accounts for expenses and income.
“Life only gets busier as you’re starting a business.”
Get Ready to Self-Promote & Shout Out Loud
Starting a business means it’s time to sharing the news about your big idea. Tell everyone you know, encouraging them to spread the word and do it often. The more your network knows what you’re up to, they more you’re creating a community that’s ready to cheer you on and create connections to fuel future business success. So, don’t be shy – this may be harder for some than others, but grab a megaphone and go for it!
Find a Mentor
This is one of the biggest facets at Create & Cultivate.
One thing that often gets lost as you start working for yourself is YOU. So, as you know your strengths, take the time to also think about areas where you might need an extra boost and find someone to help you. This may include a career or personal focus, such as talking to other business owners who have “been there, done that” or seeking out someone who may also face the challenge of balancing entrepreneurship with the demands of family. Mentors are not one-size fits all, so find the one that’s right for the areas where you could use some additional input and inspiration.
Ask What You're Worth
All too often as people start a business they undersell their services in the name of building early momentum. Then, months or years later, they wonder why it’s hard to get paid what they're worth. Ask around what other people in your field may be charging for hourly work or how they think about pricing products. Set your goals for what’s realistic upfront. And then, as you’ve established and shared that rate with your clients or customers, you have the right to reduce that rate on a selective basis for say friends and family or a project that gives you real energy. That way, you stay in the driver seat and there are no surprises when a promotion expires.
“All too often as people undersell their services in the name of building early momentum.”
Love Your Taxes
Yes, as the old adage goes, the only guarantees are death and taxes, but the truth of the matter is that taxes are a good thing, they mean you made money – woot, woot – and isn’t that the point beyond making your passions your career of starting a business in the first place. So, find the tools that make it easy to track deductions, report income and ultimately, pay taxes. Well done, you! QuickBooks Self-Employed offers up some amazing tools to make it easy to love your taxes by keeping track of mileage and expenses, as well as identifying potential deductions throughout the year to save you money. And then, come tax time, QuickBooks Self-Employed estimates your anticipated taxes and seamlessly integrates with TurboTax Self-Employed to file taxes quarterly, and finally at the end of the year.
Make a Plan
As if you didn’t have enough to do today, now you need to look ahead. Whether a business of one or leader of a team, it’s critical to take time to know where the business is headed in six months or a year. Is there an industry where you’d like to secure a client or a new revenue stream you’d like to stand up in 2018? Perhaps the goal is expanding into a retail space, renting an office, or hiring that first employee. More often than not, you can’t do it all, so head to a favorite lunch spot or bring your journal on a hike to think through and capture notes about your future plans. It may not be rocket science, but it’s also not magic, so it takes some time to make the future a reality.
“More often than not, you can’t do it all.”
Celebrate Your Wins
All too often, we’re on to the next thing before we even have a chance to take a pause, breath and raise a glass to the great deeds accomplished on any given day. This is so true in life as in business.
Do you have any special tips to share? Comment below!
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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.
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