How This Charleston Mom Makes Time For Summer Fun
Squeeze more FUN!
Simple summer pleasures are upon us. No matter what your job, summer is the season of FUN. But work does not wait for summer -- unfortunately. With the bulk of the summer ahead of us (YAY!), we're teaming up with Old Navy to tap on-the-go moms across the country to find out how they squeeze more fun out of summer in their cities - while keeping that to-do list managed and inboxes at a minimum.
SUMMER CHARM IN CHARLESTON
Charleston blogger Chassity Evans of Look Linger Love walks us through her charming summer habits with her two kids below.
How does your family “squeeze more fun” out of summer?
Luckily, in Charleston our summers seem to go on forever with plenty of warm days. We make the most of weekends and try not to let any day go by without doing something fun! We love to grill outside, go on a bike ride, and make popsicles. One of our favorite weekly traditions is to hit the local ice cream shop, Old Village Pharmacy, for some laughs and to really connect about things that are on our minds.
SHOP THE EVANS FAMILY OLD NAVY SUMMER LOOKS HERE
As an entrepreneurial mom, there’s a lot of pressure to be plugged in + online. Why is it important to you to make family memories in the summer?
I love my iPhone and my online communities - they keep me connected with friends and family and give me a creative outlet, but as a mom of two young kids who are growing so quickly in front of my eyes it's more and more important to me to be present in the moment. During the summer I get so many more hours of the day to spend with my kids, and I want them to be filled with memories they recall fondly. They're still at that magic age where they love being around me, so I have to soak it up!
Do you have any favorite summer traditions? What is your go-to activity for summer fun with the family?
In the summer we love to swim in our pool, go out on the boat, hit the beach, and eat A LOT of ice cream from Old Village Pharmacy. Sometimes even for breakfast.
Vacations are wonderful but they can also be hard work to plan. Do you have any family vacay planning tips?
We love an easy vacation. The kind of get away that has plenty of down time so we can go with the flow of our moods and energy level. Having a slow morning inside can be just as much fun as rushing out to an activity. If we are staying in a hotel it 100% has to be kid friendly, otherwise none of us will relax. We have a home in the Bahamas and that is definitely our favorite place to get away to. We know the area and know what we want to do so as soon as we get there we can hit the ground running. As for a travel tip, I've learned that when traveling with kids you really can't pack enough clothes!
Having a slow morning inside can be just as much fun as rushing out to an activity.
What can the workplace do to help families inject more FUN into their summer?
I think offering more 3 day weekends or half days would open up families for more short getaways, staycations, and activities!
When you’re not on PTO, how do you keep the family fun going at home in the summer?
We connect over meals at fun restaurants, playing a game in the backyard, or inviting over neighbors. Going for a bike ride is an easy way to share family time!
What are your summer fun hacks?
I should be asking you all this question! I'm no Martha. But I will say that MadLibs will take you far. Remember those little fill in the blank books from childhood? My kids go crazy over these and they're great in the car or at a restaurant!
How do you squeeze more fun out of summer with your family? Let us know in the comments & join the conversation using #unitedstateoffun on social!
SHOP THEIR OLD NAVY LOOKS!
Chassity:
Off-the-Shoulder Linen Blend Shift Dress
Chassity's Daughter:
Girls Knotted Denim Cross-Strap Slides
Chassity's Son:
Linen Blend Pocket Shirt for Boys
Built-In Flex Madras Shorts for Boys
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Finding Honest Inspiration with Working Wonder: Kate Sands
Beauty and fashion blogger Katie Sands is #alwaysbeinghonest.
Beauty and fashion blogger Katie Sands is #alwaysbeinghonest. It’s why she created the hashtag-- and why her Instagram handle is @honestlykate. She’s not only living authentically, she’s creating her own future, using her platform to reflect her journey as a young woman in NYC.
Wondering how? By asking for what she wants. #WorkingWonder.
“If you want it, ask,” she’s told her 100k+ followers. “This is something I always try to live by. You’re not going to get anywhere if you don’t ask for it. What’s the worst that’s going to happen, someone will say no?”
It’s a simple concept that many of us find so hard to execute.
To find out more about Katie, her journey as a blogger, some of her fav beauty tips, and more, read on.
Let's start with the basics. What does the idea of Working Wonder mean to you?
I believe a Working Wonder is someone who can accomplish as much as they can while looking and feeling their best, especially when it comes to guiding others along the way. There are so many people out there who don’t want to share contacts or put in a good word for others, and I can never understand why. Reaching out on behalf of a friend, or even a mere acquaintance, and connecting people is so important in the world we live in and could mean so much to someone. I always admire people who have the ability to make others feel comfortable and welcomed around them.
Life is too short to have a negative attitude and make people feel less than how they should feel - a simple smile and warm personality can go a long way. That’s something I always strive for, whether I’m working or just hanging with friends. Anytime someone is overwhelmed with work, but still takes the time to reach out and make others feel good about themselves, that is a Working Wonder to me.
How has the content and inspiration you share through your HonestlyKate platforms made you feel wonderful?
There is no better feeling than seeing people react in a positive way toward HonestlyKate. I created HonestlyKate at the end of last year as a platform I could use to reflect my journey as a young woman in New York City, trying to grow and inspire as many people I could reach. I know so many people trying to pursue their dreams in the Big Apple — and let’s face it, we all want to look good whether we’re on the subway, at a job interview, or just out for the night with our closest friends, because you never know who you’ll run into. From the beginning, it’s been my goal to inspire girls to curate their own futures and let them in on my fashion and beauty secrets along the way. What better place than New York to do it all?! When I see that my goal of helping inspire women to curate their own futures is working, I get so excited and it all feels so worth it.
You mention the ‘Honestly’ in your name represents authenticity. How do you encourage women to stay authentic while creating content for their audiences?
Don’t try to be everything for everyone, just try to be something for yourself - someone that you are proud of. I try to always stay true to who I am and what I value, no matter what kind of obstacles come along the way. Being honest is what my brand is all about, but I’ll admit it can definitely be hard to not get swept up by the glamor of it all — especially as things grow and evolve. I think it’s key to surround yourself with people that really ground you and remind you of what’s truly important. Cherish those people, and don’t lose them! I always remind myself of the core reasons of why I started to blog: my love for fashion and my passion for helping people be their truest selves. As long as you’re true to yourself and your ambitions, you will always be authentic, regardless of how saturated the industry you are in is.
Don’t try to be everything for everyone, just try to be something for yourself - someone that you are proud of.
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Another important aspect of staying authentic while creating content for a particular audience is to have a clear vision. Of course, this vision can evolve, but it’s good to start with a direct message for your audience and to have a good sense of what you want your brand to showcase. Don’t be afraid to take risks in your style. Don’t be threatened by numbers of followers. Look at your engagement and find the link between what you love and what your audience wants to see or hear from you - figure out how you can relate to them, and in turn inspire them. It’s good to adapt, as long as you always come back to your true intentions and are sure it’s the right direction for you.
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?
A great piece of advice that I once received from a mentor is that it’s okay to feel stuck, or to feel like you aren’t doing enough — everyone feels that way at one point or another. And when that feeling comes, take a few steps back and ask yourself why you started doing what it is you are doing. Don’t be afraid to fall, because most of the time you will be falling in the right direction.
I also think that young entrepreneurs get stuck on this idea that everything has to be new and extremely original, and I believe that in the world we live in, authenticity is key — but it’s okay to take inspiration from the people around you and channel it to fit your own aesthetic. Once you feel more comfortable with the idea that everything doesn’t have to be extremely original and new, you can start to take the pressure off of yourself and focus that energy into putting a new spin on the things you’re passionate about.
Don’t be afraid to fall, because most of the time you will be falling in the right direction.
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Do you think there is a difference between 'beauty' and feeling 'beautiful?'
I believe the word “beauty” refers to everything on the outer layer of the self. It’s the more superficial level. Your skin, your hair, your body shape — these are all visual elements that contribute to your outer beauty. But being beautiful is something that radiates from within. When someone emanates positive energy and inspires those around them, that is beautiful. That’s what we should all strive to be and feel.
What do you hope other women feel about themselves and the concept of "beauty?"
I hope women view themselves as beautiful from within. The outer layers come later. One of my aspirations for creating HonestlyKate was to promote a positive image of what it means to be and feel beautiful, and for me, that meant using fashion and beauty to help others develop confidence within themselves. Beauty is all around us but feeling beautiful is something all women need help with at times, and that’s what I wanted to help others with.
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?
Oh, there are so many things! The number one habit I’m trying to get rid of is always drinking out of a straw! I know it sounds silly, but I’ve read multiple times that it’s horrible for aging in your face. It’s just so much more fun for me to drink out of a straw than not to! Another huge tip to help combat stressors that contribute to premature aging is to take a step back or a day off. A lot of times I realize that I’m stressing over things that are so minute in the grand scheme of things. It’s easy to get carried away with the little stuff, but taking a step back really helps to ground you and recognize what’s truly important.
Working out is one way for me to de-stress. I try to break a sweat at least three times each week. It’s tough when you’re so busy, but at the end of every workout class I’m reminded of why it’s so important to get the body moving, it really does combat stress and release good endorphins. I’m also trying to cook more for myself, which can be really difficult as an influencer. There are always dinners and events with people and brands that offer such delicious food, but at times it can be overwhelming. I now know it’s okay to say “Hey, can we meet for coffee instead?” Finding the right balance is important.
When do you feel the most wonderful?
I definitely feel the most wonderful when I’m working on my non-profit, Kate’s Closet! I can’t say too much about it yet... but stay tuned. Giving and helping others, especially those who really need it, is so important to me — it’s what makes me feel like I’m having a real positive impact on the world.
Who is a woman you would consider a Working Wonder? Someone, you want to give a shout out to?
My biggest fashion Working Wonder is Patricia Fields! She single-handedly created what a New York woman should emulate in beauty, fashion, and attitude. Both in Sex and the City, and now with Younger. One of the reasons I began my blog was because of my passion for costume design, it’s something I studied in college and always had my heart set on. My whole life I acted in plays and musicals, but then I realized that fashion and beauty were two things I also wanted to focus on for my career. Patricia Fields paved the way for me (and so many others) and showed us how to marry the two. She showed us that it’s possible to be passionate about more than one thing. She never takes credit and is always behind the scenes, but I think she deserves a major applause!
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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This CCO Says There's No Longer One Way to Do This
Changing the game.
After working her way up at two other major fashion houses, Marie Mazelis came to Halston. Looking to introduce a generation of new Halstonites to the heritage brand that pretty much defined the '70s, Mazelis had her work cut out for her.
But what she knew was that dressing had fundamentally changed. Specifically, dressing for work had fun-da-mentally changed. And when she took control as Chief Creative Officer, she knew this had to be incorporated into Halston's offerings. That dressing had become interchangeable.
Read more from Mazelis on the why and how, fashion dress codes (there are none) and lasting power of Halston.
The business world (for most of us) is more casual than ever. In what ways have you seen a difference in the way women dress for work?
I think how we dress overall has become a lot more personal and much more relaxed. There isn’t just one acceptable way to dress for the office. Women no longer have two separate wardrobes – one for work and one for the weekend. They’ve become interchangeable. It’s all in the mix, it’s how you put things together.
What do women want from their work wear?
Comfort, ease, versatility... Also, I think, longevity… They want things that won’t be out of style next season. Today’s woman is very savvy, and she’s willing to invest in quality that will last. She is also looking for something unique and special, with attention to detail.
How has the way you dress for work changed over the course of your career?
Interesting question. Working in fashion, I was never really confined to a “dress code”, so the changes in how I dress for work have been mostly influenced by changes in my life. My days now are a whirlwind - filled with meetings on color, embroidery and prints… Fittings, and photo shoots, and sketch reviews... And when I’m not working, I’m out and about with my two boys. All this leaves little time for anything else, so I’ve had to simplify. I’ve developed a “uniform” of sorts. During the week I wear all black – all my favorite pieces that are easily interchangeable, which I update with new silhouettes each season. It’s one less decision to make before 9am.
In your last seven years at Halston how have you addressed the changing needs of women?
I have focused on creating designs that are lasting – both in quality and aesthetic. Halston brand is known for its timelessness and modernity. There are so many vintage Halston pieces that look as if they had been designed today. To make Halston glamour more accessible, our collections have expanded to include more casual pieces, giving options for dressing up or down, and thus offering more versatility and value. As I mentioned earlier, it’s all in how you put things together. Like when you wear a cocktail dress with flats, it feels more casual and relaxed, making it appropriate for day.
What are some major trends you're forecasting for this year?
It feels like everything is on trend. It’s all in play. So it’s more about having your own unique point of view.
How do we update our office basics?
For me acquiring a new piece of clothing is about the emotion it evokes. Dressing for work can become so routine, so mechanical in a way… I love resetting from time to time with something that makes me feel really happy when I reach for it in the morning. Invest in pieces that inspire you.
Can you recommend 6 easy adds to any closet?
An iconic Halston silhouette, this classic jumpsuit is an easy all-in-one outfit.
A great option from desk to dinner. Layer a jacket over it for day, put on some heels for night.
A fun piece to complete any look, whether with jeans or a cocktail dress, it adds a touch of glam.
Classic Halston, this timeless dress should be in every woman’s wardrobe.
One of my favorite tops this season. I love the delicate ruching detail and the flowy, effortless silhouette.
Gotta love a great slide! A summer must-have, wear these with anything for a relaxed, yet put together look.
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How to Pack an Extra Bit of Protein in Your Day
Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey.
We don’t want to call you out, but your snack choices are questionable.
And when you’re clocking long days at work, you want snacks that fuel your performance. Not choices that slow you down.
Which is why we want to serve up a new option-- one that you can blend, shake, mix and beyond-- even right from your desk.
Leading almond butter producer, Barney Butter is launching the nation’s first-ever powdered almond butter! Barney Powdered Almond Butter is a completely natural defatted product made using only California’s best grade almonds in a 100% peanut-free facility. After going through an all-natural expeller pressed process with absolutely no chemicals, the Powdered Almond Butter has only 45 calories, 1g of fat and a powerful punch of 6g of protein per serving.
Here are a couple of ways you can enjoy it straight from your desk.
With only 1 ingredient (almonds!), our Powdered Almond Butter gives you a clean, nutrient dense option and checks so many boxes: peanut free, Paleo, Keto, Vegan, gluten-free.
For an additional way to enjoy almond butter, Barney Butter’s Powdered Almond Butter will be available starting June 1st (today!) at BarneyButter.com for $9.99, and at retailers nationwide shortly after.
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C&C Classifieds: Billion Dollar Boy, BE SOCIAL, Havenly & More!
New job, who dis?
Calling all goal diggers! If you've had your eyes out for a new position at your dream company or a relocation opportunity in a new city, you're in the right place. Your weekly classifieds are here and we’re excited to share that we’re back on the list with a new job opening within the #createcultivate dream team!
Dive in and enjoy ladies!
Create & Cultivate - LA, CA
BE SOCIAL - LA, CA
Billion Dollar B0y - NY, NY
Pinterest - LA, CA
ONEHOPE Wine - LA, CA
WANT MORE? SEE OUR FULL LIST OF CLASSIFIEDS HERE.
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How to Live Life On Your Own Terms
You only got one shot.
What do you want?
Four simple words. One big question.
The kind of question that’s on our minds a lot—especially as we get older. What do we want from our careers? What do we want from our friends? What do we want from ourselves?
How do we take the steps to live life on our own terms? Because between work and work it can often feel as though we have no time for ourselves. In fact, Gallup reported that the well-being of Americans was on the decline in 2017.
So we’re chatting through some ways to live the life you want.
LET GO OF PERFECT AND JUST GO FOR IT
There’s no such thing as perfect, so why do you keep striving for the unattainable (and unrealistic and unhealthy) goal? You have strengths. You have dreams. Don’t let perfect stand in your way.
STOP CRUSHING ON CRUSHING IT
We gotta talk. We know you want to be the best and crush it at your job, your relationship, your friendships, but it’s too much. You can’t be all things to all people all the time and maintain time for your sanity.
The allure and romanticized version of having-it-all is nothing like the real thing. So, do us a favor, stop trying to crush it and just do it.
LET YOUR HAIR DOWN (OR UP)
Your hair has a lot to say. It goes wild at times. Other times it’s a bit tamer. It makes sense, your hair is an extension of you. And you can’t deny that a great hair day can flip that frown right-side up. Move freely. Show shine. As a side note: Sounds like a pretty amazing life motto.
FORGET GOAL LISTS
Go with your gut. Not your goals. Even if this feels counter-intuitive, you need to give yourself breaks from those #goals lists and realize that you already are #goals. In the words of the queen T: “I am constantly amazed by Tina Fey. And I am Tina Fey.”
So what do you say? Are you ready to live life on your own terms and let that hair down?
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School of Side Hustle Lesson 1: Building a Brand Online
The living room side hustle. It’s a real thing.
An astounding 83% of Create & Cultivate followers want to start their own business. They want ownership over their careers. They want the ability to take their goldmine of an idea to the next level. What prevents them from moving forward? The tools. (And at times, the willpower.) Which, is where the Create & Cultivate x Weebly series for side-hustlers comes to the rescue. We’ve prepared four amazing Lessons to walk you through the steps you need to take your side hustle to full-time gig.
Aided by the advice and lessons from women who have paved the way, we are going to walk you through the “how” and “what” of it all -- from the tip to tail of launching an online biz, starting with entrepreneur Emily McDowell who is going to take us through the process of building a brand online.
So let’s start at Emily’s beginning, which like many of you, began in her bedroom where she was writing and drawing back in 2011. (Nod along if this is the position you find yourself in now.)
Again, like many of you, her first online store was through Etsy. “I started out by selling illustrated prints on Etsy in 2011,” the founder of the Emily McDowell Studio shares. “I added my first cards to the shop in January of 2013.” However later in 2013 after launching the Emily McDowell wholesale card line the company, “launched the e-commerce site and began to drive traffic there.”
This is a natural jump for many online sellers. And it’s something we discuss in our new series with Weebly. In the below video Create & Cultivate Founder + CEO Jaclyn Johnson is breaking down the most topline basics of brand building.
Watch: Lesson One
Building a Brand Online
For entrepreneur Emily McDowell, the core of her brand is bolstered by what she calls the defining characteristics of her company’s identity. (In the above video, refer back to the “This Not That” exercise.)
“In my mind,” the entrepreneur explains, “a brand is the core characteristics of a company’s identity: its personality, its story, what it stands for, what differentiates it, what customers experience when interacting with it. Taken together, these brand characteristics are responsible for the emotional connection between company and customer, and that emotional connection is what makes a customer choose one brand over another.”
Since her foray into ecommerce in 2013, her business has grown. “People needed help knowing what to say in certain situations, and our cards do that, the founder explains. “If you can solve a problem with your product, it’ll be a lot easier to stand out.”
From a super practical perspective, Emily shares that, “In order to be taken seriously by retailers and sales reps, my experience is that you need to have a minimum of about 40 styles in your line, half of which should be birthday cards.”
But that is incredibly card specific. If you’re wondering how to build a “you” company, Emily breaks out her process.
AKA, do what Emily did. Take it from the living room to the boardroom.
“When you think about the brand you’d like to create, what are the three adjectives you would use to describe it?,” she challenges you to ask yourself.
“This exercise distills the brand you’re trying to create into three words that represent it. The descriptors can be anything, but choose them carefully, because moving forward, a very simple way to create brand cohesion is to ensure that have everything you create or offer embodies those three words.”
She furthers, sometimes you have to kill your darlings. “You have to be willing to kill even your favorite ideas if they don't fit the three words (not one or two, but all three), because if an idea doesn't fit, it's not right for your brand. I'm not gonna lie, this hurts, but ‘because I like it’ is not a good enough reason to add something to your brand offering."
"‘Because I like it’ is not a good enough reason to add something to your brand offering.”
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As your company grows, as Emily’s has, you can always refer back to those words. Think of them as your port in a storm, when orders are coming in too fast or you’re having trouble keeping up, go back to the words and remember why you started and what your brand is about. This process has helped the Emily McDowell Studio expand. In January of 2018, the Studio joined forces with fellow Southern California-based, women-owned companies Knock Knock and Sisters of Los Angeles to become the Who’s There Group.
Now, if you’re sitting there thinking, but I already have a side-hustle, this doesn’t apply to me. Au contraire. Emily encourages women already in business to, “ask five people to describe your products or business using three adjectives. Are the words consistent from person to person? Do any of them resonate with you? Are they in line with what you’re trying to communicate? If not, where’s the disconnect between what you’re doing and how people are perceiving it? That’s your road map to what needs to shift, because a brand is only as successful as consumers’ perceptions of it.”
What you should take away from that whether you are new to branding or have been trying to build your biz for a minute is that consistency is key.
As Jaclyn mentions in the Lesson One School of Side Hustle video:
“The who and the why of your brand matters."
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"This is where using a platform like Weebly has immense value add over a site like Etsy. You own your story. You’re not simply plugging it into a pre-existing template. This is all about you. So get ready to tell them what you’re about.”
People want to see original.
This is also something that Emily inherently understands. “In a world of recycled quotes and memes, I think it’s refreshing for people to see original writing. It’s pretty easy to make work that looks like ours, but writing is harder, and the longer we’re around, the more important it’s become to our identity.”
She adds, “We also don’t try to be everything to everyone. First, it’s impossible, so you’ll make yourself crazy trying. But you’ll also end up watering down your brand so much that you’ll lose your identity. I’d rather have 100 engaged followers, who are on board with us and what we stand for, than 1,000 followers who scroll past our posts. As a company, our values and political beliefs are important to us, and I think having the privilege of a platform also comes with the responsibility to post about issues that disproportionately affect people whose voices are less easily heard. Does that mean we sometimes lose followers and get the occasional nasty message? Yes, but it also shows what we stand for, which helps us stand out.”
Have more questions, drop us a line below and we’ll get them answered!
Be sure to look for what knowledge we’re dropping next with Weebly! Lesson 2: From Concept to Commerce | Lesson 3: Don’t Just Build a Website, Build a Business & Lesson 4: From Market to Marketing.
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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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MORE FROM OUR BLOG
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.