Building a Selfless Squad with Working Wonder: Ally Love
Find out how a little sweat can do wonders for you too.
Ally Love’s name is a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy. This empowering and inspiring woman has hearts in her eyes and joy in her soul. The host, model, dancer, producer, and founder of LoveSquad has created a career where she’s in charge.
Case in point: she created LoveSquad to share her own personal journey to find fulfillment. It has evolved into a means to unite people, to motivate readers, to help others push their limits, improve their habits, and finish everything with Love.
Wonder how she does it all? Read on to find out more about Ally’s Squad, her day-to-day, and why a little sweat can do wonders for you too.
Let's start with the basics. What does the idea of Working Wonders mean to you?
It means being selfless in the approach to make the world a safer, and better place by championing diversity, and equality.
How has the work you do with LoveSquad made you feel wonderful?
LoveSquad is about community. So, the fact that I’m able to empower and encourage others through confidence, tactile takeaways, and support, is what makes me feel wonderful, and more importantly, makes others feel wonderful.
LoveSquad believes in being multifaceted, sweating on the outside and taking those first steps to improving what’s on the inside. How do you encourage women to actually take those first steps?
I encourage women to begin with conversation. This is the first step and ultimate process for change. It’s through conversation, that we are able to find creativity, cultivate ideas, and work through concepts.
What is your advice for younger female entrepreneurs struggling to feel their own sense of wonder. Or, those wondering if they're on the right track?
If struggle is your current position, I would always advise young entrepreneurs to take a break. Take a couple of days to be present, gauge the health of the business, and prioritize your objectives. From there, you can get advice from a mentor, or a trusted friend on whether you should continue to pursue this career path.
Take a couple of days to be present, gauge the health of the business, and prioritize your objectives.
Do you think there is a difference between 'beauty' and feeling 'beautiful?'
I think they are one and the same. They are both subjective, offered to everyone, and both do not indicate or dictate your self-worth.
What do you hope other women feel about themselves and the concept of "beauty?"
That they don’t have to be “beauty” or “beautiful” unless they want to. It’s a label, however not the end-all-be-all.
So, speaking of beauty... we all have our own tips and tricks. We recently found out that only 20% of visible skin aging comes from the natural aging process. Mary Kay's TimeWise Miracle Set 3D helps protect your skin against the rest – what else do you incorporate into your beauty and wellness routine to combat the environmental and lifestyle stressors that contribute to premature skin aging?
I love vitamin C toner to remove dead skin and invigorate my color.
When do you feel the most wonderful?
I feel most wonderful when I’m a part of a conversation that is not only inspiring but providing insight that could potentially encourage and change lives.
Who is a woman you would consider a Working Wonder? Someone you want to give a shout out to?
I think that Elaine Welteroth is doing an incredible job standing out front and center as a woman- as even more as a black woman, she is an example to all women to get out and be the change we want to see, to stand up and advocate for justice and equality.
We'll be featuring wonderful women paving the way in their careers as part of our new Working Wonders series with Mary Kay. Check back for more inspiration and wonderful words of wisdom.
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Boo Freakin' Hoo: What to Do If You're Being Professionally Ghosted
Scary stuff out there.
Ghosting is the worst. Like, hello, it's me. But where did you go? I've emailed 47 times, called, left you 12 voicemails, DM'd, Snapchatted, written a thank you note, and sent a MF'ing carrier pigeon with macaroons.
You call me a stalker, I call it being thorough. The collective "they" told me, in the working world it's important to follow up. It shows tenacity. It shows that you're willing to go the extra mile!
But it's also important to recognize when it's simply not working. The above may be an exaggeration, but professional ghosting happens and it's more difficult to navigate than relationship ghosting. Especially if you have to see the person who is ignoring you in the workplace. Water. Cooler. Awkward.
Here are four common and rather uncomfortable PG (professional ghosting) scenarios and how to handle them. Because while everyone loves a macaroon, it might make you look like a macaloon.
YOU HAD A BOMB.COM INTERVIEW, FOLLOWED UP, & NEVER HEARD BACK
This one is pretty simple and the closest to relationship ghosting as it gets. What do you do? Move on. Accept that it wasn't the right fit and focus your efforts elsewhere. What you may have thought was the perfect job for you, there are countless reasons that it wasn't. (At least according to your not-future employer.)
While it's frustrating and can make you a little blue in the ankle boots, the right opportunity is somewhere else.
Keep the email and the contact in case you have reason to reach out in the future, and go sew your wild working oats elsewhere.
YOU PITCHED YOUR BOSS A FAB IDEA, FOLLOWED UP, & SHE'S STILL IGNORING IT
Knowing when to push an idea harder with your boss is a very tricky, gray area. It depends on your relationship, how she likes to be approached,
There's a possibility she simply forgot and your follow-up got buried under a pile of pressing to-dos. There's also the chance that she hated it, dismissed it, and has already moved on.
First, ask yourself if it really, is the great idea it is in your head. We can get a little blinded by our egos and attached to ideas that aren't working. If you still think it's top-notch, run it by a colleague you trust. If they think it's great, pop by your bosses office and ask if they have 30 seconds. For the third attempt, an in-person F/U is the best.
That way you can really gauge their reaction. An email is easy to ignore. Plus it shows a boldness and drive that will be appreciated, even if the idea is not.
If your colleague is less enthusiastic than you expected, move on, and wow your boss with the next 10 ideas.
SOMEONE REGRAMS A PHOTO, DOESN'T CREDIT YOU, & DOESN'T RESPOND TO YOUR REQUEST FOR CREDIT
Creative professional deserve credit for their work, and if someone isn't polite enough to tag you or respond to two requests (make the first one polite, the second can be a little more stern), report the photo. Sometimes it's a simple mistake or a busy Social Director who overlooks the tag.
Make it Instagram's problem. Because while it feels a bit like tattling, it's even more childish of a company or person to refuse credit. You work hard and deserve the tag.
YOU'VE REACHED OUT TO A FRIEND/COLLEAGUE/
FORMER BOSS FOR AN INTRO OR RECOMMENDATION AND... CRICKETS
Using key contacts to crack open closed doors is part of the circle of working. And even though it can be really uncomfortable asking for professional favors, we all do it. However, it is quite possibly one of the worst feelings when you ask for a favor and you get straight ignored-- especially when you're asking a friend.
Here's how to handle by contact and situation:
- Asking a close friend for a contact or recommendation: follow up with texts, calls, Facetime. Snapchats, show up on their doorstep with dinner. Close friends are fine with your crazy. Plus, if you land a job you can buy them all the wine.
- Asking a friendly acquaintance for a contact or recommendation: follow up once, say how much you'd appreciate it, and if they don't respond, try to find another way in. Some contacts are awkward to give out, and it's easier for people to ignore you than say no. But you need to accept that just because you ask, that doesn't give you a right to their Roladex.
- Asking a former colleague or boss for a contact or recommendation: email first and ask if you can steal three minutes of their time on a call. In most instances you should avoid texting-- unless you were close and consider them a friend, in which case, see above. But if your relationship was strictly professional, keep it that way, and make the request formal. Say that the request is time sensitive, and if you don't get a rather quick response that reasonably meets your deadline, there's your answer. Don't stress over one contact. Redirect that energy into finding someone different to ask. You might get a courtesy email down the line, saying something like, "I just saw this, sorry I couldn't be more helpful." IF, they can still be helpful, here's your chance to hook them. If it really is too late, send a polite reply. You never want to burn a professional bridge because of a personal resentment.
Arianna Schioldager is Create & Cultivate's editor-at-large. You can find her on IG @ariannawrotethis and more about her at www.ariannawrotethis.com
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You're Going to Regret How Much Time You Spend on Social Media
To like or not to like?
How do we put this lightly? All that time you spend in the black hole of scrolling and liking, you’re going to regret it. Hear us out.
We’re not here to chastise you for engaging with your online community. Hardly. Successful social media growth comes from authentic engagement. But we all know the difference between good business practices and a two hour black out. And it's time you take stock of your social media habits.
MAKE SPACE FOR CREATIVITY TO HAPPEN
It’s one thing to be inspired by someone else’s content. It’s quite another to copy it all together. And WE KNOW. The content creation burden is real and sometimes it feels like you can’t come up with anything new. Sometimes when we’re stuck, we scroll. We turn to social media to get inspired. This is often counter-productive.
If you spend too long “getting inspired” it can hurt more than it helps on multiple fronts. First, you spend a whole lot of time looking at what other people are doing, instead of working on your own grind. You need to give yourself time and space in IRL to experience the world. Take in air. Those tiny boxes on IG have a lot of power, but they shouldn’t have power over you.
Second, no matter how strong your resolve, you start to play the comparison game. The more you compare, the less you create. The harder you are on yourself, the less productive you are. We’re not blaming the medium for the message. Rather it’s on you to power down your phone and power up your brain.
“The more you compare, the less you create.”
Tweet this.
SORRY, BUT WHEN DID BINGEING BECOME A GOOD THING?
We joke about binge-watching. We happily share with our co-workers that we watched all of Handmaid’s Tale in one sitting. But is it really a laughing matter? (In the case of Gilead, no def not.)
But sorry guys, bingeing is bad news. On anything. WE KNOW THIS. So why do we keep romanticizing it? We’ve been a little hoodwinked by the marketing of it all.
"Bingeing is bad news. Why do we keep romanticizing it?"
Tweet this.
While, admittedly, there has been limited research on the effects of binge-watching or binge-scrolling, reported feelings include: loneliness, worthlessness, and depression. These are not the conditions in which creativity thrives or business grows. Acknowledging that the behavior is addicting is an important step.
Still, a 2013 survey by Netflix showed that 73% of the respondents viewed binge-watching as a socially acceptable behavior. Socially acceptable or not, as this Business Insider piece points out, building positive alternative activities is vital. We say not only for your mental health, but for your career as well.
Spend one week tracking how much time you actually spend on social media. The results will surprise you and likely challenge you to change your behavior. Once you adjust your social media habits, see if your world sparks up a bit-- if you're a tad more creative. If your ideas get outside of the box. We'll bet you a like they do.
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Are You Afraid of Commitment?
It’s like the dark, but for adults.
The stats are in. Though Millennials have long been accused of job-hopping and not taking anything seriously, they actually know how to hold down a job.
According to recent research from the Pew Research Center a fifth of millennials have been with their company for five years or longer, which falls in line with the stats around Generation X.
Compare that to the typical US worker who, as of January 2016, had been in their current job for 4.2 years, up from 3.5 years in 1983, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
When it comes to relationships, the data shifts a smidge. Specifically, more than half of all millennials (59%) have never married, and 9% are in domestic partnerships, per data collected via Gallup poll. So what gives? Are we able to hold down jobs, but not relationships? Are we afraid of commitment?
We say no. And we have some ideas as to how you can put a ring on your career and embrace commitment.
Embrace the One-Year Career Mentality
We have to first acknowledge that there has been a shift. There is no longer a straight and narrow career trajectory. It’s highly unlikely to see anyone in a 40 year career. In fact, some people say the only constant is change.
This shouldn’t scare you off, however. It should fire up your furnace. Enter: the 1-Year Career.
It’s not what you think.
According to Baily Hancock, “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.”
So yeah, contrary to what it sounds like, it does not mean you should go leapfrogging across jobs and careers every 12 months.
Rather, says Baily, you should think about your career in one-year increments. By doing this, “it enables you to focus on only the next couple of steps ahead of you.” She explains, “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.”
What Else Might Life Throw At You?
A bouquet at your BFF’s wedding, perhaps. Don’t be afraid to catch it.
Or feelings.
Committed doesn’t only mean to one person.
Committed can be to your job. To your family. To your best friends. And it’s the new trailblazing, forward-thinking concept from Simon G., the leader in the world of fine jewelry.
Through Committed, Simon G. is expressing their commitment to quality, love, unity, kindness and so much more. Commitment can mean many things to different people whether to family, career, friends, or values. From the beginning, Simon G. Jewelry has celebrated the best of life by offering jewelry that exceeds expectations through inspired individuality and a ceaseless passion for detail. With decades of knowledge and experience, Simon G. knows the value of commitment over the long term, and their work honors this legacy.
Committed is bold, modern, and memorable. Which, is exactly the kind of woman you are.
What are some fresh, new ways you show your commitment? Comment below.
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Why You Need a Mid-Year Check In
Don’t be stressed AF.
We see you, working on that self-improvement. It’s not only for New Year’s resolutions. It’s a process and it takes time. So if it’s time for a mid-year check-in-- you know, the spring cleaning of the body and the mind, we have some good news.
We’ve got the boost you need. Supermodel Elle Macpherson developed the Welleco superfood and protein powders with her partner, nutritionist Dr Simone Laubscher.
Not surprisingly there has been growing popularity around the Welleco Super Elixir and the Welleco Nourishing Protein, the brand’s hero products. In part, because the benefits are numerous. But also because combining the two products can boost your metabolism and kick-start healthy living. Which, is exactly what every busy working woman needs.
A little about both products: The Welleco Super Elixir is an alkalizing green mixture with four different probiotics that focuses on a healthy gut. It’s made using cold-pressed bio live ingredients and has a whopping other 45 key ingredients, such as kelp, pomegranate, turmeric, that help restore your body’s pH levels.
The Welleco Nourishing Protein is an organic protein powder made with sprouted brown rice, pea protein, and Peruvian cacao. It's vegan but contains all nine essential amino acids like those found in red meat, eggs, chicken, and fish.
Everything is backed by science, and driven by nature.
11 Benefits of this Super Elixir
1. Reduce Stress
Who doesn’t want that? All of us. There are so many reason you should reduce your stress, but we’re going to focus on one. Stress levels increase cortisol levels. And if you have high cortisol, you have some stress reduction to do. Unfortunately, cortisol levels are highest in the AM, right around the time you have your 8:00AM coffee. And coffee happens to contribute to high levels of cortisol. Replacing your morning coffee with a Super Elixir shake will not only release your stress, but it also might keep you from reaching for the coffee pot.
2. Fight Off Fatigue
Is that a yawn we see? We know we just told you about cortisol and caffeine, but don’t fret yet. The Super Elixir can provide energy for your brain and body body. Plus, the 9 essential amino acids in the Nourishing Protein are essential for ramping-up endurance and energy.
3. Blast Bloat
The pre and probiotic boost in both the Super Elixir and the Nourishing Protein help keep your intestinal tract healthy, which in turn keeps that belly from bloating.
4. Help Sort Skin Issues
Many Super Elixir drinkers have reported that their skin has improved after a week+ of incorporating the Super Elixir into their routine. The truth is stress affects your skin and your collagen production. So, in reducing your stress, you’re also improving your skin. Glow on girl. Plus, the nourishing protein has skin-boosting nutrients, vitamin C from Rosehip to boost collagen and acai and pomegranate for antioxidants.
5. Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is brought on by stress (stress increases cortisol which increases inflammation), environmental factors (smoke, pollution, sun), diet, lack of sleep (when you are not getting good sleep your body is fatigued, which puts pressure on your organs resulting in inflammation). The Super Elixir hits all of these pain points. Specifically, its turmeric ingredient is high in curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Balance the Body pH Level
Our bodies are pretty great at maintaining the pH of our blood. But outside factors like poor diet, alcohol, and pollution can affect the acid-blood balance of our blood. Keeping a good pH in the body is crucial to feeling good. And the Super Elixir has both whole food and superfood ingredients formulated to nourish our bodies at the cellular level. Its alkalizing proprietary green blend supports pH balance.
Speaking of feeling good…
7. General Feel-Goods
Between the digestive enzymes in the Nourishing Protein which help support metabolism when combined with diet and exercise. Plus it’s packed with pre and probiotics which help keep our guts balanced and plush with the right kind of friendly bacteria. And f your gut feels good, the rest of you follows.
8. Maintain Your Immune System
You don’t have time to get sick. When combined, the maitake and shiitake mushrooms in the Super Elixir help maintain your immune system. And when you’re shaking new hands and making deals happen all day, you want to stay healthy. Turmeric also has immune boosting properties and the ability to combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
9. Get Yourself a Brain Boost
The Omega 3s in the Super Elixir assist in cognitive function. So instead of hitting the coffee bar for your 3pm slump, try to eliminate the slump altogether.
10. It’s a Slump Buster!
Feeling groggy and in a slump? Dandelion Leaf is often used as a caffeine-free coffee option. Which means it can bump you right out of that slump. It also contains vitamins A, C, and K, plus a dose of calcium and potassium.
11. Digestion Aid
Psyllium husk is a non-soluble fibre that aids digestion. It is also responsible for helping lower cholesterol levels in the body and lowering glucose levels too. Moreover, it will keep ya regular. (Which reminds us about an important article we wrote on that very topic.)
ENTER TO WIN!
So now that you’ve read about the benefits, it’s time to try it yourself. And guess what? We are teaming up WelleCo so you can win 90 Days of WelleCo Super Elixir greens. Click here to enter to WIN.
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C&C Classifieds: BrandLinkDC, FabFitFun, The Shelf & More!
New opportunities have arrived.
June gloom may be upon us over on the West Coast, but that does not mean your job hunt needs to be gloomy too. Freshen up those cover letters and get that resume tailored ladies. A fresh batch of classifieds is here for you to dive into and plenty of new opportunities are on the horizon.
Enjoy!
BrandLinkDC - Washington DC + NY, NY
DBA - LA, CA
Bare Snacks - SF, CA
The Shelf - BK, NY
FabFitFun - LA, CA
WANT MORE? CHECK OUT OUR FULL LIST OF CLASSIFIEDS HERE!
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Should You Switch to Cold Brew?
99 problems but your coffee ain’t one.
You’ve been drinking piping hot coffee since your lips first tasted the joys of java. But it might be time for a switch. Why? One, change is good. It’s about to be summer and chances are, a cold-brew will do your body good. And yes, it’s oh-so-refreshing on a humid summer day.
Beyond that, we’re sharing some of our favorite reasons to make the switch to Chameleon Cold-Brew. First up, it lasts the day long…
THAT’S RIGHT, COFFEE LOVERS, YOU CAN SIP ON IT ALL DAY
Cold-brew coffee is already, well, cold. You don’t have to worry about reheating it and dealing with that bitter aftertaste. Instead, go cold.
IT’S LESS ACIDIC THAN HOT BREWED COFFEE
If you’re having a bit of tummy trouble with hot coffee, it would be worthwhile to make the switch. Sources report that cold-brew may have up to 67% less acid than traditional brewing methods.
If you switch to cold brew, you got 99 problems but your coffee ain’t one.
KNOW WHERE YOUR COFFEE COMES FROM
What you put in your body is important to you-- so why should your coffee be any different? Chameleon Cold- Brew is committed to organic, premium and sustainably sourced cold-brew coffee. At Chameleon all green coffee purchases are cupped by a licensed Q grader and scored as a specialty grade, above 80pts using Specialty Coffee Association cupping protocol. To find out more about their coffee quality, spot sourcing, and organic certification click here and know what you’re drinking.
YOUR PALATE WILL LOVE IT
WIth cold-brew you tend to get the best tasting coffee in the world. OK, OK. That might be subjective to individual taste buds, but the lack of heat helps extract the original flavor of the beans. You know, that bitter taste that we add cream and sugar to avoid.
Bonus: you might end up using less sugar and cream, which is a benefit to your body overall.
REDUCE YOUR RISK OF SLEEP PROBLEMS
You shouldn’t drink any caffeine before bed, but on average cold brew contains around 20% less caffeine per 100 grams that other brew methods. According to the Huffington Post, “Caffeine is soluble in water, and the hotter the water used to brew coffee, the more caffeine is extracted ― meaning you get more caffeine out of the beans and into your coffee.”
YOUR NEXT CUP IS ONLY A BOTTLE AWAY
We know your type. Your morning cuppa is on your mind when you hit the hay at night. And with the 32oz Coffee Concentrates, you can enjoy coffee your way, first thing in the morning. No time wasted waiting for it to brew. And the results are in, people l-o-v-e the Chameleon Cold-Brew Concentrate. It’s certified organic, fully customizable: Enjoy it hot or iced, black or creamy, sweet or bold. Using a 1:1 ratio, add your favorite mix-in. It’s just coffee, water, and natural flavor.
So, let us know. Are you ready to make the switch?
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Frames For When You Finally Admit You Need Glasses
You’re a four-eyed goddess.
Eye care is self-care. And as you get older you tend to lose the ability to focus (it’s totally normal!) and some of us (hello, me) have needed glasses since high school-- or earlier.
But 4-eyes is no longer an insult, and TBH it never was. And picking frames….so much fun. Thankfully our friends at LensCrafters have a ton of amazing options for when you finally admit, it’s time for glasses.*
GO FOR THE GOLD
Simple with a touch of flair, this Prada frame is uncompromisingly crafted. As well as understated and elegant. With a slight cat eye that’s right on trend and corner white enamel detail, this is a go-to for summer.
BIT OF AN EDGE
We’re gonna Coach you for a sec on fashion frames. The detailing on this Coach frame is spec-tacular. We’re loving the gold and tortoise combo, but it’s the silver floral work that truly deserves your attention. (And will likely garner the attention of others.) These babies are made for out of office days.
UPGRADE ON A CLASSIC
Ray-Ban has dominated the sunny shades category for years now. It’s likely you have a pair of Aviators somewhere in a top drawer. But have you checked out their optical line? Classic good looks... that’s what these gold Aviators are.
PINK IS FOREVER
If pink is your favorite color, this pair of blush eyeglasses from Michael Kors can be your new go-to. Pink isn’t going anywhere-- nor should it. And with these frames, all trends will be crystal clear.
TORTOISE IS YOUR PURPOSE
With a gold tone logo at temples, this classic pair of Tory Burch tortoise eyeglasses will forever be in style. And you’ll be able to see your emails! That’s what we call a win-win.
*Shop similar styles on LensCrafters.com
But it’s not just about fashion. It’s also about eye health. The bonus happens to be: Eyewear is one of the most flattering and fashionable accessories you can own. A great frame can complete your entire outfit and they are super fun to shop for. But don’t forget to get your eyes checked. You can’t get a cute pair of glasses without first getting an eye exam. It’s not only crucial to maintaining vision heath, but your overall wellbeing. LensCrafters latest eye exam Clarifye, digitally scans your entire eye to pinpoint your prescription and give your doctor a new level of precise detail. In just 60 seconds, your eye doctor will know more about your eyes than a traditional eye exam ever could.
And with Clarifye it’s easier and faster to spot the warning signs for common health risks like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and allergies. Find a LensCrafters near you to book an exam: https://www.lenscrafters.com/lc-us/findclarifye
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Meghan Markle Is Already Using Her New Platform to Talk About This
God save the Duchess.
Yes. Meghan and Harry are married. We've seen the pics. Scoured the hashtag. And gleaned everything we could from Serena Williams' Instagram story. And, as it's been discussed, the ceremony on Saturday was a break from tradition symbolizing a kind of togetherness we've been wanting and waiting for.
But before she was Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was proud feminist, defender of equal rights. Even as a wee 11-year-old Markle. And the royal fam isn't shying away from these details.
In the newly added "About the Duchess of Sussex" section on the official royal website, Meghan's official "About" explains how she protested a sexist Procter & Gamble ad for dish soap.
“From a young age, The Duchess had a keen awareness of social issues and actively participated in charitable work,” the page states. “Aged 11 she successfully campaigned for a company to alter their television advert that had used sexist language to sell washing-up liquid.”
The page also talks about her charity work and her role as the UN Women's Advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership. "In this role," the page states, "she gave a speech on the importance of gender equality on International Women’s Day for UN Women in New York City."
And then, pulled and bolded for the world to read is a quote from Meghan's speech that day: "I am proud to be a woman and a feminist."
Sure, royals aren't "allowed" to have political opinions*, in public, but in making that statement Meghan's pull quote on the very visible and very official royal website is, in-and-of itself a bold statement.
The "About" section goes on to say "In 2017, Her Royal Highness undertook a second learning mission with the organisation when she visited India with World Vision to bring a greater awareness to girls' lack of access to education. In the slum communities of Mumbai, The Duchess witnessed the work of the Myna Mahila Foundation who empower women through access to menstrual hygiene products and employment opportunities. Struck by her experience, she wrote an op-ed for Time Magazine about the stigmatization of menstrual health management and its long term hindrance to girls’ education."
If there was ever a question about the role Meghan would play in the family, consider this a step in a very positive, very feminist direction. The Royals, and their PR peeps, know people are reading and watching. And it appears as if someone is keen on making her voice heard. (As if there was any doubt from our end.)
*Feminism isn't really a political statement.
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Poppin' By: Meet Paloma Jonas, Lingerie Designer Who Believes in the Power of Good Undies
Cute knickers. Good mood.
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!
Paloma Jonas co-creator and designer of Valentine NYC lives in Los Angeles with her hubby, Jason, and two babies, Bowie and Rome. It's a full household with two under two. But the challenges, and joys, of motherhood have not stopped her from pursuing the company she and fellow former model Whitney Brown started in 2012.
It didn't start with lacey underthings. Rather, it was an online photography and interview editorial the duo dubbed "Valentine."
According the the co-founder, "It seemed people were in need of more intimacy, romance and human connection. Valentine was giving them just that. Inspired by this need for affection." As such, Whitney and Paloma decided to create their version of the best intimacy instigator, lingerie.
Before she turned her design sights on your top drawer, Paloma worked as a model where she, "learned a lot about the fashion industry through watching people who were working in it. I worked with big companies for a while and learned about how the fashion industries worked through these big companies."
More so the creative has, "always been interested in design-- that’s what I went to school for." Though she admits, lingerie wasn't the direction she initially intended. "I thought I was going to do shoe design when I was studying," Paloma says. Until she noticed, "a need for lingerie in my life that I could not find. Something that wasn’t too cheap or expensive and fit me well. I couldn’t find it, so it’s something we set out to do ourselves."
Born from the desire to reinvent romance, the Valentine aesthetic is simple, sexy shapes in a range of four sizes. It's dyed in classic colors that compliment a variety of skin tones and its stretchy enough to fit a variety of body types. By combining premium lace with fabrics like spandex and cotton their lingerie is comfortable enough to wear everyday.
Even for busy mums, like Paloma.
Though the Aussie-born Paloma admittedly lacks personal time she is learning to love every moment, which, between running a company and raising two cuties can be quite a challenge. One she's certainly proving up for. "It’s extremely difficult to be running a business as a mother of two. I’m still trying to figure it out to be honest. What helps me is having allocated business hours and being very present with my kids at home. I try to not bring my work home unless the kids are in bed and I can sneak out my laptop."
At the moment, Valentine focuses mainly on e-comm, but the co-founders know that a brick-and-mortar presence is important when selling something that fits so closely to the skin. A couple times a year they host a pop up shop selling their latest collection along with items from other aligning brands. Select pieces are sold in key retailers as well, but the plan is to keep that portion of the business to a minimum.
The women use three main goals to guide their brand. It all starts with the product. "We try to create premium product at an affordable price and that product is sexy everyday lingerie," shares Paloma. Second, they employ women, "in every aspect of our business," she explains. "From female photographers to our accountants, we’re always trying to support." And, "Lastly, reinventing romance is really what guides us. Love and intimacy have just seemed to disappear and we always try to bring it back. We do a lot of events where we do speed dating and we include romantic love notes in our orders. We really want people to feel beautiful in lingerie. We don’t want women to feel like sex objects but to feel really good about themselves and to feel understood."
As is such with a great hair day, Paloma knows, "There’s nothing like a good pair of underwear. A good pair of underwear can entirely lift your mood. If you’re wearing a good pair of underwear and bra you feel good about yourself-- and it’s not about other people seeing it, it just gives you a little bit of bounce in your step."
Be sure to check back next month for the next installment of Poppin' By.
Photo credit: Anna Maria Lopez
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Finding Purpose With Working Wonder: Jamie Taylor
Own the wonder with Jamie Taylor.
Known for her positive outlook and entrepreneurial spirit, Mary Kay Independent Elite Executive Sales Director Jamie Taylor knows how to hustle! After starting her Mary Kay business as a 20-year-old college student during summer break, Jamie quickly devoted herself to her Mary Kay business.
She knew that it was up her to make her business successful, and Jamie certainly enjoys the commissions and profits she earns in her Mary Kay business as well as the flexibility it provides and recognition she receives for achieving various milestones in her business. Jamie has also earned the use of two Mary Kay Career Cars, referenced Pink Caddy! She has turned a love and passion for beauty into operating her Mary Kay business full-time with great results. She is a proven “working wonder!”
Find out more about Jamie’s work ethic, her commitment to her business, and why she’s a Working Wonder below.
Let's start with the basics. What does the idea of Working Wonder mean to you?
To me, working wonder means a woman who works at her full capacity when it comes to passion and love for what she does. She thoroughly enjoys what she does and works with vigor and a zest for life and her work. She finds purpose in what she does, and she walks forward in that unapologetically.
How has your Mary Kay business helped you feel wonderful?
My work as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant helps me to feel wonderful in so many ways. The way I feel when I work is directly correlated to the impact I’m making in other women’s lives. I love my business because I feel that my number one job description is to help other women feel beautiful, powerful and capable. In turn, it makes me feel those things as well.
You've said that you're known for your upbeat attitude about entrepreneurship. Can you tell us more what that's about? We want some of that!
I have an upbeat attitude towards most things as I’m naturally gifted with a positive outlook. However, I do feel a strong love for entrepreneurship. I believe in it so much! I grew up in an entrepreneur’s home and I got to be a direct beneficiary of someone who worked hard for what they wanted and made their dreams a reality. Today, being an entrepreneur myself is one of the best parts of my life because it allows me to design a life I love on my own terms. I have found that some people are uncomfortable “being their own boss” and all the ups and downs that usually ensue. But I believe it works for me so well, even when I fail, because I believe in the process and how it is molding me as a person.
What is your advice for younger female entrepreneurs struggling to feel their own sense of wonder? Or, those wondering if they're on the right track?
Being young and ambitious can be an unsure journey and one of the biggest things that many young women struggle with is the fear of what others may think or the fear of rejection. I still struggle with this on a regular basis! As a young entrepreneur, you may feel intimidated, criticized, or simply not taken seriously. My advice is to keep working on what you feel you have been called to do while also finding someone who believes in you and helps you to shine. I’m learning that time REALLY does fly, and we do really grow up. The older I get, I find my struggles feel different than they did when I was 20. I’m glad I embraced the refining process that made me who I am today. I’m so thankful for the older women who breathed belief into me so that I didn’t quit. So - keep going, hitch yourself on to someone who is where you want to be, find a great mentor who believes in you, only listen to those who “get it”, and actively study what makes YOU great! The more comfortable you are with your own gifts, the more you can use them!
How do you aim to empower other women through your work?
My line of work is all about empowering other women. Sometimes it comes in the form of helping a woman feel beautiful in her own skin by sharing Mary Kay® products with her and teaching her tried-and-true beauty tips. I love seeing a woman feel confident in how she looks on the outside because it often can transform them to be confident on the inside as well. Sometimes empowering women looks like coming alongside them and teaching them how to build a business like someone did for me. It’s so cool to see someone make a difference in their income, skillset, network, and goals. I love being a part of seeing women change their lives in the areas they want to see changes in the most!
On your blog you've talked about what happens when you try your best, but, alas !! you don't succeed. Who do you lean on during those moments?
I’ve tried and failed many times in my five years of building my business and I’m sure I still have a few missed goals ahead of me. Feeling like you didn’t succeed, or you missed the mark, is difficult and emotional no matter how much you tell yourself that it happens to everyone. There are a few things that help me pick myself back up when I’m down. The first is the assurance that I’m not quitting. I wholeheartedly believe that the best is yet to come. With each failure I ask myself “is THIS going to be the thing that STOPS me?” and the answer is always, “heck no! I’ve come this far!” Another thing that I lean on is the truth that everyone really does go through this. Sometimes we compare our “behind the scenes” to someone else’s “highlight reel” and it can make us feel very alone when we’ve failed. One of my efforts in life and work is to be transparent on social media with my ups and my downs! This helps us to all feel more connected and it encourages those who look up to me. A community is one of the best ways to hang in there when you aren’t feeling so hot!
With each failure I ask myself “is THIS going to be the thing that STOPS me?” and the answer is always, “heck no!"
Do you think there is a difference between 'beauty' and feeling 'beautiful?'
Sure! I think that ‘beauty’ is something that we can find anywhere and in anything or anyone. Beauty transcends outer appearances and can be found right in the middle of pain and hardship. Feeling beautiful is a way we carry ourselves. Again, it doesn’t have to always be about the outer appearance. We can feel beautiful when we are kind, doing what we love, and being who we were made to be.
What do you hope other women feel about themselves and the concept of "beauty?"
Of course, I hope that everyone woman is deeply aware of her unique beauty, both inside and out! This is a huge struggle as a woman of any age. We tend to be so incredibly hard on ourselves. I think that when you see something beautiful in another woman, it’s important to speak up and tell her. The more we magnify another woman’s beauty, the closer she can become to seeing it herself and the closer we can get to seeing it in ourselves.
So, speaking of beauty... we all have our own tips and tricks. We recently found out that only 20% of visible skin aging comes from the natural aging process. Mary Kay®'s TimeWise Miracle Set 3D™ helps protect your skin against the rest – what else do you incorporate into your beauty and wellness routine to combat the environmental and lifestyle stressors that contribute to premature skin aging?
Skincare is everything! I am totally in love with the new TimeWise Miracle Set 3D™! Every morning when I put on the day cream that is supplemented with a wonderful, non-greasy broad-spectrum SPF, I feel proud of myself for protecting my skin. I know I’m doing myself a huge favor. I also find that a healthy amount of sleep, water, and a clean diet make a huge difference in how my skin looks!
When do you feel the most wonderful?
I feel my most wonderful when I’m walking in my purpose. I can get so sidetracked by comparison, stress from wanting to perform at a high level, or every day stressors. However, when I’m truly spending time helping other women build a life they love, I feel alive and I can sense how much my life’s work matters.
Who is a woman you would consider a Working Wonder - someone you want to give a shout out to?
My best friend Jordan is truly a “working wonder” to me. I am always blown away by her consistency and strong work ethic. She works passionately without apology and she is a woman of her word. When I am around her, I am inspired to also be MY personal best every day. She is her best in the big ways and the small ways and she has gone on to build a beautiful, thriving business and a full life. She empowers me to do the same!
We'll be featuring wonderful women paving the way in their careers as part of our new Working Wonders series with Mary Kay. Check back for more inspiration and wonderful words of wisdom.
How to Make Sunday Your #SlayDay
We came to slay, boss.
The 40-hour workweek is the new part time (we're crying too, however efficiently). Which means working on a Sunday? That's what we're doing right now.
But how can you focus your energy to make Sunday your #slayday instead of that #lazyday?
Here are three ways to set fire to the first day of the week.
HANDLE ALL BILL BIZ
As much as we know it pains you, all bills and adult life things you should handle on Sunday. Why? 1. How does it feel to have waited till the last minute to figure out what you owe Uncle Sam? Probably worse than watching those hard earn dollars head off to those monsters (joking) at the IRS. 2. The small tasks we allow to take up space in our head make the free time we have way less enjoyable. And it's SO IMPORTANT TO ENJOY STUFF. If you're at a boozy Sunday brunch worried about that health insurance bill you didn't pay, or the car payment that's a few days late, it's affecting your good time. When something affect your good time, it affects your mood and your productivity.
WRITE YOUR GOALS FOR THE WEEK
If you want to be #goals, you better damn well set some. The great thing about writing a weekly goal list, is that it's ever-changing. If this week your goals are to: read 50 pages a night, do squats every day, and not use Postmates once--NOT ONCE-- (ahem, welcome to my goals), you have a much better chance at accomplishing them. Next week you can set new goals. Guess what? Checking these small, achievable, though hardly arbitrary goals off your list, imbues you with a sense of accomplishment and confidence needed to tackle larger tasks.
"If you want to be #goals, you better damn well set some."
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SPEND TWO HOURS ON YOUR SIDE HUSTLE
Remember that book about giving a mouse a cookie? Sure you do. Well, our careers are kind of like that. We all have our "cookie" job, the one that sustains us, but we also all need a little milk to go with it. The issue most of us have is where to find the time to get that milk. Easy: on Sunday. If you spend just two hours on a Sunday (which, face it, you easily spend combing Instagram) working on your side hustle, imagine what you can accomplish within the year. The truth is, the hustle does sleep, but it works smarter than you're working right now. Your side hustle does have to be your FT passion-- but you do have to commit time to it, instead of sitting around during the week WISHING you had more time.
"The truth is, the hustle does sleep, but it works smarter than you're working right now."
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5 Ways to Pitch Your Boss to Pay for C&C Chicago
We're here to help. So write this down.
Newsflash: tickets for Chicago are going fast. And if you've been adding to cart, walking away, coming back, and obsessively wondering how do I make this work?
We have some tips on how to pitch your boss to foot the bill. It's more than a conference, and your attendance is a win for her, just as much as it is a win for your Instagram feed. This is a smart move, and we are here to tell you how to sell your boss on it.
Some companies have established budgets for job-specific and career advancement training. Some don't. Either way, here are our 5 top reasons to get your capital B Boss to send you to the Windy City.
RELATIONSHIPS THAT COUNT
The connections and relationships you have access to at C&C are unparalleled. Where else can you interact with #squadgoals and #bossgoals on such an intimate level? Sure, it's easy to ignore an email. A follow-up email. Even a voicemail. But if you take advantage of the golden opportunities in Chicago it could open a myriad of doors-- not only for you but for your company as well.
Not to mention, the mentor sessions are heralded by our attendees as some of the useful stepping stones they've ever had.
GETTING A FOOT IN THE DOOR EARLY
Big relationships and partnerships matter, but so does having your finger on the pulse. This is something that Create & Cultivate and our team members excel at. Sure, our past keynotes like Issa Rae, Gloria Steinem, Kim Kardashian, Catt Sadler, Jennifer Hu Brooklyn Decker, Jessica Alba, Rachel Zoe, and Chelsea Handler have seen huge success, but there are smaller, lesser known (though on the path to blowing up) women who your boss might not be aware of… yet.
The conference is your foot in the door, to introduce you to a wide array of valuable partnerships. Round up a list of all potential female entrepreneurs changing the game and brands that will be onsite, research their stats and why you think it would be good to get on their radar now and sell your boss. Check out the conference line up now to get started on your research.
DIGITAL EDUCATION BOOTCAMP
At Create & Cultivate NYC we had an Instagram panel, where the women of IG broke down some truths. Influencers who spoke on panel (some with over a million+ followers) were in the audience taking notes. (We recapped it for you here.)
Sure there is fun to be had-- goodie bags and a power cocktail hour, but C&C gets down to brass tacks. The panel discussions, from putting brand before business to why content will always be Queen, gives attendees direct takeaways. You're learning from the best in the biz, like Chriselle Lim, Emma Chapman from A Color Story, Patrice Yursik from Afrobella.com, and CEOs who are sharing how they built their businesses. They're there to pass on how they did it, while also encouraging you to forge ahead.
IMPORTANCE OF GETTING OFFSITE
The work environment has changed, and working from a mobile office is one tenant of the new working world. However, beyond working on-the-go it's important to get out of the office and put your skills to good use. As they say, if you don't use it, you lose it. If you spent most of 2018 behind a computer or in an office, explain the benefits of hands-on experience. Whether you want to use C&C to work on interpersonal skills-- like sticking out a hand and introducing yourself to a stranger-- or as the first place to make your mark in the business world, there is nothing like practical application.
"To make your mark in the business world there is nothing like practical application."
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CONFIDENCE BOOSTING
In the same way that a wellness retreat works to revitalize your body, a conference like Create & Cultivate works to boost your brain power, which in turn gives you a confidence jolt like no other. When you leave Chicago you'll feel energized and ready to dive back into your job with more fervor than ever. Which isn't to say you don't give it your all now, but there is something about the energy generated at C&C that gives attendees the focus and confidence to really assess and hone their strengths.
BONUS: TELL YOUR BOSS YOU'LL BRING HER HOME YOUR VIP SWAG BAG...
And remember when you're presenting this to your boss, it's crucial to nail down specifics that are relevant to your job. Find the speaker, panelist, or mentor that is most beneficial to you, your current position, and your company as a whole. Elaborate on how building a relationship with this person will be of merit to all three. Give your boss deliverables. If you tell her you're going to have a conversation with Jennifer Hudson, make sure you're breaking down why this is relevant. Bosses are interested in ROI.
So get to pitching and follow these words to tickets here.
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The 6 Key Pieces of Advice from Meghan Markle's Create & Cultivate Keynote
Treat yourself like you treat your BFF. And more gems.
It's been said that a woman who knows exactly what she wants is one of the most powerful creatures in the world. When Suits actress and The Tig founder Meghan Markle took to the Create & Cultivate stage on at our #createcultivateATL conference she gave attendees a glimpse at what that looks like.
Charming, intelligent, and unafraid to let her guard down, Meghan is the definition of the modern woman. In celebration of her big day, we're reliving our favorite moments and best pieces of advice the actress, editor, and activist shared with #CreateCultivateATL attendees.
1. "DON'T GIVE IT FIVE MINUTES IF YOU'RE NOT GONNA GIVE IT FIVE YEARS."
Passion was a hot topic at the conference all day. Meghan echoed this sentiment by telling the crowd that if they couldn't see themselves dedicating five years of their life to their endeavors, what was the point in even giving it five minutes?
"Five years sounds like a long time," she said, "but it's really not."
Time is precious. Focus your efforts on your passions and success is sure to come. "That's when you see your long-term goals payoff," she added.
photo credit: David Rosario.
2. "BLIND OUTREACH IS JUST LIKE AUDITIONING, IT'S A NUMBERS GAME."
Meghan started developing The Tig after receiving advice from The Coveteur co-founder Jake Rosenberg, to do a site herself. A company had approached her to essentially create MeganMarkle.com, but after giving herself a gut check she knew it didn't feel right. She wanted her site to be less about fashion and include more "think pieces and op-eds about empowerment."
But just because she's on a show, the actress said she still had to blind email people. "No one knew what The Tig was at the beginning," she said, "but I kept putting out outreach. At the time some people loved Suits and some people hadn't a clue what it was. It seems like I had more of an in, but it wasn't the case."
She told the audience about cold emailing Heidi Klum's assistant for an interview request. "I don't know Heidi Klum," Megan said, "but she said yes."
"We all do cold outreach."
photo credit: David Rosario
3. "STOCK EMAILS WITH TYPOS? FORGET IT."
Meghan is all about a personal touch, explaining that she still sends out handwritten thank you notes. "I can't tell you how few of them I get," she said, "but one hundred percent of the time, I end up remembering that person."
And even though she acknowledges typos happen, she says it's vital to make sure you're proofreading. It shows the recipient that you're paying attention and that you value their time.
4. "YOU DON'T HAVE TO PLAY DRESS UP TO BE A FEMINIST. YOU ARE A FEMINIST EXACTLY THE WAY YOU ARE."
After an audience member asked Meghan how she balances being a feminist with being feminine, Meghan answered that there is no difference. "They are not mutually exclusive," she shared. "You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women."
"You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women."
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You're allowed to be a feminist in whatever way that looks like to you.
5. "DON'T TRY TO WIN THE PART, JUST WIN THE ROOM."
Meghan shared that as a biracial actress she has heard 'no,' an endless number of times. "Because," she said, "I was going in for the ambiguous girl, the black girl, the white girl, even the sassy Latina girl-- even though I'm not Latina and I'm not even that sassy."
"It's very hard to not question something about yourself in those moments," she said of the endless parade of nos. "But at the end of the day it does not matter if you get that part or you get that dream job. It may see like it at the time, but if you make fans of the people who saw you in that room, that carries on so much longer than what that job might have become."
6. "IT'S ALL STILL EXCITING. BE GRATEFUL FOR THE LITTLE THINGS. THAT'S HOW YOU ENJOY IT."
Meghan told the audience that for five months she climbed into the back of her trunk after auditions because she couldn't afford to get the broken locks on her car fixed. "This epic day happened where the locks stopped opening with the key," she shared. "And the clicker wouldn't open the front doors. I couldn't afford to fix the doors and this was my girl, this is how I got from one audition to the other." So she would drive to auditions, park in the back of the lot, and once they were over, she'd wait until no one was paying attention and climb back into her car through the trunk.
Never in her dreams did Meghan think she'd be on a show that has run for six seasons, but in sharing real and humbling moments she's able to enjoy and stay grateful for the journey.
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3 Beauty Miracles Busy Women Swear By
Sometimes, beauty sleep just doesn’t cut it.
Let's get real, sometimes we wish we had a fairy godmother who can work miracles when we need to keep focused on the business tasks at hand.
Long hours on the clock and never-ending to-do lists can do major damage to our ideal sleep schedule and self-care routines. We're all looking for those key tips to keep us feeling confident while we focus on crushing that next work goal.
Beauty tips that work miracles were the talk of the table at our dinner with Mary Kay® in New York City. We gathered a few of our friends dominating the beauty game to celebrate the launch of Mary Kay's® TimeWise® Miracle Set 3DTM.
We're sharing some of our favorite timeless beauty tips from the evening below.
Samantha Black shared that no matter how she's feeling, "A pop of color is my beauty miracle. Wether you have on no makeup or very light makeup, a pop of color on your lip always makes your look complete."
Melissa Alatorre came through with the timeless reminder that, "Drinking a lot of water and eating healthy really translates to your skin. Those are my beauty miracles."
Sasha Colina left us in awe with her beauty miracle and we can't wait to try it out!
"If you're putting on mascara and it accidentally gets on your eye lid, wait until it's completely dry and then use a clean mascara brush and it will flake right off."
With The Musket Room's stunning ambiance, flawless table settings and beautiful guests the night was definitely one to remember. Check out more photos from the evening below.
Have any beauty miracles of your own? Share them with us in the comments!
Browse the complete Mary Kay's® TimeWise® Miracle Set 3DTM collection today.
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Why There’s No Expiration Date on Success
Jaclyn Johnson for SK-II
You don’t have to be an overnight success to be successful. It’s a mantra I repeat to myself often. It’s likely one you’ve heard before too. (The good ones tend to stick around.) And yet, we all feel the churn and burn, the need to sprint toward success to meet society’s artificial deadlines, and the constant need to outdo ourselves.
It’s something the women in the SK-II film, The Expiry Date understand. From birth, they feel the pressure to achieve certain things by a certain age. Degrees. Prizes. Marriage. Children. Promotions. That constant struggle for women to “have it all” on society’s timeline.
SK-II launched #INeverExpire, a global campaign that continues to raise awareness of the age-related pressures women face every day. The campaign encourages women to define their own destinies through challenging societal norms.
As the founder and CEO of Create & Cultivate, I’ve felt these pressures so many times. Become a badass boss lady with a meaningful company, meet someone, get married, buy a home with a white picket fence, have 2.5 kids plus a puppy...and all by the age of 30. Not only does that timeline put an insane amount of pressure on you, it’s also completely unrealistic! Needless to say, that was not the timeline for me. I love creating experiences that are unique and thoughtful, brainstorming purposeful content, and bringing together creative, entrepreneurial women for real conversations, so creating a company that would enable me to do just that was my focus in my twenties.
Saying “yes” to my career often meant saying “no” to my personal life – or at least meeting those marriage, children, home, pet, insert whatever-pressure-you’re-feeling-here milestones before turning an arbitrary age. Instead, I got married when it came around naturally and felt right to me, and if my husband and I expand our family, that will come when it feels right for us, too – not because it’s what we’re “supposed” to do at this age. And I’m nowhere near done with Create & Cultivate – this is just the beginning for us.
"You should never let others put an expiration date on you. #INeverExpire"
I’m creating my own timeline that allows me to have the life I dream of, for myself and on my own terms. But that’s what the idea of #INeverExpire is all about. You should never let others put an expiration date on you. More importantly, I would add, you should never put an expiration date on yourself.
When you look around it’s easy to play the compare and despair game – especially on social. But you’re more than the lists you’ve landed – or not landed – on, and you’re more than the house you have – or don’t have. The list goes on and on. You can have success at any age, and what success means to everyone is different. You alone are able to define your own timeline.
So tell me, what pressures have you felt to subscribe to society’s predetermined timelines and how do you rise above?
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C&C Classifieds: The Wright Consulting Co, BrandLinkDC & More!
Get your job hunt on.
We're breaking free! From our unsatisfying job that is. Looking for a fresh start, a clean slate or a bit bigger paycheck? Look no more girl. We've got a new batch of classifieds hot and ready for you down below. Dive into to these listings from across the country and get ready for your new gig.
P.S. We're hiring!
Check it out and see if you're ready to join the C&C fam!
Create + Cultivate - LA, CA
The Wright Consulting Co - Multi-City
Shake Shack- Multi-City
The Real Coconut - Santa Monica, CA
RE/DONE - LA, CA
WANT MORE? SEE OUR FULL LIST OF CLASSIFIEDS HERE!
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Working Wonder: Christina Topacio
Maintain the wonder with Christina Topacio.
Ever wonder what it’s like to take your blog and turn it into a business? Wonder no more. That’s exactly what Christina Topacio has done. The Working Wonder has been on a mission to create stories with purpose. “My mission,” she says, “is simple; connect communities and their stories to foundations that amplify them.”
Having been in the storytelling business for over ten years, she helps brands like Nike and Mattel with branding, customer acquisition, and strategy. She’s also the founder of Jig + Saw, which spent two years connecting thousands of women. What can we say? Christina is a bridge. A wonderful working bridge.
Read on to learn more about Christina, her biz, outlook on life, and why she says you need to “maintain the wonder.”
Let's start with the basics. What does the idea of Working Wonder mean to you?
Working wonder feels so grand, feels so other than. But, I’m going to own this moment and say Working Wonder means stepping into my power, she/they are stepping into their power to create action with impact within themselves, their communities, their lives. Not by some magic or spot of luck but rather through the work, the drive.
How has the work you do with businesses and business owners connecting them with their purpose made you feel wonderful?
It creates this really vulnerable experience between the idea and its creator. You become witness to them learning about trust in themselves, understanding their desires to build something of their own. I simply feel honored they allow me into that space, to support and encourage the exploration.
You’ve said that stories are meant to invite, encourage and hit home. How do you go about crafting that perfect story for each brand you work with?
Each brand has a connection point to a particular kind of human. My goal is to find him/her, identify with that person and craft a story that will hit home for them. Like most modern marketers, I focus on a niche rather than targeting the world. You find that there is more of a unison head nod when she/he can relate. I encourage all brands to do some digging, create a story about him/her, give them a name, tell their story, provide their journey. You’ll have an easier time marketing when, for us, Simone (she’s JIG+SAW’s previous marketed human) was in our minds for all our collateral and content.
What is your advice for younger female entrepreneurs struggling to feel their own sense of wonder? Or, those wondering if they're on the right track?
Maintain the wonder. Allow yourself to be on a journey. Try as many things to spark that kind of awe that wonder creates. For me, it came down to people. I needed to be IRL, see their faces, interact, to understand whether or not I was on the right track. DIG IN WOMAN!
"Allow yourself to be on a journey."
How do you aim to empower other women through JIG+SAW?
Women are already in power. We just give you the tools + resources to support that power, help you see it through.
Do you think there is a difference between 'beauty' and feeling 'beautiful?'
There is absolutely a difference and its simply stated in feeling. Beauty is beyond a feeling, it’s a state of mind. It’s this idea that your beauty is exuded through other vessels, not just the physical feeling of beautiful.
What do you hope other women feel about themselves and the concept of "beauty?"
To trust its the truth. If you remove all the influence and say, do what I did and shut down all influences in my internet life to just see myself, you start to see that the beauty reflected is the truth. It’s powerful, it’s hungry, it’s loving and compassionate. I hope women see there’s more to beauty than what you’re looking at. See how beauty shows up in how you love someone, how you care for your pets, how you speak leadership into your jobs, your companies. Find beauty in those moments.
So, speaking of beauty... we all have our own tips and tricks. We recently found out that only 20% of visible skin aging comes from the natural aging process. Mary Kay® TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D™ helps protect your skin against the rest – what else do you incorporate into your beauty and wellness routine to combat the environmental and lifestyle stressors that contribute to premature skin aging?
Getting as much sleep as I can has been a goal since my breakup. I really kind of lost it all and everything fell off. But now, incorporating more care into my daily routine like sleep, like brain dumping, like meditating, I believe all affect premature aging. I’m also a very religious skincare “routinist”. I LOVE my self-care practice of putting on and taking off everything body + face related.
When do you feel the most wonderful?
When I’m loving someone. When I look around and see being loved back. When I’m able to see my purpose showing up. It’s a really great feeling.
Who is a woman you would consider a Working Wonder. Someone you want to give a shoutout to?
So many…
Jess Puccinelli
Kanya Iwana
Chelsea Leifken
Candice Brathwaite
Roshanda Cummings
Elena Hansen
Chrystina Woody Train
Gabriele Almon
Krystal Elaine Scott
Puno Puno
We'll be featuring wonderful women paving the way in their careers as part of our new Working Wonders series with Mary Kay. Check back for more inspiration and wonderful words of wisdom.
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Major Small Business Keys From the Top CEOs
Small business is no small work.
Small business doesn’t mean small work.
In fact, owning a small business is a large responsibility. It requires BIG hours. From building a solid team to optimizing a digital audience, there’s so much that must be done to keep your doors open. So, for small business week, we popped up in Brooklyn to celebrate with DELL and local business owners. Our CEO, Jaclyn Johnson joined some amazing founders and CEOs to get their take on launching a small business and best practices for building a team.
One major takeaway? Tech is key. “There’s no way around it,” explained Johnson. “You need tech that works for you-- not against you. When you’re a small business owner, every single moment counts. Having tools, like those offered by DELL, that provide manageability and reliability is key. Let’s be real, you can’t do business if your computer won’t stop crashing.”
So we crashed the convos. Where small business owners broke down some of their best tips, tricks, and takeaways from the best in small biz.
Name: Rachel Tipograph
Title: Founder and CEO MikMak.
On operating profitably
“I think that innovation often comes from moments of struggle. When you strip yourself of every possible resource, that’s when you’re actually the most creative. If you think about today, it’s actually the cheapest day to get a business off the ground. My example is if you want to launch a skincare brand right now, this is the easiest way you could do it right now. Go onto Alibaba, buy some face wipes, make yourself a logo in your apartment in Williamsburg, print your logos, put them on your Alibaba packages, set up a Shopify and buy yourself some Facebook ads. You’re now the founder of a skincare brand. Everything that I just said, maybe all in it’s upwards of a thousand dollars total plus your time. There’s no excuse today to say that you need a lot of money to get your business off the ground.”
On knowing when to pivot
“I think the press has turn the word pivot into a bad word. Pivot was the best decision I made for my business. Pivot means, that initial idea you had for your business is actually not what’s going to get you to the win. So, now you take all the data points and move them towards the idea that is going to get you towards that win. For example, when I launched MikMak in 2015 we were an IOS app and I operated a store with comedians releasing mini-infomercials. A year into that business model I realized, this made no sense. The only way I could become profit was if I had the scale of eBay. There was no way I could gain the scale of eBay. It wasn’t an option for me. But I had so many paying customers and I was working with the biggest brands in the world. They wanted to license my software. I went on an R&D quest and identified the pain points that were holding people back from starting this business model. Once I did that, I knew what type of software I had to build. I spent the next 9 months building software. I restructured our business model and relaunched the company as an enterprise software platform and the company took off. That’s called a pivot. It was the best business decision I ever made because now the company is in a phenomenal place. If I had felt so strongly about my original business idea, Mikmak would probably not be in the place that it's in today.”
Name: Nina Faulhaber
Title: Co-founder of ADAY
Building a mission-driven brand in the digital age
“Our mission kind of developed a lot later after we actually started the business. It’s important to remember that businesses can evolve and change. We’ve changed so much since we started. We originally launched the business to solve a personal problem and then over time since we’ve launched people continued coming to us saying thank you for solving their problems. So doing that and changing the perception of clothing has really become our mission. The exciting thing for any entrepreneur is knowing that we’re creating something for the future.”
Name: Marie Forleo
Title: Founder of Marie Forleo TV and B-School
The #1 mistake small business owners make
Mistake 1: Building your business on rented land (social!)
“So when I was first starting my business social didn’t exist. I was mainly focused on email. I hear many business owners who completely forget about email and focus only on social. That’s a huge mistake. If you look at the stats that’s not a smart thing to do. Campaign Montier did some research and if you look at the stats for every $1 invested in email there’s a potential to make $45. There are more stats that show that email has a potential to generate 120% ROI over social, direct mail and Google paid ads. It’s a huge platform to pay attention to.”
Name: Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton
Title: Founder & CEO of Chillhouse
Building a one of a kind brand in a crowded marketplace
“I was so involved in building the brand, it’s mostly me creating it. Inspiration starts with a Pinterest board for me. As soon as I have an idea that’s the first place I go. I started building out my dream space through Pinterest with these different mood boards and then worked with a designer to bring it to life. The branding process was really fun. It was a real hands-on experience and my favorite part of the process.”
On content creation and media publishing
“We’re all publishers, even on our personal platforms unless you’re private. Content creation is a very crowded space and it’s really hard to get eyeballs on a website for content. So, if you’re not doing it right, don’t do it. For us, we wouldn’t have launched an editorial site if weren’t thinking of launching an online shop. Creating content for the products that we’ll be selling is our strategy.”
In addition to these powerhouse Small Biz tips, Dell had Small Biz Tech Advisors on hand to advise entrepreneurs about their company’s tech needs. These sessions are also available for free to any small business through Dell’s tech advisor program. You can find out more or get your own tech advisor at www.dell.com/smallbusinesspartner.
Do you own a small business and have any tips to share? Let us know in the comments!
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How to Launch a Really Successful Business with Your Mom
And still love her.
The dorm furnishings world is a $6 billion + dollar a year industry. Which sounds like there wouldn't be a lot of white space for a new competitor. But leave it to an incoming college freshman to find the missing part.
In 2009, when Amanda Zuckerman went shopping with her mom, Karen Zuckerman, to find items for her first dorm room, the soon-to-be college freshman grew increasingly frustrated. "We were going to all these big retailers but we couldn't find the required twin extra long bedding that also came in styles or good quality and fabrics," the entrepreneur explains. Amanda says nothing felt representative of her personality, nor did she want a "bed-in-a-bag solution that didn't allow for any creative expression."
That was the lightbulb moment. If Amanda wanted this, so did hundreds of thousands of other incoming freshman and dorm dwellers. The mother-daughter pair started slow and small in 2010 with a Wordpress blog designed to talk about college life and decor. And then, Amanda says something really set in the second half of her freshman year. "I said, 'let's do it,' and we started with a simple site and small collection that really fit our mission to give the college student the product and content they needed to design a space they would love to live in." She had the test market at her fingertips. So the duo tested their product, bootstrapped their biz, and were able to scale. It didn't hurt that Karen was President and Chief Creative Officer of HZDG, a creative agency, and had clocked plenty of time launching brands for her clients.
In 2012 they went full-teen-steam ahead, launching Dormify, a website offering style-minded college students a better and more stylish way to decorate their first abode.
Five years later the company has disrupted that 6 billion dollar biz. They've also expanded offerings with an apartment line, APT by Dormify, launched when Amanda was moving into her second apartment in New York. As a brand it makes total sense: she's grown up with the company and the company is growing up with her.
Read more to find out about the beginning years, scaling a business successfully, and what it's really like to work with your mom.
How long from the time you had the initial conversation did you decide, 'Let's really do this?'
Amanda: It was 2009 and we were standing in big box store and we said to ourselves, "We can’t believe this doesn’t exist already. We need to create our own line.'" I put together a look I really loved a lot of my friends in my dorm were asking me for help and they couldn’t believe how we transformed it. So we knew we could do this in an affordable and feasible way for other students like me. When we started we actually wanted to get a proof of concept first. So we started a Wordpress blog to get people starting to talk about dorm decor in college life-- this was pre-Instagram and Pinterest and blogging was very new at this point. And in 2010, the second half of my freshmen year something really set and I said let’s do it. We had a simple site and small collection, both which really fit our mission to give the college student the product and content they needed to design a space they would love to live in. From there, we gradually started adding more and more categories and growing it. We did a lot of testing over the course of two seasons to see what worked and didn’t before we were able to scale. So it was kind of a slow start, but in 2012 is when we really started.
Did you have any idea about market testing or any of the business acumen you have today? Or was it all new?
A: My mom founded a creative agency 30 years ago right when I was born actually. So she has tons of experience, from launching a business of her own to to launching brands and creating new brands. That was a huge part of it. We knew that when the time came to launch our business that combined, I had an understanding of what college students and she had creative and advertising skills. That was all we needed.
Right, you were the market. So what are some lessons she taught you as a kid that made you know she would be a good business partner?
A: My entire life I've seen her drive and passion. Those values have really stuck with me since the beginning. But she’s really taught me to go for it when I have an idea. Her advice to me and to others is always to execute your ideas because a lot of people have ideas but it takes a lot of guts to go out and actually do it. So she’ll say you can’t do it alone, but build a strong and passionate team and try your hardest. And she’s definitely assured me that I will make mistakes but not to let them slow me down.
"A lot of people have ideas, but it takes guts to go out and do it."
Tweet this.
So the dorm furnishings world is a 6 billion+ industry. So when you're looking at that number but still thinking, "I can do this better," what is that thought process like? Is there doubt?
A: It’s a huge market, we definitely realized that. But the students that we reach find us and they really, really love us. So our biggest focus is getting our name out there and growing as organically as possible. And because this is a brand that started from my college dorm room and is competing with big box competitors, that doesn’t really bring up doubt-- it empowers us.
The idea was before Insta and Pinterest were huge, so at what point did you say we need to step up our social game?
A: It really started organically. We knew that getting involved with some of these early platforms was really important. And we were kind of pioneers there. We wanted to communicate with our customers the way they communicate with their friends. So we knew that traditional forms of advertising weren’t going to work for us and it was really seamless in that sense.
Your demo is online all the time. They are digital natives. Do you use user-generated content?
A: Yes, definitely. So we learned so much over the years and we really changed our strategy because of user-generated content. What resonates close with me is showing product in a real environment and showing real rooms. That's the best way we can show our product off. It also really helps drive our clients for the next year because we want to hear from our audience and what they’re looking for and what they can't find. We are always listening to them and are really upfront with them. And they love that we're really involved.
So what are inbound college freshmen asking for?
A: As a very simple example, people were asking for headboards which wasn’t something we necessarily thought of first or for a dorm room, but we added it this year and it is one of our top sellers. They really want sophisticated designs, so over the years we’ve kind of changed our design perspective in some ways to account for that. And they have shown us they really want to design the rooms themselves and they want a little bit of help. So we give inspiration and they can customize the looks based on the recommendations we provide.
And there is always a market because there are always college freshmen.
A: Right, which is a really exciting part of our business. We get to cater to a whole new audience every single year and our customer gets to grow up with us. We start with them in their freshmen dorm room and then they move into an on-campus apartment and then maybe an off-campus apartment so the size of their bed changes and they need new bedding. They know they can come to us to do so. And we also launched an apartment line called APT by Dormify so once they’ve graduated we are also there to design their space as well.
You bootstrapped the business, but at what point did you and your mom get together and decide you needed funding?
A: So my mom really was the one who handled the funding side. We quickly saw that in order to service our customer across all the categories we needed to invest more into our product development and inventory. And similarly when we started to see early traction through word of mouth and organic marketing, we really needed more people and additional funding to execute our ideas to the fullest extent. To really scale. This was in 2011, so it was pretty quick-- really right after we tested the proof of concept. We had to prove to investors that we had something going and a lot of our early investors were friends and families that had kids in college and some are actually my closest friends, so they saw first hand the need for a solution like Dormify. And they wanted to help us out and invest but, anyone who wants to do that needs to see a proof of concept.
On the company’s site, the "behind the scenes," it’s all women running the show. Was that an intentional choice?
A: It happened naturally, it really wasn’t intentional. When we were growing our team we connected with passionate individuals who experienced the same problem I did. They really wanted to get behind Dormify’s mission. But every year guys are getting more and more into the design of the dorm process so maybe we’ll have our first male Dormify employee soon.
You've learned a lot from your mom, but what are some things you've taught her?
A: I definitely taught her what college kids really want. Even though she thinks she knows-- she’s had three kids go through college. But being really close to the audience. Even since I’ve graduated we have such stronghold with the audience and we know exactly what they’re looking for.
Now that you're in business together, how's your relationship with your mom?
A: We don’t live in the same city but we see each other all the time. We work really well together, we have all the same sort of thought-processes and same style so we learn from each other and we really use each other’s strengths.
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