Green Queen: Why Women in Weed Have the Power to Change Everything
Puff, puff, pass this article to a friend.
Let’s be blunt.
Jazmin Victoria Hupp co-founded Women Grow, the largest professional network in the cannabis industry. Since its launch in 2014, Women Grow has connected over 25,000 entrepreneurs at events in 45 cities across the US & Canada. The organization hit $1 million in revenue in 2015, with no outside funding.
Its focus is to connect and empower diverse people to launch national cannabis businesses and to serve diverse customers. Hupp herself is a self-described feminist who once told Edibles Mag, “I love the real meaning of feminism and I am angry the word has been f***d with by people who don’t believe that women and men should be equal.”
Again. Blunt.
She told us, “Women are better than anyone at working within a system that wasn’t created for their benefit.” Can’t say we disagree. And it’s why she’s a Green Queen, through and through.
Find out more from the founder below.
There’s a lot of water cooler talk about how legal marijuana could be the first billion-dollar industry not dominated by men. How does Women Grow factor into this? So, Women Grow is dedicated to “creating and cultivating”—women to be leaders of the cannabis industry. Why was it important for you to focus solely on women?
Women will purchase the majority of marijuana products after full legalization and the end of marijuana stigma. Marijuana is known for being a medicinal product, a wellness product, and a recreational product. On the medicinal side, women make the vast majority of medical decisions for their families and purchase 92% of over the counter medicines. On the wellness side, women are the prodimineent buyers of wellness services like yoga and acupuncture. On the recreational side women purchase the majority of wine & liquor that will be consumed at home. Women are desperate for a sugar-free and low calorie alternative to alcohol. As the stigma around marijuana ends, you’ll see women switch from a bottle of wine to a vaporizer at night. So since women will be the dominate purchasers of marijuana, it turns out that other women are best equipped to create the marijuana products and buying experiences that women want. Additionally operating a marijuana business today requires navigating a complex system not created for your success and it turns out women are better than anyone at working within a system that wasn’t created for their benefit.
I focus on women because they are the greatest untapped resource on this earth. They are already installed everywhere but working at half their capacity. When you upgrade the women, you upgrade the lives of everyone around them.
"I focus on women because they are the greatest untapped resource on this earth."
2015 you held your first summit. What was that like? What did you see that was inspiring?
Women Grow’s first summit was for just 125 women in the mountains of Colorado (the event has since grown to over 1,000). The black market of cannabis required business owners to be secretive and isolated from their peers. They had few people to ask questions or get support. We heard some stories from women in emotionally and physically abusive work relationships that had no one to turn to when what they were doing was illegal.
After legalization, women in weed were able to come out of hiding. By placing these women in community they were able to share knowledge and support for the first time. And we were able to take everyone through hours of business education to fundraise for their company. Now I get to attend office openings and anniversary parties of many of the companies founded after that first event. It’s an amazing feeling to see the staff of six women hired by one woman who sat in the front row of the event.
How has your business changed the last three years?
I ran Women Grow as CEO for the first two years and wow did I ever have a hero complex. I hated to see people struggle so I would give people the answers instead of mentoring them through the learning curve. So Women Grow expanded quickly to 66 cities and 3 countries but that growth wasn’t sustainable. I had built an large system that was dependent on me instead of creating independent leaders. This is one of the core reasons that we contracted when I left my role as CEO. I’m excited to see how Women Grow will blossom under Dr. Chandra Marcias, Gia Moron, and Kristina Garcia.
I also didn’t anticipate that many women had more experience fighting against each other than helping each other succeed. In my experience, women have a culture of destructive gossip that cycles negativity between each other. Instead of bringing feedback to the person who we’d like to challenge, we bitch to our friends about it.
Why do you think it’s important to decriminalize weed?
Cannabis (aka weed, pot, marijuana) is one of the safest and most effective plants we were gifted on earth. Our body naturally produces cannabinoids (the elements within cannabis) to regulate our body. When your body’s regulation is off, cannabis can supplement.
Cannabis is also one of the most flexible medicines, specializing in many of the symptoms women suffer from most. I use cannabis to fall asleep at night, to reduce inflammation in my body after yoga, and to balance my stomach when I eat the Standard American Diet.
Women Grow had no outside funding. What did you know about launching a business?
I caught the entrepreneurial bug as a kid and started launching websites at age 11. I started running theatre productions shortly after that and theatre teaches you a lot about running a business. You’ve got to pick your strategy (the play), hire your team (casting), get everyone to work together (rehearsals), sell tickets (marketing & sales), and deliver your product (opening night). Most companies never get to delivering their product so theatre was a great container to practice that cycle with lower stakes.
While I was in college for theatre, my computer broke and so I took a job at Apple for the employee discount. At age 20, I transferred to an independent Apple store called Tekserve in New York City and got a deep dive on every shade of a sales, repair, and consulting business. As an internal entrepreneur at Tekserve I got to create new offerings within the container of an already operating business. I got great at the creation, marketing, and launch of new things but was never responsible for operating what I created for more than a year. During that time I was also a director at Women 2.0, helping women become VC-backed founders with events in dozens of cities. Through Women 2.0 I was immersed in equity funding and Lean Startup methods.
"When your body’s regulation is off, cannabis can supplement."
In the Spring of 2014, my grandmother died and I took a few days off to reexamined my life purpose and what I was contributing to the world. Cannabis had just been fully legalized in Colorado and Washington so I decided to visit Denver for the first legal 4/20 celebration. I went to a huge event with a hundred different cannabis businesses and only met one female business owner. I realized that in this new blue ocean, women could have an unfair advantage in what would become a care-based industry. With that in mind, I met Jane West, who had already started to organize female business owners in Denver and we launched Women Grow in August of 2014.
For new entrepreneurs, what is your advice for starting?
We launched Women Grow with about $26,000 in founding memberships. Instead of going to investors for our startup capital, we went directly to our customers, female entrepreneurs, and built the business to about a $1M in revenue. The challenge with going to investors early is you have to immediately start serving two masters, what your customers want and what your investors want. By building the initial business on just customer revenue, you are more likely to create a business aligned with what your customers want before confusing it with investor advisors. You’ll also be able to get much better terms for those investments when you have a proven model versus them funding an idea on paper.
Starting your company based solely on revenue ensures that you scale your expenses with your revenue. If you use your outside funding for operating costs, you often end up in a situation with a high burn rate (money spent exceeding your revenues) and a ticking clock that forces you to raise even more money before you’ve proven your product works. Instead prove you can deliver something your customers want at a low cost and then raise funds to market the fuck out of it. Most companies raise money before getting that product fit correct and burn through it.
So many women are struggling at work. They’re burning out. You create happiness through a practice of yoga, meditation, cannabis consumption, and self-love. Can you chat about how these practices have improved your quality of life?
First I had to realize that my inner reality was creating my outer reality. By that I mean if I felt scarce, I would experience scarcity in my business. If I felt in flow, I would experience flow in my business. I stopped taking a salary from my company for the last two years to focus on self-work to work on myself and clear out the inner debris.
We all know that working out your physical body improves how your body functions. What I found is that I also had an emotional (a.k.a. energetic body) that needed just as much care. I tried dozens of practices and my current favorites are: meditation, Kundalini Yoga, Emotional Freedom Technique, ecstatic dance, sanskrit chant, and cannabis-infused baths.
This summer I’m launching a new company based on this self-work, called Rage Palace. Rage Palace is an event for women to release anger and workout their emotional bodies. We’re bringing together dozens of local practitioners to lead women through activities from sledgehammering a car to dance to crying on a grandmother’s shoulder. We’ll launch in San Francisco this summer and then tour the event as we perfect the formula.
What’s an exciting product you’ve seen hit the market?
I’m loving Treatwell’s Wellness & Balance tinctures. These are non-psychoactive, meaning they don’t get you “high” but give you all the benefits of cannabis for your body. It’s like taking the vitamin you didn’t know your body was missing.
You were named a genius entrepreneur. What’s it like to be called a Green Queen?
Honestly I don’t get called a Green Queen by anyone but reporters, they love puns. [editor's note: it's true, weed do.]
What’s your proudest accomplishment to date?
Losing 60 pounds by changing everything in my life that made me want to overeat instead of following some silly diet. I realized that food was my go-to comfort substance. It kept me awake and made me feel better in the short term. In the long term it was masking how I was abusing my body to make money. We hired a new CEO for Women Grow and I spent a year pulling apart all my bad habits. Losing weight wasn’t even a goal, it just naturally came off as I stopped compromising myself.
What do you hope to see from women in weed?
Everything. Women in weed have the power to change our workplace cultures, our medical outcomes, our wellness practices, and even how we party on Friday night. I’m excited to see how replacing alcohol with more thoughtful substances might lead to a decrease in sexual assault. I’m excited to see how commercial hemp can replace fossil fuels in every instance where we’re using non-renewables. I’m excited to see how living in alignment with nature could be.
What would you consider your superpower?
I can tell what you need before you even know you need it. Basically, I can read people and anticipate their needs. It’s what makes coming up with new businesses so much fun because I can make stuff that you hadn’t thought of, but once you see it you know you need it.
Want more from the cannabis culture? Check back on our Green Queens series in partnership with MISSBISH. We'll be featuring a woman in weed per week!
Want even more? Register to participate in the Slack Session co-hosted with MISSBISH. Green Queens in the Cannabis Industry is going down April 25th at 6:30 PST, mark your calendars and sign up here.
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The 8 Tiny Business Issues You’re Not Addressing
That are going to cause BIG problems.
I’ve worked on all sorts of businesses with different people, personality types, and motivations. A through line with all of them: you have to pay attention to the small stuff, because the small stuff can turn into the big stuff. Molehills to mountains, as they say. And it's not great to be stuck on top of Everest with no gear.
Here are eight small issues you could be overlooking that have much bigger implications if not addressed sooner than later.
ONE
You haven’t faced your fears or at the very least surfaced what those fears are. Any person who starts a business has fears, insecurities, triggers. Having a really straight talk conversation with yourself and writing down what your fears are will get them out of your head and onto paper (physical or digital). A lot of times these fears, insecurities, triggers are intuitive sensations that we don’t have language for. They can creep up without us realizing and unconsciously sabotage us. Digging deep, bringing those fears to the surface and recording what they are, forces you to to create language for them so that as they pop up along the way, and they will, you will recognize them more easily and take them head on.
TWO
You haven’t decided WHY you actually want to build this business. Having an idea, knowing you’ve got the ability to execute it: all great stuff. But have you asked yourself what you want your business to do for YOU in the future? Thinking through and jotting down how your business fits into your overall life mission (determining what your life mission is in the process) is hugely important. This is a big question to answer but even taking a stab at answering it will be a helpful tool to in you connecting your business effort with a clearer purpose, so that you can do what’s right for YOU and get quicker into solving the problem at hand as you face different business challenges in the future.
THREE
You haven’t incorporated resting and recharging into your strategy. You haven’t made “whitespace time” a priority. I’ve seen a lot of owners fill their time with busy-ness--they equate constant movement with progress. All that go, go go energy is good for nothing if you’re not also balancing it with some chill, chill, chill energy to regroup, let things settle in, and give your business building muscles a chance to recharge. At the beginning of your business determine how you’re going to build “whitespace time” into your strategy. Otherwise, say hello to burnout.
"You need to make whitespace time a priority."
Tweet this.
FOUR
You haven’t thought about how you’re going to make money -- MONEY. You have a business idea. You even know how to market it. You’ve got the network to start spreading the word and you’ve got the messaging and your target audience down pat. But have you thought about how you’re going to make money? Building that audience is one thing. Making money is another. Build your business with money and profits on the brain right out the gate. Taking the time to put together a financial plan--even if it’s rough and dirty--that can evolve as your business evolves will help you keep the lights on and set your business up for more sustainable growth.
FIVE
You’ve made someone a cofounder when they shouldn’t be. There are a lot of reasons why I’ve seen this happen. Some business owners have been scared or didn’t realize they were scared to go at building their business alone (see #1-- if the person maybe knew this was a fear they would’ve probably been able to manage this) so they bring on a cofounder. Sometimes people make someone a cofounder because they don’t have money to compensate them as an employee so they make up for it in giving them cofounder status. Whatever the reason is, make sure you’re bringing on a cofounder to augment your business, not satisfy an insecurity or out of not being able to pay (there are other creative ways to compensate--apprenticeship, barter, etc.!).-- you won’t be setting up that person nor yourself nor your business for success if they’re brought on for any other reason besides being a strategic leadership partner.
"Business mistake: You’ve made someone a cofounder when they shouldn’t be."
Tweet this.
SIX
You haven’t decided what you’re okay saying no to. Your time is a precious commodity. And you’re one person. If you haven’t figured out what you’re okay saying no to, next thing you know your calendar is chock-full and you’re taking coffees with people without really knowing how to maximize your java date. Being able to turn a conversation into something that will help you grow your business is a skill. But so is saying no to meetings that don't make sense. You need to focus on the more important aspects of your business that deserve your attention. Get laser focused on what you’re going to say “no” to (nicely of course).
SEVEN
You haven’t determined who to go to for what. Think through the strengths of the people in your network and uncover how they can help you. This will help you be clearer and more strategic in your asks of them. People like to help but don’t waste the wrong ask on the right person.
EIGHT
You haven’t written any of your plans down. If you’re starting a business chances are you’ve been thinking about it for some time and you’ve finally gotten to a place where you’re ready to pull the trigger. You’re ready to take that leap. Pause and jot down, even quickly, what your current plan is. You don’t have to do a full-fledged strategy; it doesn’t have to be fancy. Writing down what success looks like for your first week, month, year will help you avoid blockages going forward--this is not only a great way to clarify your thinking it’s a great way of firming up the commitment to yourself.
Alison Gilbert is a business coach and consultant. She’s helped over a dozen owners and entrepreneurs grow profitable businesses quickly and efficiently, including such companies as Well+Good, Levo League, Maiyet and Plum Alley. Prior to building her consultancy she was hire number four and COO of food media company Tasting Table where she grew it into a forty person team reaching a readership of millions. Visit her site and schedule a free consultation.
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Why Your Self-Worth Can't Be Attached to Your Blog
How do you put your best face forward?
How do you put your best face forward? It's a question that has been on our minds a lot as we've traveled from Miami to Dallas talking with influencers and beauty bloggers moving the needle forward in the beauty industry.
It's why we hit the road for the Create & Cultivate x Clinique “Best Face Forward” panel. Not only so attendees could receive makeovers and test out the Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer, but so that they could also get inspired by our panelists. Dallas didn't disappoint.
C&C Marketing Director Heather Records was joined onstage by 5 amazing women, who know all about the pressures of a public persona.
Courtney Kerr, is the blogger and influencer and editor of KERRently, a website that showcases her personal style, beauty tips & tricks, favorite recipes, interior design inspiration, travel diaries, & shopping inspiration.
Stephanie Taylor Jackson is a fashion and lifestyle blogger, stylist and content creator for brands.
Ashley Robertson is the founder of The Teacher Diva, a Dallas-based blog about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
Amanda Miller is the founder and Dallas-based blogger behind The Miller Affect.
Kate Padgitt is the founder of the fashion blog Lonestar Southern.
They all had their own nuggets of gold to drop. Read through to get inspired by some of our favorites.
ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THE PRESSURE ONLINE
“My self worth can’t be attached to my blog. It can’t be attached to how many followers I have or how many likes I get.”-Kate
“You have to accept that some people are going to like you and some people are going to think you taste like soap.” -Courtney Kerr
“There might be people throwing stones, but guess what? Their arms are going to get tired.”-Courtney Kerr
ON KEEPING IT REAL
"It’s a photo and you don’t know what went into it. Don’t let it make you feel little.”-Kate
“I want my followers to follow me because they like who I am.”-Amanda Miller
"When I'm feeling like Stephanie, when I feel like me, that's when I feel the most beautiful." - Stephanie Taylor Jackson.
ON PUTTING YOUR BEST FACE FOWARD
“It’s all about getting rest and making sure to have to have a balanced meal in order to truly put your best face forward.”-Steph Taylor Jackson
"I love experimenting with the latest brands latest products."-Courtney Kerr
"Beauty is something that I just started diving into late last year, but I'm really enjoying it."-Stepahine Taylor Jackson
'For me, beauty means confidence. There are days where I'm not feeling it, want to put on sweatpants and eat an entire pint of ice cream. I felt like I woke up feeling like Wayne's World. But it's all about confidence. If you fake it, it can allow your confidence to shine through. But also what you feel inside, is what comes out on the outside." -Courtney Kerr
"Anything that inspires me, I find the beauty in."- Kate
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Green Queens: Flower Shop Is Creating New Lewks For Cannabis Brands
Green dreams roll thru.
Suzanne Shpall, the Creative Director over at Flower Shop taught us a new word: potpreneur.
It’s exactly what it sounds like, someone who is paving the way in the marijuana industry. Which, is exactly what Shpall and Lorna Donohoe, Flower Shop’s Head of Marketing are doing. Shpall works on designing new looks for cannabis brands, where Donohoe focusing on mainstreaming said brands. The company itself is a branding, marketing and PR agency comprised of entertainment, advertising, social media and cannabis experts. One of their clients is Mr. 4/20 himself: Snoop Dogg.
Donohoe is the former SVP of Global Marketing for Playboy, so controversial topics don’t fall far from her apple tree, but the duo are putting forth amazing creative work for their clients. In many respects, it’s a dream job. A fluffy white cloud of weed smoke where they imagine and execute branding for many of the cannabis brands making their way to market. “Our clients have the dopest product out there,” Shpall says, with, possible pun intended. “With my expertise in compliant packaging and sourcing, FS is able to work with clients to develop innovative packaging options so each of our brands can have product on-shelf that is totally unique to them, and completely compliant.”
Color us green with envy about the job these two Green Queens are doing.
Read on to find out more and why Donohoe calls being named a Green Queen a double-honor.
How did you get involved with Flower Shop?
Suzanne Shpall: About 2 years ago I launched my own edibles brand, called Highland Pantry, and was looking for help with PR / Marketing when I was introduced to Flower Shop. Once I met the team there, I knew I wanted to be involved. Having run my own cannabis brand, I have gleaned a unique understanding of what it takes to build a business in cannabis. Before joining the wacky world of weed, I worked in fashion as a designer, product developer and buyer for a handful of high-end Los Angeles based brands, then moved on to the food industry where I successfully ran my own gourmet, gluten-free cookie business.
Lorna Donohoe: I was running my own consultancy, dipping my toe in the water on a few cannabis projects. I felt like this industry was on the precipice of exploding and this cultural and defining moment only comes along every few decades. I also really believe in the power of this plant from a medicinal and health and wellness perspective, so I basically decided to sell my wine bar and wind down my agency and focus only on cannabis. There weren’t a lot of agencies dedicated to cannabis branding and marketing and it is something the industry really needs. I thought Flower Shop was one of the few that was doing sophisticated work and had a seasoned team so I basically stalked them until they hired me.
What in your background prepared you to work in this industry?
SS: All of my experiences and past careers, from working as a designer to product development and running my own business, have helped me get to this point. On top of all the skills I have from past work, I’ve gleaned the ability to be insanely organized (Im a bit anal when it comes to workflow) and agile when the project takes unexpected turns.
LD: I was the former SVP of Global Marketing for Playboy (who have gaming interests-- casinos and online-- as well as a huge array of consumer products in the market). I also worked with a lot of liquor and beer brands so became very good at working in highly regulated environments as well as helping to mainstream sensitive or adult brands. Additionally, I work in the wine business (just sold my organic wine bar) and feel wine has a lot of parallels with cannabis - agriculture, terroir, tasting notes, clones, appellations, - so I have a perspective and understanding of marketing and branding that is perfect for the cannabis industry.
Was there ever any pushback from people in your life?
SS: The opposite, only constant requests for “samples.”
LD: I think my mom is a little cautious. It took her years to get used to Playboy and understand it was a legitimate and real business. Now I'm like,”Hey mom, I've left booze and now I’m in cannabis.”
”Hey mom, I've left booze and now I’m in cannabis.”
What are some of the exciting projects you’re working on?
SS: Most of my current projects are still forthcoming, so can’t say much. But I definitely have a current fave. I’ve been working with one of the largest distribution companies to develop a brand for them and I can’t wait to see it in market - think ‘90s house parties, DJ battles, and street art.
LD: Honestly, this sounds like such a cliché, but everything I work on is exciting. The whole industry is emerging and it’s chaotic and challenging and thrilling, all at the same time.
One of our clients Heally (getheally.com) is a tele-health company, (founded by women) that gives you on-demand personalized medical visits with a doctor from your phone/ home. It’s a game- changer in the way people see a doctor, but they’re also doing a lot of advocacy work with ex-athletes who have become addicted to opioids and lobbying for research programs as well as efficacy studies. That’s exciting that you can go see a cannabis doctor, the same way you see your GP- for headaches, pain, or whatever ails you.
And some of the brands that we work with like Dr. Robb Farms and Island Cannabis Company are really doing big and innovative work with clean cannabis.
What are the biggest concerns for clients?
SS: Our clients have the dopest product out there. With recreation there is so much opportunity but also so many additional requirements specifically around compliant packaging, which can feel totally daunting. And the stock options out there are super basic. With my expertise in compliant packaging and sourcing, FS is able to work with clients to develop innovative packaging options so each of our brands can have product on-shelf that is totally unique to them, and completely compliant. Banking of course is also an issue, due to cannabis still being federally illegal, so everyone has that cash money on the mind!
LD: It varies - some are concerned with getting socials shut down and the inability to effectively market their brand. Some, with their bank accounts getting closed and others about the cost of becoming legal and compliant, which means they have less money to spend on marketing and product development. Taxes are a big concern.
What are you most excited to see from the cannabis industry in 2018?
SS: Impeccably designed products and rad consumption spaces.
LD: Education and de-stigmatization of cannabis - more women learning about this powerful plant, more females executives and founders - I think the industry is a really great place for women and the future looks great. I also think we will start to see more wellness and medicinal applications of cannabis for seniors, those fighting addictions, chronic pain, and more, which will help with de-stigmatizing cannabis.
Is it cool to see social acceptance? You both live LA and there are shops and billboards about weed delivery programs. It’s a brand new day.
SS: Totally. It’s awesome to be part of an industry’s growth and maturity, to be building brands that will dictate the next generation of the industry. I think with this also comes acceptance of those industry and community members who have been doing this since before it was cool. Growers who have been harvesting since the ‘70s, dispensaries who have been running their businesses in ‘the grey area’ to service their patients for years, paving the way for the mainstream, and advocates who have been pushing for research and acknowledgment of the magic of this lady-plant.
LD: Yes, it’s great but as an industry, there is a responsibility that comes with that - education, inclusion and social justice. There are a lot of people that fought this fight to legitimize cannabis that have not been acknowledged or that have been shut out. There are whole communities that have been destroyed because of the war on drugs. So, we still have a lot of work to do.
“There are whole communities that have been destroyed because of the war on drugs. So, we still have a lot of work to do.”
What are some of the challenges you face as women in the weed biz?
SS: Overall, this industry is a rad place for women to innovate and occupy leadership roles. As this industry grows into itself, I am excited to see women at the forefront.
That’s not to say it’s perfect. I still find myself the only woman in the room at some meetings, and some stereotypical dynamics do still play out. I have been fortunate enough though to surround myself with people who are amazingly creative, supportive and respectful of one another, regardless of sex or race. My boss particularly, Evan Eneman the founder of Flower Shop, is so supportive and allows my team so much room for experimentation.
LD: Often, I'm the only woman in the room at a meeting, but I am used to that from working in my previous roles. I do think this industry is much more open and female-friendly than most though.
Who are some women in the biz that you admire?
SS: This is the toughest question! There are so many..but a quick list:
Ariel Clark - a kickass lawyer making serious moves and advocating for this industry as well as her clients
MissGrass - go read / shop it alllll
Anja Charbonneau - LOVE everything about Broccoli
April Pride - an epic lady-potrepreneur with a super fun brand
My mom, Sherry - the inspiration behind my brand, Highland Pantry, and perfect example of the next generation of this industry / community
LD: There are so many women in this business I admire. I have heard the cannabis industry has one of the highest percentage of female executives and founders. I really admire Ariel Clark and Nicole Neubert of Clark Neubert Law Firm. They’re not only kickass attorneys but they do some amazing pro-bono work.
And Senator Kirsten Gillibrand who is co-sponsoring The Marijuana Justice Act.
What does it mean to you to be named a Green Queen?
SS: My green-dreams come true.
LD: What an honor - and I'm from Ireland so that's a double honor.
Want more from the cannabis culture? Check back on our Green Queens series in partnership with MISSBISH. We'll be featuring a woman in weed per week!
Want even more? Register to participate in the Slack Session co-hosted with MISSBISH. Green Queens in the Cannabis Industry is going down April 25th at 6:30 PST, mark your calendars and sign up here.
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What to Expect from Mary Kay at the Beauty Summit
New product reveals and everything.
Are you ready for a face skincare game-changer from Mary Kay®? You should be. Beauty Summit attendees will be getting the first-look at an exciting new product range designed to help fight the realities of aging. Plus, Mary Kay® will be helping you learn about your skin, destress, and consult with onsite staff all day long. We've only got a few tickets left so be sure to grab yours today to join the fun!
IN THE MORNING
Experience the free radical and stress-fighting juice station.
Kick your day off by taking a step in the direction of well-being. Pick from a selection of juice options and power up for the day.
DURING BREAK
Treat yourself by de-stressing with a shoulder massage.
That’s right. Mary Kay® wants you to de-stress. Part of looking good is feeling good-- from the inside out. And a little shoulder massage is the perfect reminder that you need to take time to relax and focus on self-care.
ALL DAY
The Science of Skincare
Mary Kay® Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Lucy Gildea, will be on hand to answer skincare questions and offer expert advice surrounding the new and exciting launch from Mary Kay®. Bonus! Every attendee will receive a mini set of this new product range!
Be a beauty entrepreneur!
Once you’ve learned all about the amazing new product, the booth will be equipped with iPad station staffed by Mary Kay®. They’ll help attendees to discover more about the brand, and learn about the opportunity to become a consultant.
2:15-2:45 - GO WITH THE GLOW!
Mastering the 10-Minute Face with MARY KAY® Global Makeup Ambassador Luis Casco
Get the beauty tutorial you’ve always wanted. @luiscascomakeup, Mary Kay® Global Makeup Ambassador, will teach attendees how to get their skin glowing from the base up. Luis is a firm believer in your skin being the canvas for your makeup look - and glowing skin is always in!
Can't wait to see you there, don't forget to grab your tickets!
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Hey Karl, You're Not Untouchable
Remember when Chanel put on that "faux feminist" protest?
“Recent months have seen a seismic shift in public discussion of sexual misconduct in the workplace — and the fashion industry is no exception — yet it is clear that we as a society are only just beginning to understand the size and scope of the problem.”
So read the opening to Model Alliance founder Sara Ziff's statement released Wednesday in response to Karl Lagerfeld's “disgraceful comments” in a Numero Magazine interview last week, noting how they “underscore just how much work we still have to do.”
It should be noted that Lagerfeld once insisted to Elle UK, “I’m very much into [feminism], and my mother was also a great admirer of a certain feminist of the 19th century,”
Clearly.
photo credit: Margaret Zhang via Instagram
Ziff said, “While not surprising (Lagerfeld is well-known for offensive comments and body-shaming women for their weight and appearance), Lagerfeld’s assertion that models should ‘join a nunnery’ if they don’t want their pants pulled down is, nonetheless, outrageous.”
She furthered, “Demeaning treatment and pervasive conditions of sexual harassment and abuse have plagued the fashion industry for far too long — and as they are finally coming to light, the people who enable these conditions must be held accountable. Mr. Lagerfeld’s flippant dismissal of reports of abuse, and his characterization of models who have come forward as ‘stupid,’ ‘toxic’ and ‘sordid creatures’ who should quit their profession if they do not like how they are treated surely demands action.”
She continued by asserting the need for her work with The Model Alliance.
“The Model Alliance and its allies refuse to tolerate bullying or abuse — be it physical or verbal — in our industry. The fashion industry should be a place where creativity and self-expression flourishes, and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect on the job. Times have changed — and, with it, fashion’s moral standing and accountability must as well.”
To find out more about Sara and The Model Alliance, Click Here.
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C&C Classifieds: The Spare Room, Richer-Poorer + Us!
Get those resumes hot and ready.
Spring cleaning season is still in full effect. Your next career move could be just around the corner. Or just below this text. Dive into this weeks classifieds listing to find out what opportunities are out there. Also, we're hiring! Read below to find out how to join the C&C fam.
Get those resumes hot and ready ladies.
Create & Cultivate - LA
The Spare Room - LA
Richer-Poorer - CA
Future of Storytelling - NY
BH Cosmetics - LA
WANT MORE? SEE OUR FULL CLASSIFIEDS LISTINGS HERE.
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Self Defense: How To Beat Burnout
Slow down, you’re moving too fast.
Slow down, you’re moving too fast. We know. You want to launch the company. Work on your side-hustle. Make both work. But in trying to do it all, you’re DIY’ing your own burnout.
Seriously. Do any of the below apply to you?
- You catch yourself falling asleep at the desk often.
- You can’t stop thinking about work/you’re having stress dreams about spreadsheets.
- Your stress is causing back pain or migraines.
- You’re not performing on the job, even though you’re at max output.
- Once you get home you’re having difficulty sleeping.
- You’re not enjoying things that you used to.
A recent piece in the New Yorker discussed a bit of what we’re seeing: There is an “American obsession with self-reliance, which makes it more acceptable to applaud an individual for working themselves to death.” It continues, “There’s a painful distance between the chipper narratives surrounding labor and success in America and the lived experience of workers.”
Are we chipper or are we being chipped away at? Mental health is a huge player in this wellbeing game.
So if you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to get in the practice of self-betterment.
Here are 5 tips to improve your mental health.
Get into a morning routine
From waking up at the same time, to making sure you’re drinking one cup of water for every cup of coffee you down, there’s more than one way to ensure you start the day off right.
For starters, WelleCo’s hero product, their Super Elixir Greens is the perfect and easiest way to drink yourself to good health at the start of your day. Simply mix 2 teaspoons with water or add to your morning smoothie. New fact: If you drink coffee first, make sure to wait at least a ½ hour, as caffeine will inhibit nutrient absorption!
Benefits of this morning must are: Gut health, digestive function, energy, immune system support, bone health, muscle repair, metabolic function, endurance, liver function, healthy skin elasticity, cognitive function, free radical elimination. Need we say more?
The better your morning practice, the better the rest of the day. Speaking of practice...
Practice gratitude
Gratitude is a habit. It’s your best ally, capable of improving mental, physical, and relational well-being, all of which are necessary tent-poles for mental health. Think of each (mental, physical, and relational) as big budget blockbusters of your own life that you want to invest in. You will build equity in yourself. They will support the rest of your life. How you improve each of these tent-poles is through gratitude.
Spend ten minutes before you leave the house in the morning focusing on a mantra of your own making. This mantra can change from day-to-day or it can remain a constant. For instance, if you are grateful for your health, train your mind’s eye on that happiness. They key is practice.
Maintain your diet
It’s called protein for a reason-- it’s a pro at keeping your energy up and your body balanced. If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your protein levels up, WelleCo has a plant-based nourishing protein powder.
The WelleCo Nourishing Protein powder does not contain whey, hormones or artificial fillers. It is also much more than a protein, with both pre and probiotics for gut health, rosehip for vitamin C and skin and dandelion for liver health. More so, they contain metabolism boosters to help you maintain a healthy weight. Bonus: for days when you’re RUSHING everywhere, they can be used as a meal replacement, so you don’t end up drained and undernourished. Instead, it’s a quick and nourishing way to keep you going.
Laugh
Science has proven that laughter is the best medicine in many cases. Laughter is proven to decrease stress hormones. It also triggers the release of endorphins, inside feel-good chemicals. Seriously, laughter is an inside (the body) job that benefits you in so many ways on the outside.
Stress down, feel-goods up? Go follow your favorite meme account and if you’re going to spend time on social media, spend some of that time laughing.
Sleep
Things to remember: your wallet, keys, and gratitude practice.
Things to forget: that old adage, “you can sleep when you’re dead.”
Not so, sweet angels! Our bodies need sleep to repair the work we’ve done during the day. But when our brains and bodies are racing (ahem, those days when we grab a WelleCo Nourishing Protein Smoothie for lunch), it can be hard to hit the breaks. First stop on the sleep train is a calming tea. WelleCo’s Sleep Welle Calming tea is your new nightcap. It is an effective blend of herbs to assist with sleep, anxiety and stress. Pour yourself a ‘cuppa and crawl on into bed!
Okay, all this sounds great in theory but how do we actually practice it IRL? We tapped two entrepreneurial boss ladies for their tips and best practices to keep their mental health on point.
First, Fran Hauser, startup investor and the author of “The Myth of the Nice Girl,” started taking the Super Elixir to assist her on an upcoming busy, busy (yep, a book launch, for one) time, without totally forgetting her well-being.
And Elle Macpherson, supermodel and co-founder of WelleCo. The co-founder says, “Since taking 2 teaspoons a day and adopting a predominantly plant-based diet, I have had more energy and felt healthier than ever. It made me realize the profound impact food can have on the way I feel. It has transformed my life.”
Check out their advice below:
What’s the first thing you do when you notice your energy running on E?
Elle: First thing I do is stop… take 5 mins… quiet, close my eyes, breath 10 counts in, 11 out. For nourishment, my reliable go-to is always a WelleCo Nourishing plant protein chocolate smoothie with homemade almond milk or water plus avocado and a scoop of greens mixed in. Our protein is formulated with organic sprouted brown rice and pea protein that provides all 9 essential amino acids give energy levels a good boost.
If I’m craving something to eat, I might have fresh organic almond butter with celery. A great tip I learned from Dr Simone Laubscher PhD is eating walnuts. She loves it because it is complete protein snack that is brilliant for brain function. Eating 12 to 15 walnut halves give you 95 per cent of your daily essential fatty acids. Good reason to eat them every day!
Fran: I get up and move. Even if its a short walk around the block or some simple stretching. Sometimes I watch a funny video of my kids; I find laughter to be a great way to get my energy up!
How do you encourage your team to take things one step at a time, and avoid burning out?
Fran: I think the key to not burning out is to create boundaries around your time. I do this by being really clear about what my priorities are and being comfortable saying no when an ask is outside of my priorities. I think the best way to encourage my team to do this is by modeling this behavior myself.
I think the key to not burning out is to create boundaries around your time.
What are some routines or habits you have that help you stay on top of your mental health game?
Elle: 1. Take time out. I try and incorporate an activity to de-stress every day, whether it’s meditation, swimming laps, yoga or walking my dogs Bella and Moon.
2. Laughter. I love to laugh. I don’t look for it from entertainment, it comes from my friends and family. I find laughter opens the heart and smooths conflict. Almost everything can be resolved with a healthy dose of humor.
3. Running alkaline. Every morning, I mix WelleCo SUPER ELIXIR Greens with filtered water. It’s a big boost of nutrients that help support all 11 systems of the body, from my immune and liver systems to cognitive function and healthy skin. It makes me feel calm and happy knowing that my body is not inflamed and fuelled up with everything it needs for the day ahead.
4. Trust yourself. Leading a busy lifestyle with a detail-orientated mind, I have learned to use my intuition more, but for this, I need to slow down and pause often throughout the day. Remember, you can’t see your reflection on running water.
5. Sleep! Good quality sleep is a big priority for me. I make sure I get seven hours’ sleep a night. I like to make a pot of WelleCo SLEEP WELLE Calming Tea and sip it before bed. It is formulated with valerian, hops, and skullcap that when combined, help calm the body and mind. If I have slept soundly, I wake the next morning feeling calm, replenished and mentally ready to face the day.
Interested in getting in on the WelleCo gain? Use code CREATEHEALTH for free shipping on orders over $50.
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Beauty Game Musts this Festival Season
Six ways to look fresh and fierce.
Let’s be honest: do you love festival season for the music, or for the fabulous beauty looks? If you said both, you’re a Nature's Bounty® Hair, Skin & Nails kind of girl. You know that the looks debuted in Palm Springs this month set the tone for summer beauty trends, and you know that taking care of your hair, skin and nails will create a healthy foundation from within for your latest creative look!
This past weekend, Nature’s Bounty joined us at the Create & Cultivate Desert Pop Up Event in Palm Springs, where we had a day full of fun, food, beauty and conversation, not to mention, guests got some super chic pink manicures with adorable festival-inspired stickers to kick off festival season the right way.
Thanks to our friends and partners at Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails, we’ve put together five beauty routine “musts” to prep for festival season, and one beauty challenge, should you accept it.
GET YOURSELF A SETTING POWDER
We all know that festival season brings out the heat, and a sweaty debut isn’t our favorite look. Purchase a setting powder with SPF (yes that Palm Springs sun is no joke) that mattifies, shines and sets makeup. Key for long days in the desert. Its sweat-resistant formula will also smooth your skin’s appearance and reduce shine. Plus, it’s easy to re-apply through the day.
MANI GALORE
We all know un-manicured nails are no fun (re: boring). Spice up your look with a fun splash of color, and make sure your nail game is strong. The best part about festival season is that you have free reign to be bold and daring! So show us what you got!
GUMMY POWER
If you want to look and feel the part this festival season, it’s important to remember that beauty starts from within! While of course doing things like applying your daily moisturizer and sunscreen will always be key, don’t forget to nurture your inner beauty as well.
Nature’s Bounty® Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies are a delicious addition to your beauty game! These gummy vitamins work from within to support lustrous hair, healthy nails and vibrant skin.*
If you’re new to taking vitamins and supplements and want to test things out first before adding to your beauty routine, check out the Nature's Bounty® Hair, Skin & Nails Challenge, which is a great way to try Hair, Skin, & Nails Gummies or Softgels for one month, risk-free. By providing the vital nutrients your body needs everyday including Biotin, Vitamin C and E, Nature's Bounty is helping you look and feel your best*. Consider it an essential part of anyone’s festival prep routine (you can thank us later)!
UNDER EYE MASK IT
If you want a fresh-face with your braid, but you don’t have time to get up on the zzz’s, a gel eye mask can really do wonders. Eye masks can hydrate and moisturize the delicate eye area for an immediate de-puff effect. With a cooling effect, skin under the eyes is left feeling comforted and refreshed whilst arnica extract helps reduce appearance of baggy eyes and puffiness for an instantly brighter eyed appearance. A gel eye mask treatment is a great idea to prep the under eye area before a big event.
NO MASCARA, NO PROBLEM
If you want to be able to hop from pool party to pool party without reapplying mascara (or, le sigh, having it run down your face) take a hour pre-festival and get your lashes done. There are plenty of spots where you can nab a full or half set of mink lashes. They last for up to six weeks and will actually have people asking, "Did you wake up like that?"
IF YOU’RE FLYING IN
Make sure to hydrate. A lack of fluids can leave you looking tired after a long flight-- and that’s the last thing you want. Plus, the more you hydrate, the more you glow.
What are your beauty tips for festival season? Share in the comments below! And be sure to take the Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Challenge.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
photo credit: Becki Smith House Photo
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Kate Bosworth on #MeToo, Her New Movie & Her Solid Sense of Self
More like a pink crush.
On Saturday, actress and producer Kate Bosworth joined us as keynote for our Desert PopUp with MINI at the The Commune at the Ace.
Taking the mic in front of 1000 attendees, Bosworth shared about the ups and downs of Hollywood, what it takes to make it, and keeping a solid sense of self through the years. “My whole life has been swinging from the rafters, whether as an artist or student,” she shared.
Swings that included risky moves.
“I moved to LA on my own when I was 18,” Bosworth said about deferring from Princeton. Even though she was the first in her family to be accepted to Ivy League, she knew she wanted to be an actress. Her family was “thrilled,” but she had her sights set on making it in Hollywood. “I had a little studio apartment and started going on audition after audition after audition.” Furthering, “A lot of those roles didn’t have a lot of meat there.” All of the sudden Blue Crush landed in her lap. She felt plenty of affinity with the character, knowing, she said, “of what it was like to have a dream and want to achieve that dream.” But to also, “feel self doubt and fear.” Although she had never surfed, she went in to read for the breakout role that ultimately became hers.
But she didn’t land it immediately. The powers that be loved her for the part, but she needed to be able to surf. Bosworth had no idea how to ride a wave or paddle out. So the producer Brian Grazer and director John Stockwell told the novice they were going to try and cast real surfers for the role. That process would take about three weeks. During those three weeks Bosworth didn't twiddle her thumbs. Instead, she went out and found herself a surf instructor in Malibu. “For about 3-4 weeks and for 6-7 hours per day, I somewhat learned to paddle and not be a total amateur.” At the end of that time she called up both Grazer and Stockwell and asked, “Would you please watch me surf?”
She landed the role not because she was the best surfer, but because she was determined. She was athletically focused. “That’s something I like to impart on anyone starting out their career,” she said, “have focus, be determined, and know what you love and you will find a way.”
"Have focus. Be determined. Know what you love. And you will find a way."
“I look at my twenties with fondness and a lot of cringe moments,” Bosworth shared. “It’s only through experience that you learn things. You have to be willing and open to fail, which is hard for ambitious people. But you are going to fail. That will lead to something bigger and better.”
Most recently the actress has flipped her actress cap to producer for Nona, a film that chronicles sex trafficking work in Central America. Nona is an acronym for “No Name.” It tells the story of a girl from Honduras searching for a better life. “It was important for us to show the how,” Bosworth shared. “These are victims of very serious crimes and they are preyed upon.” The referenced "us" is Bosworth's husband a co-producer, Michael Polish, who also wrote and directed the film. It is the first feature from the pair through their newly formed production company, Make Pictures Productions.
As for the future, she’ll continue to make work that matters to her-- and that matters to her husband. “He loves women’s stories,” the actress explained. “I feel truly grateful to be married to a partner who talks the talk and walks the walk. And even in our most intense moments we’ll find something to laugh about pretty quickly.” What makes it work? She laughed, “A lot of kissing.”
What Bosworth doesn’t find a laughing matter are the #MeToo stories coming out of Hollywood. However she feels hopeful. “We all feel really similar and I think that’s really powerful. A female collective is happening right now, and as women in male-dominated work spaces, regardless of profession, we all felt a need to buckle down.”
“I love women,” she continued. “I love working with women. The one thing as an actress that’s very unsatisfying is that it’s very rare that you work with another actress. You’re often the ‘girl’ cast among six men. What’s great about this is that we’ve found ourselves working together. I do have a lot of hope. I think dialogue is important first and foremost. This isn’t a singular experience. This is a collective experience and we are better united.”
Arianna Schioldager is Create & Cultivate's Editor in Chief. Find her here.
Photo credit: Becki Smith House Photography. Find her here.
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Professional Opinion: LLC vs. CORP
Having practiced law within the creative industries for a number of years, I’m rarely shocked when an individual tells me that they work free-lance and have been operating without a company. That being said, there’s never a better time than now to take action! If you are individual considering starting your own company or already have a business that you operate in your personal name, the single most important first step in building a foundation for your business is choosing the proper entity. Having a good attorney and and new, easy-to-use accounting software for small businesses, makes the entire process a cinch.
As you probably know, perhaps the most popular form of business entity today is the limited liability company. However, various alternatives exist that are all worth considering. Incorporating a business, whether in one form or another, is an effective way for entities to insulate owners from personal liability, facilitate management of the business, benefit from numerous tax advantages and even take on investors.
This article sets forth the basic considerations for limited liability companies and corporations, and provides some preliminary guidance to help you as you begin planning for the growth of your business.
The Corporation
The corporation is one of the oldest and most recognized form of legal entity. Most states have an abundance of well-established laws governing the formation of and operation of a corporation. Corporations are generally favored by investors and companies with a large number of shareholders. Corporations are allowed an unlimited number of shares, shareholders and can even create different classes of ownership or “stock”. Furthermore, growing companies looking to go public or take on significant angel or venture capital investors, owners should be aware that only corporations are eligible for initial public offerings.
Growing companies looking to go public or take on significant angel or venture capital investors, owners should be aware that only corporations are eligible for initial public offerings.
Corporations, like limited liability companies, are entities which separate from their owners. Owners or “stockholders” of a corporation are generally not liable for the debts and obligations of the corporation. The incorporation process begins with the filing of the entity’s Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State and requires registration in any state where it is conducting business. Following filing and registration, the Board of Directors must hold an Organizational Meeting where the Board will select officers, adopt bylaws, and conduct other appropriate business.
Most states do not have rules that require a minimum number of owners that a corporations must have, but rather a single person is capable of being the director, officer, and shareholder of the company. Corporations have a three-tiered management structure. Officers, who run the day to day operations of the company report to the Directors, who are responsible for overseeing the fundamental decisions. Directors act in the interest in of the stockholders in overseeing fundamental business decisions. Different classes of stock (i.e. common and preferred) and voting rights for each class, are generally set forth in the corporations Shareholder’s Agreement, Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation, to which all the shareholders are bound. It is important to note that all decision making between the directors, officers, and shareholders may be modified by a Shareholder’s Agreement. Shareholders’ Agreements can also provide for a number of other complex rights and restrictions on ownership of the Company, but we’ll save some of the more complex matters for another article.
Generally, we refer to plain, vanilla corporations as “C-Corp”. What many entrepreneurs don’t know is that corporations can elect taxation under Subchapter-S of the Internal Revenue Code (creating what’s called an “S-Corp”). A corporation that does not elect S-Corp status is taxed separately from its owners, typically between 20 and 40 percent on its net income, which takes into account state franchise taxes assessed to the corporation. When a corporation decides to issue dividends to its owners, each dividend is subject to taxation as well, which is why these entities are often referred to as “double-taxed.”
What many entrepreneurs don’t know is that corporations can elect taxation under Subchapter-S of the Internal Revenue Code (creating what’s called an “S-Corp”).
However, a corporation may avoid the “double-tax” by filing as an S corporation. Similar to partnerships, S corporations are pass-through entities that do not pay income taxes at the corporate level, but only at the individual owner’s level when income is allocated among owners. In order to qualify as an S corporation, there can be no more than 100 shareholders, all shareholders must be individuals and generally must be U.S. Citizens or Green Card holders.
The Limited Liability Company
In recent years, the development of the limited liability company (“LLC”) has changed how many business are structured. The LLC is a hybrid legal entity that adopts many of the features of the corporation as well as traditional rules regarding partnerships. The LLC is becoming increasingly popular because it offers limited liability to its members for all of the LLC’s obligations as well as tremendous flexibility in its ownership structure.
LLCs are formed by filing the Articles of Organization with the state in which the LLC does business, which include similar information to a corporation’s Articles of Incorporation. Due to the fact that the laws surrounding LLCs are not as developed as corporation rules, most states require that LLC’s have Operating Agreement. An Operating Agreement is signed by an LLC’s owners or “members”, is drafted to structure an LLC’s financial and functional decisions and provide rules and regulations governing the transfer of ownership, addition of new owners, tax rules and decision making authority. Additionally, the Operating Agreement outlines how profits and losses will be distributed and how and when meetings will take place, and govern succession planning, such as procedures agreed upon for buying out or transferring ownership interests when members leave the LLC. Unlike corporations, LLCs do not have a formal management structure and can tailor their Operating Agreements to fit the business’s organizational needs. An LLC can have different classes of members making the business form flexible in management, financing, and operational aspects. A properly tailored Operating Agreement can save a lot of headaches in the future.
What many people do not know, is that the LLC, unlike the corporation, is the most flexible entity for tax purposes and may elect to be taxed as a corporation, an S-Corp or as a partnership. By default, LLCs are taxed as a partnership (unless another election is made). Accordingly, all profits and losses of the partners in a partnership.
What many people do not know, is that the LLC, unlike the corporation, is the most flexible entity for tax purposes and may elect to be taxed as a corporation, an S-Corp or as a partnership.
In many states, owners of an LLC with more than one member are granted certain additional protections from creditors. Some states like Delaware, afford the same protection to single Member limited liability companies.
All in all, entity selection and tax election are issues that are unique to every business. These choices will not only help starting your business on the right foot, but will pave the way for future success. We always recommend speaking with an attorney to help guide you through the process. DiSchino & Company offers flat fee packages to help get your business off the ground. We specialize in corporate and intellectual property law and cater to companies of all shapes and sizes in the fashion, arts, design, hospitality, food and beverage and tech industries.
Christopher Dischino leads Dischino & Company, a Miami-based law firm that provides legal advice and strategic consulting for the modern business, the entrepreneur, the free-thinker and those looking for something outside the box. With a knack for the creative and an entrepreneurial attitude, Christopher specializes in business law, intellectual property and corporate transactions, assisting private clients and corporate entities to establish and expand their businesses domestically and abroad. His experience allows him to create value for his clients by using resourceful structuring techniques to help minimize unnecessary costs and risks. Get more info on Christopher and his law firm here.
Why You Deserve a Spring Break
Why is it just for kids?
An unbothered, sweet week of silence. Or raucous good time in Tulum. However you choose to take a break, is fine by us-- as long as you take it.
According to a recent Gallup poll only six in 10 Americans took a vacation in 2017. The same poll claimed, “Employers might do well to examine how to encourage vacation time in a way that benefits their workforce's engagement as well as their employees' overall well-being, including such radical policies as having no vacation policies at all.”
Which brings us to-- SPRING BREAK. Why do we lose that precious time known as spring break as adults? Sure, there are emails to be answered and dial-in conference calls to be managed, but it’s vital that you take a brain break.
Studies have shown that the respite effects of a vacation can increase productivity, concentration, and creativity, by as much as 80 percent. There are even companies offering bonuses to employees who use their vacation days. (Sounds like a dream, right?)
And when you’re on said break, you need some sweet footwear. Here are some of our favorite ADULT SPRING BREAK options from Dolce Vita.
A white boot is very of-the-moment. And there is something super romantic about this embellished western-style bootie. Bonus: it looks great with a cold one in hand.
An update on the wedge, that can easily transition from day-to-night. This is what we call a perfect packer. Wear it to the beach. Wear it to cocktails. There is nothing that the DANE can’t do. (Sort of like you. Hello multi-tasker.)
We love a little lace-up sandal in caramel that elongates your leg. (Too bad it can’t elongate your vacation.) But, hey, with a little R&R you’ll go back to work looking to the future.
This is the essential summer sandal. Which means, your feet can be on vacation, even if you aren’t. (But please, as previously stated, take a break!)
And finally, what’s spring break without a slide? Like the embellished Celita in blue, which has the has the ideal amount of edge for everyday wear. Even when you’re back at your desk.
Have spring break plans? Share in the comments below. It just might encourage someone else to take a break too!
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C&C Classifieds: Shine Influencers, DBA, Stand Up to Cancer + more!
All the honies, making money!
When it's time to go, you just know. If you're looking for a fresh gig and the next big move for your career, you're at the right place. Tighten up that LinkedIn profile and scan through your resume for any room for improvement. We've got a fresh batch of classifieds right here and ready for you.
P.S. We're hiring!
Dig in ladies, get to the paper.
Create & Cultivate - LA, CA
Shine Influencers - LA, CA
DBA - LA, CA
Stand Up To Cancer - LA, CA
The Real Coconut - Santa Monica, CA
Puppy Spot - LA, CA
WANT MORE? CHECK OUT OUR FULL LIST OF CLASSIFIEDS HERE.
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Money Talks, So Should You
Let’s talk about these coins.
First put into law in 1963, The Equal Pay Act was aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on gender. It’s a law that has not changed, despite the fact that women still make less than men.
"It's hard enough to get your dream job, you shouldn't have to dream about equal pay too."
Today is #EqualPayDay. A symbolic day that marks how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the previous year. We believe that women should earn equal wages for equal work, and that this is a battle all people should fight. Hundreds of women have shared their salaries with FairyGodBoss and their database is a great place to research what other women in your position are making across the country. Share what you find here with your friends because our hope is that the more we openly talk about making money, the faster the wage gap shrinks.
Last year, in the spirit of transparency we asked you to share with us how much you make in your respective industries and positions across the world. We want to keep pushing this conversation forward and encourage you to talk about it with your girls, your co-workers and speak up for what you deserve. The more you share, the more you can ask for. And remember, the only ones who benefit from hush-hush salary talk are the employers.
Talent Manager, New York, 26, 75k
Wedding Photographer, 35, Florida, 35k
Creative Director, Los Angeles, 33, 98k
PR Assistant, Los Angeles, 31, 47k
Senior Partner Law Firm, Los Angeles, 55, $950/hour
Marketing Director, Los Angeles, 32, 90k
Head of Sales at Boutique Fashion Brand, Los Angeles, 31, 80k
RTW Designer, Los Angeles, 34, 80k
Director Digital Content, New York, 35, 160k
Project Manager, Los Angeles, 27, 50k
Designer, Philadelphia, 30, 97k-112k, depending on bonuses
Special Events Manager, Los Angeles, 33, 75k
Junior Designer at Architecture Firm, Los Angeles, 35, 70k. (This salary was noted as high, and the employee said she actually makes 5k more than her husband who held the same position at a different architecture firm.)
SF Ballet Starting Corps, San Francisco, 22, 40k. (This salary was also noted as high in comparison to other professional ballerinas. “They [SF Ballet] have a budget of 45 million dollars. The same goes for NYC Ballet, which has an annual budget of about 64 million dollars. The average salary for a corps dancer is closer to 30k.”
Assistant Project Manager, Los Angeles, 25, 42k
Regional Account Manager, 24, TN: 70K (commission only salary)
Project Manager, 26, Pittsburgh, PA: 55k
Mid-level Advertising Exec, 27, NYC, 65K
Executive assistant, 31, LA, 50k
Sr. Operations Analyst (Supply Chain), 25, Santa Monica (LA), 70k (before bonus)
Communications Manager, 29, Miami, FL: 51.5K (before bonus)
Mid-level Visual Designer, 24, Portland, Oregon: 65k
Social Media Editor, 21, Boston, $45K
Financial Analyst - Tech startup 57k
Digital Marketing Associate, 31, NYC, 60k
Freelance Designer, 26, Texas, 60 to 80k (varies)
Admin, 24, Chicago Suburbs, 40k
Publicist, 29, Maine, 52K
Associate UX Designer, 29, Chicago, 64k
Let’s keep this movement going. Feel like sharing? Leave us a comment.
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Why This Sought-After LA Designer Just Launched a New Line
The models are way cuter she says.
Women in LA know all about Anine Bing. In fact, women all over the world know about Anine Bing. The singer turned designer launched her self-titled line in 2012 and the response was explosive. Consumers were immediately attracted to the cool-meets-laid-back vibe of her designs. They are simple, and yet, at once, recognizable as a Bing piece.
Six years later and the designer is aiming lower. Well, height wise at least. Inspired by her daughter Bianca's desire to "dress like Mommy," the founder launched BING KIDS. A no-fuss collection at a lower price point for boys and girls.
What compelled you to launch a kids line?
It's been a goal of mine to launch BING KIDS for the last couple years now, ever since my daughter Bianca was asking to "dress like mommy." I wanted to create clothes for my kids personally that were both comfortable and cool, so when we set out to do the collection we had those two points in mind specifically.. It's a very no fuss collection with rock n roll tees, skinny jeans, joggers and sleeper sets, a really cool leather jacket, all very ANINE BING.. And we wanted it to be super versatile for both boys and girls to wear.
Is the design process different from designing for adults?
It is and it isn't.. Again, comfort and cool factor along with versatility were our priorities in designing. And I had my very own fit models right at home!
What’s your favorite part of designing for kids?
First of all, it's all SO cute.. It melts everyone's hearts to see a moto leather jacket in miniature size for a 2 year old! But I really loved and welcomed the challenge of making the line unisex. I had moms in mind when doing this because I know personally that it can be tough to get the kids dressed and out the door some mornings. So we set out to make a collection that cut that process down a little bit, and also kept the kids happy and feeling unique and cool.
Are the models cuter, be honest. That's easy - YES!
How will you balance your time between designing the adult line vs. the kids line? I have an amazing design team and we've tripled in size since the Fall so we all work together to prioritize each line but in different ways. ANINE BING is still the main focus because we just launched BING KIDS and we're only doing monthly drops instead of weekly drops for now, and only selling on eCom. But both of the lines are very close to my heart, and I can't wait to see what we do with both.
Any other secrets up your sleeve you can share with us? None that I can get TOO into, but I'll say this -- we're excited to grow our retail presence in 2018!
The full collection is available online now!
And be sure to RSVP to see Anine in person when she joins us on panel for the MINI x Create & Cultivate "More of What Matters," speaker series. RSVP HERE!
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Links From Our Group Chat: What Movie Just Beat Titanic Records & More
Plus some other awesome Monday Motivation stuff.
photo credit: Brooke Lark
Are you fully ready for Monday? If you need something to read on your lunch break, we've got a couple of links that are helping motivate our Monday blues.
We love this profile on Busy Philipps, almost as much as the one we wrote on her.
Women just broke a record. Find out which one.
What movie is now the third highest-grossing film of all time? Sorry, Jack and Rose. You just got beat.
WeWork’s Creator Awards are heading to San Francisco! Throw your business idea into the ring. Deadline to apply is April 10th. Western U.S. and British Columbia eligible to apply. Find all the categories here.
5 questions to ask at your next job interview. Jot these down.
What are you reading to kick-off your week? Comment below!
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Heading to the Desert? Here’s What You Need to Pack
Say see-ya to your packing struggles.
If you’re busy pondering that decade-old question-- what do I wear to the desert, ponder no more.
In partnership with BGBGeneration, we’ve rounded up the dream desert essentials that will seamlessly transition from pool party to polo field, day to night, and so much more.
Cotton Eyelet Ruffle-Hem Romper:
Part flirty, part fun, this cotton eyelet romper is the easiest way to do pretty, without having to worry about looking too plain. Dance the night away to Beyoncé in this sweet number.
Sunprint Floral Asymmetrical Maxi Dress:
Romance this trend with a floral dress that’s sure to beat the desert heat and bring the fashion heat. It’s easy and breezy, with a party slit in the front. Ideal for keeping it casual and sweet.
Sleeveless Cutout Denim Jumpsuit:
Look effortlessly cool in this one piece denim jumpsuit, that’s a cutout above the rest. It’s modern, functional and fashionable. What’s not to love?
Striped Tie-Shoulder Culotte Jumpsuit:
Are you spotting the trend of clutch one-pieces? It’s for keeping everything super simple, while still totally on trend. With chic spaghetti straps and a color palette that feels more south of France than Coachella Valley, you’ll be a crowd standout.
Grommet Saddle Bag:
Give your outfit a touch of tassel with this Grommet Saddle Bag, the perfect size for carrying essentials only. You’re going to want to dance after-all.
Whipstitched Floppy Hat:
You don’t have to rock a dad hat to keep the sun off of your face. Opt instead for a floppy hat that elevates your outfit, without looking that you rummaged through dad’s storage bin.
Floral Star Choker:
If you’re ready to say buh-bye to a flower crown (they can cause quite the headache after eight plus hours) a star choker is a perfect replacement. It’s not too fussy, but accessorizes any outfit with the right amount of chic.
Meet Me Backstage Tee:
And because denim shorts are a staple at any summer festival, you need a tee that says you’re going places-- like backstage.
Pro tip: Take 25% off all regular price items on www.bcbgeneration.com from 4/9 – 4/17
with the code: CREATE25
What else are you planning to pack? We recommend SPF. Share your essentials below!
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The Critical Step You Need to Take Before Asking a Question at the Office
Two words. 1 URL. Infinite answers.
Let me Google That For You which has the tagline “For all those people who find it more convenient to bother you with their question rather than search it for themselves.” has become an online sensation, resulting in Gifs, memes, and more.
There’s nothing wrong with asking a question as long as you’ve taken the proper precautions before doing so. The critical step you need to take before you ask a question at the office is simple.
Google it.
It sounds so easy and like it should be common knowledge, but there’s a reason googling prior to asking a question has become a widely appreciated internet joke. All jokes aside, taking action before asking a question about how to complete a task or what a term means will make a big difference in your career.
Why taking action will make a difference
The internet gives us the power to look up and learn just about anything, yet it seems that more and more people are lacking the drive to seek out answers themselves. According to a study done last year, 72% of CEOs are concerned about the availability of key skills such as research. There’s no problem in asking a clarifying or an explorative question, but asking to define a term or how to complete a simple task on a widely used software may come off as lazy.
By the time you type out your question in an email, you could have typed that question into your email browser and very possibly obtained the answer. Taking action and seeking out information before posing the question to someone else will help you get recognition for your initiative, will help you complete your job more efficiently, and will save everyone time.
Even if you don’t find the answer, doing research will benefit you
Even if you aren’t able to find an answer, researching your question before asking it will enable you to ask an informed and educated question. When you pose a question at work, superiors will often ask if you have done research on it, or they will point you in that direction. If you’ve already taken it upon yourself to do this step, it will make the process easier for everyone.
If you aren’t able to find what you were looking for, you can articulate this, or ask a clarifying question if your research provided conflicting answers. This shows motivation and highlights that you are willing to work for the answer instead of simply asking someone else to do it for you.
If you don’t research your question before asking, it could cause tension
From a managerial or customer service side of things, it can be very frustrating when someone asks a question about a definition or how to complete a task that could easily be accomplished by searching the question online.
Asking someone else instead of taking initiative and searching for this information yourself comes off as lazy and can also come off as disrespectful. This might surprise you, but asking someone else how to do something instead of looking up how to do it yourself can suggest that you don’t value their time. At the end of the day, time is money, and wasting someone else’s time will never serve you well.
Questions can be great tools to help you grow and thrive at the office, however it’s important that you make sure to take action and research your question before you reach out to someone else. If you take initiative, do some research, and seek out answers before asking, you’ll become more productive, more efficient, and more adept at key skills which have been waning.
What makes up a good question in your opinion? Let us know in the comments?
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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Influencers Share How to Celebrate Confidence and Beauty
Plus more from our Best Face Forward #CCxClinique Miami Pop-up.
photo credit: Jessica Bordner Photo
How do your beauty and confidence line up?
It was a hot topic of the day when we gathered in Miami for our Create & Cultivate x Clinique “Best Face Forward” panel. Attendees received makeovers and tried out the Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer, enjoyed drinks and had new headshots taken before sitting down to get inspired by our panelists.
Joining C&C founder Jaclyn Johnson on panel were an awesome array of women in the beauty space in Miami.
Annie Vazquez, is a fashion, travel and beauty expert and journalist who has been coined as one of the pioneers of Miami’s fashion blogging community. She is the founder of The Fashion Poet and was voted Miami’s Top Fashion Blog by the New York Times.
But that doesn’t mean that she went into the her career fully confident.
“When I first started, I was a journalist,” Annie shared on panel. “When I moved over to blogging I asked myself, ‘Do I really want to do this? Do I really want to put myself out there for criticism?’” Her internal answer was, “Let me just do it.”
You learn to do what you want and not worry about who is going to leave you a comment. It’s a business. And even at the end of the day, if this isn’t your business it’s important to have self-love.
Martha Graeff, is a former model, stylist and Womenswear buyer for Harvey Nichols. Fashion and beauty are in her blood.
But she also had to work on building confidence.
“When I was a model,” she shared, “I would go to twenty castings and hear no. There are so many other beautiful girls. And you’re always hearing no. No. No. No. You’re not good enough. That girl has better skin. It’s always rejection. Modeling breaks you. But it also makes you stronger because you deal with rejection constantly. When I stopped modeling and started blogging I felt a hundred kilos off my shoulders.”
When it comes to negative comments online, they all agree that there have to be boundaries. Hugette Montesinos, is the Editor in Chief and Creative Director for DISfunkshion Magazine. She is also a trained life coach and college professor.
“With this mega-digital era, we don’t set boundaries any more,” Hugette shared. “For me, I have to set boundaries with what I consume-- and what I allow into my life, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.” When it comes to social media, the EIC explained, “I’m not going to aimlessly browse. I’m going to connect and share.” She furthered, “You obviously don’t have control over what comes into your inbox or private messages but you do have control over whether you chose to entertain that thought or not. We have so much more power over our thoughts. For me, every time something negative comes it, I’m able to say, ‘I’m not going to entertain this thought and I’m going to bounce it out.”
It’s one of the reasons she started DISfunkshion. “I started the mag because there was nothing out there that I could enjoy and read,” she explained. “The motto and thought-process was to create a movement that looked at beauty from the inside out. Than from the outside in-- which is what culture teaches us.”
photo credit: Jessica Bordner photo
Martha piggybacked on this idea a bit explaining, “We post our best photo on Instagram. We use five different apps before we post it. Maybe we’re not really happy, but we’re smiling.” She says meditation has changed the way she feels about everything-- and before she wakes up and checks her phone, she meditates. ‘It’s really changed the game for me and the way I see other people’s lives.”
“We need to celebrate how we’re born,” Annie added. “And that’s it.”
Daniella Ramirez, is a Miami-based blogger and the founder of Nany’s Klozet. She was born in Caracas, Venezuela, moved to Miami to attend college and hasn’t left! “When I was growing up it was all about perfection,” she said. “I remember being 9 and in my ballet class. My teacher told me, if you’re not skinnier by tomorrow, you’re not dancing.” She says it’s not the same anymore. “If you had told me 12 or 13 year old self that I would be working with brands and having this careers, I would have said, ‘I’m not tall enough for that, or I’m not skinny enough for that.’ But the world is changing and we’re accepting different body types and beauty and it’s what we should continue to do.”
“It’s also super important for us to normalize, ‘normal,’” Hugette added, to the nods of everyone on panel.
How do you feel about beauty? And how do your beauty and confidence line up? Share in the comments below!
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We're Popping Up! Join Us in Dallas with Clinique
Wanna put your best face forward?
Wanna put your best face forward? We want to help. It's why we're teaming up with Clinique to bring you a mini popup in Dallas on April 19th, 2018.
We'll be chatting strong foundations, the newest beauty buzz, and what makes you feel the most beautiful.
Panel: Best Face Forward
Speakers
The Breakdown
6:00 PM | Doors open! Enjoy Clinique beauty treatments, networking + a professional headshot station to upgrade your biz profile.
6:30 PM | Panel: Best Face Forward
7:30 PM | Happy Hour drinks + networking with your fellow Create & Cultivators!
Where
NorthPark Center | 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, Texas
The event will take place in SouthCourt on Level 1 between Neiman Marcus and Dillard's. Valet entrance is off of Northwest Highway between PF Chang's and Seasons 52.
